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Dark Lair #2
Maelstrom
Anabel's return to Jarro, at the head of the Free Slave Army, has turned the tide of the war in favour of the western kingdom; while Megan has fallen into the hands of the cannibal witch Silvene. Imprisoned in the witch's tower, she awaits her fate with growing trepidation.
Ben Preem stands ready for the next phase of the war. Kan-Ta has been saved, but The Horde are still a dangerous foe. For the first time in many years, the Jarrian army is on the offensive. Now, all that he needs to do is find out where the enemy has gone - and destroy them.
The wide expanse of Lake Myre lies between the Pathfinders and Timberland North, where Helfwen’s fate awaits. His claim to the throne of the Timberland dwarves will not go unchallenged. Should he fail, his new-found friends will die at his side and all will be lost.
The Karesh are ready to take back what was once theirs. But when Ultor consults the Seers, the message is mixed. Though he is shown great victories for his army, there is also danger. The shadowy Northman as ever stalks the edges of prophesy, his presence casting a cautionary shadow over all. The Karesh warlock has carefully placed his pieces on the chessboard; and now ponders his next move.
It is a time of trial and unknown peril. Darkness grows ever more profound, as the light fades…
It is the hush before the storm…
Ben Preem stands ready for the next phase of the war. Kan-Ta has been saved, but The Horde are still a dangerous foe. For the first time in many years, the Jarrian army is on the offensive. Now, all that he needs to do is find out where the enemy has gone - and destroy them.
The wide expanse of Lake Myre lies between the Pathfinders and Timberland North, where Helfwen’s fate awaits. His claim to the throne of the Timberland dwarves will not go unchallenged. Should he fail, his new-found friends will die at his side and all will be lost.
The Karesh are ready to take back what was once theirs. But when Ultor consults the Seers, the message is mixed. Though he is shown great victories for his army, there is also danger. The shadowy Northman as ever stalks the edges of prophesy, his presence casting a cautionary shadow over all. The Karesh warlock has carefully placed his pieces on the chessboard; and now ponders his next move.
It is a time of trial and unknown peril. Darkness grows ever more profound, as the light fades…
It is the hush before the storm…
433 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2024
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 13, 2025
I have already read the first book of this series, so going into Maelstrom felt like stepping back into a familiar world. This book really takes the story forward and makes it more intense. Anabel returning with the Free Slave Army, Megan being trapped by the witch Silvene, and Ben Preem preparing for the next move in the war – all of these moments made me feel involved in what was happening. The story is told from many characters’ points of view, which sometimes made me pause to catch up, but I enjoyed seeing how everything connected together.
On a personal level, this book made me think a lot. The battles are not just about winning or losing – they show courage, fear, and sacrifice. Megan’s situation in the tower felt very real to me, because fear is something we all face in our lives. The way some creatures fight without feelings reminded me of how some people act without care in the real world and how much damage that can do.
I felt a strong connection to the characters while reading. Helfwen’s struggle to claim the throne and the Karesh preparing for their own fight kept me turning the pages. The book is long, but it gives you time to feel the weight of the war and the decisions the characters must make. It really felt like I was walking beside them in this dangerous world.
I honestly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy stories with battles, danger, and emotional depth. Since I have read the first book, I would say it’s better to start from the beginning of the series so that you can fully understand the characters and their journey. Maelstrom is a powerful continuation, and if you like being drawn deep into a story, you will enjoy this one.
October 4, 2024
Interesting, exciting story!
I like how the author keeps the tension going throughout the book. It's action-packed and a battle where humans fight against other species. Realizing that some creatures fight without feelings made me think about the people in our society who lack empathy and the impact of their actions.
The book is narrated by the various main characters who take turns chapter by chapter. This makes it hard for me to follow and I had to stop reading several times to rewind and catch up. The story is very long and I wonder if it couldn't get to the point a little quicker, although the story really kept me hooked.
If you like fast-paced, action-packed fantasy, you should definitely read this book, you won't be disappointed.
I like how the author keeps the tension going throughout the book. It's action-packed and a battle where humans fight against other species. Realizing that some creatures fight without feelings made me think about the people in our society who lack empathy and the impact of their actions.
The book is narrated by the various main characters who take turns chapter by chapter. This makes it hard for me to follow and I had to stop reading several times to rewind and catch up. The story is very long and I wonder if it couldn't get to the point a little quicker, although the story really kept me hooked.
If you like fast-paced, action-packed fantasy, you should definitely read this book, you won't be disappointed.
October 13, 2024
this was such a strong element in the dark lair trilogy series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall story going on. The characters felt like they were the same and belonged in this world. I enjoyed the way DJO'Brien wrote this and can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
Book two definitely surpasses book one. Lots of main characters with their own challenges to overcome. The story is certainly interesting. I am looking forward to book three, and have no hesitation recommending this trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews