The Oathbreaker's Shadow

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen-year-old Raim lives in a world in which a promise is so binding that if it is broken, that promise leaves an irreversible stain on the oathbreaker, who is then cast out from the community and family for life. In Darhan, it is better to be dead than to be an oathbreaker. Raim has spent all of his life training to become an elite Yun warrior and guardian of his clan's future king, and coincidentally, best friend Kareh. On the night of his acceptance into the Yun Guard, Raim unknowingly breaks a mysterious oath he has been carrying since before he can remember. Raim is forced to flee before he is killed. He escapes into the desert in hopes of making it to the city of Lazar, where all the oathbreakers are forced to live. He barely survives his first day in the open before a fierce tribe of desert people, known as Alashan, find him and vow to take him to Lazar. The protagonist becomes embroiled in a conflict that, if not stopped, will endanger Darhan and all the people in it. The Oathbreaker's Shadow is easy to dive into and will keep readers engaged. Raim's character arc is full of palpable highs and lows as he uncovers the mystery behind his fate. The conclusion will leave teens wanting more, and is the perfect setup for a sequel. An excellent choice for those looking for a compelling and detailed fantasy novel.—Annalise Ammer, City of Rochester Public Libraries, NY