In Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell, Brandon Sanderson crafts a dark and gritty novella that follows Silence Montane, an innkeeper with a secret, who navigates a dangerous world filled with creepy Shades and strict rules. As a bounty hunter and a grieving widow, Silence must protect her children and her inn, facing dangerous criminals and threats that emerge within the dangerous forest. Sanderson's writing style is captivating, with compelling characters, a gripping story, and an imaginative fantasy world that defies contemporary tropes.

Characters:

The characters, especially the protagonist, are well-developed with relatable motivations, breaking away from typical heroic tropes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is concise and engaging, effectively establishing a dark, captivating atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a multifaceted protagonist who balances motherhood with being a bounty hunter, set against the backdrop of a perilous and haunted environment.

Setting:

The setting is a dark, treacherous forest that contributes to the overall intensity and atmosphere of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, maintaining suspense and urgency throughout the novella.

Silence Montane closed the door to the common room, then turned and pressed her back against it. She tried to still her racing heart by breathing in and out. Had she made any obvious signs? Did they k...

Notes:

The protagonist, Silence, is a bounty hunter and a mother.

Silence is a grieving widow managing an inn in a dangerous area.

She faces extreme challenges with resilience and inner strength.

The story emphasizes her love and protection for her children.

Silence's character avoids cliché traits of snarky heroines.

The novella is set in a world reminiscent of 16th century Protestantism.

Sanderson portrays a fearsome forest that adds to the story's tension.

It includes a unique system of magic, though simpler than in his longer works.

The novella is part of a compilation called Dangerous Women.

Readers appreciate the compelling characters and tight narrative.

Silence embodies the idea of motherhood driving a woman's strength.

The story is both fantasy and horror, with real ghostly threats.

It's recommended as a quick and satisfying read for newcomers to Sanderson's work.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of violence, supernatural horror, and the impact of loss.

From The Publisher:

Originally appearing in the Dangerous Women anthology and now available as a solo ebook, Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell is a chilling novella of the Cosmere, the universe shared by Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series and the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. When the familiar and seemingly safe turns lethal, therein danger lies. Amid a forest where the shades of the dead linger all around, every homesteader knows to follow the Simple Rules: "Don't kindle flame, don't shed the blood of another, don't run at night. These things draw shades." Silence Montane has broken all three rules on more than one occasion. And to protect her family from a murderous gang with high bounties on their heads, Silence will break every rule again, at the risk of becoming a shade herself.

Ratings (22)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (33):

Read It (24)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (1)

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Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell

Brandon Sanderson