Reading this, all I could think was the Die Hard vibes it gives off. Briar is an excellent character, I love her determination and stubborn nature. It definitely serves her well.
Briar is the Commander of the Shields, who has successfully kept the Lord Regent Alaric and his nephew Kester alive through many assassination attempts. The most recent of which leaves her with a life-changing injury.
Due to this injury, she ends up being the last one left to defend Sunweald when the palace comes under an unexpected attack.
She is clever and witty and uses everything at her disposal to survive and get the upper hand against the foes she faces in defence of Sunweald.
This is definitely a fun read, I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of action, adventure, and heists.

Thank you to Angry Robot for sending me a digital arc in return for an honest review.

Sadly decided to DNF 50% into it!

I have started and restarted this book more than five times. I thought it was just me and my poor attention span with reading on my Kindle as I have a digital arc of this, but after successfully getting so far in it this time it does appear to be the book not working for me instead.

The book isn’t bad but it doesn’t have the grit or substance of his Traitor God duology which were my best books of last year.

Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the ARC

The blurb describes the story as a "gender-flipped Die Hard in a mysterious castle," and I think that's an apt summary. The plot is comparable to 80s action flicks, one skilled veteran against many grunts and a big bad, just set in a Celtic-flavored fantasy world. I love that we get an older woman as the main protagonist, Briar is such a badass. It's a nice change when many fantasy heroes run from teens to early twenties.I wasn't certain about the plot at first, but it was fun once you got into the tower defense bit. I knew generally what sort of action I would get, and it delivered the goods. It did feel like the end was resolved rather quickly, but otherwise, it's a good read.

Received arc from Angry Robot and Netgalley for honest read and review,this review is my own.
This was a strange read, on the one hand it is refreshingly to get a female.lead, but also for it to be just like every other fantasy on there.
I like the story , but felt we had all been there before, maybe I am too old now, but feel as if I need something newer.

I've been trying to find the words to describe how much I loved this novel and it's been difficult. I was hooked from the first chapter. It was action packed and fast moving from start to finish. I loved the care in which Johnston handled the topic of disability and that Briar's chronic pain wasn't ignored but continually highlighted - it was refreshing to see that yes, having a disability can be disabling. Also, Briar reminded me so much of Orka from the Bloodsworn saga by John Gwynne in that both characters have the desire to save their loved ones and to get revenge from those who have harmed them. I would be interested in more novels from the author set in their world, even if we don't follow Briar.

A fantasy Die Hard with an older female protaganist? Sign me up. This was really fun and made for a quick read.

This was an excellent fast-paced fantasy read with complex plot and world building and compelling characters. A great choice for anyone looking for their next high fantasy standalone book!

The Last Shield is described as a "gender-flipped Die Hard set in a mysterious castle," and the description of the book could not be more apt. The story is mostly told through the POV of the main protagonist, Briar, the commander of the Shields. Although Briar is our primary POV and we mostly see things through her eyes, occasionally, we get other POV characters sprinkled throughout the story, adding another angle and another layer to the story.

Alternating between medium and fast-paced (depending on whereabouts in the plot we are), Cameron Johnston manages to tell a fun, entertaining and complex story about interesting characters whose struggles to overcome obstacles and growth are at the heart of the story. There's not a dull moment here and the book is an easy and captivating read, that you can devour in one sitting or space out between days (depending on your reading time) without losing track of what's happening.

Although (so far) this is a standalone book, I would be delighted to see more stories from this world.

4.5 stars

I don't usually seek out fast paced books, as my brain can't process what's going on it them, but this book was a nice exception from the rule.

We follow Briar, an older female the commander of the Shields. Honestly, this book automatically got points for having a badass woman warrior and I wasn't disappointed! We follow her attempts to defend a palace she's in as an enemy attacks. She's extremely loyal and fights fiercely to protect the people she has sworn to care for.

It might be a mild spoiler, but there's a disability rep, with themes of dealing with becoming disabled and it changing the course of character's life. I can't judge it fairly, but in my opinion it was done with sensitivity.

The story is thrilling, at times heartwarming and at times funny. And it has a dog!


4 ✨

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e arc to read.

I don't usually seek out fast paced books, as my brain can't process what's going on it them, but this book was a nice exception from the rule.

We follow Briar, an older female the commander of the Shields. Honestly, this book automatically got points for having a badass woman warrior and I wasn't disappointed! We follow her attempts to defend a palace she's in as an enemy attacks. She's extremely loyal and fights fiercely to protect the people she has sworn to care for.

It might be a mild spoiler, but there's a disability rep, with themes of dealing with becoming disabled and it changing the course of character's life. I can't judge it fairly, but in my opinion it was done with sensitivity.

The story is thrilling, at times heartwarming and at times funny. And it has a dog!


4 ✨

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e arc to read.

This is a gender-flipped Die Hard set in a mysterious castle. It is an engaging fantasy read, perfect for fans of John Gwynne and Mark Lawrence.

I really enjoyed reading this book. At the beginning I found it a little bit slow but then it picks up and it has intense action. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It is a standalone with a very satisfying ending.
I also really liked that it has complex female protagonists, strong character development and characters that you care for.

The themes of the book are Loyalty, duty, survival, true grit, vengeance and dark magic.

I would really like to see more stories in this world so we can learn more about its lore.

One of the rising stars of dark fantasy fiction, Cameron Johnston, returns with an intense, gritty and addictive novel of revenge, desperation and brutal murder, with the brilliant novel, The Last Shield.

realm of tradition and druidical magic, the heart of the nation lies in Sunweald Palace, where the Lord Regent, and the young heir to the throne reside, guarded by Sunweald’s elite warriors, the Shields. Rough and old, Sunweald Palace is an impenetrable fortress designed protect the nation’s royal family, as well as safeguarding a massive vault of unspeakably powerful magical artefacts.

Despite its peaceful status, Sunweald finds itself beset by a group of vicious brigands, the Wildwood Reivers, who have made a living stealing away magical artefacts and trading them across the border. Led by a mysterious witch, the Wildwood Reivers have grown bold, even launching an attack on the royal family. When word reaches the palace of the location of the brigand’s base, the Shields depart to destroy them once and for all. However, their mission is a devious decoy, as through treachery, dark magic and deceit, the Wildwood Reivers and their allies manage to take over Sunweald Palace.

With the Shields away and traitors holding the wall, the brigands plan to loot the palace’s ancient vaults and steal every magical artefact hidden within. However, the Wildwood Reivers face one substantial obstacle to their success, Briar, feared, if hobbled, commander of the Shields. Despite being outnumbered, wounded and near retirement, Briar is determined to perform her duty and reclaim the palace. Using her knowledge of the palace’s secret tunnels and ancient corridors, Briar sets about dismantling the invaders in brutal fashion. But battered, alone and loosing strength, can even a legendary Shield like Briar face the overwhelming odds and lethal magic set against her?

Gosh this was a very impressive and exciting read. Cameron Johnston has a real flair for fantastically over-the-top narratives, and The Last Shield is some of his best work yet. A complex and compelling tale of revenge and redemption, The Last Shield was a non-stop thrill ride, and I loved the deeply intense story that emerged. This was a truly outstanding book that gets a full five-star rating from me thanks to how much sheer fun I had reading it.

To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/10/09/the-last-shield-by-cameron-johnston/

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

Thanks to Angry Robot Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
4.5/5

"She was the sword and shield that protected Sunweald. Her pain mattered not at all. It was far better to be the candle standing against the storm, burning bright for one glorious moment before being snuffed out, than to never try at all."

I think one of the best things you can say about a story is that when you finish, the first thing you think is man, I wish there was more!! That was exactly my reaction after finishing this tale which is just so much fun to read. One of my other favorite things is having older characters who have been through some things. Briar is the commander of the Shields, who provide protection for the realm of Sunweald, and she specifically protects Alaric, the Lord Regent as he shepherds his young nephew towards the day he will take the throne. Unbeknownst to both of them, there is a traitor in their midst working with a powerful sorcerer trying to gain access to some powerful, ancient weapons. Briar is forced to protect the people she loves after the keep is invaded and it's a rollicking ride of secret tunnels, sneak attacks and using all of your wits to defeat a more powerful adversary.
Cameron does a fantastic job of building this world and engaging you in the lives of these characters so quickly, that you easily root for Briar and love it when she begins taking names and kicking ass!! The description of this as a fantasy Die Hard is very apt and there is always a new challenge for Briar as she works to save Alaric and the future king. I would love for Cameron to come back to this world at some point in the future with a new story, it's a terrific fantasy setting!!

Fantasy Die Hard lives up to its tagline. Very fun, exciting book. I will probably never really think about it again but damn did I fist pump a bunch of times. Sometimes that's all you need.

Die Hard in a castle with a female main character???? **grabby hands**

I really loved this book, I love when someone can take a concept and make it feel completely original and unique! I was hooked the whole way through and I'm definitely going to check out the authors other books

The Last Shield was a really fun read that feels like a unique premise.

We mostly follow commander Briar, the titular Last Shield, an older and debilitated warrior lacking none of her younger ferocity.

There is a battle early on in the book in which Briar takes a poisoned arrow and undergoes a gruelling recovery, giving her a disability in that her leg no longer has the strength or movement it used to.

Admittedly, a large portion of the first half of the book feels like quite a slow build and I read the first half sporadically, making slower progress and never quite getting into that must-get-back-to-it feeling. However, after this setup, the second half is a complete tour de force where I couldn’t put the book down. I love revenge stories and there is so much juicy comeuppance to enjoy that it felt incredibly satisfying! The book can be gruesome at times and it really is necessary, both to make you hate the bad guys in the first place and to really appreciate them getting what is coming to them.

Despite being serious at times and quite dark, there is humour to this story and it can be quite light hearted or at least gives off a real entertainment vibe. If I had to describe the book in one word, that’s the one I’d use; entertaining.

If it were a movie it would have potential for a cult status, where it wouldn’t be nominated for all the oscars for the depth of storytelling but would have a following of fans for pure action entertainment and fun.

This isn’t to say it’s lacking in depth though, and towards the latter stages, I realised with pleasant recognition that the parts I saw as slower at the start of the book had still impacted me. I cared about the characters; something I sometimes have a hard time with in many books. Briar’s rare moments of vulnerability felt endearing and only added to her resilience.

The side characters of Alaric and Kester, the royal heir, actually felt developed (especially Kester who started off as annoying and ended as someone deserving of respect).

One of the two main villains, Imperatrix, is very much the moustache-twirling villain type, which you can probably guess by name alone, but she added to the vibe of the book. A more morally grey primary antagonist wouldn’t have actually worked so well. We needed to have no sympathy or empathy for the majority of the bad guys here for it to work.

I love castles and I really enjoyed the setting, seeing Briar become a John McClane, Rambo type figure through the hidden tunnels and corridors.

This is a great standalone fantasy that gives a very satisfactory feel, fantastic action with a brilliant protagonist in Briar who really shines throughout. She’s easily made it into my top 10 of favourite fantasy characters! I’m now looking forward to reading The Maleficent Seven, which promises to be just as unique and entertaining.

Give this book a read if you love strong women, amazingly rewarding revenge, castles and fast paced action. You’ll love it!

| WARNING: This digital A.R.C was kindly sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own |

' Glory doesn't keep you warm at night. Glory does not regrow severed limbs and heal broken hones. Seeking glory only gets those around you killed, and even if you survive to bask in it, I promise you would come to regret that sacrifice. My own glory comes from keeping those I care about alive.'

I'm not a fan of fantasy huis-clos but this one was nice and fun!

The pacing was a bit of a two-rhythms kind of pacing but strangely, I appreciated the smudge of romance we got

I don't think Cameron Johnson can write a boring or uninteresting novel. I was hooked since the beginning and had a lot of fun in following the twists, the bad-ass FMC, and how the good guy fight.
Well plotted, excellent world building and storytelling.
Go, read it and have fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

An excellent, fast paced and exciting adventure

Strong character building and memorable dialogue

An imaginative spin which will be appealing to classical and gimdark fantasy readers

The Last Shield tells the story of Briar who is commander of the shields. She's an aging protagonist, but that doesn't stop her being a complete bad ass! Even with an injury, this female character was explosive. The action scenes were some of the best I've ever read. It's an excellent read! It's die hard with a female protagonist in a castle!