Shadows Linger Cover - reproduced under Fair Use
The second installment in “The Black Company” series “Shadows Linger” is a strange and sinister story, it bleeds the known and unknown into a dance that means you’re never quite sure what going to happen next. This novel stands out not just for its dark, gritty storytelling but for its intricate narrative structure that weaves together two distinct yet interconnected storylines. Through this dual narrative, Cook explores themes of moral ambiguity, loyalty, and the cost of survival in a world teeming with sorcery and conflict.
The shift from “The Black Company” - covered here - is breakneck - it is almost a different book series. This refreshing change is one that highlights the mystery of the story, rather than detracts.
At the heart of “Shadows Linger” is the tale of the Black Company, a band of mercenaries bound in service to the Lady, a sorceress whose power is as vast as her intentions are obscure. The Company’s missions, under the Lady’s command, are chronicled by Croaker, the company’s physician and our primary narrator. His accounts provide a window into the lives of these soldiers-for-hire, revealing their struggles, their camaraderie, and the moral dilemmas they face as they navigate a landscape marred by war and magic.
Parallel to the saga of the Black Company is the story of Juniper, a decaying town where a black castle, ominous and slowly materializing, heralds the resurrection of the Dominator — an ancient sorcerer whose malevolence knows no bounds. It is here that we meet Shed, an innkeeper mired in debt and despair.
Shed’s descent into darkness — marked by grave robbing and dealings with the castle’s sinister inhabitants — mirrors the larger conflict at play and sets him on a path that will inevitably intersect with that of the Black Company.
However Shed is, somehow, likeable. He may even be the main character of the book with a solid story arch and growth.1 You feel for the predicament he is in, stuck between loan sharks, Raven and the want to help his Mother.2
The convergence of these narratives in Juniper serves as the fulcrum around which the novel’s tension escalates. As the Black Company becomes entwined with the fate of the town and its black castle, Cook masterfully ramps up the stakes, leading to a climactic battle that showcases his skill in depicting both military strategy and supernatural elements.
“Shadows Linger” is more than just a dark fantasy novel; it is a masterful exploration of these characters set against a backdrop of war and magic. Glen Cook’s ability to intertwine multiple storylines while maintaining a tight narrative structure allows for a deep exploration of themes and characters. You do not get a chance to get bored, it comes at you fast and does not stop.
The novel not only advances the overarching narrative of “The Black Company” series but also sets the stage for future installments, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.3
In doing so, Cook solidifies his place in the realm of fantasy literature, crafting stories that linger long after the last page is turned.