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Play of Shadows

Thrills, Wit And Swordplay with a new generation of the Greatcoats!

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Play of Shadows

By: Sebastien de Castell
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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About this listen

 Welcome to the Ooperato Belleza . . . it might save his life, or it just might be the end of him!

Damelas Chademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides a temporary respite from his troubles - until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out a dreadful truth: the city's most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actors who'd just as soon see him dead, this failed grandson of two Greatcoats must somehow find within himself the courage to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids come for his head.

Oh, and there's still that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him . . .

Readers love Play of Shadows!

'An impressive tale with a fantastic plot, intriguing characters, and wondrous storybuilding. Another masterpiece' - reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'If you are looking for a swashbuckling adventure with a dash of romance and a leaven of humour, then go out and get a copy of this book' - reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Swashbuckling, emotional rollercoaster, a hero to root for and a great cast of characters' - reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐©2021 Sebastien de Castell Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Humorous

Continue the series
Our Lady of Blades cover art
Our Lady of Blades By: Sebastien de Castell

Critic reviews

Brilliant and vivid world-building . . . riveting
The twists and turns of a story where theater genuinely is magic had me turning pages perhaps a little faster than I should have - but it was such a thrill to encounter sophisticated world-building mingled with nerve-wracking adventure and truly satisfying swordplay. De Castell's women are genuinely witty and intelligent, as well as hot as blazes . . . and I'm a sucker for any story with truth and friendship at its heart. Bravo, maestro! I eagerly await the next one
A complex and enthralling 500 pages of fantasy novel . . . expansive and full of verve . . . I can't wait to find out what will happen next
A fantastic romp revolving around the power of stories and how history is written by the victors
A fast-paced joy-ride from start to finish, filled to the brim with swashbuckling action
Thrilling, complex, and absolutely addictive . . . It's not often a book leaves me speechless. This one pulled it off. Repeatedly . . . true to the spirit of the original Greatcoats in every way, and yet is utterly fresh and unique. From its humble beginning to its epic end, it stands among the author's finest works
Integrate[s] unusual locations and memorable characters into an exciting and engaging plot
I'm still in awe. Play of Shadows is mysterious, enthralling, and just flat-out fantastic . . . the pacing was superb, and the climax had me gasping out loud . . . Play of Shadows is phenomenal and deserves a standing ovation
Sebastien de Castell is, to me, unmatched in this kind of worldbuilding, the sort that feels based on swashbuckling books like Dumas's, those kinds of romantic adventures
Fast paced, very dynamic and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end . . . fantastic from the first page to the last
Offer[s] characters in starring roles that have the power to capture a reader's heart. With humor, wit, and impeccable pacing, Play of Shadows proves to be an immersive read with a fascinating story to tell
If you love underdog characters, strong women, plenty of humour, wit and action, I can't recommend this enough. Fans of the Greatcoats will love it, and I think people coming to this world for the first time will find it a great introduction
All stars
Most relevant
I’m only just a little way in and I had to stop and do this review. I am just absolutely in love with these characters, the land of Tristia and Sebastiens style of writing. The first set of books were phenomenal and this next batch so far as just as good. I want to know more of Tristia and the people, the stories. I love the greatcoats theme but it’s more than that it’s the whole setting. I can’t wait to see where this all goes. Also Joes narration as per normal is exceptional, wouldn’t be the same if someone else was narrating. Not to add to the pressure but as the title suggests..more please!

More please

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Excellent and fun story brought to life by excellent narration. A Welcome addition to the Greatcoats’ stories.

Love the stories of the Greatcoats

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Swashbuckling, Debonair and Dashing adventures of a new favourite set of very human cast, as they work there way through conspiracy, romance, and a sense of genuine danger. This is the usual for de Castells books, but Play of Shadows stands out for me thanks to the genuine sense of love for actors, the stage and the characters. Play of Shadows had my rapt attention, deeply invested in not just how but if our protagonists could decipher an ancient plot.

The magic felt deeply magical, with a focus on the power of peoples belief and skills. Characters felt strong and so very human, and as ever, inspiring to bring some of the Romance that guides a lot of there characters into your own life. When tragedy does strike, the writing makes you feel it and it creates a sense of stakes I don't find in many other fantasy books.

Joe Jameson seems to have a wail of a time showing off his talent, enjoying the comedy, infusing warmth and humanity into the characters - and selling the drama too! At one point, we even get to hear his singing talent, and whilst brief, the little section is buried in my head.

Would heartily recommend, can't wait for more. When people ask me for recommendations, I can't shut up about suggesting this series (Would heartily recommend the prequel too, though is tangentially relevant it's an amazing book in it self.)

Is it Greatcoats? Maybe. Is it amazing? Definatly.

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excellent narration. Joe brings all the characters to life. One of many of Sebastians wonderful stories.

brilliant

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really enjoyable. Sebastian de Castel writes so beautifully, and you really start loving the characters.

fantastic

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