Cadence: First steps on the Path of Light.

by D.G. Loermans

Some 200 years after the first, man-made spacecraft orbited the Earth, new technology has allowed for the colonization of the first of many new worlds. Kato started as a wonderful new world of opportunity, but more than 150 years since first settlement has seen many of the old sins return to the fore. Corruption and crime vie with mining for the most profitable lines of business… and business is booming. Here we find Darius Cade, perhaps the most successful, and most wanted, interstellar criminal and mercenary that has ever lived. This is his natural environment and the only place that he has ever called home.

As comfortable as he is here, his line of work isn’t for the faint hearted, and Darius isn’t as young as he once was. After more than 30 years on the run, his body and mind aren’t nearly as sharply honed as he needs them to be. Barely escaping a bounty hunter’s attempt to collect the price on his head, was the last straw. He can’t reverse the effect of time, but there is a way to enhance his prowess…. not through technology, but religion. The burgeoning Earthdawn religion began on Earth and has gained an immense following across the inhabited worlds. Their deity, the Light, is said to manifest blessings on followers that enhance their physical attributes, and ease disabilities. Most potent among those blessings, are tattoos, artfully crafted onto the skin and embodying a fragment of the Light.

Despite rumors of some tattoos killing their recipients, Darius agrees to have one etched into his arm. Instead of bringing in the Earthdawn deity though, a completely different and much darker entity attaches to the artfully tattooed snake. They make for a very unhappy coupling, neither accepting the other at first, and only seeing each other as a liability.

Darius isn’t the only one with issues…the Earthdawn faithful have been rocked by a series of macabre murders amongst their hierarchy. Giving up on the local police, they target Darius as the best criminal option to get answers. He gets the answers of course, but they aren’t going to be the answers that anyone wanted, and there will be no shortage of casualties along the way.

Cadence progresses through the interaction between these two main characters, Darius the wanted mercenary, and Lisha, the feminine entity bound to the tattoo, as he investigates the killings. In doing so he navigates a brutal criminal world to slowly piece together the answers. She needs to learn, and understand just what she is capable of, while reveling in the depraved and violent world that Darius exists in. He needs to accept what she brings to their binding and make the most of the supernatural skills that she brings to bear. In the end, there is no undoing the connection, so they will either learn to co-exist, or cease to exist at all.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

Award winning author David Loermans has made a seamless transition from poetry to fiction with his acclaimed novel, Cadence. A love of immersive, creative writing combined with a passion for sci-fi/fantasy to bring this action packed, original story to life. It is simply the start of the Pathways series, and the expression of a ground-breaking theme that has been aching for release, for nearly a decade.

His creativity finds more relaxed outlets in digital photography, when other passions for tai chi, time at home with his beautiful partner, and the runes of the Elder Futhark, allow.

Many of us have role played or delved into spiritual development, but we rarely explore beyond our own entertainment or growth. Sometimes, these ideas are too big to keep to ourselves, and David will continue to share the tale of Darius Cade as new Pathways are discovered.

Reviews

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have rather enjoyed reading this dark dystopian book that follows Darius and Lisha through a plot of twists, pain, deceit, philosophy and religious ideas.

I was captured from the get go as I started reading about Darius getting a tattoo while I was getting a tattoo…let’s just say that I am glad my tattoo was less problematic and does not offer their own personality.

The pacing was consistent with a good mix of action and explanation as we journey through the story.

I enjoyed the banter and the character progression that truly started to shine in the second half.

Thanks to The Berry Agency for the ARC and I will be sure to read other books by David Loremans.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book and am wondering if this could be a series? Please tell me @d.g.loermans_author
I enjoy a wide variety of book genres, and although I wasn't sure what to expect, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel that with a bit more editing, it would be 5 stars for me. I found there were a few parts that dragged a bit and held back rather than enhanced the story. I greatly enjoyed the character development and the pair learning how to coexist and ultimately work together. It was a fresh storyline for me, and I would happily read more of Darius & Lisha's adventures.

Thank you to @theberryagency for the ebook ARC for my honest review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cadence, by David Loermans, is a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where crime, corruption, and a peculiar religious order intertwine. The story follows Darius, a hardened criminal with a bounty on his head, as he navigates a city rife with chaos and decay. Paired with Lisha, an enigmatic and powerful entity bound to him through a mysterious tattoo, Darius takes on dangerous missions that bring him face-to-face with religious leaders, corrupt officials, and deadly adversaries. The book mixes high-stakes action, dark humor, and philosophical musings on power, faith, and human nature.

Loermans' writing style is gritty and immersive, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of Sorel. The vivid descriptions of the decaying cityscape and the brutal reality of life within it are both compelling and haunting. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, adding depth to the characters and making their interactions authentic. The relationship between Darius and Lisha is particularly intriguing as it evolves from mere necessity to a complex partnership marked by mutual dependence and a shared thirst for mayhem.

One of the standout aspects is its exploration of the Earthdawn religion and its influence on the city and its inhabitants. The Earthdawn, with its emphasis on light and purity, stands in stark contrast to the darkness and corruption that pervades the story. This juxtaposition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, power, and morality. The scenes involving the Earthdawn leadership, particularly the tense negotiations, and violent confrontations, are some of the most gripping in the book, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and protect their beliefs. Some chapters feel packed with action and intrigue, while others slow down significantly, delving into Darius's internal struggles and his complex relationship with Lisha. These introspective moments add depth to his character.

Cadence is a captivating read for those who enjoy dark, dystopian thrillers with a philosophical edge. David Loermans crafts a vivid and unsettling world populated by complex characters and driven by a relentless, often brutal narrative. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction will find much to appreciate in this book, while those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature will be drawn in by its deeper questions.

[Monika Gotthardt-Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded down from 3.5 for Goodreads

“Maybe he dreams of being a tractor, with noises like that.”

When I saw the arc announcement for this book and read the synopsis, I was so intrigued. I absolutely loved the whole concept of the tattoos and Lisha was quirky. But I’m not gonna lie, I found the first half of the book super slow and repetitive. While I love dual POV books, I didn’t love reading the same exact scene over again from a slightly different perspective, I felt like it didn’t add anything to the story.

I made myself keep going because I really loved the tattoo concept and I’m glad it did because the story and writing got a lot better in the second half.
I would have loved to have heard more of Darius’s backstory and explored Lisha’s origin/history though.

If you can get past the writing style in the beginning (or if that style is something you enjoy), the overall plot wasn’t bad, it had some twists and I love a good murder mystery. It had a pretty complete ending so I don’t feel like I’ll be missing too much if I skip the next book but who knows, maybe Lisha will pull me in for another adventure in the future.

I received a review copy from the Berry Agency.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cadence is a dystopian sci-fi fantasy adventure that you want to read. The strongly immersive and descriptive writing allows for the reader to become intwoned with the society within Sorel and the world Darius has to live in.

The unearthing of the mysteries surrounding the Earthdawn religion as Darius and Lisha (the entity he becomes bound to) investigate what is going on within the religious sector; sheds many contrasts between the light that they (the leaders) want to live in and the darkness that is reality.
Loerman managed to keep the story action packed enough that i wasnt looking to put it down anytime soon.

Loermans writing is perfect for this style of story and creates a perfect blend of genres that made me enjoy the type of sci-fi reads I'm not usually a fan of.

I defintely recommend especially for fans of sci-fi novels.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely hooked from the very start and couldn't put this down. Even if you're not a huge fan of this genre give this a go, the story will draw you in and intrigue you. Darius is a frustrating character you can't help but side with. His bad guy image hides a side to him that wants to protect the ones that need it. The way his connection to Lisha grows throughout the book is well written and thought out, a genius plot by DG Loermans. The mystery of the Earthdawn Deity grows as the story continues culminating in a thrilling ending that leaves you waiting for the next instalment and wanting to know more. The author is one to be watched and followed. Add this one to your booklist and enjoy the read!

[Anonymouse · Rating 1 out of 5]

I simply could not read this. The author sounds like a teen boy who angrily rejected the advice of his editor. Words are misused. Sentences have the wrong subject. Facts are popped in with no precedent (an attempt at being artsy or enigmatic, no doubt). Emotions arise out of nowhere. A gentle religion somehow, suddenly becomes evil and violent. A killer is glorified. An Asiatic has "yellow-tinged" skin. Rampant misogyny. Yuck.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

[Grace K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read and a great introduction to @d.g.loermans_author. Darius and Lisha's story was compelling although the first few chapters took a little more focus to get into the world.
The Earthdawn religion was something new and what kept me the interested in the story. The build up of the relationship between Darius and Lisha was good but the inner workings of the society really captured me. And the entire concept of a tattoo that gives powers
Thank you to @theberryagency/Book Funnel for the ebook ARC for my honest review.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book Cadence. At first, I had to get used to it a bit and wondered where the story and relationship between Lisha and Darius was going. As the book progressed, it became better and better and I found it difficult to stop reading. I liked the alternation between the chapters from Darius' point of view and then from Lisha's. The book has humor and suspense and that is a combination that appeals to me in a book. I hope for more adventures from Darius and Lisha.

[Ellenmareereads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so close to finishing but I couldn’t. This book isn’t for me. I’m so sorry. I had to DNF. It confused me at the start and I wanted to give it a chance and continue… thankyou to The Berry Agency for this ARC. I couldn’t finish it. I’m sorry