Darkness Returns

The Lockman Chronicles #4

by Rob Cornell

The darkness returns...

One objective has driven Craig Lockman since the day his daughter arrived on his doorstep--protect her at all costs.

But now he works for a new Agency with a leader who insists Jessie is the Chosen One, prophesied to bring about The Return and send all supernaturals back to wherever they came from. He will stop at nothing to see it realized.

Meanwhile, still enraged over the loss of her sister, Teresa Stevenson sees Jessie as a dangerous monster who must die, and Teresa will suffer a frightening sacrifice to make it happen.

But everyone has forgotten one small detail--if anyone wants to get to Jessie, they'll have to get through Lockman first, and he won't make it easy.

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Fantasy, Vampires, Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

282 pages, ebook

First published July 13, 2013

About the author

Whether it’s a covert-ops team of vampire assassins or a greedy dragon who lives under Detroit’s MGM Grand Casino, most of Rob Cornell’s stories feature some element of the dark and fantastic. He has written over a dozen published novels, including two dark fantasy sagas—The Lockman Chronicles and the Unturned series. A native of the Detroit area, he spent a handful of years living in both Los Angeles and Chicago before returning to the Midwest, and currently lives with his family in Southeast Michigan.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books 1-3 where better but this one still gets a five star rating because in its own way it was also better than the 1st 3 books.

[Timothy Rucinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years from now, when most of us are probably all dead and pickled, some crackerjack college kid named Eustace is going to do a thesis on Rob Cornell. I’ve read most of his writings and there’s a tempting little morsel of a thesis topic - dads and daughters - hovering overhead like the Sword of Damocles just waiting for bright-eyed BA student Eustace to make his mark in lit crit.

In the mean time, though, I have to admit that I didn’t think that Cornell had the juices to keep the mojo at a high pitch the fourth time around. But I’m happy to admit that not only does he match anything that came before, he knocks this twisted fucker out of the park.

If you haven’t read the first three books in the Lockman Chronicles, then for Pete’s sake don’t start with Darkness Returns. It’s not that you’d be lost; you’d have forsaken the appetizer and entrée to get to the desert, and although it would be tasty, it wouldn’t be close to being entirely satisfying. It ‘s a terrific installment to this meal and even now I’m still savoring it, reminiscing over bits of action and dialogue with the toothpick of delightful recall.

However, if you indeed have read the other three books, and you’re waiting to read this because – oh I don’t know, maybe because you’re an idiot – get off your ass and dig right in like one of Cornells’ werewolves chomping down on a savory limb.

I’m not going to rehash the plot. That’s a waste of my time, as well as yours. But I am going to propose that the characters in Cornell’s toolbox have become more finely tuned, to the point where embracing them and their foibles and strengths is a reader’s joy. Particularly that daughter character. Yeah, I’m back to that. Jesse’s a piss in a handbag if there ever was one and I can’t wait to see where RC takes her in this continuing saga. At least, it better be a continuing saga or some nomad Michigan author should have his balls sawed off.

Yes, Lockman is our focal point for a good part of the book but Jesse comes into her own this time around. We get to see what Lockman sees, but through her eyes; experience what Lockman experiences, but with the vision of a teenager wise beyond her years; and we witness as she gains not only a greater respect for the man she calls Dad, but emotes a sincerity in the love she feels for him.

Then there’s Theresa. Sister May Francis what a fucked up, gun toting, egocentric, single-goal oriented banshee. Which is why I love her so much. There’s great writing here featuring all kinds of crazy but it’s Theresa and her antics that provide the very successful catalyst to move the story forward.

And then there’s Lockman. If ever there was a character with a stick of dynamite up his ass ready to explode, its’ Lockman. But it’s great to see him embrace the skills and strengths of his daughter and begin to work with her as a teammate, not just as a kid that he needs to protect. As such, we can empathize with him even more in his conflicting role of Daddy Warrior.

There aren’t many series out there that make me long for the next bite. But you’ve probably guessed that this is one of them. The ending not only leaves you wanting more, but wondering, “Oh shit! Now what Cornell? Are you dicking with us or are you serious?” But then again, these are Chronicles, and if you’ve read your Bible, Chronicles can take you all over the place, cover a lot of ground, and introduce you to all kinds of heroes and villains. My bet is on the new hero. My bet is on the daughter.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Returns is the 4th and final supernatural thriller in the superb series of The Lockman Chronicles by Rob Cornell.
This adrenaline rushing, fast paced, action packed thriller, full of tension, suspense, colourful descriptions and a variety of amazing, out of this world characters, will keep you gripping the edge of your seat from the start of the journey to the very end.
Once again the main protagonist Craig Lockman will do all in his power to protect Jessie, his daughter, from the evil forces that seek her. Is she The Chosen One and can she bring about The Return and make The Prophecy come true? You will encounter the spectacular, supernatural and paranormal manifestations and finally come to a nail biting climax.
Darkness Returns kept me enthralled, page turning and wanting more- couldn’t put it down. A brilliant finale and I’m looking forward to the next offering from this talented author. A highly recommended read.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, while the plot is interesting and the story is action-packed, his lack of a good proofreader yanks me away from the story at critical points. It's jarring and disappointing. If he would just take the trouble to have someone proofread what he writes, what a much better experience it would be.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great ending to the series (and can I say thank you for not extending the series indefinitely until readers get sick of it?) that tied everything up nicely and had plenty of exciting action setpieces. I will read anything Mr. Cornell writes after reading these; well done!

[Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the series, things are getting serious and it doesn't look good for our hero's.