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Dark Whisperings Saga #2
Dark Path
Beasts, battles, brotherhood, and breaking bonds are just a few terms that apply to this gripping young adult saga.
Grogin's death has brought peace . . . at least that's what everyone thought. Armed with the twisted Dreamer's cane and a hunger for wanting his name spread, Grey poses a much larger threat. With his Otherworlder at his side, villages are being brought to their knees, whole peoples are being slaughtered, and old friendships are dying, withering away to nothing but ash and ruin.
Decisions need to be made, and Fiske feels as if he must make them all himself. But with past alliances and current pacts alike coming to his aid, he has a new family to protect, even if it means killing the old one he had with Grey. Try as he may to mend the bond he had with the young Northman, there is nothing more to do then end the terror . . . and he knows only one of them will survive the aftermath.
Grogin's death has brought peace . . . at least that's what everyone thought. Armed with the twisted Dreamer's cane and a hunger for wanting his name spread, Grey poses a much larger threat. With his Otherworlder at his side, villages are being brought to their knees, whole peoples are being slaughtered, and old friendships are dying, withering away to nothing but ash and ruin.
Decisions need to be made, and Fiske feels as if he must make them all himself. But with past alliances and current pacts alike coming to his aid, he has a new family to protect, even if it means killing the old one he had with Grey. Try as he may to mend the bond he had with the young Northman, there is nothing more to do then end the terror . . . and he knows only one of them will survive the aftermath.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2269 people want to read
About the author
Maria Dembouski
4 books82 followersHi!!
I'm the author of "The Dark Whisperings Saga" which includes:
1. DARK WHISPERINGS
2. DARK PATH
3. DARK WAR
A few things about me: I would probably die without mustard, I eat enough bread to be labeled the 'Pillsbury dough boy' (but I'm a girl), my favorite animal is the desert rain frog and I don't think I need to explain myself on that one, sunsets are one of the best things in the world and I WILL be taking pictures, and I've wanted to fall into a fairytale for a long time, but let's be real, nobody wants to suffer the character development the mc goes through in fantasy tales *nervous giggle*
If you like stories with adventure, action, found family, witty banter, and a *dash* of romance . . . I'm your huckleberry :)
I'm the author of "The Dark Whisperings Saga" which includes:
1. DARK WHISPERINGS
2. DARK PATH
3. DARK WAR
A few things about me: I would probably die without mustard, I eat enough bread to be labeled the 'Pillsbury dough boy' (but I'm a girl), my favorite animal is the desert rain frog and I don't think I need to explain myself on that one, sunsets are one of the best things in the world and I WILL be taking pictures, and I've wanted to fall into a fairytale for a long time, but let's be real, nobody wants to suffer the character development the mc goes through in fantasy tales *nervous giggle*
If you like stories with adventure, action, found family, witty banter, and a *dash* of romance . . . I'm your huckleberry :)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 9, 2025
Alright here we go! This review is a little late, but better late than never right? I was asked to be an ARC reader for this book and I literally screamed. This book was great. I had high hopes and they were met! Starting out the book, I was slightly skeptical due to the fact that it is a second book and second books tend to be hard to write/read. (I myself only have a handful of second books I really enjoy in series) HOWEVER, I loved this book. I ate it up and could not put it down! I loved the dynamics between the characters, the emotional rollercoaster, and all the twists. Oh the twists, let me tell you! Actually, I won’t but, they are so amazing! I cried, I gasped, I laughed, and I had to put the book down because I couldn’t, or rather wouldn’t, believe what I had just read. This book is captivating, and fast moving. I can tell that the next book is going to be just as good, if not better, than the two before it. The author has a way of wording things that draw you into the story and making you feel like you’re there which the characters. 10/10. Amazing and I am honestly ready to read it again now!
*****Spoilers below********
Alright, here we go. Lately, I’ve taken to editing and adding things to my reviews after I’ve thought about the book for a few days. So, here’s the spoiler review.
This book was amazing. The first book was very plot heavy, and it was great. First books normally are plot driven. Second books are tricky because now we know the characters, the first initial problem is solved, and the new problem tends to stem from the characters. That’s what makes second books tricky. This shift is difficult to do. I’ve read many books that don’t do it well, and many that do this shift well. Dark Path is one of these books that is well done with the character driven plot.
First and foremost, we see Grey and his choice to keep his Otherworlder around to keep his sight. This was touched on in the first book during the feast and fireworks scene and at the end. Grey’s choice and ultimately his drive for vengeance becomes the plot of this book, along with Fiske’s choice to chase after him. Not only that, but Fiske has a plot of his own. His growing relationship between Safriese is his very own plot. I loved that we got to see a side of Fiske that we hadn’t seen before. He is a very strong, witty, and sarcastic character. In this book, we see him scared, insecure, and weak at points. Some of my favorite parts were seeing these characters weak. For example: Fiske helping Grey with his hands, Fiske and Safriese’s talk and eventual proposal, Django with the pirates, Grey’s final push for vengeance in his tribe.
Another thing: this book made me cry. When I was younger, books made me cry all the time. Now, however, I won’t cry but will tend to stare at nothing as I process what I just read. The last book that made me cry was in 2020 reading Rhythm of War. This book made me cry. When Grey and Fiske find the body of who Grey thinks is Austa, he breaks down. As any normal human would. And I cried. The reaction was so raw and so human that I felt it in my soul and couldn’t help but cry along side Grey.
All in all, I really loved this book. I loved the pace, I loved getting to know the characters more in depth, and I loved the ending.
*****Spoilers below********
Alright, here we go. Lately, I’ve taken to editing and adding things to my reviews after I’ve thought about the book for a few days. So, here’s the spoiler review.
This book was amazing. The first book was very plot heavy, and it was great. First books normally are plot driven. Second books are tricky because now we know the characters, the first initial problem is solved, and the new problem tends to stem from the characters. That’s what makes second books tricky. This shift is difficult to do. I’ve read many books that don’t do it well, and many that do this shift well. Dark Path is one of these books that is well done with the character driven plot.
First and foremost, we see Grey and his choice to keep his Otherworlder around to keep his sight. This was touched on in the first book during the feast and fireworks scene and at the end. Grey’s choice and ultimately his drive for vengeance becomes the plot of this book, along with Fiske’s choice to chase after him. Not only that, but Fiske has a plot of his own. His growing relationship between Safriese is his very own plot. I loved that we got to see a side of Fiske that we hadn’t seen before. He is a very strong, witty, and sarcastic character. In this book, we see him scared, insecure, and weak at points. Some of my favorite parts were seeing these characters weak. For example: Fiske helping Grey with his hands, Fiske and Safriese’s talk and eventual proposal, Django with the pirates, Grey’s final push for vengeance in his tribe.
Another thing: this book made me cry. When I was younger, books made me cry all the time. Now, however, I won’t cry but will tend to stare at nothing as I process what I just read. The last book that made me cry was in 2020 reading Rhythm of War. This book made me cry. When Grey and Fiske find the body of who Grey thinks is Austa, he breaks down. As any normal human would. And I cried. The reaction was so raw and so human that I felt it in my soul and couldn’t help but cry along side Grey.
All in all, I really loved this book. I loved the pace, I loved getting to know the characters more in depth, and I loved the ending.
July 24, 2024
4 rounded up, because I do think this universe has great potential but maybe not for me!
This story does a great job of expanding on the lives of already beloved and known characters, much to my relief there were few new characters introduced and no new perspectives! Most of the time, except towards the end, the pacing of the different perspectives were excellent and did a great job of entwining with each other. We learned just enough new information about the world for it to not be overwhelming but still engaging!
The rise of a villain who sees himself as an antihero is always a juicy story!
**Spoilers Below**
I was thrilled with the prospect of the Realm and monsters being dreamers who failed, the designs for them were super cool! However the fact that as soon as Fiske heard he was going to have a baby - that’s literally all he could possibly think about? I get parenthood is cool and he loves Saffreise but uh… I just don’t care about babies 😭 they just become a method of manipulation 90% of the time. I will give the next book a TRY but I cannot deal with this attitude already. I just know he’s gonna do something stupid because of the child.
This story does a great job of expanding on the lives of already beloved and known characters, much to my relief there were few new characters introduced and no new perspectives! Most of the time, except towards the end, the pacing of the different perspectives were excellent and did a great job of entwining with each other. We learned just enough new information about the world for it to not be overwhelming but still engaging!
The rise of a villain who sees himself as an antihero is always a juicy story!
**Spoilers Below**
I was thrilled with the prospect of the Realm and monsters being dreamers who failed, the designs for them were super cool! However the fact that as soon as Fiske heard he was going to have a baby - that’s literally all he could possibly think about? I get parenthood is cool and he loves Saffreise but uh… I just don’t care about babies 😭 they just become a method of manipulation 90% of the time. I will give the next book a TRY but I cannot deal with this attitude already. I just know he’s gonna do something stupid because of the child.
July 26, 2024
EEEEKKKKK!!!! When I was chosen as an arc reader for the sequel to “Dark Whisperings” I literally squealed!!!!! I love this series!!!! I’m amazed at the writing and how much it has developed in this second book! The author is young, but she’s got such a great writing style/talent!! And you know how you can tell whether someone’s funny in real life or not based on their books . . . yeah, the author’s definitely a comedian because I was CACKLING at parts throughout the book🤣
**LITTLE SPOILER
I really loved the friendship dynamic of Fiske, Django, and Helkin. It was funny and really felt genuine. These three amigos cracked me up a lot and I read on the author’s Instagram that she’s planning a novella for Django which I am ECSTATIC for!!!! His character development DEVELOPED and that’s all I gotta say haha👋
**LITTLE SPOILER
I really loved the friendship dynamic of Fiske, Django, and Helkin. It was funny and really felt genuine. These three amigos cracked me up a lot and I read on the author’s Instagram that she’s planning a novella for Django which I am ECSTATIC for!!!! His character development DEVELOPED and that’s all I gotta say haha👋
July 26, 2024
I’ve been waiting every day since I finished “Dark Whisperings” for “Dark Path” to come out, and it did not disappoint🔥The series continued with just the right amount of info to keep the story interesting without the new info seeming overwhelming, and the plot twists were INSANE! I also know the author is young but boy could you see how much her writing has improved in this second installment (not that book 1’s writing was bad because I loved the first book as well!) I am once again, eagerly and impatiently waiting for book 3’s release😄
July 26, 2024
The absolute CHOKEHOLD this series has on me🫶🫶
This sequel to “Dark Whisperings” was nothing short of wonderful. I’m always nervous starting the second book in a series for fear it will disappoint, but I can tell you all with complete and utter surety “Dark Path” did not disappoint. The ending blew my mind and I will be UNWELL until I hold book 3 safely in my arms. Also, Ms. Maria Dembouski, I beg of you to take care of my boy, Fiske. I just want him happy and healthy forever🥺
This sequel to “Dark Whisperings” was nothing short of wonderful. I’m always nervous starting the second book in a series for fear it will disappoint, but I can tell you all with complete and utter surety “Dark Path” did not disappoint. The ending blew my mind and I will be UNWELL until I hold book 3 safely in my arms. Also, Ms. Maria Dembouski, I beg of you to take care of my boy, Fiske. I just want him happy and healthy forever🥺
July 26, 2024
Absolutely loved being an arc reader for this book!!!! This sequel made me laugh, cry (several times *embarrassed cough*), gasp, and silently scream at the pages in the dim light of my bedroom at 2 in the morning or sometime when I was the only one awake. I’ve already blabbed my mom’s ear off about “Dark Path” because it’s one of those books/series where I need to immediately share it with someone because I’m so excited and traumatized and mind-blown. Loved it. Really did.
July 26, 2024
THE TEARS I CRIED WHILE READING THIS!! SO MANY TEARS!! I think I just need to sit and disassociate for a bit because damn . . . my heart hurts💔 Maria Dembouski, although I despise you for what you did to my poor babies (your characters) I will be the first in line for your third installment of this series. Please don’t break my heart again . .
July 26, 2024
When I tell you all that I DEVOURED this book . . . that is a major understatement. I mean, I finished it in one day. That is all you need to know. Read it. *Chef’s kiss
July 26, 2024
The first book had a cool concept, the writing in this next one ATE. All fax, no printer. 10/10 would recommend. And that cover art?? SHEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSH! It's SENDING me!!
July 16, 2024
I have been waiting for this book!!!! I actually liked this one even better than the first book in the series which is saying something because I liked the first one a lot haha. The author continues to build a wonderful fantasy story and I fell even deeper in love with the characters. Those plot twists though. Definitely was not expecting them and absolutely loved them. Highly recommend!
July 29, 2024
I LOVED this book! I really feel this second book in the Dark Whisperings Saga was even better than the first. So much happening! So many emotions! So many surprising twists and turns that I didn’t expect. This young writer truly has the story telling talent and I hope to see so much more coming from her. I am eagerly awaiting the third book. How long must I wait?!!!
April 25, 2025
What does it say about me enjoying a corruption arc??
Narrative Voice: 3rd person omniscient
Cussing/profanity: 3/5*
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5**
Kissing: 1/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 3/5
Okay, Fiske has grown on me; he’s now tied with Safreise as a favorite character. And Grey spiraling down his path had me rubbing my hands evilly like Palpatine corrupting Anakin. “Goooood, give in to your hate!”
Overall, a good sequel. Awesome writing style that paired beautifully with the audiobook narrator, Dallin Bradford. and likable characters, with fun dialogue. The plot felt more structured this time with more defined character arcs and motives. Lots of intrigue that kept me reading for answers, and I really enjoyed the interchapters of the very mysterious “Other-Man” Also, can we take a moment and applaud Dallin on his terrifying, tortured narration for those?? GOOSEBUMPS.
I look forward to the sequel!
4/5 stars would recommend to readers who don’t care about profanity
*20 hell, 19 damn, 11 shit, 9 bloody, 8 ass, 8 asshole, 1 bullshit, 1 piss, 1 son of a bitch
**one character—overcoming alcoholism—relapses and blacks out
Narrative Voice: 3rd person omniscient
Cussing/profanity: 3/5*
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5**
Kissing: 1/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 3/5
Okay, Fiske has grown on me; he’s now tied with Safreise as a favorite character. And Grey spiraling down his path had me rubbing my hands evilly like Palpatine corrupting Anakin. “Goooood, give in to your hate!”
Overall, a good sequel. Awesome writing style that paired beautifully with the audiobook narrator, Dallin Bradford. and likable characters, with fun dialogue. The plot felt more structured this time with more defined character arcs and motives. Lots of intrigue that kept me reading for answers, and I really enjoyed the interchapters of the very mysterious “Other-Man” Also, can we take a moment and applaud Dallin on his terrifying, tortured narration for those?? GOOSEBUMPS.
I look forward to the sequel!
4/5 stars would recommend to readers who don’t care about profanity
*20 hell, 19 damn, 11 shit, 9 bloody, 8 ass, 8 asshole, 1 bullshit, 1 piss, 1 son of a bitch
**one character—overcoming alcoholism—relapses and blacks out
September 10, 2024
Did not see that coming! Fiske is still one of my favorite characters, and I was really hoping for Grey. The author did a decent job keeping the story line going and keeping your attention for it being a 2nd book. I cant wait to read the 3rd and see how it plays out.
July 26, 2024
Loved it!
July 28, 2024
Such an amazing and gripping sequel! All my fingernails may or may not be gone... 😬🤯
July 29, 2024
Definitely loving where this series is going!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews