*The Shadow Trials* (Starweaver Academy Book Two) by Shawn Connelly⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)Shawn Connelly’s *The Shadow Trials*, the riveting second installment in the *Starweaver Academy* series, masterfully deepens its world, heightens its stakes, and draws readers further into a pulse-pounding saga of magic, myth, and found family. If *Book One* introduced us to the mystical depths of the Academy, *The Shadow Trials* plunges us headfirst into them—this time, with consequences that stretch far beyond the sea.Finn Tempest, an unlikely leader bound to the legendary ship Tidebreaker, stands at the heart of this richly woven tale. Chosen by an ancient force he doesn’t fully understand, Finn is thrown into a resurrected gauntlet of magical chaos known as the Shadow Trials—once banned, now reinstated. As magical storms swirl and shifting mazes trap memory itself, Connelly proves adept at keeping tension high and readers on edge, never certain what twist lurks in the next wave.Yet, it’s not just the Trials that challenge Finn and his crew. Emotional reckonings ripple through the story, too. Marina, Rowan, Lena, and Corin form the backbone of Finn’s journey—not as background characters, but as fully realized individuals with arcs and conflicts of their own. The bond between them is what gives this book its emotional core. These are not just students—they are family forged by fire, salt, and spellcraft.What’s particularly impressive is the way Connelly balances action with introspection. Each Trial is spectacularly imagined—from a sentient storm to an arena where fear takes physical shape—but it’s the subtle, creeping dread of ancient powers rising, and the deepening mystery of the Tidebreaker’s true nature, that make the story feel mythic. The Empire of the Abyss, referenced in haunting whispers, sets the stage for a conflict that feels epic in scope without sacrificing character focus.The prose is cinematic yet thoughtful, perfect for fans of *Percy Jackson*, *The School for Good and Evil*, or *Brandon Sanderson’s* YA works. There’s plenty for readers of all ages to enjoy: high-stakes fantasy, clever world-building, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie that shine amid the chaos.*The Shadow Trials* doesn’t just live up to its predecessor—it surpasses it, anchoring readers more deeply in a world where loyalty matters, courage is tested, and the sea holds ancient secrets that may cost everything. A fantastic sequel and a must-read for any fantasy fan. Bring on Book Three.
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