Shadows of Montshire Books in Order

Shadows of Montshire is John Conroe’s fantasy series set in the world of Nengled and the Kingdom of Montshire. It has swords, spies, monsters, court danger, and magic, but it is not built like a solemn doorstop fantasy. The style is still very Conroe: capable people, dry humor, quick action, and a lead character who would rather be useful than decorative.

That lead is Savid DelaCrotia.

Savid is the third son of an old High family, which means he is not the heir and not even the spare. His father casts him aside early, so Savid has to make a life from the tools he still has: his training, his horse, his weapons, his education, his woodcraft, and a gift for finding what is hidden or lost.

In A Murder of Shadows, Savid finds his place serving Princess Brona, his friend and the person he believes is most worth protecting. She does not need another court flatterer. She needs a Shadow, someone who can move quietly, think quickly, and deal with problems before they reach the throne room.

The series grows from that simple idea into a wider network of politics and danger. Montshire has enemies outside its borders and traitors closer to home. The work of the Shadows means bodyguard duty, scouting, spying, fighting, reading people, and staying alive long enough to figure out what the next threat really is. Savid may be the center, but the team around him matters. Their skills, loyalty, and flaws give the books much of their warmth.

The court can be as dangerous as the battlefield.

A Flight of Ravens continues the story with Princess Brona’s Shadows facing pressure from several sides. Savid has to deal with threats to the kingdom, a changed friend returning from horror, a traitor near the center of power, and a conspiracy along Montshire’s coast. The result is fantasy adventure with a lot of movement, but also a steady concern with trust, duty, and what it costs to serve someone you believe in.

Start with A Murder of Shadows. The second book builds directly on the first, especially the team dynamics and the politics around Brona.