A Young Warrior’s Journey in The Shield of Soren

An apprentice reluctant to fight

Young Soren learns from the legendary warrior Raven Lennox in D.M. Cain’s The Shield of Soren. At sixteen, he is expected to enter the continuing war against the Brotherhood of Shadow. He is more interested in mischief than in battle, leaving a gap between the role awaiting him and what he wants to do.

That is the useful starting point for a coming-of-age reading. Soren’s future has expectations attached to it before he is ready to meet them. His apprenticeship places him close to an accomplished warrior without making him equally prepared for danger.

Mischief has consequences

When an adventure goes wrong, Soren accidentally releases a deadly threat. An old prophecy comes into play, and he has to travel deep into enemy territory. The journey begins with a consequence of his own actions rather than an abstract desire to prove himself.

Readers who enjoy inexperienced protagonists facing difficult responsibilities have a particular dilemma to follow. Training and potential may matter, but Soren still has to act after making a mistake with consequences beyond himself.

A prophecy leaves room for uncertainty

The book belongs to The Light And Shadow Chronicles. A prophecy gives Soren's journey a larger significance, but protecting the realm and what he loves still requires action. The prediction creates an expectation he must live with while responding to the immediate dangers and choices along the way.