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Darkness Within Saga #0.5
Sins of the Past
While trying to complete a difficult assassination, Yrlissa decides her days of killing must come to an end if she hopes to protect her new family. But the winds of apocalyptic prophecy are tearing through the kingdoms of Talohna. Rumors of a strange being influencing kings and emperors as well as sightings of a vile, ancient, witch coven believed destroyed long ago are all omens of the darkness growing within Talohna. With her personal history woven firmly to these events, can Yrlissa keep her family safely hidden long enough to finish her final contract and then disappear with them or will the phantoms of her past rise up to take everything from her first?
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First published December 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 24, 2021
This is excellent. I must read all of the books in the series immediately.
Why the hell did I start another saga again?
Why the hell did I start another saga again?
April 27, 2014
Sins of the Past: A Darkness within Prologue brings you right into the story. I was glued to the pages from the opening paragraph. This short story is well written and compelling. Even though this is not my genre of choice I can honestly say that I really loved this story as it is uniquely powerful and entertaining. I enjoyed it so much so that I had to read it in one sitting. There is suspense, heart-felt emotion and intrigue with a very powerful plot. I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens next. Everything is not as it seems.
"Yrlissa closed her eyes, focusing her mystical senses, often referred to as a mystic's exoteric sight. She used it to try to detect if she was being shadowed. She pushed her magical sight out to almost two miles, far beyond the capabilities of any other living wizard, and still she felt no one. Yet, when she opened her eyes, she still had that nagging touch in her mind that she was being watched. It had been bothering her for months now."
"Yrlissa closed her eyes, focusing her mystical senses, often referred to as a mystic's exoteric sight. She used it to try to detect if she was being shadowed. She pushed her magical sight out to almost two miles, far beyond the capabilities of any other living wizard, and still she felt no one. Yet, when she opened her eyes, she still had that nagging touch in her mind that she was being watched. It had been bothering her for months now."
March 26, 2022
This is a prequel to The Darkness Within Saga, and yet another free Podium Audio from audible. Free is my favorite price.
This one kind of falls in between my two most recent prequel reads. It does a great job of not being an exposition or lore dump (similar to Terry Goodkind’s Debt of Bones https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but I feel like it kind of lacks a decent amount of world building, or explanation/thoroughness. That’s not to say that I think it’s bad in any way, it just referenced some things (or only mentioned people once) and it felt like it was leaving me hanging. But I guess that’s the nature of short prequels!
The story follows Yrlissa Blackmist, an elven assassin and overall badass. She’s been alive for an unbelievable amount of time, and as an assassin, she doesn’t have the best track record…some people are pissed. So as one does when faced with multiple enemies, she falls in love and starts a family. Read or listen for yourself to learn why (and it’s included from audible!).
Something the author does really well with this one is the characters (that are the main feature in the prequel). They feel fleshed out and interesting and there was a certain amount of heart even with it being so short. The best take away for me though (very much like Shackled by Michael Wisehart https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) is it left me wanting more. I feel the draw, I am interested enough to grab the next. Luckily this one is once again a shorter series (although not finished yet), so I will probably continue with it at some point.
This one kind of falls in between my two most recent prequel reads. It does a great job of not being an exposition or lore dump (similar to Terry Goodkind’s Debt of Bones https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but I feel like it kind of lacks a decent amount of world building, or explanation/thoroughness. That’s not to say that I think it’s bad in any way, it just referenced some things (or only mentioned people once) and it felt like it was leaving me hanging. But I guess that’s the nature of short prequels!
The story follows Yrlissa Blackmist, an elven assassin and overall badass. She’s been alive for an unbelievable amount of time, and as an assassin, she doesn’t have the best track record…some people are pissed. So as one does when faced with multiple enemies, she falls in love and starts a family. Read or listen for yourself to learn why (and it’s included from audible!).
Something the author does really well with this one is the characters (that are the main feature in the prequel). They feel fleshed out and interesting and there was a certain amount of heart even with it being so short. The best take away for me though (very much like Shackled by Michael Wisehart https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) is it left me wanting more. I feel the draw, I am interested enough to grab the next. Luckily this one is once again a shorter series (although not finished yet), so I will probably continue with it at some point.
September 16, 2014
I am a huge fan of fantasy so when I bumped into this story I was thrilled. JD Franx has created a magnificent magical world with well thought characters and made a teaser like no other, hooking me completely from the start. The author has clearly used a lot of time whilst developing the plot as even in this short beginning I could see the multi-layered storyline and am eagerly waiting what is yet to come.
The various characters and their communities, such as Dead Sisters witches and Broken Blade assassins, are any fantasy lover's dream, the protagonist, Yrlissa, leading the reader deeper and deeper into the story with such an ease that in the end I found myself clicking the 'next' button over and over again until I realized there really was no more to read!
I really can't wait to read the next installment in this series and since this was a prologue I seriously hope the part 1 will be out like today! Watch out fantasy authors! There's a new talent in town and this one is a winner!
The various characters and their communities, such as Dead Sisters witches and Broken Blade assassins, are any fantasy lover's dream, the protagonist, Yrlissa, leading the reader deeper and deeper into the story with such an ease that in the end I found myself clicking the 'next' button over and over again until I realized there really was no more to read!
I really can't wait to read the next installment in this series and since this was a prologue I seriously hope the part 1 will be out like today! Watch out fantasy authors! There's a new talent in town and this one is a winner!
August 3, 2016
This prologue for J.D. Franx's Darkness Within series is nothing short of terrific! From the opening scene with the Dead Sister Witches till the stunning conclusion, I was transfixed by the mesmerizing and multi-layered world that was opening up before my eyes. In contrast with my experience with many other fantasy novels, transport into this fantastic world seemed effortless, despite its complexity. The characters literally leap off the page and, in a very short time, I found myself caring about them and wanting to know what would happen next!
Yes, this little appetizer left me hungry for more and I will await with great anticipation the next installment in what I believe will be a truly epic series. Most highly recommended.
Yes, this little appetizer left me hungry for more and I will await with great anticipation the next installment in what I believe will be a truly epic series. Most highly recommended.
April 29, 2014
Emotionally Evocative and Entertaining.
This well written prologue is packed with information to fascinate and intrigue the reader. There is a lot to cover, because the author has obviously dreamed up a rich and complex universe filled with intrigue and mystical beings. The characters are strong and easy to like or hate. By the end I was all caught up in events. I am now heavily invested with a burning need to know what will happen to Yrlissa next! Despite some doubts going in, I found that the short story format worked well. It left me satisfied, but ready for the big read. I can’t wait for the release of “The Darkness Within Saga!"
This well written prologue is packed with information to fascinate and intrigue the reader. There is a lot to cover, because the author has obviously dreamed up a rich and complex universe filled with intrigue and mystical beings. The characters are strong and easy to like or hate. By the end I was all caught up in events. I am now heavily invested with a burning need to know what will happen to Yrlissa next! Despite some doubts going in, I found that the short story format worked well. It left me satisfied, but ready for the big read. I can’t wait for the release of “The Darkness Within Saga!"
August 16, 2017
As a huge fan and author of epic fantasy, I can be a bit of a book snob. With that being said, I really liked this short little prelude to the Darkness Within Saga (which I am now eagerly looking forward to reading).
What I really liked about the story was that the magic system feels that it was really well developed for the world that the author is created. It seems complex, but is devastatingly powerful. Yet for all the power it offers, the characters can still find themselves vulnerable. I do have a few minor things about the story arc that I questioned, but overall I am still looking forward to reading more of JD Franx book's.
What I really liked about the story was that the magic system feels that it was really well developed for the world that the author is created. It seems complex, but is devastatingly powerful. Yet for all the power it offers, the characters can still find themselves vulnerable. I do have a few minor things about the story arc that I questioned, but overall I am still looking forward to reading more of JD Franx book's.
July 3, 2016
A quick paced prologue of what is to come, perfect, short and sweet. But nothing short of spectacular. The beginning had me drawn into this world of assassins, especially the story about Yrlissa Blackmist. The ground work has been laid out for what is "unexpected"to come.This was just an appetizing treat into this remarkable story that has yet to be told in its full capacity. JD Franx shows that even the short and sweet can be equally enticing, if not better!
August 3, 2014
Robert
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Sins of the Past: A Darkness Within Prologue (The Darkness Within Saga) (Kindle Edition)
The stage is set..the actors all in place..even the assassins cannot trust each other..the witches have once again brought forth their dark champion. This short book is full of intrigue, sinister magic, and hopefully will be followed by a series of novels. I was captivated,
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Sins of the Past: A Darkness Within Prologue (The Darkness Within Saga) (Kindle Edition)
The stage is set..the actors all in place..even the assassins cannot trust each other..the witches have once again brought forth their dark champion. This short book is full of intrigue, sinister magic, and hopefully will be followed by a series of novels. I was captivated,
September 1, 2014
With every fantasy book I choose to read, the more I fall in love with the genre, and this book is no exception. From the first page, you are drawn in to the story, yearning to know more about the characters and the journey each of them is going to partake on. I thought this short novella was just enough to get a reader interested to know more. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, and I will be sure it keep anything from this author on my must-read list.
November 10, 2024
So, JD Franx is one of my recent discoveries off Audible, and while JRR Tolkien they are not, there's something to be said for their pacing and ability to hold an action-packed tale that is engaging, and that makes you care about the characters. Sins of the Past is a prologue for their The Darkness Within saga, and gives you the backstory and setup for Yrlissa Blackmist. She's an elven assassin and she's gone deep undercover. The only problem is, she's fallen in love, settled down, and started a family – while on the job.
This obviously presents a problem for not only those who deployed her, but also means that her family is now vulnerable to forces beyond their ken.
One of the bones that I do pick with fantasy is that often we don't see enough emotional conflict for characters who're constantly on the go with their adventures vs. their personal lives – so this is the kind of high stakes vs. personal stakes story that really introduced some great conflict. This being a prologue, it's more a teaser, really, and gives you a little background for a character without dumping reams of exposition on you. I'm most certainly invested in Franx's writing, and if you're looking for an accessible fantasy series, this is is one of them. Their writing is easy on the eye and ear (depending on whether you're going for the Audible editions), and while not overly complicated at least has sufficient depth to the setting and characters' motivations to keep things engaging.
Of course I must add that I initially picked up this title because I'm a HUUUUGE fan of narrator Simon Vance, who could read me a telephone directory and my ears would be happy.
This obviously presents a problem for not only those who deployed her, but also means that her family is now vulnerable to forces beyond their ken.
One of the bones that I do pick with fantasy is that often we don't see enough emotional conflict for characters who're constantly on the go with their adventures vs. their personal lives – so this is the kind of high stakes vs. personal stakes story that really introduced some great conflict. This being a prologue, it's more a teaser, really, and gives you a little background for a character without dumping reams of exposition on you. I'm most certainly invested in Franx's writing, and if you're looking for an accessible fantasy series, this is is one of them. Their writing is easy on the eye and ear (depending on whether you're going for the Audible editions), and while not overly complicated at least has sufficient depth to the setting and characters' motivations to keep things engaging.
Of course I must add that I initially picked up this title because I'm a HUUUUGE fan of narrator Simon Vance, who could read me a telephone directory and my ears would be happy.
October 5, 2021
I could only give 3 stars due to my own failure to under in advance that this was a prologue to a series. As an Audible freebie I thought it was a short story and as such I found it difficult to sort the unusual names and premises as soon as it begins. It was a lot to take in for the short read I’d expected. Once I realize it was just laying groundwork for a much bigger story, I was intrigued but it was hard to shake that initial feeling of being overwhelmed. The obvious set up for the rest of the story and some characters clearly out of the picture, made it a prologue I’d probably rather have read with or after a book one.
February 26, 2024
It's an OK sort of prequel for the series, though I found it a bit frustrating at a few points. Especially, the long life timescales are just so unbelievable. When I imagine what I can do in a year...or ten...and here, people have literally thousands of years behind them and almost nothing to show for it...
August 13, 2018
JD Franx has one hell of a series if the rest are as good as this...the story grabs you and doesn't let you go.. enjoyed this from start to finish and I went and bought the next two books in the series getting ready to start reading them now..you need to own this series....🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 29, 2019
Awesome
Awesome read with treachery abounding while throughout the realm factions continue to fight with each other while trying to survive.
Awesome read with treachery abounding while throughout the realm factions continue to fight with each other while trying to survive.
May 9, 2021
Decent enough but not enough to keep me wondering.
August 2, 2021
⭐️3.5⭐️
October 10, 2021
Very enjoyable prologue to what seems like a mesmerising fantasy series 🔮
October 10, 2021
A good addition to the series.
April 1, 2022
I enjoyed the dark magic and the atmosphere of this story.
May 16, 2022
Confusing plot and characters
November 24, 2022
Loved it
December 6, 2022
🎧📚
Narrated by Simon Vance
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's VERY tempting to continue this series 👀
Narrated by Simon Vance
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's VERY tempting to continue this series 👀
December 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Will definitely buy the next one.
February 22, 2023
They deserve what's comming.
October 13, 2023
Excellent, excellent beginning to a series I'm very much invested in. Engaging story, interesting characters, and plenty of surprises. Plus there's a dark atmosphere, assassins, and witches :D
June 29, 2024
was meh but i read it
September 7, 2014
"Sins of the Past: A Darkness within Prologue" by JD Franx introduces you to Yrlissa Blackmist, the assassin. Her life is lonely. She yearns deeply for a normal life with Cassel. Can she share her secrets with him? Is his hesitation guarding him from Yrlissa and her past?
Will any happiness Yrlissa finds ever really last for long?
This short story uniquely frames what I hope will be a glimpse into this beautiful world that JD Franx has created. This is a rich and textured story, one which I believe you will greatly lose yourself in reading.
I was supplied a copy of this work in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Will any happiness Yrlissa finds ever really last for long?
This short story uniquely frames what I hope will be a glimpse into this beautiful world that JD Franx has created. This is a rich and textured story, one which I believe you will greatly lose yourself in reading.
I was supplied a copy of this work in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews