Cloudbearer's Shadow is the first book in the Sword in Exile Trilogy by Ann Marston. It is the story of Gareth, only surviving son of Brennan, Prince of Skai. He searches for his father's sword, Bane, lost in the war when Celi was lost to the Maedun. He finds much more than he bargained for, and loses much in the trade.

We learn more of Brynda and Kenzie, something I loved knowing. We meet the twin sons of Sheryn, Davigan and Daefyd. Davigan has done the worst: apparently turning traitor to his own kind. Daefyd is only a bard, not fit to become to King of Celi. Also, we meet Gareth's bheancoran, Lowra. She is different than the bheancoran's we have met so far, and a wonderful change.

This story is a needed telling, but it seems more of a filler than a great story of itself. I liked it much more when I re-read it during a re-reading of all the books.