Shadows of Yesterday (Paperback or Softback)

Lady Shey Namear, advisor to the Highlord and master wielder of essence magic, is thrust into a deadly game of deception after discovering her ruler's assassination was orchestrated by the very council sworn to protect him. As she flees the capital with a price on her head, ancient prophecies begin to unfold-the Sacred Land, a magical wasteland created during the terrible War of the Oracle, is regenerating its power, awakening forces long thought vanquished.

When Shey rescues a young seer from the clutches of terrifying shapeshifters known as Drasmyd Duil, she uncovers a far more sinister plot. The descendants of those who fought in the war generations ago are being hunted, and only she can protect them. With the legendary Mindwielder sword Malinfel in her possession and her unlikely band of allies-an elvish woman with ancient wisdom, a roguish half-elf with a talent for trouble, and a gruff but loyal coachman-Shey races against time to prevent the return of the Oracle who once nearly destroyed their world.

But in a land where magic users hunt their own kind and trusted friends may be deadly enemies in disguise, who can Shey truly rely on?

The first thrilling installment in an epic fantasy saga where magic, prophecy, and destiny collide.

From the heart of Texas comes Cleave Bourbon, a master storyteller who blends his deep-rooted Texas heritage with boundless imagination to create electrifying "weird westerns" that defy convention. His journey into the realms of fantasy ignited when he first discovered The Belgariad by David and Leigh Eddings, a spark that would grow into an inferno of creativity.Like an alchemist of words, Cleave transforms traditional fantasy into something extraordinary. His philosophy? Fantasy is the ultimate frontier of imagination - a space where possibilities are endless, and innovation knows no bounds. With fearless creativity, he reshapes familiar tropes into fresh, spellbinding narratives that challenge readers' expectations.Armed with both a B.A. and M.A. in English, Cleave doesn't just craft stories - he shapes young minds. As an online educator, he empowers the next generation of writers, teaching grammar, vocabulary, and writing to Junior High and High School students. This dual passion for teaching and storytelling fuels his mission to inspire others through the power of words.When he's not weaving tales or nurturing young talents, Cleave can be found in his Texas home, accompanied by his feline muses: Khaleesi, a mysterious Tortoiseshell, Indy, a chatty Siamese and Shadow, a black cat whose presence embodies the very essence of dark fantasy.