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Deadlights Duology #2
Dweller in Darkness
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26All of Cassius Marius' life has been spent in service to the Pale King. Ever since his birth sixteen years ago on the night the Hero of Hathur died, his mother prepared him to join the Lightbringers: seven young men selected every equinox by the Church of the Pale King to descend underground to hunt and destroy the Dweller in Darkness, a chthonic entity the Church names as source of an unnatural blight ravaging Hathur and beyond, year after year.
Cassius has known since he could speak that he was destined to destroy the great evil poisoning his home. His inevitable confrontation with the Dweller on his holy descent changes him inside and out and puts him on a collision course with the Pale King he once worshipped. With his world and body crumbling around him, Cassius must choose between loyalty and honor, family and humanity, not to save his home. But to destroy it.
Cassius has known since he could speak that he was destined to destroy the great evil poisoning his home. His inevitable confrontation with the Dweller on his holy descent changes him inside and out and puts him on a collision course with the Pale King he once worshipped. With his world and body crumbling around him, Cassius must choose between loyalty and honor, family and humanity, not to save his home. But to destroy it.
- GenresDark Fantasy
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really wanted to like Dweller in Darkness— I love dark fantasy, especially when it's mixed with horror, and the blurb looked really promising. Unfortunately, the second book in Deadlights duology turned out to be too rough around the edges for my liking.
Writing style was ok, not bad but I wasn't wowed either. This may be just my pet peeve, but I found verb tense inconsistencies throughout the book jarring.
I couldn't shake the feeling that the author couldn't decide whether to tell the story in present or past tense, so he kept switching between the two, often within the same paragraph or even sentence.
(She left your father for him and takes you and your sister with her.
… There, just barely visible at the foot of altar, knelt you, Gaius Cassius Marius. You rise from your knees, raise your arms as if offering yourself, and climb the steps of altar…)
My second issue with prose in Dweller in Darkness were structurally clumsy and semantically ambiguous sentences, which could've been avoided if chunks of text were broken into shorter sentences or structured differently.
(You rode your smiling father’s shoulders above a crowd of hundreds in the local Chapel, enamored of the constellations etched in the stone ceiling like a cosmic spiderweb, holding hands with your older sister, likewise atop your enraptured mother.
… False idols pointed your rage and shame outward; twisted your desires to their ends; crafted monsters out of others and demanded that you slay them and bloody your hands on their behalf.)
My biggest complaint about worldbuilding is that the world of Dweller in Darkness was starkly black and white and complex issues of cultural and religious clashes were tackled with little to no nuance or depth.
The conquerors, their society and their religion didn't have single redeeming quality. "New" religion promotes and supports inequality, oppression and subjugation; every single member of conquering society is xenophobic, misogynistic, bloodthirsty religious fanatic. On the other hand, conquered society is described as egalitarian utopia, and their "old" religion is equally seemingly flawless.
Characters suffered from the same issues as worldbuilding. Female characters were either crank-it-to-eleven ambitious, backstabbing bitches (when they had agency) or they existed solely as voiceless objects of "male gaze".
Aside from protagonist Cassius (who was somehow different because we're supposed to root for him), every other male character was a walking bunch of red flags— casually cruel bully? check. sexist/misogynist? check. Predator? check. Religious fanatic? check.
I honestly couldn't tell other Lightbringers in Cassius' group apart because they were basically the same person, shallow, underdeveloped and flawed in exactly the same way.
Dweller in Darkness had an interesting premise and a lot of potential, but unfortunately it didn't quite fulfil it.
I really wanted to like Dweller in Darkness— I love dark fantasy, especially when it's mixed with horror, and the blurb looked really promising. Unfortunately, the second book in Deadlights duology turned out to be too rough around the edges for my liking.
Writing style was ok, not bad but I wasn't wowed either. This may be just my pet peeve, but I found verb tense inconsistencies throughout the book jarring.
I couldn't shake the feeling that the author couldn't decide whether to tell the story in present or past tense, so he kept switching between the two, often within the same paragraph or even sentence.
(She left your father for him and takes you and your sister with her.
… There, just barely visible at the foot of altar, knelt you, Gaius Cassius Marius. You rise from your knees, raise your arms as if offering yourself, and climb the steps of altar…)
My second issue with prose in Dweller in Darkness were structurally clumsy and semantically ambiguous sentences, which could've been avoided if chunks of text were broken into shorter sentences or structured differently.
(You rode your smiling father’s shoulders above a crowd of hundreds in the local Chapel, enamored of the constellations etched in the stone ceiling like a cosmic spiderweb, holding hands with your older sister, likewise atop your enraptured mother.
… False idols pointed your rage and shame outward; twisted your desires to their ends; crafted monsters out of others and demanded that you slay them and bloody your hands on their behalf.)
My biggest complaint about worldbuilding is that the world of Dweller in Darkness was starkly black and white and complex issues of cultural and religious clashes were tackled with little to no nuance or depth.
The conquerors, their society and their religion didn't have single redeeming quality. "New" religion promotes and supports inequality, oppression and subjugation; every single member of conquering society is xenophobic, misogynistic, bloodthirsty religious fanatic. On the other hand, conquered society is described as egalitarian utopia, and their "old" religion is equally seemingly flawless.
Characters suffered from the same issues as worldbuilding. Female characters were either crank-it-to-eleven ambitious, backstabbing bitches (when they had agency) or they existed solely as voiceless objects of "male gaze".
Aside from protagonist Cassius (who was somehow different because we're supposed to root for him), every other male character was a walking bunch of red flags— casually cruel bully? check. sexist/misogynist? check. Predator? check. Religious fanatic? check.
I honestly couldn't tell other Lightbringers in Cassius' group apart because they were basically the same person, shallow, underdeveloped and flawed in exactly the same way.
Dweller in Darkness had an interesting premise and a lot of potential, but unfortunately it didn't quite fulfil it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the way this man tells a story. If only more coming-of-age stories could feature his specific mix of religion, rot, eldritch horror, and familial dysfunction. I will always enjoy a story that focuses on the amorality of religious zeal, and the way that believers are fodder for the greater machinations of those in charge, whether they be false gods, clergy, or simply wealthy elites. That being said, reading the second half of this duology was like watching The Legend of Korra after growing up with Avatar Aang. 🥲
I loved the predecessor; the detail put into the setting and characters, the slow dismantling of a worldview that Faron was desperate to cling to, the overall atmosphere that made me want to scrub my skin raw...
But 16 years in the future, we have young Cassius, a boy who has had everything provided, whose devotion to his religion isn't for sanctuary but as a matter of course, and who aches to be part of a suicide mission for the sake of bravado and pride...and it's just disrespectful - to these children being raised for slaughter, and to the efforts that came before.
Mystery of the Pale King had reluctance, agonizing over choices made, and succinct, purposeful prose...Dweller in Darkness gave me petty meat puppets with hubris and hormones. As Faron said, "The world isn't the problem. It's the wanting." And that's all these young men have been taught to do. To be fair, that's EXACTLY the point, and everyone involved is a product of world radically changed from the first book, but my jaded, grumpy heart wants these children to be as mature (traumatized) as Faron was originally. I feel like an angry boomer ranting about young people having things too easy these days 🤦🏻♀️
Ultimately, I can't be too upset with a story just because it's author did a good job of conveying things I strongly dislike, and truly I love the duology itself. Thank you Sam for the opportunity to read both through BookSirens. I look forward to anything else you decide to publish.
I loved the predecessor; the detail put into the setting and characters, the slow dismantling of a worldview that Faron was desperate to cling to, the overall atmosphere that made me want to scrub my skin raw...
But 16 years in the future, we have young Cassius, a boy who has had everything provided, whose devotion to his religion isn't for sanctuary but as a matter of course, and who aches to be part of a suicide mission for the sake of bravado and pride...and it's just disrespectful - to these children being raised for slaughter, and to the efforts that came before.
Mystery of the Pale King had reluctance, agonizing over choices made, and succinct, purposeful prose...Dweller in Darkness gave me petty meat puppets with hubris and hormones. As Faron said, "The world isn't the problem. It's the wanting." And that's all these young men have been taught to do. To be fair, that's EXACTLY the point, and everyone involved is a product of world radically changed from the first book, but my jaded, grumpy heart wants these children to be as mature (traumatized) as Faron was originally. I feel like an angry boomer ranting about young people having things too easy these days 🤦🏻♀️
Ultimately, I can't be too upset with a story just because it's author did a good job of conveying things I strongly dislike, and truly I love the duology itself. Thank you Sam for the opportunity to read both through BookSirens. I look forward to anything else you decide to publish.
Review of advance copy
4.5⭐, rounded up
It’s been just over 2 years since I read Flynn’s debut novella Mystery of the Pale King and was so impressed with his world-building and characterizations that my eagerness to continue on in his incredible world was sorely tested as I waited for this, his follow-up.
And he hasn’t disappointed. Once again, we go back to the grim landscape of Hathur and its heavily indoctrinated society that feels eerily familiar to today’s United States. This is some heavy reading for such a short novella, and Flynn packs a lot in to his carefully crafted world – fully developed politics, class systems, environmental issues, and of course a rabid religion. The feel is somewhat reminiscent of Herbert’s Dune series – it’s detailed and thorough and not at all bright and cheery. But in the best way.
You really need to read the first book to get a full and proper footing before starting on this one. It’s not lengthy, but it is dense and darkly atmospheric, and it absolutely references the TMotPK regularly. There is some action and adventure (in a kind of Magnificent Seven vein, but where the stakes are much longer and world encompassing) in the quest our main character must undertake (and that goes horribly awry). That action serves as a great vehicle for the themes of indoctrination, what we owe our family, society, loyalty and sacrifice.
Now that Flynn has completed this duology, I am eager to see where he takes his creativity and talent next.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been just over 2 years since I read Flynn’s debut novella Mystery of the Pale King and was so impressed with his world-building and characterizations that my eagerness to continue on in his incredible world was sorely tested as I waited for this, his follow-up.
And he hasn’t disappointed. Once again, we go back to the grim landscape of Hathur and its heavily indoctrinated society that feels eerily familiar to today’s United States. This is some heavy reading for such a short novella, and Flynn packs a lot in to his carefully crafted world – fully developed politics, class systems, environmental issues, and of course a rabid religion. The feel is somewhat reminiscent of Herbert’s Dune series – it’s detailed and thorough and not at all bright and cheery. But in the best way.
You really need to read the first book to get a full and proper footing before starting on this one. It’s not lengthy, but it is dense and darkly atmospheric, and it absolutely references the TMotPK regularly. There is some action and adventure (in a kind of Magnificent Seven vein, but where the stakes are much longer and world encompassing) in the quest our main character must undertake (and that goes horribly awry). That action serves as a great vehicle for the themes of indoctrination, what we owe our family, society, loyalty and sacrifice.
Now that Flynn has completed this duology, I am eager to see where he takes his creativity and talent next.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I read Dweller in Darkness as an ARC through Book Sirens. I had read the first book on my own, before reading this novel.
The short of it: I love cosmic/eldritch horror, all the better if it's set in not-modern times, even better if it's in its own setting. That's what got me into book one, and onto book 2. I want thick atmosphere with the weird and horrific lurking at the threshold. If you’re into that madness you need to read this series.
The long of it:
The vibes for me were straight up The Seven Geases by Clark Ashton Smith. There's a bleak humour to it at times, and the way it moves through the earth. Different subject matter and plot, but the vibes and atmosphere were there.
Dense and dripping with atmosphere, not unlike a Laird Barron book. It's good, but you need to be in the mood for it in my opinion. Like I love that stuff, but I find I need my wits about me to appreciate it. So the opposite of popcorn fiction (if that's a term)? The intro chapter felt a little heavy on the info dump. I really do recommend reading the series in order, but even then I felt a little lost at sea until the details of book 1 flowed back to me. Also there's a debate about 60% in that, while I agree with the good guys, felt kind of self indulgent.
Overall I like the book, and the series. I’m really glad I had a chance to read and review both. I do hope I have a chance to read more from the author in the future. I want more horror and weirdlit in this vein.
The short of it: I love cosmic/eldritch horror, all the better if it's set in not-modern times, even better if it's in its own setting. That's what got me into book one, and onto book 2. I want thick atmosphere with the weird and horrific lurking at the threshold. If you’re into that madness you need to read this series.
The long of it:
The vibes for me were straight up The Seven Geases by Clark Ashton Smith. There's a bleak humour to it at times, and the way it moves through the earth. Different subject matter and plot, but the vibes and atmosphere were there.
Dense and dripping with atmosphere, not unlike a Laird Barron book. It's good, but you need to be in the mood for it in my opinion. Like I love that stuff, but I find I need my wits about me to appreciate it. So the opposite of popcorn fiction (if that's a term)? The intro chapter felt a little heavy on the info dump. I really do recommend reading the series in order, but even then I felt a little lost at sea until the details of book 1 flowed back to me. Also there's a debate about 60% in that, while I agree with the good guys, felt kind of self indulgent.
Overall I like the book, and the series. I’m really glad I had a chance to read and review both. I do hope I have a chance to read more from the author in the future. I want more horror and weirdlit in this vein.
Review of advance copy
Having read the Mystery of the Pale King mid-2026 to then discover a sequel was coming out in a few months, it brought a lot of excitement and anticipation for Dweller in the Darkness. Like the first, I thoroughly enjoyed, would recommend and was just overall impressed. There’s various things that are mysterious to begin with that later in the book there’s the “ah, of course” click. There’s a lot of themes and undertones to the story that are just so relevant in the world we live in today.
Review of advance copy
Second book is more of humans and weaknesses but expands the world and explains few moments left by first book. I loved the eternal cycle and consequences of heroes actions being realistic, impactful but never even solving all problems. I wish there were more on history of deadlights and mothertrees but i guess it’s lost and unrecoverable now
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy from the author!
I loved this book! I read the first one not long after it came out and really enjoyed it. This one can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. But definitely read both. This is a nice quick read and that's very engaging.
I loved this book! I read the first one not long after it came out and really enjoyed it. This one can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. But definitely read both. This is a nice quick read and that's very engaging.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When you discover who you serve is evil, betrayal is a virtue. Preorder the dark fantasy-horror novella DWELLER IN DARKNESS now, out September 22nd from Timber Ghost Press.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another banger by Sam Flynn - a great continuation of this haunting, eerie series. The presentation retains the dark, captivating, and yet brisk style from the first book, and in addition, in this iteration, we have some pretty vivid fungal body horror.
A fantastic premise and a great execution.
Full review in my blog.
A fantastic premise and a great execution.
Full review in my blog.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews