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Dreams & Shadows #2
Queen of the Dark Things
Screenwriter and noted film critic C. Robert Cargill continues the story begun in his acclaimed debut Dreams and Shadows in this bold and brilliantly crafted tale involving fairies and humans, magic and monsters—a vivid phantasmagoria that combines the imaginative wonders of Neil Gaiman, the visual inventiveness of Guillermo Del Toro, and the shocking miasma of William S. Burroughs.
Six months have passed since the wizard Colby lost his best friend to an army of fairies from the Limestone Kingdom, a realm of mystery and darkness beyond our own. But in vanquishing these creatures and banning them from Austin, Colby sacrificed the anonymity that protected him. Now, word of his deeds has spread, and powerful enemies from the past—including one Colby considered a friend—have resurfaced to exact their revenge.
As darkness gathers around the city, Colby sifts through his memories desperate to find answers that might save him. With time running out, and few of his old allies and enemies willing to help, he is forced to turn for aid to forces even darker than those he once battled.
Following such masters as Lev Grossman, Erin Morgenstern, Richard Kadrey, and Kim Harrison, C. Robert Cargill takes us deeper into an extraordinary universe of darkness and wonder, despair and hope to reveal the magic and monsters around us . . . and inside us.
Six months have passed since the wizard Colby lost his best friend to an army of fairies from the Limestone Kingdom, a realm of mystery and darkness beyond our own. But in vanquishing these creatures and banning them from Austin, Colby sacrificed the anonymity that protected him. Now, word of his deeds has spread, and powerful enemies from the past—including one Colby considered a friend—have resurfaced to exact their revenge.
As darkness gathers around the city, Colby sifts through his memories desperate to find answers that might save him. With time running out, and few of his old allies and enemies willing to help, he is forced to turn for aid to forces even darker than those he once battled.
Following such masters as Lev Grossman, Erin Morgenstern, Richard Kadrey, and Kim Harrison, C. Robert Cargill takes us deeper into an extraordinary universe of darkness and wonder, despair and hope to reveal the magic and monsters around us . . . and inside us.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2014
123 people are currently reading
2400 people want to read
About the author
C. Robert Cargill
14 books1,294 followersA veteran of the web, C. Robert Cargill wrote as a film critic for over ten years at Ain't it Cool News under the name Massawyrm, served as animated reviewer Carlyle on Spill.com and freelanced for a host of other sites including tenures at Film.com and Hollywood.com. He is the co-writer of the motion picture SINISTER, and lives and works in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 20, 2019
This is the second book about Dreams and Shadows that is (mostly) set in Austin, Texas. After the heartbreaking events at the end of book 1, we are now looking at the devastation 6 months later.
Colby isn't doing so well. Guilt-ridden, he can't get over the fact that despite his best efforts. It doesn't help that he is treated as the villain by almost everybody else.
Into this "relaxed" atmosphere comes a woman seeking his help with a child-stealing ghost. But when Colby gets involved, as is his right according to the pact agreed on in the previous book (and, let's face it: human decency), the city isn't thrilled. And I mean "the city". *lol*
But that is only the beginning and far from the worst. Because there are ominous shadows gathering and suddenly Colby is stalked by demons and even Dukes of Hell and although he doesn't want to be dragged into their mess, he once again doesn't really have a choice (which is why it's so infuriating to read about him getting all the blame).
His past is haunting him now and we therefore get a good look at what happened about 11 years ago when they were in Australia on their trip of Yasher showing young Colby "everything" (I did wonder if in the previous book on purpose because he knew already where he'd take the story - if so, me likey very mucho). Simultaneously, we're also back in the here and now in Austin, where the threat looms large, and Colby races to find a solution that means he and maybe even someone else can survive the upcoming encounter, even if it also means having to cooperate with creatures like Rhiannon (the crone).
Here is irrefutable proof that Cargill is indeed an enchanting author, that the first book wasn't just a fluke. The second volume is quite different - both the actual tale and how it is told - but there is still the same beautifully magical tone to it that lures you in like a siren lures the sailor, there is still breathtaking action that leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout the timelines, there are still incredibly vivid characters that make you cry and rage and laugh uncontrollably.
Such a character, by the way, was Gossamer (the Golden Retriever). But I was also very pleased to have Yasher back, albeit in a smaller role than before. Overall, I think one of the things I liked so much was that all the characters are important, nobody is just background decoration.
And oh, did my heart break yet again! After the beginning of the book, I had actually thought this one might be lighter for some reason, but of course it wasn't. It wouldn't be a proper fairytale if it didn't kill you at least 3 times before breakfast. However, it is remarkable how the author does it. He doesn't just crudely kill someone off for cheap effect, no. That would be unskillful and he definitely isn't that. Instead, he made the very fabric of the story in a clever and cunning way, toying with the readers as Coyote, any of the Clever Men or Austin manipulate people. Sometimes you see it coming but hope against hope, sometimes you are blindsided. But always is it done with craft.
The way the story was told was once again a puzzle, the pieces falling into place one after the other, but the timeline worked a little different than with the mosaic from the first volume and that made for a nice change while keeping it familiar enough.
Moreover, the author has proven twice now just how well he knows different kinds of mythology. In this case, it's mostly Aboriginal mythology. Thus, on top of the creatures we already got to know in Austin and the Limestone Kingdom, we also got Clever Men, crows, kangaroos that are more than just kangaroos, pirates, shadows, bunyips and more here. I seriously adored him stepping through trees with us readers, taking us on the long walk, dreamwalking, and letting us experience this slightly different magical world with its unique set of creatures in such a wonderful way.
I've said it in my review for the first book already and will gladly repeat myself here: Cargill is a master storyteller, who not only is a talented writer but an equally wonderful weaver of tales, creating his very own deep and rich fairytale world that is woven into our modern one. So much so that I hope there will be more books in this series (though chances are slim as this book was released back in 2014 already, but one should never give up hope).
Colby isn't doing so well. Guilt-ridden, he can't get over the fact that despite his best efforts. It doesn't help that he is treated as the villain by almost everybody else.
Into this "relaxed" atmosphere comes a woman seeking his help with a child-stealing ghost. But when Colby gets involved, as is his right according to the pact agreed on in the previous book (and, let's face it: human decency), the city isn't thrilled. And I mean "the city". *lol*
But that is only the beginning and far from the worst. Because there are ominous shadows gathering and suddenly Colby is stalked by demons and even Dukes of Hell and although he doesn't want to be dragged into their mess, he once again doesn't really have a choice (which is why it's so infuriating to read about him getting all the blame).
His past is h
Here is irrefutable proof that Cargill is indeed an enchanting author, that the first book wasn't just a fluke. The second volume is quite different - both the actual tale and how it is told - but there is still the same beautifully magical tone to it that lures you in like a siren lures the sailor, there is still breathtaking action that leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout the timelines, there are still incredibly vivid characters that make you cry and rage and laugh uncontrollably.
Such a character, by the way, was Gossamer (the Golden Retriever). But I was also very pleased to have Yasher back, albeit in a smaller role than before. Overall, I think one of the things I liked so much was that all the characters are important, nobody is just background decoration.
And oh, did my heart break yet again! After the beginning of the book, I had actually thought this one might be lighter for some reason, but of course it wasn't. It wouldn't be a proper fairytale if it didn't kill you at least 3 times before breakfast. However, it is remarkable how the author does it. He doesn't just crudely kill someone off for cheap effect, no. That would be unskillful and he definitely isn't that. Instead, he made the very fabric of the story in a clever and cunning way, toying with the readers as Coyote, any of the Clever Men or Austin manipulate people. Sometimes you see it coming but hope against hope, sometimes you are blindsided. But always is it done with craft.
The way the story was told was once again a puzzle, the pieces falling into place one after the other, but the timeline worked a little different than with the mosaic from the first volume and that made for a nice change while keeping it familiar enough.
Moreover, the author has proven twice now just how well he knows different kinds of mythology. In this case, it's mostly Aboriginal mythology. Thus, on top of the creatures we already got to know in Austin and the Limestone Kingdom, we also got Clever Men, crows, kangaroos that are more than just kangaroos, pirates, shadows, bunyips and more here. I seriously adored him stepping through trees with us readers, taking us on the long walk, dreamwalking, and letting us experience this slightly different magical world with its unique set of creatures in such a wonderful way.
I've said it in my review for the first book already and will gladly repeat myself here: Cargill is a master storyteller, who not only is a talented writer but an equally wonderful weaver of tales, creating his very own deep and rich fairytale world that is woven into our modern one. So much so that I hope there will be more books in this series (though chances are slim as this book was released back in 2014 already, but one should never give up hope).
November 19, 2019
What can I say? I'm a HUGE FAN of Cargill.
The first book in the Dreams & Shadows was freaking brilliant, full of fae and magic, jinn and coyote. All the dark things were front and center. The eating and the eaten. Colby the little kid and Colby the adult was brilliant.
This second book carries Colby along his destiny. Extraordinary magician, keeper of Austin, TX, bane of the fae, drinker of the not quite great hooch. He does what he does for good reasons and yet he's proven himself one of the damned.
I feel for him. Every step of the way, I've felt for him. The wish from his best friend, the jinn, has brought him around the world to see all the magical things in it. He was also given the power to shape reality. This is no small thing.
In this book, we wrap ourselves in the Dreamtime. We hang out in Australia a bit. We get ourselves enmeshed in good friends and horrible choices and demons. Lots and lots of demons. 72 of them. And the best part? Solomon's Ring. :)
This book is SUPER rich with mythology. Like, you can wallow in it, love every magical reference, and sink your teeth into really great plot. And not only that, every character is a fantastic treat. :)
I think of this as a combination Gaiman (as per American Gods), Cat Valente (for her prose poetry) and even a bit of Kevin Hearne thrown in. And not just for his UF, but for the great mythology.
As such, I'm completely head-over-heels in love with it.
Mythopunk. :) Easily, this is gonna be one of my all time favorites.
The first book in the Dreams & Shadows was freaking brilliant, full of fae and magic, jinn and coyote. All the dark things were front and center. The eating and the eaten. Colby the little kid and Colby the adult was brilliant.
This second book carries Colby along his destiny. Extraordinary magician, keeper of Austin, TX, bane of the fae, drinker of the not quite great hooch. He does what he does for good reasons and yet he's proven himself one of the damned.
I feel for him. Every step of the way, I've felt for him. The wish from his best friend, the jinn, has brought him around the world to see all the magical things in it. He was also given the power to shape reality. This is no small thing.
In this book, we wrap ourselves in the Dreamtime. We hang out in Australia a bit. We get ourselves enmeshed in good friends and horrible choices and demons. Lots and lots of demons. 72 of them. And the best part? Solomon's Ring. :)
This book is SUPER rich with mythology. Like, you can wallow in it, love every magical reference, and sink your teeth into really great plot. And not only that, every character is a fantastic treat. :)
I think of this as a combination Gaiman (as per American Gods), Cat Valente (for her prose poetry) and even a bit of Kevin Hearne thrown in. And not just for his UF, but for the great mythology.
As such, I'm completely head-over-heels in love with it.
Mythopunk. :) Easily, this is gonna be one of my all time favorites.
August 11, 2014
This is one of those times when I wish that I myself was an author, so that I could be better with words. I don't know that I can do justice to this amazing novel with my review. Queen of the Dark Things is book 2 in the series, which usually means a disappointing "blah" experience after a promising start in book 1. However, this author manages to top his previous excellence with an even more addicting experience. This is one of those books that I literally COULD NOT PUT DOWN until I reached the end, and then I was almost in tears because it was over. Can't wait until the next one!
The world of this novel is beautifully crafted. It is easy to identify with the characters, fantastical as they might be. Cargill somehow slips this fantastical world of fairies and genies right into the middle of Austin, Texas and makes it seem totally logical. He weaves folklore and mythology skillfully into the story, with plenty of new twists and turns to keep the reader entertained. There is violence, but it's not gratuitous. There is fantasy, but with a gritty sort of realism too. There is suspense, with plenty of plot twists, but somehow it all hangs together with all the loose ends neatly tied up. Cargill is truly a master of words, painting vivid pictures without becoming too wordy or difficult.
I doubt this series will ever achieve the popularity it deserves. It's not going to appeal to the average teenager, and requires a thinking reader. However, the writing style is not difficult. The themes are universal. But the characters are complex and nothing is ever black-and-white. I hope this gem does not stay hidden. I don't think that anyone who gives this book a try will be disappointed.
The world of this novel is beautifully crafted. It is easy to identify with the characters, fantastical as they might be. Cargill somehow slips this fantastical world of fairies and genies right into the middle of Austin, Texas and makes it seem totally logical. He weaves folklore and mythology skillfully into the story, with plenty of new twists and turns to keep the reader entertained. There is violence, but it's not gratuitous. There is fantasy, but with a gritty sort of realism too. There is suspense, with plenty of plot twists, but somehow it all hangs together with all the loose ends neatly tied up. Cargill is truly a master of words, painting vivid pictures without becoming too wordy or difficult.
I doubt this series will ever achieve the popularity it deserves. It's not going to appeal to the average teenager, and requires a thinking reader. However, the writing style is not difficult. The themes are universal. But the characters are complex and nothing is ever black-and-white. I hope this gem does not stay hidden. I don't think that anyone who gives this book a try will be disappointed.
February 17, 2022
Thoughts to come.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Colby and Yashar ffs
I am not ready to say goodbye to Colby and Yashar ffs
November 22, 2022
Cargill wins again with another Colby Stevens adventure, this time set in the Outback. Warm up your didgeridoo and get into this dark tale populated with a talking dog, the 72 Demons of Solomon, the Deus Loci of Austin, Texas and one very special dream walker.
This series is a total winner! It makes me think about our own agency in destiny. I don't know if there will ever be another one, since this last novel was published in 2014. :-(
This series is a total winner! It makes me think about our own agency in destiny. I don't know if there will ever be another one, since this last novel was published in 2014. :-(
November 15, 2015
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Publication Date: May 13th 2014 by Harper Voyager
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“This is how it starts.”
“No. Hopefully this is how it ends.”
Queen of the Dark Things is the followup novel to Dreams and Shadows, a novel chock-full of magic and mystery in an alternate reality in the heart of Austin, Texas. The story picks up right where Shadows left off, with Colby reeling from the battle that occurred and the death of his friend Ewan as the result. He’s reverted back to a solitary life but is forced into action again when a friend from his past surfaces, however they are far from friends now and she poses grave danger to not only Colby himself but the very world.
‘The universe tore open and Hell spilled out, for a brief moment becoming one with the field.’
Being back again in this fantasy world of Cargill’s was fantastic. The world in Queen of the Dark Things is no less intense, no less imaginative and still full of that fanciful horror. We’re given new horrors to witness as well: The Seventy-Two, a group of demons and Fallen Angels one can only hope to never encounter, the Kutji, cursed shadows of the dead that suffered a most violent death, and the Queen of the Dark Things herself. But I’ll let the story explain her.
The story’s narrative is split between a new character named Kaycee Looes, the informative excerpts from the books by Dr. Thaddeus Ray, Ph.D. and of course Colby being the main storyteller. Colby’s strength and confidence was subtle in Dreams and Shadows and he only did what was necessary. In Queen of the Dark Things it seems he’s lost that restraint he had and is getting himself in far more trouble than is otherwise necessary. I believe the loss of Ewan truly broke Colby and his inability to save him changed everything about who he was. His melancholy was subdued but it was clear it did exist and it transformed the story and plot in a way that made it lose some of its magic for me. At this point though, I’ve become highly invested in Colby and am still interested to see his continuing character development. It’s clear there is still much more to Colby’s story and I eagerly await it.
Publication Date: May 13th 2014 by Harper Voyager
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“This is how it starts.”
“No. Hopefully this is how it ends.”
Queen of the Dark Things is the followup novel to Dreams and Shadows, a novel chock-full of magic and mystery in an alternate reality in the heart of Austin, Texas. The story picks up right where Shadows left off, with Colby reeling from the battle that occurred and the death of his friend Ewan as the result. He’s reverted back to a solitary life but is forced into action again when a friend from his past surfaces, however they are far from friends now and she poses grave danger to not only Colby himself but the very world.
‘The universe tore open and Hell spilled out, for a brief moment becoming one with the field.’
Being back again in this fantasy world of Cargill’s was fantastic. The world in Queen of the Dark Things is no less intense, no less imaginative and still full of that fanciful horror. We’re given new horrors to witness as well: The Seventy-Two, a group of demons and Fallen Angels one can only hope to never encounter, the Kutji, cursed shadows of the dead that suffered a most violent death, and the Queen of the Dark Things herself. But I’ll let the story explain her.
The story’s narrative is split between a new character named Kaycee Looes, the informative excerpts from the books by Dr. Thaddeus Ray, Ph.D. and of course Colby being the main storyteller. Colby’s strength and confidence was subtle in Dreams and Shadows and he only did what was necessary. In Queen of the Dark Things it seems he’s lost that restraint he had and is getting himself in far more trouble than is otherwise necessary. I believe the loss of Ewan truly broke Colby and his inability to save him changed everything about who he was. His melancholy was subdued but it was clear it did exist and it transformed the story and plot in a way that made it lose some of its magic for me. At this point though, I’ve become highly invested in Colby and am still interested to see his continuing character development. It’s clear there is still much more to Colby’s story and I eagerly await it.
August 2, 2015
Reality-based fantasy is a rough genre for me. When you have fairies and trolls and wizards and Keeblers operating in real-life places and interacting with "normal" people, the tropes that we accept in more fantasy-based fantasy look less like the fantastic and more like the lazy. Gandalf shows up in Lord of the Rings, casts some Deusicus Exicus Machinacus bullshit, and we just nod and turn the page, because the whole POINT of fantasy is that anything can happen. It's fantastic!
But in order to have that shit fly in reality-based, modern-day fantasy, one of two things has to be firmly in place. Either the rules of the universe have to be clearly established and unbreakable, or the writer has to be so goddamn good that you'll accept anything he dishes out.
C. Robert Cargill is that goddamn good. In lesser hands, I probably would have rolled my eyes so hard that I'd turn dyslexic every time some dipshit rules about demons were discussed and then subsequently broken. Instead, I happily buckled in, enjoyed the ride and forgot that Neil Gaiman ever existed. Cargill somehow makes dumbfuck fantasy gobbledygook seem real, with real stakes. And he does it in a story that has GENIES in it. The man's a magician.
But in order to have that shit fly in reality-based, modern-day fantasy, one of two things has to be firmly in place. Either the rules of the universe have to be clearly established and unbreakable, or the writer has to be so goddamn good that you'll accept anything he dishes out.
C. Robert Cargill is that goddamn good. In lesser hands, I probably would have rolled my eyes so hard that I'd turn dyslexic every time some dipshit rules about demons were discussed and then subsequently broken. Instead, I happily buckled in, enjoyed the ride and forgot that Neil Gaiman ever existed. Cargill somehow makes dumbfuck fantasy gobbledygook seem real, with real stakes. And he does it in a story that has GENIES in it. The man's a magician.
October 16, 2017
I'll admit, this series holds a special little place in my heart. Is it the most prosaic of all fantasy books? No. Does it have the largest and most complex world? Nope. But are the characters well-developed and do they resonate emotionally? Oh, yes. Colby Stevens is one of my favourite tragic heroes for the simple reason that he believes he is doing the right thing. But in the world he's made himself part of, the right thing is not anything what he's trying to do.
I wrote a fairly complete review on the first books, Dreams and Shadows, on my blog last year (shameless plug: jillymcbean.wordpress.com) and I am thoroughly in love with the series. It only gets darker the further you get in with each book, but once you get to the end, there's an almost visible beam of light and hope that I could just feel myself breathe again. Goddammit, Mr. Cargill.
Urban fantasy seems to be my own personal jam right now; Charles De Lint and Neil Gaiman, in particular. It's a fairly new genre, but Cargill's emotionally deep story is definitely one fans of the genre should get into. The Queen of Dark Things (the character) is powerfully tragic, highly motivated and continually heartbreaking. Colby actually has a few moments of light and joy in this book, which made me extremely happy. Bad luck and bad outcomes just plague this guy and I think (if Yashar, his djinn friend, and Gossamer, his talking dog) weren't there the book would assuredly have been much shorter and far less interesting.
As it is, I would heartily and cheerfully recommend this book to fans of the first book and, though it isn't as fresh-feeling as the first, is nonetheless worth picking up and falling into that deep action-packed world. There better be a book three.
I wrote a fairly complete review on the first books, Dreams and Shadows, on my blog last year (shameless plug: jillymcbean.wordpress.com) and I am thoroughly in love with the series. It only gets darker the further you get in with each book, but once you get to the end, there's an almost visible beam of light and hope that I could just feel myself breathe again. Goddammit, Mr. Cargill.
Urban fantasy seems to be my own personal jam right now; Charles De Lint and Neil Gaiman, in particular. It's a fairly new genre, but Cargill's emotionally deep story is definitely one fans of the genre should get into. The Queen of Dark Things (the character) is powerfully tragic, highly motivated and continually heartbreaking. Colby actually has a few moments of light and joy in this book, which made me extremely happy. Bad luck and bad outcomes just plague this guy and I think (if Yashar, his djinn friend, and Gossamer, his talking dog) weren't there the book would assuredly have been much shorter and far less interesting.
As it is, I would heartily and cheerfully recommend this book to fans of the first book and, though it isn't as fresh-feeling as the first, is nonetheless worth picking up and falling into that deep action-packed world. There better be a book three.
September 11, 2015
This book isn't as great as the first book of the series Dreams and Shadows but I like how it takes on faerie lore, myths and supernatural creatures. The author, Mr. Cargill really did build a world full of imagination whilst basing his world upon ancient folklore and myths.
Most of the characters are doing great, really; although by the middle of the book the story starts to get a bit dragged and losing a bit of its focus--too many sub-plots, too many supernatural creatures showing up, too many schemes, too many players in the game, I guess? Still I'm eagerly waiting for Mr. Cargill's new works.
Most of the characters are doing great, really; although by the middle of the book the story starts to get a bit dragged and losing a bit of its focus--too many sub-plots, too many supernatural creatures showing up, too many schemes, too many players in the game, I guess? Still I'm eagerly waiting for Mr. Cargill's new works.
September 28, 2014
While Dreams and Shadows was not a particularly good book, it was at least entertaining, a fun read. Queen of the Dark Things has a weaker plot, and about fifty percent of the text revolves around conversations that go in circles, with witty (and not so witty...) back and forths that provide little key information and even less pleasure. The dialogue is simply overinflated and weak. How many bar scenes with demons and other supernatural creatures do we need? Why does this magical world feel suspiciously like a frat house? And yet certain chapters are dark and well-written, deeply disturbing. I’m especially thinking of the more realistic scenes: the opening executions, Kaycee’s sad life, etc. The so-called terrifying demons, the Seventy-Two, are too ridiculous and over the top to produce any true feeling in the reader, other than annoyance. Real life sounds more frightful than the spawns of Hell, and in a fantasy book that indicates a big problem. This book needed editing and guidance in order to highlight the good and banish the bad.
August 31, 2014
I loved the first book and this follow up definitely lived up to it. Cargill has a dark dark imagination. He has built a world filled with magical creatures and demons full of not just a well thought out mythology but a science system of sorts and sll this sitting alongside our own world. The evilness flowing through this world alongside an extremely interesting main character, Colby Stephens , coming together in a fantasticaly well planned plot results in a brilliant book. The new demons appearing in this book are a great addition and the extra depth to Colbys background fleshes out the character well.
This is shaping into a great series
This is shaping into a great series
August 28, 2018
This was the 2nd book. Not sure if there’s to be another. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it as much as the first when I started reading , but this author really is a magician. The way everything gets introduced and wound together, only to be sling- shorted loose the last 150 pages or so. Completely brilliant. Loved it.
May 8, 2019
The sequel to DREAMS AND SHADOWS, this follows Colby as he engages with a young Dreamwalker in an otherworldly Australia. While not quite as good as the first book, it kept me interested.
May 27, 2021
In the first book, Dreams and Shadows, a young Colby wishes himself into a world of the supernatural and magic and causes a showdown against the fairy realm. In Queen of the Dark Things, Colby must face the consequences of another choice he made as a child when he did not save a young dreamwalking girl Kaycee. This time he is facing off against demons in addition to his past.
This was one of the rare sequels I liked better than the first novel. Parts of the story were predictable but the story was still engaging. While everything was tied up cleanly at the end, I hope there are further novels in this series.
This was one of the rare sequels I liked better than the first novel. Parts of the story were predictable but the story was still engaging. While everything was tied up cleanly at the end, I hope there are further novels in this series.
April 24, 2024
So much and/ or too much, sometimes really annoyingly drawn out yet overall a good story of devils, angels, demons, darkness, bats, dog, friends, enemies and some suspense.
First half is semi to really painful and gets better.
First half is semi to really painful and gets better.
October 3, 2017
Brilliant - just brilliant. This is largely a placeholder review (which I will forget to ever change, so y'know, just read the first three words again.)
May 29, 2014
So I want to preface this: I know C. Robert Cargill personally, I've worked with his wife on photo projects and I was a part of Spill.com (I was a member of the League of Extremely Ordinary Gentlemen) and he does a podcast with a good friend of mine. So I'm not exactly unbiased here.
Plus: I live in Austin. I love seeing my town in fiction. Especially when the author captures the magic of it.
All that out of the way: this was kind of a mixed bag for me. Cargill is good at creating plots and characters - he's an experienced screenwriter, after all - but the plot and pacing felt a bit off to me. Much like with Dreams and Shadows, there are some decided differences in tone and style. Unlike Dreams and Shadows where there's a very notable shift midway through the books, the tone varies from chapter to chapter, depending on if it's occurring in flashback or in the present. The flashback chapters - focusing on Colby's training with Clever Fellas in the Australian outback - are where Cargill wears his Gaiman influences on his sleeves (although he'll vehemently deny it...) while the modern day chapters feel less poetic and... blunter, for lack of a better term.
There are also points where you are given excerpts from various in-universe books explaining key concepts like the shadow-creatures that propel the plot forward or the myth of the 72 demons bound by Solomon into a brass vial that become key to the series. While these do a good job of expanding the universe, their seemingly haphazard inclusion breaks up the narrative flow in ways that can be pretty jarring and detracts from the book. A more rhythmic and even pattern might've made things flow better.
That being said, Cargill deftly illustrates much of why we Austinites love our home town; the magic of the city, the attitude of the locals, the secret knowledge that you only really become privy to once you've been here long enough... that alone is enough to make me more predisposed to like it.
Although it's a bit groan-worthy when Colby literally has sex with the city.
It makes sense in context.
Anyway. Good book, although still a bit clunky in parts. Cargill's clearly starting to get his authorial sea-legs and I'm looking forward to more from him.
Plus: I live in Austin. I love seeing my town in fiction. Especially when the author captures the magic of it.
All that out of the way: this was kind of a mixed bag for me. Cargill is good at creating plots and characters - he's an experienced screenwriter, after all - but the plot and pacing felt a bit off to me. Much like with Dreams and Shadows, there are some decided differences in tone and style. Unlike Dreams and Shadows where there's a very notable shift midway through the books, the tone varies from chapter to chapter, depending on if it's occurring in flashback or in the present. The flashback chapters - focusing on Colby's training with Clever Fellas in the Australian outback - are where Cargill wears his Gaiman influences on his sleeves (although he'll vehemently deny it...) while the modern day chapters feel less poetic and... blunter, for lack of a better term.
There are also points where you are given excerpts from various in-universe books explaining key concepts like the shadow-creatures that propel the plot forward or the myth of the 72 demons bound by Solomon into a brass vial that become key to the series. While these do a good job of expanding the universe, their seemingly haphazard inclusion breaks up the narrative flow in ways that can be pretty jarring and detracts from the book. A more rhythmic and even pattern might've made things flow better.
That being said, Cargill deftly illustrates much of why we Austinites love our home town; the magic of the city, the attitude of the locals, the secret knowledge that you only really become privy to once you've been here long enough... that alone is enough to make me more predisposed to like it.
Although it's a bit groan-worthy when Colby literally has sex with the city.
It makes sense in context.
Anyway. Good book, although still a bit clunky in parts. Cargill's clearly starting to get his authorial sea-legs and I'm looking forward to more from him.
August 14, 2016
There are writers who make you look at the world a little differently, but there are vey few who actually help you see the world as a different place
after reading their stories. Colors are somehow brighter and the light falls a little bit differently. I once came across the question where does the light from dreams come from and now I know it's from writers like C. Robert Cargill. They see the light and then they write about it making it a little bit brighter every time. Like his character Colby Steven's he can see behind the veil of things and he offers readers a peek. I don't mean to rush him or anything, but I can't wait to see what comes next, whether it's a continuation of Colby's story or something entirely new. Every time I read his stories it's an entirely fun ride. Not because he's writing fairy tales or fantasy stories, but because of the way he crafts his stories. His words carry the story along like any good Clever Man and as much as I try and take my time with it I end up finishing the story before I'm ready to leave. I know I'll be keeping an eye out for his work for a very long time.
after reading their stories. Colors are somehow brighter and the light falls a little bit differently. I once came across the question where does the light from dreams come from and now I know it's from writers like C. Robert Cargill. They see the light and then they write about it making it a little bit brighter every time. Like his character Colby Steven's he can see behind the veil of things and he offers readers a peek. I don't mean to rush him or anything, but I can't wait to see what comes next, whether it's a continuation of Colby's story or something entirely new. Every time I read his stories it's an entirely fun ride. Not because he's writing fairy tales or fantasy stories, but because of the way he crafts his stories. His words carry the story along like any good Clever Man and as much as I try and take my time with it I end up finishing the story before I'm ready to leave. I know I'll be keeping an eye out for his work for a very long time.
November 29, 2021
Ok I have decided C. Robert Cargill is just not for me.
The few things I really liked about the first book (that made up for all the things that made me very uncomfortable and hate the first book) are just literally not here for this one and I don't really understand why that happened.
While the first book had a lot of things wrong with it, what I did like was the inclusion of fae and how magic worked within the story. The first book was full of information about all different magical creatures and the Limestone Kingdom was one of the most interesting parts of the book... which in this book might as well not exist. At the end of the first book Colby bans all fae folk from Austin and at the start of this book there is hints at the sort of tension that's caused, there's a short scene* of fae children daring each other to cross over the border into Austin and Colby is made out to be the sort of boogeyman of the Limestone Kingdom, which I thought was a really cool premise for how this book was going to go. In my head it made sense that the story would follow on with that premise, we'd probably see some sort of situation where Colby and the Limestone Kingdom needed each other and it's how they'd figure that whole mess out... but other than that first part the Limestone Kingdom has no relevance to the rest of the story. In fact, most of the first book has no real relevance to the rest of the story.
*I think this scene is at the start of this book, it could also be at the end of the last one, I can't fully remember because I read them back to back but regardless the point still stands.
To put it really simply, fae folk are swapped out for demons and they're meant to be terrifying and pose a real threat but they're actually either really boring or the most exiciting thing about the book (depending on which demons Colby is interacting with). Nothing about this second book feels like the first book in any way and so much of it just feels thrown together for no real purpose. We get a lot of flashbacks to Colby when he's 11 and he's suddenly learning magic in Australia from a Cleverman (even though this was never mentioned in the first book at all, seriously I don't think there is even any hint to him going to Austalia let alone mastering his magic for years over there) which is how he originally met Kaycee (the Queen of Dark Things) and basically caused a whole other mess somewhere else.
The plot was just lackluster. A lot of build up but nothing ever really happened. There's a lot of just Colby going between demons, asking them for favours, gearing up to take down the Queen of Dark Things - which in itself is really pointless. There just isn't a point to any of it, the whole book is about Kaycee coming to get Colby with this shadow army to force him to do something he would've always done willingly had she just shown up and asked... which is basically how it plays out. There is a whole build up of this battle to come, how there is no choice but for one of them to die, how it was their destinies for them both to be damned and in the end Colby just fixes the problem in less than two pages and it's all over. Don't even get me started on the fact that all of this could've been avoided in the first place if Mandu didn't decide it was the destiny of these two children to go through all this awful shit in the first place, to become these people they 'had' to become, simply because it was the future he thought he saw.
And once again in this book there is an oversexualisation of female characters. I think I was about 40 pages in when this crap started again. It's just so boring to read, honestly. Cargill has a habit of taking these really brilliant, interesting ideas for female characters and then spends the majority of the time we see them reminding us that they're really attractive and that's about it. We have Austin, who is basically a minor God and can manipulate the entire city is she wishes, but all we really hear about her is how Colby has a really big crush on her because she's blonde and gorgeous and dresses like a cowgirl. It's a complete waste of a really cool concept. Even Kaycee, who is 11 through the entire book, her whole story is that it's her destiny to leave her body behind (which she doesn't like because she has a cleft lip and a club foot) and live in a constant dream where she's altered her appearance to be older and prettier. She is literally referred to as 'the pretty little girl in the purple pyjamas' more than anything else, more than we even hear her name, but that is only when she's dreamwalking and therefore altered her appearance to be more of what she wants it to be. The frustrating thing about it is young girls do, unfortunately, start to have negative feelings about their appearance very young and it would have been a great opportunity for the book to address that and have Kaycee work towards some sort of self-worth where she accepts who she is and is valued regardless of what she looks like... instead Kaycee's real body is severely injured fairly early on and is then hooked up to life support for almost a decade and only brought back into the story later to be destroyed (literally wiped from existence) so Kaycee can live as a dreamwalker forever.
I just didn't like it. The plot wasn't great, the first book had no real relevance in this one at all, the 'romance' was thrown in there pointlessly between two characters with no chemistry and once again Cargill doesn't know how to write women (there's actually only four female characters in the book that I can think of, only two of which make regular appearances, none who are written well). The two stars I gave this book are for Yashar, Gossamer, Bill the Shadow and the Bunyip because they're the only interesting things about the story.
The few things I really liked about the first book (that made up for all the things that made me very uncomfortable and hate the first book) are just literally not here for this one and I don't really understand why that happened.
While the first book had a lot of things wrong with it, what I did like was the inclusion of fae and how magic worked within the story. The first book was full of information about all different magical creatures and the Limestone Kingdom was one of the most interesting parts of the book... which in this book might as well not exist. At the end of the first book Colby bans all fae folk from Austin and at the start of this book there is hints at the sort of tension that's caused, there's a short scene* of fae children daring each other to cross over the border into Austin and Colby is made out to be the sort of boogeyman of the Limestone Kingdom, which I thought was a really cool premise for how this book was going to go. In my head it made sense that the story would follow on with that premise, we'd probably see some sort of situation where Colby and the Limestone Kingdom needed each other and it's how they'd figure that whole mess out... but other than that first part the Limestone Kingdom has no relevance to the rest of the story. In fact, most of the first book has no real relevance to the rest of the story.
*I think this scene is at the start of this book, it could also be at the end of the last one, I can't fully remember because I read them back to back but regardless the point still stands.
To put it really simply, fae folk are swapped out for demons and they're meant to be terrifying and pose a real threat but they're actually either really boring or the most exiciting thing about the book (depending on which demons Colby is interacting with). Nothing about this second book feels like the first book in any way and so much of it just feels thrown together for no real purpose. We get a lot of flashbacks to Colby when he's 11 and he's suddenly learning magic in Australia from a Cleverman (even though this was never mentioned in the first book at all, seriously I don't think there is even any hint to him going to Austalia let alone mastering his magic for years over there) which is how he originally met Kaycee (the Queen of Dark Things) and basically caused a whole other mess somewhere else.
The plot was just lackluster. A lot of build up but nothing ever really happened. There's a lot of just Colby going between demons, asking them for favours, gearing up to take down the Queen of Dark Things - which in itself is really pointless. There just isn't a point to any of it, the whole book is about Kaycee coming to get Colby with this shadow army to force him to do something he would've always done willingly had she just shown up and asked... which is basically how it plays out. There is a whole build up of this battle to come, how there is no choice but for one of them to die, how it was their destinies for them both to be damned and in the end Colby just fixes the problem in less than two pages and it's all over. Don't even get me started on the fact that all of this could've been avoided in the first place if Mandu didn't decide it was the destiny of these two children to go through all this awful shit in the first place, to become these people they 'had' to become, simply because it was the future he thought he saw.
And once again in this book there is an oversexualisation of female characters. I think I was about 40 pages in when this crap started again. It's just so boring to read, honestly. Cargill has a habit of taking these really brilliant, interesting ideas for female characters and then spends the majority of the time we see them reminding us that they're really attractive and that's about it. We have Austin, who is basically a minor God and can manipulate the entire city is she wishes, but all we really hear about her is how Colby has a really big crush on her because she's blonde and gorgeous and dresses like a cowgirl. It's a complete waste of a really cool concept. Even Kaycee, who is 11 through the entire book, her whole story is that it's her destiny to leave her body behind (which she doesn't like because she has a cleft lip and a club foot) and live in a constant dream where she's altered her appearance to be older and prettier. She is literally referred to as 'the pretty little girl in the purple pyjamas' more than anything else, more than we even hear her name, but that is only when she's dreamwalking and therefore altered her appearance to be more of what she wants it to be. The frustrating thing about it is young girls do, unfortunately, start to have negative feelings about their appearance very young and it would have been a great opportunity for the book to address that and have Kaycee work towards some sort of self-worth where she accepts who she is and is valued regardless of what she looks like... instead Kaycee's real body is severely injured fairly early on and is then hooked up to life support for almost a decade and only brought back into the story later to be destroyed (literally wiped from existence) so Kaycee can live as a dreamwalker forever.
I just didn't like it. The plot wasn't great, the first book had no real relevance in this one at all, the 'romance' was thrown in there pointlessly between two characters with no chemistry and once again Cargill doesn't know how to write women (there's actually only four female characters in the book that I can think of, only two of which make regular appearances, none who are written well). The two stars I gave this book are for Yashar, Gossamer, Bill the Shadow and the Bunyip because they're the only interesting things about the story.
June 23, 2014
The end of the first book Dreams and Shadows left me in a fury. I needed to know what was going to happen with Colby after the loss of his best friend, Ewan, but I had to wait a whole year to find out, however this one gave me everything I wanted and more. We find the wizard Colby wallowing in guilt, we meet the avatar for the city of Austin and a young Australian girl caught in the web of demons and blaming Colby for putting her there. It will take all of Colby’s wizard skills and a ton of tricky tact and diplomacy to make a bargain with demons and djinn that will see him live through this. The ending is masterfully contrived to tie up every loose end and the big question is – can Coyote be trusted? Read it and find out.
Read
February 2, 2016Could read it stand-alone, but lots of references to the events of Dreams and Shadows. If you liked Dreams and Shadows, you'll probably like this one as well. Some of the plot didn't make a lot of sense to me, but learning a bit of Australian mythology/folklore made it a worthwhile read
September 8, 2023
In the 1990s, Steve Jackson Games published a fantasy roleplaying game called In Nomine. It was actually a licensed version of a French RPG, but SJG made it its own, a fablepunk RPG about angels and demons and rock and roll, which (as one of many misguided decisions) they decided to set largely in Austin, Texas, since SJG is located there. In Nomine was cool and charming for its time, but it was very much of its era.
Reading Dreams and Shadows and its sequel, Queen of the Dark Things, I feel like C. Robert Cargill must have played an In Nomine game or two.
These two books contain angels, demons, ghosts, monsters, ethereal spirits, faeries, wizards, djinn, genius loci like the flirty hot-girl living manifestation of the city of Austin, Texas, and all sorts of other supernatural creatures thrown into an urban fantasy blender, and while it's a big monster mash, it works way better than most such settings. I am especially looking at you, Harry Dresden.
Colby Stevens is a wizard. He's very, very powerful and kind of a dork, hapless with women, yet he goes toe-to-toe with immortal djinn, dukes of hell, and the Wild Hunt and he usually wins. Kind of.
Queen of the Dark Things is somewhat episodic, despite having a single story arc that runs throughout. I think this reflects Cargill's background as a screenwriter. It starts with a ghost story and an ancient curse in the 17th century. Then there are several encounters in Austin, some involving Colby and some not. Then we get flashbacks, which become increasingly important as we learn about the Queen of the Dark Things... who, it turns out, was once a little girl Colby met in Australia, back when he and his djinn buddy/patron Yasher were still traveling the world teaching Colby all the secrets of the supernatural world.
I think a comparison to Harry Dresden is apt. Colby Stevens is also a scruffy, angsty, dark-and-tortured bad-ass wizard who despite being clever and powerful enough to scare demon lords, is constantly being threatened by scrubs, and can't get laid to save his life. He has a bantering relationship with djinn, revenants, demons, faeries, his golden retriever formerly-a-redcap familiar, and of course Austin. Who despite being literally a city and thus practically a god, inexplicably has feelings for Colby.
Cargill is a better writer than Jim Butcher. They both do a lot of worldbuilding with a kitchen-sink approach to fantasy. Cargill is clearly a much slower writer than Butcher. (Supposedly there is a third book in this series, which supposedly was going to come out in 2016.... oh well.)
So this is a book for urban fantasy fans, for Harry Dresden fans, for In Nomine fans, who don't mind a book that's kind of a messy installment in an ongoing series and which might never have a sequel.
Reading Dreams and Shadows and its sequel, Queen of the Dark Things, I feel like C. Robert Cargill must have played an In Nomine game or two.
These two books contain angels, demons, ghosts, monsters, ethereal spirits, faeries, wizards, djinn, genius loci like the flirty hot-girl living manifestation of the city of Austin, Texas, and all sorts of other supernatural creatures thrown into an urban fantasy blender, and while it's a big monster mash, it works way better than most such settings. I am especially looking at you, Harry Dresden.
Colby Stevens is a wizard. He's very, very powerful and kind of a dork, hapless with women, yet he goes toe-to-toe with immortal djinn, dukes of hell, and the Wild Hunt and he usually wins. Kind of.
Queen of the Dark Things is somewhat episodic, despite having a single story arc that runs throughout. I think this reflects Cargill's background as a screenwriter. It starts with a ghost story and an ancient curse in the 17th century. Then there are several encounters in Austin, some involving Colby and some not. Then we get flashbacks, which become increasingly important as we learn about the Queen of the Dark Things... who, it turns out, was once a little girl Colby met in Australia, back when he and his djinn buddy/patron Yasher were still traveling the world teaching Colby all the secrets of the supernatural world.
I think a comparison to Harry Dresden is apt. Colby Stevens is also a scruffy, angsty, dark-and-tortured bad-ass wizard who despite being clever and powerful enough to scare demon lords, is constantly being threatened by scrubs, and can't get laid to save his life. He has a bantering relationship with djinn, revenants, demons, faeries, his golden retriever formerly-a-redcap familiar, and of course Austin. Who despite being literally a city and thus practically a god, inexplicably has feelings for Colby.
Cargill is a better writer than Jim Butcher. They both do a lot of worldbuilding with a kitchen-sink approach to fantasy. Cargill is clearly a much slower writer than Butcher. (Supposedly there is a third book in this series, which supposedly was going to come out in 2016.... oh well.)
So this is a book for urban fantasy fans, for Harry Dresden fans, for In Nomine fans, who don't mind a book that's kind of a messy installment in an ongoing series and which might never have a sequel.
February 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this, which was a bit of a surprise, to be honest. I read and enjoyed CRC's Sea of Rust, which was a well-paced and occasionally thought-provoking action thriller in science fiction garb, so chanced my arm with this. I only realised afterwards that this is actually a sequel to the author's very first novel, but it stood on its own two feet very capably.
Fantasy written in a present-day setting is not normally my thing, as it has to utilise the invisible and dream worlds to skirt around the lack of the obvious. Fantasy involving demons and angels is DEFINITELY not my thing. The horror of Dan Brown's putrid prose put me off that genre for life. Thankfully, the start of this book was sufficiently obscure and interesting to grab my attention before the devils started waving their forked tails.
The book is set predominantly in the present day but also to a lesser extent in the near past, yet begins in the 1600s. These separate timelines aren't immediately apparent, but the author doesn't fall into the trap of using too many timelines and introducing too many characters, which usually just adds confusion and dilutes interest. We mostly stick with our small set of protagonists, allowing them to be engagingly fleshed-out. I like strong characters. I also very much liked the use of aboriginal mythology as its fantastical grounding, rather than the usual Christian, Norse or Hellenistic (no offence intended to any believers in any of the above). It was novel - to me, at least - and pitched perfectly; detailed enough to be interesting, yet not so heavy as to feel like a text book.
So far, so three-point-five-star. What elevated this book above the norm was its excellent pacing and use of language. Taking the latter first, crude prose makes my blood boil, and no amount of fascinating material can offset poor writing. No strangled sentences here. As for the former, the pacing was wonderful. Tedious plodding towards a rushed finale? No - each chapter served to reveal and entice in equal measure, adding impetus yet tempering the urge to rush ahead by gently shedding light on previous material, requiring pause to consider. By the book's final chapters all loose ends had been effortlessly tied.
In short - excellent. I look forward to the next.
Fantasy written in a present-day setting is not normally my thing, as it has to utilise the invisible and dream worlds to skirt around the lack of the obvious. Fantasy involving demons and angels is DEFINITELY not my thing. The horror of Dan Brown's putrid prose put me off that genre for life. Thankfully, the start of this book was sufficiently obscure and interesting to grab my attention before the devils started waving their forked tails.
The book is set predominantly in the present day but also to a lesser extent in the near past, yet begins in the 1600s. These separate timelines aren't immediately apparent, but the author doesn't fall into the trap of using too many timelines and introducing too many characters, which usually just adds confusion and dilutes interest. We mostly stick with our small set of protagonists, allowing them to be engagingly fleshed-out. I like strong characters. I also very much liked the use of aboriginal mythology as its fantastical grounding, rather than the usual Christian, Norse or Hellenistic (no offence intended to any believers in any of the above). It was novel - to me, at least - and pitched perfectly; detailed enough to be interesting, yet not so heavy as to feel like a text book.
So far, so three-point-five-star. What elevated this book above the norm was its excellent pacing and use of language. Taking the latter first, crude prose makes my blood boil, and no amount of fascinating material can offset poor writing. No strangled sentences here. As for the former, the pacing was wonderful. Tedious plodding towards a rushed finale? No - each chapter served to reveal and entice in equal measure, adding impetus yet tempering the urge to rush ahead by gently shedding light on previous material, requiring pause to consider. By the book's final chapters all loose ends had been effortlessly tied.
In short - excellent. I look forward to the next.
January 22, 2018
After reading his debut novel, ‘Dreams and Shadows’, I was very eager to jump back into the mystical world created by C. Robert Cargill. This sequel is perhaps not as strong as the previous entry but it does make up for it with its ambition.
Once again we follow Colby Stevens as he navigates the dangerous world of magic and monsters that hides in plain site in Austin, Texas. We also get to see one of Colby’s adventures he had with Djinn, Yashar when he was a child, taking him to Australia where we learn about the creatures there and how the magic introduced in the first book is used differently in the outback. We also slightly follow Kaycee Looes, a young Australian girl who discovers the supernatural world due to her ability of leaving her body when she dreams.
What makes this book interesting isn’t just the new creatures and magical concepts that the new location introduces but also with the demons that Colby encounters. These demons want something from Colby and it links back to the events that took place in Australia years ago. The seventy two demons also offer a look into the larger parts of the supernatural world that the ones we’re already familiar with are afraid of, things which I feel were merely hinted at in the previous book.
The biggest problem I have with ‘Queen of the Dark Things’ is the pacing. We begin with Colby in the modern day where he is still mentally recovering from the events of ‘Dreams and Shadows’ and is being drawn into a bigger conflict, we are then dragged away from that in what feels like a very large flashback to the events of young Colby in Australia. The flashback sequence is important to the story, it very much is needed and I think the story would suffer without it but it really slows down the book for me and takes you out of the mid point of the story to drop you into a new one, even if they do link back together. The final act really regains momentum as Colby works with the bizarre supernatural spirits to stop the oncoming threat.
Despite my pacing issues with this book, I still applaud it as a fantastic piece of urban fantasy and I look forward to Cargill’s next instalment of this series.
Once again we follow Colby Stevens as he navigates the dangerous world of magic and monsters that hides in plain site in Austin, Texas. We also get to see one of Colby’s adventures he had with Djinn, Yashar when he was a child, taking him to Australia where we learn about the creatures there and how the magic introduced in the first book is used differently in the outback. We also slightly follow Kaycee Looes, a young Australian girl who discovers the supernatural world due to her ability of leaving her body when she dreams.
What makes this book interesting isn’t just the new creatures and magical concepts that the new location introduces but also with the demons that Colby encounters. These demons want something from Colby and it links back to the events that took place in Australia years ago. The seventy two demons also offer a look into the larger parts of the supernatural world that the ones we’re already familiar with are afraid of, things which I feel were merely hinted at in the previous book.
The biggest problem I have with ‘Queen of the Dark Things’ is the pacing. We begin with Colby in the modern day where he is still mentally recovering from the events of ‘Dreams and Shadows’ and is being drawn into a bigger conflict, we are then dragged away from that in what feels like a very large flashback to the events of young Colby in Australia. The flashback sequence is important to the story, it very much is needed and I think the story would suffer without it but it really slows down the book for me and takes you out of the mid point of the story to drop you into a new one, even if they do link back together. The final act really regains momentum as Colby works with the bizarre supernatural spirits to stop the oncoming threat.
Despite my pacing issues with this book, I still applaud it as a fantastic piece of urban fantasy and I look forward to Cargill’s next instalment of this series.
March 12, 2018
It's funny that on my review of the first book, Dreams & Shadows, my main complaint was that there was a flash-forward and we missed out on the early years of Colby as a young wizard. Well, we get plenty of that in this book.
Well, what insight we get of a young Colby is mainly via flashbacks, but it was enough to give us a background as to what kind of things shaped Colby into the adult that he is for the majority of the two books. But, that's not the point of the book, though.
This book starts of with the legendary "La Llorona" of Texas-Mexican fame. Actually, the legend of La Llorona is of Mexican origin, but the legend is well known throughout Texas that it has been adopted as a local legend in the state.
After Colby's encounter with La Llorona, we find Colby encountering an entity that goes by "Austin". The Limestone Kingdom is still there and Colby fashions himself to be the savior of the city of Austin from any ill intentioned characters from the Limestone Kingdom. However, Colby is unaware that he is not the most powerful person in the area and his actions put him on notice.
This book, however, has Colby facing old faces. He once again has to face the consequences of past actions and we get to see exactly what actions he took that created the consequences he is forced to face.
We are taken back to when Colby was younger and a trip to Australia that he made. He is put into the care of the "Clever Man" and what was supposed to be a pleasurable trip turns into a series of disasters where he is forced, or manipulated, to take action. Those actions lead to him facing the dreaded 72 Demons and a familiar friend turned foe.
There is so much more happening in this book that opens up the world that Cargill has created. In particular, I love what he has done with Australia. I love how Australia is created to be the oldest region in the world and is home to some of the strongest and strangest magic.
This was a book I enjoyed through and through and I can't wait for the follow up.
Well, what insight we get of a young Colby is mainly via flashbacks, but it was enough to give us a background as to what kind of things shaped Colby into the adult that he is for the majority of the two books. But, that's not the point of the book, though.
This book starts of with the legendary "La Llorona" of Texas-Mexican fame. Actually, the legend of La Llorona is of Mexican origin, but the legend is well known throughout Texas that it has been adopted as a local legend in the state.
After Colby's encounter with La Llorona, we find Colby encountering an entity that goes by "Austin". The Limestone Kingdom is still there and Colby fashions himself to be the savior of the city of Austin from any ill intentioned characters from the Limestone Kingdom. However, Colby is unaware that he is not the most powerful person in the area and his actions put him on notice.
This book, however, has Colby facing old faces. He once again has to face the consequences of past actions and we get to see exactly what actions he took that created the consequences he is forced to face.
We are taken back to when Colby was younger and a trip to Australia that he made. He is put into the care of the "Clever Man" and what was supposed to be a pleasurable trip turns into a series of disasters where he is forced, or manipulated, to take action. Those actions lead to him facing the dreaded 72 Demons and a familiar friend turned foe.
There is so much more happening in this book that opens up the world that Cargill has created. In particular, I love what he has done with Australia. I love how Australia is created to be the oldest region in the world and is home to some of the strongest and strangest magic.
This was a book I enjoyed through and through and I can't wait for the follow up.
July 18, 2017
Full review (and more ) up on my blog: http://bit.ly/2uxz95h
This was such an odd moment for me. I actually liked the sequel more than I liked the first book? How often does that happen? I genuinely can’t think of an example…maybe let me know if you can.
Where the first book was tied into a lot of Irish and English folklore, this book actually looks a lot more at the folklore from the Aboriginal people of Australia. While this does obviously create some issues as to the sensitivity of the way these cultures are handled and portrayed I didn’t notice anything that made me think that these stories were dealt with in an insensitive way (as ever please do correct me if I am wrong).
Much like the first book, this story is interrupted at various points by excerpts from fictional academic works. I really liked the use of this in this particular book because, unlike the first novel, I didn’t feel like I was being bashed over the head with how clever and well researched the author is. Rather I felt like it was saying ‘look how interesting this is don’t you want to learn what I have learned’ which is much nicer.
What I think really made this book better than the first is that the focus was on Colby, a character I grew to care about a lot more than Ewan in the first book, it also adds more characters who fascinated me and drew me in. This is how you do a second book people! You improve upon the things that were perhaps not perfect in the first.
I actually think I might recommend reading this book first before reading Dreams and Shadows. Both of them work as standalone novels and you could certainly only read this one if you wanted. But I do think this is worth reading if you’re interested in exploring a new avenue of folklore.
My rating: 4/5 stars (for reference, I gave Dreams and Shadows 3/5 stars)
This was such an odd moment for me. I actually liked the sequel more than I liked the first book? How often does that happen? I genuinely can’t think of an example…maybe let me know if you can.
Where the first book was tied into a lot of Irish and English folklore, this book actually looks a lot more at the folklore from the Aboriginal people of Australia. While this does obviously create some issues as to the sensitivity of the way these cultures are handled and portrayed I didn’t notice anything that made me think that these stories were dealt with in an insensitive way (as ever please do correct me if I am wrong).
Much like the first book, this story is interrupted at various points by excerpts from fictional academic works. I really liked the use of this in this particular book because, unlike the first novel, I didn’t feel like I was being bashed over the head with how clever and well researched the author is. Rather I felt like it was saying ‘look how interesting this is don’t you want to learn what I have learned’ which is much nicer.
What I think really made this book better than the first is that the focus was on Colby, a character I grew to care about a lot more than Ewan in the first book, it also adds more characters who fascinated me and drew me in. This is how you do a second book people! You improve upon the things that were perhaps not perfect in the first.
I actually think I might recommend reading this book first before reading Dreams and Shadows. Both of them work as standalone novels and you could certainly only read this one if you wanted. But I do think this is worth reading if you’re interested in exploring a new avenue of folklore.
My rating: 4/5 stars (for reference, I gave Dreams and Shadows 3/5 stars)
August 8, 2018
Back in 2017, my closest friend loaned me a copy of Dreams and Shadows and it was the book that changed my life. I had only ever read one book to completion before then. One book, in 21 years. Dreams and Shadows made me rediscover reading in a way that I never thought words on paper could do. And this, Queen of the Dark Things, is the work of wonder continued. When I finished Dreams and Shadows, I immediately placed an amazon order for Queen of The Dark Things. But I had to leave it a little while before opening it because I had to process the story, I was feeling it on such a deep emotional level. I'm a very slow reader. But I have to feel what I'm reading to be able to enjoy it properly, so basically it can take me months to fully finish a book, but I'm grateful for that because its less like chugging down a beer and more like savoring a wine. Sips, not gulps. Anyway, back to the book. If you enjoyed Dreams and Shadows, the last thing you want to do is leave it there. This is a triumph and C. Robert Cargill has outdone himself. I want to write something amazing about this book but I feel as though almost anything I say will be a spoiler, but if I try and censor myself, I might sell it short and I don't want to do that! So I will do my best. This is a very eventful continuation of Colby's magical but troublesome life. I thought what he went through before was bad, but the painful choices he had to make in this... harrowing. Parts of the book visit Colby's younger days and they add to his character and also develop new ones, this was something that I was hoping for and I was certainly not disappointed. The drama and mysticism of this new threat that Colby faces is terrifying but gripping... Really looking forward to reading The Coyote Laughs Last. I'm not great at writing reviews but C. Robert Cargill if you're reading this please don't ever stop writing.
December 9, 2016
I bought this ages ago and ummed and aahed about reading it...I just wasn't sure I was in the mood for a heavy dose of dystopian and bleak urban myth. In hindisight, I was denying myself an excellent read.
I've seen others write that this book is darker than Dreams & Shadows. I don't think it is any darker; if anything, the opposite, because it is not so bleak. You don't have any of the 'red caps' in this story - a faerie creation that oozes malice - or the changeling, an even more malicious creature. This story explores a rather different part of the mystical and mythological realm - perhaps a more conventional part - the assorted ranks of demonry. There's no malice here - you know that demons are out to entrap you and subjugate you to eternal horrors - so this is more about how Colby navigates all these dangers. There is also a wonderfully inventive theme built around what happens in your dreams and who can access and live in the dreamscape, also all tied into things that demons can and cannot do.
I ended up liking pretty well all the characters...I don't mean that I'm into demonry etc, rather that Cargill explored the motivations of all the characters, from Colby, to Kaycee, to Austin, to the Clever Man, to the various demons, so there was something interesting everywhere.
As has also been described elsewhere, this book fits well into the stable also occupied by Neil Gaiman and, also recently read for the first time, Emma Bull.
I want to know more, so roll on the next book in the series!!
I've seen others write that this book is darker than Dreams & Shadows. I don't think it is any darker; if anything, the opposite, because it is not so bleak. You don't have any of the 'red caps' in this story - a faerie creation that oozes malice - or the changeling, an even more malicious creature. This story explores a rather different part of the mystical and mythological realm - perhaps a more conventional part - the assorted ranks of demonry. There's no malice here - you know that demons are out to entrap you and subjugate you to eternal horrors - so this is more about how Colby navigates all these dangers. There is also a wonderfully inventive theme built around what happens in your dreams and who can access and live in the dreamscape, also all tied into things that demons can and cannot do.
I ended up liking pretty well all the characters...I don't mean that I'm into demonry etc, rather that Cargill explored the motivations of all the characters, from Colby, to Kaycee, to Austin, to the Clever Man, to the various demons, so there was something interesting everywhere.
As has also been described elsewhere, this book fits well into the stable also occupied by Neil Gaiman and, also recently read for the first time, Emma Bull.
I want to know more, so roll on the next book in the series!!
April 22, 2019
I really enjoyed C. Robert Cargill's debut effort, Dreams and Shadows, with its creepy fairies and fascinating world building. To be honest, I thought it was a standalone work, so it was a pleasant surprise to find there was a book two.
The second book moves away from the fairies and into demons, and although I miss the creepy, horrible fairies, the multitude of demonic creatures more than fill the gap.
Everything that made the first book great is here again in spades - the world Colby lives in is explored in more detail, and remains a fascinating place to exist in for a few hundred pages. The plot twists and turns so much it walks a fine line between 'rollercoaster' and 'unfollowable' - though it manages always to stay on the right side of that line - and the characters are colourful, varied and interesting.
I loved the ghosts looking for their lost hands, I loved all the different demons, and I loved how, even though you knew there was going to be a positive resolution, that it wasn't immediately clear how that was going to happen until the very end when everything that had been mentioned in the novel clicked together in a really satisfying way.
This didn't quite blow me away '5 stars' worth, however. Not really sure why - it didn't quite have the same page turning ferocity of the first novel. Perhaps it's just because it is familiar now, and not the brand new experience it was the first time round. Anyway, it's a minor niggle in an otherwise fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The second book moves away from the fairies and into demons, and although I miss the creepy, horrible fairies, the multitude of demonic creatures more than fill the gap.
Everything that made the first book great is here again in spades - the world Colby lives in is explored in more detail, and remains a fascinating place to exist in for a few hundred pages. The plot twists and turns so much it walks a fine line between 'rollercoaster' and 'unfollowable' - though it manages always to stay on the right side of that line - and the characters are colourful, varied and interesting.
I loved the ghosts looking for their lost hands, I loved all the different demons, and I loved how, even though you knew there was going to be a positive resolution, that it wasn't immediately clear how that was going to happen until the very end when everything that had been mentioned in the novel clicked together in a really satisfying way.
This didn't quite blow me away '5 stars' worth, however. Not really sure why - it didn't quite have the same page turning ferocity of the first novel. Perhaps it's just because it is familiar now, and not the brand new experience it was the first time round. Anyway, it's a minor niggle in an otherwise fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 13, 2017
I bought this because the first book of the series was rather nice. And I figured what the hell, let's give this a try. And I am glad I did: I think this might actually be better than the first one. Or better than my memories of the first one (no, I did not check what sort of a review I wrote for that one). And yet... I felt like it was partly one of those "oh so that sold nicely, let's see what I can come up with" stories, with the references to time periods that were kind of mentioned in the first book but not in as much detail. I dunno. Don't remember that first book well enough to be sure, but somehow the time-hopping bothered me based on my vague memories.
The characters are interesting, but somehow at times maybe rather... eh, caricature-like, even. Not horribly overboard but not quite believable, either. The story itself is nothing horribly exciting and new, but some twists and turns did manage to surprise me. Basically it was a perfect book for a summer trip, and I am interested to read the third book, but not sure I am willing to invest the 13 euros or something on the pocket book version. Decisions, decisions...
I felt like this was a poor man's Gaiman book. A poor man's Gaiman book from the time I greatly enjoyed his books, that is...
The characters are interesting, but somehow at times maybe rather... eh, caricature-like, even. Not horribly overboard but not quite believable, either. The story itself is nothing horribly exciting and new, but some twists and turns did manage to surprise me. Basically it was a perfect book for a summer trip, and I am interested to read the third book, but not sure I am willing to invest the 13 euros or something on the pocket book version. Decisions, decisions...
I felt like this was a poor man's Gaiman book. A poor man's Gaiman book from the time I greatly enjoyed his books, that is...
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