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The Small Gods #2
The Darkness Comes
"You have brought to me Vesisdenperos, the sculptor. The one born to ensure the return of the Small Gods.”
When shadows fall, the darkness comes...
A disgraced Goddess Mother wanders blind and alone, praying for her agony to end. When a helpful apostle finds her, could it truly be salvation, or does worse torment lie ahead?
A sister struggles to understand a prophecy that may not be meant for her while her brother fights for his life. If the firstborn child of the rightful king dies, will it spell the end for everyone?
Darkness and shadow creep across the land in the form of a fierce clay golem animated by its sculptor's blood. It seeks a mythical creature whose sacrifice portends the return of ancient evil banished from the world long ago. With its return will come the fall of man.
As the game unfolds, the Small Gods watch from the sky, waiting for their time to come and their chance to rise again. They wait for the fall of shadows, the coming of the darkness.
They wait for night to descend.
The quest for the revival of the Small Gods continues. Scroll up to the top and one-click it NOW.
Some of the categories which would apply to The Darkness
Fantasy Characters/Gods & Goddesses
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Metaphysical & Visionary
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Thriller
When shadows fall, the darkness comes...
A disgraced Goddess Mother wanders blind and alone, praying for her agony to end. When a helpful apostle finds her, could it truly be salvation, or does worse torment lie ahead?
A sister struggles to understand a prophecy that may not be meant for her while her brother fights for his life. If the firstborn child of the rightful king dies, will it spell the end for everyone?
Darkness and shadow creep across the land in the form of a fierce clay golem animated by its sculptor's blood. It seeks a mythical creature whose sacrifice portends the return of ancient evil banished from the world long ago. With its return will come the fall of man.
As the game unfolds, the Small Gods watch from the sky, waiting for their time to come and their chance to rise again. They wait for the fall of shadows, the coming of the darkness.
They wait for night to descend.
The quest for the revival of the Small Gods continues. Scroll up to the top and one-click it NOW.
Some of the categories which would apply to The Darkness
Fantasy Characters/Gods & Goddesses
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Metaphysical & Visionary
Science Fiction & Fantasy/Thriller
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2015
8 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Blake
69 books85 followersBruce Blake lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. When pressing issues like shovelling snow and building igloos don't take up his spare time, Bruce can be found taking the dog sled to the nearest cafe to work on his short stories and novels.
Actually, Victoria, B.C. is only a couple hours north of Seattle, Wash., where more rain is seen than snow. Since snow isn't really a pressing issue, Bruce spends more time trying to remember to leave the "u" out of words like "colour" and "neighbour" than he does shovelling.
Bruce's first short story, "Another Man's Shoes" was published in the Winter 2008 edition of Cemetery Moon. "Yardwork" was made into a podcast in Oct., 2011 by Pseudopod. "On Unfaithful Wings" is Bruce's first novel but there are many more to come.
Actually, Victoria, B.C. is only a couple hours north of Seattle, Wash., where more rain is seen than snow. Since snow isn't really a pressing issue, Bruce spends more time trying to remember to leave the "u" out of words like "colour" and "neighbour" than he does shovelling.
Bruce's first short story, "Another Man's Shoes" was published in the Winter 2008 edition of Cemetery Moon. "Yardwork" was made into a podcast in Oct., 2011 by Pseudopod. "On Unfaithful Wings" is Bruce's first novel but there are many more to come.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 10, 2015
The Darkness Comes - Bruce Blake
Beauty, Books and Babble
★★★★✩
As part of the Neverland Blog Tour for The Darkness comes by Bruce Blake, I received a review copy of the book, so a big thank you to Jenny. I gave this book 4 stars, and am excited for the next installment of the series! My review is spoiler free but may mention things from the first book. Find my review for the first book here.
The Darkness Comes is the second book in Bruce Blake's The Small Gods series. We continue to follow the stories of the numerous characters from the first installment, each of them heading towards their own individual goal.
The first book drew me in from the very start, and this second installment managed to pull me straight into it's pages yet again with an action packed prologue which spilled blood straight from the off, preparing me for an exciting journey alongside the characters. I was pleased to see more action scenes throughout the book, more fatalies along the characters' journeys and more tense moments within the chapters; all of these made for a much more exciting read.
Bruce Blake did a magnificent job laying the groundwork in the first book, and followed it by doing a brilliant job with character development in The Darkness Comes. I have started to truly become invested in the characters that were already in existence, and I adored the new additions as well. They were all so well fleshed out, and their distinct personalities leapt off the page and onto my skin, making me cringe, chuckle and empathise.
I found a couple of typos in the text, but nothing to affect the storyline, and otherwise, I couldn't fault Bruce Blake's writing in the slightest. It was enjoyable and compelling, and Blake has no difficulty describing the aesthetics of land and scenery, really allowing the reader to build pictures in their mind. I love the fact that the narrative is driven from the point of view of the characters involved in the story itself, and each of them hold a distinct personality and voice.
The well thought out and developed world that Blake has created became so much more interesting as the tension builds within the individual paths of each character, and their seemingly unconnected stories begin to cross and tangle within one another.
After being left with unanswered questions, characters lives on the line, and foreshadowing of big things to happen, I can't wait to sink my teeth into the next installment, and would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction with a dash of fantasy!
"A Small God shall fall so the Small Gods might rise."
January 30, 2018
A few more errors in this book including the final chapter titled as Teryk but actually being Horace. The author spends a lot of unnecessary time focussed on penises and scrotums. It doesn’t add to the story in any way so the only reason to do it is for shock value, but that doesn’t work either.
I was hoping that the story would progress further than it did. At times it felt quite draggy, as if the author needed to fill pages.
I was hoping that the story would progress further than it did. At times it felt quite draggy, as if the author needed to fill pages.
July 25, 2015
*I received a free copy from the author for an honest review*
This is a good continuation to the first book with addition of more characters. Where does the author come up with them?? I am having a bit of a hard time keeping them catalogued in my mind. But it adds an air of mystery to everyone and this kept me glued to the book.
Finally the characters are being explored with their actions and reactions to their situations and this caused me to understand them better. So I can say that they are a bit more developed compared to the previous book. I read this book faster than the other one because of familiarity with most characters and also the fast paced nature of the tale. It has a bit more life and it caught me with the various sub plots. Teryn missed most of the action while Danya comes out of his shadow to show more of her adventurous side. Their story felt like the main link which connects all the other threads of the story. The character I loved best was Thorn with his idiosyncrasies. I was reminded of a chameleon by Thorn. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a "bad" guy.
I was especially engaged by the various orders of the Goddess which gave me the feeling this is another important sub plot same as Teryn and Danya's. Of course, the earthy parts kind of put me off but the story has enough masala to make me keep reading the series.
The writing was good with clear descriptions and free flowing dialogues. It isn't hard to follow the story line inspite of the numerous characters involved. I feel that the two books have only scratched the top of the tale and there is more to come which will keep me engrossed. I am totally looking forward to the next book!
My one line review : A great continuation to a fantasy tale which will keep you turning the pages.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 3/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
This is a good continuation to the first book with addition of more characters. Where does the author come up with them?? I am having a bit of a hard time keeping them catalogued in my mind. But it adds an air of mystery to everyone and this kept me glued to the book.
Finally the characters are being explored with their actions and reactions to their situations and this caused me to understand them better. So I can say that they are a bit more developed compared to the previous book. I read this book faster than the other one because of familiarity with most characters and also the fast paced nature of the tale. It has a bit more life and it caught me with the various sub plots. Teryn missed most of the action while Danya comes out of his shadow to show more of her adventurous side. Their story felt like the main link which connects all the other threads of the story. The character I loved best was Thorn with his idiosyncrasies. I was reminded of a chameleon by Thorn. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a "bad" guy.
I was especially engaged by the various orders of the Goddess which gave me the feeling this is another important sub plot same as Teryn and Danya's. Of course, the earthy parts kind of put me off but the story has enough masala to make me keep reading the series.
The writing was good with clear descriptions and free flowing dialogues. It isn't hard to follow the story line inspite of the numerous characters involved. I feel that the two books have only scratched the top of the tale and there is more to come which will keep me engrossed. I am totally looking forward to the next book!
My one line review : A great continuation to a fantasy tale which will keep you turning the pages.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 3/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
April 2, 2015
I was hooked, once again, by the time I was into the first page. I can’t pin point what it is, but Bruce has a writing style that just sucks me in and hold me in his books. I love the story line of the first book in the series, When Shadows Fall, and The Darkness Comes flows like I never took a break from reading. I loved all the same characters in this book and my favorite, Horace, didn’t disappoint.
Who doesn’t love tales that thrill and contain The Mother Goddess and Small Gods? And let’s not forget the prophecy that needs to be fulfilled. I loved following around the Prince and Princess although, I cried thinking Prince Teryk was dead. And I love a good book that can make me a little girly enough to cry. I shivered reading how creepy it was of the Princess meeting the Mother of Death.
All together an amazing story, and a great way to follow up the first book. Please if you write anymore books, Bruce, I want to review them. I find your work just amazing and place you among my favorite authors! Thank you so much for this opportunity to review your work.
If you haven’t yet, please get your copy of these great reads and spread the word! These books will rock your world!!!! Link love below!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SW7G4K8
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Who doesn’t love tales that thrill and contain The Mother Goddess and Small Gods? And let’s not forget the prophecy that needs to be fulfilled. I loved following around the Prince and Princess although, I cried thinking Prince Teryk was dead. And I love a good book that can make me a little girly enough to cry. I shivered reading how creepy it was of the Princess meeting the Mother of Death.
All together an amazing story, and a great way to follow up the first book. Please if you write anymore books, Bruce, I want to review them. I find your work just amazing and place you among my favorite authors! Thank you so much for this opportunity to review your work.
If you haven’t yet, please get your copy of these great reads and spread the word! These books will rock your world!!!! Link love below!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SW7G4K8
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
July 24, 2015
SNS Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is the second book in the series and now it makes more sense. There are some new characters but we get to read more about the older ones., The prince & princess find themselves both lost as Teryk has been found and hidden for awhile as the people that found out wanted a ransom. But before that could happen he was put on a board. Is he the man from across the sea? or is it Horace, he has his own problems with Thorn. Horace can't seem to keep out of trouble and Thorn just wants to go home.
The princess has been given a task but I fear that the Mother of the dead is abit insane. Will she ever find her brother?
Ailyssa has found a new home but it isn't what it seems. The women are used as whores and this is not wanted she wanted for herself or her long lost daughter. But there is a man that is going to save her but will she be able to find her daughter again?
The story has a great pace and never a dull moment but you need to follow it carefully or else you get lost. The goddess is a man awful woman that hopefully gets taken down. Where to from here? There are so many questions as the story just gets better as it goes along. Love the characters well not all of them but that is what makes the story so good as there is good & evil. Let's see where the story takes us too.
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is the second book in the series and now it makes more sense. There are some new characters but we get to read more about the older ones., The prince & princess find themselves both lost as Teryk has been found and hidden for awhile as the people that found out wanted a ransom. But before that could happen he was put on a board. Is he the man from across the sea? or is it Horace, he has his own problems with Thorn. Horace can't seem to keep out of trouble and Thorn just wants to go home.
The princess has been given a task but I fear that the Mother of the dead is abit insane. Will she ever find her brother?
Ailyssa has found a new home but it isn't what it seems. The women are used as whores and this is not wanted she wanted for herself or her long lost daughter. But there is a man that is going to save her but will she be able to find her daughter again?
The story has a great pace and never a dull moment but you need to follow it carefully or else you get lost. The goddess is a man awful woman that hopefully gets taken down. Where to from here? There are so many questions as the story just gets better as it goes along. Love the characters well not all of them but that is what makes the story so good as there is good & evil. Let's see where the story takes us too.
July 27, 2015
The second book in the series is much like the first. You continue to follow the journey of the various players, and you get to meet a couple of new ones along the way.
The style is much the same. The story bounces back and forth amongst the characters' perspectives, taking the reader on a journey with each character as their part of the tale unfolds. Along the way, they manage to encounter the worst parts of human society and yet they continue to persevere. Each character has a set of trials they have to endure in order to get to the next phase of their journey. And even though the prophecy looms over the tale, the author doesn't even hint at where all of these assorted paths are going.
Although parts of the story aren't exactly appealing to me, I appreciate the masterful way he crafts the story and I give him credit for keeping me interested in the story's conclusion. I have to give the book 5-Stars because it does hold my attention even through some difficult scenes. This one is not for the faint of heart--violence and some possibly disturbing sexual situations can be found in the pages of this epic journey so proceed with caution.
The style is much the same. The story bounces back and forth amongst the characters' perspectives, taking the reader on a journey with each character as their part of the tale unfolds. Along the way, they manage to encounter the worst parts of human society and yet they continue to persevere. Each character has a set of trials they have to endure in order to get to the next phase of their journey. And even though the prophecy looms over the tale, the author doesn't even hint at where all of these assorted paths are going.
Although parts of the story aren't exactly appealing to me, I appreciate the masterful way he crafts the story and I give him credit for keeping me interested in the story's conclusion. I have to give the book 5-Stars because it does hold my attention even through some difficult scenes. This one is not for the faint of heart--violence and some possibly disturbing sexual situations can be found in the pages of this epic journey so proceed with caution.
July 27, 2015
This book really gets it's sea legs (haha - see what I did there? Horace would be proud....) We lose a couple characters but gain a couple in this book and I'm happy to have the changes!
This book is really fascinating because it actually let's the reader delve into the characters, which is something I was very happy about. There are a lot of questions that come up that make me incredibly excited for book 3. How is the Mother of Death pregnant - what does it mean?! Danya has the seed of life?! Is Danya the one actually spoken of in the prophecy?! WHO IS THE MAN IN THE RED PANTS?!?! AHHH!!!!
The world building continued in this one and I'm interested to see where it all goes. This series has a Game of Thrones feel to it, with all the characters running towards some point in the future and the reader just isn't sure who is going to make it out alive....So many questions....
This book is really fascinating because it actually let's the reader delve into the characters, which is something I was very happy about. There are a lot of questions that come up that make me incredibly excited for book 3. How is the Mother of Death pregnant - what does it mean?! Danya has the seed of life?! Is Danya the one actually spoken of in the prophecy?! WHO IS THE MAN IN THE RED PANTS?!?! AHHH!!!!
The world building continued in this one and I'm interested to see where it all goes. This series has a Game of Thrones feel to it, with all the characters running towards some point in the future and the reader just isn't sure who is going to make it out alive....So many questions....
January 23, 2016
this is part of the Magic of books promotions and given in exchange for an honest review .
so when we last saw the prince he was a captive now will he live or die and what of Horace and the gray man and the blind woman who was of the Goddess and the Princess who must follow her own path but will the Prince and the Princess's paths come together or will each path be the end or the begining find out how the sculpters making is also part of the prophecy will the world end while the Small gods return or will man kind be saved find out by buying and reading this series and read book 3 to find out how it all ends .
so when we last saw the prince he was a captive now will he live or die and what of Horace and the gray man and the blind woman who was of the Goddess and the Princess who must follow her own path but will the Prince and the Princess's paths come together or will each path be the end or the begining find out how the sculpters making is also part of the prophecy will the world end while the Small gods return or will man kind be saved find out by buying and reading this series and read book 3 to find out how it all ends .
October 5, 2015
In this second book the flow is still the same and you get hooked in as you continue on the journey with the characters. I was able to connect with the new characters as well as with the characters from the first book. Bruce is a new author for me and I was kind of hesitant to read his work for the simple fact that he was a male writer. I am so glad that I didnt let that stop me and I cant wait to read book 3
January 12, 2016
The second book in the Small God series is a fabulous fantasy read.
Moving from one character to another gives great insight into their personalities and just how well they develop
within the plot...one which is slowly and cleverly is revealed.
Superb storytelling and a compelling read.
Yes, I have book three on my list.
Highly recommended.
Moving from one character to another gives great insight into their personalities and just how well they develop
within the plot...one which is slowly and cleverly is revealed.
Superb storytelling and a compelling read.
Yes, I have book three on my list.
Highly recommended.
July 28, 2015
Again I have to say the writing is well done, he does write the time era well also, allowing you to see how people talked and communicated. However he still goes from one pov to the next, it is very confusing for me. If you like that and can handle this kind of writing it is deff for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews