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The Dark Lord's Design
The veil to the underworld has been torn. Damned creatures stalk the land, seeking to consume all life. The world teeters on the edge of disaster.
The first wizard rises in power, with each day birthing new discoveries that expand his abilities. Will his magic prove sufficient when the fate of the world is at stake?
With the Paragon found, light shines in the hearts of our heroes, but even the hope found in that discovery is darkened by shadow. An enemy has risen – an army of mindless monsters whose numbers are beyond counting.
They are not alone.
Something evil and cunning drives this bloodthirsty horde. This twisted villain is unlike any other, and the threat it presents is more daunting than anything ever imagined. Should it continue unchecked, all life will be consumed and the souls of its victims will be lost forever.
Can the first wizard and his band of heroes stand against the might of a god from another realm?
The Dark Lord’s Design delivers a stunning and unforgettable conclusion to the Dawn of Wizards saga. The world will never be the same.
The first wizard rises in power, with each day birthing new discoveries that expand his abilities. Will his magic prove sufficient when the fate of the world is at stake?
With the Paragon found, light shines in the hearts of our heroes, but even the hope found in that discovery is darkened by shadow. An enemy has risen – an army of mindless monsters whose numbers are beyond counting.
They are not alone.
Something evil and cunning drives this bloodthirsty horde. This twisted villain is unlike any other, and the threat it presents is more daunting than anything ever imagined. Should it continue unchecked, all life will be consumed and the souls of its victims will be lost forever.
Can the first wizard and his band of heroes stand against the might of a god from another realm?
The Dark Lord’s Design delivers a stunning and unforgettable conclusion to the Dawn of Wizards saga. The world will never be the same.
- GenresFantasy
560 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
597 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey L. Kohanek
79 books534 followersI love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.
My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.
I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.
Best wishes,
Jeff
_________________________________
Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.
Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________
"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff
"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."
Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek
My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.
I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.
Best wishes,
Jeff
_________________________________
Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.
Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________
"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff
"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."
Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 23, 2024
This was EPIC! Not only epic in it's content but epic in a heart thumping, gut wrenching, riveting way. This quote sums up the entire tone of the book, "We shall embrace death, and in that embrace, we shall either find salvation or damnation." There is lots of death, there is damnation aplenty, there is the glimmer of salvation. Intricately complex, told from multiple POVs, this final book in the series encompasses many different scenarios, characters and their undertakings. Former foes are looked to, the once mortal enemies need to band together to prevent all out annihilation. With an all out war, these wise words from Gryzaal, "a war has begun. It's not a conflict between races, but one between good and evil". Although, the lines are beautifully blurred; it's not a clear cut case of "them's the baddie, them's the good guys" What is a fact is that the Dark Lord and his minions are relentless and the awesome characters we got to meet previously are all that stand in his way. Vic and Revita, oh glory did I love seeing him lost for words around her! Vita is so cool, so feisty and so snarky! And what an incredible bunch they are too! Golly, with all the characters so fabulously well fleshed, with all the characters displaying a unique set of skills, the challenge is almost insurmountable. The vast scope of this book is astounding, the action scenes alone had the ability to unnerve me, the thumping of my heart barely kept up with the blood running through my veins. Each of the characters face unprecedented dangers and challenges, battling orcs, strange serpent type creatures, hordes of bats, cerebrus, even wyvern, while trying to garner aid, while trying to recruit, while seeking answers while to defeat the unspeakable evil who is threatening everything.
I'm not even sure which characters to mention, they were all vital, all amazing full characters. Ian and Vic, who set off this series might be a good place, no longer at odds with each other, no longer jealousy between them, the brothers find the true meaning of sibling love. Not only that, but a respect for each other. I was chuffed at the transformation of both, most notably Ian, whose growth was exponential, he grew in every manner. He grew in attitude, he grew in stature, he grew in his convictions, he set aside all that ailed him and emerged stronger. A stronger selfless individual, a stronger and incredible magic evolved within him, as destiny called and manipulated him. A blind, all seeing Elf uttered these very apt words, "you may not have chosen to become an instrument of destiny, but destiny chose you" Gosh, for a moment there I thought Ian and his friends were a gonna but once again, the author took the strand and twisted it superbly. Exposing daring plans, resolve and boy a tonne of breathless moments! With dwalves, elf's, drow, battling it out against darker creatures, I was on tenderhooks! And we have demons and gods and nefarious schemes. And a dragon....So many twists, so many revelations, so many surprises littered this book. Probably the biggest one was from Fastellien, who would have thought? Not I, that's for sure! Shoo, Jeff threw another spoke in the wheel with Truhan, another revelation that had my jaw drop! And the conclusion? Well that was darn right fantastic! This entire read was fantastic! I'd venture to say, even though I love every book Jeff has written, this series is my favourite. This series, these characters, will stay with me for a long time to come.
While this book and series is darker than Jeff's normal work, it utterly compelling, it's utterly marvellous, it's utterly impossible to put down! There is the famous Kohanek humour peppered throughout, which counters the dark exceptionally, mostly from the irrepressible Lint. I was vested in every character, rooting for them, crying with them, holding my breath for them. Yep, they took me firmly in hand and led me on a magnificent journey. A journey not only of war and death but a journey of inner strength and growth against all odds, of hope, of love and a conclusion that filled me to the brim with contentment. Jeff, as one of my favourite authors, always manages to tantalise my senses and emotions but good golly, he took it a step further, excelling at, well, everything! I'm convinced Jeff Kohanek has the Midas touch in literature, for me, everything he pens turns to gold. As I reached the end of this book, these lyrics from a song burst into my head, "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, and I'm feeling good" Because I am feeling oh so good! I highly recommend this book and series!
I'm not even sure which characters to mention, they were all vital, all amazing full characters. Ian and Vic, who set off this series might be a good place, no longer at odds with each other, no longer jealousy between them, the brothers find the true meaning of sibling love. Not only that, but a respect for each other. I was chuffed at the transformation of both, most notably Ian, whose growth was exponential, he grew in every manner. He grew in attitude, he grew in stature, he grew in his convictions, he set aside all that ailed him and emerged stronger. A stronger selfless individual, a stronger and incredible magic evolved within him, as destiny called and manipulated him. A blind, all seeing Elf uttered these very apt words, "you may not have chosen to become an instrument of destiny, but destiny chose you" Gosh, for a moment there I thought Ian and his friends were a gonna but once again, the author took the strand and twisted it superbly. Exposing daring plans, resolve and boy a tonne of breathless moments! With dwalves, elf's, drow, battling it out against darker creatures, I was on tenderhooks! And we have demons and gods and nefarious schemes. And a dragon....So many twists, so many revelations, so many surprises littered this book. Probably the biggest one was from Fastellien, who would have thought? Not I, that's for sure! Shoo, Jeff threw another spoke in the wheel with Truhan, another revelation that had my jaw drop! And the conclusion? Well that was darn right fantastic! This entire read was fantastic! I'd venture to say, even though I love every book Jeff has written, this series is my favourite. This series, these characters, will stay with me for a long time to come.
While this book and series is darker than Jeff's normal work, it utterly compelling, it's utterly marvellous, it's utterly impossible to put down! There is the famous Kohanek humour peppered throughout, which counters the dark exceptionally, mostly from the irrepressible Lint. I was vested in every character, rooting for them, crying with them, holding my breath for them. Yep, they took me firmly in hand and led me on a magnificent journey. A journey not only of war and death but a journey of inner strength and growth against all odds, of hope, of love and a conclusion that filled me to the brim with contentment. Jeff, as one of my favourite authors, always manages to tantalise my senses and emotions but good golly, he took it a step further, excelling at, well, everything! I'm convinced Jeff Kohanek has the Midas touch in literature, for me, everything he pens turns to gold. As I reached the end of this book, these lyrics from a song burst into my head, "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, and I'm feeling good" Because I am feeling oh so good! I highly recommend this book and series!
October 18, 2024
Do you enjoy stories that are epic in every and any possible definition of the word? Where there is magic and whimsy and threads of the mystical and fantastical woven in and embedded through out, filled with battles and weapons and deadly and devastating forces at work? Where magical races and their beliefs and devotions collide, and mythical creatures roam, and devious Gods meddle in the lives and circumstances of all? Then you just HAVE TO READ DAWN OF WIZARDS!
This final book in the Trilogy was the absolute most wonderfully epic and perfect conclusion! The thing I love most about Epic fantasy is the ability to provoke and draw out all the emotions...be it crying during the death of a beloved character to laughing at a perfectly placed joke to filling your heart, mind, and soul with hope and happiness at the quintessential moments to leaving you feeling satiated and satisfied as you finish the last word of the very last page…and The Dark Lord’s Design did not disappoint!!!!
Now I don’t want to give you any spoilers! This story is filled with surprises upon hidden secrets upon unexpected revelations and they are all perfectly executed. And I would hate to take the magic of discovering them all from you! Just know that death and destruction and prophecy threaten Ian, Vic, Revita, along with the rest of the world and it’s up to them to discover the truth in hopes of saving all that they can.
This book had so many of my favorite aspects of both fantasy and the real world! I loved the whimsy and creatures! I adored the characters who, for better or worse, seamed to step out of the pages, come alive, and who will now live forever in my soul! I love the weapons and battles! (Especially the weapons of which I couldn’t help but marvel at! How does Kohanek create so many awesome and unique and devastatingly vicious weapons?!) And particularly I marveled at the presence of one of my very favorite and yet, in my honest opinion, the most utterly formidable natural disasters ever conceived! It was DEVASTATINGLY TERRIFYING and I LOVED EVERY WORD OF IT!!!
So yep…GO READ DAWN OF WIZARDS! If you enjoy epic, sword and sorcery, with all the magic and battles, romance and friendships, whimsy and adventure, death and devastation, hope and happiness, you are going to revel in this unputdownable trilogy!
This final book in the Trilogy was the absolute most wonderfully epic and perfect conclusion! The thing I love most about Epic fantasy is the ability to provoke and draw out all the emotions...be it crying during the death of a beloved character to laughing at a perfectly placed joke to filling your heart, mind, and soul with hope and happiness at the quintessential moments to leaving you feeling satiated and satisfied as you finish the last word of the very last page…and The Dark Lord’s Design did not disappoint!!!!
Now I don’t want to give you any spoilers! This story is filled with surprises upon hidden secrets upon unexpected revelations and they are all perfectly executed. And I would hate to take the magic of discovering them all from you! Just know that death and destruction and prophecy threaten Ian, Vic, Revita, along with the rest of the world and it’s up to them to discover the truth in hopes of saving all that they can.
This book had so many of my favorite aspects of both fantasy and the real world! I loved the whimsy and creatures! I adored the characters who, for better or worse, seamed to step out of the pages, come alive, and who will now live forever in my soul! I love the weapons and battles! (Especially the weapons of which I couldn’t help but marvel at! How does Kohanek create so many awesome and unique and devastatingly vicious weapons?!) And particularly I marveled at the presence of one of my very favorite and yet, in my honest opinion, the most utterly formidable natural disasters ever conceived! It was DEVASTATINGLY TERRIFYING and I LOVED EVERY WORD OF IT!!!
So yep…GO READ DAWN OF WIZARDS! If you enjoy epic, sword and sorcery, with all the magic and battles, romance and friendships, whimsy and adventure, death and devastation, hope and happiness, you are going to revel in this unputdownable trilogy!
October 16, 2024
This book brings us to the end of the Dawn of Wizards trilogy, and boy what an epic ending this is. I have read many a book about battles between good and evil, the light against the dark, but this is one of the best I have read so far. The dawning of the 2nd age had brought forth magic and we saw the rise of the first wizard, Barsequa Illian better known as Ian, who together with Lionel, his bonded fire drake, his brother Vic and Revita his partner, and Lint, a mischievous brownie our team of heroes set out to battle the biggest threat their world ever faced. This new era brings forth a dark lord who is intent on gaining as much power as possible and turning the whole world into his domain. Ian gains many magical powers, and he is stronger than ever, but it is only through the pursuasion of all the other races working together that this deathly foe can be vanquished. Races who were enemies in the past had to put all their enmity behind them in order for some of them to survive, they had to recognise who their true enemy was. The demon Az'lanzar came with a horde of thousands upon thousands of orcs and the battle was fought with sword and sorcery, but it is Ian's cunning which turns the tables on this demonic lord, and there are many surprises towards the end of the book which kept me hooked and reading till the last line.
March 27, 2025
Ok plot with a garbage ending just to make way for another set of books.
One dimensional characters. Dialogue that is absolutely rotted and repetitive. It ranges from 4th grade bathroom humor to 1920s, speak-easy innuendo to cliched B.S. For instance the protagonist actually uses the phrase “puny human!” WTF!?!
The female characters are mostly sexist tropes of horny over-sexed femme fatales, horny over-sexed helpless women or damsels in distress. These books are to the fantasy genre as Harlequin is to romance.
I am absolutely irate at myself for even finishing book 1, let alone finishing the entire series!
One dimensional characters. Dialogue that is absolutely rotted and repetitive. It ranges from 4th grade bathroom humor to 1920s, speak-easy innuendo to cliched B.S. For instance the protagonist actually uses the phrase “puny human!” WTF!?!
The female characters are mostly sexist tropes of horny over-sexed femme fatales, horny over-sexed helpless women or damsels in distress. These books are to the fantasy genre as Harlequin is to romance.
I am absolutely irate at myself for even finishing book 1, let alone finishing the entire series!
December 11, 2024
disappointed
I have read all three in the series. It started positive and I waited for the conclusion. As a constant fan of fantasy I judge most by the classics. This book was mostly blood and gore and lacked character development The best works,such as Shannara have a little but not 450 pages out of 552
I have read all three in the series. It started positive and I waited for the conclusion. As a constant fan of fantasy I judge most by the classics. This book was mostly blood and gore and lacked character development The best works,such as Shannara have a little but not 450 pages out of 552
December 19, 2024
This trilogy has been non-stop action and adventure. The author is a true storyteller. This book concludes the story, but of course leaves it wide open for more. And there is more…The world in these books is also represented in others the author has written. All solid books too, I might add. The narrator did a great job as well.
November 26, 2024
A decent read.
Definately worth a read. A lot of detail, possibly too much for me in places,o I just skimmed those bits. Overall, well paced and engaging. Some lovable characters and the icing on the cake....a dragon.
Definately worth a read. A lot of detail, possibly too much for me in places,o I just skimmed those bits. Overall, well paced and engaging. Some lovable characters and the icing on the cake....a dragon.
June 28, 2025
The three books in this series are fantastic. From scenery descriptions to character development, to choice of characters.....it all just pushed this wonderful story forward. I'm going to miss these characters for sure.
August 9, 2025
Awesome finish.
Loved the story to the end. Mayhem, power and levity had me enthralled the entire way. It’s great to read stories that make you want to read more. Well done Mr Kohanek, can’t wait to read more from you!
Loved the story to the end. Mayhem, power and levity had me enthralled the entire way. It’s great to read stories that make you want to read more. Well done Mr Kohanek, can’t wait to read more from you!
August 20, 2025
Good, but …
It kept me reading and I might get the next series but humor and dialogue are not the author’s strong points—kind of falls flat. I suggest the author pair up with another writer or editor who can make that aspect less awkward.
It kept me reading and I might get the next series but humor and dialogue are not the author’s strong points—kind of falls flat. I suggest the author pair up with another writer or editor who can make that aspect less awkward.
September 27, 2025
At least it’s the end
Too much fighting, not enough interpersonal relationships. Honestly, I’d find myself skipping pages as the descriptions of the battles went on and on.
I didn’t find the ending satisfying at all, as well.
Too much fighting, not enough interpersonal relationships. Honestly, I’d find myself skipping pages as the descriptions of the battles went on and on.
I didn’t find the ending satisfying at all, as well.
October 21, 2025
Fantastic!
What a read, with thrilling adventures, suspense, drama. Everything you'd want in a book. Oh, did I mention romance? So many mythical creatures as well. Lots of twists and turns, enjoy!
What a read, with thrilling adventures, suspense, drama. Everything you'd want in a book. Oh, did I mention romance? So many mythical creatures as well. Lots of twists and turns, enjoy!
November 26, 2024
fun, but mostly predictable
I enjoyed the romp and all of the mystical creatures. It was a hoot following the brothers and their band of misfits.
I enjoyed the romp and all of the mystical creatures. It was a hoot following the brothers and their band of misfits.
December 4, 2024
Engaging way of wrapping up the story.
December 8, 2024
good book but the ending
Good book but the ending is weird. It’s your book your world. So I will leave it alone and just say it’s a good book.
Good book but the ending is weird. It’s your book your world. So I will leave it alone and just say it’s a good book.
June 10, 2025
Well that was an ending.
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to more from this author.
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to more from this author.
June 30, 2025
Action packed
An amazing series with lots of action, adventure and magic.
The story is enthralling and keeps the reader captivated throughout.
An amazing series with lots of action, adventure and magic.
The story is enthralling and keeps the reader captivated throughout.
July 7, 2025
Delightful Read!!
Whole series of books kept me engaged and entertained. At no point was I bored or want to put it down. Wonderful!
Whole series of books kept me engaged and entertained. At no point was I bored or want to put it down. Wonderful!
July 9, 2025
Abandoned virtually all life when I started reading this & finished in 3 days. Great fantasy series full of mythical monsters, legends, magic and warriors
July 17, 2025
Excellent read
Captivating story. Enjoyed it as much as I did Wizarddom. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Captivating story. Enjoyed it as much as I did Wizarddom. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.
August 27, 2025
Good book
Enjoyed all three books of this series. Built on magic, adventure and great characters, it was well written and hard to put down
Enjoyed all three books of this series. Built on magic, adventure and great characters, it was well written and hard to put down
September 8, 2025
Well worth reading an interesting story with a storyline that keeps changing.
October 21, 2025
Dawn of Wizards Series
A wonderful set of books! The characters are very likeable and the storylines are intense and full of action. With elves and drow and dwarves and humans.
A wonderful set of books! The characters are very likeable and the storylines are intense and full of action. With elves and drow and dwarves and humans.
October 29, 2024
Prophecies are normally light in content, fickle in interpretation and almost never inspiring or comfortable.
For developing magician, Ian, the prophecy of a dark menace rising that will subjugate the country and wipe out all the races, that is exactly the biggest problem as the prophecy is not widely believed.
That is, till the orcs from the underworld struck, and his mother's soul got absorbed by the foulest of foul creatures, a demon.
And the dark lord's design became obvious.
Author Jeffrey L Kohanek, in this concluding book in the trilogy, penned a rather dark, foreboding plot that surprises often with descriptions of beautiful places and surprising characters midst the doom and gloom.
Thank goodness.
Enjoy.
For developing magician, Ian, the prophecy of a dark menace rising that will subjugate the country and wipe out all the races, that is exactly the biggest problem as the prophecy is not widely believed.
That is, till the orcs from the underworld struck, and his mother's soul got absorbed by the foulest of foul creatures, a demon.
And the dark lord's design became obvious.
Author Jeffrey L Kohanek, in this concluding book in the trilogy, penned a rather dark, foreboding plot that surprises often with descriptions of beautiful places and surprising characters midst the doom and gloom.
Thank goodness.
Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews