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Ten Tears Chronicles #1
The Dark Levy
Sisters Shannon and Dana have always suffered from mysterious issues. On the verge of their adulthood they are visiting their wise, old grandmother in Ireland on a very special day, and finally learn why their life has been strangely affected by something they have not previously understood. That day is the very day a harrowing creature of the Nine Worlds calls out for special, talented humans of the Tenth world. Our world.
Dana performs an irreversible deed that opens the gate to the strange world of Aldheim, and they meet the strange creature calling for them. In this world they find their true calling, their very special talents, the truth of the gods and also a world of mystery, cruelty and adversity. Shannon and Dana struggle with their previous relationship as one grows cruel and power-driven, while the other learns to value friendship. Much is demanded of Shannon, who is struggling with her loyalties.
Despite the many dangers and their apparent hopeless situation in the new, dangerous world, there is hope, for Shannon has some very special, coveted powers of healing, reserved to the chosen of the gods. If she perseveres, she can change the past and bring back even the gods.
But the price will be great.
Dana performs an irreversible deed that opens the gate to the strange world of Aldheim, and they meet the strange creature calling for them. In this world they find their true calling, their very special talents, the truth of the gods and also a world of mystery, cruelty and adversity. Shannon and Dana struggle with their previous relationship as one grows cruel and power-driven, while the other learns to value friendship. Much is demanded of Shannon, who is struggling with her loyalties.
Despite the many dangers and their apparent hopeless situation in the new, dangerous world, there is hope, for Shannon has some very special, coveted powers of healing, reserved to the chosen of the gods. If she perseveres, she can change the past and bring back even the gods.
But the price will be great.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2017
This is the story of two sisters, Shannon and Dana, who appear to be totally opposite of each other. Shannon is the oldest and has always envied her brighter, prettier sister. Dana has always looked out for her older, darker, and shy sister. People whisper about her as she’s strange but Shannon never understands why she’s so different and why people treat her like they do. She yearns to be just like her sister, Dana. Instead, she’s an outcast to her family and townspeople. Little do the sisters realize they are more alike than anyone can fathom. Except their Grandmother.
This is a dark tale which drew me In right from the beginning. There is much world building once the sisters enter the Ninth World. There are a lot of characters thrown at the reader at this point. Trying to keep track of who they were, male, female, whom were they with, what part of Earth did they come from, was too confusing for me. It really slowed down my reading pleasure. I have enough trouble remembering the people I work with on a daily basis.
But, I started grasping who all these other children were by the middle of the book. For that’s what everyone sucked into the Ninth World were. Children. The Dark Levy. They were children from all different walks of life. Another part that didn’t set well, and I had to go back and look at the time period again. This story supposedly takes place in the year 1815, but there are references, and words/phrases that I felt were too modern.
Then we get to met the gorgons and their leader, Eiryale. She is beautiful, cunning, mysterious, and as evil a creature as you can find. And she has her snake eyes focused on Shannon, as once again, Shannon is not as the other Dark Levy. For the world they find themselves in is full of magic. A totally different type of magic than you see in most books. I really enjoyed the originality of the storyline.
The middle of the book was slow for me. It was long-winded and I felt some parts of the plot were stressed too often. But once the action started, oh boy, look out, for than it’s a hell of a read. There’s action, death, betrayal, and even love. Shannon finds herself surrounded by creatures only thought of as myths or fairytales in her world. And now she has to align herself with them. Can she trust them? We shall see.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with lots of world-building, you will love this story. I give it 4 feathers and have bought the next book in the series, Eye of Hel.
This is a dark tale which drew me In right from the beginning. There is much world building once the sisters enter the Ninth World. There are a lot of characters thrown at the reader at this point. Trying to keep track of who they were, male, female, whom were they with, what part of Earth did they come from, was too confusing for me. It really slowed down my reading pleasure. I have enough trouble remembering the people I work with on a daily basis.
But, I started grasping who all these other children were by the middle of the book. For that’s what everyone sucked into the Ninth World were. Children. The Dark Levy. They were children from all different walks of life. Another part that didn’t set well, and I had to go back and look at the time period again. This story supposedly takes place in the year 1815, but there are references, and words/phrases that I felt were too modern.
Then we get to met the gorgons and their leader, Eiryale. She is beautiful, cunning, mysterious, and as evil a creature as you can find. And she has her snake eyes focused on Shannon, as once again, Shannon is not as the other Dark Levy. For the world they find themselves in is full of magic. A totally different type of magic than you see in most books. I really enjoyed the originality of the storyline.
The middle of the book was slow for me. It was long-winded and I felt some parts of the plot were stressed too often. But once the action started, oh boy, look out, for than it’s a hell of a read. There’s action, death, betrayal, and even love. Shannon finds herself surrounded by creatures only thought of as myths or fairytales in her world. And now she has to align herself with them. Can she trust them? We shall see.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with lots of world-building, you will love this story. I give it 4 feathers and have bought the next book in the series, Eye of Hel.
February 15, 2017
The Dark Levy by Alaric Longward caught my eye as a recommendation on my Amazon feed. It’s definitely dark fantasy, but with an intriguing twist that grabbed me immediately. Read on for more!
Synopsis (from the author): In this epic dark fantasy adventure story, Shannon and Dana visit their wise, old grandmother in Wales, and finally learn why their lives have been strangely tormented and cursed. There is a family secret, old as time itself, and that secret might kill them if they try to ignore their destiny. They also learn that there is a dangerous way to embrace that secret, because on that day, a harrowing creature of an alien world calls out for the few and the special, talented humans of the Tenth world. Our world.
Dana performs an irreversible murderous deed that opens the gate to the Jewel of the Nine, the world of Aldheim, and they meet the strange creature calling for them. In this world they find their true calling, their special talents, the truth of the gods and also a world of mystery, danger, and adversity. Shannon and Dana struggle with their previous relationship as one grows cruel and power-driven, while the other learns to value friendship. Much is demanded of Shannon, who struggles with her loyalties.
Despite the many dangers and their apparently hopeless situation in the brutal, mage-filled world of monsters and dragons, there is hope, for Shannon has special, coveted powers of healing, reserved for the chosen of the gods. If she perseveres, she can change the past and bring back even the gods.
But the price will be great.
What I liked: The Dark Levy is a great dark fantasy read! Shannon is the vulnerable yet strong and unlikely heroine. Dana shows her dark side and is ruthless. The supporting cast plays the important background role, providing conflict and shifting loyalties to enhance the story. And the gorgons were great antagonists. All told, an excellent fantasy read!
What I didn’t like: My only complaints about the book are some parts seem repetitive and I found myself rushing through those parts.
Overall impression: Alaric Longward’s The Dark Levy has all the elements of a great dark fantasy book. Action, conflict, impossible choices, and fantastic villains blend together to take the reader on an epic journey. Put this one on your TBR!
My rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): In this epic dark fantasy adventure story, Shannon and Dana visit their wise, old grandmother in Wales, and finally learn why their lives have been strangely tormented and cursed. There is a family secret, old as time itself, and that secret might kill them if they try to ignore their destiny. They also learn that there is a dangerous way to embrace that secret, because on that day, a harrowing creature of an alien world calls out for the few and the special, talented humans of the Tenth world. Our world.
Dana performs an irreversible murderous deed that opens the gate to the Jewel of the Nine, the world of Aldheim, and they meet the strange creature calling for them. In this world they find their true calling, their special talents, the truth of the gods and also a world of mystery, danger, and adversity. Shannon and Dana struggle with their previous relationship as one grows cruel and power-driven, while the other learns to value friendship. Much is demanded of Shannon, who struggles with her loyalties.
Despite the many dangers and their apparently hopeless situation in the brutal, mage-filled world of monsters and dragons, there is hope, for Shannon has special, coveted powers of healing, reserved for the chosen of the gods. If she perseveres, she can change the past and bring back even the gods.
But the price will be great.
What I liked: The Dark Levy is a great dark fantasy read! Shannon is the vulnerable yet strong and unlikely heroine. Dana shows her dark side and is ruthless. The supporting cast plays the important background role, providing conflict and shifting loyalties to enhance the story. And the gorgons were great antagonists. All told, an excellent fantasy read!
What I didn’t like: My only complaints about the book are some parts seem repetitive and I found myself rushing through those parts.
Overall impression: Alaric Longward’s The Dark Levy has all the elements of a great dark fantasy book. Action, conflict, impossible choices, and fantastic villains blend together to take the reader on an epic journey. Put this one on your TBR!
My rating: 5 Stars
March 19, 2016
Dark, captivating, and full of myth and magic, Alaric Longward's THE DARK LEVY (STORIES OF THE NINE WORLDS BOOK 1) is gripping and complex. Characters are very well developed – they grow and change as the stresses and extreme challenges of their lives progress.
There is a definite and unsettling otherworldliness to the universe author Longward has created; it seems to exist out of time, and the dialog often reflects that. Characters speak in ways both archaic and modern, often mixing the two together. The effect is disconcerting, but it works very well to keep the reader as anxious and uncertain as the characters are.
The short prologue of the book didn't grab me, but the first chapter certainly did! The minute Shannon's story began, I was hooked. Shunned by schoolmates and neighbors as "strange" and "crazy," unable to keep up with her seemingly happy, popular sister Dana, Shannon is miserable and lonely. Once she and Dana are transported to a perilous, frightening world thought to exist only in myth, however, it is quickly apparent they never knew each other, or themselves, well at all.
Enslaved to a fearsome sisterhood of vicious gorgons who want the power of the old Norse gods and goddesses, Shannon, Dana, and their fellow young slaves struggle to survive. Trust, friendship, resentment, enmity – all are tentative and dangerous. Foes may become allies, and vice versa, in the blink of an eye. As these young captives grow in skill and self-knowledge, some startling discoveries are made and the plot twists in unforeseen ways. My favorite surprise was a startling revelation as to why "crazy" Shannon seems unaware she frequently talks to herself.
Suitable for YA readers and up, THE DARK LEVY is a thrilling but often gruesome story, full of betrayals, battles, violence, and dread. The creatures, especially the gorgons, are fascinating and horrifying, the delicious stuff of nightmares. The slaves' struggles to master ancient magic will appeal to fans of Harry Potter, although the youths in THE DARK LEVY are in a ghastly prison, not a school, so the setting is much darker. There are a few editing glitches, but none that deter from the quality of the story. A completely absorbing read!
There is a definite and unsettling otherworldliness to the universe author Longward has created; it seems to exist out of time, and the dialog often reflects that. Characters speak in ways both archaic and modern, often mixing the two together. The effect is disconcerting, but it works very well to keep the reader as anxious and uncertain as the characters are.
The short prologue of the book didn't grab me, but the first chapter certainly did! The minute Shannon's story began, I was hooked. Shunned by schoolmates and neighbors as "strange" and "crazy," unable to keep up with her seemingly happy, popular sister Dana, Shannon is miserable and lonely. Once she and Dana are transported to a perilous, frightening world thought to exist only in myth, however, it is quickly apparent they never knew each other, or themselves, well at all.
Enslaved to a fearsome sisterhood of vicious gorgons who want the power of the old Norse gods and goddesses, Shannon, Dana, and their fellow young slaves struggle to survive. Trust, friendship, resentment, enmity – all are tentative and dangerous. Foes may become allies, and vice versa, in the blink of an eye. As these young captives grow in skill and self-knowledge, some startling discoveries are made and the plot twists in unforeseen ways. My favorite surprise was a startling revelation as to why "crazy" Shannon seems unaware she frequently talks to herself.
Suitable for YA readers and up, THE DARK LEVY is a thrilling but often gruesome story, full of betrayals, battles, violence, and dread. The creatures, especially the gorgons, are fascinating and horrifying, the delicious stuff of nightmares. The slaves' struggles to master ancient magic will appeal to fans of Harry Potter, although the youths in THE DARK LEVY are in a ghastly prison, not a school, so the setting is much darker. There are a few editing glitches, but none that deter from the quality of the story. A completely absorbing read!
June 10, 2015
The Dark Levy is a fine example of modern coming-of-age urban fantasy. When the story begins we are presented to a mundane setting and to a girl in her late teens called Shannon. Apparently her world doesn’t have anything different from ours, she’s bullied at school, she’s insecure, shy, and flirts with thoughts of suicide, she can’t experience joy, she feels like something is missing in her, a constant void, which is increased by her sister’s glowing presence. Dana, the younger sister, is joyful, confident and liked by others. Shannon’s character is highly developed and complex. Her descriptions of how she feels towards her sister and her honesty when she talks about her own weaknesses are astonishing. In this sense, the main character definitely isn’t a “Mary Sue”.
The plot thickens when we are presented to her Grandmother on a very special day. Grandma decides to reveal some well-hidden secrets about old beings and a bridge to another world. Understandably, Shannon is skeptical at first, but she knows that something of her Grandma’s stories might be true, especially because she can explain the reason for the ever-lasting darkness she feels inside of her. Shannon also finds out that her sister isn’t so different from herself, in a very gruesome way…
When they cross to the hidden world it’s when things start to turn really interesting, at this point of the story I was already hooked and I couldn’t put the book down anymore.
As for style, Alaric Longward really explores the lexical possibilities of a fantasy book, without being verbose or pompous. We can feel that his choice of vocabulary is absolutely necessary to build the world he imagined, and to create the appropriate dialogues and general climate of the book. The lexical is diversified, and despite being more sophisticated than the average, the reading pace isn’t affected, since the flow and readability are preserved.
Another thing that I liked was how the book stands on its own. It won’t leave the reader on a cliffhanger, waiting for the next installment of the Ten Tears Chronicles. That being said, I’m looking forward for the next book. 5 out of 5 stars, awesome novel!
The plot thickens when we are presented to her Grandmother on a very special day. Grandma decides to reveal some well-hidden secrets about old beings and a bridge to another world. Understandably, Shannon is skeptical at first, but she knows that something of her Grandma’s stories might be true, especially because she can explain the reason for the ever-lasting darkness she feels inside of her. Shannon also finds out that her sister isn’t so different from herself, in a very gruesome way…
When they cross to the hidden world it’s when things start to turn really interesting, at this point of the story I was already hooked and I couldn’t put the book down anymore.
As for style, Alaric Longward really explores the lexical possibilities of a fantasy book, without being verbose or pompous. We can feel that his choice of vocabulary is absolutely necessary to build the world he imagined, and to create the appropriate dialogues and general climate of the book. The lexical is diversified, and despite being more sophisticated than the average, the reading pace isn’t affected, since the flow and readability are preserved.
Another thing that I liked was how the book stands on its own. It won’t leave the reader on a cliffhanger, waiting for the next installment of the Ten Tears Chronicles. That being said, I’m looking forward for the next book. 5 out of 5 stars, awesome novel!
October 26, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.
The narrator was fantastic. I'm not Irish, but I really enjoyed her character accents. She did a great job portraying all the emotions, anger and grief and passion.
The story starts off a bit slow, but once you get into it it becomes worth it. The only downside is the sudden ending. It feels like the author might have written one really long book and had to pick a spot to separate them, as opposed to writing a one-off story then struggling to come up with an idea for a sequel later. After listening to a few books with shallow characters, this book was refreshing. I haven't read anything else from this author before, but I'm looking forward to it now, especially if his stories are paired with this narrator.
The narrator was fantastic. I'm not Irish, but I really enjoyed her character accents. She did a great job portraying all the emotions, anger and grief and passion.
The story starts off a bit slow, but once you get into it it becomes worth it. The only downside is the sudden ending. It feels like the author might have written one really long book and had to pick a spot to separate them, as opposed to writing a one-off story then struggling to come up with an idea for a sequel later. After listening to a few books with shallow characters, this book was refreshing. I haven't read anything else from this author before, but I'm looking forward to it now, especially if his stories are paired with this narrator.
October 4, 2015
I made it as far as I could, which was about mid-way through chapter 6 (27%). I really wanted to like this book. The story is really interesting, but I just can't put up with the stilted writing and glaring errors any longer.
Wish the author had gotten an editor or proofreader. If they had, they need a new one. Way too many grammar issues, oddly worded sentences (how can a fire be described as both "moldering and fierce"?), and verbal exposition that drags on and on...
I rated it two stars because the story has potential. Just wish the writing was better.
Wish the author had gotten an editor or proofreader. If they had, they need a new one. Way too many grammar issues, oddly worded sentences (how can a fire be described as both "moldering and fierce"?), and verbal exposition that drags on and on...
I rated it two stars because the story has potential. Just wish the writing was better.
November 3, 2019
- Quote: "who would want a master to return when you sleep in his bed?"
- Thoughts: A unique worldbuilding, a dark and grim setting, good characters and a complex plot, go read it, but be forewarned, this is no fairy tail.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 4/5 stars
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 3/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 4/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 4/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 4/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars
- Ending: 4/5 stars
- Holes: 2/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ✓
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: High
- Tech level: Tenth: Napoleon age, elsewhere: Medieval
- Religion level: some discussions about it, real flesh dead gods
- Main genre: Fantasy
- Subgenre: Dark fantasy, deadly magic school
- Point of view: a retelling from an older version of the main character.
- Best of it: Worldbuilding
- Worst of it: I'm not really a fan of captivity scenarios
- Aftertaste: Icecream
Cover/Art
- Quality: 5/5 stars
- Traces: 5/5 stars
- Colors: 5/5 stars
- Style: 5/5 stars
- In a few words: masterfully made.
Characters
Lots of characters, all of then believable in their roles, sometimes it can be hard to keep track of who's who as the politics can be a little complex, but it's so far manageable.
- Consistency: 4/5 stars
- Connection: 4/5 stars
- Dialogs: 3/5 Stars
- Interactions: 4/5 Stars
- Individual secret powers: ✓
- Training (✓/×): ✓
- Romance: There is some, but superficial
- Notable best characters: The sisters
- Notable worse characters: Cosia and the other trainer.
Setting
It's mostly a forced training camp (magic school), but it's very unique and unlike most normal fantasy scenarios.
- Setting overall score: 4/5 Stars
- Tension: 4/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
- Deadly magic school: ✓
- Asgardian mythology: ✓
- Celtic mythology: ✓
- Obscure prophecy: ✓
Worldbuilding
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 3/5 stars
- Consistency: 3/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: 0/5 stars
Rules
- Magic system: 4/5 stars
- Magic variety: 3/5 stars
- System complexity: 4/5 stars
- System explanation: 3/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Gifts: 5/5 stars
- Creatures: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
Series Storyline
- Impact of this book in storyline: 5/5 stars
- Probability that I'll read the next book sometime: I'll definitely read it!
- Can be read as a standalone (✓/×): ✓
- Thoughts: A unique worldbuilding, a dark and grim setting, good characters and a complex plot, go read it, but be forewarned, this is no fairy tail.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 4/5 stars
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 3/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 4/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 4/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 4/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars
- Ending: 4/5 stars
- Holes: 2/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ✓
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: High
- Tech level: Tenth: Napoleon age, elsewhere: Medieval
- Religion level: some discussions about it, real flesh dead gods
- Main genre: Fantasy
- Subgenre: Dark fantasy, deadly magic school
- Point of view: a retelling from an older version of the main character.
- Best of it: Worldbuilding
- Worst of it: I'm not really a fan of captivity scenarios
- Aftertaste: Icecream
Cover/Art
- Quality: 5/5 stars
- Traces: 5/5 stars
- Colors: 5/5 stars
- Style: 5/5 stars
- In a few words: masterfully made.
Characters
Lots of characters, all of then believable in their roles, sometimes it can be hard to keep track of who's who as the politics can be a little complex, but it's so far manageable.
- Consistency: 4/5 stars
- Connection: 4/5 stars
- Dialogs: 3/5 Stars
- Interactions: 4/5 Stars
- Individual secret powers: ✓
- Training (✓/×): ✓
- Romance: There is some, but superficial
- Notable best characters: The sisters
- Notable worse characters: Cosia and the other trainer.
Setting
It's mostly a forced training camp (magic school), but it's very unique and unlike most normal fantasy scenarios.
- Setting overall score: 4/5 Stars
- Tension: 4/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
- Deadly magic school: ✓
- Asgardian mythology: ✓
- Celtic mythology: ✓
- Obscure prophecy: ✓
Worldbuilding
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 3/5 stars
- Consistency: 3/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: 0/5 stars
Rules
- Magic system: 4/5 stars
- Magic variety: 3/5 stars
- System complexity: 4/5 stars
- System explanation: 3/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Gifts: 5/5 stars
- Creatures: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
Series Storyline
- Impact of this book in storyline: 5/5 stars
- Probability that I'll read the next book sometime: I'll definitely read it!
- Can be read as a standalone (✓/×): ✓
July 22, 2018
Should be a movie.
Over 500 pages of a journey. Shannon and Dana are thrown in a fight for their lives. What Shannon believed to be, is far from true in her sister. Friends or foes are so easily changed and hard to distinguish when Shannon has only ever had Dana by her side.
A battle for a lesser evil is in play and Euryale the Gorgon is playing a long game with only her conquests in mind. A promise and a pact have many differences. Life and death are a gamble and keeping those she cares for close is becoming an uphill battle. As The Hand of Life she is yet to understand the title in its entirety, first thing is first, getting away and gaining a semblance of freedom.
Their losses are many, but I see Shannon, Lex, Cherry, Ulrich, Albine, Anja, Dana and Thak becoming a force to be reckoned with. And I will surely see how the story unfolds in, "Eye of Hel".
Over 500 pages of a journey. Shannon and Dana are thrown in a fight for their lives. What Shannon believed to be, is far from true in her sister. Friends or foes are so easily changed and hard to distinguish when Shannon has only ever had Dana by her side.
A battle for a lesser evil is in play and Euryale the Gorgon is playing a long game with only her conquests in mind. A promise and a pact have many differences. Life and death are a gamble and keeping those she cares for close is becoming an uphill battle. As The Hand of Life she is yet to understand the title in its entirety, first thing is first, getting away and gaining a semblance of freedom.
Their losses are many, but I see Shannon, Lex, Cherry, Ulrich, Albine, Anja, Dana and Thak becoming a force to be reckoned with. And I will surely see how the story unfolds in, "Eye of Hel".
February 6, 2018
Excellent Dark Fantasy
Ever feel like something is missing? Something we used to have but, is now lost to us? The magic of Odin given to his children in Midgaard, well this explains what happened & the plans of the Gorgons who offer it back to us.
Ever feel like something is missing? Something we used to have but, is now lost to us? The magic of Odin given to his children in Midgaard, well this explains what happened & the plans of the Gorgons who offer it back to us.
January 21, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but I dislike the language and most it is prattle or cursing. Writing kinda gives me an headache. Struggled hard to finish the book.
Some nice ideas, unfortunately the language destroys them.
Some nice ideas, unfortunately the language destroys them.
November 16, 2017
Great book once you get into the first few chapters. Hard to start as he builds Shannon and Dana into characters but Euryale absolutely accelerates the plot line. Love this book.
June 26, 2018
Great read
Good read full of Norse myth and sagas. Looking forward to book 2 in the series. Well worth a read.
Good read full of Norse myth and sagas. Looking forward to book 2 in the series. Well worth a read.
October 14, 2016
3.5 stars
Interesting, creative and entertaining story. For me this was not one of those stories that grabs you right away. It took me a while to get really interested and while I enjoyed the story, at the same time I could not listen to it all at once. Especially in the beginning it didn't hold my attention. As the story progresses it pulls you in slowly until your hooked. By the end you are ready and can't wait to jump right into the next book.
A great mixture of fantasy, magic, myth and legends all set in another world. A world full of death, betrayal, violence, creatures, battles, rivalry and slavery and more. You are never quite sure what is going to happen next. Overall a very enjoyable story.
Kristen James does a really good job with the narration. Great character voices, and there are a lot of characters. Accents for characters were good. Smooth even pace. Clearly spoken. She brought the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable listen
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Interesting, creative and entertaining story. For me this was not one of those stories that grabs you right away. It took me a while to get really interested and while I enjoyed the story, at the same time I could not listen to it all at once. Especially in the beginning it didn't hold my attention. As the story progresses it pulls you in slowly until your hooked. By the end you are ready and can't wait to jump right into the next book.
A great mixture of fantasy, magic, myth and legends all set in another world. A world full of death, betrayal, violence, creatures, battles, rivalry and slavery and more. You are never quite sure what is going to happen next. Overall a very enjoyable story.
Kristen James does a really good job with the narration. Great character voices, and there are a lot of characters. Accents for characters were good. Smooth even pace. Clearly spoken. She brought the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable listen
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
December 14, 2016
If you could sum up The Dark Levy in three words, what would they be?
Dark, fantastical, addicting.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dark Levy?
Near the end when Shannon is talking to the dragon, her attitude and confidence finally coming alive.
What about Kristin James’s performance did you like?
I loved the character voices, especially the voice of Shannon and Dana.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
At first I was not sure if I would get through it, about 20 minutes in however I was hooked.
Any additional comments?
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
Dark, fantastical, addicting.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dark Levy?
Near the end when Shannon is talking to the dragon, her attitude and confidence finally coming alive.
What about Kristin James’s performance did you like?
I loved the character voices, especially the voice of Shannon and Dana.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
At first I was not sure if I would get through it, about 20 minutes in however I was hooked.
Any additional comments?
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
May 29, 2015
This new fantasy novel from Alaric Longward is just the best! I couldn't stop reading, the story held me so tightly in its grip! I have loved all the earlier historical novels from the author, and his great storytelling in this fantasy series just continues. A mesmerizing summer read! I wonder what happens next to Shannon and her companions in the strange world of Aldheim, I guess I'll just have to wait.
July 27, 2015
Fairytales and myths
A combination of fairytales, myths and legends all surrounding a story line of good and evil. A little long winded at times which makes it difficult to follow but a good read for young adults. Quite a bit of violence and conflicting relationships among young people brought together by a common thread in their lives and emotions. Worth reading and another author worth following
A combination of fairytales, myths and legends all surrounding a story line of good and evil. A little long winded at times which makes it difficult to follow but a good read for young adults. Quite a bit of violence and conflicting relationships among young people brought together by a common thread in their lives and emotions. Worth reading and another author worth following
September 10, 2015
I was sucked in from page one! I love escaping into fantasy novels and this author has won me over! Well written, vivid creative imagery brought to life on the pages and a book that has me longing for more from the author. Doesn’t get much better than that! Highly recommend!
September 28, 2016
An unexpected thrill.
I admit when I first started The Dark Levy it was more due to curiosity, having seen the ads on Facebook, but I am so glad that I did. This is an outstanding mixture of myth and fantasy and I plan on starting the second book tonight. A+
I admit when I first started The Dark Levy it was more due to curiosity, having seen the ads on Facebook, but I am so glad that I did. This is an outstanding mixture of myth and fantasy and I plan on starting the second book tonight. A+
December 15, 2018
The Dark Levy is the first book in a family of series taking place in the Nine Worlds, worlds once governed by Odin; now sundered from each other. These worlds will all have a series of books dedicated to them, and this series takes place in Aldheim, the land of the elves.
July 4, 2015
The 1st half was like reading a looooong interview transcript.
November 11, 2015
Slow buildup, but very good when the action starts.
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