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The Dark Lord's Handbook #2
Conquest
It’s not easy being a Dark Lord. Morden has to finish building his fortress, gather the last of his host, issue forth to conquer the world, and keep his Dark Queen happy. And it's not made easy by dragon slayers, heroes, and old men standing in his way on the path to world domination.
Fortunately, he has The Dark Lord's Handbook to give him sage advice to see him through these tough times.
Fortunately, he has The Dark Lord's Handbook to give him sage advice to see him through these tough times.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
85 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dale
4 books65 followersI live in Bath, England, a city rich in Roman and Georgian heritage. When I’m not writing, I’m cycling the surrounding hills of the Mendips and Cotswolds.
I studied Physics with Applied Physics at Bath University, later earning an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University.
My first work, a satirical fantasy trilogy, The Dark Lord’s Handbook, explores whether anyone can be born entirely evil—even a Dark Lord. My latest novel, Artificial Intelligence: Awakening, shifts to science fiction, tackling the accelerating impact of technology on society. While more serious in tone, it still carries moments of humour and aims to spark thoughtful conversation.
I studied Physics with Applied Physics at Bath University, later earning an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University.
My first work, a satirical fantasy trilogy, The Dark Lord’s Handbook, explores whether anyone can be born entirely evil—even a Dark Lord. My latest novel, Artificial Intelligence: Awakening, shifts to science fiction, tackling the accelerating impact of technology on society. While more serious in tone, it still carries moments of humour and aims to spark thoughtful conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 24, 2021
Never wrote a review for this. I didn't finish at the half way point. I just didn't care for this book or series at all. Just really left a bad taste in mouth. I didn't like any of the characters either, which didn't help. Ah well.
December 8, 2014
Another fun read. Morden has marshaled his forces and is intent on Coming Forth to conquer the known world and stand up to the forces of Good. This was a good follow up to The Dark Lord's Handbook and is a send up of all the archtypes of fantasy - but having said that it still has an interesting story and character developments. Its hard to tell from the ending if there'll be a book 3 in the series.
September 29, 2014
Morden, who has learnt all his Dark Lording from a book legible only to him, is now intent upon Issuing Forth from his dread stronghold to conquer his enemies. There are heroes intent upon stopping him and they have recruited some ancient beings to help. Griselda, his foul-mouthed Dark Queen, leaves and opposes him. However, a new flight of dark dragons arises to assist him. There's a furious battle at the end and things throughout didn't always turn out as I expected.
I loved Book One of this series and the same wry humour pervades this second book. For a ruthless, self-serving villain, Lord Morden Deathwing has an endearing side and I find myself torn between wanting the 'goodies' to win - including a rich and self-indulgent Chancellor and cheering for an undead dragonlich. Such is the persuasive power of Paul Dale's writing. Very enjoyable.
I loved Book One of this series and the same wry humour pervades this second book. For a ruthless, self-serving villain, Lord Morden Deathwing has an endearing side and I find myself torn between wanting the 'goodies' to win - including a rich and self-indulgent Chancellor and cheering for an undead dragonlich. Such is the persuasive power of Paul Dale's writing. Very enjoyable.
December 31, 2014
Still amusing in this continuation. I particularly like lines like "Land crept over the horizon as if it were concerned about who might see it."
November 6, 2014
I read Paul Dale's first book in the Dark Lord series and knew I must read his new release in this series which hadn't been out that long.
This book had all the characteristics you'd expect in the Good vs Evil saga, however I found myself rooting for Morden. In someways he is the Hero but being evil is so much fun for Morden. The ending leaves us to believe that we haven't finished with Morden's adventures just yet.
Well worth read if humor is your thing and well worth adding to your collection.
This book had all the characteristics you'd expect in the Good vs Evil saga, however I found myself rooting for Morden. In someways he is the Hero but being evil is so much fun for Morden. The ending leaves us to believe that we haven't finished with Morden's adventures just yet.
Well worth read if humor is your thing and well worth adding to your collection.
June 25, 2018
No 'second book syndrome' here, this is probably better than the first as the author gets into his strife with this epic fantasy from the P.O.V. of the dark lord.
There are some deaths of major characters, some welcome and some not so welcome
Looking forward to the conclusion.
There are some deaths of major characters, some welcome and some not so welcome
Looking forward to the conclusion.
July 3, 2017
Better
I still found some of the supporting characters to be of more interest than the MC.
I also found two spots missing punctuation.
Overall though I enjoyed the story and am about to start book three.
I recommend this book for those who are tired of some muscle bound idiot of a hero always winning, not by being smarter, but because he had great gear and luck to save the day.
I'm just tired of brain dead heroes.
I still found some of the supporting characters to be of more interest than the MC.
I also found two spots missing punctuation.
Overall though I enjoyed the story and am about to start book three.
I recommend this book for those who are tired of some muscle bound idiot of a hero always winning, not by being smarter, but because he had great gear and luck to save the day.
I'm just tired of brain dead heroes.
October 3, 2018
Dark Lord Morden is the textbook modern leader. That is if your textbook is a magic tome that writes specific guidance only readable by you on how to bring all the world under your dark gaze.
The Dark Lord has amassed his armies, built his "Fortress of Despair" which is next to a convenient rumbling volcano and only awaits the awakening of his great superweapon (hint it's not cannons) before sallying forth to crush the world beneath his skeletal foot.
But the wrong thinking folk who oppose him include an hero from a previous story who wakens really annoying forces for good from an earlier epoch, the richest most powerful man in world who realises with a darklord on top he can only be worse off, and an ex-Dark Queen who is looking to use a heroic ancient blade to file for permanent divorce.
This tales follows the events recounted in The Dark Lord’s Handbook and if you enjoyed it, and why wouldn't you then this is even better, no middle book issue with this story. The dialog is even sharper, the tired fantasy tropes are even obvious and loveingly upended in so delightful a way that whilst you know who is supposed to win, and since there is a third book you are fairly confident that Dark Lord Morden will be standing by the end of it, it’s a delightful surprise to see how he gets there. The diversion into well-thought-out dungeon design taking sensible precautions to prevent nitwit heroes companions escaping is an example and well worth the price of the book alone.
Anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, but wants the familiar tales upended and hoary old tropes played with, then I recommend Paul Dale's The Dark lord's Handbook:Conquest.
The Dark Lord has amassed his armies, built his "Fortress of Despair" which is next to a convenient rumbling volcano and only awaits the awakening of his great superweapon (hint it's not cannons) before sallying forth to crush the world beneath his skeletal foot.
But the wrong thinking folk who oppose him include an hero from a previous story who wakens really annoying forces for good from an earlier epoch, the richest most powerful man in world who realises with a darklord on top he can only be worse off, and an ex-Dark Queen who is looking to use a heroic ancient blade to file for permanent divorce.
This tales follows the events recounted in The Dark Lord’s Handbook and if you enjoyed it, and why wouldn't you then this is even better, no middle book issue with this story. The dialog is even sharper, the tired fantasy tropes are even obvious and loveingly upended in so delightful a way that whilst you know who is supposed to win, and since there is a third book you are fairly confident that Dark Lord Morden will be standing by the end of it, it’s a delightful surprise to see how he gets there. The diversion into well-thought-out dungeon design taking sensible precautions to prevent nitwit heroes companions escaping is an example and well worth the price of the book alone.
Anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, but wants the familiar tales upended and hoary old tropes played with, then I recommend Paul Dale's The Dark lord's Handbook:Conquest.
December 18, 2014
A continuation of Morden the Dark Lord's Unheroic Journey, set three years after the ending of the first book. Essentially, more of the same as the previous book: inversion of genre tropes, light and wry tone, sensible villains, and psychotic heroes.
The POV switching was more cumbersome this time around, as I found myself interested primarily with Morden's story, followed somewhat by Penbury's. Edwin's POV chapters are just unpleasant, and Hal's and Zara's POV chapters are tedious.
On the other hand, I did find the overall story arc much more engaging, with higher stakes that compelled me to keep reading. By the climactic showdown, I honestly didn't know which way the story would turn, as the book tends to play coy with its genre-twists.
Overall, I enjoyed it more than the first book and look forward to the possible sequel.
The POV switching was more cumbersome this time around, as I found myself interested primarily with Morden's story, followed somewhat by Penbury's. Edwin's POV chapters are just unpleasant, and Hal's and Zara's POV chapters are tedious.
On the other hand, I did find the overall story arc much more engaging, with higher stakes that compelled me to keep reading. By the climactic showdown, I honestly didn't know which way the story would turn, as the book tends to play coy with its genre-twists.
Overall, I enjoyed it more than the first book and look forward to the possible sequel.
May 25, 2015
Well Concluded
The sequel in the Dark Lord saga shows us that Dark Lords have their own set of difficulties with servants, enemies, and relatives. Being successful is never easy, especially when you're mostly dead.
The book is really quite good, although it flagged here and e it is a very satisfying conclusion overall. New characters, surprises, and the continuing dry wit found in the Handbook makes for a good read. Pick this one up, especially to see how things transpire for Morden.
The sequel in the Dark Lord saga shows us that Dark Lords have their own set of difficulties with servants, enemies, and relatives. Being successful is never easy, especially when you're mostly dead.
The book is really quite good, although it flagged here and e it is a very satisfying conclusion overall. New characters, surprises, and the continuing dry wit found in the Handbook makes for a good read. Pick this one up, especially to see how things transpire for Morden.
July 8, 2015
Tres estrellas y media
Más sofísticado que el anterior, igualmente entretenido pero quizá menos espontáneo. Si hubo partes que me hicieron reír bastante.
Entre el absurdo y las exageraciones que al final atinan justo a los más clásicos clichés, uno se divierte mucho.
Y además se aprende todo lo necesario para ser un buen señor tenebroso, y cómo lidiar con los problemas comunes del puesto.
Más sofísticado que el anterior, igualmente entretenido pero quizá menos espontáneo. Si hubo partes que me hicieron reír bastante.
Entre el absurdo y las exageraciones que al final atinan justo a los más clásicos clichés, uno se divierte mucho.
Y además se aprende todo lo necesario para ser un buen señor tenebroso, y cómo lidiar con los problemas comunes del puesto.
December 26, 2014
Great follow-up couldn't put it down!
These books have been very entertaining and a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed the fresh take the series presents. Even with the humour and satire I was still drawn into the story, in some ways more than normal because I never knew when a port twist might happen for a laugh.
These books have been very entertaining and a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed the fresh take the series presents. Even with the humour and satire I was still drawn into the story, in some ways more than normal because I never knew when a port twist might happen for a laugh.
May 23, 2016
Awesome read
I loved it. Great follow up to the first novel. Humorous, witty, gritty, naughty, and a literary trove of words I had to occasionally look up. The story is colorful, imaginative, and compelling. A page turner. I read it while taking breaks from end of semester grading. Great motivation to keep grading.
I loved it. Great follow up to the first novel. Humorous, witty, gritty, naughty, and a literary trove of words I had to occasionally look up. The story is colorful, imaginative, and compelling. A page turner. I read it while taking breaks from end of semester grading. Great motivation to keep grading.
November 23, 2014
Interesting twist
I love the way this book turned everything on its head and told the story from the standpoint of the villain, pulling tropes from popular high fantasy in this battle of good vs evil.
I love the way this book turned everything on its head and told the story from the standpoint of the villain, pulling tropes from popular high fantasy in this battle of good vs evil.
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January 30, 2015paul strikes again!
The evolution of the Dark Lord continues...As we journey through Morden's adventures we are witness to his failings and triumphs; all in NOT well for the empire, but it is very much still a good tale. Bravo, Paul!
The evolution of the Dark Lord continues...As we journey through Morden's adventures we are witness to his failings and triumphs; all in NOT well for the empire, but it is very much still a good tale. Bravo, Paul!
February 29, 2016
Although this book is not near as funny, it still manages some great laughs. The chapter on Death Traps is great! This book stood more as a serious sequel. The imagery in this book was really good. I look forward to book 3.
June 7, 2015
I give up. Not my cup of tea.
January 11, 2015
Meh. Abandoning this book for now at around 20%. First one was funny but this one just feels stretched...
February 28, 2015
I thought it was pretty good
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I hope to see more from this author. Very entertaining.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I hope to see more from this author. Very entertaining.
May 3, 2015
I found this book slower to read than the first- unusual for me I got bored about half way through.
October 21, 2015
Still really enjoyable, but nothing extraordinary.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews