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The Outer Darkness
An ancient and magical wall of Darkness surrounds the Land of Light, ringing the known world.
Within it, an ancient evil stirs...
The sources of Light have begun to fail. Demons muster at the borders. A horde of the risen dead shamble in from the west. The Fallen gods prepare to invade.
Yet hope remains, for a handful of champions stand against the Darkness…
Abraxes has forsaken his family fortune to escape his father’s control. When a god employs him to steal a sacred object, will he find the destiny he searches for?
Anaya is a monk of the Iron Way. Her temple has been destroyed and her master murdered. Can she fulfill his dying command?
Merrick has joined the holy order of the Royal Guard, just like his mother wanted. When he’s called upon to investigate a mysterious massacre, will his faith bear the weight of what he uncovers?
Tallyn is one of the most deadly assassins in the world. When fate leads her to an ancient hidden city, will she survive the path the gods have laid for her?
The hungry Darkness approaches. In this standalone work of dark fantasy from the author of Bob the Wizard, join the battle against the Fallen gods’ demonic children. And
Don’t let the Light go out.
Within it, an ancient evil stirs...
The sources of Light have begun to fail. Demons muster at the borders. A horde of the risen dead shamble in from the west. The Fallen gods prepare to invade.
Yet hope remains, for a handful of champions stand against the Darkness…
Abraxes has forsaken his family fortune to escape his father’s control. When a god employs him to steal a sacred object, will he find the destiny he searches for?
Anaya is a monk of the Iron Way. Her temple has been destroyed and her master murdered. Can she fulfill his dying command?
Merrick has joined the holy order of the Royal Guard, just like his mother wanted. When he’s called upon to investigate a mysterious massacre, will his faith bear the weight of what he uncovers?
Tallyn is one of the most deadly assassins in the world. When fate leads her to an ancient hidden city, will she survive the path the gods have laid for her?
The hungry Darkness approaches. In this standalone work of dark fantasy from the author of Bob the Wizard, join the battle against the Fallen gods’ demonic children. And
Don’t let the Light go out.
- GenresFantasy
692 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2024
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 18, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this one! The concept of darkness and gods imprisoned in that darkness was so cool. I liked a lot of our characters (especially Disastrous), but do wish we'd gotten to know some of them better. Overall, I loved the ideas in this book but really wish we'd learned more. I found myself having questions and always wanting the magic and lore to be expanded on. I felt like I was always missing some back story. I think if this book had been a duology and tightened up a bit, it would be even better. I will recommend this and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 13, 2024
Wonderful.
I chose this book at random using a d10 dice and a d30 random number generator online.
This was picked from this years spfbox, which is a yearly contest for self publish fantasy blog off. This is the 10 year of this exciting contest.
So 300 books becomes 10 then down to one book the winner.
The outer darkness is just my cup of tea, really glad I got to read this one. This ticks all the boxes for me.
Great world building
Great character development
Great twists to the plotlines.
Interesting characters and some original takes on standard fantasy tropes.
And enough hints written in to tease us about where the author may take his writing in the future. I really hope he writes more in this world he has created.
Highly recommended to all who love epic fantasy or those who love well written books.
I chose this book at random using a d10 dice and a d30 random number generator online.
This was picked from this years spfbox, which is a yearly contest for self publish fantasy blog off. This is the 10 year of this exciting contest.
So 300 books becomes 10 then down to one book the winner.
The outer darkness is just my cup of tea, really glad I got to read this one. This ticks all the boxes for me.
Great world building
Great character development
Great twists to the plotlines.
Interesting characters and some original takes on standard fantasy tropes.
And enough hints written in to tease us about where the author may take his writing in the future. I really hope he writes more in this world he has created.
Highly recommended to all who love epic fantasy or those who love well written books.
May 8, 2024
After I finished writing this book, I walked into the Darkness, never to be seen again.
Read
August 16, 2024I received a complementary copy of THE OUTER DARKNESS by M.V. Prindle for the purpose of reviewing it for #SPFBOX for the team created by Cassidy @coverswithcassidy.
THE OUTER DARKNESS is set in a world surrounded by a Darkness held back by the Light. Within the Darkness are demons, fallen gods, creatures, and the risen dead that would bring death and destruction if not for that Light… and the Light has begun to fail.
Abraxes is living in a bottle, but when a god asks him to steal a sacred object, this sets him on a new journey. Anaya is a monk of the Iron Way, sent on a quest by her dying master. Merrick is a member of the royal guard investigating a massacre and scenes that have him questioning his fate. Tallyn is a fierce assassin working for the Shadowhunters. As the world faces its potential destruction, each must find their path and make decisions for how they will face it.
I went into this book with really high hopes and I’m happy to report that I wound up enjoying my time with it! The idea of the darkness surrounding a world of light and the pressure of that dividing wall breaking down really had me intrigued and I think that the concept of the world really held up to my hopes for it.
We are following a truly huge cast of characters and a lot of points of view throughout the book. While those mentioned in the synopsis carry a big portion of the story, there are a number more who get significant POV page time and a few more who get a few chapters here and there. This is a story that has a very broad scope, so the number of POVs makes sense in the story setup, but I did find myself getting a bit lost as to who was who and where each storyline was left off when last we saw that character. This got better as I got further into the book, but even to the very end of the book, I was using my Kindle to search for a couple of names to refresh myself on who was who.
In terms of character development, I did think that the character work was well done on our main characters. Each of the main characters did have a distinct voice and perspective that really helped to distinguish them. I also think the author did a good job of putting some reminders into the text to help us contextualize who the characters were, especially in the beginning as we were first getting to know them.
When it comes to secondary and background characters, I felt like some were fleshed out more than others. Each POV starts off very separate with its own cast of characters to keep track of. In addition to that, each winds up talking about different aspects of the government and religion, different gods and demons. I did want a bit more fleshing out when it came to some of the gods in particular and what their motivations were with stepping into the humans’ lives.
The plot for this book was intricately done and I think it was generally well done. I really liked seeing how the storylines of our separate characters built up and then how they came to weave together further into the book. I did really appreciate the darkness of this story and that there are real stakes for the characters on their journey. This is not a book for the faint of heart when it comes to gore and death as the bloody body count gets large!
As I have mentioned, there are a lot of plot threads in terms of different gods, religions, peoples, and political maneuverings and I did at times find myself a bit confused as to how things fit together. While this was a lengthy book at nearly 700 pages, I think there were elements that could have been fleshed out a bit more to help me to draw connections.
I am a very world-building driven reader and there was so much for me to digest and appreciate in this world. The creatures that the author developed were really interesting and I thought that they way they came into the story was really well done. The interplay of darkness and light and the different way characters perceive these elements were very interesting.
There were a few different ideas of magic and the world in general going on in here from varied prophesies and access to different elements of the spiritual world. I think some of this could have been a bit more fleshed out for my personal taste. I think getting a bit more of a discussion about varied ideas between our characters from different backgrounds could have helped me solidify how things overlapped or perhaps did not. Quite a bit of the world-building gets the answers I wanted very late in the book. We had quite a bit of explanation of what different elements meant around the 75% mark and I personally would have preferred getting that information sprinkled in more throughout the text.
I really thought that the author’s writing was fantastic! The action scenes had me gripped and the tension was built up well when it needed to be. As I’ve mentioned this is a pretty bloody and gory book at times and even there, the author manages to make some of these descriptions beautiful (I remember one line in particular about flies pirouetting over a scene of gore that stood out to me). I think the descriptive language struck the right note of being well done while not overdone.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely will be reading this author again in the future. There were some elements, particularly the large cast of POV characters to track, that didn’t entirely work the best for me, but in the end I am really glad that I read this!
THE OUTER DARKNESS is set in a world surrounded by a Darkness held back by the Light. Within the Darkness are demons, fallen gods, creatures, and the risen dead that would bring death and destruction if not for that Light… and the Light has begun to fail.
Abraxes is living in a bottle, but when a god asks him to steal a sacred object, this sets him on a new journey. Anaya is a monk of the Iron Way, sent on a quest by her dying master. Merrick is a member of the royal guard investigating a massacre and scenes that have him questioning his fate. Tallyn is a fierce assassin working for the Shadowhunters. As the world faces its potential destruction, each must find their path and make decisions for how they will face it.
I went into this book with really high hopes and I’m happy to report that I wound up enjoying my time with it! The idea of the darkness surrounding a world of light and the pressure of that dividing wall breaking down really had me intrigued and I think that the concept of the world really held up to my hopes for it.
We are following a truly huge cast of characters and a lot of points of view throughout the book. While those mentioned in the synopsis carry a big portion of the story, there are a number more who get significant POV page time and a few more who get a few chapters here and there. This is a story that has a very broad scope, so the number of POVs makes sense in the story setup, but I did find myself getting a bit lost as to who was who and where each storyline was left off when last we saw that character. This got better as I got further into the book, but even to the very end of the book, I was using my Kindle to search for a couple of names to refresh myself on who was who.
In terms of character development, I did think that the character work was well done on our main characters. Each of the main characters did have a distinct voice and perspective that really helped to distinguish them. I also think the author did a good job of putting some reminders into the text to help us contextualize who the characters were, especially in the beginning as we were first getting to know them.
When it comes to secondary and background characters, I felt like some were fleshed out more than others. Each POV starts off very separate with its own cast of characters to keep track of. In addition to that, each winds up talking about different aspects of the government and religion, different gods and demons. I did want a bit more fleshing out when it came to some of the gods in particular and what their motivations were with stepping into the humans’ lives.
The plot for this book was intricately done and I think it was generally well done. I really liked seeing how the storylines of our separate characters built up and then how they came to weave together further into the book. I did really appreciate the darkness of this story and that there are real stakes for the characters on their journey. This is not a book for the faint of heart when it comes to gore and death as the bloody body count gets large!
As I have mentioned, there are a lot of plot threads in terms of different gods, religions, peoples, and political maneuverings and I did at times find myself a bit confused as to how things fit together. While this was a lengthy book at nearly 700 pages, I think there were elements that could have been fleshed out a bit more to help me to draw connections.
I am a very world-building driven reader and there was so much for me to digest and appreciate in this world. The creatures that the author developed were really interesting and I thought that they way they came into the story was really well done. The interplay of darkness and light and the different way characters perceive these elements were very interesting.
There were a few different ideas of magic and the world in general going on in here from varied prophesies and access to different elements of the spiritual world. I think some of this could have been a bit more fleshed out for my personal taste. I think getting a bit more of a discussion about varied ideas between our characters from different backgrounds could have helped me solidify how things overlapped or perhaps did not. Quite a bit of the world-building gets the answers I wanted very late in the book. We had quite a bit of explanation of what different elements meant around the 75% mark and I personally would have preferred getting that information sprinkled in more throughout the text.
I really thought that the author’s writing was fantastic! The action scenes had me gripped and the tension was built up well when it needed to be. As I’ve mentioned this is a pretty bloody and gory book at times and even there, the author manages to make some of these descriptions beautiful (I remember one line in particular about flies pirouetting over a scene of gore that stood out to me). I think the descriptive language struck the right note of being well done while not overdone.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely will be reading this author again in the future. There were some elements, particularly the large cast of POV characters to track, that didn’t entirely work the best for me, but in the end I am really glad that I read this!
Want to read
August 7, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBOX contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A member of a religious guard contemplates the great wall of darkness beyond his city, theology, and his lot in life before being tapped to help with a mass murder investigation.
This opening chapter is a character and larger setting introduction, written in competent enough 3rd person close POV. A young paladin type considers the mysterious wall of darkness, considering his life, naval gazing, until someone taps him on the shoulder.
This is saved from feeling uneventful by the maximalism of a fantastical end of the world juxtaposed against the deeply human ennui of our ch1 MC. It makes for a slow beginning, but at least we’re learning things about our world through the eyes of a character.
It does feel like this has two distinct introspective beginnings, one in which our MC contemplates the Wall and existential religious questions, and the other in which he reflects on his family. I think starting with one and putting the other off until later would have been better.
I’m interested in this spate of murders that has taken place the night before, in particular because it’s such a surprising, plot-based turn of events compared to the contemplative tone of the opening.
The quickly leaves this POV MC before anything can really happen, however, beginning another character introduction in ch2. It may be that the start of this novel will be heavy with such introductions.
The 700 page paperback makes me worry that perhaps this will feel like a long read based on what I’ve seen so far, but I’m ready to be wrong. Though the focus of this opening could have been a bit tighter for me, it is driven by something: character. That’s to its credit.
The narration in this is as steady and the world feels fantastically strange, and yet invitingly familiar. It’s done more than enough to keep me turning the pages. I’d like to know more about this world and see what happens next. I’m in!
A member of a religious guard contemplates the great wall of darkness beyond his city, theology, and his lot in life before being tapped to help with a mass murder investigation.
This opening chapter is a character and larger setting introduction, written in competent enough 3rd person close POV. A young paladin type considers the mysterious wall of darkness, considering his life, naval gazing, until someone taps him on the shoulder.
This is saved from feeling uneventful by the maximalism of a fantastical end of the world juxtaposed against the deeply human ennui of our ch1 MC. It makes for a slow beginning, but at least we’re learning things about our world through the eyes of a character.
It does feel like this has two distinct introspective beginnings, one in which our MC contemplates the Wall and existential religious questions, and the other in which he reflects on his family. I think starting with one and putting the other off until later would have been better.
I’m interested in this spate of murders that has taken place the night before, in particular because it’s such a surprising, plot-based turn of events compared to the contemplative tone of the opening.
The quickly leaves this POV MC before anything can really happen, however, beginning another character introduction in ch2. It may be that the start of this novel will be heavy with such introductions.
The 700 page paperback makes me worry that perhaps this will feel like a long read based on what I’ve seen so far, but I’m ready to be wrong. Though the focus of this opening could have been a bit tighter for me, it is driven by something: character. That’s to its credit.
The narration in this is as steady and the world feels fantastically strange, and yet invitingly familiar. It’s done more than enough to keep me turning the pages. I’d like to know more about this world and see what happens next. I’m in!
February 15, 2025
I'd like to start out by saying that Bob the Wizard was one of my top 10 books last year (or year before; whenever I read it). I loved it.
This one... not as much?
Now some of that is down to genre. This is more of a grimdark fantasy (not super grim but still). And grimdark isn't a favorite of mine.
Objectively, there were a lot of errors scattered throughout: it was quite common for the wrong It's/Its to be used, some missing words and a few other grammar or spelling errors. Also I think it was too long; there was stuff that happened that didn't seem to matter as it didn't impact the plot any really (M dying and becoming an Unrested never mattered beyond causing H to kill herself which would have probably happened anyway). Most of K's journey was boring, especially near the end, and felt kinda pointless at the end.
Subjectively, I feel like the world building had some absolutely fascinating elements and I wish more could have been done with it. And I liked some of the gods and a lot of the main characters. Not a fan of the ending but that is very much personal opinion, not that anything was overtly wrong.
Pacing was a bit weird. Sometimes lots of action and then other parts dragged.
If you like softer grimdark(?) For lack of a better phrase, this is worth a read 😊
This one... not as much?
Now some of that is down to genre. This is more of a grimdark fantasy (not super grim but still). And grimdark isn't a favorite of mine.
Objectively, there were a lot of errors scattered throughout: it was quite common for the wrong It's/Its to be used, some missing words and a few other grammar or spelling errors. Also I think it was too long; there was stuff that happened that didn't seem to matter as it didn't impact the plot any really (M dying and becoming an Unrested never mattered beyond causing H to kill herself which would have probably happened anyway). Most of K's journey was boring, especially near the end, and felt kinda pointless at the end.
Subjectively, I feel like the world building had some absolutely fascinating elements and I wish more could have been done with it. And I liked some of the gods and a lot of the main characters. Not a fan of the ending but that is very much personal opinion, not that anything was overtly wrong.
Pacing was a bit weird. Sometimes lots of action and then other parts dragged.
If you like softer grimdark(?) For lack of a better phrase, this is worth a read 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
The story is Epic and catches you from the very beginning. I really liked how he was able to captivate the reader in the first few pages. You can tell Matt has exposed himself to a lot of fantasy in his time, of varying sorts.
The way he portrays personal struggle is brilliant, right to point and feels genuine. I especially like the way he handles alcohol, having myself grown up with alcoholic or estranged parents and myself finding a social crutch with alcohol in my late teens and twenties. This is something that also struck me with Bob the Wizard where I find he got it down even better.
Pros. Captivating, Epic, Classical yet with a modern touch, character focused, nice world building, standalone.
Cons. A map would have been nice. I feel it could have had one more editing read through, even if I got what was meant.
All in all, I would say 4/5.. But one extra just because I am really rooting for the author and already patiently anticipating his next release be it Bob 2 or something new.
The way he portrays personal struggle is brilliant, right to point and feels genuine. I especially like the way he handles alcohol, having myself grown up with alcoholic or estranged parents and myself finding a social crutch with alcohol in my late teens and twenties. This is something that also struck me with Bob the Wizard where I find he got it down even better.
Pros. Captivating, Epic, Classical yet with a modern touch, character focused, nice world building, standalone.
Cons. A map would have been nice. I feel it could have had one more editing read through, even if I got what was meant.
All in all, I would say 4/5.. But one extra just because I am really rooting for the author and already patiently anticipating his next release be it Bob 2 or something new.
June 9, 2024
This is the second book by M.V. Prindle of have read and both have been great! The Outer Darkness was quite enjoyable for me throughout the entire book. At almost 700 pages, it was quite the big boy, but worth every page. The concept of this novel had me from the start and if you're a fan of fantasy you'll definitely want to grab this. Also, if you haven't read his first book, "Bob the Wizard," you're missing out. Again, I highly recommend this book, one of my top favorites so far this year!
June 15, 2024
Great story! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
MV Prindle knows how to make characters that stay in your head. I was thinking about this story long after I put it down.
In a tightly-confined world of light and darkness, a bunch of ragtag human heroes have to somehow come together to save the next thousand years. Simple enough - until gods, demons, and the always-unpredictable human nature get involved.
A story with remarkable depth, plenty of action and a bang-up finish. Well worth the read.
MV Prindle knows how to make characters that stay in your head. I was thinking about this story long after I put it down.
In a tightly-confined world of light and darkness, a bunch of ragtag human heroes have to somehow come together to save the next thousand years. Simple enough - until gods, demons, and the always-unpredictable human nature get involved.
A story with remarkable depth, plenty of action and a bang-up finish. Well worth the read.
June 8, 2025
Dark, epic, and full of heart! A gripping fantasy with rich characters, powerful stakes, and a world teetering on the edge. I couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews