The Dim Realm, Volume II

The Resurrection Tower #2

by Matt Holgate

"Teenager Kara Kinfolk, Waterguard ranger Tal tormgren, and their companions are trapped in the town of Arrow’s Flight. Brutal murder, strange disappearances, and a cult known as the Harbingers oppose them at every turn. Their options are dwindling along with their hope of escape. In both dreams and the waking world, they are more than hunted—they are trapped. The Dim Realm continues.

The dark house in the center of town is a malevolent creature with a mind of its own. It hungers, wants as much as any mortal, and will do anything to prevent anyone from entering or leaving Arrow’s Flight. Even the Harbinger cultists who used it as a base for their blasphemy do not trust it entirely. Kara and Tal are needed by the Harbingers for a ritual, but neither of them knows exactly why. All they know for sure is that its completion will bring horror to the world. Even death is no escape.

Kara knows there is one rule she needs to follow in order to realize freedom—but now she wonders if she will have to break that rule in order to survive."

570 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

Reviews

[Alan Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am not someone who is so keen on the ‘fantasy’ genre (Tolkien & Co in my opinion have a lot to answer for), I do know that for such books to have a chance of working they need plenty of detailed hinterland to make them get close to being convincing. Well, Matt Holgate supplies all that (and more) in abundance. As we follow the exploits of Tal Stormgren and Kara in the town of Arrow’s Flight, the story plays out in a fascinating interface between dream and reality. There are a host of characters, with a mass of detail, myriad lands, deathlords, orcs, goblins, runes, dwarves, magic weapons, visions, prophecies, curses, legends, and unceasing battle. This is a carefully-constructed world, painstakingly detailed and convincing, that carries you along in its wake. Kara and Tal pursue their destiny, and the devilish game they are drawn into. As you follow the twists and turns of the plot, they seek both their freedom and the salvation of the world itself. For lovers of this genre of writing (and I know there are many of you out there) this is a fine example of its type. Check it out.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Dim Realm Volume 2' continues the epic journey started in the first novel. There is a strong sense of mystery to these books, and this is one of the things that drew me to them in the first place, but the main draw for me is the horror element which is something Holgate has a real flair for. The description rich picture Holgate paints lends real atmosphere and makes for many a spine-tingling moment, in a style reminiscent of Stephen King.

It's not all dark and mysterious though; the moments of humour and witty dialogue exchanges throughout add a lighter aspect to the dark tone of the novel. I enjoyed the way the characters developed as the story went on, my favorites being Kara & Tal. Kara Kinfolk, the sarcastic remark dropping teenager, is proving herself through her power and how she uses it. Tal Stormgren, the experienced ranger, is tested throughout. The trials of these characters grabbed my attention and didn't let go. The ending left me wanting more, so it's just as well there's more due in the coming 'Unforgotten'!