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The Demon Cycle #1-2
The Painted Man / The Desert Spear
Books one and two of the impressive debut fantasy series The Demon Cycle by Sunday Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett.
This bundle includes The Painted Man and The Desert Spear.
Humanity has been brought to the brink of extinction. Each night, the world is overrun by demons–bloodthirsty creatures of nightmare that have been hunting and killing humanity for over 300 years.
A scant few hamlets and half-starved city-states are all that remain of a once proud civilization, and it is only by hiding behind wards, ancient symbols with the power to repel the demons, that they survive. A handful of Messengers brave the night to keep the lines of communication open between the increasingly isolated populace.
But there was a time when the demons were not so bold. A time when wards did more than hold the demons at bay. They allowed man to fight back, and to win…
The Painted Man and The Desert Spear are the first two books in Peter V. Brett’s epic series The Demon Cycle.
1438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2012
58 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Peter V. Brett
103 books12.5k followersPeter V. Brett is the internationally bestselling author of the Demon Cycle series, which has sold over four million copies in 27 languages worldwide. Novels include The Warded Man, The Desert Spear, The Daylight War, The Skull Throne, and The Core. Other works include the Red Sonja: Unchained graphic novel and the Demon Cycle novellas The Great Bazaar, Brayan's Gold, Messenger's Legacy, and Barren. The Desert Prince, the first installment of his Nightfall Saga, published in August 2021. The sequel, The Hidden Queen, is due early 2024. He lives in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 5, 2014
Out of all the fantasy series I have read, none have come close to capturing the cultural intricacies and nuances the way that Brett has managed. Reading Jardir's back story was a real treat and really gave the reader a different perspective. In the first book we watch Arlen grow up so when we are enticed to side with him and see Jardir as a threat to Arlen's claim as the Deliver. After the second book and finding out more of Jardir's rise to power he becomes less an enemy and more of some one a reader can get behind and root for. Brett's description of the Jardir's people and how their culture functions is phenomenal from the readers standpoint. At times their religious fanaticism mixed with the egocentric ideals made it hard to back Jardir and his claim because they came off so haughty and prideful. But Jardir himself, being brilliantly written, is a true man of honor and is a great leader (except for his betrayal of Arlen which leaves an even bigger foul taste in my mouth knowing more about it). It is also interesting to note the amount of change that happened to both Arlen Bales and Leesha Paper. Both characters went from being like able potential heroes have both fallen from grace because of some of their choices and actions. I'm disappointed and annoyed with Leesha for her part with Jardir and her self righteous and self imposed ruling of the Hollow. Arlen is simply not as colorful a character as he was growing up and is too straight forward and predictable.
Listening to these on graphic audio was thrill and if you like epic fantasy with dark magic and no elves or dragons then give these a read pronto!
Listening to these on graphic audio was thrill and if you like epic fantasy with dark magic and no elves or dragons then give these a read pronto!
April 26, 2014
Read the first book in the series, The Painted Man, but was reluctant to start the second one as I was a bit over the violence and the demon killing. Read a plot summary instead.
Thought that the first book was just okay. There seemed to me to be lots of cliches; the main female character is a herbalist/healer who is apprenticed to an old hag who is feared but good hearted, and so on, and so on.
Thought that the first book was just okay. There seemed to me to be lots of cliches; the main female character is a herbalist/healer who is apprenticed to an old hag who is feared but good hearted, and so on, and so on.
June 29, 2024
Wow, what can I say about this? I bought both of these at the same time, excited by the reviews I've heard, and BOY was I disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed most of The Painted Man, as we go through the 3 protagonists' childhood and see how their experiences lead to who they are towards the end as adults is fantastic writing, especially with the overarching demon's attacking the villages and cities every night. I absolutely loved the first conflict with 'one arm' and Arlen in the forest, as that's probably my favourite section of the first novel overall. However, even throughout the start of the novel, I noticed some red flags. Why is there incest mentioned at the farmhouse? Why does Leesha nearly get raped by a random side character? Why is the idea of child marriage getting brought up constantly?? I'd understand if it was a plot device or to demonstrate the dystopian world, but within the story's context, it doesn't add anything to the plot other than making the reader feel uncomfortable. As I read on with The Painted Man, the three protagonists met as adults. This is when it started to go downhill for me. Arlen went from a determined young man who wanted to fend off demons to a power hungry edge lord (it doesn't get better in The Desert Spear), Leesha goes from a powerful young woman studying herbology to a literal bimbo whore that's desperate for any man, and finally Rojer who honestly I have no big critiques for because he's the only non-problematic protagonist with a layered personality.
The romance theme. A small critique in The Painted Man turns into the biggest critique for the entire series, including The Desert Spear. This isn't labelled as a romance book, yet it's practically a porno. The amount of unnecessary sex scenes and passionate encounters was irritating to no end. I love a good romance novel with spicy moments, but this is just awful writing and embarrassingly long for supposedly brief encounters. One of my favourite aspects of this book is the different types of demons and how each character's abilities are combined to defeat these monsters, but in The Desert Spear, it seems like a side plot compared to the romance!
As well as this, the writing for The Desert Spear went downhill massively, with the first quarter of the novel re-capping the first book, an entire section about past lovers and an abrupt end out of no where. I liked that we got to see more of Jardir and notice his character development, as well as a bit more into the demons lives, but most of the story was predictable, especially with Renna's return and the rivalry with Jardir and Arlen.
I think Brett has created an incredible world full of originality and variety, and the main plotline is incredible, but it's constantly pushed aside for pointless side-stories that hardly move the plot forward. I'm surprised I even finished The Desert Spear.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed most of The Painted Man, as we go through the 3 protagonists' childhood and see how their experiences lead to who they are towards the end as adults is fantastic writing, especially with the overarching demon's attacking the villages and cities every night. I absolutely loved the first conflict with 'one arm' and Arlen in the forest, as that's probably my favourite section of the first novel overall. However, even throughout the start of the novel, I noticed some red flags. Why is there incest mentioned at the farmhouse? Why does Leesha nearly get raped by a random side character? Why is the idea of child marriage getting brought up constantly?? I'd understand if it was a plot device or to demonstrate the dystopian world, but within the story's context, it doesn't add anything to the plot other than making the reader feel uncomfortable. As I read on with The Painted Man, the three protagonists met as adults. This is when it started to go downhill for me. Arlen went from a determined young man who wanted to fend off demons to a power hungry edge lord (it doesn't get better in The Desert Spear), Leesha goes from a powerful young woman studying herbology to a literal bimbo whore that's desperate for any man, and finally Rojer who honestly I have no big critiques for because he's the only non-problematic protagonist with a layered personality.
The romance theme. A small critique in The Painted Man turns into the biggest critique for the entire series, including The Desert Spear. This isn't labelled as a romance book, yet it's practically a porno. The amount of unnecessary sex scenes and passionate encounters was irritating to no end. I love a good romance novel with spicy moments, but this is just awful writing and embarrassingly long for supposedly brief encounters. One of my favourite aspects of this book is the different types of demons and how each character's abilities are combined to defeat these monsters, but in The Desert Spear, it seems like a side plot compared to the romance!
As well as this, the writing for The Desert Spear went downhill massively, with the first quarter of the novel re-capping the first book, an entire section about past lovers and an abrupt end out of no where. I liked that we got to see more of Jardir and notice his character development, as well as a bit more into the demons lives, but most of the story was predictable, especially with Renna's return and the rivalry with Jardir and Arlen.
I think Brett has created an incredible world full of originality and variety, and the main plotline is incredible, but it's constantly pushed aside for pointless side-stories that hardly move the plot forward. I'm surprised I even finished The Desert Spear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2016
Fabulous and original story. The world is carefully constructed; I could fully imagine it and it's people, effortlessly. We are with the 3 main characters as they grow; a young girl learning herb lore; a jugglers/ story tellers apprentice and a jaded yet adventurous young boy who wishes to see the world. as they grow they develop their talents, their lives seem pre destined, preparing them.... I love the strong female characters, they aren't side lined to the, "I'll be here waiting for you" role, so typical of heroic fantasy. The painted man himself is a kick ass demon slayer with a dark brooding soul. He is trying to do his own thing, but fate has other plans. I loved the different societies, which reflect different attitudes to governing and protecting the people. There are cities, back water villages and fierce nomads. A great new series. I'm officially a fan. Can't wait for more stories.
October 16, 2018
This book was amazing. Though this book didn’t have much going on in it and was mostly just introductions for all of the characters, it was well worth the read. The concept was very unique and well plotted out. At times, the descriptions could drag on but this was a very minor flaw. I highly recommend it to people who enjoy reading fantasy.
September 5, 2024
Having read the first two books & just started the third (The Daylight Wars), I just love how the author is weaving all the main characters together through what I consider to be an original technique in the use of backstories. I'm currently on the backstory for Inevera - and realising that all the main characters are neither good or bad (to put it crudely). They all seek to achieve through conviction their beliefes in the 'right path' to achieve what is the best for all humanity. I'm at a point of not knowing which way the author will take me; but loving every minute of the excitement and suspense. 🤔🙂
June 30, 2019
I liked it. I would have given 5 stars. It was a great story line, heart wrenching tragedies and awesome wins. But there was so much sexual assulat, almost all male character were sexual predators or just piggish. Lewd personalities were such a large part. I mean it was believable, but I guess there wasn't so much of the story dedicated to just that part of their fallen culture. It was a bit cringey how often it came up.
But the society, the culture across different cities was awesome. The back stories were awesome. It was a captivating read.
But the society, the culture across different cities was awesome. The back stories were awesome. It was a captivating read.
June 10, 2017
An excellent series that keeps the reader enthralled throughout the read. The tale is epic and the author does great to write it from the POV of each of the characters which makes reading the story so much more enjoyable.
Plenty of shock moments where as a reader you become saddened which just leads to you wanting to read more. Already have the rest of the series bought and can't wait to read them all
Plenty of shock moments where as a reader you become saddened which just leads to you wanting to read more. Already have the rest of the series bought and can't wait to read them all
May 9, 2019
Loved this book. It hadn't been recommended and was a spur of the moment purchase when I was in the book shop. I'm glad I bought it.
The writing is smooth, flows easy and in no way jarring even with the many names to get a handle on. The story is intriguing right from the get go and the characters completely likeable.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. Probably one of the quickest reads I've made of late.
The writing is smooth, flows easy and in no way jarring even with the many names to get a handle on. The story is intriguing right from the get go and the characters completely likeable.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. Probably one of the quickest reads I've made of late.
September 10, 2018
Fantastic series and really enjoying the narrative and story as it unfolds. If you like the WoT series you should enjoy this series.
November 29, 2022
The introduction is a bit slow but the world imagined finally worth everything.
January 23, 2023
exceptional
One of the best reads of my life. A story I can go back to time and time again and it just gets better!!!
One of the best reads of my life. A story I can go back to time and time again and it just gets better!!!
March 16, 2015
Warning Spoilers Ahead
not sure what to rate this book - 3.5 or 4 stars?
the reason being is i was loving this book, but sadly had to put it down for a few days, when i picked it back up some of its awesomeness had diminished and while i still really enjoyed it, i wasn't in love by the time i finished.
Shame cause if i hadnt had to put the book down it might of been a 4.5 star rating.
The world Brett has created is absolutely incredible and feels so realistic while reading. the way the characters behaved and reacted, their fear of demons, their courage, their selfishness and selflessness. i was utterly sucked in by Leesha's, Arlen's and Roger's stories, their dreams and desires, their fears and nightmares.
I was a little bummed, i must admit, when i found out Arlen never went back, what he did when he turned into the painted man, So the end of the book really excited me. the possibilities and adventures just waiting for me to devour.
Leesha was probably my favorite character, but surprisingly not by much - a lot of the characters were fantastic, even the not so great ones, personality wise.
but the talent and inner strength of a good herb gatherer was what called to me most, which i believe is why i really enjoyed Leesh'a story - plus she has Bruna, who i just adored.
I just have this fascination of people being able to cure and heal with herbs but also being able to harm or protect with those exact same herbs. It was amazing really what detail the writer put into it.
There of course was much violence, between the coreling's shredding everything to pieces and what human beings did to one another, you couldn't go more than just a few pages without your mind being immersed in gore - especially at the beginning of the book - Alren's tale - that was intense, brutally intense. I was worried i wouldn't be able to complete this book if it stayed like that, but luckily only the first section - Tibbet's Brook - is that rough, the rest is easily enough to swallow in comparison!
Arlen's story sat really well with me until he left - not that i didnt still enjoy it, i was just a bit disappointed in him As soon as i finished reading the first part of Leesha's story i knew those two would be together, it hasn't happened just yet, but it will! and i was right, they do make a great unit, I'm just bummed about Mery, though I'm hoping she moved on *fingers crossed*
Im looking forward to catching up with everyone in the next book, especially Arlen's adopted family, i wonder what they have been up too and what they will think of the painted man? suppose I'll just have to wait and see.
Will I be reading the next book?
YES!
Who would i recommend to?
this is not a light hearted story, death comes stalking around every corner, there is violence beyond most can imagine. but if you like dark fantasy and can handle the above, swan dive into this book, you wont regret it. its good.
not sure what to rate this book - 3.5 or 4 stars?
the reason being is i was loving this book, but sadly had to put it down for a few days, when i picked it back up some of its awesomeness had diminished and while i still really enjoyed it, i wasn't in love by the time i finished.
Shame cause if i hadnt had to put the book down it might of been a 4.5 star rating.
The world Brett has created is absolutely incredible and feels so realistic while reading. the way the characters behaved and reacted, their fear of demons, their courage, their selfishness and selflessness. i was utterly sucked in by Leesha's, Arlen's and Roger's stories, their dreams and desires, their fears and nightmares.
I was a little bummed, i must admit, when i found out Arlen never went back, what he did when he turned into the painted man, So the end of the book really excited me. the possibilities and adventures just waiting for me to devour.
Leesha was probably my favorite character, but surprisingly not by much - a lot of the characters were fantastic, even the not so great ones, personality wise.
but the talent and inner strength of a good herb gatherer was what called to me most, which i believe is why i really enjoyed Leesh'a story - plus she has Bruna, who i just adored.
I just have this fascination of people being able to cure and heal with herbs but also being able to harm or protect with those exact same herbs. It was amazing really what detail the writer put into it.
There of course was much violence, between the coreling's shredding everything to pieces and what human beings did to one another, you couldn't go more than just a few pages without your mind being immersed in gore - especially at the beginning of the book - Alren's tale - that was intense, brutally intense. I was worried i wouldn't be able to complete this book if it stayed like that, but luckily only the first section - Tibbet's Brook - is that rough, the rest is easily enough to swallow in comparison!
Arlen's story sat really well with me until he left - not that i didnt still enjoy it, i was just a bit disappointed in him As soon as i finished reading the first part of Leesha's story i knew those two would be together, it hasn't happened just yet, but it will! and i was right, they do make a great unit, I'm just bummed about Mery, though I'm hoping she moved on *fingers crossed*
Im looking forward to catching up with everyone in the next book, especially Arlen's adopted family, i wonder what they have been up too and what they will think of the painted man? suppose I'll just have to wait and see.
Will I be reading the next book?
YES!
Who would i recommend to?
this is not a light hearted story, death comes stalking around every corner, there is violence beyond most can imagine. but if you like dark fantasy and can handle the above, swan dive into this book, you wont regret it. its good.
July 29, 2014
this is a good, exciting read, if you like epic fantasy. I haven't read #2, so this is a review for #1 only.
What's to like? Exciting action, great character development, interesting world building and very clear descriptive writing. Why only three stars? There's a hell of a lot of exposition - "Arlen had spent the last few years visiting the Kh'rash" (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong) - why didn't he show us young man Arlen visiting these desert folk? And there are a lot of cliches: the hag Herb Gatherer, the wise and noble paper maker, the town cripple, the mad desert-dwellers who cover their wives so only their eyes can be seen, the strange language full of apostrophes. AND, and this is a biggie for me, why, if special symbols repel demons, isn't everyone tattooed?
Will I read more? Maybe. I love the cover art (not a good reason, but hey) and I love this genre. But after reading Brett, I still prefer Katherine Kerr or Joe Abercrombie.
What's to like? Exciting action, great character development, interesting world building and very clear descriptive writing. Why only three stars? There's a hell of a lot of exposition - "Arlen had spent the last few years visiting the Kh'rash" (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong) - why didn't he show us young man Arlen visiting these desert folk? And there are a lot of cliches: the hag Herb Gatherer, the wise and noble paper maker, the town cripple, the mad desert-dwellers who cover their wives so only their eyes can be seen, the strange language full of apostrophes. AND, and this is a biggie for me, why, if special symbols repel demons, isn't everyone tattooed?
Will I read more? Maybe. I love the cover art (not a good reason, but hey) and I love this genre. But after reading Brett, I still prefer Katherine Kerr or Joe Abercrombie.
March 26, 2015
Excellent fantasy a frightening world where humanity is not initially winning. Demons roam at night and if you are caught death is the penalty unless you are very lucky. Wards keep you safe but only if maintained and the story starts as so many with a young boy. Also a further younger boy and a young girl making up the three main characters. Each individual is well crafted and the book is a real page turner great story well written.
June 23, 2014
Fantastic. The character developments from young ages to adult life was flawless, the different interactions and how they all become a group was done in such a way that gripped me from start to finish. After taking a punt on this book not knowing what I was going to find, or even if I would enjoy it, I found myself unable to put this down.
August 24, 2015
The story is great although it falls down in places. Sometimes it is just a bit too unbelievable. I don't quite understand how the wards work or why they fail. However, the story is original and it kept me entertained right until the end. (although I haven't rushed to get the next chapter). Would probably really give it a 3.5.
June 25, 2014
These are not normally my "genre" in reading, however someone recommended them and I'm glad they did. I really enjoyed this series, it drew me in and had me following the story with avid interest, I couldn't put them down!
December 30, 2014
Took way too long to get going, spending over 300 pages on the individual development of the 3 major characters when half that would have been enough, and then when the plot finally emerged the author bizarrely chose to miss out a crucial part of the central character's story.
June 6, 2015
This series is an amazingly well put together scenario. The amount of characters and there back stories is brilliant, Peter V Brett really shows fabulous literary skills and the Demons are completely believable, when I read these novels, I forgot I was planet earth.
March 24, 2014
Two good books, where the author has maintained a world system that grows and develops throughout both stories. Can't wait for the next one.
Read
February 3, 2014I reading this book, at the time.
March 25, 2014
Loved it cant wait for the next 2 books
October 31, 2014
Excellent story. If you liked Name of the Wind, you will enjoy this. Although not as beautifully written, you will enjoy the ride.
August 13, 2014
As I began this book I thought it was feeling familiar ! Then it really began and I lost hours reading it ... on book 3 now. Try it, it will suprise you.
September 29, 2014
Not as exciting as I expected it to be. Disappointed. And I'm disappointed that I'm disappointed. Wanted it to be great.
September 16, 2014
An excellent read, original too. Can't wait for the next one!
October 20, 2014
meh ... story was ok. a bit predictable. i liked the premise, i might read the second one.. not sure yet. not the most inspired storytelling.
Read
April 20, 2015Fantastic! I need the next book now!
April 21, 2015
this series is phenomenal. haven't enjoyed a book so much since game of thrones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews