Review of Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson

This book review of Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson is part of my Cosmere Quest.

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When I started reading Shadows for Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell I was super excited to get back to the Cosmere – so far I have looked forward to every story in this universe. And I haven’t really been too disappointed (with exception of Elantris, perhaps). But overall, I’m enjoying it so much. That said, I’m always a little worried what I’m going to get when it comes to short stories from any author. 

Thankfully, this turned out to be one of the more intense and satisfying experiences I’ve had in the Cosmere so far. Sanderson just has that gift for creating mood and atmosphere, it’s often hard to explain – but as I was a few pages into this dark, eerie world, I knew I was hooked. 

In fact, my only “complaint” with this, was that I simply wanted more! The story ended far too soon, and I was left craving more time with these characters and this setting. Yet, this only made me appreciate Sanderson’s ability to pack such depth into a short tale.

Plot Summary

In Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell, we meet the mysterious Silence Montane, an innkeeper. Silence doesn’t just run her inn—she also hunts criminals by night in terrifying Forests of Hell. This forest is crawling with eerie shades, ghostly, dangerous creatures that haunt the Forests of Hell. Silence knows the shades are deadly, but her family depends on her risking it all.

Her latest mission forces her deep into the forest, where she faces unspeakable horrors that test her bravery and resilience. Every step is life or death, and Sanderson makes each scene pulse with suspense and danger. From the first page, I was hooked by Silence’s gritty courage and the intense world she lives in.

My Review

Silence Montane: A Complex, Resilient Heroine

Silence Montane feels like a real person you could meet. She’s not just brave—she’s tough, determined, and will face anything to protect her family. Her strength comes from her ability to push through tough times, her sheer grit, and her deep knowledge of the forest and its dangers. Sanderson gives her such depth that she doesn’t feel like a typical hero; she feels like someone you can genuinely connect with. You root for Silence, not just because she’s courageous, but because she’s someone you can understand and admire.

At one point in the story, Silence says, “The shades don’t care who you are. They care only for what you’ve done.” This really struck me. To me it really highlights how harsh and unforgiving this world is. Silence has been through so much—loss, fear, uncertainty—but she keeps moving forward, no matter what. 

Her bond with her family really adds an emotional depth to the story. You can feel how much she loves her children and how determined she is to protect them. It makes the sacrifices she makes even more powerful. Silence shows that heroes aren’t perfect—they’re flawed and complex—but it’s in their toughest moments that their true strength shines.

The Forests of Hell: A Masterpiece of Atmosphere

Without question, I think my favorite part of this story was the setting – the Forests of Hell. For whatever reason, it gave me the same vibes I got when I was 10 years old playing Friday the 13th on Nintendo (classic 80s cheezy Nintendo game) at my buddy’s house during a sleepover way past when we were supposed to be in bed. There was just an element of creepy suspense that I really dug. The forest is basically a character in itself, and I loved that. It was dark, creepy, and Sanderson did such a great job bringing it to life in such a short amount of page space. Add in the shades, with their ghostly appearances and terrifying rules, and you get a really nice horror element that definitely kept me on my edge the entire time.

In the Forests of Hell, the smallest mistake can be fatal, and that constant threat keeps the tension high. I loved how Sanderson described the forest, especially when he wrote, “The shadows seemed to watch, patient and hungry.” It’s descriptions like this that bring the forest to life, making it feel both haunting and beautiful.

Every scene in the forest feels like a delicate dance with danger. Silence has to stay on high alert, watching her every move and weighing every decision. The rules of the forest—don’t run, don’t bleed, don’t light fires—are simple, but breaking them has deadly consequences. This added a sense of urgency and fear that had me turning pages as fast as I could.

Action, Tension, and Heart-Pounding Suspense

Sanderson excels at pacing, and Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell is a prime example of his skill. The story may be short, but it’s packed with action and suspense that never lets up. Silence’s journey through the forest is filled with danger, unexpected twists, and moments that made me hold my breath.

Each encounter with the shades had me on the edge of my seat. I loved watching Silence use her wits and resourcefulness to survive in this unforgiving world. Sanderson balances intense action scenes with moments of reflection, giving Silence time to think through her choices and strategies. This makes her victories feel earned and grounded, even in a world as fantastical as the Forests of Hell.

One of my favorite moments in the story was when Silence faces a choice that puts her life in grave danger, yet she moves forward because she believes it’s her only chance. Her bravery and resolve left me in awe and made her story even more gripping. I couldn’t help but cheer her on, hoping she’d make it out of the forest alive.

Parting Thoughts

This is a full 5 out of 5 stars for me. It’s a short read, but gosh, so much is packed into it, and it’s one that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished (or at least, it did for me!). If you enjoy dark, atmospheric fantasy with a strong, complex heroine, this is a story you won’t want to miss. Sanderson takes us on a journey into the shadows, where fear is palpable, courage is tested, and survival depends on wit and will.

Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell is one of my favorite short stories ever, and I want so badly to explore that world more! Thankfully, Sanderson has indicated he plans a novel in the Threnody system one day, which like many others, I’m super excited about.

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• Book review of The FInal Empire by Brandon Sanderson
• Book review of Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

About the Author

Brandon Sanderson is an American fantasy author who’s made a name for himself with his complex worlds and inventive magic systems. Born in 1975 in Nebraska, he started writing while studying at Brigham Young University. His Mistborn series launched him to the top of the fantasy genre. With its gripping storylines, Mistborn cemented his reputation as one of the strongest voices in modern fantasy. One of his career highlights was finishing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series. A task that earned him significant respect in the fantasy world. Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series has been hugely popular. It is praised for its complex characters and massive scope. He’s won the Hugo Award and the David Gemmell Legend Award. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide. Readers love how detailed and ambitious his stories are and there’s no denying his impact on the genre.