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The Tides That Reign #1
Design of Darkness
The shadow of the great usurper, King Fogosombre, has kept the East in darkness for twelve long years. Made paranoid by a foretelling of his downfall, the king’s indiscriminate violence reaches a new zenith, leaving twins Arsenio and Mariana orphaned and homeless, their village burnt to the ground.
Now, as the dying embers of their rebellion fade into the night, the twins make a promise to find aide for their people in foreign lands. To get out from under the king’s reach, they must venture across the Great Ocean into a world they had only dreamt about through travelers’ stories. From their perilous quest arises a tale of emperors and queens, marauders and mysticism, fortitude and forbidden love.
Meanwhile, King Fogosombre conducts profane rituals driven by his lust for indomitability. Toiling with malign magic that may yield dire consequences for all the known world, he seeks a pact with the shadows, a plan to cement his reign indefinitely: a design of darkness.
Now, as the dying embers of their rebellion fade into the night, the twins make a promise to find aide for their people in foreign lands. To get out from under the king’s reach, they must venture across the Great Ocean into a world they had only dreamt about through travelers’ stories. From their perilous quest arises a tale of emperors and queens, marauders and mysticism, fortitude and forbidden love.
Meanwhile, King Fogosombre conducts profane rituals driven by his lust for indomitability. Toiling with malign magic that may yield dire consequences for all the known world, he seeks a pact with the shadows, a plan to cement his reign indefinitely: a design of darkness.
Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2024
About the author
R.D. Pires
8 books114 followersRD Pires has found there's always a story to tell, and so he spends his time writing them down. A writing project is always on his mind, even when there aren't enough hours in a day to work on them.
Author of many genres, he has a special place in his heart for queer fiction. His latest works have been part of The Tides That Reign series with book 1, Design of Darkness out last summer, and book 2, Sparrows Sing of Dying just released!
He lives in California with his husband and their daughter.
Author of many genres, he has a special place in his heart for queer fiction. His latest works have been part of The Tides That Reign series with book 1, Design of Darkness out last summer, and book 2, Sparrows Sing of Dying just released!
He lives in California with his husband and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 14, 2025
The world building was so well done. I wanted to live in this book and be a part of the Emperors inner circle. There are different points of view in this book as a tyrant who is so evil that there is no redeeming qualities in the man. A family almost destroyed seeking help and refuge and a new emperor trying to be the leader his people needs and at the same time going against accepted norms and falling in love with a foreigner to the chagrin of his royal advisors and his best friend.
I was so captivated by this book and as I saw the pages almost complete with resolution I knew I needed book 2. I will eagerly be waiting for its release. Lots of drama in this book and a budding romance.
I was so captivated by this book and as I saw the pages almost complete with resolution I knew I needed book 2. I will eagerly be waiting for its release. Lots of drama in this book and a budding romance.
May 14, 2026
In a world of leaders, and people it is up to the people to make sure the leader is the right one.
When an evil dictator decides that wiping out his villages is the best course of action and letting his nobles abuse the citizens it is only a matter of time before the people fight back. But when their entire villages are leveled and mythical generals ride at the head of his army what can they do?
Flee to find help.
An Emperor with a heart, twins with a mission, and a lost sister in the strangest of places.
This novel comes with lots of POV, long chapters, romantic sub-plot, some spice, gore, and an overarching story of twisting timelines and mystery.
There were a few things I struggled with in the novel but not enough to put it down with the larger plot. All I will say is Emilio? but I'm assuming this makes sense in book 2.
Design of Darkness is my first R.D. Pires novel and with the mystery and looming war hinted at I will be picking up the rest of the series soon.
When an evil dictator decides that wiping out his villages is the best course of action and letting his nobles abuse the citizens it is only a matter of time before the people fight back. But when their entire villages are leveled and mythical generals ride at the head of his army what can they do?
Flee to find help.
An Emperor with a heart, twins with a mission, and a lost sister in the strangest of places.
This novel comes with lots of POV, long chapters, romantic sub-plot, some spice, gore, and an overarching story of twisting timelines and mystery.
There were a few things I struggled with in the novel but not enough to put it down with the larger plot. All I will say is Emilio? but I'm assuming this makes sense in book 2.
Design of Darkness is my first R.D. Pires novel and with the mystery and looming war hinted at I will be picking up the rest of the series soon.
May 26, 2025
Under the tyrannical rule of King Fogosombre, twins Arsenio and Marianna are left orphaned and homeless. They set out across the Great Ocean to foreign lands seeking help for the rebellion. Their quest leads them to new lands, new mystics, and new love.
I’m the first to admit I only dabble in fantasy series, though I faithfully watched #GameOfThrones and #HouseOfTheDragon. But when I heard of this fantasy series written by a queer author with queer main characters, I knew I HAD to read it. The author does such a phenomenal job building out this new world, complete with different nations, rulers, traditions, and idiosyncrasies. I was hooked from the very beginning, even with the multiple POVs and character development early on. There is so much chemistry between the main queer characters, I found myself swooning over their relationship. In true #EpicFantasy fashion, the book felt like it was building up to something massive as the rebellion was formulating. It leaves on such a great cliffhanger and by the end I couldn’t wait to jump into the second book!
Read if you like:
🌈 queer #romantasy stories
🔥The fantasy book version of "Fire is catching…and if we burn, you burn with us!”
⚔️ Oberyn Martell (aka Pedro Pascal) from #GoT🐉
Reviewed as part of a giveaway from the author; many thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
I’m the first to admit I only dabble in fantasy series, though I faithfully watched #GameOfThrones and #HouseOfTheDragon. But when I heard of this fantasy series written by a queer author with queer main characters, I knew I HAD to read it. The author does such a phenomenal job building out this new world, complete with different nations, rulers, traditions, and idiosyncrasies. I was hooked from the very beginning, even with the multiple POVs and character development early on. There is so much chemistry between the main queer characters, I found myself swooning over their relationship. In true #EpicFantasy fashion, the book felt like it was building up to something massive as the rebellion was formulating. It leaves on such a great cliffhanger and by the end I couldn’t wait to jump into the second book!
Read if you like:
🌈 queer #romantasy stories
🔥The fantasy book version of "Fire is catching…and if we burn, you burn with us!”
⚔️ Oberyn Martell (aka Pedro Pascal) from #GoT🐉
Reviewed as part of a giveaway from the author; many thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
April 26, 2024
This is R.D. Pires’ best work yet! As a fairly new fan of fantasy, I found Design of Darkness to be a perfect balance of intricate world building and effortless storytelling. I’ve found that I can sometimes get lost in the complexities of other fantasy worlds, but Pires made his world of peace vs. war, light vs. dark, and hope vs. destruction so easy to navigate and immerse myself in.
The story is told through multiple perspectives, which I love. It really allows the reader to experience the wide range of emotions that the characters are faced with when making their decisions and how it progresses the series of events.
I am always impressed by Pires ability to tell a compelling story that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next, while at the same time making you feel deeply connected to the characters. Design of Darkness is no different. I always wanted to know the next step in the plot, but also found myself wanting to pause and give space for the heartache I felt for certain characters.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! I can’t wait for the next book of the series!
The story is told through multiple perspectives, which I love. It really allows the reader to experience the wide range of emotions that the characters are faced with when making their decisions and how it progresses the series of events.
I am always impressed by Pires ability to tell a compelling story that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next, while at the same time making you feel deeply connected to the characters. Design of Darkness is no different. I always wanted to know the next step in the plot, but also found myself wanting to pause and give space for the heartache I felt for certain characters.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! I can’t wait for the next book of the series!
May 19, 2026
Get ready to set sail, because Design of Darkness by RD Pires pulls you right off the docks and into deep, treacherous waters from the opening scene. The narrative sets a relentless pace with devastating attacks by King Fogosombre's forces, political maneuvering in the far-off lands of the Nokari Empire, and clashes with pirates on the open seas. A distinctly dark tone paired with the author’s direct, grounded prose keeps the survival stakes anchored, making every desperate choice feel immediate and real.
The expansive worldbuilding draws beautifully from East and Southeast Asian cultures, engineering a wholly original landscape that balances a sweeping, cinematic scale filled with magic and mystery with the organic, granular details that make a setting feel truly lived-in. Beneath the surface-level action, the book excels at grand political intrigue, weaving complex, cutthroat machinations that pull the characters into a much larger, darker current.
The crew navigating this world is wonderfully expansive, featuring a broad cast competing to be your favorite. Mariana? Arsenio? Kaori? I’m still undecided who I like best. Pires weaves queer representation into the narrative organically, even tackling the realities of homophobia and systemic oppression in this fantasy setting.
Charting an ambitious course, the author packs a staggering amount of scope into the story. The sheer volume of character perspectives offers a panoramic view of the unfolding rebellion and the encroaching darkness. The sudden ending leaves you standing right on the edge of the deck, eager to see where the tide will carry this sprawling cast next.
This first installment of The Tides That Reign series is a thrilling, impressive expedition. The rich worldbuilding, ruthless political intrigue, and high-stakes action make Design of Darkness a voyage absolutely worth taking.
The expansive worldbuilding draws beautifully from East and Southeast Asian cultures, engineering a wholly original landscape that balances a sweeping, cinematic scale filled with magic and mystery with the organic, granular details that make a setting feel truly lived-in. Beneath the surface-level action, the book excels at grand political intrigue, weaving complex, cutthroat machinations that pull the characters into a much larger, darker current.
The crew navigating this world is wonderfully expansive, featuring a broad cast competing to be your favorite. Mariana? Arsenio? Kaori? I’m still undecided who I like best. Pires weaves queer representation into the narrative organically, even tackling the realities of homophobia and systemic oppression in this fantasy setting.
Charting an ambitious course, the author packs a staggering amount of scope into the story. The sheer volume of character perspectives offers a panoramic view of the unfolding rebellion and the encroaching darkness. The sudden ending leaves you standing right on the edge of the deck, eager to see where the tide will carry this sprawling cast next.
This first installment of The Tides That Reign series is a thrilling, impressive expedition. The rich worldbuilding, ruthless political intrigue, and high-stakes action make Design of Darkness a voyage absolutely worth taking.
June 20, 2024
3 words come to mind whenever I think of this book: captivating, expeditious, and allegiance. This is R.D.’s best work so far. He has always had an incredible way of telling his stories but something about this book really stuck with me. I was completely hooked by the first paragraph in the first chapter. The world building part flowed so well that it wasn’t hard to keep up. Another bonus about this book is that R.D. attached a guide on how to pronounce characters names as well as locations which was helpful because who wants to mispronounce anything in books lol. I was on the edge of my seat at times ready for the resistance plans to come into play, I was curled into a ball rooting for the characters and their forbidden love, I was ready to throw down the tyrant myself! It was an incredibly emotional rollercoaster that I was happy to be on (no, seriously).
I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I’m still thinking about it and I am just so excited for the rest of this series and to see how each of these storylines unfold and come together. And before you ask, yes this put me into a book hang over for like a week. So you definitely will not regret reading this book!
I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I’m still thinking about it and I am just so excited for the rest of this series and to see how each of these storylines unfold and come together. And before you ask, yes this put me into a book hang over for like a week. So you definitely will not regret reading this book!
May 30, 2026
2.0 || adventurous dark reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
An intricate and exhaustingly sprawling epic heavily reminiscent of ASOIAF, Design of Darkness takes a creative spin on political intrigue and war-torn siblings. There is a massive cast of POV characters scattered across a vast region- on par for course in epic/high fantasy - whose insights all come together in the end to lay the groundwork for an even larger story. I appreciated the fact that the kingdoms are all scattered, divided by sea instead of the usual super-continent, as it gives way for more dread at the timeline and the separation between our characters. The tragedy of a certain love story was also poignant, and probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.
On its own, it's a solid fantasy debut, however, it under-delivered on the premise it offered.
Instead of shifting allegiances, succession crises, and in-depth exploration on the politics of the three main kingdoms in the story (especially since they're all of different islands and therefore larger cultural and political differences), the novel feels like a string of things happening and everyone else reacting to it. There are no brilliant strategists moving pieces on a chessboard through ambition or fatal flaws, just three nation-heads clicking their teeth and forging forward with their own decisions, regardless of what their aides had to say. The few political drama that I could have gotten behind with happened in the very last 10% of the book, which was overturned immediately because our characters now had another fresh hell to deal with. When your characters are entirely reactive—passengers just trying to survive the plot rather than actively shaping it—the supposedly "intricate web of betrayal" starts to feel less like brilliant statesmanship, and more like exhausting coincidence.
It was still an enjoyable read for me, however I really could not get past how the "South East Asia inspiration" was handled at all, and that really soured the rest of my reading experience.
At first, I was excited, as I did not know that there was any SEA involvement, although it was clear from the get go that Nokara was heavily inspired by Japan, and since the introduction of Nokara, I'd wager to say that there was a bit of care and research done by the author in portraying their customs. However, when Kailon was introduced (and after some digging in the maps), I was disheartened with the lack of historical and linguistic care.
Mind you, I understand that fantasy does not owe accuracy, however, when you're heavily taking inspiration from a real country, its inhabitants, and its culture, there should be some level of respect in your portrayal. The naming choice for the Kailonese people were flippant and under-researched, for example the very island and city first introduced, Banguet, is one letter away from an actual province in the Philippines, Benguet. Its flower festival, the Panagbenga Festival, was clearly the inspiration for the Banguet City Flower Festival - but the Panagbenga is in Baguio City, arguably in the Benguet province but still, surely this must have come up in the author's research? Surely there should have been a bit more care in the naming of the supposed capital city having their biggest festival? Not to mention that the book begins the introduction of Kailon to the precolonial Philippine aesthetic which, again, slay at first. Then immediately turns around and dressed the characters is in barongs and baro't sayas - garments fundamentally tied to the Spanish colonial era.
I was about to just let this roll off as a weird stylistic choice when the next chapters had naming conventions that sent me into a fury, because why is one very minor character named Bahala, the character who doesnt give a shit and leaves everything up to fate kasi bahala na lagi, and the in-universe dialect is called "Wikang" WHICH TRANSLATES TO "LANGUAGE OF" LANGUAGE OF WHAT?????? In real life, it's "Wikang Filipino" aka "The Filipino Language" because the Philippines has a lot of languages on top of dialects - surely this came up in your research, right? RIGHT?
Again, fantasy doesn't owe accuracy, but if you're going to be inspired by a culture, please do your do diligence in researching. It is not enough to lift the entire mythology of the bakunawa and rename it into the bakusawa to make your fictional country different from the real one and have a different mystical allure.
In the acknowledgements, the author praises the work of several authors but one that stood out was his inspiration of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. I see the inspiration that the author took from GRRM and acknowledge that although a derivative of it, Design of Darkness has the potential to go that route. However, there is no shortcut to greatness, and the rushing and mishmashing of cultures sends you even further from the path.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
"But as long as there is one soul with an eye turned toward freedom, the Light has not been extinguished."
An intricate and exhaustingly sprawling epic heavily reminiscent of ASOIAF, Design of Darkness takes a creative spin on political intrigue and war-torn siblings. There is a massive cast of POV characters scattered across a vast region- on par for course in epic/high fantasy - whose insights all come together in the end to lay the groundwork for an even larger story. I appreciated the fact that the kingdoms are all scattered, divided by sea instead of the usual super-continent, as it gives way for more dread at the timeline and the separation between our characters. The tragedy of a certain love story was also poignant, and probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.
On its own, it's a solid fantasy debut, however, it under-delivered on the premise it offered.
Instead of shifting allegiances, succession crises, and in-depth exploration on the politics of the three main kingdoms in the story (especially since they're all of different islands and therefore larger cultural and political differences), the novel feels like a string of things happening and everyone else reacting to it. There are no brilliant strategists moving pieces on a chessboard through ambition or fatal flaws, just three nation-heads clicking their teeth and forging forward with their own decisions, regardless of what their aides had to say. The few political drama that I could have gotten behind with happened in the very last 10% of the book, which was overturned immediately because our characters now had another fresh hell to deal with. When your characters are entirely reactive—passengers just trying to survive the plot rather than actively shaping it—the supposedly "intricate web of betrayal" starts to feel less like brilliant statesmanship, and more like exhausting coincidence.
It was still an enjoyable read for me, however I really could not get past how the "South East Asia inspiration" was handled at all, and that really soured the rest of my reading experience.
At first, I was excited, as I did not know that there was any SEA involvement, although it was clear from the get go that Nokara was heavily inspired by Japan, and since the introduction of Nokara, I'd wager to say that there was a bit of care and research done by the author in portraying their customs. However, when Kailon was introduced (and after some digging in the maps), I was disheartened with the lack of historical and linguistic care.
Mind you, I understand that fantasy does not owe accuracy, however, when you're heavily taking inspiration from a real country, its inhabitants, and its culture, there should be some level of respect in your portrayal. The naming choice for the Kailonese people were flippant and under-researched, for example the very island and city first introduced, Banguet, is one letter away from an actual province in the Philippines, Benguet. Its flower festival, the Panagbenga Festival, was clearly the inspiration for the Banguet City Flower Festival - but the Panagbenga is in Baguio City, arguably in the Benguet province but still, surely this must have come up in the author's research? Surely there should have been a bit more care in the naming of the supposed capital city having their biggest festival? Not to mention that the book begins the introduction of Kailon to the precolonial Philippine aesthetic which, again, slay at first. Then immediately turns around and dressed the characters is in barongs and baro't sayas - garments fundamentally tied to the Spanish colonial era.
I was about to just let this roll off as a weird stylistic choice when the next chapters had naming conventions that sent me into a fury, because why is one very minor character named Bahala, the character who doesnt give a shit and leaves everything up to fate kasi bahala na lagi, and the in-universe dialect is called "Wikang" WHICH TRANSLATES TO "LANGUAGE OF" LANGUAGE OF WHAT?????? In real life, it's "Wikang Filipino" aka "The Filipino Language" because the Philippines has a lot of languages on top of dialects - surely this came up in your research, right? RIGHT?
Again, fantasy doesn't owe accuracy, but if you're going to be inspired by a culture, please do your do diligence in researching. It is not enough to lift the entire mythology of the bakunawa and rename it into the bakusawa to make your fictional country different from the real one and have a different mystical allure.
In the acknowledgements, the author praises the work of several authors but one that stood out was his inspiration of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. I see the inspiration that the author took from GRRM and acknowledge that although a derivative of it, Design of Darkness has the potential to go that route. However, there is no shortcut to greatness, and the rushing and mishmashing of cultures sends you even further from the path.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
May 30, 2024
I’ll say here what you can see me say on the cover! This book is a bold mosaic of story, rich with different cultures, viewpoints, and characters, painting a compelling tale of collective resistance against a terrifying tyrant.
May 28, 2026
This is one of those reviews where I stare at my computer screen and struggle to put my opinions into words. This book is phenomenal, and I’m afraid I lack the writing skills to properly get my thoughts and feelings across in a way that doesn’t read like alphabet soup. I will try my best, however.
I want to start by saying that from the first book alone, I can already tell that this will be a new favorite epic fantasy series of mine (perhaps my favorite, but I need to hold my horses and read the other two books first). When finishing the novel, I was deeply upset to find how few ratings this has on Goodreads. This book is leagues better than many popular fantasy series I've read. Okay, I’ll stop my passionate ranting and get to the actual contents of this novel.
This book is not an easy read. I don’t mean the world-building, which gently eases the reader into the story, or the magic system, which is subtly sprinkled throughout the novel. No, I mean on an emotional level. The author did a fantastic job of making you feel what the character feels. Some moments are truly harrowing to the point that I felt a pang in my chest, and at the more extreme scenes, a slight burning in my eyes. Some moments made me frustrated, and there were little moments that made me smile while reading.
Pires is able to nail these emotional beats because he makes you care for these characters. Of course, with there being multiple POVs, you’re bound to have favorites and perhaps ones you don’t care much for, but even with the characters you might not prefer, you can’t help but admit that they all feel real. They’re human in the way that they’re flawed and do things that make you want to shake some sense into them. Their actions will frustrate you at times, but just like people, they’re not perfect, and they won’t always do the ‘right’ thing.
My absolute favorite thing about multiple POVs is when the characters begin to intertwine themselves in each other’s stories. Pires did this to perfection and in a way that felt completely natural. There are a few POVs that feel fully separated from the rest of the story, but then something is revealed, or a plotline is introduced that expertly weaves them into the narrative.
After finishing this novel, I immediately want to read the rest of the series. This is mostly due to the fact that Pires purposely doesn’t reveal or explain everything. Design of Darkness is a quintessential first book in an epic fantasy series; this is a taste of the rest of the story to come.
My final praise for this novel is the casual inclusivity. The queer relationship presented in this novel is beautiful. As someone who reads queer novels and epic fantasy often, the two worlds feel separated, so it was extremely refreshing to read. (Also, I will sacrifice my entire book collection for those two to have a happy ending, please, I’m begging.)
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. (P.S. I'm going to save up and buy physical copies of this series, I love the novels that much)
I want to start by saying that from the first book alone, I can already tell that this will be a new favorite epic fantasy series of mine (perhaps my favorite, but I need to hold my horses and read the other two books first). When finishing the novel, I was deeply upset to find how few ratings this has on Goodreads. This book is leagues better than many popular fantasy series I've read. Okay, I’ll stop my passionate ranting and get to the actual contents of this novel.
This book is not an easy read. I don’t mean the world-building, which gently eases the reader into the story, or the magic system, which is subtly sprinkled throughout the novel. No, I mean on an emotional level. The author did a fantastic job of making you feel what the character feels. Some moments are truly harrowing to the point that I felt a pang in my chest, and at the more extreme scenes, a slight burning in my eyes. Some moments made me frustrated, and there were little moments that made me smile while reading.
Pires is able to nail these emotional beats because he makes you care for these characters. Of course, with there being multiple POVs, you’re bound to have favorites and perhaps ones you don’t care much for, but even with the characters you might not prefer, you can’t help but admit that they all feel real. They’re human in the way that they’re flawed and do things that make you want to shake some sense into them. Their actions will frustrate you at times, but just like people, they’re not perfect, and they won’t always do the ‘right’ thing.
My absolute favorite thing about multiple POVs is when the characters begin to intertwine themselves in each other’s stories. Pires did this to perfection and in a way that felt completely natural. There are a few POVs that feel fully separated from the rest of the story, but then something is revealed, or a plotline is introduced that expertly weaves them into the narrative.
After finishing this novel, I immediately want to read the rest of the series. This is mostly due to the fact that Pires purposely doesn’t reveal or explain everything. Design of Darkness is a quintessential first book in an epic fantasy series; this is a taste of the rest of the story to come.
My final praise for this novel is the casual inclusivity. The queer relationship presented in this novel is beautiful. As someone who reads queer novels and epic fantasy often, the two worlds feel separated, so it was extremely refreshing to read. (Also, I will sacrifice my entire book collection for those two to have a happy ending, please, I’m begging.)
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. (P.S. I'm going to save up and buy physical copies of this series, I love the novels that much)
April 13, 2025
First, I want to say thanks to the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review, and I hope I do it justice because, phew, this was so much more than I expected.
I want to start by just congratulating R.D Pires on writing this book with so much care and love. It honestly shines through in the way the story progresses. The focus on detail is greatly appreciated and done so well. My mind never needed to wonder because it was all lain down perfectly.
The story focuses on so many different characters and personalities. Jumping between so many with the chapters took any opportunity of boredom away. The character development is so finely shown, and I'm a sucker in getting to know them.
I have no idea of the length of creativity because there were so many aspects in this book, things that I never would have been able to think of myself. It was just awesome to read. I loved the experience, and I can honestly not wait for the next book, and I'm hopeful for nothing but success.
To those doubting this read: The story starts off with twins, Mariana and Arsenio, they lose their entire family after the attack on their home village, ordered by a tyrant ruler. As such, they are asked by the rebellion to sail across unkown waters to ask for the neighboring kingdoms' assistance. In another part of the kingdom, we learn of Kaori, a humble student, suddenly turned Emperor trying to come to grips with new leadership roles, and well, let's say other personal parts of himself. In other parts of this world we also have Emilio, who lives a slightly poor life with his parents and brother, but with one cruel act he loses most that he loves and is given the opportunity to find answers with a witch.
There are so many more characters, and many parts of these stories come together to fight an upcoming storm.
By seeing the lack of attention this book has received, I'm actually shocked, and I hope that somehow my small contribution might help to fix this.
Awesome read and adventure!!!
I want to start by just congratulating R.D Pires on writing this book with so much care and love. It honestly shines through in the way the story progresses. The focus on detail is greatly appreciated and done so well. My mind never needed to wonder because it was all lain down perfectly.
The story focuses on so many different characters and personalities. Jumping between so many with the chapters took any opportunity of boredom away. The character development is so finely shown, and I'm a sucker in getting to know them.
I have no idea of the length of creativity because there were so many aspects in this book, things that I never would have been able to think of myself. It was just awesome to read. I loved the experience, and I can honestly not wait for the next book, and I'm hopeful for nothing but success.
To those doubting this read: The story starts off with twins, Mariana and Arsenio, they lose their entire family after the attack on their home village, ordered by a tyrant ruler. As such, they are asked by the rebellion to sail across unkown waters to ask for the neighboring kingdoms' assistance. In another part of the kingdom, we learn of Kaori, a humble student, suddenly turned Emperor trying to come to grips with new leadership roles, and well, let's say other personal parts of himself. In other parts of this world we also have Emilio, who lives a slightly poor life with his parents and brother, but with one cruel act he loses most that he loves and is given the opportunity to find answers with a witch.
There are so many more characters, and many parts of these stories come together to fight an upcoming storm.
By seeing the lack of attention this book has received, I'm actually shocked, and I hope that somehow my small contribution might help to fix this.
Awesome read and adventure!!!
February 26, 2025
Design of Darkness was such an enjoyable fantasy novel. It was well written and the world building was incredible. The story was character driven. We are introduced to the twins, Arsenio and Mariana who are fleeing their land ruled by the tyrant Fogosombre and trying to find allies to help save their people. We meet the newly appointed emperor Kaori who is learning how to rule justly and his friend Taigen. Queen Yiscel is mourning the lost of her friend, the previous empress. As Arsenio and Mariana go on their adventures, they get separated and cross paths with Kaori and Queen Yiscel. They must convince them provide aid in order to defect the king.
This was such a fun adventure and I really enjoyed the storyline of Kaori and Arsenio. I hope that they cross paths again in the second book. I loved how they were able to find themselves with each other. Emilio and Helena had small parts and I hope they have bigger parts in the next. Overall, I was captivated by the world building and character development.
This was such a fun adventure and I really enjoyed the storyline of Kaori and Arsenio. I hope that they cross paths again in the second book. I loved how they were able to find themselves with each other. Emilio and Helena had small parts and I hope they have bigger parts in the next. Overall, I was captivated by the world building and character development.
July 19, 2025
This is a very different book from the more lighthearted queer romances I typically read, but it had me SAT so I cannot deny how good it is. War is rough and I learned not to get attached to anyone (real quick) because they were liable to get bumped off in the next chapter.
I’m really glad I bought Design of Darkness to prepare for my ARC read of Sparrows Sing of Dying because wow. There are a lot of perspectives to keep straight and so much going on, but it is worth the time and effort to read this story. The world building is incredible. I can’t visualize but I still felt like I was present. And ooooh some of the twists!
I can’t wait to find out which shadow will meet shadow and who will get murked as a result! Really thankful the doors opened some and I absolutely love how the intimate scenes were handled after understanding the differences they were conveying. There’s always a method to the madness. On to book 2! 4.5-4.75 stars, no question.
Edit: I came back after finishing Sparrows Sing of Dying to bump this up to a proper 5 stars because it’s been further elevated!
I’m really glad I bought Design of Darkness to prepare for my ARC read of Sparrows Sing of Dying because wow. There are a lot of perspectives to keep straight and so much going on, but it is worth the time and effort to read this story. The world building is incredible. I can’t visualize but I still felt like I was present. And ooooh some of the twists!
I can’t wait to find out which shadow will meet shadow and who will get murked as a result! Really thankful the doors opened some and I absolutely love how the intimate scenes were handled after understanding the differences they were conveying. There’s always a method to the madness. On to book 2! 4.5-4.75 stars, no question.
Edit: I came back after finishing Sparrows Sing of Dying to bump this up to a proper 5 stars because it’s been further elevated!
August 3, 2025
Design of Darkness was such an exciting read, totally reawakening my love for the fantasy genre. While it has elements that are reminiscent of other fantasy series I have enjoyed (A Song of Ice and Fire, the Locked Tomb, Sands of Arawiya), Design of Darkness is uniquely and refreshingly its own. R.D. Pires does such a great job of humanizing the characters, making them relatable despite their exceptional circumstances. The characters’ emotion, decisions, conflicts, and conversations feel believable (something you don’t always get in fantasy). Even Fogosombre, who is delightfully pure evil, feels like what could believably become of a terrible person if given too much power in the world Pires created. This book has such great descriptions of both joy and pain and beauty and destruction, allowing for joyful, even funny moments to surface despite the tumultuous world (as they do in real life). I can’t wait to start the sequel!
November 7, 2025
I am so happy that I already have book 2 of this series! Because I need to see more of this world and its story.
R.D. Pires has done a great job writing Design of Darkness. His prose is excellent, the story is spectacular, the characters are written so well, and the world building is vivid and beautiful. There wasn’t a single POV where I was bored or uninterested. And the touch of queerness was just perfect.
This fantasy novel is a must-read. I promise you will not be disappointed.
R.D. Pires has done a great job writing Design of Darkness. His prose is excellent, the story is spectacular, the characters are written so well, and the world building is vivid and beautiful. There wasn’t a single POV where I was bored or uninterested. And the touch of queerness was just perfect.
This fantasy novel is a must-read. I promise you will not be disappointed.
January 28, 2025
It was tough deciding whether to give this 4 or 5 stars. The writing style is talented and engaging. Excellent pacing and story structure. But it ends on a cliffhanger - this novel was clearly meant to be the first in a series - and it has a fair amount of commom fantasy tropes. But it's still a fun read. Despite the length, I flew through it in just a couple of days.
Read
July 2, 2025This is a Small Spec Book Awards nominee!
February 10, 2026
A worthy and polished effort, lacking in spark and satisfaction.
I was put onto The Tides That Reign: Design of Darkness by the Indie Fantasy Channel, a small creator who does a great job highlighting self-published authors who deserve more than the industry offers. As a character-driven dark fantasy story, it enticed me. It was one of the creator’s most recommended books, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Some self-published fantasy is incredible. Some is just the dirt worst. Design of Darkness by R. D. Pires is better than most, but there were a few things that let it down, for me.
Story Summary
Mariana and Arsenio are twins who escape the devastation of a tyrannical king, hoping to find help from foreign shores. As fate splits them up, they go on different routes, using romance, cunning and sheer courage just to survive first, before they can even think about getting aid. In strange and wonderful lands, they have to deal with danger at every turn.
Style: 6/10
I’m always worried when I read self-published books that the prose will be garbled, unedited and full of typos. I am delighted to report that Design of Darkness avoids all of those issues.
It’s pretty well-written. The prose is clean and readable and doesn’t get in the way. It isn’t super flashy or flowery, so there’s nothing particularly memorable, but it serves its purpose.
At times I found it over-explained rather than leaving things up to the reader, and this slowed things down a little; lots of words to say not very much.
The one thing that chafed was the inconsistent use of swearing. I have no issue with foul language, especially in this kind of fantasy. However, there was very little throughout the book, except the odd C-word thrown in there. I felt lulled into a certain kind of “clean” language, then caught off guard by such an out-of-place curse.
People: 6/10
A gripe I have with a lot of fantasy of this ilk is the excess of point-of-view characters. Design of Darkness is a classic example. Quite a lot of characters are introduced throughout, and many don’t really add anything to the story. I don’t really need to know about Yiscel’s life as a queen, while Emilio ended up seeming a lot like Arsenio. Speaking of Arsenio, his sudden switch from terrified kid lost in a new world to charismatic seducer of the Emperor made little sense.
I wanted to settle more in fewer characters and really get to enjoy them. Kaori, for example, was a fantastic character. I felt sympathetic towards him and loved his friendship with Taigen, another strong character.
Mariana isn’t the most complex, but she’s a plucky fighter who I can get behind, and Redthumb stood out as an excellent secondary character. Fogosombre is brilliantly evil, while his wife and child give him a different shade.
To be fair, there wasn’t much wrong with any of the characters per se. But they all suffered from a larger issue with the story, which I’ll address in the Narrative section.
Imagination 6/10
I love Black Tide Cove. I could picture its enchanting beauty and complexity. In fact, there are plenty of great locations in this story, with interesting cultures that aren’t your typical European medieval fantasy base. There’s a variety of political structures, and these impact the decisions the leaders make nicely.
Quite a lot of the cultures are clearly based on real-world places, Japan being the most obvious one for the Nokari Empire. And while this helped ground me in the world, it meant there was a lack of fantasy sparkle.
The whole fantasy element lacked somewhat. Either it wasn’t there, or it felt randomly shoved in (a little like the swearing). Black Tide Cove is an entire city with no discernible magical aspects that impact people’s lives, but apparently people can ride massive, chill tigers. Yiscel, the Queen of Kailon, is friends with a massive sea serpent, but this apparently has no bearing on her entire island nation.
The Graylife magic was interesting, though. While we didn’t learn much about it, it was the most well-developed bit of “fantasy” and I’d be curious to learn where it goes.
Narrative: 5/10
The beginning is good. Mariana and Arsenio have a clear drive early on, and I enjoyed their individual struggles, especially Mariana’s. If this were the whole story, I would have given a much higher score.
It’s the rest that falls short. Not because it’s unbelievable or poorly done, but simply because it’s unfinished. Helena and Emilio’s converging plotline felt half-baked.
In all the plotlines, there wasn’t much of a climax at all. At least not in the way of having high stakes. It all seemed like everyone is just about to begin something, rather than anything coming to a conclusion.
Evidently, things will progress in the next book. But I don’t appreciate leaving so many things unresolved. The book just ended half-finished. No satisfaction. You can get away with that for a few plotlines, but so little came to a head, the book just sputtered out. And, counter-intuitively, that makes me not want to read the next one. It made me feel like half of the characters were pointless.
Emotion: 4/10
The narrative flaws directly influence how I felt about this book. Too many characters that don’t get very far and a bundle of loose threads left me with a sour note. I couldn’t feel much for most of the characters because I didn’t know them that well. The early tragedies for the twins didn’t hit particularly hard, because nothing had yet been established, and trying to get invested in yet another POV character became tiring.
That said, the final moments between Arsenio and Kaori, with Taigen watching, were touching. Once Arsenio was established with Kaori, the difficulty of their situation was what hit hardest.
And I enjoyed the themes: refugee migrants, unaccepted love, and dealing with grief. They were nicely woven into the fantasy world without feeling forced.
Final Score: 27/50
I’m glad I read Design of Darkness, even if it didn’t blow me away. It’s much better than a lot of published fantasy. There’s a lot to love, and the fundamentals of the story are there, though I haven’t decided whether I’ll read the second yet. There’s potential for something great, but I’m reluctant to commit to another long book that doesn’t resolve anything.
I was put onto The Tides That Reign: Design of Darkness by the Indie Fantasy Channel, a small creator who does a great job highlighting self-published authors who deserve more than the industry offers. As a character-driven dark fantasy story, it enticed me. It was one of the creator’s most recommended books, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Some self-published fantasy is incredible. Some is just the dirt worst. Design of Darkness by R. D. Pires is better than most, but there were a few things that let it down, for me.
Story Summary
Mariana and Arsenio are twins who escape the devastation of a tyrannical king, hoping to find help from foreign shores. As fate splits them up, they go on different routes, using romance, cunning and sheer courage just to survive first, before they can even think about getting aid. In strange and wonderful lands, they have to deal with danger at every turn.
Style: 6/10
I’m always worried when I read self-published books that the prose will be garbled, unedited and full of typos. I am delighted to report that Design of Darkness avoids all of those issues.
It’s pretty well-written. The prose is clean and readable and doesn’t get in the way. It isn’t super flashy or flowery, so there’s nothing particularly memorable, but it serves its purpose.
At times I found it over-explained rather than leaving things up to the reader, and this slowed things down a little; lots of words to say not very much.
The one thing that chafed was the inconsistent use of swearing. I have no issue with foul language, especially in this kind of fantasy. However, there was very little throughout the book, except the odd C-word thrown in there. I felt lulled into a certain kind of “clean” language, then caught off guard by such an out-of-place curse.
People: 6/10
A gripe I have with a lot of fantasy of this ilk is the excess of point-of-view characters. Design of Darkness is a classic example. Quite a lot of characters are introduced throughout, and many don’t really add anything to the story. I don’t really need to know about Yiscel’s life as a queen, while Emilio ended up seeming a lot like Arsenio. Speaking of Arsenio, his sudden switch from terrified kid lost in a new world to charismatic seducer of the Emperor made little sense.
I wanted to settle more in fewer characters and really get to enjoy them. Kaori, for example, was a fantastic character. I felt sympathetic towards him and loved his friendship with Taigen, another strong character.
Mariana isn’t the most complex, but she’s a plucky fighter who I can get behind, and Redthumb stood out as an excellent secondary character. Fogosombre is brilliantly evil, while his wife and child give him a different shade.
To be fair, there wasn’t much wrong with any of the characters per se. But they all suffered from a larger issue with the story, which I’ll address in the Narrative section.
Imagination 6/10
I love Black Tide Cove. I could picture its enchanting beauty and complexity. In fact, there are plenty of great locations in this story, with interesting cultures that aren’t your typical European medieval fantasy base. There’s a variety of political structures, and these impact the decisions the leaders make nicely.
Quite a lot of the cultures are clearly based on real-world places, Japan being the most obvious one for the Nokari Empire. And while this helped ground me in the world, it meant there was a lack of fantasy sparkle.
The whole fantasy element lacked somewhat. Either it wasn’t there, or it felt randomly shoved in (a little like the swearing). Black Tide Cove is an entire city with no discernible magical aspects that impact people’s lives, but apparently people can ride massive, chill tigers. Yiscel, the Queen of Kailon, is friends with a massive sea serpent, but this apparently has no bearing on her entire island nation.
The Graylife magic was interesting, though. While we didn’t learn much about it, it was the most well-developed bit of “fantasy” and I’d be curious to learn where it goes.
Narrative: 5/10
The beginning is good. Mariana and Arsenio have a clear drive early on, and I enjoyed their individual struggles, especially Mariana’s. If this were the whole story, I would have given a much higher score.
It’s the rest that falls short. Not because it’s unbelievable or poorly done, but simply because it’s unfinished. Helena and Emilio’s converging plotline felt half-baked.
In all the plotlines, there wasn’t much of a climax at all. At least not in the way of having high stakes. It all seemed like everyone is just about to begin something, rather than anything coming to a conclusion.
Evidently, things will progress in the next book. But I don’t appreciate leaving so many things unresolved. The book just ended half-finished. No satisfaction. You can get away with that for a few plotlines, but so little came to a head, the book just sputtered out. And, counter-intuitively, that makes me not want to read the next one. It made me feel like half of the characters were pointless.
Emotion: 4/10
The narrative flaws directly influence how I felt about this book. Too many characters that don’t get very far and a bundle of loose threads left me with a sour note. I couldn’t feel much for most of the characters because I didn’t know them that well. The early tragedies for the twins didn’t hit particularly hard, because nothing had yet been established, and trying to get invested in yet another POV character became tiring.
That said, the final moments between Arsenio and Kaori, with Taigen watching, were touching. Once Arsenio was established with Kaori, the difficulty of their situation was what hit hardest.
And I enjoyed the themes: refugee migrants, unaccepted love, and dealing with grief. They were nicely woven into the fantasy world without feeling forced.
Final Score: 27/50
I’m glad I read Design of Darkness, even if it didn’t blow me away. It’s much better than a lot of published fantasy. There’s a lot to love, and the fundamentals of the story are there, though I haven’t decided whether I’ll read the second yet. There’s potential for something great, but I’m reluctant to commit to another long book that doesn’t resolve anything.
March 25, 2026
⚔️📚 Book Review: Design Of Darkness by R.D. Pires 📚⚔️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars) | 447 pages
If you love rich fantasy worlds, pirates, rebellion, and a slow-burn MM romance, Design Of Darkness absolutely delivers. From the scintillating first chapter, Robby throws you straight into a beautifully crafted world packed with intricate mythology and strong South East & East Asian influences.
The multiple POVs were easy to follow thanks to Robby’s flowing writing style, and the level of detail in the characters and settings made everything feel incredibly vivid.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the sibling bond between Marianna and Arsenio, truly siblings against the world 🥹 After everything they endured, I’m desperately hoping the next book reunites them… and maybe gives Arsenio his happy ending with Kaori too because that budding romance had my whole heart.
And can we talk about villains? Because Fogosombre is truly insufferable, the tyrant we love to hate. I’m rooting so hard for Ira and Fernão to escape his clutches in the next books because they deserve so much better.
Rebellion. Pirates. Tyrants. Beautiful world-building. Queer romance.
Honestly, what more could you want?
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait to dive into book two… ⚓️✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars) | 447 pages
If you love rich fantasy worlds, pirates, rebellion, and a slow-burn MM romance, Design Of Darkness absolutely delivers. From the scintillating first chapter, Robby throws you straight into a beautifully crafted world packed with intricate mythology and strong South East & East Asian influences.
The multiple POVs were easy to follow thanks to Robby’s flowing writing style, and the level of detail in the characters and settings made everything feel incredibly vivid.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the sibling bond between Marianna and Arsenio, truly siblings against the world 🥹 After everything they endured, I’m desperately hoping the next book reunites them… and maybe gives Arsenio his happy ending with Kaori too because that budding romance had my whole heart.
And can we talk about villains? Because Fogosombre is truly insufferable, the tyrant we love to hate. I’m rooting so hard for Ira and Fernão to escape his clutches in the next books because they deserve so much better.
Rebellion. Pirates. Tyrants. Beautiful world-building. Queer romance.
Honestly, what more could you want?
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait to dive into book two… ⚓️✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
What a book! This is the start of an epic fantasy series!
Okay so let's talk about this book and why it has made me a bit obsessed. First of all if you are a lover for multiple POV's, this is a book for you! Even if you are not a big fan of them, you don't get frustrated by the many switches.
So there are a lot of POV's, a lot of characters and a lot where you will fall in love with. Some of them you have no clue why the have a POV, like Emilio, but don't get me started about how his chapters ended because it left me confused and with to many questions!
A lot of small things happen in this book, but they are all necessary for the story. For building the tension, the conflict. This story will leave you with more questions at the end then the beginning. It wants to make you long for the next book, to get those answers that we need!
Last but not least I want to thank the author and midnight meadow for providing me with an earc.
Okay so let's talk about this book and why it has made me a bit obsessed. First of all if you are a lover for multiple POV's, this is a book for you! Even if you are not a big fan of them, you don't get frustrated by the many switches.
So there are a lot of POV's, a lot of characters and a lot where you will fall in love with. Some of them you have no clue why the have a POV, like Emilio, but don't get me started about how his chapters ended because it left me confused and with to many questions!
A lot of small things happen in this book, but they are all necessary for the story. For building the tension, the conflict. This story will leave you with more questions at the end then the beginning. It wants to make you long for the next book, to get those answers that we need!
Last but not least I want to thank the author and midnight meadow for providing me with an earc.
June 30, 2024
I loved this book! The richly imagined world seems to extend far beyond the pages of the book (hopefully future books will reveal even more of the book!) The story is told through multiple subplots/points of view, seamlessly woven together. The characters are relatable without falling into the trap of being "whiny" (not an easy task). I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
November 26, 2024
This book was absolutely incredible! I loved the weaving of stories from the different characters perspectives. R.D. really designed a world that you can envision. I felt like I transported to each location seamlessly. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series!
August 18, 2024
R.D. Piers welcomes us into a beautiful fantasy world, filled with captivating characters. Each twist and turn of the plot kept made this book impossible to put down. Looking forward to the sequel!
July 14, 2025
The most immersive fantasy book I've read so far this year.
On my YouTube channel, I exclusively review self-published and indie fantasy books. I ended up giving this book a 9.1/10 overall, and I really can't say enough positive things about it. You can check out the full review here: https://youtu.be/XOiUKv-IGwo
Here is a brief overview of my breakdown:
Immersion (worldbuilding): 10/10 - Truly immersive. Lots of different scene locations, each with their own depth and history. Plenty of varying languages and cultures. Different landscapes and climates and lore. I honestly don't know how he managed to pack so much into this book without making it a burden to the reader. Every page felt like a new experience.
Names (characters): 9.5/10 - The character personalities were all distinct, engaging and realistic, which was also reflected in the dialogue. I don't love romance plots or spice, but this was written well enough that it didn't bother me or take me out of the story. I loved all the POVs.
Da Magic (& creatures): 6.5/10 - Why do all my favorite indie books not have magic systems?? There are some elements of magic, like a soul catching ceremony and some magic trees used for burial preservation, but that's pretty much it. I felt like this was the one area that was lacking, but I still loved the story.
Infrastructure (plot, pacing, prose, etc.): 9.5/10 - I loved the unique structure of the book. It's one of the benefits of indie authors (they can actually take some cool risks). The prose was fantastic, very unique voice and style that is both accessible and beautiful. The plot also was very well paced and kept me turning the pages to learn more.
Enjoyment: 10/10 - The fact that this has a romance plot and it still gets a 10/10 on enjoyment is really saying something. If you told me this was trad published with a team of editors and support behind it, I'd believe it. So well done. And I feel like it will only get better from here, since this book felt like it was setting the foundation of the series.
If you like slow-burn epic fantasy with political undertones, then you have to pick this one up. If you like character-driven narratives, this is a must. I can't recommend it highly enough.
On my YouTube channel, I exclusively review self-published and indie fantasy books. I ended up giving this book a 9.1/10 overall, and I really can't say enough positive things about it. You can check out the full review here: https://youtu.be/XOiUKv-IGwo
Here is a brief overview of my breakdown:
Immersion (worldbuilding): 10/10 - Truly immersive. Lots of different scene locations, each with their own depth and history. Plenty of varying languages and cultures. Different landscapes and climates and lore. I honestly don't know how he managed to pack so much into this book without making it a burden to the reader. Every page felt like a new experience.
Names (characters): 9.5/10 - The character personalities were all distinct, engaging and realistic, which was also reflected in the dialogue. I don't love romance plots or spice, but this was written well enough that it didn't bother me or take me out of the story. I loved all the POVs.
Da Magic (& creatures): 6.5/10 - Why do all my favorite indie books not have magic systems?? There are some elements of magic, like a soul catching ceremony and some magic trees used for burial preservation, but that's pretty much it. I felt like this was the one area that was lacking, but I still loved the story.
Infrastructure (plot, pacing, prose, etc.): 9.5/10 - I loved the unique structure of the book. It's one of the benefits of indie authors (they can actually take some cool risks). The prose was fantastic, very unique voice and style that is both accessible and beautiful. The plot also was very well paced and kept me turning the pages to learn more.
Enjoyment: 10/10 - The fact that this has a romance plot and it still gets a 10/10 on enjoyment is really saying something. If you told me this was trad published with a team of editors and support behind it, I'd believe it. So well done. And I feel like it will only get better from here, since this book felt like it was setting the foundation of the series.
If you like slow-burn epic fantasy with political undertones, then you have to pick this one up. If you like character-driven narratives, this is a must. I can't recommend it highly enough.
June 19, 2024
RD Pires’s Design of Darkness is a masterclass in world building. I could feel the fires as the consumed Corva Sum Rio, smell the exotic foods in the night markets of Black Tide Cove, and taste the salty air whilst sailing across the Endless Ocean. This novel effortlessly switches perspectives between a cast of characters as varies as the settings they inhabit. I quickly found my favorite in the tentative Emperor Kaori and loved to cheer him on as he found his truth amidst the politics of Kingfisher Palace. I’ve never loved to hate a villain as much as King Fogosombre, whose irredeemable nature was solidified during a gruesome introduction that I still can’t get out of my mind. I could sing the praises of RD Pires’s characters to no end – from the tenacious Avilla siblings, to the mysterious Jade Dagger, to the flamboyant Captain Elwin – even the minor characters have meat on their bones and mirth in their laughter. While it was the characters and settings that drew me in, it was the tantalizing plot that kept me turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. Design of Darkness is truly the start of an epic fantasy series. While extremely satisfying as a standalone novel, the first entry in the Tides the Reign series left me eager to read what are hopefully its numerous sequels.
June 10, 2025
This enchanting tale weaves a vibrant tapestry of dark lands and emotion, following the journey of two remarkable individuals in a world brimming with mythical creatures and breathtaking landscapes. Their love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of ancient prophecies and looming threats, challenging societal norms and embracing the power of acceptance. The characters are richly developed, their struggles and triumphs resonating deeply with the reader. The intricate plot keeps you captivated, seamlessly blending fantastical elements with relatable human experiences. The author's evocative prose paints vivid imagery, immersing you in a world you won't want to leave. It's a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into a world of wonder and profound connection.
April 29, 2025
I thought the book overall was fun, but as someone who isn't usually a fan of romance scenes I'm surprised those were my favorite parts!
July 18, 2025
“𝘈 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴.”
I truly enjoyed reading this story of tyranny and rebellion. More so, I am grateful for having the opportunity to meet so many vibrant characters!
Kaori is my favorite character throughout this book. At eighteen, he is chosen to become emperor of Nokara. He is humble and thoughtful. His character goes through so much growth during this novel as an emperor, as a friend, and in love. But it’s the world building and character dynamics that will make me pick up the next book in this series!
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