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Hero of Darkness #2
Lament of the Fallen
Can a killer escape the evil inside him?
The Hunter has fled his home and the suffering left in his wake. Hoping to cleanse the stain of blood on his hands, he aids travelers beset by bandits only to discover those he saved are warrior clerics on a holy mission to kill him.
Left for dead, he must hunt down the priests to reclaim his stolen birthright and silence the relentless whispers in his mind that hunger for blood and death.
From feared assassin to wretched outcast, the Hunter journeys toward the truth about his forgotten past and the demons he pledged to hunt. But will his discoveries be his salvation, or will they cost him his sanity and even his life?
340 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2016
About the author
Andy Peloquin
70 books1,001 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 3, 2017
For Fantasy lovers from Andy Peloquin, to announce the release of CHILD OF THE GUILD, enter to win one of FIVE eCopies of BLADE OF THE DESTROYER - Book 1 of The Last Bucelarii Series
(Another 5 Star Tome Tender Read!) International - Click on Banner to Enter!
The revelation of his heritage, the fact he is a half demon and his sword feeds on blood and death sends the Hunter into a vortex of despair. The voices in his head taunt him, urge him to kill, to feed his demon, even as he fights that command with every ounce of his being. He has gone from an assassin feared by all to a man on the run, from himself, his past and the urge to kill. Follow his quest to discover what and who he really is as he struggles to become something better by learning his forgotten past and uncovering the female voice that calls to him. Is she part of his past? What role does she play in his future?
Foes become unlikely travel companions and allies, but only because the Hunter hides his true self. What will happen if they discover who is he is?
Andy Peloquin’s Lament of the Fallen is a dark, full of turmoil and a telling tale of the power of an author to use his words to bring fantasy to life. With no excess fluff, Andy Peloquin guides us on a quest with one anti-hero as he faces not only his own inner demons, but a world filled with danger, deceit and abuse of power. He needs answers, he needs inner peace, but he doubts he deserves either.
Pure dark and epic fantasy with all of the ingredients needed to transport readers to another realm, another reality. A very strong addition to a magical ride into the world of The Last Bucelarii.
I received this copy from Andy Peloquin in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Last Bucelarii - Book 2
Publisher: J. Ellington Ashton Press (August 1, 2016)
Publication Date: August 1, 2016
ISBN-10: 1535388668
ISBN-13: 978-1535388665
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 411 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
(Another 5 Star Tome Tender Read!) International - Click on Banner to Enter!
The revelation of his heritage, the fact he is a half demon and his sword feeds on blood and death sends the Hunter into a vortex of despair. The voices in his head taunt him, urge him to kill, to feed his demon, even as he fights that command with every ounce of his being. He has gone from an assassin feared by all to a man on the run, from himself, his past and the urge to kill. Follow his quest to discover what and who he really is as he struggles to become something better by learning his forgotten past and uncovering the female voice that calls to him. Is she part of his past? What role does she play in his future?
Foes become unlikely travel companions and allies, but only because the Hunter hides his true self. What will happen if they discover who is he is?
Andy Peloquin’s Lament of the Fallen is a dark, full of turmoil and a telling tale of the power of an author to use his words to bring fantasy to life. With no excess fluff, Andy Peloquin guides us on a quest with one anti-hero as he faces not only his own inner demons, but a world filled with danger, deceit and abuse of power. He needs answers, he needs inner peace, but he doubts he deserves either.
Pure dark and epic fantasy with all of the ingredients needed to transport readers to another realm, another reality. A very strong addition to a magical ride into the world of The Last Bucelarii.
I received this copy from Andy Peloquin in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Last Bucelarii - Book 2
Publisher: J. Ellington Ashton Press (August 1, 2016)
Publication Date: August 1, 2016
ISBN-10: 1535388668
ISBN-13: 978-1535388665
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 411 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 7, 2016
Posted to The Literary Lawyer
Another Strong Offering - 3.5 Stars
Andy Peloquin once again shows that he has the chops to be a successful fantasy writer. Its time a bigger publisher see his work and distribute it to a larger audience. There was much to enjoy in the second offering and the areas that contributed to a reduced rating could simply be chalked up to personal preference.
Plot Summary
Having been faced with the truth of his origins and in an attempt to flee his immediate past and an uncertain future, the Hunter takes to the road. On his travels he encounters enemies both internal and external and finds himself fighting for his life with uncharacteristic weakness. While his external foes threaten to destroy his body, his internal demon threatens to destroy who the hunter believes himself to be.
My Take
Too Much, Too Soon
In many series, I have noted a trend in character and plot development. The second book tends to be similar to the first. It establishes strengths and weaknesses by leading the reader to familiar territory. In the third book and beyond, the best series change the status quo and challenge the reader. This is by no mean a "rule" but what it does do is allow the reader to gain comfort with the strengths and weaknesses of the character. My issue with the second book in this series is that the Hunter is rendered essentially powerless. He is forced to survive and fight in manner quite different from the first book. This really isn't a criticism of the book more than a personal preference. It felt that the main character changed on me before I got the chance to really get to know him. I would have enjoyed more of the Hunter from the first book to reorient myself.
Plot vs. Character
Again, we are in the territory of personal preference. Anyone who has ever read my reviews knows that I have a significant preference for the character novel. Despite the fact I felt it was a novel too soon, this installment is essentially focused on the character of the Hunter. We learn more about his motivations, his history and his fears. Not everyone will enjoy this aspect. In this instance the Hunter spends the majority of the novel inside of his own head fighting an internal struggle. There were times that the personal "back and forth" with his demon/self became tiresome but overall resulted in a great picture of the character.
What stood out in reading this installment was the author's ability to maintain a plot while focusing so extensively on the character. I enjoy a great character novel and if its good enough, I don't care about plot. As the majority of this novel was within the mind of a single character, it would have fallen short if the plot was ignored. The author did a good job of carrying a plot in a character novel and he did so without writing a 1500 page book. From my experience with similar type novels, this is an accomplishment.
Final Thoughts
The tone of this second installment is notably darker than the first novel and, in my opinion, better lives up to its billing as "Dark Fantasy". Don't let the status of an Indie published novel deter you from reading this series. It is polished, well written and nicely edited. As I previously stated, I hope that a bigger publishing house eventually gives the author a shot. The Hunter is a character that many people could be discussing in a few years.
Another Strong Offering - 3.5 Stars
Andy Peloquin once again shows that he has the chops to be a successful fantasy writer. Its time a bigger publisher see his work and distribute it to a larger audience. There was much to enjoy in the second offering and the areas that contributed to a reduced rating could simply be chalked up to personal preference.
Plot Summary
Having been faced with the truth of his origins and in an attempt to flee his immediate past and an uncertain future, the Hunter takes to the road. On his travels he encounters enemies both internal and external and finds himself fighting for his life with uncharacteristic weakness. While his external foes threaten to destroy his body, his internal demon threatens to destroy who the hunter believes himself to be.
My Take
Too Much, Too Soon
In many series, I have noted a trend in character and plot development. The second book tends to be similar to the first. It establishes strengths and weaknesses by leading the reader to familiar territory. In the third book and beyond, the best series change the status quo and challenge the reader. This is by no mean a "rule" but what it does do is allow the reader to gain comfort with the strengths and weaknesses of the character. My issue with the second book in this series is that the Hunter is rendered essentially powerless. He is forced to survive and fight in manner quite different from the first book. This really isn't a criticism of the book more than a personal preference. It felt that the main character changed on me before I got the chance to really get to know him. I would have enjoyed more of the Hunter from the first book to reorient myself.
Plot vs. Character
Again, we are in the territory of personal preference. Anyone who has ever read my reviews knows that I have a significant preference for the character novel. Despite the fact I felt it was a novel too soon, this installment is essentially focused on the character of the Hunter. We learn more about his motivations, his history and his fears. Not everyone will enjoy this aspect. In this instance the Hunter spends the majority of the novel inside of his own head fighting an internal struggle. There were times that the personal "back and forth" with his demon/self became tiresome but overall resulted in a great picture of the character.
What stood out in reading this installment was the author's ability to maintain a plot while focusing so extensively on the character. I enjoy a great character novel and if its good enough, I don't care about plot. As the majority of this novel was within the mind of a single character, it would have fallen short if the plot was ignored. The author did a good job of carrying a plot in a character novel and he did so without writing a 1500 page book. From my experience with similar type novels, this is an accomplishment.
Final Thoughts
The tone of this second installment is notably darker than the first novel and, in my opinion, better lives up to its billing as "Dark Fantasy". Don't let the status of an Indie published novel deter you from reading this series. It is polished, well written and nicely edited. As I previously stated, I hope that a bigger publishing house eventually gives the author a shot. The Hunter is a character that many people could be discussing in a few years.
July 13, 2017
Lament of the Fallen review
6/10. Decent
Pros
The Hunter is an incredibly interesting protagonist
Small supporting characters are interesting for how much time they get
Action is brisk and filled with emotion
The world is very organically built
Some very exciting set up for the next novel
The second half of the book has a cool mystery
Striking use of taste and smell
Cons
Repetitive internal dialogue
First third goes virtually no where with the character (the character is metaphorically and literally lost, so maybe it makes sense. But it was still grating)
Second third was a little dry and straight forward
Some prolonged scenes
6/10. Decent
Pros
The Hunter is an incredibly interesting protagonist
Small supporting characters are interesting for how much time they get
Action is brisk and filled with emotion
The world is very organically built
Some very exciting set up for the next novel
The second half of the book has a cool mystery
Striking use of taste and smell
Cons
Repetitive internal dialogue
First third goes virtually no where with the character (the character is metaphorically and literally lost, so maybe it makes sense. But it was still grating)
Second third was a little dry and straight forward
Some prolonged scenes
September 10, 2016
Once a ruthless contract killer, the demonic Hunter now struggles with the voices in his head, which urge him to kill and feed his magical dagger Soulhunger despite The Hunter’s overwhelming guilt. Traveling aimlessly, The Hunter stumbles upon a battle in which a knight named Sir Danna and her apprentice Visibos are trying to fight off highwaymen. Against the voice’s wishes, The Hunter springs into action and earns the two knights’ trust by defeating the bandits. As the group of three travels together, he must keep his demon heritage a secret since the two knights are sworn hunters of his kind. How long can this charade last? What will be the consequences if he gets caught?
Just like with the Bucelarii book that came before this (Blade of the Destroyer), the battle sequences in Lament of the Fallen are well-thought out and realistic down to the last detail. Andy Peloquin has a black belt in multiple martial arts, so when he talks about sneaking into guards and the effects a simple strike can have on bones, he’s not joking around. The way The Hunter ignores his own suffering in order to win a battle represents the kind of toughness it takes to succeed in martial arts. He could have fire in his lungs, stinging sensations on his skin, and a head full of fog, yet The Hunter somehow manages to push the worst kind of pain to the back of his mind and finish his battles with a bloody passion. His stealthy fighting style and ruthless aggression make The Hunter one of the most feared opponents somebody could have in a fight.
Which brings me to my next point: The Hunter is more than a bloodthirsty killer. Despite his demon heritage, he has more humanity in his pinky finger than most of the people he encounters have in their whole bodies. His struggles to resist the urge to kill are believable and relatable to any reader. His need for friendship despite his murderous vocation makes him even more relatable. He may have the outer shell of a tough-minded killer, but deep inside lies a modicum of innocence that will always steer him towards the right path. He doesn’t kill because he enjoys it. He does it because he must. Maybe the voices in his head enjoy every bloodbath he goes through, but The Hunter is better than the demonic commands that threaten to control him. If you can’t get behind him right away as a reader, you will by the time the story is over.
But there’s one reason why this book has earned my ultra-rare five-star rating: because the voices in The Hunter’s head are reminiscent of modern day schizophrenia, which I have suffered from since 2002. The Hunter just wants his brain to shut the hell up and give him some peace. That’s all I wanted when I first started hearing my own voices as a teenager. I wanted it so badly that I would have committed suicide to obtain it if it hadn’t been for my loved ones talking me down. Because I can relate to The Hunter on a deep level, I want him to succeed in this story. I want him to find answers to his past. I want him to seek revenge on those who wronged him. I want him to find friendship in the unlikeliest places. It’ll be another five hundred years in The Hunter’s world before Risperdal is invented, so living with this sadistic dialogue in his head is even tougher for him. I feel for him and I want nothing but the best for him, despite the fact that he’s an assassin for hire.
Andy Peloquin knocked it out of the park when he wrote “Lament of the Fallen”. Everything about this book is believable from the fight scenes to the emotional traumas to the world building to the street folk’s reactions. You will find a lot of surprises as you flip through these pages and you will have an evil smirk on your face when The Hunter finds success in his journeys. Mr. Peloquin is one creative son of a gun and he deserves the highest praise for his hardest work. I don’t give five-star reviews that often anymore, so enjoy your success, Andy! Hold your head up high (unless of course you’re dodging a roundhouse kick).
Just like with the Bucelarii book that came before this (Blade of the Destroyer), the battle sequences in Lament of the Fallen are well-thought out and realistic down to the last detail. Andy Peloquin has a black belt in multiple martial arts, so when he talks about sneaking into guards and the effects a simple strike can have on bones, he’s not joking around. The way The Hunter ignores his own suffering in order to win a battle represents the kind of toughness it takes to succeed in martial arts. He could have fire in his lungs, stinging sensations on his skin, and a head full of fog, yet The Hunter somehow manages to push the worst kind of pain to the back of his mind and finish his battles with a bloody passion. His stealthy fighting style and ruthless aggression make The Hunter one of the most feared opponents somebody could have in a fight.
Which brings me to my next point: The Hunter is more than a bloodthirsty killer. Despite his demon heritage, he has more humanity in his pinky finger than most of the people he encounters have in their whole bodies. His struggles to resist the urge to kill are believable and relatable to any reader. His need for friendship despite his murderous vocation makes him even more relatable. He may have the outer shell of a tough-minded killer, but deep inside lies a modicum of innocence that will always steer him towards the right path. He doesn’t kill because he enjoys it. He does it because he must. Maybe the voices in his head enjoy every bloodbath he goes through, but The Hunter is better than the demonic commands that threaten to control him. If you can’t get behind him right away as a reader, you will by the time the story is over.
But there’s one reason why this book has earned my ultra-rare five-star rating: because the voices in The Hunter’s head are reminiscent of modern day schizophrenia, which I have suffered from since 2002. The Hunter just wants his brain to shut the hell up and give him some peace. That’s all I wanted when I first started hearing my own voices as a teenager. I wanted it so badly that I would have committed suicide to obtain it if it hadn’t been for my loved ones talking me down. Because I can relate to The Hunter on a deep level, I want him to succeed in this story. I want him to find answers to his past. I want him to seek revenge on those who wronged him. I want him to find friendship in the unlikeliest places. It’ll be another five hundred years in The Hunter’s world before Risperdal is invented, so living with this sadistic dialogue in his head is even tougher for him. I feel for him and I want nothing but the best for him, despite the fact that he’s an assassin for hire.
Andy Peloquin knocked it out of the park when he wrote “Lament of the Fallen”. Everything about this book is believable from the fight scenes to the emotional traumas to the world building to the street folk’s reactions. You will find a lot of surprises as you flip through these pages and you will have an evil smirk on your face when The Hunter finds success in his journeys. Mr. Peloquin is one creative son of a gun and he deserves the highest praise for his hardest work. I don’t give five-star reviews that often anymore, so enjoy your success, Andy! Hold your head up high (unless of course you’re dodging a roundhouse kick).
August 6, 2019
The Hunter of Voramis is by far my favourite assassin ever, his character is so charismatic I find myself scared for him many a time, as happened again in this very exciting book. In the first book in this series Hunter had massacred all of the evil demons in Voramis after they had killed everyone he cared for, so he is now on the run. He is running from the voices in his head and the dead people he keeps seeing pleading with him to avenge their deaths. The demon inside him is never satiated unless Hunter is killing and he demands Hunter kills any and every human whilst soulhunger also never lets up but these voices are very much a part of him and they are driving him crazy. He is Bucelarii yet he insists on killing the Abiarazi, demons like the one inside him going against his own nature and progenitors. Hunter refuses to kill innocents and refuses to become a pawn to either Gods, demons or humans, he does not accept that killing indiscriminately is his destiny, and who he is, so he fights the urges with all his might but sometimes he just has to cave in as it is the power he needs to stay alive. This 2nd book takes Hunter far from his home in Voramis where he encounters deceit from those he trusts, great evil which he once more battles, and also friendship in his hour of darkness and loneliness where he least expected to find this. However it seems Hunter is doomed to be alone in life as he travels on to the North where she is calling to him. But who is the woman who haunts his dreams and his life? A brilliant and exciting dark fantasy at its best with great fight scenes which leave Hunter shredded to bits physically and mentally.
July 29, 2019
A great continuation in the tale of the hunter. For those who love a character driven story with action and even some intrigue/mystery this is it!!
The Hunter continues to fight the demons within as well as without. The ones within may just be the harder to silence. Mysteries abound in the new city the Hunter finds himself in. There is a good cast of support characters in this book as well. I really wish we the reader had more time with some and got to understand them more. Andy Peloquin's world is so alive, I get immersed so easily in his writing. Although some may not like the continuous inner monolague, I found it impressive and really quite neccessary for the tale. Reading it and feeling the Hunter's anguish is what draws you leaves you wanting more as you pray for the hunter to find a solution.
This book shows that Andy is not a one hit wonder, he is going places. I am so glad to have found a writer that uses all the senses in their writing and can write a character driven story that grabs you and doesn't let go. The hunter is quickly becoming one of my favorite anti-heroes.
The Hunter continues to fight the demons within as well as without. The ones within may just be the harder to silence. Mysteries abound in the new city the Hunter finds himself in. There is a good cast of support characters in this book as well. I really wish we the reader had more time with some and got to understand them more. Andy Peloquin's world is so alive, I get immersed so easily in his writing. Although some may not like the continuous inner monolague, I found it impressive and really quite neccessary for the tale. Reading it and feeling the Hunter's anguish is what draws you leaves you wanting more as you pray for the hunter to find a solution.
This book shows that Andy is not a one hit wonder, he is going places. I am so glad to have found a writer that uses all the senses in their writing and can write a character driven story that grabs you and doesn't let go. The hunter is quickly becoming one of my favorite anti-heroes.
November 13, 2019
4.5/5
This is a solid continuation of the series. It delves deeper into who and what the Hunter is, and in such a way that we get to discover it with him rather than watching him blunder through things we know. Dropping him to nearly rock bottom, we get a taste of the "how the mighty have fallen" angle, and it serves to amplify the conflict within the Hunter.
We get another really interesting side character in this one in Bardin. There's so much there, but as is appropriate for a side character, it's not all revealed to bloat the story. But the character is made compelling enough that in the end, we wish it was.
I only had one issue with something that felt like a continuity/worldbuilding rules violation during the climax, but other than that, it's consistently well done like the first. With what the Hunter takes on at the end, the future is looking interesting for our central character.
This is a solid continuation of the series. It delves deeper into who and what the Hunter is, and in such a way that we get to discover it with him rather than watching him blunder through things we know. Dropping him to nearly rock bottom, we get a taste of the "how the mighty have fallen" angle, and it serves to amplify the conflict within the Hunter.
We get another really interesting side character in this one in Bardin. There's so much there, but as is appropriate for a side character, it's not all revealed to bloat the story. But the character is made compelling enough that in the end, we wish it was.
I only had one issue with something that felt like a continuity/worldbuilding rules violation during the climax, but other than that, it's consistently well done like the first. With what the Hunter takes on at the end, the future is looking interesting for our central character.
October 22, 2019
I think Peloquin is going to become one of my new favorite fantasy authors. This is the third book of his I've read, and the third I've given five stars. It was a great continuation of the Hunter's story, and I enjoyed how it was quite different from the first book, with the Hunter struggling in an entirely new setting. The usual action was there, along with a lot of great character-building.
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
January 16, 2019
Great book
Once again the Hunter must fight the demons in his head as well as the demons around him. He lost his Soul taker weapon and he must find it again to stop the demons in his head from driving him insane.
Once again the Hunter must fight the demons in his head as well as the demons around him. He lost his Soul taker weapon and he must find it again to stop the demons in his head from driving him insane.
April 20, 2019
Outdone
Yet another amazing book. This one though was in another place and his discoveries are plenty. Trying hard to repent seems so impossible if that's what you were made for. A fab read onto the next.
Yet another amazing book. This one though was in another place and his discoveries are plenty. Trying hard to repent seems so impossible if that's what you were made for. A fab read onto the next.
September 8, 2021
This character just keeps getting better, and there were some great reveals in this book!
Don't mistake me, this is dark fantasy so there are themes not suitable for everyone, but if you like dark fantasy I am recommending this series and I'm no where near finished with it yet.
Don't mistake me, this is dark fantasy so there are themes not suitable for everyone, but if you like dark fantasy I am recommending this series and I'm no where near finished with it yet.
August 19, 2016
I must say that you will fall in love with the Hunter . He has left Voramis and is on the way to finding out about his past. He is traveling north to find the woman that haunts his dreams as he tries to silence the voices in his head . Along the way he encounters bandits who attack and bring out the urge in the hunter to help out . Which doesn't go well for the hunter but as we all know the hunter is a survivor and will survive at any cost .
I must say I loved the hunter in the first book but really fell for him in the second book . You see a totally different side to the hunter in this book . We get to see him as more of a person this time around . He has lost everything but is still surviving and growing . We also see him changing and fighting the demons that are in his head and only killing the bad and not killing for the sake of killing to stop the voices. He is working on trying to be a better person through out the book . Don't worry he doesn't wuss out he is still a killing machine but he is now have something to hold onto and fight for what is right in his eyes . There are so many characters that come into the hunter's life in this book. They all influence him in so many different ways in good ways and in bad ways.
Bardin is one of those characters that help the hunter in a good way . He is homeless poor and kind of crazy . But he takes the hunter in and helps him out to find out more about the hunters past . He is a lovable old guy that you just want to hug tight and keep safe . He and the hunter become friends and the Hunter wants to protect him and he genuinely loves Bardin. But alas when you befriend the Hunter something always happens .
I must say that after reading book one I was hooked but in book two I fell in love with a tortured soul. The author sure took us on a rollercoaster ride through hell and back in this book. I honestly couldn't put this book down . The story just kept getting better and better with each turn of the page . I laughed and I most definitely cried in a few spots . I also stayed up way past my bed time reading this book . I love dark fantasy and I must say there is a lot of action in this book and the author keeps us on our toes the entire book . I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. So if you want a great series of books check out the hunter . If you love fantasy check them out you will not be disappointed
I must say I loved the hunter in the first book but really fell for him in the second book . You see a totally different side to the hunter in this book . We get to see him as more of a person this time around . He has lost everything but is still surviving and growing . We also see him changing and fighting the demons that are in his head and only killing the bad and not killing for the sake of killing to stop the voices. He is working on trying to be a better person through out the book . Don't worry he doesn't wuss out he is still a killing machine but he is now have something to hold onto and fight for what is right in his eyes . There are so many characters that come into the hunter's life in this book. They all influence him in so many different ways in good ways and in bad ways.
Bardin is one of those characters that help the hunter in a good way . He is homeless poor and kind of crazy . But he takes the hunter in and helps him out to find out more about the hunters past . He is a lovable old guy that you just want to hug tight and keep safe . He and the hunter become friends and the Hunter wants to protect him and he genuinely loves Bardin. But alas when you befriend the Hunter something always happens .
I must say that after reading book one I was hooked but in book two I fell in love with a tortured soul. The author sure took us on a rollercoaster ride through hell and back in this book. I honestly couldn't put this book down . The story just kept getting better and better with each turn of the page . I laughed and I most definitely cried in a few spots . I also stayed up way past my bed time reading this book . I love dark fantasy and I must say there is a lot of action in this book and the author keeps us on our toes the entire book . I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. So if you want a great series of books check out the hunter . If you love fantasy check them out you will not be disappointed
June 12, 2018
Somewhat disappointed after the first fairly good book in the series
There are several things that bothered me about this one:
- is the hero assassin is the stupidest assassin ever or what - he is constantly backstabbed by the victims he just 'almost' dispatched a minute or so ago
- the insane rumblings and constant distracting noises and conversations that are happening exclusively in the hero's head are annoying as hell and have very little to add to the story line
- the book should have been at least 3 times shorter with great benefit to the reader. Basically this is a short story stretched to the breaking limit as if writer was paid by the word count.
There are several things that bothered me about this one:
- is the hero assassin is the stupidest assassin ever or what - he is constantly backstabbed by the victims he just 'almost' dispatched a minute or so ago
- the insane rumblings and constant distracting noises and conversations that are happening exclusively in the hero's head are annoying as hell and have very little to add to the story line
- the book should have been at least 3 times shorter with great benefit to the reader. Basically this is a short story stretched to the breaking limit as if writer was paid by the word count.
August 23, 2016
What can I say other than this book proves that the first book was not a fluke but rather Andy is truly a master of writing. He pens such an amazing awe inspiring story that leaves you with so many emotions you feel lost with a serious book hangover ... I mean seriously I NEED more.
I absolutely loved this tale, the story continues from the last book with the hunter traveling north toward Malandria once again he meets a myriad of characters for you to love and hate and sometimes both as the hunter tries to find out the truth about his past. Making friends and battling many foes along the way the hunters journey is full of action, heart stopping moments and heart wrenching scenes as the hunter battles not only those who try to stop him but also his own inner demons.
Please I urge you if you have not yet, pick up this series and join the hunter on his journey and I promise you will be swept up in this world as much as I have and journey the visually stunning world, painted in words with such clarity.
I can only applaud you Andy on an amazing read and I can't wait for the next instalment of my all time favourite anti hero.
I absolutely loved this tale, the story continues from the last book with the hunter traveling north toward Malandria once again he meets a myriad of characters for you to love and hate and sometimes both as the hunter tries to find out the truth about his past. Making friends and battling many foes along the way the hunters journey is full of action, heart stopping moments and heart wrenching scenes as the hunter battles not only those who try to stop him but also his own inner demons.
Please I urge you if you have not yet, pick up this series and join the hunter on his journey and I promise you will be swept up in this world as much as I have and journey the visually stunning world, painted in words with such clarity.
I can only applaud you Andy on an amazing read and I can't wait for the next instalment of my all time favourite anti hero.
August 14, 2016
OK First let me say I received this book in exchange yada yada but I only say that because even when I read the first one I was aw man this is not my type of read why did I say yes. Then BAM! I was HOOKED! I mean STUCK, Mr Peloquin builds a world that sucks you in. You find yourself rooting for the bad guy and all up in your feelings wanting him to fight and win against his need to kill, to go his very nature and his blade. I wont give you any spoilers but this story has it all and it is fast paced and takes you right along with it. I didn't want to like him but I couldn't help it and you wont either. There will be points where you surprise yourself with who you are pulling for, or shocked by the twist you didn't see coming. Well played Mr Peloquin, well played indeed.
September 27, 2016
I loved this. A sequel to remember.
We continue to follow the Hunter on his arduous journey to uncover more of his lost heritage. Having suffered great losses, the Hunter takes more risks, trusting that human-kind will see the good in him.
Andy Peloquin is the master of tension building. He creates intelligent, striking characters, with the ability to see the light through the darkness. A terrific read, with themes of betrayal and justice ground into its heart.
Will the fabled Hunter prevail against the hidden forces lying in wait? Give The Lament of the Fallen a read, and find out.
We continue to follow the Hunter on his arduous journey to uncover more of his lost heritage. Having suffered great losses, the Hunter takes more risks, trusting that human-kind will see the good in him.
Andy Peloquin is the master of tension building. He creates intelligent, striking characters, with the ability to see the light through the darkness. A terrific read, with themes of betrayal and justice ground into its heart.
Will the fabled Hunter prevail against the hidden forces lying in wait? Give The Lament of the Fallen a read, and find out.
July 13, 2018
Book 2 of the Darkblade series takes place right after the first book. Immediately after the Hunter leaves Voramis, he begins a weary travel across the lands to find more of the Demons that spawned him. Driven with anger and hatred, the Hunter vows to avenge his fallen friends and to end the Demons that scourge the land. In Darkblade Outcast, the story begins slowly with the Hunter's tiresome journey as he crosses treacherous lands and dangers in order to reach his next destination. Armed with his trusty Soulhunger and the Swordsman's blades, the Hunter takes his tidbits of knowledge about Demons, Gods, and the Bucelarii in search of ending the evil that wishes to once again, take over the world. Learning that he is possibly the last of the Bucelarii, a race of demon spawns created to continue with the legacy of Kharna, the evil God who wishes to take over the world and bring about a new Hell, the Hunter encounters an interesting assortment of characters that both help and hinder him along his quest.
I'm not going to go over the entire story as I hope you will read it on your own. But I have to say that so far, Darkblade Outcast seems to be even better than the first story. I say that because this story reveals so much more and the mystery that surrounds the Hunter is slowly but surely unraveling. You can't help but root for the Hunter because he is after all, a Hunter with a "heart". He is the result of some very strange and cruel twist of fate but he will not let his life be decided for him.
The Hunter's trusty blade, Soulhunger, and the demon that resides within him are incredibly funny. Not funny as in a comedian way, but funny in how Andy writes them both with such personality and wit. Soulhunger is constantly wanting to "feed" and the demon inside the Hunter is constantly mocking him, cajoling him, and helping him throughout his journey. All the Hunter knows is that both Soulhunger and the demon voice has never let him down, always helping him to survive. With the Hunter's instincts and years of skill, he faces many dangers and enemies along the way but his drive to become more than the dealer of death pushes him to become a better person. He even tells himself that he is longer the "Hunter of Voramis" rather that he seeks to destroy the evil which will eventually ruin all the sweetness and kindness of mankind which he has seen.
Darkblade Outcast is still written with lots of gruesome detail but perhaps not as much as the first story. Maybe I'm used to it - who knows? But you can clearly see how talented Andy is in his wordsmith skills and how well he researches weapons and fighting techniques. Even the languages used, the art of alchemy, and the myths of demons and gods were well researched. It is such a delight to read Andy's stories and his dedication to his characters - major and minor.
If you're going to read this book or the entire series, be prepared for many smaller plots along the way, a deeper mystery that constantly haunts the Hunter, and lots of very funny moments between the Hunter and his demon "voice". Can I say that I love the demon that resides within him? Well, the voice is something that I imagine any unwilling hero will hear to either drive him insane or aid him in his journey.
Book 2 continues and I am eager to read part 3 of the Hunter's journey to redeem himself and to find the peace that he so desperately needs! I feel like I'm on the same ride with the Hunter, rooting for him and wanting to fight along his side.
Thank you, Andy for the ARC!
I'm not going to go over the entire story as I hope you will read it on your own. But I have to say that so far, Darkblade Outcast seems to be even better than the first story. I say that because this story reveals so much more and the mystery that surrounds the Hunter is slowly but surely unraveling. You can't help but root for the Hunter because he is after all, a Hunter with a "heart". He is the result of some very strange and cruel twist of fate but he will not let his life be decided for him.
The Hunter's trusty blade, Soulhunger, and the demon that resides within him are incredibly funny. Not funny as in a comedian way, but funny in how Andy writes them both with such personality and wit. Soulhunger is constantly wanting to "feed" and the demon inside the Hunter is constantly mocking him, cajoling him, and helping him throughout his journey. All the Hunter knows is that both Soulhunger and the demon voice has never let him down, always helping him to survive. With the Hunter's instincts and years of skill, he faces many dangers and enemies along the way but his drive to become more than the dealer of death pushes him to become a better person. He even tells himself that he is longer the "Hunter of Voramis" rather that he seeks to destroy the evil which will eventually ruin all the sweetness and kindness of mankind which he has seen.
Darkblade Outcast is still written with lots of gruesome detail but perhaps not as much as the first story. Maybe I'm used to it - who knows? But you can clearly see how talented Andy is in his wordsmith skills and how well he researches weapons and fighting techniques. Even the languages used, the art of alchemy, and the myths of demons and gods were well researched. It is such a delight to read Andy's stories and his dedication to his characters - major and minor.
If you're going to read this book or the entire series, be prepared for many smaller plots along the way, a deeper mystery that constantly haunts the Hunter, and lots of very funny moments between the Hunter and his demon "voice". Can I say that I love the demon that resides within him? Well, the voice is something that I imagine any unwilling hero will hear to either drive him insane or aid him in his journey.
Book 2 continues and I am eager to read part 3 of the Hunter's journey to redeem himself and to find the peace that he so desperately needs! I feel like I'm on the same ride with the Hunter, rooting for him and wanting to fight along his side.
Thank you, Andy for the ARC!
October 17, 2017
First of all, I want to congratulate the author, Andy Peloquin, for his well-deserved win of the 2017 RONE Award for Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi book. Ironically, this happened just as I finished reading book two in The Last Bucelarii series, Lament of The Fallen, which is the very book I am reviewing now.
Lament of The Fallen … Lament of The Fallen. I didn’t really get this title until I was well into reading this book, where I discovered what a perfectly matched title Andy had chosen for this story.
Perhaps, if one thinks about it long and hard, a reader will come to grasp a tiny piece of what this book is about simply by playing it on repeat in one’s mind. I’ve never expounded thus on a book title prior to this one, but it just goes to show how deeply this story touched me, no, grabbed me, on every spectrum of the emotional scale.
The Hunter continues his quest from book one, Blade of The Destroyer, in this second gripping, emotionally devastating story. Yes, devastating. The author shredded my heart in pieces as it broke over and over and over again for the Hunter, a magnificent anti-hero (he can be my hero forever), a ruthless killer with a ginormous heart who refuses to take orders from the demons living inside him. If you want a full on synopsis of Lament of The Fallen, please visit Andy Peloquin’s various social media platforms to inquire further. I absolutely abhor spoilers, and I’m not going to start writing them now.
As far as how this story impacted me, all I can say is, “Wear your armor when reading this one. You’ll need it.” There were so many times I wanted to cry my eyes out, to reach inside the pages of the story unfolding before my eyes to ease the pain, suffering, and deception experienced by the Hunter. Who would have thought I’d ever feel compassion on such a strong magnitude for a killer? Ahhh, but the Hunter is no typical killer – he has a heart.
If you haven’t yet begun reading this exquisite artist’s work, I highly encourage you to do so now. Caution: if you have to get up early the next morning for work, you may want to postpone reading Andy Peloquin’s beautifully creative works of art until the weekend. You will stay up long after your usual bedtime, turning the pages (or swiping to the next) as quickly as possible to discover just what happens next.
In my truly honest opinion, Andy Peloquin is the most creative writer I’ve read to date, and yes, this includes every other book I’ve ever read in my life. Lament of The Fallen…just do it, but start on book one in the series, Blade of The Destroyer. Oh! And don’t forget my very favorite book of all time by the same author, Child of The Night Guild – a must read, blow your mind kind of story!
Now, I'm on to read book three, Gateway to The Past.
Kudos and congratulations, Andy Peloquin. Great job!
~Have You Heard? Book Blog
Lament of The Fallen … Lament of The Fallen. I didn’t really get this title until I was well into reading this book, where I discovered what a perfectly matched title Andy had chosen for this story.
Perhaps, if one thinks about it long and hard, a reader will come to grasp a tiny piece of what this book is about simply by playing it on repeat in one’s mind. I’ve never expounded thus on a book title prior to this one, but it just goes to show how deeply this story touched me, no, grabbed me, on every spectrum of the emotional scale.
The Hunter continues his quest from book one, Blade of The Destroyer, in this second gripping, emotionally devastating story. Yes, devastating. The author shredded my heart in pieces as it broke over and over and over again for the Hunter, a magnificent anti-hero (he can be my hero forever), a ruthless killer with a ginormous heart who refuses to take orders from the demons living inside him. If you want a full on synopsis of Lament of The Fallen, please visit Andy Peloquin’s various social media platforms to inquire further. I absolutely abhor spoilers, and I’m not going to start writing them now.
As far as how this story impacted me, all I can say is, “Wear your armor when reading this one. You’ll need it.” There were so many times I wanted to cry my eyes out, to reach inside the pages of the story unfolding before my eyes to ease the pain, suffering, and deception experienced by the Hunter. Who would have thought I’d ever feel compassion on such a strong magnitude for a killer? Ahhh, but the Hunter is no typical killer – he has a heart.
If you haven’t yet begun reading this exquisite artist’s work, I highly encourage you to do so now. Caution: if you have to get up early the next morning for work, you may want to postpone reading Andy Peloquin’s beautifully creative works of art until the weekend. You will stay up long after your usual bedtime, turning the pages (or swiping to the next) as quickly as possible to discover just what happens next.
In my truly honest opinion, Andy Peloquin is the most creative writer I’ve read to date, and yes, this includes every other book I’ve ever read in my life. Lament of The Fallen…just do it, but start on book one in the series, Blade of The Destroyer. Oh! And don’t forget my very favorite book of all time by the same author, Child of The Night Guild – a must read, blow your mind kind of story!
Now, I'm on to read book three, Gateway to The Past.
Kudos and congratulations, Andy Peloquin. Great job!
~Have You Heard? Book Blog
November 18, 2017
A powerful tale of one extraordinary man's battle against his demons.
In this second book of the series, the story leads directly on from the ending of book 1, Blade of the Destroyer.
Voramis is in chaos. The two main power groups are no more. The Hunter is the cause.
The Hunter. A man who works alone. An assassin who kills alone, and pays the price alone...or so he thought. Now those he cared for are dead and he blames himself. They were innocents in the battles he fought; not connected to the killings which he carried out. Now he struggles alone, trying to find meaning in his life. Trying desperately to accept the truths he has uncovered about himself; about who and what he is and the demons who are at the heart of his pain. The demons he has now sworn to destroy. His every thought a silent torment, he hates and loathes what he is; part man, part monster.
In this raw, emotional story, the Hunter leaves everything he has known for decades and moves on. He has been given another chance to live his life differently, after the destruction of an old demon. The Hunter desperately wants to change his life for the better, and part of the new life is to find a woman he dreams of and has flashbacks of. A woman who slips in and out of his mind like a silverfish; in broken flashes of both good and bad memories. Who is she? He cannot remember. Why is she important? He doesn't know, she just is. So, heading North he begins his search. But this is not his only purpose. Along the way he tackles demons, and demon hunters, who are hunting him.
As he travels along, he tries very hard not to kill people; it only feeds his rage. Oh, and he tries not to feed his blade, Soulhunger; feeding it will make things worse, for him, and for the whole of Einan. Something evil lurks deep down below Einan and it's gaining strength from his souls taken by Soulhunger blade. Strength enough to release demons back into the world. Demons who plan to kill and destroy everyone, everywhere. The Hunter sets out to change this.
This story is emotionally charged from start to finish. It has oodles of atmosphere, plenty of brilliant action and a fantastically complicated main character. All the characters are an interesting bunch. There are lots of baddies who you expect to be bad, but also some goodies that are baddies underneath. This story is consistently good from start to finish. The plot was good, it drew you in and gripped you tightly. The dialogue was good not riveting but OK. I think there are only so many ways that a demon can say 'kill them' before you run dry of ideas. For that reason I have given this a 4 Star rating.
In this second book of the series, the story leads directly on from the ending of book 1, Blade of the Destroyer.
Voramis is in chaos. The two main power groups are no more. The Hunter is the cause.
The Hunter. A man who works alone. An assassin who kills alone, and pays the price alone...or so he thought. Now those he cared for are dead and he blames himself. They were innocents in the battles he fought; not connected to the killings which he carried out. Now he struggles alone, trying to find meaning in his life. Trying desperately to accept the truths he has uncovered about himself; about who and what he is and the demons who are at the heart of his pain. The demons he has now sworn to destroy. His every thought a silent torment, he hates and loathes what he is; part man, part monster.
In this raw, emotional story, the Hunter leaves everything he has known for decades and moves on. He has been given another chance to live his life differently, after the destruction of an old demon. The Hunter desperately wants to change his life for the better, and part of the new life is to find a woman he dreams of and has flashbacks of. A woman who slips in and out of his mind like a silverfish; in broken flashes of both good and bad memories. Who is she? He cannot remember. Why is she important? He doesn't know, she just is. So, heading North he begins his search. But this is not his only purpose. Along the way he tackles demons, and demon hunters, who are hunting him.
As he travels along, he tries very hard not to kill people; it only feeds his rage. Oh, and he tries not to feed his blade, Soulhunger; feeding it will make things worse, for him, and for the whole of Einan. Something evil lurks deep down below Einan and it's gaining strength from his souls taken by Soulhunger blade. Strength enough to release demons back into the world. Demons who plan to kill and destroy everyone, everywhere. The Hunter sets out to change this.
This story is emotionally charged from start to finish. It has oodles of atmosphere, plenty of brilliant action and a fantastically complicated main character. All the characters are an interesting bunch. There are lots of baddies who you expect to be bad, but also some goodies that are baddies underneath. This story is consistently good from start to finish. The plot was good, it drew you in and gripped you tightly. The dialogue was good not riveting but OK. I think there are only so many ways that a demon can say 'kill them' before you run dry of ideas. For that reason I have given this a 4 Star rating.
May 24, 2019
The second novel in Andy Peloquin’s amazing Hero of Darkness series is a very different type of story than the first. Without giving too much away, the reason for this has a lot to do with The Hunter himself.
While in Darkblade Assassin, The Hunter is portrayed as the dark vigilante guardian of Voramis. He is feared, as an urban legend, uses disguises to infiltrate high society to fulfill his contracts, and when he’s not succumbing to Soul Hunger, the dagger that coerces him to kill bad people, he is protecting the needy of Voramis, who he has adopted as a responsibility and a mission.
Well...in that book, have led to a different central character. With a new internal mission, The Hunter is off to new territory in the city of Malandria, to discover the truth of who he is,unlock more secrets about his abilities, and get his memories back. Once again this leads to new encounters, some which bring about even more of the inherent goodness in the Hunter , others that make him question his own morals, and others still, whose depravity bring out the monster killer of legend to an even greater degree.
At the core, Darkblade Outcast serves as an answer to many of the Hunter’s questions about himself, and many of ours about The Hunter. He is an incredibly complex character on a psychological and emotional level. Between his inner monologues which are at times more abstract and poetically written than in the first volume, and the Venom-esque struggle between his rational mind, his inner demon, and his bloodthirsty dagger, Darkblade Outcast jumps masterfully between the meditative and the intense and action oriented, as the battles bear more weight, and the villains represent shocking answers that offer a whole new meaning for the Hunter as his journey progresses.
Andy Peloquin has written another incredibly powerful story, and this novel begins to weave the massive and ambitious web of interconnecting plots and characters that make up the sprawling world of Einan. As I move on to book three, all I can say is don’t wait on this dark, majestic epic tale by one of the best in Dark Fantasy!
While in Darkblade Assassin, The Hunter is portrayed as the dark vigilante guardian of Voramis. He is feared, as an urban legend, uses disguises to infiltrate high society to fulfill his contracts, and when he’s not succumbing to Soul Hunger, the dagger that coerces him to kill bad people, he is protecting the needy of Voramis, who he has adopted as a responsibility and a mission.
Well...in that book, have led to a different central character. With a new internal mission, The Hunter is off to new territory in the city of Malandria, to discover the truth of who he is,unlock more secrets about his abilities, and get his memories back. Once again this leads to new encounters, some which bring about even more of the inherent goodness in the Hunter , others that make him question his own morals, and others still, whose depravity bring out the monster killer of legend to an even greater degree.
At the core, Darkblade Outcast serves as an answer to many of the Hunter’s questions about himself, and many of ours about The Hunter. He is an incredibly complex character on a psychological and emotional level. Between his inner monologues which are at times more abstract and poetically written than in the first volume, and the Venom-esque struggle between his rational mind, his inner demon, and his bloodthirsty dagger, Darkblade Outcast jumps masterfully between the meditative and the intense and action oriented, as the battles bear more weight, and the villains represent shocking answers that offer a whole new meaning for the Hunter as his journey progresses.
Andy Peloquin has written another incredibly powerful story, and this novel begins to weave the massive and ambitious web of interconnecting plots and characters that make up the sprawling world of Einan. As I move on to book three, all I can say is don’t wait on this dark, majestic epic tale by one of the best in Dark Fantasy!
April 20, 2020
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
In the second instalment of the Hero of Darkness series, the Hunter sets out on a quest to discover the secrets of his own past. Along the way he again faces adversity from those he meets, as well as his own internal struggle with the demons that threaten to consume him.
I really enjoyed reading the second novel in this series. It is more focused on the character of the Hunter and his personal struggles. Delving into his mind, you learn more about his motivations and also how he fights against his own destiny as an assassin. Through the people that he meets on the road, you learn how the Hunter really craves companionship and acceptance although forced to hide the true nature of what he really is for fear of attack or rejection. These fears are often proved founded however there is also hope for him that he can forge some relationships with those open and willing to look beyond and see the man that he truly wants to be.
His internal struggle makes for some compelling reading and you really get a sense of who wants to be. Even in his darkest moments, you can really feel for the man fighting the demon and this invokes an empathy that on a less well developed character you might feel does not deserve it.
The Hunter’s path inevitably leads to conflict and his compassion at the end of the novel fits in well with who he has developed into as a person.The world-building is as rich and vivid as the previous novel, as is the description. The fight scenes are realistic and as brutal as they need to be, contrasting against the Hunter’s reluctance to engage in the violence that he is forced into.
This a really great, character-driven story and I am very much looking forward to finding out the secrets of the Hunter’s past in further novels in this series.
In the second instalment of the Hero of Darkness series, the Hunter sets out on a quest to discover the secrets of his own past. Along the way he again faces adversity from those he meets, as well as his own internal struggle with the demons that threaten to consume him.
I really enjoyed reading the second novel in this series. It is more focused on the character of the Hunter and his personal struggles. Delving into his mind, you learn more about his motivations and also how he fights against his own destiny as an assassin. Through the people that he meets on the road, you learn how the Hunter really craves companionship and acceptance although forced to hide the true nature of what he really is for fear of attack or rejection. These fears are often proved founded however there is also hope for him that he can forge some relationships with those open and willing to look beyond and see the man that he truly wants to be.
His internal struggle makes for some compelling reading and you really get a sense of who wants to be. Even in his darkest moments, you can really feel for the man fighting the demon and this invokes an empathy that on a less well developed character you might feel does not deserve it.
The Hunter’s path inevitably leads to conflict and his compassion at the end of the novel fits in well with who he has developed into as a person.The world-building is as rich and vivid as the previous novel, as is the description. The fight scenes are realistic and as brutal as they need to be, contrasting against the Hunter’s reluctance to engage in the violence that he is forced into.
This a really great, character-driven story and I am very much looking forward to finding out the secrets of the Hunter’s past in further novels in this series.
December 27, 2021
This is what I suppose must be called a "dark fantasy". There is the impending feeling of doom all around it and in it. That said there is also the thread of hope that comes from a protagonist who/that struggles against his or her preordained doom.
I read the first book, liked it and went on to the next. This one while great and holding my interest didn't "stick with me" so well. I had to do some rereading as I got ready for the 3rd in the series. Thus the drop to 4 stars instead of 5. That said however I quickly fell back into the story and "got it all back".
While as is so often the case in the last few years the writer gives us his own take on many traditional fantasy staples that doesn't take away from the book (for example just because he uses the word "demon" you need to follow the story to see what he means by that word). The story here picks up as the last book ended and we follow The Hunter on in his quest. Personally while I'm not a huge fan of overly dark books (I struggle with a certain amount of depression) this book is one I can heartily recommend (and do). As the plot and the character(s) develop we get more drawn in.
So, yes good book I can recommend, enjoy (if "enjoy" is the right word for this somewhat blood soaked dark world).
I read the first book, liked it and went on to the next. This one while great and holding my interest didn't "stick with me" so well. I had to do some rereading as I got ready for the 3rd in the series. Thus the drop to 4 stars instead of 5. That said however I quickly fell back into the story and "got it all back".
While as is so often the case in the last few years the writer gives us his own take on many traditional fantasy staples that doesn't take away from the book (for example just because he uses the word "demon" you need to follow the story to see what he means by that word). The story here picks up as the last book ended and we follow The Hunter on in his quest. Personally while I'm not a huge fan of overly dark books (I struggle with a certain amount of depression) this book is one I can heartily recommend (and do). As the plot and the character(s) develop we get more drawn in.
So, yes good book I can recommend, enjoy (if "enjoy" is the right word for this somewhat blood soaked dark world).
October 13, 2018
Ok, I picked this series up as a random. It was surfing Kindle Unlimited Fantasy and thought it looked worth my time.
It wasn't.
But I plodded on. I kept going, reading Books I-4 in 4 days. I had my kindle read it to me while I work (seamstress work leaves my imagination free).
I ameas going to do separate reviews but, why? I'll take a page from the authors book and just do one review and copy/paste it over and over again.
The author has a solid base story but repeats and recaps everything from whe thoughts of the main character to the series of events, to actual peoples names OVER AND OVER AND OVER again in the same book. Then does it again in each book! This and all of the 4 I read are a repetitive waste of time. I would give it 1 star but it earned a star by being on Kindle Unlimited therefore not something in going to have to ask a refund for.
It wasn't.
But I plodded on. I kept going, reading Books I-4 in 4 days. I had my kindle read it to me while I work (seamstress work leaves my imagination free).
I ameas going to do separate reviews but, why? I'll take a page from the authors book and just do one review and copy/paste it over and over again.
The author has a solid base story but repeats and recaps everything from whe thoughts of the main character to the series of events, to actual peoples names OVER AND OVER AND OVER again in the same book. Then does it again in each book! This and all of the 4 I read are a repetitive waste of time. I would give it 1 star but it earned a star by being on Kindle Unlimited therefore not something in going to have to ask a refund for.
January 18, 2019
Delve deeper into the Hunter's dark world for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat adventure!
Darkblade Outcast was utterly amazing! As in, somebody better make a movie of this because it'll freaking ROCK the box office!!!!! I am a sucker for antiheroes and the Hunter . . . I love his character sooo much that I dressed up as him for Halloween. The world that Peloquin has created is absolutely brilliant!
Heroes of Darkness was actually the first dark fantasy series that I read . . . and OMG, where has this been all my life? The amount of awesomeness packed into these pages????? BAH!!!
If you haven't been swept away into the Heroes of Darkness, drop everything and dive into this heart-pounding adventure if you're looking for a wild ride that'll spark your inner fire and leave you breathless!
Darkblade Outcast was utterly amazing! As in, somebody better make a movie of this because it'll freaking ROCK the box office!!!!! I am a sucker for antiheroes and the Hunter . . . I love his character sooo much that I dressed up as him for Halloween. The world that Peloquin has created is absolutely brilliant!
Heroes of Darkness was actually the first dark fantasy series that I read . . . and OMG, where has this been all my life? The amount of awesomeness packed into these pages????? BAH!!!
If you haven't been swept away into the Heroes of Darkness, drop everything and dive into this heart-pounding adventure if you're looking for a wild ride that'll spark your inner fire and leave you breathless!
December 1, 2019
Sad to say, but I found this one a slog to get through.
There was too much PTSD and self-loathing, and I mean WAY too much; it seemed like most of the book was him fighting with himself. He's The Hunter for F's sake, and a story about someone too stupid to defend himself from his mortal enemies is not what I came for. I found myself rooting for his internal demon as the voice of reason, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen.
Editing and general quality of the writing was good, but not enough to save the experience, and that's what my rating is based on. In fact, those qualities are the only reason this got 3 rather than 2 stars.
Others will of course form their own ideas, and I don't want to totally spike the author's rating. Final analysis is that I'm reluctant to keep reading this series as it's going in a direction that doesn't interest me.
There was too much PTSD and self-loathing, and I mean WAY too much; it seemed like most of the book was him fighting with himself. He's The Hunter for F's sake, and a story about someone too stupid to defend himself from his mortal enemies is not what I came for. I found myself rooting for his internal demon as the voice of reason, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen.
Editing and general quality of the writing was good, but not enough to save the experience, and that's what my rating is based on. In fact, those qualities are the only reason this got 3 rather than 2 stars.
Others will of course form their own ideas, and I don't want to totally spike the author's rating. Final analysis is that I'm reluctant to keep reading this series as it's going in a direction that doesn't interest me.
June 12, 2017
Again five stars worthy!
Fantastic written book!! I actually start to feel very sorry for the Hunter, no one gives him mercy at the end. He fight so hard to find peace, kindness acceptance for what he is, a Demon with a big heart but nothing as death will follow him. He escaped so many times his own death, suffering pain beyond measures, will he find peace? I don't know the answer but I look forward to read more in the third instalment. Fantastic written storyline, great characters with amazing details regarding the surroundings, emotions a must read, you really think you are in the story too!!
Fantastic written book!! I actually start to feel very sorry for the Hunter, no one gives him mercy at the end. He fight so hard to find peace, kindness acceptance for what he is, a Demon with a big heart but nothing as death will follow him. He escaped so many times his own death, suffering pain beyond measures, will he find peace? I don't know the answer but I look forward to read more in the third instalment. Fantastic written storyline, great characters with amazing details regarding the surroundings, emotions a must read, you really think you are in the story too!!
July 27, 2018
Hero of Darkness is a series that reads like a single book, and each of these books was a chapter. That is, immediately after finishing one of the books in the series, the reader feels the need to start the next book.
What does this mean? Simply that it is a masterfully written story, which forces the reader to continue reading to satisfy their curiosity: will the Hunter discover his true name? What means the word Elivari? Who is the mysterious woman who guides him from his memories? and most importantly, will the Hunter defeat his demon and free Einan from the danger that the Destroyer means?
What does this mean? Simply that it is a masterfully written story, which forces the reader to continue reading to satisfy their curiosity: will the Hunter discover his true name? What means the word Elivari? Who is the mysterious woman who guides him from his memories? and most importantly, will the Hunter defeat his demon and free Einan from the danger that the Destroyer means?
August 13, 2019
Overall rating: 5
In the first book the MC Hunter left me feeling bewildered and unsure. Not about the book, mind you, but about Hunter himself. Is he good, bad, etc? Book 2 truly defines his ever questioning self more and the tragedies that follow him just leave me grief stricken. This author truly knows how to bring out a readers emotions. I now find myself both happy and scared at the same time once more with yet another character being introduced to the Hunters protection. I am also anxious to find out more about his hidden past. Happily progressing to book 3. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
In the first book the MC Hunter left me feeling bewildered and unsure. Not about the book, mind you, but about Hunter himself. Is he good, bad, etc? Book 2 truly defines his ever questioning self more and the tragedies that follow him just leave me grief stricken. This author truly knows how to bring out a readers emotions. I now find myself both happy and scared at the same time once more with yet another character being introduced to the Hunters protection. I am also anxious to find out more about his hidden past. Happily progressing to book 3. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
October 19, 2020
Summary: Another very dark book, the main character is not a nice person, the people he interacts with are also generally not nice and the whole premise is grim. Having said that its well written with a plot that moves quickly and lots of action. If you want a romance then go elsewhere! Book 2 carries on in the same vain as the first
Plotline: Fast moving well thought out plot, although very uncertain where this is all going
Premise: Grim. Glad I'm not in this universe
Writing: Very good, the reader is right there in the action
Ending: Plenty more to more I suspect, but yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Fast moving well thought out plot, although very uncertain where this is all going
Premise: Grim. Glad I'm not in this universe
Writing: Very good, the reader is right there in the action
Ending: Plenty more to more I suspect, but yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
July 12, 2019
And the war within rages on. The Hunter is lost and "his life is filled with the crimson glory of death". Hunter is a complex character searching for answers. His internal war is heart wrenching, you'll find yourself wondering why bad things happen to good people or is it good things happen to bad people? Andy takes you on an adventure that places you in the throws of destruction, whether its within the Hunter or the many complex characters he encounters you will be left wanting more! On to the next chapter of the Hunter's journey.
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