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Darkblade #8
Reckoner
The Hunter’s enemies believe him trapped in a city under siege.
But no foe is more dangerous than a cornered assassin.
With those he cares for—both his daughter Jaia and his gathered “family” of Kiara, Evren, and Hailen—to fight for, the Hunter will stop at nothing to shatter the army encamped around the walls of Shalandra.
But in the City of the Dead, every shadow conceals hidden daggers and murderous intent.
The greatest threat to the Hunter may be the very people he’s battling to protect.
But no foe is more dangerous than a cornered assassin.
With those he cares for—both his daughter Jaia and his gathered “family” of Kiara, Evren, and Hailen—to fight for, the Hunter will stop at nothing to shatter the army encamped around the walls of Shalandra.
But in the City of the Dead, every shadow conceals hidden daggers and murderous intent.
The greatest threat to the Hunter may be the very people he’s battling to protect.
- GenresFantasy
631 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
206 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Andy Peloquin
89 books1,292 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 14, 2024
It was okay. Much of the same as the last book in that the plot wasn't super engaging to me. This book was 600 pages and occurred over the course of a week or something. It was just unnecessary for it to be that long and not truly have a lot happen. That isn't to say it didn't have good parts, the battle was interesting enough, and it didn't have some of those annoying writing elements that I noticed in the previous book. I guess the fight with the secret keeper was decent too. Though, I really gotta say I'm getting kinda tired of the fight pattern that this author uses in this series.
Most of the time the Hunter is going around tearing people to shreds with ease and then when it actually matters he just gets beat to a bloody pulp over and over again and then somehow manages to eek out a win. It's just become repetitive to see this exact plot point occur through each of the 8 books in this series. I get that the author doesn't want to make it seem like the conflict wasn't real or angsty or difficult enough, but I mean come on. He literally gets murdered twice in the fight and then miraculously heals himself with the "last shred of strength" he just happen to have both times. If want to make fights not seem too easy, there are other ways to do it then having the Hunter virtually lose the entire fight and then snatch a victory out of sheer luck.
He doesn't seem all that legendary when his skills are constantly trumped by his opponents all the time. I honestly would rather read of a fight that's too easy for the mc then repetitively see one that's just down right pathetic like that. And that's really saying something because I hate when an mc never seems to struggle, but I guess I hate it even more when all they do is struggle. There just needs to be a balance.
Ok, last thing, I feel like the author should've taken more time to expand on the Hunter's exploration of his abilities and that of Soulhunger. I know it's something their probably saving for the next books, but I really don't think it's necessary to stretch out the series the way this author has. I get it. They need the profit and maybe the writing has just gotten away from them and they didn't really mean to make it as long as it has been, but seriously, this doesn't need to be more than 10 books. The Hunter has just gone on too many sidequests and ignored the main quest of the story too much that the books have managed to go on for so long. If the author just cut back a little on the excessive descriptions and stuff, they'd have more page time to offer the important parts of the story and its character. Hunter's abilities, memories, and special dagger are obviously going to be extremely important to the conclusion of this series so I'd really appreciate it if the author offered them more page time to develop and unfold instead of giving it to stuff that doesn't really matter.
In my review of the last book I'd said I was really losing interest in this series and that hasn't changed overly much, but I'll prob still continue with it because I've already committed time to the first 8 books of this series and I'm too stubborn to put it down now.
Most of the time the Hunter is going around tearing people to shreds with ease and then when it actually matters he just gets beat to a bloody pulp over and over again and then somehow manages to eek out a win. It's just become repetitive to see this exact plot point occur through each of the 8 books in this series. I get that the author doesn't want to make it seem like the conflict wasn't real or angsty or difficult enough, but I mean come on. He literally gets murdered twice in the fight and then miraculously heals himself with the "last shred of strength" he just happen to have both times. If want to make fights not seem too easy, there are other ways to do it then having the Hunter virtually lose the entire fight and then snatch a victory out of sheer luck.
He doesn't seem all that legendary when his skills are constantly trumped by his opponents all the time. I honestly would rather read of a fight that's too easy for the mc then repetitively see one that's just down right pathetic like that. And that's really saying something because I hate when an mc never seems to struggle, but I guess I hate it even more when all they do is struggle. There just needs to be a balance.
Ok, last thing, I feel like the author should've taken more time to expand on the Hunter's exploration of his abilities and that of Soulhunger. I know it's something their probably saving for the next books, but I really don't think it's necessary to stretch out the series the way this author has. I get it. They need the profit and maybe the writing has just gotten away from them and they didn't really mean to make it as long as it has been, but seriously, this doesn't need to be more than 10 books. The Hunter has just gone on too many sidequests and ignored the main quest of the story too much that the books have managed to go on for so long. If the author just cut back a little on the excessive descriptions and stuff, they'd have more page time to offer the important parts of the story and its character. Hunter's abilities, memories, and special dagger are obviously going to be extremely important to the conclusion of this series so I'd really appreciate it if the author offered them more page time to develop and unfold instead of giving it to stuff that doesn't really matter.
In my review of the last book I'd said I was really losing interest in this series and that hasn't changed overly much, but I'll prob still continue with it because I've already committed time to the first 8 books of this series and I'm too stubborn to put it down now.
February 16, 2024
True to form, Andy Peloquin starts each book with a bang! And a death...yeah, no one is safe! My emotions are never safe but that's the thrill of a Peloquin read, the massive amounts of adrenaline that this author gets flooding through me. As well as, well, the Hunter does something to my heart that very few characters, living or fictional can hope to emulate! He has evolved into someone different, someone who FEELS, who allows himself to feel. And I along with him, his every emotion pings at my heart. Imagine finding a daughter you recently discovered you had, then finding out that daughter calls someone else father, that you cannot let your daughter know who you are....yet swear to protect her at all costs, yeah emotional turmoil abounds! And physical danger too. This Hunter is a gentler man, a man no longer tormented by the voices in his head, no longer a tortured soul, now a man of purpose, a man who is gaining friends, ok, that might be too strong a word, but definitely allies in his hunt for He who is Nameless, a great threat to all. As are the Secret Keepers, who won't let up, as is the army surrounding them and his wanting to eradicate the threat facing them all, really calls for more than just his blade. So even if we're seeing a "softer" side to the Hunter, he's still the same fierce warrior, he's still as deadly as he ever was. But there are obstacles in the way of that pursuit, assassination attempts, a city surrounded by the enemy and the knowledge that he, the Hunter, is still being hunted. I really love that he doesn't have to face this all alone anymore, that he had those who genuinely love him, like Kiara, Evren, Hailen, he has a FAMILY! And this family has long snatched a piece of my heart. And Kiara, oh glory is she SPECIAL! Not only has she thawed the Hunter to acknowledge his feelings, she believes in him, in his humanity, she's tough and loving and gentle and has the sharpest tongue!
They've finally, at great cost, arrived at Shalandra, to find it under attack, from within and without. Warlord Daouds has vengeance on his mind, only vengeance, destruction and the heads of the Parus and the Lady of Blades. Heck, I do understand, the loss of his family and what was done to them was abominable but to hold an entire city to blame, denotes a mind that's not sound. But once again, the author spins the plot like a top that goes round and round, compelling my eyes to follow each twist, waiting for the top to topple over. And topple over it does, just not the way I expected it to. And I dare not get complacent, because, just as I'm getting comfortable, the author goes WHAM! I can almost hear him saying "got you!" Which he does every time! The plot thickness and just as it's about to congeal, the author adds an element to smooth it out, like molten lava, carving a new path.
Evren and Hailen, these two hold a portion of the Hunter's heart, so well illuminated in their reunion. A truly tender moment. I love the confidence Hailen is showing, the grit and determination to learn, to expand on what he needs to know, to do. Evren, well, I loved how he managed to get out of the pickle he was in with Briana! And goodness, has SHE grown! In depth, in character, in confidence. So many awesome characters, so many interesting characters, so compellingly enraptured me, from the start of the book to the very end. The bits we saw of Jaia only whet my appetite for the next book! Will he? Won't he? Dare he? Oh boy do I want him to! That promises to be EXPLOSIVE!
The Order of Mithridas is still out there and the Hunter is determined to find them, eradicate them, but he first has to get rid of a gnat, a giant gnat that will not stay down, a gnat that has burrowed deep, all but invincible. With his family at risk, there is nothing the Hunter won't do to protect them. There is conspiracy, there is treachery on a massive scale, trying to filter out who is who and who done what is one of the Hunter's skill, besides putting those who cross him to the sword. One of the most complex characters ever brought to life, his capacity to love and his capacity for growth is astounding. As is true for all the characters, there are no mundane personalities, the personalities and characteristics are distinct, they are like a beacon of light, each one shines in it's own way, VERY brightly! And the action! OMG the action! My heart stopped beating, my mouth was trying to suck in air into my depleted lungs at what the Hunter endured at the hands of Varsav! No! You have NO IDEA!!! And it gets more and more earth shattering, picking up steam, much like a tornado, leaving wreckage and carnage in it's wake. That final chapter, oh my heavens, those final scenes, squuezed my heart within an inch of my life. With my jaw on the floor, I barely managed to form the words, no, no, no, no, NO, as all was unfolding, once more, not in the way I expected!
Even though the tone of the book is... different than previous ones, less dark, the hope is still there, the action is still in abundance, the complexity of the characters and their emotions is rife, filled with trepidation and uncertainty, but one of awareness, both of self discovery and the mystery, which unfolds gently, like a wave lapping on a beach, mesmerising. The entire series is, in fact, mesmerising, the characters are mesmerising and the world I find myself is mesmerising. It spans over many different locations, each one vibrantly depicted by the author, through many trials and hurdles cast along the way, to many realisations. Some good, some not so much but the progression is fabulous, encasing me in it's welcoming arms, propelling me forward with ease. With delight. With reverence at the author's skillful dexterity to craft a tale like non other. And THAT is the honest truth!
They've finally, at great cost, arrived at Shalandra, to find it under attack, from within and without. Warlord Daouds has vengeance on his mind, only vengeance, destruction and the heads of the Parus and the Lady of Blades. Heck, I do understand, the loss of his family and what was done to them was abominable but to hold an entire city to blame, denotes a mind that's not sound. But once again, the author spins the plot like a top that goes round and round, compelling my eyes to follow each twist, waiting for the top to topple over. And topple over it does, just not the way I expected it to. And I dare not get complacent, because, just as I'm getting comfortable, the author goes WHAM! I can almost hear him saying "got you!" Which he does every time! The plot thickness and just as it's about to congeal, the author adds an element to smooth it out, like molten lava, carving a new path.
Evren and Hailen, these two hold a portion of the Hunter's heart, so well illuminated in their reunion. A truly tender moment. I love the confidence Hailen is showing, the grit and determination to learn, to expand on what he needs to know, to do. Evren, well, I loved how he managed to get out of the pickle he was in with Briana! And goodness, has SHE grown! In depth, in character, in confidence. So many awesome characters, so many interesting characters, so compellingly enraptured me, from the start of the book to the very end. The bits we saw of Jaia only whet my appetite for the next book! Will he? Won't he? Dare he? Oh boy do I want him to! That promises to be EXPLOSIVE!
The Order of Mithridas is still out there and the Hunter is determined to find them, eradicate them, but he first has to get rid of a gnat, a giant gnat that will not stay down, a gnat that has burrowed deep, all but invincible. With his family at risk, there is nothing the Hunter won't do to protect them. There is conspiracy, there is treachery on a massive scale, trying to filter out who is who and who done what is one of the Hunter's skill, besides putting those who cross him to the sword. One of the most complex characters ever brought to life, his capacity to love and his capacity for growth is astounding. As is true for all the characters, there are no mundane personalities, the personalities and characteristics are distinct, they are like a beacon of light, each one shines in it's own way, VERY brightly! And the action! OMG the action! My heart stopped beating, my mouth was trying to suck in air into my depleted lungs at what the Hunter endured at the hands of Varsav! No! You have NO IDEA!!! And it gets more and more earth shattering, picking up steam, much like a tornado, leaving wreckage and carnage in it's wake. That final chapter, oh my heavens, those final scenes, squuezed my heart within an inch of my life. With my jaw on the floor, I barely managed to form the words, no, no, no, no, NO, as all was unfolding, once more, not in the way I expected!
Even though the tone of the book is... different than previous ones, less dark, the hope is still there, the action is still in abundance, the complexity of the characters and their emotions is rife, filled with trepidation and uncertainty, but one of awareness, both of self discovery and the mystery, which unfolds gently, like a wave lapping on a beach, mesmerising. The entire series is, in fact, mesmerising, the characters are mesmerising and the world I find myself is mesmerising. It spans over many different locations, each one vibrantly depicted by the author, through many trials and hurdles cast along the way, to many realisations. Some good, some not so much but the progression is fabulous, encasing me in it's welcoming arms, propelling me forward with ease. With delight. With reverence at the author's skillful dexterity to craft a tale like non other. And THAT is the honest truth!
January 8, 2024
I have just finished reading Reckoner, and am still stunned by all the goings on in the Hunter's life. He still travels with his daughter Jaia and Alessard, as well as with Kiara as they desperately try to evade capture by the secret keepers led by insularii Varsav and his expiators who are out to kill Jaia claiming she was Dreheidh. They arrive in Shalandra, the city of the dead, and are reunited with their sons, Hailen and Evren who they had missed for so long. However their stay in Shalandra was not to be a happy reuniting because the threat of war loomed large on the horizon. The Zahirani, Dalmissar and Shahkukhti people under the leadership of the warlord Daoud, once a friend, trained and educated by the previous Pharus was out for vengeance for the death of his wife and daughter seeking the justice which was never administered. This book is very dark, brutal and full of tension, it held me in it's grip from start to finish and wow what a finish this was! The hunter is one of my most favourite heroes ever, though an assassin and a bucelerii his heart is in the right place and he will do anything to defend those he loves and his list keeps growing. He is striving so hard to be there for his daughter, who he hopes will one day get to know who he really is, and accept him. I cannot wait to see this come about. The secret keepers are zealots and though they know that the God they follow is fake, they still follow orders without question, I hate them so much and the battle with the insularii kept me fearing for the hunters life even more than the war he had just battled in. I love Andy Peloquin's Hunter series, they are dark epic fantasy at its best and for me Darkblade is one of the best series I have read in a long time.
January 20, 2024
Just when I thought I understood the Hunter, I learn he doesn't even understand himself, including his relationship with the family he has collected around him. This book has a recurring theme of Parent/child. More specifically, parents learning to trust their adult chuldren to do the right thing. And also how very different fathers can reach an agreement because they can identify with each other's love for their daughters.
This book ramps up the highs, and lowers the lows. More calm loving family. Higher bloody body count. Farther back into the history of the gods. More magical power. Higher stakes. More EVERYTHING. So much so that when I finished I was left emotionally devastated, breathless, and exhausted. And eagerly looking forward to the author's next book.
This book ramps up the highs, and lowers the lows. More calm loving family. Higher bloody body count. Farther back into the history of the gods. More magical power. Higher stakes. More EVERYTHING. So much so that when I finished I was left emotionally devastated, breathless, and exhausted. And eagerly looking forward to the author's next book.
March 12, 2024
Exciting as always!
I cannot wait for Dark blade Reckoner! By the end of the first dark blade book, I was a goner! Every "slash" of a
page and I get farther and farther engrossed into the journey of the Hunter and the development of his character and those he loves. I'm amazed at the knowledge of the author Andy Peloquin in regards to the art of war. How much knowledge must you have to create a visual picture in our minds of the carnage happening so vividly as if watching a movie! That, in and of itself is pure magic!
Kudos to you, my friend! Your books are amazing and I can't wait for the next journey!
I cannot wait for Dark blade Reckoner! By the end of the first dark blade book, I was a goner! Every "slash" of a
page and I get farther and farther engrossed into the journey of the Hunter and the development of his character and those he loves. I'm amazed at the knowledge of the author Andy Peloquin in regards to the art of war. How much knowledge must you have to create a visual picture in our minds of the carnage happening so vividly as if watching a movie! That, in and of itself is pure magic!
Kudos to you, my friend! Your books are amazing and I can't wait for the next journey!
July 16, 2024
Couldnt put it down!!!
Andy Peloquin writing just gets better and better with each book, this numbered one of the best out of the series, as we got more insight to the main character and imtroduction of new characters in the web of friendship and camaraderie built. Plus, it is my favourite because he finally reunited with his family and sharing his bond. Please come on hunter just say those words to Jaia, she so needs to know lol ,so u can get started on their shared blood adventure together. Concept and descrition in this world is exceptional, cant wait to feel and imagine the next location of wonder, keep up the amazing writting , never give up :)
Andy Peloquin writing just gets better and better with each book, this numbered one of the best out of the series, as we got more insight to the main character and imtroduction of new characters in the web of friendship and camaraderie built. Plus, it is my favourite because he finally reunited with his family and sharing his bond. Please come on hunter just say those words to Jaia, she so needs to know lol ,so u can get started on their shared blood adventure together. Concept and descrition in this world is exceptional, cant wait to feel and imagine the next location of wonder, keep up the amazing writting , never give up :)
March 7, 2024
I’ve enjoyed all of the Darkblade novels, but this is one of my absolute favorites. The books are well written, full of action, and have just a smidge of romance—not to worry, not enough to bother you if you’re not into it. ;-)
I couldn’t put this one down—plot twists and character development galore. If you care about complex characters that learn and grow, you’ll love this series. If you just want action, you���ll love this series. If you want something to skim through while watching tv, look elsewhere.
March 9, 2024
Dark blade book 8
Wow! I can't wait for the next book. I have enjoyed all of the Dark blade series, but this one I didn't see this end coming. Awesome characters, more twist and turns then a Pikes Peak road race and dang it you didn't leave me hanging AGAIN. LOL. When is the next book supposed to released?
Wow! I can't wait for the next book. I have enjoyed all of the Dark blade series, but this one I didn't see this end coming. Awesome characters, more twist and turns then a Pikes Peak road race and dang it you didn't leave me hanging AGAIN. LOL. When is the next book supposed to released?
January 29, 2024
Wow! It’s hard to write a review when the story leaves you speechless. Spectacular continuation of the story from Defender that wraps up several story lines and opens up several more. Don’t plan on getting much done, or sleep, once you start this one.
February 9, 2024
Good grief, what’s to say about this one. It kicks off fast and doesn’t let up until the very last page, again an ending I absolutely didn’t see coming. The Hunter is reeling from one fight to another. I loved every word. How long I wonder for the next fascinating tome. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2024
He’s done it again
The master story teller has done it again. What masterful and epic series. I’m not sure which book in the series is my favourite but when they are all release on audible I’m going in for a big binge. I AM HOOKED
The master story teller has done it again. What masterful and epic series. I’m not sure which book in the series is my favourite but when they are all release on audible I’m going in for a big binge. I AM HOOKED
February 24, 2024
One Best Series Ever Written
Exciting, thrilling story. Well written! scary in places, sound lessons, and love comes from page after page. Have read every book in the series and cannot recommend them nor the Author more!
Exciting, thrilling story. Well written! scary in places, sound lessons, and love comes from page after page. Have read every book in the series and cannot recommend them nor the Author more!
March 22, 2024
Just cut my heart in two
First how you going to let issa lose both her parents. Second why did callista not have the sword of hallar. when is the hunter going to tell his daughter he the daddy. love the series thank you for all your hard work
First how you going to let issa lose both her parents. Second why did callista not have the sword of hallar. when is the hunter going to tell his daughter he the daddy. love the series thank you for all your hard work
March 30, 2024
Family dynamics
Who would guess that the Hunter would have the same problems that everyone else has. Family comes in many forms that we make it. Learning how we deal with emotions is as cutting as Soulhunger.
Who would guess that the Hunter would have the same problems that everyone else has. Family comes in many forms that we make it. Learning how we deal with emotions is as cutting as Soulhunger.
April 8, 2024
Fantastic
I have,read books in this series and each one is better than the last. The characters jeep evolving and,relatable and can't forget all the action (fighting, magic, mystery,.....). Can't wait until next book in series is out.
I have,read books in this series and each one is better than the last. The characters jeep evolving and,relatable and can't forget all the action (fighting, magic, mystery,.....). Can't wait until next book in series is out.
April 10, 2024
What else can happen! Wow! Fathers, daughter, lovers and then...
This is just so hard to not have you emotions gutted. You just get so invested in everything and everyone! But that's what a great story does! More please?
This is just so hard to not have you emotions gutted. You just get so invested in everything and everyone! But that's what a great story does! More please?
April 16, 2024
Excellent as always.
I can't wait for the next one to find out how Hunter and his daughter make out on their journry. When he tells her that she is his daughter and she has the two boys as her family as well as a Father and Stepmother.
I can't wait for the next one to find out how Hunter and his daughter make out on their journry. When he tells her that she is his daughter and she has the two boys as her family as well as a Father and Stepmother.
February 24, 2024
Excellent book
Great series! The development of the characters throughout the series is awesome. Each book is better than the last. Can't wait for the next!
Great series! The development of the characters throughout the series is awesome. Each book is better than the last. Can't wait for the next!
March 2, 2024
The Hunter
I have truly loved watching the hunter grow as a person, finding out he doesn't have to be what others believe he can only be.
I have truly loved watching the hunter grow as a person, finding out he doesn't have to be what others believe he can only be.
March 8, 2024
Darkblade Reckoner book 8.
Once again truly fabulous, spellbinding, another great read. Please can you hurry up with book 9 . We wait with anticipation
Once again truly fabulous, spellbinding, another great read. Please can you hurry up with book 9 . We wait with anticipation
March 20, 2024
Great Series
This whole series has been a great read. Each time a new book in the series comes out, I cannot put it down. Highly recommend
This whole series has been a great read. Each time a new book in the series comes out, I cannot put it down. Highly recommend
March 21, 2024
Hunter
These last to books have keeped me stuck to this screen for three days could not put down all the twists and turns.can't wait for book 9
These last to books have keeped me stuck to this screen for three days could not put down all the twists and turns.can't wait for book 9
May 7, 2024
Awesome!
What an exciting book! It held me the whole time, with its action and story!
Thank you so much Mr. Peloquin!!
What an exciting book! It held me the whole time, with its action and story!
Thank you so much Mr. Peloquin!!
May 31, 2024
Gripping Series
Just cannot stop reading this series. The Hunter and the Characters never fail to keep me gripped. Great twist at the end!
Just cannot stop reading this series. The Hunter and the Characters never fail to keep me gripped. Great twist at the end!
October 14, 2024
Action packed.
Action from beginning to end. Another satisfying read by Andy Peloquin. Can't wait until 9 is released. Hoping some loose ends will be tied up.
Action from beginning to end. Another satisfying read by Andy Peloquin. Can't wait until 9 is released. Hoping some loose ends will be tied up.
December 1, 2024
Captivating
It just draws you in, the complexity and twist leaves you wanting more and wondering what’s next
I’m excited to read the next book
It just draws you in, the complexity and twist leaves you wanting more and wondering what’s next
I’m excited to read the next book
March 19, 2025
A assume story
I been waiting a long time for these dark blade story's. I like the way Andy Peloquin writes and how he can tell a story you can't put down.
I been waiting a long time for these dark blade story's. I like the way Andy Peloquin writes and how he can tell a story you can't put down.
July 25, 2025
Grimdark at it's finest
A main character that continues to evolve and a story that doesn't get old. As the threads are woven the reader knows a crescendo is coming.
A main character that continues to evolve and a story that doesn't get old. As the threads are woven the reader knows a crescendo is coming.
August 11, 2024
Andy smashed it again .
Superb
Superb
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews