For Macayla Michaels, helping and healing comes naturally. In fact, she always seems to put the needs of others ahead of herself. Wrapping up an apprenticeship with a well respected master, what Macayla really wants is to be granted residency under the same skilled mentor. That would allow her to remain in Tieres with her friends and possibly even give attention to the handsome local blacksmith who pines for her. But asking for what she wants has never been something Macayla is comfortable with. Rather, most choices are made for her and things have turned out okay so far. So she works harder than ever to impress master Elan, even if it means making some dangerous decisions. One lapse in judgement brings her face to face with a supposedly extinct beast with a vicious appetite. Macayla survives the encounter and even manages to rescue a helpless pup, but the hungry beast is only one part of the problem looming over the Tamaire Kingdom.
Shadow’s Apprentice is an approachable fantasy that readers of all ages will delight in. In addition to the fact that Macayla is a little sarcastic and self-deprecating, the protagonist is hard not to like with her compassionate and caring nature. If you are an animal lover, the author has done a remarkable job creating a dizzying array of enchanting and intelligent animals, some of whom Macayla can communicate with. You’ll wish the little pup she rescues could curl around your feet as you read about his true nature. The uncomplicated storyline is clear and easy to follow, making for a truly enjoyable story. Readers will likely notice some minor errors scattered throughout the book, but none are distracting enough to pull the audience away from the excitement happening with Macayla and her companions. Refreshingly light, Shadow’s Apprentice by Marta Robyne is a cliched but fun story that takes place in an entrancing fairy-tale world.
