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Power of the Stars #3
The Dark Element
The Dark Element is the thrilling third installment of the genre-bending science fantasy series Power of the Stars.
"Pain will become a known brother. Grief, a sister. Hatred will guide the stars like an overbearing parent, and death will be the child spawned from it all."
Alone and under constant duress, Colton fights to maintain his strength, will, and sanity.
Violet and a group of others struggle through their own hell, battling tyrannical guards, inhumane monsters, and a dangerous new element.
Meanwhile, Ace and the boys are desperate to find Colton. To gain the help they need to accomplish the task, they must travel to the mysterious and, perhaps, unwelcoming sister planets.
Back in the Vintaran System, V-Company does all it can to repel the Flame invaders from Penski. Win or lose: war always costs one's soul.
If these friends can't conquer their separate battles and save one another, then darkness will reign, and peace will become a distant memory to the souls of humanity.
"The Dark Element has earned its place amongst the greats." - The Wulvers Library, FanFiAddict
"Once you start, this book grips your soul and won't let you go." - RJ Lavender, Bookstagram
"Pain will become a known brother. Grief, a sister. Hatred will guide the stars like an overbearing parent, and death will be the child spawned from it all."
Alone and under constant duress, Colton fights to maintain his strength, will, and sanity.
Violet and a group of others struggle through their own hell, battling tyrannical guards, inhumane monsters, and a dangerous new element.
Meanwhile, Ace and the boys are desperate to find Colton. To gain the help they need to accomplish the task, they must travel to the mysterious and, perhaps, unwelcoming sister planets.
Back in the Vintaran System, V-Company does all it can to repel the Flame invaders from Penski. Win or lose: war always costs one's soul.
If these friends can't conquer their separate battles and save one another, then darkness will reign, and peace will become a distant memory to the souls of humanity.
"The Dark Element has earned its place amongst the greats." - The Wulvers Library, FanFiAddict
"Once you start, this book grips your soul and won't let you go." - RJ Lavender, Bookstagram
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2025
12 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Wilson
4 books81 followersGrab a FREE copy of "A Princess of Oldir," a prequel/standalone novella set in the award-winning Power of the Stars series, by signing up to Bryan's readers list at www.bryanwilsonauthor.com.
Bryan Wilson has had a winding road to publishing his debut series, POWER OF THE STARS. But as an avid reader and writer of sci-fi and fantasy since childhood, he hopes, like any good book, that journey has a satisfying ending. One with many more novels for readers to enjoy.
He lives in New England with his lovely wife, two daughters, and three cats. When he’s not jumping around trying to equally divide his attention to those six in the house, you can find him enjoying American football, hockey, or kicking his friend’s rears in the fantasy versions of both. He also loves a good movie, constantly struggling to decide whether his favorite is The Fellowship of the Ring or Interstellar. The indecision will probably travel with him to the grave.
If you’d like, please follow him on Instagram: @bryan.wilson.author for further updates on writing and life.
Bryan Wilson has had a winding road to publishing his debut series, POWER OF THE STARS. But as an avid reader and writer of sci-fi and fantasy since childhood, he hopes, like any good book, that journey has a satisfying ending. One with many more novels for readers to enjoy.
He lives in New England with his lovely wife, two daughters, and three cats. When he’s not jumping around trying to equally divide his attention to those six in the house, you can find him enjoying American football, hockey, or kicking his friend’s rears in the fantasy versions of both. He also loves a good movie, constantly struggling to decide whether his favorite is The Fellowship of the Ring or Interstellar. The indecision will probably travel with him to the grave.
If you’d like, please follow him on Instagram: @bryan.wilson.author for further updates on writing and life.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 5, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
It’s almost impossible to discuss a 3rd book in a series without spoilers, so this is going to be a review that has some spoilers sprinkled throughout.
The Dark Element is The Empire Strikes Back of the Power of the Stars saga, with a dire, dim overcast to the bloody action sprawled across multiple worlds. In this 3rd entry into the Power of the Stars, Wilson has taken a more mature tone as his series has grown darker, dealing with the terrifying ramifications of galactic warfare.
If you’ve read The Princess of Oldir, the dark element—tenebris—was introduced and its importance in the upcoming saga was hinted at. While the full capabilities and destructive power of tenebris are still a mystery, we’ve been told that it was one of the major causes of the near total destruction that came from the Great War thousands of years ago. The Heart of the Flame has dedicated decades to finding the mines on Oldir where the tenebris can be harvested. One of the major settings for The Dark Elements is these tenebris mines, which have turned into concentration-like camps where prisoners of war are forced to extract the element from the ground, often with the threat of physical violence or death as a consequence for falling behind.
At the end of The Sons of the Prophets, Colton is faced with a near impossible choice to save his family or knowingly fall into The Heart’s trap. He decides to take the risk and save his family. The Dark Element begins with the revelation that Colton has been taken to this labor camp where he is being tortured daily and then healed to allow his torture to continue without him dying. This culminates in the execution of one of Colton’s friends, which throws him into a rage that activates a prophecy with the Prophet Oldir where he learns that the Prophet Oldir had previously gifted The Heart of the Flame with an endowment of power that he was now going to bestow upon Colton to even the playing field. This puts Colton into a cocoon-like state, surrounded by an energy shield that was unable to be penetrated for the majority of the book while he was “powering up.” In some ways, this felt a bit like The Dragon Reborn which took Rand out of the action for most of the book, instead focusing on developing the storylines for many of the surrounding cast of characters.
The Dark Element continues to focus on the struggles the other prisoners must endure while being trapped in the mines of Oldir. Across the galaxy, David and the rest of V-Company are battling for the planet of Penski with some devastating and heartbreaking results. Ace and Willick have traveled to the Sisters Supreme to petition them to join Colton’s cause, while knowing that he has disappeared from them with no evidence of his current whereabouts. What began as a fairly small-scale story has exploded into an intergalactic conflict between two Sons of the Prophets, both with a legitimate claim to the prophecy but with vastly different goals and visions for the future of the universe.
All of these story lines culminate in an epic battle in the mines of Oldir with Colton emerging from his chrysalis of power in the middle of the battle. He demonstrates the awesome might of the new gift from Oldir, with the ability to casually slaughter huge groups of The Flame’s army. I am very excited to see how Wilson deals with this massive power in future books. For a few pages, it felt like we were entering the “dark Rand” phase of The Wheel of Time, but Colton’s friends were able to pull him back from the brink. However, I don’t think that’s the last we’ve seen of the potential that Colton’s rage, combined with his powers have in tipping the scale of the war in his favor.
I had hoped to learn more about the Twins and their race of beings in this book, but they were only mentioned briefly. It seems like they’re still the masterminds, working behind the scenes of the entire Flame faction. I expect future books will begin to reveal their mysterious backstory.
The Dark Element is a darker entry into the Power of the Stars that keeps the stakes high, answers a few questions, but leaves most of the story still open and waiting to be told. As Colton continues to meet with the Prophets, we inch closer and closer to what is likely to be an epic confrontation between the two Sons of the Prophets. Wilson has demonstrated in The Dark Element that he is willing to punch with full force, kill beloved characters, and let our heroes fail. I think it’s going to be a bumpy road ahead for Colton and his team!
It’s almost impossible to discuss a 3rd book in a series without spoilers, so this is going to be a review that has some spoilers sprinkled throughout.
The Dark Element is The Empire Strikes Back of the Power of the Stars saga, with a dire, dim overcast to the bloody action sprawled across multiple worlds. In this 3rd entry into the Power of the Stars, Wilson has taken a more mature tone as his series has grown darker, dealing with the terrifying ramifications of galactic warfare.
If you’ve read The Princess of Oldir, the dark element—tenebris—was introduced and its importance in the upcoming saga was hinted at. While the full capabilities and destructive power of tenebris are still a mystery, we’ve been told that it was one of the major causes of the near total destruction that came from the Great War thousands of years ago. The Heart of the Flame has dedicated decades to finding the mines on Oldir where the tenebris can be harvested. One of the major settings for The Dark Elements is these tenebris mines, which have turned into concentration-like camps where prisoners of war are forced to extract the element from the ground, often with the threat of physical violence or death as a consequence for falling behind.
At the end of The Sons of the Prophets, Colton is faced with a near impossible choice to save his family or knowingly fall into The Heart’s trap. He decides to take the risk and save his family. The Dark Element begins with the revelation that Colton has been taken to this labor camp where he is being tortured daily and then healed to allow his torture to continue without him dying. This culminates in the execution of one of Colton’s friends, which throws him into a rage that activates a prophecy with the Prophet Oldir where he learns that the Prophet Oldir had previously gifted The Heart of the Flame with an endowment of power that he was now going to bestow upon Colton to even the playing field. This puts Colton into a cocoon-like state, surrounded by an energy shield that was unable to be penetrated for the majority of the book while he was “powering up.” In some ways, this felt a bit like The Dragon Reborn which took Rand out of the action for most of the book, instead focusing on developing the storylines for many of the surrounding cast of characters.
The Dark Element continues to focus on the struggles the other prisoners must endure while being trapped in the mines of Oldir. Across the galaxy, David and the rest of V-Company are battling for the planet of Penski with some devastating and heartbreaking results. Ace and Willick have traveled to the Sisters Supreme to petition them to join Colton’s cause, while knowing that he has disappeared from them with no evidence of his current whereabouts. What began as a fairly small-scale story has exploded into an intergalactic conflict between two Sons of the Prophets, both with a legitimate claim to the prophecy but with vastly different goals and visions for the future of the universe.
All of these story lines culminate in an epic battle in the mines of Oldir with Colton emerging from his chrysalis of power in the middle of the battle. He demonstrates the awesome might of the new gift from Oldir, with the ability to casually slaughter huge groups of The Flame’s army. I am very excited to see how Wilson deals with this massive power in future books. For a few pages, it felt like we were entering the “dark Rand” phase of The Wheel of Time, but Colton’s friends were able to pull him back from the brink. However, I don’t think that’s the last we’ve seen of the potential that Colton’s rage, combined with his powers have in tipping the scale of the war in his favor.
I had hoped to learn more about the Twins and their race of beings in this book, but they were only mentioned briefly. It seems like they’re still the masterminds, working behind the scenes of the entire Flame faction. I expect future books will begin to reveal their mysterious backstory.
The Dark Element is a darker entry into the Power of the Stars that keeps the stakes high, answers a few questions, but leaves most of the story still open and waiting to be told. As Colton continues to meet with the Prophets, we inch closer and closer to what is likely to be an epic confrontation between the two Sons of the Prophets. Wilson has demonstrated in The Dark Element that he is willing to punch with full force, kill beloved characters, and let our heroes fail. I think it’s going to be a bumpy road ahead for Colton and his team!
May 30, 2025
Bryan does it again with another banger. This series is becoming a favorite of mine!
May 26, 2025
Power of the Stars 03 The Dark Element by Bryan Wilson
challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense
Slow-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
From the beginning of the series, to now...I have grown to like Colton (not love, yet). I feel for him, for he's been thrown into this "heroes journey", but to also be given conficting prophesies...which have muddied the water. We (as the reader) want to root for him, but you can also understand his point of view.
These prophetic messages left for the Heart of the Flame and for him, just seem SO detached from 'what's actually going on.'
It is obvious by the way the Heart fo the Flame treats his people and those he's imprisoned. He (and his followers) are NOT benevolent. This is a fascist regime, and the things that they throw at the Throne, are the very things that they themselves do (doesn't this sound familiar?)
I've also grown fond of Rashar and now Kyla. They seem to have a good bond with each other, and to Colton, which will make the future installments to this story more interesting to pickup (thank you).
In this book, especially...we see war in its most devastating impacts. The futility, but also the bravery. As a leader in this battle, Colton and all his generals believe they are doing the right thing, but question whether it was done the right way. Always questioning, "was it worth it?"
The alternative, is usually the reason. If not us, then who would stand up to this tyranny?
The tragedy of war and conflict of any kind...is difficult. The idea of, "wouldn't it be nice to go back to when things were this way or that way?", but when clearer minds prevail, that's a fantasy of the past. We have to live (and sometimes die), making sure our future children, will have a better life...that what WE are going through, now.
Is the Throne perfect? No, but the Flames is even far more worse.
We have to fight, to make a better future.
I am now really stoked to see what Bryan Wilson has in store for us.
challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense
Slow-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
From the beginning of the series, to now...I have grown to like Colton (not love, yet). I feel for him, for he's been thrown into this "heroes journey", but to also be given conficting prophesies...which have muddied the water. We (as the reader) want to root for him, but you can also understand his point of view.
These prophetic messages left for the Heart of the Flame and for him, just seem SO detached from 'what's actually going on.'
It is obvious by the way the Heart fo the Flame treats his people and those he's imprisoned. He (and his followers) are NOT benevolent. This is a fascist regime, and the things that they throw at the Throne, are the very things that they themselves do (doesn't this sound familiar?)
I've also grown fond of Rashar and now Kyla. They seem to have a good bond with each other, and to Colton, which will make the future installments to this story more interesting to pickup (thank you).
In this book, especially...we see war in its most devastating impacts. The futility, but also the bravery. As a leader in this battle, Colton and all his generals believe they are doing the right thing, but question whether it was done the right way. Always questioning, "was it worth it?"
The alternative, is usually the reason. If not us, then who would stand up to this tyranny?
The tragedy of war and conflict of any kind...is difficult. The idea of, "wouldn't it be nice to go back to when things were this way or that way?", but when clearer minds prevail, that's a fantasy of the past. We have to live (and sometimes die), making sure our future children, will have a better life...that what WE are going through, now.
Is the Throne perfect? No, but the Flames is even far more worse.
We have to fight, to make a better future.
I am now really stoked to see what Bryan Wilson has in store for us.
May 3, 2025
I was given a digital advanced reader copy to review.
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page! I’d been waiting for this installment since finishing the second book in January, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
One thing that impressed me is how Bryan Wilson continues to build a cohesive, compelling universe without losing momentum. I feel like some authors introduce so many side characters and subplots that it can make it difficult to figure out how everything fits into the main story. "The Dark Element" stays true to its core narrative while naturally introducing new subplots and raising the stakes. The story handles war with a good sense of realism; character deaths carry weight, and while some main characters do seem to have a bit of plot armor (at least in this book), no loss feels cheap or thrown in just for drama. Every moment serves the plot or deepens character development.
I also love trying to guess Bryan’s influences! Fans of classic sci-fi and fantasy will definitely catch echoes of their favorites, but this story stands firmly on its own. The fight scenes are thrilling and cinematic, and Bryan strikes a perfect balance between detailed description and letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest!
So, if you love sci-fi, especially the kind that asks big philosophical and ethical questions while still delivering an action-packed love letter to the genre’s greats, do not hesitate to pick this one up! I’ll be ordering a physical copy as soon as it drops! Now I just need him to hurry up with book 4
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page! I’d been waiting for this installment since finishing the second book in January, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
One thing that impressed me is how Bryan Wilson continues to build a cohesive, compelling universe without losing momentum. I feel like some authors introduce so many side characters and subplots that it can make it difficult to figure out how everything fits into the main story. "The Dark Element" stays true to its core narrative while naturally introducing new subplots and raising the stakes. The story handles war with a good sense of realism; character deaths carry weight, and while some main characters do seem to have a bit of plot armor (at least in this book), no loss feels cheap or thrown in just for drama. Every moment serves the plot or deepens character development.
I also love trying to guess Bryan’s influences! Fans of classic sci-fi and fantasy will definitely catch echoes of their favorites, but this story stands firmly on its own. The fight scenes are thrilling and cinematic, and Bryan strikes a perfect balance between detailed description and letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest!
So, if you love sci-fi, especially the kind that asks big philosophical and ethical questions while still delivering an action-packed love letter to the genre’s greats, do not hesitate to pick this one up! I’ll be ordering a physical copy as soon as it drops! Now I just need him to hurry up with book 4
May 20, 2025
The Dark Element, book three in Bryan Wilson's The Power of the Stars series, is an incredible entry to an already exciting series and one that should be held in high praise.
In my review for The Son of the Prophets, I mentioned that Bryan accelerated this series to the next level and had created such a fantastic epic. The Dark Element has, unsurprisingly, doubled down on this and thrown this into such a larger scale that I'm not really sure that any words I say will show how amazing it is.
The Dark Element has earned its place amongst the greats. This was a story that was set up perfectly. From start to finish it was brilliantly paced, easy to follow and had me filled with a mix of emotions throughout. Bryan has a poetic way of describing scenes, from action to emotion, and just has you hooked right in.
I enjoyed how much more fleshed out these characters get. The Forsaken Planet was Colton's book; The Dark Element is everyone's. We see certain characters go from side characters to favourites and there are so many sections to unpack that there definitely needs to be more discussion on. This is an absolutely wild ride that I was braced right in for.
I compared it to the Wheel of Time in space in a review previously and the scope of this is just outstanding. Bryan is cementing himself as one of the greats. If you haven't read The Power of the Stars series, I strongly suggest you do.
In my review for The Son of the Prophets, I mentioned that Bryan accelerated this series to the next level and had created such a fantastic epic. The Dark Element has, unsurprisingly, doubled down on this and thrown this into such a larger scale that I'm not really sure that any words I say will show how amazing it is.
The Dark Element has earned its place amongst the greats. This was a story that was set up perfectly. From start to finish it was brilliantly paced, easy to follow and had me filled with a mix of emotions throughout. Bryan has a poetic way of describing scenes, from action to emotion, and just has you hooked right in.
I enjoyed how much more fleshed out these characters get. The Forsaken Planet was Colton's book; The Dark Element is everyone's. We see certain characters go from side characters to favourites and there are so many sections to unpack that there definitely needs to be more discussion on. This is an absolutely wild ride that I was braced right in for.
I compared it to the Wheel of Time in space in a review previously and the scope of this is just outstanding. Bryan is cementing himself as one of the greats. If you haven't read The Power of the Stars series, I strongly suggest you do.
May 15, 2025
First, a huge thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of this series, and I loved this book. The Dark Element is very different from its predecessors, and does an excellent job maturing with the story. It’s a hugely epic story that gives every character their moment to shine.
I really liked the expansion of the storylines. I liked seeing a lot more of Violet in particular, and Tommy as well. There were times when some of the storylines fell a little flat (mainly Ace and Kyla), but even those storylines had awesome moments and overall everything was fantastic. There was less Colton than I would have liked, but I feel that was completely necessary for the story and I don’t have a problem with it—especially because it made room for so many other characters to have more, for lack of a better term, “screen time.”
There was also a bit of unnecessary sexual content, all fade-to-black and non-graphic but it felt out of character for one of the people involved and therefore pulled me out of the story a little bit. However, this was not a big enough problem to ruin the story or anything, and I moved past it pretty quickly.
All in all, I’m super excited for the fourth book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I am a huge fan of this series, and I loved this book. The Dark Element is very different from its predecessors, and does an excellent job maturing with the story. It’s a hugely epic story that gives every character their moment to shine.
I really liked the expansion of the storylines. I liked seeing a lot more of Violet in particular, and Tommy as well. There were times when some of the storylines fell a little flat (mainly Ace and Kyla), but even those storylines had awesome moments and overall everything was fantastic. There was less Colton than I would have liked, but I feel that was completely necessary for the story and I don’t have a problem with it—especially because it made room for so many other characters to have more, for lack of a better term, “screen time.”
There was also a bit of unnecessary sexual content, all fade-to-black and non-graphic but it felt out of character for one of the people involved and therefore pulled me out of the story a little bit. However, this was not a big enough problem to ruin the story or anything, and I moved past it pretty quickly.
All in all, I’m super excited for the fourth book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
May 14, 2025
This book was a crazy ride from beginning to end, with twists and turns that keep you reading well into the early hours. Without any insult meant to the earlier books in the series, The Dark Element seems like a complete level up for Wilson, his writing and character development being nothing short of brilliant.
It delves into the darker sides of humanity, but with those sides come the heroic deeds that are needed to fight against it, and Wilson does NOT disappoint with the epic battles, strategy and reveals that come from the clash against the Heart's forces. It's gritty, emotional and fist-pumping-the-air exciting. READ IT!
It delves into the darker sides of humanity, but with those sides come the heroic deeds that are needed to fight against it, and Wilson does NOT disappoint with the epic battles, strategy and reveals that come from the clash against the Heart's forces. It's gritty, emotional and fist-pumping-the-air exciting. READ IT!
April 5, 2025
The Dark Element is the third instalment of the Power of the Stars series by Bryan Wilson. Firstly I’d like to thank the author for the summary of the story so far at the beginning, it’s so helpful to be reminded of what has happened before. The Dark Element continues with multiple POVs spread throughout the galaxy and we meet some great new characters. They face different battles, hardship and emotional toil and learn some of the universe’s darkest secrets along the way. It’s fast-paced, filled with action and moments that made me cheer out loud! I loved this book and can’t wait to continue this series.
I received an ARC copy from the author, thank you!
I received an ARC copy from the author, thank you!
May 17, 2025
Darker Plot, Higher Stakes
This third entry of the franchise feels like we’ve entered into a Dark Age of dire and desperate scenarios. The Son of the Prophets ends on a cliffhanger, and this book launches where we see our hero and a sizeable chunk of the cast enslaved, buried underground and forced to carry out torturous work under merciless conditions. Stakes are skillfully raised, with 1) the introduction of a new element, Tenebris, that is the essentially the antithesis of Solara 2) unsuspecting characters meeting cruel deaths at the hands of their masters and 3) our hero, Colt (mild spoiler) meaning that the supporting characters often have to learn to solve problems and make consequential decisions without his guidance. Which means that those supporting characters get fulfilling character development and feel just as lively and rounded as the OG characters.
The setting of the book delivers, making the caves feel convincingly claustrophobic, even nightmarish. However, Wilson was able to diversify locations and scenarios, as like in The Son of Prophets the book is split between three different plotlines, and you get to see Ace, Morris, Willick and company wear a different hat as they support Colt & Throne for the war but from a different angle. So while we are treated to new possibilities within the worldbuilding and alliances, in my experience the overarching plot (enslavement in the caves) overshadowed the two supporting storylines, and the pacing might be a little slow or uneven in the setup. One scene I found could be controversial, but overall this book still delivered in same capacity of the previous entries. Plenty of fight scenes, plenty of likeable characters, strong continuity in the worldbuilding. The momentum still carries on for this series, and will be looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future!
This third entry of the franchise feels like we’ve entered into a Dark Age of dire and desperate scenarios. The Son of the Prophets ends on a cliffhanger, and this book launches where we see our hero and a sizeable chunk of the cast enslaved, buried underground and forced to carry out torturous work under merciless conditions. Stakes are skillfully raised, with 1) the introduction of a new element, Tenebris, that is the essentially the antithesis of Solara 2) unsuspecting characters meeting cruel deaths at the hands of their masters and 3) our hero, Colt (mild spoiler) meaning that the supporting characters often have to learn to solve problems and make consequential decisions without his guidance. Which means that those supporting characters get fulfilling character development and feel just as lively and rounded as the OG characters.
The setting of the book delivers, making the caves feel convincingly claustrophobic, even nightmarish. However, Wilson was able to diversify locations and scenarios, as like in The Son of Prophets the book is split between three different plotlines, and you get to see Ace, Morris, Willick and company wear a different hat as they support Colt & Throne for the war but from a different angle. So while we are treated to new possibilities within the worldbuilding and alliances, in my experience the overarching plot (enslavement in the caves) overshadowed the two supporting storylines, and the pacing might be a little slow or uneven in the setup. One scene I found could be controversial, but overall this book still delivered in same capacity of the previous entries. Plenty of fight scenes, plenty of likeable characters, strong continuity in the worldbuilding. The momentum still carries on for this series, and will be looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future!
May 30, 2025
This is a space saga that somehow feels deeply, painfully human.
The Dark Element is an absolute triumph and easily the best installment yet in the Power of the Stars series. Bryan has masterfully delivered a richly layered sci-fi fantasy that effortlessly blends interstellar politics, heart-pounding action, and deeply emotional character arcs. From the opening pages, I was hooked and drawn in by the weight of the prophecy, the tension of galactic war, and the inner turmoil of Colton, a hero caught between destiny and despair.
What stands out most is the depth of worldbuilding. Wilson creates alien cultures, languages, and political factions that feel authentic and alive. You’re not just reading about a universe, you’re living in it. The stakes feel real. The villains are terrifyingly calculated, especially The Heart of the Flame, and the narrative never lets you forget that darkness is closing in.
And yet, there are light moments of hope, camaraderie, and courage. The relationships between the characters are beautifully written, with loyalty and sacrifice shining through even in the bleakest moments. Colton’s arc, in particular, is both inspiring and heartbreaking as he’s pushed to his absolute limits.
Wilson’s prose flows effortlessly, cinematic in scope yet intimate in feeling. There are scenes that genuinely gave me chills, and others that made me tear up. This is storytelling at its most immersive and rewarding.
If you’re a fan of Dune, Star Wars, or Mass Effect, do yourself a favor and dive into this series. The Dark Element is the kind of book that makes you forget about the real world and honestly, what more can you ask for?
The Dark Element is an absolute triumph and easily the best installment yet in the Power of the Stars series. Bryan has masterfully delivered a richly layered sci-fi fantasy that effortlessly blends interstellar politics, heart-pounding action, and deeply emotional character arcs. From the opening pages, I was hooked and drawn in by the weight of the prophecy, the tension of galactic war, and the inner turmoil of Colton, a hero caught between destiny and despair.
What stands out most is the depth of worldbuilding. Wilson creates alien cultures, languages, and political factions that feel authentic and alive. You’re not just reading about a universe, you’re living in it. The stakes feel real. The villains are terrifyingly calculated, especially The Heart of the Flame, and the narrative never lets you forget that darkness is closing in.
And yet, there are light moments of hope, camaraderie, and courage. The relationships between the characters are beautifully written, with loyalty and sacrifice shining through even in the bleakest moments. Colton’s arc, in particular, is both inspiring and heartbreaking as he’s pushed to his absolute limits.
Wilson’s prose flows effortlessly, cinematic in scope yet intimate in feeling. There are scenes that genuinely gave me chills, and others that made me tear up. This is storytelling at its most immersive and rewarding.
If you’re a fan of Dune, Star Wars, or Mass Effect, do yourself a favor and dive into this series. The Dark Element is the kind of book that makes you forget about the real world and honestly, what more can you ask for?
April 16, 2025
Third books in a series are hard. Readers have already read the first two installments and must have liked them enough to justify a third one. They want more of the same, yet different enough to not feel like a retread.
The Dark Element nails both.
It's dense, and despite the author's best effort to recap the first two books you really should tackle those before reading this one (and you should regardless, they're both really good!), you'll probably be lost if you haven't. But it earns its word count, an epic sci-fantasy saga in a unique setting that is starting to feel like the Star Wars EU meets The Wheel of Time. Side characters from previous books are more fleshed out here as the plot takes on a wide, sweeping arc with an explosive conclusion that has to lead to a sequel. I highly recommend it for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, or anyone who is just looking for an expansive, galaxy-spanning read.
The Dark Element nails both.
It's dense, and despite the author's best effort to recap the first two books you really should tackle those before reading this one (and you should regardless, they're both really good!), you'll probably be lost if you haven't. But it earns its word count, an epic sci-fantasy saga in a unique setting that is starting to feel like the Star Wars EU meets The Wheel of Time. Side characters from previous books are more fleshed out here as the plot takes on a wide, sweeping arc with an explosive conclusion that has to lead to a sequel. I highly recommend it for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, or anyone who is just looking for an expansive, galaxy-spanning read.
May 14, 2025
The Dark Element by Bryan Willson is gritty, heart-wrenching, and a powerful follow-up to The Son of the Prophets. This series gets better and better with each new installment! The young adults who left Earth with determination to save humanity have had to mature and grow through the worst situations. Once you start, this book grips your soul and won't let you go.
Colton's friends and allies have been split and battle separate conflicts. Some are more individual, fighting to stay alive. Some are diplomatic as alliances shift. But all need to reunite to overcome the looming threat that grows more powerful by the day. I loved the different POVs that give a full view of the war and how each plays an important role in any possible victory. But a new element threatens to tip the scales in the enemies favor.
I love this series and highly recommend diving in. If you want to test the waters, the Princess of Oldir is a novella that can be read first. Either way, I recommend reading it before the third installment for the full experience and history of some of the characters you meet in this one. 5 stars all around! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Colton's friends and allies have been split and battle separate conflicts. Some are more individual, fighting to stay alive. Some are diplomatic as alliances shift. But all need to reunite to overcome the looming threat that grows more powerful by the day. I loved the different POVs that give a full view of the war and how each plays an important role in any possible victory. But a new element threatens to tip the scales in the enemies favor.
I love this series and highly recommend diving in. If you want to test the waters, the Princess of Oldir is a novella that can be read first. Either way, I recommend reading it before the third installment for the full experience and history of some of the characters you meet in this one. 5 stars all around! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 17, 2025
Oh boy, when is book 4?
4.5 stars and a really solid one too.
As always, the story starts off where we left off in book 2. Where has Colt gone?! What about our friends who were taken prisoner?
Well, we find out and it's not a fun time.
This book had lots of nods and tie ins with The Princess of Oldir, which is a novella and my first introduction to Bryan's work. I loved seeing the pieces laid there coming together in this story.
We have lots of tears, lots of triumphs, and a scary path laid out for our heroes, but not one without hope.
That's all I am going to say. Read it!
4.5 stars and a really solid one too.
As always, the story starts off where we left off in book 2. Where has Colt gone?! What about our friends who were taken prisoner?
Well, we find out and it's not a fun time.
This book had lots of nods and tie ins with The Princess of Oldir, which is a novella and my first introduction to Bryan's work. I loved seeing the pieces laid there coming together in this story.
We have lots of tears, lots of triumphs, and a scary path laid out for our heroes, but not one without hope.
That's all I am going to say. Read it!
August 30, 2025
Action Packed! I enjoyed the multiple POV from a great cast of characters. Excited that their story will continue, because I was truly not ready to say goodbye to them or their worlds. Even the villains have me invested in their own stories. Anxiously awaiting the next book!
April 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of The Dark Element. It continues where book 2 left off. The world is further expanded by the POV of the Son of the Prophets and friends. This is a must read for fans of the series or fans of the fantasy and sci-fi genres.
June 6, 2025
The third installment and does not disappoint!
More political intrigue more character depth and arcs being explored. Bryan has thought this thing out and is ready for you join the batte of the stars this summmer as Colton and crew deal with battles being fought internally and externally.. this book if the celebration of the other characters and their dealings with this battle that is being waged. We get more time with ace, morris, David, violet, Kyra and Kevin and we get to see their perspective and respective roles within this book!! I cannnt wait for the next one.
More political intrigue more character depth and arcs being explored. Bryan has thought this thing out and is ready for you join the batte of the stars this summmer as Colton and crew deal with battles being fought internally and externally.. this book if the celebration of the other characters and their dealings with this battle that is being waged. We get more time with ace, morris, David, violet, Kyra and Kevin and we get to see their perspective and respective roles within this book!! I cannnt wait for the next one.
May 20, 2025
Well, today is the day.
Thank you to all of you amazing readers who enjoy this unique sci-fi/fantasy blend! I never knew what to expect when first crafting up this tale, and I've been blown away by how many others seem to want more epic fantasy in space. I hope I'm offering you all another entertaining adventure through the stars with this one. For me, it's the greatest journey yet.
Enjoy, my friends!
Thank you to all of you amazing readers who enjoy this unique sci-fi/fantasy blend! I never knew what to expect when first crafting up this tale, and I've been blown away by how many others seem to want more epic fantasy in space. I hope I'm offering you all another entertaining adventure through the stars with this one. For me, it's the greatest journey yet.
Enjoy, my friends!
June 19, 2025
Wow! Every book in this series just keeps getting better. The action sequences where insane and all of the POVs were on point. Full review to come I need some time to process.
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