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The Dark Oak Chronicles #3
The Devising
The Third and Final Book of The Dark Oak Chronicles.
After all of the victories and the losses, with fortresses toppled and armies broken, a once united human realm has been shattered; its people scattered within unending forests.
Dark Oak, former King of the Dryads, stands ready to unleash his forces against not only humanity, but also the Dryads, the Sylphs, Oreads and Naiads; all humans reborn as the spirits of the world itself.
Sir Tolucan sets out on the final leg of his quest to bring down the relentless Dark Oak, who commands a terrifying horde, armed with weapons that can kill even the Immortals.
Can Morrick the woodcutter find redemption in the final days of the greatest war that the world will ever see? What will become of his wife, Rowan, and their children?
Jacob Sannox invites you to take up arms and to stand with the Immortals, as the battle to save not only humanity, but the cycle of life and death itself, begins ...
After all of the victories and the losses, with fortresses toppled and armies broken, a once united human realm has been shattered; its people scattered within unending forests.
Dark Oak, former King of the Dryads, stands ready to unleash his forces against not only humanity, but also the Dryads, the Sylphs, Oreads and Naiads; all humans reborn as the spirits of the world itself.
Sir Tolucan sets out on the final leg of his quest to bring down the relentless Dark Oak, who commands a terrifying horde, armed with weapons that can kill even the Immortals.
Can Morrick the woodcutter find redemption in the final days of the greatest war that the world will ever see? What will become of his wife, Rowan, and their children?
Jacob Sannox invites you to take up arms and to stand with the Immortals, as the battle to save not only humanity, but the cycle of life and death itself, begins ...
- GenresFantasyEpic FantasyAdult
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 5, 2024
Review to come once the physical book arrives.
April 2, 2024
*****/5
Would recommend to: those who love a gritty fantasy tale with punch; a solid story line and relatable characters.
Review:
I have read each book of the Dark Oak Chronicles and, book three, The Devising, delivered a fantastic end to the trilogy - a gripping and triumphant finale coming from its opening line in book one to full circle in its closing line in book three.
The only disappointment for me as the reader is that the trilogy is now complete. I will genuinely miss characters from the story … In the bookish community, they would call what I'm experiencing now, a "book hangover", where any book I try and read now just doesn't compare or have the same enthusiasm.
I actually finished this book a couple of days ago now and I'm finding it hard to articulate a review that encompasses all I want to express after an epic fantasy journey.
What makes a book a five star read for me personally, is if the story can captivate my imagination and keep me asking questions about how the created world works. For me, this trilogy felt like it had its own mythologies, legends and folklore.
The characters were well written with depth, purpose and motivation. Characters grew with each book and each challenge faced.
A good story will make you feel a range of emotions and The Dark Oak Chronicles definitely achieved this magnificently throughout. (Side Note: When you feel a huge sense of relief that a character is actually safe, you know that you care about these people and their story - well played Mr Jacob Sannox)
In this third and final instalment, things are progressing to the last fight between nature and the humans. Dark Oak reigns at Halwende, but there is something more sinister being summoned from the the depths, something that could destroy everything in it's path. New threats are born and the humans and the Ascended need to come together to preserve the world and forge a new way of life before its too late.
The layout of the book is done well and easily navigated. The characters and places each have a different vibe and the author is consistent in how each place feels and looks. This keeps the reader on track. For example, I could be in the lush, dense canopies of trees with the Tinkers of the Fell Wood, which felt brighter than those scenes around Dark Oak and Halwende which is dark, barren and tense.
The themes and concepts for the trilogy are intriguing and definitely multi-layered. It encourages the reader to reflect.
For example, the idea and the characters beliefs about what happens to our souls - that we are connected to the nature and elements around us - that our lives move in cycles.
What's beautifully captured in the books are "normal" people and their interactions. How they cope with a world changing and falling apart as they know it. Accepting and adapting to change.
The author has a way of exploring emotion within his characters too, which serves to increase their authenticity and relatability. Personally, I was surprised at the my own reactions to the characters emotions and their reflections. - "He's here out of love, can you not feel that coming off him? That's a husband's sorrow and a fathers concern. If you died and woke up as one of them, I have no doubt you'd seek me out and see me safe, and I believe it so with our Lord yonder"-
The story reflects on power and what is right and wrong. It would clearly be dependant on the the perspective of those wielding the power. For example, are humans the evil entity of the book? And what happens when nature and their denizens try and level out that power? And what of those who don't chose a side but manipulate that power? - "It has been said many times that those best suited to power are those who don't want it"
Overall, this was a trilogy that kept me captivated and demanded a response, whether it be in thought or emotion.
There was something unique with this fantasy that played out like a movie in my mind, full of colour and wonder, and I for one adored it.
P.S. A big thank you to the author for adding my favourite fantasy creature. "A dragon. Natural or imagined, but made flesh in Halwende"
Absolutely fantastic.
Would recommend to: those who love a gritty fantasy tale with punch; a solid story line and relatable characters.
Review:
I have read each book of the Dark Oak Chronicles and, book three, The Devising, delivered a fantastic end to the trilogy - a gripping and triumphant finale coming from its opening line in book one to full circle in its closing line in book three.
The only disappointment for me as the reader is that the trilogy is now complete. I will genuinely miss characters from the story … In the bookish community, they would call what I'm experiencing now, a "book hangover", where any book I try and read now just doesn't compare or have the same enthusiasm.
I actually finished this book a couple of days ago now and I'm finding it hard to articulate a review that encompasses all I want to express after an epic fantasy journey.
What makes a book a five star read for me personally, is if the story can captivate my imagination and keep me asking questions about how the created world works. For me, this trilogy felt like it had its own mythologies, legends and folklore.
The characters were well written with depth, purpose and motivation. Characters grew with each book and each challenge faced.
A good story will make you feel a range of emotions and The Dark Oak Chronicles definitely achieved this magnificently throughout. (Side Note: When you feel a huge sense of relief that a character is actually safe, you know that you care about these people and their story - well played Mr Jacob Sannox)
In this third and final instalment, things are progressing to the last fight between nature and the humans. Dark Oak reigns at Halwende, but there is something more sinister being summoned from the the depths, something that could destroy everything in it's path. New threats are born and the humans and the Ascended need to come together to preserve the world and forge a new way of life before its too late.
The layout of the book is done well and easily navigated. The characters and places each have a different vibe and the author is consistent in how each place feels and looks. This keeps the reader on track. For example, I could be in the lush, dense canopies of trees with the Tinkers of the Fell Wood, which felt brighter than those scenes around Dark Oak and Halwende which is dark, barren and tense.
The themes and concepts for the trilogy are intriguing and definitely multi-layered. It encourages the reader to reflect.
For example, the idea and the characters beliefs about what happens to our souls - that we are connected to the nature and elements around us - that our lives move in cycles.
What's beautifully captured in the books are "normal" people and their interactions. How they cope with a world changing and falling apart as they know it. Accepting and adapting to change.
The author has a way of exploring emotion within his characters too, which serves to increase their authenticity and relatability. Personally, I was surprised at the my own reactions to the characters emotions and their reflections. - "He's here out of love, can you not feel that coming off him? That's a husband's sorrow and a fathers concern. If you died and woke up as one of them, I have no doubt you'd seek me out and see me safe, and I believe it so with our Lord yonder"-
The story reflects on power and what is right and wrong. It would clearly be dependant on the the perspective of those wielding the power. For example, are humans the evil entity of the book? And what happens when nature and their denizens try and level out that power? And what of those who don't chose a side but manipulate that power? - "It has been said many times that those best suited to power are those who don't want it"
Overall, this was a trilogy that kept me captivated and demanded a response, whether it be in thought or emotion.
There was something unique with this fantasy that played out like a movie in my mind, full of colour and wonder, and I for one adored it.
P.S. A big thank you to the author for adding my favourite fantasy creature. "A dragon. Natural or imagined, but made flesh in Halwende"
Absolutely fantastic.
June 24, 2024
Their greed & lust for domination came back to haunt them. It gave rise to a power of fearsome strength. The desperate war has begun.
Filled with lore,darkness,love & hope. Great characters shine in an engaging conclusion to this thrilling original dark fantasy.
Filled with lore,darkness,love & hope. Great characters shine in an engaging conclusion to this thrilling original dark fantasy.
May 22, 2025
The Devising completes the Dark Oak Chronicles fantasy trilogy by Jacob Sannox. Sannox is a writer of great range and versatility and in The Devising he goes against many of the established tropes of epic fantasy, in keeping with the rest of the series. As this is the final instalment, please note this review contains spoilers for the first two books, Dark Oak and Age of the Dryad.
The Devising opens with the surviving characters still reeling from the tumultuous events in the second book, so the early chapters concern people adjusting to the end of the old order and the beginning of a new era. This even applies to the instigator of those world-changing events, as Dark Oak himself readies for war, ensconced in Awgren’s former stronghold of Halwende. He has grown powerful and is not afraid to use his knowledge against the Dryad Queen Nayr and her allies. His former wife, Rowan, is adjusting to her new role as the leader of the humans. She's conflicted about the task of defeating Dark Oak, sensing that Morrick is still there, if she can reach him.
Meanwhile, on the Isle of Anbidian which is home to the druidic order of the Deru Weid, the warrior Ailsa is thrust into a leadership position following the death of her lover Queen Cathryn. She must prepare for war against Dark Oak and his allies the Weavers, Deru Weid outcasts, and the hoard of Devised marching toward the island. The final story strand features Luthier as he leads the Tinkers on a mission to try and save Cathryn and Lachlan's children and challenge the ruthless Maconnacks on The Isles.
This setup leads the reader to expect a typical epic confrontation on three separate battlefronts. Whilst there is action and plenty of dramatic twists and turns throughout the novel, The Devising proves to be a different kind of story. For example, in his new form as a Dryad, Lachlan makes the Tinkers confront the folly of the human condition and they start to realise that if there is to be peace on The Isles they need to consider compromise, even though the Maconnacks have wronged them.
Dark Oak also starts to realise his allies and teachers, the mysterious Weavers, have their own agenda and he is not the undisputed ruler of Halwende. There is a sense of emptiness, loneliness and sorrow running through this story, especially in Dark Oak’s chapters, and I think he’s a brilliantly conceived character. He might be the new Dark Lord but I still found him consistently intriguing and relatable, his actions driven by misplaced motives rather than being a caricature of pure evil.
As Dark Oak reflects upon his actions, The Devising explores the choices faced by the characters. This series has been a tale about revenge, but increasingly another theme emerges as Sannox asks difficult questions about whether people can change and whether they deserve forgiveness if they do. Consequently, this novel is thoughtful and philosophical in places, allowing moments of introspection alongside the action and increasing levels of tension as the true stakes facing each of the characters are slowly revealed.
I think Sannox has to be commended for his towering imagination, displayed in the fantasy world he has created. The magic of the Oreads, Sylphs, Naiads and Dryads is used in creative ways, and when their powers clash with those of Dark Oak and his allies the results are spectacular. These create some of the most vivid visual scenes in the novel. Yet there are many quieter, reflective moments as well. The cycle of life in this story means that death is not the end, with the souls of humans returning first as Dryads and then ascending to return as immortal water, air or earth spirits. This allows characters who died in the earlier books to return to the narrative, affording them the opportunity to consider their past actions and mistakes and try to correct them.
In many ways, the series reflects this cycle. The first book is wild and untamed, always unpredictable and in some ways mirroring the short-term outlook and selfish self-interest of humans. Book two explores the impact of the end of the old world order as established powers fall and nature, in the form of the Dryads and the forest, becomes preeminent. In the third novel a new order emerges, even more powerful than the Dryads, but if the ambitions of those seeking such change are to be achieved is the cost acceptable?
The cycle of life also gives Sannox opportunities to tell his story in a unique way. I don’t want to go into details which would spoil the books for readers, but as the plot unfolded in a completely different way to what I was expecting it still made perfect sense, remaining consistent with the world Sannox has created.
Finishing a series means that final book always has a lot to do in order to provide a satisfying resolution not only for that story but also for the trilogy as a whole. In The Devising, I think Sannox did a masterful job. It’s a beautifully written novel and hits the spot for me in having both compelling action and the emotional depth to explore some thought-provoking themes. The Devising ensures the Dark Oak Chronicles gets the excellent finale it deserves, and I highly recommend the whole series to readers who are looking for something different in the fantasy genre.
The Devising opens with the surviving characters still reeling from the tumultuous events in the second book, so the early chapters concern people adjusting to the end of the old order and the beginning of a new era. This even applies to the instigator of those world-changing events, as Dark Oak himself readies for war, ensconced in Awgren’s former stronghold of Halwende. He has grown powerful and is not afraid to use his knowledge against the Dryad Queen Nayr and her allies. His former wife, Rowan, is adjusting to her new role as the leader of the humans. She's conflicted about the task of defeating Dark Oak, sensing that Morrick is still there, if she can reach him.
Meanwhile, on the Isle of Anbidian which is home to the druidic order of the Deru Weid, the warrior Ailsa is thrust into a leadership position following the death of her lover Queen Cathryn. She must prepare for war against Dark Oak and his allies the Weavers, Deru Weid outcasts, and the hoard of Devised marching toward the island. The final story strand features Luthier as he leads the Tinkers on a mission to try and save Cathryn and Lachlan's children and challenge the ruthless Maconnacks on The Isles.
This setup leads the reader to expect a typical epic confrontation on three separate battlefronts. Whilst there is action and plenty of dramatic twists and turns throughout the novel, The Devising proves to be a different kind of story. For example, in his new form as a Dryad, Lachlan makes the Tinkers confront the folly of the human condition and they start to realise that if there is to be peace on The Isles they need to consider compromise, even though the Maconnacks have wronged them.
Dark Oak also starts to realise his allies and teachers, the mysterious Weavers, have their own agenda and he is not the undisputed ruler of Halwende. There is a sense of emptiness, loneliness and sorrow running through this story, especially in Dark Oak’s chapters, and I think he’s a brilliantly conceived character. He might be the new Dark Lord but I still found him consistently intriguing and relatable, his actions driven by misplaced motives rather than being a caricature of pure evil.
As Dark Oak reflects upon his actions, The Devising explores the choices faced by the characters. This series has been a tale about revenge, but increasingly another theme emerges as Sannox asks difficult questions about whether people can change and whether they deserve forgiveness if they do. Consequently, this novel is thoughtful and philosophical in places, allowing moments of introspection alongside the action and increasing levels of tension as the true stakes facing each of the characters are slowly revealed.
I think Sannox has to be commended for his towering imagination, displayed in the fantasy world he has created. The magic of the Oreads, Sylphs, Naiads and Dryads is used in creative ways, and when their powers clash with those of Dark Oak and his allies the results are spectacular. These create some of the most vivid visual scenes in the novel. Yet there are many quieter, reflective moments as well. The cycle of life in this story means that death is not the end, with the souls of humans returning first as Dryads and then ascending to return as immortal water, air or earth spirits. This allows characters who died in the earlier books to return to the narrative, affording them the opportunity to consider their past actions and mistakes and try to correct them.
In many ways, the series reflects this cycle. The first book is wild and untamed, always unpredictable and in some ways mirroring the short-term outlook and selfish self-interest of humans. Book two explores the impact of the end of the old world order as established powers fall and nature, in the form of the Dryads and the forest, becomes preeminent. In the third novel a new order emerges, even more powerful than the Dryads, but if the ambitions of those seeking such change are to be achieved is the cost acceptable?
The cycle of life also gives Sannox opportunities to tell his story in a unique way. I don’t want to go into details which would spoil the books for readers, but as the plot unfolded in a completely different way to what I was expecting it still made perfect sense, remaining consistent with the world Sannox has created.
Finishing a series means that final book always has a lot to do in order to provide a satisfying resolution not only for that story but also for the trilogy as a whole. In The Devising, I think Sannox did a masterful job. It’s a beautifully written novel and hits the spot for me in having both compelling action and the emotional depth to explore some thought-provoking themes. The Devising ensures the Dark Oak Chronicles gets the excellent finale it deserves, and I highly recommend the whole series to readers who are looking for something different in the fantasy genre.
June 1, 2024
Absolutely Devine.
My epic journey in this wonderful tale has finally come to an end. And what a journey it was in this final conclusion to what has been one of my favourite series in the last few years. The anticipation of waiting on this last instalment of The Dark Oak Chronicles to find out what happened to some of my favourite characters. To my ecstaticness, I was given the opportunity to read it early by the man himself, Mr Sannox, and let me tell you, he has delivered a story that will leave you fulfilled with its beauty.
The Devising is the third and last book in The Dark Oak Chronicles. A beautiful world weaved and woven with an amazing diverse set of characters where dryads and people clash and go to war over humanity's greed for power. I absolutely love Jacob Sannox's worldbuilding and setting. He has crafted something very special in this series with his knowledge of mythical legends and lore that has hooked from the very first page delving you into one hell of an adventure.
For any fantasy fan who loves a good dark tale that keeps you in suspence and pulls on your heartstrings, with wonderful creatures of lore such as Dryads, Sylphs, Naiads and Oreads, oh and big dragons you will definitely love this fantastic character driven story, and it just gets better and more thrilling with each book.
Dark Oak has left the forests and is now Dark Lord of Halwende and King of the world. After subduing humanity to the Isles, he now wants all to bow to him, dryads, sylphs, Naiads, Oreads, and the humans or face total destruction from his divised army of monsters and with new weapons and dark magics at his disposal from the help of the weavers. Will humanity and the creatures of the forests finally come together and save their existence and preserve the cycle of life. War is coming, and so is hell and fire with it.
What a brilliant ending, I'm so sad to leave this world, but I'll be back again. If you haven't checked out Jacob Sannox's books yet, I very highly recommend that you do..🌳🔥🪓🗡🏹
My epic journey in this wonderful tale has finally come to an end. And what a journey it was in this final conclusion to what has been one of my favourite series in the last few years. The anticipation of waiting on this last instalment of The Dark Oak Chronicles to find out what happened to some of my favourite characters. To my ecstaticness, I was given the opportunity to read it early by the man himself, Mr Sannox, and let me tell you, he has delivered a story that will leave you fulfilled with its beauty.
The Devising is the third and last book in The Dark Oak Chronicles. A beautiful world weaved and woven with an amazing diverse set of characters where dryads and people clash and go to war over humanity's greed for power. I absolutely love Jacob Sannox's worldbuilding and setting. He has crafted something very special in this series with his knowledge of mythical legends and lore that has hooked from the very first page delving you into one hell of an adventure.
For any fantasy fan who loves a good dark tale that keeps you in suspence and pulls on your heartstrings, with wonderful creatures of lore such as Dryads, Sylphs, Naiads and Oreads, oh and big dragons you will definitely love this fantastic character driven story, and it just gets better and more thrilling with each book.
Dark Oak has left the forests and is now Dark Lord of Halwende and King of the world. After subduing humanity to the Isles, he now wants all to bow to him, dryads, sylphs, Naiads, Oreads, and the humans or face total destruction from his divised army of monsters and with new weapons and dark magics at his disposal from the help of the weavers. Will humanity and the creatures of the forests finally come together and save their existence and preserve the cycle of life. War is coming, and so is hell and fire with it.
What a brilliant ending, I'm so sad to leave this world, but I'll be back again. If you haven't checked out Jacob Sannox's books yet, I very highly recommend that you do..🌳🔥🪓🗡🏹
April 12, 2024
**I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.**
This third instalment of the Dark Oak Chronicles is the conclusion of a battle of liberation, determination and the worlds of the people and the Ascended combining.
Sannox picks up where he left off in book 2, expanding on the plight of humanity and the rite of passage for the Ascended.
The Devising is a brilliant conclusion to the tale of Dark Oak and if you haven't read Dark Oak and Age of the Dryad you really should! The imagery and conflict, combined with the depth of character and tales told, had me hooked.
This third instalment of the Dark Oak Chronicles is the conclusion of a battle of liberation, determination and the worlds of the people and the Ascended combining.
Sannox picks up where he left off in book 2, expanding on the plight of humanity and the rite of passage for the Ascended.
The Devising is a brilliant conclusion to the tale of Dark Oak and if you haven't read Dark Oak and Age of the Dryad you really should! The imagery and conflict, combined with the depth of character and tales told, had me hooked.
April 21, 2024
5 stars for the entire series.
4 stars for this book.
Jacob has written a very original story, he’s turned fantasy tropes upside down with highly original ideas.
Jacob’s strengths are in his character’s growth throughout his books. He does make them suffer in lots of bad ways and they come through very well written and believable.
This series is well worth reading, I highly recommend it if you like dark fantasy, also has a touch of grimdark especially in the first 2 books, but as I said above characters do evolve.
4 stars for this book.
Jacob has written a very original story, he’s turned fantasy tropes upside down with highly original ideas.
Jacob’s strengths are in his character’s growth throughout his books. He does make them suffer in lots of bad ways and they come through very well written and believable.
This series is well worth reading, I highly recommend it if you like dark fantasy, also has a touch of grimdark especially in the first 2 books, but as I said above characters do evolve.
April 26, 2024
I was given an advanced review copy of this book by the author, thank you Jacob! My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
The Devising is the final part in the Dark Oak Chronicles trilogy by Jacob Sannox and this dark epic fantasy has gone almost full circle over the course of the three books. The story has shown just how well humanity is able to adapt in times of crushing oppression:
“Humanity’s true strength has always been its ability to put aside individual needs in order to unite in times of adversity.’”
“When Awgren broke your countries, your people put aside their notions of nationality in favour of coming together to combat a threat.”
Human society was broken apart by the dryads in book 2 and this is where the third book starts off. Small groups of humans have managed to survive and some have forged hopeful plans to ensure their species’ continuation.
Meanwhile Dark Oak has gone to Halwende and is fashioning himself as the next dark lord, taking over where Awgren left off, working alongside the Weavers, with some modifications to the ideals held by that tyrant. He does not want to completely wipe out the humans and does not agree with everything the Weavers are doing, but in his dryad form he has lost a lot of his humanity and compassion.
Rowan, is designated ‘Dark Oak’s bane’ and is chosen as the human representative on the Second Council, tasked with traveling to meet Dark Oak to try and persuade him to cease his war against the Immortals – in the depths of Halwende, the Weavers have devised weapons capable of killing naiads, oreads, dryads and sylphs and a vicious war is being waged. Rowan’s two sons (a dryad and a naiad) travel with her along with Sir Tolucan, the knight who had been sent to attempt to kill Dark Oak by Queen Catherine before her death. It has been a while since Rowan set eyes on her husband, the woodcutter, Morrick who is now Dark Oak, and she is taken aback by his current appearance:
“Dark Oak, a monstrous giant Dryad in armour, steadied himself, and his wooden mouth ripped open, green strands connecting the upper and lower lips. The white stars of his eyes pierced Rowan, and she quailed.”
Rowan’s relationship with her youngest son is heartwarming, especially after everything she has gone through over the first two books. I really enjoyed how he was described in his watery naiad form and yet with human characteristics, such as when he was hugging his mother’s legs and soaking her through.
The Devising is a satisfying conclusion to the story of Dark Oak, but not everything in the world gets tied up as neatly. I felt that the overall message of this story was that Nature should be revered and respected for its power, in all of its forms. At the end of the story there is a tentative balance between good and evil, but evil is still in existence and there is a feeling that it is held at bay for now, but possibly only temporarily. Fans of Grimdark epic fantasy will love this story for its originality.
The Devising is the final part in the Dark Oak Chronicles trilogy by Jacob Sannox and this dark epic fantasy has gone almost full circle over the course of the three books. The story has shown just how well humanity is able to adapt in times of crushing oppression:
“Humanity’s true strength has always been its ability to put aside individual needs in order to unite in times of adversity.’”
“When Awgren broke your countries, your people put aside their notions of nationality in favour of coming together to combat a threat.”
Human society was broken apart by the dryads in book 2 and this is where the third book starts off. Small groups of humans have managed to survive and some have forged hopeful plans to ensure their species’ continuation.
Meanwhile Dark Oak has gone to Halwende and is fashioning himself as the next dark lord, taking over where Awgren left off, working alongside the Weavers, with some modifications to the ideals held by that tyrant. He does not want to completely wipe out the humans and does not agree with everything the Weavers are doing, but in his dryad form he has lost a lot of his humanity and compassion.
Rowan, is designated ‘Dark Oak’s bane’ and is chosen as the human representative on the Second Council, tasked with traveling to meet Dark Oak to try and persuade him to cease his war against the Immortals – in the depths of Halwende, the Weavers have devised weapons capable of killing naiads, oreads, dryads and sylphs and a vicious war is being waged. Rowan’s two sons (a dryad and a naiad) travel with her along with Sir Tolucan, the knight who had been sent to attempt to kill Dark Oak by Queen Catherine before her death. It has been a while since Rowan set eyes on her husband, the woodcutter, Morrick who is now Dark Oak, and she is taken aback by his current appearance:
“Dark Oak, a monstrous giant Dryad in armour, steadied himself, and his wooden mouth ripped open, green strands connecting the upper and lower lips. The white stars of his eyes pierced Rowan, and she quailed.”
Rowan’s relationship with her youngest son is heartwarming, especially after everything she has gone through over the first two books. I really enjoyed how he was described in his watery naiad form and yet with human characteristics, such as when he was hugging his mother’s legs and soaking her through.
The Devising is a satisfying conclusion to the story of Dark Oak, but not everything in the world gets tied up as neatly. I felt that the overall message of this story was that Nature should be revered and respected for its power, in all of its forms. At the end of the story there is a tentative balance between good and evil, but evil is still in existence and there is a feeling that it is held at bay for now, but possibly only temporarily. Fans of Grimdark epic fantasy will love this story for its originality.
Read
June 1, 2024A new age rises with the world standing against Dark Oak. In this age, the ascended spirits of the world share mankind’s war. A war in which no one will remain unscathed. The cycle of nature, the rebirthing of souls, is broken. The conclusion of The Dark Oak Chronicles brings forth an epic finale, a war of ultimate death. All are in peril in Jacob Sannox’s The Devising.
Dark Oak’s quest to protect the forest leads him to Halwende, the former home of the Dark Lord Awgren. He will use whatever force necessary to ensure humanity never recovers their strength but they no longer stand alone. The spirits of the forest, water, and air, the ascended are coming to end his reign. Dark Oak must unravel the Dark Lord’s secrets and harness the knowledge hidden there. If he is to fight immortal beings, he must surpass the Dark Lord’s power.
Jacob Sannox saves the most astonishing battles for his final book in The Dark Oak Chronicles. Dark Oak’s war of souls is fought with true dark magic. His use of the Devising births horrors. In these diabolic scenes, a little more time could have been spent from the victim’s perspective. The Devising is hellish imagination unleashed.
The world is churning in Jacob Sannox’s The Devising. While Dark Oak cultivates his Devised magic, others are executing their own schemes. His own alliance with the Weavers and dependency on their Devised powers are at odds. The Weavers have been studying Devising long before Dark Oak and the Dark Lord Awgren came to Halwende for their knowledge. Their cause is greater in scale than any war lord’s. Meanwhile, fractured as they are, humanity begins to rebuild.
The numerous perspectives in The Devising fanfare its finale. Ailsa is now leader of Queen Cathryn’s people. Instead of becoming regent, she looks for new ways to govern. The dishonored and defeated Feran, once Queen Cathryn’s knight, tries to find his path. His perspective on loss has a strong impact across all chapters. Rowan continues as one of the most memorable characters throughout the series.
The Dark Oak Chronicles is faithful to classic epic fantasy series. Grand scale events drive its narrative, but the intimate battles endured by characters such as Rowan form the heart of Jacob Sannox’s story. Her fight for her family makes the final ending in The Devising bittersweet and memorable.
Everything leads to this final battle in The Devising. A conclusion eras in the making, compiling all the schemes from dead rulers, humanity’s survivors, and dark lords. The fate of all souls is sealed in Jacob Sannox’s third and final book of The Dark Oak Chronicles.
Review first published in Grimdark Magazine
Dark Oak’s quest to protect the forest leads him to Halwende, the former home of the Dark Lord Awgren. He will use whatever force necessary to ensure humanity never recovers their strength but they no longer stand alone. The spirits of the forest, water, and air, the ascended are coming to end his reign. Dark Oak must unravel the Dark Lord’s secrets and harness the knowledge hidden there. If he is to fight immortal beings, he must surpass the Dark Lord’s power.
Jacob Sannox saves the most astonishing battles for his final book in The Dark Oak Chronicles. Dark Oak’s war of souls is fought with true dark magic. His use of the Devising births horrors. In these diabolic scenes, a little more time could have been spent from the victim’s perspective. The Devising is hellish imagination unleashed.
The world is churning in Jacob Sannox’s The Devising. While Dark Oak cultivates his Devised magic, others are executing their own schemes. His own alliance with the Weavers and dependency on their Devised powers are at odds. The Weavers have been studying Devising long before Dark Oak and the Dark Lord Awgren came to Halwende for their knowledge. Their cause is greater in scale than any war lord’s. Meanwhile, fractured as they are, humanity begins to rebuild.
The numerous perspectives in The Devising fanfare its finale. Ailsa is now leader of Queen Cathryn’s people. Instead of becoming regent, she looks for new ways to govern. The dishonored and defeated Feran, once Queen Cathryn’s knight, tries to find his path. His perspective on loss has a strong impact across all chapters. Rowan continues as one of the most memorable characters throughout the series.
The Dark Oak Chronicles is faithful to classic epic fantasy series. Grand scale events drive its narrative, but the intimate battles endured by characters such as Rowan form the heart of Jacob Sannox’s story. Her fight for her family makes the final ending in The Devising bittersweet and memorable.
Everything leads to this final battle in The Devising. A conclusion eras in the making, compiling all the schemes from dead rulers, humanity’s survivors, and dark lords. The fate of all souls is sealed in Jacob Sannox’s third and final book of The Dark Oak Chronicles.
Review first published in Grimdark Magazine
June 2, 2024
I fell in love with the Dark Oak series right from the start. The opening concept was just not something I'd come across before, and Sannox had me falling in love with the characters he created. Age of the Dryad expanded hugely on this rich world of the Old Continent and the Isles, and set it up for it's conclusion, The Devising.
The opening chapters reintroduce the various characters we were left with at the end of Age of the Dryad, and whilst it does bring you up to date with the story, you're missing out if you don't read books one and two, as the author himself recommends.
Characters grapple with their conscience and their decisions, the future is dark and foreboding, but a trickle of hope exists, pulled along by the determination of some key characters. One character in particular provides some relief just through their innocence, and this is not something that is shoved in your face, but instead something that occurred to me afterwards on reflection. Sannox weaves the story to bring all the characters together, but then come twists and turns. The ending had this grown man close to tears and I don't want to ruin it by saying why, other than to say that perhaps a part of it was a sadness that the story has come to an end! Although, I feel Sannox may have left just enough of a thread open to expand it on further if he wants to... here's hoping!
If you like fantasy, or you're intrigued by the idea of it, do yourself a favour and read this series!
The opening chapters reintroduce the various characters we were left with at the end of Age of the Dryad, and whilst it does bring you up to date with the story, you're missing out if you don't read books one and two, as the author himself recommends.
Characters grapple with their conscience and their decisions, the future is dark and foreboding, but a trickle of hope exists, pulled along by the determination of some key characters. One character in particular provides some relief just through their innocence, and this is not something that is shoved in your face, but instead something that occurred to me afterwards on reflection. Sannox weaves the story to bring all the characters together, but then come twists and turns. The ending had this grown man close to tears and I don't want to ruin it by saying why, other than to say that perhaps a part of it was a sadness that the story has come to an end! Although, I feel Sannox may have left just enough of a thread open to expand it on further if he wants to... here's hoping!
If you like fantasy, or you're intrigued by the idea of it, do yourself a favour and read this series!
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