The Shadow of What Was Lost book cover

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington Summary

The Shadow of What Was Lost
James Islington
Mythology
Fiction
Mystery
Philosophy
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of The Shadow of What Was Lost

From self-published sensation to internationally acclaimed epic, "The Shadow of What Was Lost" captivates 82,000+ readers with its Sanderson-like magic and Jordan-esque worldbuilding. Michael Kramer's narration elevates this fantasy gem that asks: What if your greatest power becomes forbidden?

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Key takeaways

1

Shadows of a Forgotten World

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In a world where magic is feared and controlled, young Davian faces a death sentence. He bears the Mark of the Gifted but cannot access his powers-a fatal flaw with the Trials just weeks away. Those who fail are transformed into Shadows, their memories erased and black veins etched across their faces, condemned to live as outcasts. When Davian witnesses his classmate Leehim undergo this transformation, the horror becomes visceral. The boy who was once his friend is given a few coins and sent away, no longer considered fully human. But Davian harbors a dangerous secret-he can detect lies, an ability resembling those of the forbidden Augurs, powerful beings hunted to extinction after a devastating war twenty years ago. In this kingdom of Andarra, power is strictly controlled: normal humans rule, the Gifted live under harsh restrictions enforced by metal Shackles, and Shadows exist on society's margins. Beyond the northern Boundary lies an ancient evil, defeated thousands of years ago in the Eternity War. When Elder Ilseth warns Davian to flee immediately, his life transforms overnight. With his friend Wirr, he embarks on a desperate journey north, carrying a mysterious bronze vessel. Meanwhile, Davian's friend Asha wakes to find their entire school massacred-and she alone survives, only to be transformed into a Shadow against her will. The pieces of a prophecy are falling into place, and forgotten powers are stirring once more.

2

Trials of Truth and Identity

3

Echoes of Ancient Power

4

When Darkness Falls

5

The Weight of Memory

6

Prophecy's Shadow

7

The Price of Power

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@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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@OojasSalunke
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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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@Moemenn
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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likes
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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
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star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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37
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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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