Jack of Shadows

Rediscovered Classics, Book 23

By: Roger Zelazny, Joe Haldeman - foreword by

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

In a world half of light, half of darkness, where science and magic strive for dominance, there dwells a magical being who is friendly with neither side. Jack, of the realm of shadows, is a thief who is unjustly punished. So he embarks on a vendetta. He wanders through strange realms, encountering witches, vampires, and, finally, his worst enemy: the Lord of Bats. He consults his friend Morningstar, a great dark angel. He is pursued by a monstrous creature called the Borshin. But to reveal any more would be to spoil some of the mind-boggling surprises Jack of Shadows has in store.

First published in 1971 and long out-of-print, Jack of Shadows is one of fantasy master Roger Zelazny's most profound and mysterious books.

©1971 Roger Zelazny; Foreword copyright 2016 by Joe Halderman (P)2024 Tantor

Still a Classic

There is a slightly archaic style that I often miss with today’s writers. Fun, simple and just a bit sad.

Classic Zelazny delight! Cringey Narration

Love Zelazny, only story I found disappointing from him ever was the dream master. Ever heard this story several times of the last 40 years, including the year it was first published. Terrific!

Now then the narrator of the story is something else altogether. His breathless staccato delivery is barely tolerable. If I did not want to hear this story again, I would absolutely return this book. Yes it is I will make note of the narrator‘s name and be searching not to get anything else narrated by him in the future. Authors take a note please.

One of my favorite books

I love Zelazny’s writing, and this book is one of my favorites. Narration is masterful and makes for a very enjoyable listen.

Zelazny’s Best

I have always loved this story. My favorite by Zelazny. Great version. Happy to have heard it.

a worthwhile read/listen

I have always loved Zelazny's works and Jack of Shadows is no exception; being one of his early writings its fun to see aspects from this book in his later works like the Chronicles of Amber or The Lord of Light. I have also loved how Zelazny writes morally questionable lead characters and somehow gets you to like them. by the end of the book I found myself wishing there was more or that the story delved deeper into the time jumps throughout the book. I would have loved a sequal that told Jacks road towards redemption but at the same time I found the sort of ambiguous ending very satisfying.