Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Llesho was only seven when the Harn invaded his family's mountain kingdom of Thebin. His guards slaughtered before his eyes, he was carried off and sold into slavery on Pearl Island, as far as he knew the sold survivor of his royal family. At fifteen, Llesho's life was forever changed. It was revealed to him that all six of his older brothers were still alive and had been sold into slavery in distant lands. Llesho must win his freedom, find and rescue his brothers and with their help raise an army against the evil Harn and reclaim his homeland. The only way a pearl diver ever found freedom was in death, and so Llesho did the unthinkable. He petitioned his lord to be trained as a gladiator, thus taking the first step that would lead to conflict with sorcerers, encounters with the avatars of gods and a dangerous journey in search of his widely scattered family... -- from the cover
Is The Prince of Shadow appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This epic fantasy features a young enslaved prince who must become a gladiator to win his freedom and rescue his scattered brothers. Expect strong violence including gladiatorial combat, the death of Llesho's guards before his eyes, and battles with sorcerers.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child harm, slavery, captivity, death of parent, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Llesho's heroic journey from enslaved pearl diver to gladiator warrior on a quest to reunite his family and reclaim his throne.