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The Darkborn Saga #1
Dark Tidings
Abandoned to the streets as a child, enslaved, trained as an assassin, and perhaps destined to become the "Darkborn" the very embodiment of evil itself. Chael thought he had left all that behind when he fled from those who wanted to use him for their own schemes and machinations. He and his loyal companion, the undead wolf Michik, fled to the one place on the continent he thought his past wouldn't dare pursue them. But old ghosts have returned and demons once again stalk the Western Forest. When unlikely messengers bring news of a friend long dead, Chael must choose whether to return to the world he left behind or turn his back on the humanity that hates him. No matter his choice, Darkness is enshrouding the world of men. Old masters, zealous cultists, raging demons, and other unspeakable evils all vie to control the power of the Darkborn.
- GenresFantasy
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2023
401 people are currently reading
5205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 21, 2024
Received as a Goodreads giveaway
This started off really slow. It took me a good while to get into it, despite the action-packed nature of it.
It is written kind of in third person, but sometimes in fourth person. Like it's being told to you. This is not my favorite perspective because I like to be a part of the read, but this perspective actively keeps you outside it.
I struggled with making a connection with the characters, partly because of the perspective and partly because of the structure.
There is a lot of jumping around, making the pace tedious and adding weight to the read.
I did finally get into it and attach to Chael and his wolf by about 60%. That's pretty late, but better than never.
This was an interesting take on necromancy, though. I enjoyed the darker elements to this read and the consequences. Chael is an interesting, troubled character with an added challenge of his being without guidance.
The side characters are a bit flat and one dimensional. I didn't really attach to them
Rina reads like a spoiled thirteen year old. She feels a little out of place, but that's okay, there's room for her to grow.
The plot is interesting, even if a bit rushed at times. There's still threads open to continue the story, and I am interested to see how the consequences of Aelisas' predicament turn out.
This book could use a good edit, though. But otherwise, it's not a bad first book.
This started off really slow. It took me a good while to get into it, despite the action-packed nature of it.
It is written kind of in third person, but sometimes in fourth person. Like it's being told to you. This is not my favorite perspective because I like to be a part of the read, but this perspective actively keeps you outside it.
I struggled with making a connection with the characters, partly because of the perspective and partly because of the structure.
There is a lot of jumping around, making the pace tedious and adding weight to the read.
I did finally get into it and attach to Chael and his wolf by about 60%. That's pretty late, but better than never.
This was an interesting take on necromancy, though. I enjoyed the darker elements to this read and the consequences. Chael is an interesting, troubled character with an added challenge of his being without guidance.
The side characters are a bit flat and one dimensional. I didn't really attach to them
Rina reads like a spoiled thirteen year old. She feels a little out of place, but that's okay, there's room for her to grow.
The plot is interesting, even if a bit rushed at times. There's still threads open to continue the story, and I am interested to see how the consequences of Aelisas' predicament turn out.
This book could use a good edit, though. But otherwise, it's not a bad first book.
September 25, 2024
Awesome tale full of excellent world building
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world building is excellent. The story is action packed while still giving the characters growth.
The loss of a star has little to do with the story itself and more with the mechanics. Some of the paragraphs are so long that I started skimming in a few places. It's clear to see exactly where they needed to be split. Comma usage needs some more research. A few chapters had too many timeline and pov switches to be feasible. These all had some effect on the flow and readability of the book.
I enjoyed the split timeline until closer toward the end where the author kept jumping back and forth in the middle of action sequences and multiple times in one chapter. These issues and the anticlimactic battle against Chael's arch nemesis caused me to drop a star, almost two.
Still, despite the flaws that made it a harder read at times, I loved the plot and characters. This is a unique and well thought out story with just enough darkness and gore to be juicy. I also absolutely loved Michik.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world building is excellent. The story is action packed while still giving the characters growth.
The loss of a star has little to do with the story itself and more with the mechanics. Some of the paragraphs are so long that I started skimming in a few places. It's clear to see exactly where they needed to be split. Comma usage needs some more research. A few chapters had too many timeline and pov switches to be feasible. These all had some effect on the flow and readability of the book.
I enjoyed the split timeline until closer toward the end where the author kept jumping back and forth in the middle of action sequences and multiple times in one chapter. These issues and the anticlimactic battle against Chael's arch nemesis caused me to drop a star, almost two.
Still, despite the flaws that made it a harder read at times, I loved the plot and characters. This is a unique and well thought out story with just enough darkness and gore to be juicy. I also absolutely loved Michik.
August 19, 2025
Tidings
This is good book! I will give it a 5\5. The characters make sense and the plot is authentic. I am glad I read it. The main character is Chael. He thought he left his past behind when he ran away. But his past up up to him in the very place he thought he would be safe. But now it is time go back into the world so to speak. The is a rumour that an old friend is alive and is asking for him. Demons are walking again and evil is rising.
This is good book! I will give it a 5\5. The characters make sense and the plot is authentic. I am glad I read it. The main character is Chael. He thought he left his past behind when he ran away. But his past up up to him in the very place he thought he would be safe. But now it is time go back into the world so to speak. The is a rumour that an old friend is alive and is asking for him. Demons are walking again and evil is rising.
June 12, 2024
Misunderstood MC
Action packed book with a misunderstood MC and his furry sidekick. They pair worked so well together throughout the battles they had to deal with. Even though he wasn’t treated well the MC was always willing to help those in need.
Look forward to reading the next book!
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for the free eBook!!
Action packed book with a misunderstood MC and his furry sidekick. They pair worked so well together throughout the battles they had to deal with. Even though he wasn’t treated well the MC was always willing to help those in need.
Look forward to reading the next book!
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for the free eBook!!
January 25, 2025
Dark Tidings: The Darkborn Saga Book 1 tells the story of a protagonist bound to a dark destiny. This dark twist on the ‘Chosen One’ trope blends a unique magic system, an incredibly detailed world, and an engaging narrative, breathing fresh air into classic fantasy conventions for an exciting original experience. Highly recommended for fantasy readers looking for something fresh from the genre!
March 24, 2025
4.5 stars
Absolutely loved this book and I can't wait for the next one!
I'm curious about what Aelisa is going to do now, more of Mishik and Chael's adventures and most importantly the Elves!
Would have given it a 5 stars if Rina's character was not so arrogant and childish. Ngl she is a genius and i can't wait to know what else she's going to invent but she can be a bit humble about it?
Absolutely loved this book and I can't wait for the next one!
I'm curious about what Aelisa is going to do now, more of Mishik and Chael's adventures and most importantly the Elves!
Would have given it a 5 stars if Rina's character was not so arrogant and childish. Ngl she is a genius and i can't wait to know what else she's going to invent but she can be a bit humble about it?
September 20, 2025
This book is another one in the long line of interesting ideas with very poor prose and writing. There is a lot of POV switching, like after one paragraph, reminiscent of fanfiction writing. Also, there is a lot of forced levity, like the author would like the characters to come off as more charming or suave, and it falls flat....badly. I wouldn't waste my time here.
October 4, 2025
This review is based on the two books. I finished book 1 (it was a struggle) and got half way through book 2 and gave up.
Book 1 all over the place, hard to keep track of time jumps when they occur mid chapter.
Both books, just endless action scenes which make the actual plot (not even too sure what the plot even is) very difficult to follow.
Didn’t really create a bond with any characters, closest was the wolf but still didn’t really care if he got killed or not.
Just not really an enjoyable series that I should have given up on way sooner
Book 1 all over the place, hard to keep track of time jumps when they occur mid chapter.
Both books, just endless action scenes which make the actual plot (not even too sure what the plot even is) very difficult to follow.
Didn’t really create a bond with any characters, closest was the wolf but still didn’t really care if he got killed or not.
Just not really an enjoyable series that I should have given up on way sooner
November 7, 2025
Moderation
Chael was born in a brothel and abandoned to the streets at a young age. When he was recruited to the assassin's guild he never looked back. That is until he abused his growing powers and killed his best friends. After that he tried to isolate from power and do good. Some mistakes will haunt you past death.
Chael was born in a brothel and abandoned to the streets at a young age. When he was recruited to the assassin's guild he never looked back. That is until he abused his growing powers and killed his best friends. After that he tried to isolate from power and do good. Some mistakes will haunt you past death.
May 19, 2024
Good story, good world building, nice fast pace. As the character's stories unfolded, I found myself reading faster, wanting to see what happens next. That only happens when the story is genuinely good. Love the wolf!
July 2, 2024
interesting world
This is an interesting world with a good bad guy and a story that I want to keep reading I want to learn more about our main characters and an even a few of the side characters.
This is an interesting world with a good bad guy and a story that I want to keep reading I want to learn more about our main characters and an even a few of the side characters.
August 30, 2024
Good story
Good story. Keeps an even pace, moves well, strong character development. Doesn't really leave many loose ends that predicts a 20-book series that will take decades to complete, but can easily move in such a direction. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is the punctuation & grammar errors I encountered. They weren't extensive but they almost made me put the book down as it detracts from the story in my opinion. Certainly worth a read.
Good story. Keeps an even pace, moves well, strong character development. Doesn't really leave many loose ends that predicts a 20-book series that will take decades to complete, but can easily move in such a direction. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is the punctuation & grammar errors I encountered. They weren't extensive but they almost made me put the book down as it detracts from the story in my opinion. Certainly worth a read.
May 12, 2025
Fun, interesting read.
This book was fun and enjoyable to read. The interplay of the characters made me laugh and look forward to the story. I also enjoyed the unique magical system.
This book was fun and enjoyable to read. The interplay of the characters made me laugh and look forward to the story. I also enjoyed the unique magical system.
June 30, 2025
difficult to maintain concentration
A good storyline and cliffhanger ending, but I found the continuous flashbacks to earlier times in the hero’s life, while explanatory, became a bit too forced. Having said that, I did enjoy the book and will buy the next in the series.
A good storyline and cliffhanger ending, but I found the continuous flashbacks to earlier times in the hero’s life, while explanatory, became a bit too forced. Having said that, I did enjoy the book and will buy the next in the series.
August 22, 2025
This is a dark twist on the "Chosen One" trope that wrestles with destiny and free will. The magic is finely tuned, the fight scenes are epic, the characters are engaging. And you can't help but fall in love with the undead wolf.
December 8, 2023
I bought this book at Dragonsteel and have loved it. Amazing story fast paced vivid story telling. I really got invested in the characters and world and can not wait to read the next one.
January 16, 2024
Just wow. This was constant action and I loved it! The world building and character building was phenomenal. I laughed, I cried, and I can’t wait for the next book!
January 28, 2024
Action packed and fast paced!
February 3, 2024
Enjoyed the book. Love the story line and it kept me reading and held my interest. Can’t wait for the next one.,
May 25, 2025
Balance never felt the lead character was ever in danger
November 3, 2025
Respectful first book
Needs an editor to catch some of those loose strings in the story. Still fire though. Looking forward to next book.
Needs an editor to catch some of those loose strings in the story. Still fire though. Looking forward to next book.
October 24, 2023
Great book highly recommend if you like fantasy books. Very cool world building and character development. And you'll definitely fall in love with the wolf.
July 8, 2024
I love a good fantasy story. This was actually one of them. I do not like to give too much away in my reviews, but I highly suggest this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy. The characters and the action were just amazing. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews