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Dark: And the Boy in the Hole
Having been imprisoned in a deep stone pit by the tyrannical King Baltus for as long as he can remember, the Boy With No Name is unexpectedly set free by the last living minotaur, the albino Grim. Together, they escape into Myrr Wood to join the few remaining monsters of the Old World – a ragtag bunch of goblins, trolls, bendith, harpies, a wendigo, and the only lykkan left in the realm – all hunted by humanity to the brink of extinction. When the Nightlings discover the boy can mimic anything he sees, including their own fantastic abilities, they are ready to follow him in an uprising against the world's greatest evil: mankind. However, there is a traitor among the Nightlings, traps have been set, and the King has a deadly new weapon that could wipe out the creatures of the night once and for all. War is coming. But first the boy must decide if he is human, or monster.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2024
7 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 7, 2024
I couldn't put this down, I was hooked form the start and fully emersed in this dark fantasy adventure.
The world is dangerous and filled with monsters and that's just the humans. This is a compelling YA journey that weaves in mythological creatures, vivid descriptions, and an emotional journey for the characters, and I loved the elements of found family and magic.
It feels like a group of misfits working together to save the world, with prophecies, magic, slow reveals and twists, and a satisfying ending that sets the scene nicely for the next book and more adventures to come.
One to read if you love fantasy adventures that are fast paced with tension, trauma, discovery and acceptance.
The world is dangerous and filled with monsters and that's just the humans. This is a compelling YA journey that weaves in mythological creatures, vivid descriptions, and an emotional journey for the characters, and I loved the elements of found family and magic.
It feels like a group of misfits working together to save the world, with prophecies, magic, slow reveals and twists, and a satisfying ending that sets the scene nicely for the next book and more adventures to come.
One to read if you love fantasy adventures that are fast paced with tension, trauma, discovery and acceptance.
March 13, 2024
An emotional roller coaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Rarely has a book made mee feel such a variety of emotions page by page. From roaring laughter to crying to anger and back to laughter. Every scene has something going on, every character brings something to the story. The writing style is engaging and descriptive without being overly done.
This is a re-readable book, and i can hardly wait for the continuation of the story.
PS. read the text below the map!
I'm going to go cry at the moon now...
Rarely has a book made mee feel such a variety of emotions page by page. From roaring laughter to crying to anger and back to laughter. Every scene has something going on, every character brings something to the story. The writing style is engaging and descriptive without being overly done.
This is a re-readable book, and i can hardly wait for the continuation of the story.
PS. read the text below the map!
I'm going to go cry at the moon now...
March 2, 2024
A good book is one that holds a firm grip on you and never relinquishes. Taking from the character Morgana, Book 1 sunk its teeth deep into me, compelling me to keep reading. In fact, despite a busy work-life schedule, I found myself unable to put the book down, finishing it in three days.
The story moves at a pace that keeps your attention, providing vivid detail for the reader to paint the landscape in their minds, seeing every location, every character, and every scene with clarity. That is to say it is not bogged down with the unnecessary, focusing on what is important to know for now, and what may be important for later.
Batten cleverly crafted a M.C. who knows nothing of the world he lives in, thus allowing us to organically learn about it and the beings who inhabit it alongside him. In that sense, it feels as though we too have emerged from a hole to see a land in conflict, filled with trepidation and mistrust.
The world of Dark's is in turmoil, humanity at war with itself seemingly from the fallout of the Age of Coin. Enchanted beings are scattered and endangered. Batten gives snippets of it's history, both the human and enchanted, enough to give a great introduction while leaving room to discover more as the series progresses. This left me with many questions, ones I look forward to finding the answers to as the story unfolds. Questions that go beyond those around the M.C., and into the lore of the world itself.
While Dark and Baltus, the antagonist, play their roles nicely, it is the side characters that brought the world to life for me. The enchanted characters, called the 'Nightlings', bring a breath of fresh air as they play off of tropes told in children’s stories, but add their own unique personalities that make the rag-tag group of survivors feel like familiar friends. In contrast, the humans felt predictably irrational in their hatred toward the Nightlings, making it easy to root for those who are not of my own kind.
The 'addendum and histories' included at the end of the story shows more secrets to uncover from a realm I cannot wait to return back to. Book 1 kicks off "The Prodigy Series" with a loud BANG, a triumphant eruption that sets the stage for the story ahead. Batten's storytelling kept me on the edge of my seat, effortlessly blending world-building and character connection with its action-pact pace. I am left eagerly awaiting on Book 2 of this incredible, must-read series!
The story moves at a pace that keeps your attention, providing vivid detail for the reader to paint the landscape in their minds, seeing every location, every character, and every scene with clarity. That is to say it is not bogged down with the unnecessary, focusing on what is important to know for now, and what may be important for later.
Batten cleverly crafted a M.C. who knows nothing of the world he lives in, thus allowing us to organically learn about it and the beings who inhabit it alongside him. In that sense, it feels as though we too have emerged from a hole to see a land in conflict, filled with trepidation and mistrust.
The world of Dark's is in turmoil, humanity at war with itself seemingly from the fallout of the Age of Coin. Enchanted beings are scattered and endangered. Batten gives snippets of it's history, both the human and enchanted, enough to give a great introduction while leaving room to discover more as the series progresses. This left me with many questions, ones I look forward to finding the answers to as the story unfolds. Questions that go beyond those around the M.C., and into the lore of the world itself.
While Dark and Baltus, the antagonist, play their roles nicely, it is the side characters that brought the world to life for me. The enchanted characters, called the 'Nightlings', bring a breath of fresh air as they play off of tropes told in children’s stories, but add their own unique personalities that make the rag-tag group of survivors feel like familiar friends. In contrast, the humans felt predictably irrational in their hatred toward the Nightlings, making it easy to root for those who are not of my own kind.
The 'addendum and histories' included at the end of the story shows more secrets to uncover from a realm I cannot wait to return back to. Book 1 kicks off "The Prodigy Series" with a loud BANG, a triumphant eruption that sets the stage for the story ahead. Batten's storytelling kept me on the edge of my seat, effortlessly blending world-building and character connection with its action-pact pace. I am left eagerly awaiting on Book 2 of this incredible, must-read series!
March 5, 2024
From the first sentence I was hooked!
Batten’s way in which he wove this fantasy world that is so magical and yet so menacingly dark (and delicious with detail) truly was a joy to read! I truly appreciated this book and it is a must read for any fans of fantasy, classic or modern.
As the world unfolded so did the MC’s understanding allowing us to learn with him. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey with the MC and discovering everything this world had to offer.
The characters and creatures of this world had me hooked. They were such a unique and interesting, also inspiring take on classic creatures that I have not yet come across!
The pace of the story never stopped and when it dipped it was only temporarily allowing the reader a moment to breathe and carry on to enjoy this brilliant book.
I look forward to the next instalment of this world! A must read for fantasy readers as well as a great entrance to fantasy world for those new the genre!
Batten’s way in which he wove this fantasy world that is so magical and yet so menacingly dark (and delicious with detail) truly was a joy to read! I truly appreciated this book and it is a must read for any fans of fantasy, classic or modern.
As the world unfolded so did the MC’s understanding allowing us to learn with him. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey with the MC and discovering everything this world had to offer.
The characters and creatures of this world had me hooked. They were such a unique and interesting, also inspiring take on classic creatures that I have not yet come across!
The pace of the story never stopped and when it dipped it was only temporarily allowing the reader a moment to breathe and carry on to enjoy this brilliant book.
I look forward to the next instalment of this world! A must read for fantasy readers as well as a great entrance to fantasy world for those new the genre!
April 10, 2024
Folklore, fantasy, myth and magic - Dark and the Boy in the Hole bridges each of these in a gripping tale of loss and love.
This book is compelling from the first page. I felt completely drawn to the boy, desperately wanting him to be saved and looked after. I loved that monsters are not necessarily what you believe them to be and that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes.
The book is heartbreaking at times, and humorous at others. It maintains that difficult balance between other worldliness and the fallibility of human nature. What a wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is compelling from the first page. I felt completely drawn to the boy, desperately wanting him to be saved and looked after. I loved that monsters are not necessarily what you believe them to be and that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes.
The book is heartbreaking at times, and humorous at others. It maintains that difficult balance between other worldliness and the fallibility of human nature. What a wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2024
This wonderfully fantastical cast of characters and their found family had me reading all night. A well crafted tale that drew me in right from the beginning. I really want to read more.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by BookSirens*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by BookSirens*
March 9, 2024
Where to start? Dark And the Boy in the Hole helped me get through a two-week-long reading slump. Nothing I had tried to read could capture my attention long enough, I couldn’t finish chapters. That brings me to my first positive, the chapter lengths of this book were perfect. They were shorter overall, it was enough to grab you in, give you the information you needed, and then move onto the next. It flowed easily and effortlessly. The story gripped me from the beginning. I was intrigued, my curiosity instantly piqued, wondering just where this is going to go…
The story starts off introducing you to our MC, and you immediately feel for one, and dislike the other. That is power to me, because right from the start I have an idea of these characters I will be riding along with on this creative journey, and I am all about connection. I was eager to learn more, I wanted to know the whole story, I needed the lore.
M.A. Batten did an amazing job slowly revealing more and more of the world he built, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat. He had me asking questions, guessing potential plot twists, and I was ecstatic when he completely surprised me with a couple. I am an over analyzer, I scrounge for fine details, I will go back to read to see if I can put things together before the reveal, so the fact this book was able to surpass my “detective” skills, had me so happy. I love it when an author can still get me with those unforeseen plot twists.
Outside of the amazing world building, the detailed lore, and the rising tension of the impending conflict, M.A. Batten also delivered truly well-rounded characters, he built relationships, some I didn’t expect, and he showed the importance of found family in a fantasy novel. As a trope that is so popular lately, and so important to many, I think this was a great way to also allow one more way that the readers can connect to his book. He did this in more way than one, but I don’t want to give spoilers.
Overall, I give the book five stars, as it had me unable to put it down, it delivered power, tension, and heart, and it left me wanting so much more in the best way possible! I am ready to tackle book two already, so hopefully it is under way, because I am a very impatient with the stories I love.
The story starts off introducing you to our MC, and you immediately feel for one, and dislike the other. That is power to me, because right from the start I have an idea of these characters I will be riding along with on this creative journey, and I am all about connection. I was eager to learn more, I wanted to know the whole story, I needed the lore.
M.A. Batten did an amazing job slowly revealing more and more of the world he built, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat. He had me asking questions, guessing potential plot twists, and I was ecstatic when he completely surprised me with a couple. I am an over analyzer, I scrounge for fine details, I will go back to read to see if I can put things together before the reveal, so the fact this book was able to surpass my “detective” skills, had me so happy. I love it when an author can still get me with those unforeseen plot twists.
Outside of the amazing world building, the detailed lore, and the rising tension of the impending conflict, M.A. Batten also delivered truly well-rounded characters, he built relationships, some I didn’t expect, and he showed the importance of found family in a fantasy novel. As a trope that is so popular lately, and so important to many, I think this was a great way to also allow one more way that the readers can connect to his book. He did this in more way than one, but I don’t want to give spoilers.
Overall, I give the book five stars, as it had me unable to put it down, it delivered power, tension, and heart, and it left me wanting so much more in the best way possible! I am ready to tackle book two already, so hopefully it is under way, because I am a very impatient with the stories I love.
March 16, 2025
‘Dark’ swept me up in to the life of the protagonist from the outset with a strong grip that held on to me until the end. The author produced vivid and imaginative imagery, weaving the characters and their relationships so well it felt like true historical events were being relayed.
The fast pace of the action and story was balanced with the details and descriptions of the characters, their lives and where they inhabit, with richly detailed and well executed relationships. The story takes the reader through cliffhangers and sweeping lows, gallantly fought battles and balances the perspectives of both ‘sides.’
I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series, would recommend for anyone - YA or adult, it’s a thrilling and highly enjoyable read. I hope further books will be longer to allow more development of character relationships, descriptive language of environment and greater dialogue, all areas the author excels in, simply because it was all so enjoyable to read.
Not your average fantasy novel of an outlandish, alien world, but one where the characters are so alive, relatable and vivid, the reader feels as though they are reading the exploits of a neighbouring village or town. ‘Dark’ describes a world so real you feel you could take a walk in the woods to try catch glimpse of them, leaving the reader with a sense of sadness you can’t do exactly that.
The fast pace of the action and story was balanced with the details and descriptions of the characters, their lives and where they inhabit, with richly detailed and well executed relationships. The story takes the reader through cliffhangers and sweeping lows, gallantly fought battles and balances the perspectives of both ‘sides.’
I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series, would recommend for anyone - YA or adult, it’s a thrilling and highly enjoyable read. I hope further books will be longer to allow more development of character relationships, descriptive language of environment and greater dialogue, all areas the author excels in, simply because it was all so enjoyable to read.
Not your average fantasy novel of an outlandish, alien world, but one where the characters are so alive, relatable and vivid, the reader feels as though they are reading the exploits of a neighbouring village or town. ‘Dark’ describes a world so real you feel you could take a walk in the woods to try catch glimpse of them, leaving the reader with a sense of sadness you can’t do exactly that.
March 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
As a lover of folklore I was initially gripped by this story. I appreciate that the author has gone down a slightly unconventional route of encompassing all nations folklore in one "world" but for me it didn't really work. Throwing the "prodigy" into an existing set of characters is interesting and a clever idea but it didn't quite live up to expectations.
There's a lot to like. The way the boy develops his abilities is well written and there's a decent sense of place and atmosphere most of the time. However there are gaping holes in the logic which I can understand would probably be tedious to fully explain/expand on but which I still found a little irritating. The mix of UK and US English is distracting and there are minor editorial errors which is understandable in an advance copy. (Note….it should be "tussled" rather than "tousled"). At times the narrative gets very long winded which lost my interest. The ending isn't a cliff hanger but could indicate follow ups to come. I feel with the input of a good editor this could be a very good beginning to a promising prospective series, it's just not quite there in its current form.
As a lover of folklore I was initially gripped by this story. I appreciate that the author has gone down a slightly unconventional route of encompassing all nations folklore in one "world" but for me it didn't really work. Throwing the "prodigy" into an existing set of characters is interesting and a clever idea but it didn't quite live up to expectations.
There's a lot to like. The way the boy develops his abilities is well written and there's a decent sense of place and atmosphere most of the time. However there are gaping holes in the logic which I can understand would probably be tedious to fully explain/expand on but which I still found a little irritating. The mix of UK and US English is distracting and there are minor editorial errors which is understandable in an advance copy. (Note….it should be "tussled" rather than "tousled"). At times the narrative gets very long winded which lost my interest. The ending isn't a cliff hanger but could indicate follow ups to come. I feel with the input of a good editor this could be a very good beginning to a promising prospective series, it's just not quite there in its current form.
April 19, 2024
Best Thing Social Media has done for me lately
I ran across the extremely compelling audio+semi-animated illustrations trailer of this book on Threads. The voice over was so good, and the story sounded awesome, so I purchased the Kindle book immediately. I picked it up yesterday and finished today! It's that good.
I love the boy, I love the fantasy elements, I love the glossary/background info at the back of the book (maybe don't read until you've finished the main story...) there are many traditional folk story/fairy tale creatures in this book, and I love the details and imaginative retellings of these creatures' natures, gifts and talents.
I agree with others - this book is great for middle grade + Readers. The "darkness" while very well described and vivid, does not cross over into horror territory and older kids, teens and adults can all enjoy. Great themes of questioning who are the good guys and the bad guys, found family, and destiny.
Cannot WAIT for the next one!
I ran across the extremely compelling audio+semi-animated illustrations trailer of this book on Threads. The voice over was so good, and the story sounded awesome, so I purchased the Kindle book immediately. I picked it up yesterday and finished today! It's that good.
I love the boy, I love the fantasy elements, I love the glossary/background info at the back of the book (maybe don't read until you've finished the main story...) there are many traditional folk story/fairy tale creatures in this book, and I love the details and imaginative retellings of these creatures' natures, gifts and talents.
I agree with others - this book is great for middle grade + Readers. The "darkness" while very well described and vivid, does not cross over into horror territory and older kids, teens and adults can all enjoy. Great themes of questioning who are the good guys and the bad guys, found family, and destiny.
Cannot WAIT for the next one!
March 21, 2024
This was an interesting read. In the beginning, the boy in the hole knows nothing about the world other than what he can see, hear, smell, and taste from his pit. He is ignorant and naive. Over the course of the story, he experiences many aspects of life with curiosity and the ability to quickly learn fantastical abilities. There are other characters are in the story but they are not fleshed out. I hope they are fully realized in subsequent books.
The story started slow and built-up steam to an amazing finish. While this is the first book in a series, it read like a standalone with no horrible cliffhanger. However, I definitely want to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story started slow and built-up steam to an amazing finish. While this is the first book in a series, it read like a standalone with no horrible cliffhanger. However, I definitely want to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2024
Captivating, man vs. Beasts, coming of age
Where to begin! I bought this after seeing it on threads and man oh man. This book was so amazing. Dark was the coming of age tale that is suitable for middle schoolers and definitely gives you a different perspective on who is a hero and who is a villain. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The beasts and characters were woven together perfectly and after seeing artwork for this book, man those descriptions are spot on. I love that this was a rise against mankind kind of book. The dark and twisty turns had me wanting more. I want more of Dark, Grim, and Morgana. I want to see more adventures and more of this world. Definitely a reread and number one on my fantasy reads this year so far.
Where to begin! I bought this after seeing it on threads and man oh man. This book was so amazing. Dark was the coming of age tale that is suitable for middle schoolers and definitely gives you a different perspective on who is a hero and who is a villain. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The beasts and characters were woven together perfectly and after seeing artwork for this book, man those descriptions are spot on. I love that this was a rise against mankind kind of book. The dark and twisty turns had me wanting more. I want more of Dark, Grim, and Morgana. I want to see more adventures and more of this world. Definitely a reread and number one on my fantasy reads this year so far.
July 28, 2024
As a science fiction reader (and writer), I don't usually read fantasy, but I've been following M.A. Batten on social media and this book seemed as though it would appeal to me. I was not disappointed.
Dark: An the Boy in the Hole was suspenseful, fast-paced, and kept my interest from the start until the very end. I especially enjoyed the range of creatures and characters among the "nightlings" and how they banded together with the main character to battle tyranny. I can imagine this book appealing to young readers (despite some rather "dark" subject matter), but I think it can be enjoyed by all ages.
Dark: An the Boy in the Hole was suspenseful, fast-paced, and kept my interest from the start until the very end. I especially enjoyed the range of creatures and characters among the "nightlings" and how they banded together with the main character to battle tyranny. I can imagine this book appealing to young readers (despite some rather "dark" subject matter), but I think it can be enjoyed by all ages.
March 4, 2024
This book was captivating from the start. The boy in the hole describing his life, and the mystery of who he is was intriguing. Everything from the characters, story and world building was spectacular.
Batten has created a mesmerising world, with fantastic mythical creatures leaving me excited to read book 2. Looking forward to finding out what happens next with my new mythical friends.
Highly recommend to all fantasy readers!
Batten has created a mesmerising world, with fantastic mythical creatures leaving me excited to read book 2. Looking forward to finding out what happens next with my new mythical friends.
Highly recommend to all fantasy readers!
March 30, 2024
This book is amazing! A forgotten and mistreated child, monsters in the night…and a greedy king not fit to rule. It’s about finding oneself, acceptance, self discovery and fighting for what is right. It was sad to read the tragic beginnings of Dark, but I am glad that he found his “family” in the end. Definitely worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2024
Holy cow! This story is so immersive, I simply couldn't put it down. The descriptions made me feel I was actually there, alongside this mysterious MC as he discovered everything about the evils of humanity. And there are a host of amazingly monstrous characters you'll cry over and cheer for, and some seriously dark characters you'll love to hate.
April 11, 2024
I think this is a fantastic book. I enjoyed it immensely. I found it different in its content and look forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2024
Great Fantasy book! Well worth reading!
I think I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
This is the first fantasy novel I’ve read in quite a while, and it reminded me why I love the genre.
This book combines elements of horror, suspense, and mystery; it has magic and monsters and mystics, villages and castles, war and power plays, and factions with nefarious motives. And a boy in a hole.
Monsters have returned to the land. War rages on multiple fronts.
I loved it.
This book combines elements of horror, suspense, and mystery; it has magic and monsters and mystics, villages and castles, war and power plays, and factions with nefarious motives. And a boy in a hole.
Monsters have returned to the land. War rages on multiple fronts.
I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews