A highly under-rated novel from Pat Zettner that should not be missed. Zettner tells a beautiful and at times very moving story of a created world in which three characters of different races form a friendship that holds great importance for not only themselves but also their world. The three enemy races are the Solgants (humans), Eodans (giants) and the Danturi (goblins), and the story focuses mainly on one girl. Llyndreth is an orphaned Solgant girl whose brother is away fighting goblins while she guards the home castle. When the situation changes Llyndreth goes off to find her brother (the inevitable quest/ journey) and along the way meets a giant called Angborn, and the wounded goblin Zorn, Captain of the Shadow Warriors.

The uneasy relationship that develops between the three is one of the strengths of the book: the trio must confront and re-evaluate their prejudices, while their loyalties to their own races and to each other are tested. While not particularly large in scope, Zettner's created world is nevertheless an interesting one and the sense of history, prophecies and tri-racial conflict works nicely. Zettner tells the story well and keeps it moving, with the only (minor) flaw in style coming towards the end where the narrative tone (ie, of King Myrgg) becomes a little jokey, almost as though trivialising the events. Overall, however, the tone is consistently good.

I have read this book many times over the years, but have only ever seen one copy (in my local library where often the only thing I could remember about it was its position - right down in the bottom shelf with the Zs). I hope other people don't miss out on it, because the characters are all wonderful and it's a well told story of friendship, loyalty and choices. The book was published over ten years ago, but I've never stopped hoping that Zettner might write a sequel, because these are great characters and I always wondered what happened to them. Not only a book that can be enjoyed by children and teens, it's a great story that readers of all ages can appreciate. I can't recommend this one enough.

The Shadow Warrior is a very exciting adventure book. Pat Zettner was very clear on setting the scene,and describing the actions and characters.The book was very descriptive and well detailed. The book is about a girl named Llyndreth who is in her early teens, and is searching for her brother Rothwyn. Rothwyn is a warrior who is out fighting and slaying goblins and other enemies. Llyndreth is out searching for him to bring him home, and while on her journey she encounters many different adventures and problems and also meets interesting friends along the way such as a giant named Angborn. The book reminds me of medieval times with warriors, and battles. The plot is very easy to understand and can apply to people who enjoy a good adventure. I personally liked the book and thought it was very good, though it wasn't one of my favorites because I don't really like books that reflect to much on goblins and warriors. Even though I didn't love the book, I still liked it and enjoyed it. I do reccomend the book to people who are into warriors and goblins On a scale of one to ten I give the book an eight. What my opinion is may differ from others, so I suggest people should give this book a chance, because it will give you quite an adventure.

This book is an excellent story that I have enjoyed again and again since I discovered it three years ago. It deals with modern prejudices and racial conflicts through the guise of Goblins, Giants, and Humans. When these three persons join forces against their own races, they ultimately come together conflicts, sacrifices, and disgrace to join their peoples in a peace a long time coming.