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Legends of Dimmingwood #1-4
Legends of Dimmingwood Series: Books 1-3
Book 1: Magic of Thieves -- In a province where magic is forbidden and its possessors are murdered by the cruel Praetor, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival. Concealment. In the shadow of Dimmingwood, she finds temporary protection with a band of forest brigands led by the infamous outlaw Rideon the Red Hand. * * * * *Book 2: Betrayal of Thieves -- Ilan has narrowly escaped her last encounter with the soldiers of the evil Praetor but many of her outlaw friends have not been so fortunate. When her closest companion is dragged off to Selbius for execution, Ilan has no choice but to defy the captain of the forest brigands and journey to the stronghold of her enemies.* * * * *Book 3: Circle of Thieves -- In the wake of a painful betrayal, Ilan abandons her friends among the river people to return to the peace of shadowy Dimmingwood. But things in the forest are not as she left them. A deadly new enemy is attacking the local villagers, threatening the very existence of the forest outlaws. --- Books 4, 5, & 6 sold separately ---
- GenresFantasy
511 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2014
58 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 27, 2019
This was decent, started off better than most but ended very predictable and a bit boring. Character development was likewise good until they were no longer developing and then again very formulated and predictable
January 25, 2020
Intriguing
The most enjoyable aspect about this book is that it is complex enough to keep my attention, easy enough to read that I can do so after a long day at work and much less predictable than many in its genre.
The most enjoyable aspect about this book is that it is complex enough to keep my attention, easy enough to read that I can do so after a long day at work and much less predictable than many in its genre.
August 20, 2018
An enjoyable read. It got pretty predictable in part 4, but the overall read was pleasant.
August 21, 2019
The series got off to a good start, but the final book was a disapppointment.
April 23, 2014
I recently read this anthology of books, and I have to say that I am waiting anxiously for the next book in the series to come out. There is a certain amount of violence in these books that lend to the reality of the lives of the characters. And the writing style is a little different than what I normally see. There is a lot of going back and forth between very long memories of the past. But it is written so that you aren't confused by it. Some may not necessarily like this style of writing. I, however, think it's different and creative. Not only is it creative, but there are no "bedroom scenes". In fact, there is little to none in the way of a relationship of this type. Once in a while it is nice to see a book or a series that is not based solely on a relationship between a guy and girl who have fallen in love. This book is more about a young girl trying to find her place. She is an imperfect heroine and that is easier for us to relate to.
People like Ilan were systematically exterminated because they were naturals in the area of magic. They were born with the ability. The Praetor had many of them wiped out, including this girl's parents. Ilan is named by a man in a band of thieves headed by Rideon the Red Hand. Rideon is a rather cold and calculating version of Robin Hood that takes everything having to do with his band of thieves very seriously. He doesn't take captives either. But when Ilan comes upon his band she is a young child and one of the men, Brig, takes her in. For many years she is protected from most of the violence that happens when the men go out to steal from the unlucky travelers that come their way. She stays around camp to help with chores. But when she does finally go with them, it is only to bring back an injured boy about her age. Ilan nurses him back to health and this would-be priest is now stuck in Rideon's group whether he likes it or not. They grow up for a few years together with him trying to be nice and docile while she is generally hostile, although she would do whatever she had to if he was in danger. This was Ilan's family until her mid teens. At that point some unfortunate events lead her into a suicide mission to go find Brig. Terrac, the boy she saved, tags along with her. This eventually leads to her and Terrac's separation and Ilan going into the city to find an acquaintance who might be able to help her. This man was also born with magical abilities, but has hidden them from most people, just like Ilan.
Her dealings with the Praetor, Rideon's band, and even more enemies in the books make for an interesting journey for Ilan. She encounters the hurt and betrayal of those who were supposed to be her friends as well as death to those around her. It seems that those close to her pay a heavy price to be her friend. I read these books all together and I think that is probably the best way to understand what is going on. Like how this particular brooch given to Ilan from her mother is an important clue to her past and partly who she is, but you don't find out until late in the journey about what it means. It's a good series to read if you are looking for some good books!
People like Ilan were systematically exterminated because they were naturals in the area of magic. They were born with the ability. The Praetor had many of them wiped out, including this girl's parents. Ilan is named by a man in a band of thieves headed by Rideon the Red Hand. Rideon is a rather cold and calculating version of Robin Hood that takes everything having to do with his band of thieves very seriously. He doesn't take captives either. But when Ilan comes upon his band she is a young child and one of the men, Brig, takes her in. For many years she is protected from most of the violence that happens when the men go out to steal from the unlucky travelers that come their way. She stays around camp to help with chores. But when she does finally go with them, it is only to bring back an injured boy about her age. Ilan nurses him back to health and this would-be priest is now stuck in Rideon's group whether he likes it or not. They grow up for a few years together with him trying to be nice and docile while she is generally hostile, although she would do whatever she had to if he was in danger. This was Ilan's family until her mid teens. At that point some unfortunate events lead her into a suicide mission to go find Brig. Terrac, the boy she saved, tags along with her. This eventually leads to her and Terrac's separation and Ilan going into the city to find an acquaintance who might be able to help her. This man was also born with magical abilities, but has hidden them from most people, just like Ilan.
Her dealings with the Praetor, Rideon's band, and even more enemies in the books make for an interesting journey for Ilan. She encounters the hurt and betrayal of those who were supposed to be her friends as well as death to those around her. It seems that those close to her pay a heavy price to be her friend. I read these books all together and I think that is probably the best way to understand what is going on. Like how this particular brooch given to Ilan from her mother is an important clue to her past and partly who she is, but you don't find out until late in the journey about what it means. It's a good series to read if you are looking for some good books!
August 16, 2014
Finally finished the series just to find out that it isn't the end. Who plays this cruel joke on someone? Well, I guess its for the best. I am highly anticipating what will happen to Ilan in book 5 and 6. I need to know what will happen with her uncle too. I just want some more clarification on how was the Red Hand captured. Is Dradac OK or did he also fall to the hands of the Praetor? I guess these questions could have an answer in the final two installment, I guess I will have to wait and see.
June 6, 2014
I read the first book before I received this book from the author in return for a honest review. I had a hard time putting this down. It is action packed and full of characters that are interesting. It begins with the main character running for her life. She leads a life full of adventure, being raised after the loss of her parents by a band of thieves. I am very glad that the author is writing more to this series due to popular demand, I love this genre and this is a well written series.
August 1, 2015
Good story
Great characters, good story. Adventure and friendships! The theirs stand together and the magic swirls! Fighting and friends all in and out of a forest. Can't wait to read the next book!!!!
Great characters, good story. Adventure and friendships! The theirs stand together and the magic swirls! Fighting and friends all in and out of a forest. Can't wait to read the next book!!!!
January 21, 2016
Had a bit of trouble getting through the first book. Left me lots of questions as to how certain characters knew things that they shouldn't. As I kept reading it got much better. Overall decent storyline following a young girl on her adventures.
March 8, 2016
Because it was engaging and kept me interested. I like the characters .
I like how they interact. I wanted know what was coming up. Did n't like that the main character didn't have a romantic relationship with one of the character.
I like how they interact. I wanted know what was coming up. Did n't like that the main character didn't have a romantic relationship with one of the character.
July 1, 2016
Read all three, reviewed separately because they deserve it. (Legends Of Dimmingwood Series: 1-3)
Fabulous fantasy, great characters, plot and adventure. Easy to read and enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
Fabulous fantasy, great characters, plot and adventure. Easy to read and enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
May 16, 2014
Enjoyable mythical story, with a girl as the strength and centre of the story.
June 20, 2015
Must read
Great set of books I literally got lost in them like the book was a movie playing in front of me
Great set of books I literally got lost in them like the book was a movie playing in front of me
April 29, 2016
I really liked the first books in the series. Interesting fantasy concept in the various empires. Wish that had been explored more.
June 28, 2016
I loved the first four books and I hope to read the rest!
April 24, 2017
Loved it.
Exciting action, interesting characters, magic and magical weapons what more could be asked? Fortunately I can dive right into the next part of the story. I will be recommending this series. An author who can tell an excellent tale without smut and gutter language is to be celebrated!
Exciting action, interesting characters, magic and magical weapons what more could be asked? Fortunately I can dive right into the next part of the story. I will be recommending this series. An author who can tell an excellent tale without smut and gutter language is to be celebrated!
May 3, 2017
Ok!
This was an average read. I wasn't bored but I wasn't drawn in either. Don't think I'll read the rest.
This was an average read. I wasn't bored but I wasn't drawn in either. Don't think I'll read the rest.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews