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The Dark Elf War #1
Starlight
A secret power. The revival of magic. An ancient evil stirs.
Twenty-year-old university dropout Cassie Rogan has returned to her small British Columbia home. Tortured by an accident that killed her parents, she drifts, failing life at every turn. When an impossibly localized lightning storm hits the surrounding forest, Cassie discovers her supernatural side.
After centuries of atrophy, the forces of magic are flowing back into our world, and Cassie can wield arcane powers. Her life seems destined to turn around, until the downside of magic brings everything to a screeching halt. Horrifying mythical beasts now prowl the northern wilderness—including the Basilisk—an enormous eight-legged lizard that can turn its prey to stone.
Recruited by a secretive agency, Cassie must quickly master her powers to protect mankind. As she develops her skills, a dark power secretly watches from the shadows. The Fae Seelie (a.k.a. the Dark Elves)—humanity's ancient enemy—have returned to settle the score.
Starlight is the first book in the Dark Elf War series, an epic urban fantasy and coming of age series that features fast-paced action, mysterious creatures, careful world-building, and breathless pacing. Author William Stacey is a 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist.
Buy his latest rousing read today!449 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2015
733 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
William Stacey
128 books92 followersA former soldier, William Stacey served his country for more than thirty years, including multiple combat tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. William loves exercise and all things martial and is a black belt in karate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 19, 2025
Starlight gives us a refreshing and very original twist to a Dark Elves based urban fantasy.
Sealed away since before there was ones to remember, the Dark Elves have broken through an inter-dimensional rift that humans have accidentally created between the two realms.
Once this barrier is breached, magic rushes back into the human occupied world, enabling only three human new adults with magical powers to save our world from Dark Elf slaughter and enslavement.
The human's have made many advancements in technology that can assist in keeping the threat at bay but it looks like the magical and military are going to have to learn to work together to save our world.
This book has all the makings of a marvelous urban fantasy. The story is quite unique and imaginative. My personal favorite, premise of a Dark Elf invasion with magic, mayhem and mythological creatures.
Unfortunately, I found the story a bit preachy. It is obvious there is difficult feelings towards the “devote Christian” imbued with power and much more sympathetic feelings toward the atheist. Which in itself wouldn’t have been a problem but the atheist, Cassie went out of her way to be confrontational with Elizabeth, the Christian, making both of them very unlikable.
I also found it took a really long time for this story to really get going. You are more than 47% into this story before the characters start to come together. You get little glimpses here and there of the conflict but for the most part it has multiple viewpoints that stay separate with mostly world building and background until you are half way through.
That being said, I found the second half fast paced and much more enjoyable and entertaining.
In the end, I like Starlight and have some interest in seeing where this story will lead.
I received this copy of Starlight from Bastard Sword Press in exchange for a honest review.
Sealed away since before there was ones to remember, the Dark Elves have broken through an inter-dimensional rift that humans have accidentally created between the two realms.
Once this barrier is breached, magic rushes back into the human occupied world, enabling only three human new adults with magical powers to save our world from Dark Elf slaughter and enslavement.
The human's have made many advancements in technology that can assist in keeping the threat at bay but it looks like the magical and military are going to have to learn to work together to save our world.
This book has all the makings of a marvelous urban fantasy. The story is quite unique and imaginative. My personal favorite, premise of a Dark Elf invasion with magic, mayhem and mythological creatures.
Unfortunately, I found the story a bit preachy. It is obvious there is difficult feelings towards the “devote Christian” imbued with power and much more sympathetic feelings toward the atheist. Which in itself wouldn’t have been a problem but the atheist, Cassie went out of her way to be confrontational with Elizabeth, the Christian, making both of them very unlikable.
I also found it took a really long time for this story to really get going. You are more than 47% into this story before the characters start to come together. You get little glimpses here and there of the conflict but for the most part it has multiple viewpoints that stay separate with mostly world building and background until you are half way through.
That being said, I found the second half fast paced and much more enjoyable and entertaining.
In the end, I like Starlight and have some interest in seeing where this story will lead.
I received this copy of Starlight from Bastard Sword Press in exchange for a honest review.
September 4, 2015
Welcome to the battle of magic vs. technology where Stacey had me hook, line and sinker by the end of the first page. This novel is action intensive. The author has developed a magically woven plot where suspense and action meet fantasy. Stacey’s unique military approach to fantasy makes this novel stand out. I love the detailed geography of the areas in question. It allowed me to feel as if I were part of the story. The connection between faerum and northern BC made it all so real. I also enjoyed how Stacey gets technical about the subject matter without bogging the story down. Altogether, this was an intensely gripping novel.
Stacey has created some unforgettable characters to carry this story forward, both human and fae. The variety of character types and backgrounds gives everyone someone to love (or hate, as the case may be). All of the major players are so well developed that I felt as if I’d actually met them. He’s also nailed fae/fantasy names, giving his cast an endearing aura. Cassie’s detailed past, right down to the car accident, gave perspective as to why she is who she is. Our little fae visitor was also quite fun to get to know. Although in theory she was the ‘bad guy’ I really enjoyed the different views that she provided on the story. On the other hand, Elizabeth & Buck definitely set my teeth on edge, as they did with most of the cast. Their holier than thou attitudes, although coming from different beliefs, was a little hard to digest. And I really love Alex. He was so much fun, walking the line between duty and life.
Emotions, adventure, danger, and suspense, Starlight has it all. Stacey is definitive proof that Canadian authors rank up there among the best of them. Will I be reading more of this series? You can be your last dollar bill. Not only that, but I’ll be delving further into this author’s work.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Stacey has created some unforgettable characters to carry this story forward, both human and fae. The variety of character types and backgrounds gives everyone someone to love (or hate, as the case may be). All of the major players are so well developed that I felt as if I’d actually met them. He’s also nailed fae/fantasy names, giving his cast an endearing aura. Cassie’s detailed past, right down to the car accident, gave perspective as to why she is who she is. Our little fae visitor was also quite fun to get to know. Although in theory she was the ‘bad guy’ I really enjoyed the different views that she provided on the story. On the other hand, Elizabeth & Buck definitely set my teeth on edge, as they did with most of the cast. Their holier than thou attitudes, although coming from different beliefs, was a little hard to digest. And I really love Alex. He was so much fun, walking the line between duty and life.
Emotions, adventure, danger, and suspense, Starlight has it all. Stacey is definitive proof that Canadian authors rank up there among the best of them. Will I be reading more of this series? You can be your last dollar bill. Not only that, but I’ll be delving further into this author’s work.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2015
What a wonderful read! With Starlight William Stacey demonstrate a huge improvement in writing skills when compared to Black Monastery. The story line has a nice flow and the narrative is solid. The pace of the action scenes made it hard to put down this book and once the heroes were on Rubicon that became impossible! The details incorporated in the story were pertinent but most importantly, many of those details were not only well research but demonstrated the author's military background. Hence, this makes the story more enticing, more grabbing (write about what you know!).
I can’t wait for book 2. So William Stacey no more games, Facebook and other distractions for you. Don’t you dare become a George RR Martin!
I can’t wait for book 2. So William Stacey no more games, Facebook and other distractions for you. Don’t you dare become a George RR Martin!
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August 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/28/2020)! 🎁
January 14, 2019
Starlight is the story of Cassie, a college dropout who returns to her hometown, and the magic hidden within. Cassie and her friends are out camping out in the wilderness of upper British Columbia when a bolt of lightning appears out of nowhere and strikes her. Before she knows what’s happening, magical beasts and beings attack the population.
Cassie discovers she has magical powers and has the ability to save humanity from these mythical beasts and the Fae Seelie (Dark Elves). She’s soon recruited by a secretive military operation and learns more about her power and the Dark Elves. Will she be up to the task of saving humanity or will the dark being observing her from afar lure her to the other side?
I must admit, I was hooked from the first page and I absolutely LOVED it! Filled with intense action, magic, good versus evil, mythical beings and people posturing it’s the end of the world, Stalight is one of the best books I’ve read in years. The author weaves the impossible in such a way as to make it believable. Descriptive narration plunges the reader into the action making it hard to put down.
Yes, it’s a long book, but it goes by quickly as there’s so much going on and so much to take it. I didn’t mind the length and when I finished, I wished there was more.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and more specifically, this series!
Favorite Character: Cassie. I loved everything about her from her ability to kick some serious ass to her vulnerability, especially when it comes to her family and friends. She’s written so realistically, she flies off the page and there were so many times when I chuckled at her inner dialogue. I don’t know if the author is paying homage to Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I got the same vibe from Cassie as I do every time I watch Faith.
Favorite Quote:
“He turned toward the monster, his weapon pressed up into his shoulder, ready to fire. And then, in horror, he saw the dragon leap over the stream of water the firemen were aiming at its head. The damned thing was unbelievably agile, and it had jumped about twenty feet, landing just in front of the two men. They tried to readjust their aim to knock it back again, but at that moment, its eyes glowed with a blue fire. The two men stood frozen in place, their skin turning gray, cracking, and flaking— like stone.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Cassie discovers she has magical powers and has the ability to save humanity from these mythical beasts and the Fae Seelie (Dark Elves). She’s soon recruited by a secretive military operation and learns more about her power and the Dark Elves. Will she be up to the task of saving humanity or will the dark being observing her from afar lure her to the other side?
I must admit, I was hooked from the first page and I absolutely LOVED it! Filled with intense action, magic, good versus evil, mythical beings and people posturing it’s the end of the world, Stalight is one of the best books I’ve read in years. The author weaves the impossible in such a way as to make it believable. Descriptive narration plunges the reader into the action making it hard to put down.
Yes, it’s a long book, but it goes by quickly as there’s so much going on and so much to take it. I didn’t mind the length and when I finished, I wished there was more.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and more specifically, this series!
Favorite Character: Cassie. I loved everything about her from her ability to kick some serious ass to her vulnerability, especially when it comes to her family and friends. She’s written so realistically, she flies off the page and there were so many times when I chuckled at her inner dialogue. I don’t know if the author is paying homage to Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I got the same vibe from Cassie as I do every time I watch Faith.
Favorite Quote:
“He turned toward the monster, his weapon pressed up into his shoulder, ready to fire. And then, in horror, he saw the dragon leap over the stream of water the firemen were aiming at its head. The damned thing was unbelievably agile, and it had jumped about twenty feet, landing just in front of the two men. They tried to readjust their aim to knock it back again, but at that moment, its eyes glowed with a blue fire. The two men stood frozen in place, their skin turning gray, cracking, and flaking— like stone.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
November 5, 2015
This is an amazing story that will capture from the start. You will connect with the characters and when you are done reading you will want to jump right into the second book. The only downfall is the length itself. I think it could have been condensed down some, but with all the action you read it faster than you think.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2017
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
Many eons ago, when the human race was still in its infancy, they were subjugated as slaves in obeisance to Fae Queens requiring worship and sacrifice. Relegated to the status of cattle used to power large scale Fae magic such as the Culling, their lives meant little more than what their deaths brought to their rulers. Lacking the ability to channel magic, which extends the lifespan of races such as the Fae, and with the machinations of their rulers the human lifespan was inordinately short. In the scheme of appreciation for the contribution offered by their species, in the minds of the Fae and in a Matrix styled consideration, humans were no more than disposable battery cells to be used and discarded at whim.
The plight of the human race, however, eventually hit paydirt when benevolent benefactors used trickery to bring about a banishment of all Fae from the Earth realm to another planet in the cosmos that was capable of supporting life. A new world became the dominion where the only species the Fae could subjugate were their own. Once the entirety of the banished Fae population reached their new home, a place the Fae perceived as a prison when the ruse was discovered, the benefactors closed the gateway and hid the trail of the tunnel leading back to Earth until all traces of it evaporated into the cosmos; forever thereafter preventing even the strongest of Fae magic from opening their own gateway that'dreturn them to their original home. The Fae became blind in how to return to their true home. With passing eons, all memory of the Fae's existence in human knowledge that wasn't associated with fables was forgotten from all but a few first race peoples, with western dogma in particular having relegated the Fae to fictitious characters in books if at all considered.
The Fae still feared the possible capabilities of their ancient foe even in present times, but they also grew to hate them with unbridled passion, swearing vengeance would one day be theirs. Maelhrandia, a current Fae Seelie Princess and Mistress of Red Moon, with gifts firmly in the domain of a scouting mage, has paired her non-offensive gifts with cunning and intellect bolstered through years of studying the ancient scrolls; skills she'd always believed would set her apart from her ambitious and murderous sisters to one day make her the more honoured of the Fae Queen - her mother. She runs a tight ship, and intruders in her lands face kill-capture war parties she often led herself. At such times, her scouting magic allows her and her warriors to remain cloaked from discovery until it was far too late for the intruders.
Seeking to find out why and how intruders had managed to appear in the heart of her dominion without raising any alarms, promptly became the monumental chance she'd awaited her whole life. When in reflection on the vaguest recognition of their bipedal movement compared to the tales of their existence recorded in the ancient scrolls, knowledge she'd been certain would separate her from her non-academic rivals with unmatched offensive mite, she knew instantly that returning a captured prisoner to her mother's interrogation would curry the greatest favour in her mother's immortal life. Just how they could even have ever developed into a race capable of interdimensional travel escaped reasoning, but it was a question for another time. The only expected difficulty now would be in keeping her hunters from killing them all.
Spooking them into error is necessary if their return to their home world will provide what she suspects it will: a trail the combined magical strength of her mother and her high priests could track through the cosmos. In her ambush some will provide a live flesh reward to sake her warriors' bloodlust and allow her to keep control. For one or two of the unluckiest, their capture combined with the very best interrogation will provide information for the scouting mission only she's most qualified for. For the lucky few to escape it would be but a mere postponement of their deaths, until her people brought war to their once glorious home. The manlings (sic) made a crucial mistake they're shortsighted intellect is incapable of reasoning, one of the many reasons why the Dark Elves would again become the rightful sovereigns. That is, for those left alive following the war marking the return of the Fae.
Twenty year old Cassie Rogan has struggled to maintain commitment to all of life's necessities since the tragic accident that took the lives of her parents, not that she'd presently admit to such. Forced into dropping out of University by her actions since moving their, including allegations and charges of unwarranted violence, she's returned to Hudson’s Hope. To her mind it's a life filled with the prospects of becoming just another of its loser wives and girlfriends tied to some BO ridden trucker or logger; one encompassed by proverbial chains tying her to the kitchen sink with expectations of becoming another of the town's brood mares, a regular bitch throwing out litters of pups she hasn't the resources to raise well in a dead end existence where she grows to hate herself even more than she currently does.
Her worn out and drawn looking older sister, Alice, who meets her at the airport terminal little more than a retrofitted large farming shed looks the part of a thirty-something example of someone trapped in a life without enrichment; and she at least has a husband on a semi-decent wage and no rugrats pulling at the hem of her skirts. Living in Northern British Columbia's unforgiving and ancient environment takes a particular toll on anyone not expressly born to such hardships, which to her is anyone who isn't First Nations born. She'd blown her sports ride and good student grade average on any indulgence aimed at a temporary reprieve from the thoughts and feelings that have haunted her in every moment of rest since only she survived what her mum and dad did not.
Her commitment had in the end been to parties and using university as a free and floating lifestyle, one that ends your student life and marks the beginning of yet another downfall. Her self-pity train ran on tracks she recognised but nonetheless felt powerless to stop. It does however surprise her that the happiness surfacing when reuniting with Alice is genuine, something she'd not seen coming. An equally depressing reality now she's actually returned home is the blight the town's economic reliance continues having on the once pristine beauty and portion of the lungs of the Earth. In the time since her departure, the processes involved in building yet another dam have incomprehensibly moved through in an unfathomable timefrime. Any person with half a brain in their head must surely ask what a third dam is needed to power, because it certainly couldn't be the collective of one horse hick towns and farming land in the whole of the North?
Soon after return Cassie ventures out into the nearby national forest where a local hangout at a majestic lake has been the locals' watering hole for untold generations of adolescents and young adults growing up in Hudson's Hope. As the day progressed toward dark, a grizzly is stirred from its place of rest by the unseasonable volatility in a storm heading their way. It brings the apex killer into the path of party goers. Seeking to intercede in what inexorably becomes clearer with each passing second, that of a windup to a young woman's mauling and death, Cassie is caught up in events passing to her in slow motion. Backlit by a chaotic display of nature's wildness and power, the wild red lightning blanketing the sky and touching down in random locales, she's filled with an irrational warm embrace she hadn't the first notion of how to explain. As action turned to panic she's filled with a euphoric power ehich washes out her senses to anything other than her, the grizzly, and the nearby campfire.
Unknown to her or any of the minute number of people within a certain radius of the storm, an awakening of dormant magical auras accompanies the revival of the atrophied magic her world once had. Before all vessels simultaneously hit the ground in a loss of consciousness, the last thing Cassie sees and feels is her grabbing hold of the flames from the small campfire and bringing them to bare down (no pun intended) on the path of the charging grizzly. Of the seven people who pass out at the exact same moment, Cassie would be the last to awaken from can only be described by doctors as an induced coma of an unknown sort. She'd soon after learn that less than half made it through their experience, and later still she'd learn that in those who didn't, the coma itself wasn't the cause of death. The horror is them further realised when she learns that among those who died, an infant was among them.
When she starts to experience abilities that defy explanations, and only then after prompting by a moment of panic, she initially hopes this new situation would mean an end to the rutt her life had become. That is, until it's shattered by her learning of things also believed to have been awakened by the strange storm, and her witness of further tragedy. Reports of mythical beasts start reaching the media and the many authorities now staking an interest in the lives of the survivors and events rolling out. Beasts like a basilisk, a thirty foot eight spinlu-legged lizard that partially turns people to stone before consuming them, only to then regurgitate the bits that were stone. Also like a small group of fire breathing wolves, or hellhounds, cooking and eating livestock and any farming families foolhardy or unlucky enough to get caught in their way.
Cassie is sort after for a crucial role in a secretive combined government agency recruiting the survivors under the guise of helping them to understand what happened and what they're capable of. Following her refusal she pays an ultimate price. Unknown to all but the one controlling the basalisk, the beast is sent after survivors to kill them and erase anyone showing new abilities. Following an argument with her sister, Cassie is absent when the basilisk strikes, killing Alice right in front of her after she'd sprinted back to her room to evacuate Alice following tremors hitting the hospital building from the basilisk's attempts to access her room. Dazed and exhausted from channelling air into a kinetic force that thrusts the beast away from her, she's grabbed by one of the planned abductors left behind from the earlier meeting with recruiters. She escapes, but two agents tasked with holding off the beast aren't as fortunate. Not that Cassie deems her escape as fortune, it's instead grouped among the growing list of reasons why she hates herself.
The human trait of curiosity has kicked a hornet's nest, the likes of which hasn't been seen since eons past. A military scouting mission is responsible for doing the kicking. With goals of training three survivors of effects created by a recent dimensional breach, the agency may not learn until it's too late that this is what's happening, or that they'll be needed on the frontline of an approaching war. A Dark Elf Princess, Maelhrandia, also watches on, hidden by her natural affiinity for scouting magic, to carry out tasks crucial to her people's plans. As humankind's oldest enemy the manlings have no concepts of the threat the Fae pose. Given they've brought this new war on themselves, it's unlikely if their once benefactors will be involved, or if they even still exist. This last question is an immensely important question tasked of Maelhrandia. The Fae have long awaited vengeance and their rightful sovereignty. This time, there'll be no trickery to undo them. Three untrained and unskilled mages and military high-tech will be the forefront of human defences, if any mages survive the current conflict, that is.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION:
William brings the epic to urban fantasy as though it's no more trouble than a walk in the park. I can only assume that the impending titles will be of similar length given the series classification, which after reading Starlight it's an exciting prospect. It's impossible to not consider there's a lot of bang for your buck. The last two books I reviewed were roughly forty-seven and seventy-three thousand words. Whilst it'd be unjust to rate them or any others based on how long they are, or short as the case in question is, it isn't unjust to highlight that in a fiscal world of dollars per words then William's books have a great return.
When comparing outlay in a personal library where you have x-number of dollars to spend, one contributing factor is undoubtedly how many hours of entertainment your money is buying. Besides, an epic urban fantasy ranking is something seen in an less than average number of occasions. For the same outlay as William's costed books I've noticed plenty that have page numbers only a quarter the length. If you're restricted to purchasing a set value per week, or however long the case may be, then buying one book that offers the same number of hours as four possible alternate titles I know which would have the greatest weighting in this aspect of decision-making.
The focal point of the story where through curiosity humans expose and reveal our presence to possible threat has some real life basis depending on your belief systems. Checking out the stars, as it could be described in relation to humanity's thirst for knowledge, runs a definite risk of attracting unwanted attention if that attention exists. Without getting into a debate of existential beliefs, personally I consider it naive to be audacious enough to think that in a cosmos of infinite stars that only our own exists as the sole planet capable of supporting life. In a flimsy comparison for reasons that they're not completely valid herein, but do touch on similar considerations in general, any number of Stargate movies and tv series, sum up the possibilities of how the proverbial cat's curiosity could get us all killed.
A six degrees of separation opens strongly, and the points of view are then whittled down to finite considerations as the story grows, having the effect of those movies you watch where regardless of how many cast members are seemingly unconnected, eventually that disconnection breaks down. As a story progresses you start to see small tidbits that shed light on the fact that the apparent randomness is only a facade. It's a particularly memorable technique that deals well with the ripples in a pond that butterfly theories tend to deal in; when a pebble gets dropped into the water, where once the winds of change begins the trick becomes to puzzle out the randomness, until you're forming hypotheses about how connections will pan out. It's a novel feature highlighting that when you drop your head below the surface of a pond, the ripples no longer even appear separate, the place where everything is connected in one fashion or another.
The intersection between marvellously detailed technology and armaments with that of magic, both Fae and human, is a delight often passed over briefly, if at all. The ways the human mind is looked at in its rationalisation using technological and science based reasoning for the ever ephemeral magic is entertaining and interesting. How both influence prowess and conflict is another adjunct beneficial in this type of examination. All of this impacts the difficulties and concepts of tutelage in using magic, because all of the former components struggle to deal with it. Whilst magic tutelage is a common aspect in fantasy, the same cannot be said of tutelage using non-magical frameworks and understanding, which are unique or rare at least.
The exactness of military ground forces, armor, protection, equipment, and offensive capabilities, and how they mount up against Fae magical capacities is enjoyable to imagine and watch. It sheds light on the different approaches in similar ways to that of modern movie techniques shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of scifi and fantasy action and how they've made the movies in the preceding years up to the nineties seem like old fashioned has-beens when compared to the blockbusters of the modern era. Of course this perspective is largely dependent on age groups and personal tastes that still see the classics and earlier movies as the better format, or as the harder to achieve. In an unconnected observation this is one story that I'm contemplating how wicked a movie it would make, perhaps something a little like Thor, when he and his compatriots took on the Dark Elves of that reality. Not that I'm seeking to compare them, though, or that the story is comparable either.
It's a measure of the success of a story when the intrigue evoked by the alternating points of view finds you captivated by the current character's perspective to the point where you're excited and looking forward with anticipation of reaching the next spot they appear in the plot. Such observations as all of these and more regarding the content and skill in Starlight's story have in my mind made it William's best book yet, although this opinion wouldn't influence the three by five star ratings I applied to The Vampire Queen Saga had I read this book first: they each earnt that rating still. This leaves only William's standalone dark fantasy Black Monastry as his one title that I'm yet to read and review. As a free download for subscribers of his newsletters which is available via William's website, hint - hint, I do have the ebook and it is in my TBR library shelf. On that note it's worth saying again that Starlight is also a free download via Amazon (and perhaps other means too).
Without prejudice to my favouritism of urban fantasy I can offer that Starlight combines military high-tech with magic, history with mythology, traditional lore with fantasy lore, and science with science fiction. With such ranging combinations it should prove worthy of offering a little something for every reader. With fantasy and science fiction lovers in mind, it also offers a gritty action-packed journey into providing an intriguing and suspenseful possible outcome to that one question all aforementioned readers have asked themselves at least once during their reading history: that of, I wonder would happen if the power of magical creatures and races were to meet on the field of battle with the modern science and technology of modern humanity? If you're all honest regardless of your preferences, I would argue that the same question has entered the collective psyche of any readers, not just these two fan types listed above.
Many eons ago, when the human race was still in its infancy, they were subjugated as slaves in obeisance to Fae Queens requiring worship and sacrifice. Relegated to the status of cattle used to power large scale Fae magic such as the Culling, their lives meant little more than what their deaths brought to their rulers. Lacking the ability to channel magic, which extends the lifespan of races such as the Fae, and with the machinations of their rulers the human lifespan was inordinately short. In the scheme of appreciation for the contribution offered by their species, in the minds of the Fae and in a Matrix styled consideration, humans were no more than disposable battery cells to be used and discarded at whim.
The plight of the human race, however, eventually hit paydirt when benevolent benefactors used trickery to bring about a banishment of all Fae from the Earth realm to another planet in the cosmos that was capable of supporting life. A new world became the dominion where the only species the Fae could subjugate were their own. Once the entirety of the banished Fae population reached their new home, a place the Fae perceived as a prison when the ruse was discovered, the benefactors closed the gateway and hid the trail of the tunnel leading back to Earth until all traces of it evaporated into the cosmos; forever thereafter preventing even the strongest of Fae magic from opening their own gateway that'dreturn them to their original home. The Fae became blind in how to return to their true home. With passing eons, all memory of the Fae's existence in human knowledge that wasn't associated with fables was forgotten from all but a few first race peoples, with western dogma in particular having relegated the Fae to fictitious characters in books if at all considered.
The Fae still feared the possible capabilities of their ancient foe even in present times, but they also grew to hate them with unbridled passion, swearing vengeance would one day be theirs. Maelhrandia, a current Fae Seelie Princess and Mistress of Red Moon, with gifts firmly in the domain of a scouting mage, has paired her non-offensive gifts with cunning and intellect bolstered through years of studying the ancient scrolls; skills she'd always believed would set her apart from her ambitious and murderous sisters to one day make her the more honoured of the Fae Queen - her mother. She runs a tight ship, and intruders in her lands face kill-capture war parties she often led herself. At such times, her scouting magic allows her and her warriors to remain cloaked from discovery until it was far too late for the intruders.
Seeking to find out why and how intruders had managed to appear in the heart of her dominion without raising any alarms, promptly became the monumental chance she'd awaited her whole life. When in reflection on the vaguest recognition of their bipedal movement compared to the tales of their existence recorded in the ancient scrolls, knowledge she'd been certain would separate her from her non-academic rivals with unmatched offensive mite, she knew instantly that returning a captured prisoner to her mother's interrogation would curry the greatest favour in her mother's immortal life. Just how they could even have ever developed into a race capable of interdimensional travel escaped reasoning, but it was a question for another time. The only expected difficulty now would be in keeping her hunters from killing them all.
Spooking them into error is necessary if their return to their home world will provide what she suspects it will: a trail the combined magical strength of her mother and her high priests could track through the cosmos. In her ambush some will provide a live flesh reward to sake her warriors' bloodlust and allow her to keep control. For one or two of the unluckiest, their capture combined with the very best interrogation will provide information for the scouting mission only she's most qualified for. For the lucky few to escape it would be but a mere postponement of their deaths, until her people brought war to their once glorious home. The manlings (sic) made a crucial mistake they're shortsighted intellect is incapable of reasoning, one of the many reasons why the Dark Elves would again become the rightful sovereigns. That is, for those left alive following the war marking the return of the Fae.
Twenty year old Cassie Rogan has struggled to maintain commitment to all of life's necessities since the tragic accident that took the lives of her parents, not that she'd presently admit to such. Forced into dropping out of University by her actions since moving their, including allegations and charges of unwarranted violence, she's returned to Hudson’s Hope. To her mind it's a life filled with the prospects of becoming just another of its loser wives and girlfriends tied to some BO ridden trucker or logger; one encompassed by proverbial chains tying her to the kitchen sink with expectations of becoming another of the town's brood mares, a regular bitch throwing out litters of pups she hasn't the resources to raise well in a dead end existence where she grows to hate herself even more than she currently does.
Her worn out and drawn looking older sister, Alice, who meets her at the airport terminal little more than a retrofitted large farming shed looks the part of a thirty-something example of someone trapped in a life without enrichment; and she at least has a husband on a semi-decent wage and no rugrats pulling at the hem of her skirts. Living in Northern British Columbia's unforgiving and ancient environment takes a particular toll on anyone not expressly born to such hardships, which to her is anyone who isn't First Nations born. She'd blown her sports ride and good student grade average on any indulgence aimed at a temporary reprieve from the thoughts and feelings that have haunted her in every moment of rest since only she survived what her mum and dad did not.
Her commitment had in the end been to parties and using university as a free and floating lifestyle, one that ends your student life and marks the beginning of yet another downfall. Her self-pity train ran on tracks she recognised but nonetheless felt powerless to stop. It does however surprise her that the happiness surfacing when reuniting with Alice is genuine, something she'd not seen coming. An equally depressing reality now she's actually returned home is the blight the town's economic reliance continues having on the once pristine beauty and portion of the lungs of the Earth. In the time since her departure, the processes involved in building yet another dam have incomprehensibly moved through in an unfathomable timefrime. Any person with half a brain in their head must surely ask what a third dam is needed to power, because it certainly couldn't be the collective of one horse hick towns and farming land in the whole of the North?
Soon after return Cassie ventures out into the nearby national forest where a local hangout at a majestic lake has been the locals' watering hole for untold generations of adolescents and young adults growing up in Hudson's Hope. As the day progressed toward dark, a grizzly is stirred from its place of rest by the unseasonable volatility in a storm heading their way. It brings the apex killer into the path of party goers. Seeking to intercede in what inexorably becomes clearer with each passing second, that of a windup to a young woman's mauling and death, Cassie is caught up in events passing to her in slow motion. Backlit by a chaotic display of nature's wildness and power, the wild red lightning blanketing the sky and touching down in random locales, she's filled with an irrational warm embrace she hadn't the first notion of how to explain. As action turned to panic she's filled with a euphoric power ehich washes out her senses to anything other than her, the grizzly, and the nearby campfire.
Unknown to her or any of the minute number of people within a certain radius of the storm, an awakening of dormant magical auras accompanies the revival of the atrophied magic her world once had. Before all vessels simultaneously hit the ground in a loss of consciousness, the last thing Cassie sees and feels is her grabbing hold of the flames from the small campfire and bringing them to bare down (no pun intended) on the path of the charging grizzly. Of the seven people who pass out at the exact same moment, Cassie would be the last to awaken from can only be described by doctors as an induced coma of an unknown sort. She'd soon after learn that less than half made it through their experience, and later still she'd learn that in those who didn't, the coma itself wasn't the cause of death. The horror is them further realised when she learns that among those who died, an infant was among them.
When she starts to experience abilities that defy explanations, and only then after prompting by a moment of panic, she initially hopes this new situation would mean an end to the rutt her life had become. That is, until it's shattered by her learning of things also believed to have been awakened by the strange storm, and her witness of further tragedy. Reports of mythical beasts start reaching the media and the many authorities now staking an interest in the lives of the survivors and events rolling out. Beasts like a basilisk, a thirty foot eight spinlu-legged lizard that partially turns people to stone before consuming them, only to then regurgitate the bits that were stone. Also like a small group of fire breathing wolves, or hellhounds, cooking and eating livestock and any farming families foolhardy or unlucky enough to get caught in their way.
Cassie is sort after for a crucial role in a secretive combined government agency recruiting the survivors under the guise of helping them to understand what happened and what they're capable of. Following her refusal she pays an ultimate price. Unknown to all but the one controlling the basalisk, the beast is sent after survivors to kill them and erase anyone showing new abilities. Following an argument with her sister, Cassie is absent when the basilisk strikes, killing Alice right in front of her after she'd sprinted back to her room to evacuate Alice following tremors hitting the hospital building from the basilisk's attempts to access her room. Dazed and exhausted from channelling air into a kinetic force that thrusts the beast away from her, she's grabbed by one of the planned abductors left behind from the earlier meeting with recruiters. She escapes, but two agents tasked with holding off the beast aren't as fortunate. Not that Cassie deems her escape as fortune, it's instead grouped among the growing list of reasons why she hates herself.
The human trait of curiosity has kicked a hornet's nest, the likes of which hasn't been seen since eons past. A military scouting mission is responsible for doing the kicking. With goals of training three survivors of effects created by a recent dimensional breach, the agency may not learn until it's too late that this is what's happening, or that they'll be needed on the frontline of an approaching war. A Dark Elf Princess, Maelhrandia, also watches on, hidden by her natural affiinity for scouting magic, to carry out tasks crucial to her people's plans. As humankind's oldest enemy the manlings have no concepts of the threat the Fae pose. Given they've brought this new war on themselves, it's unlikely if their once benefactors will be involved, or if they even still exist. This last question is an immensely important question tasked of Maelhrandia. The Fae have long awaited vengeance and their rightful sovereignty. This time, there'll be no trickery to undo them. Three untrained and unskilled mages and military high-tech will be the forefront of human defences, if any mages survive the current conflict, that is.
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OPINION:
William brings the epic to urban fantasy as though it's no more trouble than a walk in the park. I can only assume that the impending titles will be of similar length given the series classification, which after reading Starlight it's an exciting prospect. It's impossible to not consider there's a lot of bang for your buck. The last two books I reviewed were roughly forty-seven and seventy-three thousand words. Whilst it'd be unjust to rate them or any others based on how long they are, or short as the case in question is, it isn't unjust to highlight that in a fiscal world of dollars per words then William's books have a great return.
When comparing outlay in a personal library where you have x-number of dollars to spend, one contributing factor is undoubtedly how many hours of entertainment your money is buying. Besides, an epic urban fantasy ranking is something seen in an less than average number of occasions. For the same outlay as William's costed books I've noticed plenty that have page numbers only a quarter the length. If you're restricted to purchasing a set value per week, or however long the case may be, then buying one book that offers the same number of hours as four possible alternate titles I know which would have the greatest weighting in this aspect of decision-making.
The focal point of the story where through curiosity humans expose and reveal our presence to possible threat has some real life basis depending on your belief systems. Checking out the stars, as it could be described in relation to humanity's thirst for knowledge, runs a definite risk of attracting unwanted attention if that attention exists. Without getting into a debate of existential beliefs, personally I consider it naive to be audacious enough to think that in a cosmos of infinite stars that only our own exists as the sole planet capable of supporting life. In a flimsy comparison for reasons that they're not completely valid herein, but do touch on similar considerations in general, any number of Stargate movies and tv series, sum up the possibilities of how the proverbial cat's curiosity could get us all killed.
A six degrees of separation opens strongly, and the points of view are then whittled down to finite considerations as the story grows, having the effect of those movies you watch where regardless of how many cast members are seemingly unconnected, eventually that disconnection breaks down. As a story progresses you start to see small tidbits that shed light on the fact that the apparent randomness is only a facade. It's a particularly memorable technique that deals well with the ripples in a pond that butterfly theories tend to deal in; when a pebble gets dropped into the water, where once the winds of change begins the trick becomes to puzzle out the randomness, until you're forming hypotheses about how connections will pan out. It's a novel feature highlighting that when you drop your head below the surface of a pond, the ripples no longer even appear separate, the place where everything is connected in one fashion or another.
The intersection between marvellously detailed technology and armaments with that of magic, both Fae and human, is a delight often passed over briefly, if at all. The ways the human mind is looked at in its rationalisation using technological and science based reasoning for the ever ephemeral magic is entertaining and interesting. How both influence prowess and conflict is another adjunct beneficial in this type of examination. All of this impacts the difficulties and concepts of tutelage in using magic, because all of the former components struggle to deal with it. Whilst magic tutelage is a common aspect in fantasy, the same cannot be said of tutelage using non-magical frameworks and understanding, which are unique or rare at least.
The exactness of military ground forces, armor, protection, equipment, and offensive capabilities, and how they mount up against Fae magical capacities is enjoyable to imagine and watch. It sheds light on the different approaches in similar ways to that of modern movie techniques shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of scifi and fantasy action and how they've made the movies in the preceding years up to the nineties seem like old fashioned has-beens when compared to the blockbusters of the modern era. Of course this perspective is largely dependent on age groups and personal tastes that still see the classics and earlier movies as the better format, or as the harder to achieve. In an unconnected observation this is one story that I'm contemplating how wicked a movie it would make, perhaps something a little like Thor, when he and his compatriots took on the Dark Elves of that reality. Not that I'm seeking to compare them, though, or that the story is comparable either.
It's a measure of the success of a story when the intrigue evoked by the alternating points of view finds you captivated by the current character's perspective to the point where you're excited and looking forward with anticipation of reaching the next spot they appear in the plot. Such observations as all of these and more regarding the content and skill in Starlight's story have in my mind made it William's best book yet, although this opinion wouldn't influence the three by five star ratings I applied to The Vampire Queen Saga had I read this book first: they each earnt that rating still. This leaves only William's standalone dark fantasy Black Monastry as his one title that I'm yet to read and review. As a free download for subscribers of his newsletters which is available via William's website, hint - hint, I do have the ebook and it is in my TBR library shelf. On that note it's worth saying again that Starlight is also a free download via Amazon (and perhaps other means too).
Without prejudice to my favouritism of urban fantasy I can offer that Starlight combines military high-tech with magic, history with mythology, traditional lore with fantasy lore, and science with science fiction. With such ranging combinations it should prove worthy of offering a little something for every reader. With fantasy and science fiction lovers in mind, it also offers a gritty action-packed journey into providing an intriguing and suspenseful possible outcome to that one question all aforementioned readers have asked themselves at least once during their reading history: that of, I wonder would happen if the power of magical creatures and races were to meet on the field of battle with the modern science and technology of modern humanity? If you're all honest regardless of your preferences, I would argue that the same question has entered the collective psyche of any readers, not just these two fan types listed above.
January 28, 2016
Starlight is an incredibly accomplished first novel. I had an open mind when I downloaded it and I was so pleasantly surprised at how polished, professional and gripping it was.
The book is the first in the Dark Elf War series. Cassie has been expelled from university and returns to her home in the north of Canada to her elder sister and her guilty memories of the death of her parents. But there have been strange happenings in the area - a combined US and Canadian military task force has discovered and has been using a portal to another world, the world of the fae, and soon after Cassie arrives home the portal is breached and deadly fae enter the human world. At the same time, Cassie and several others are suddenly struck with the ability to manipulate 'mana' or magic. They are then brought on board to try and stop the creatures and halt the damage that the breach has caused.
I think the most impressive thing about this book is the depth of the characters. Each one is drawn so well, especially Cassie. Like others who have read this book, I found myself permanently irritated with both Buck, the racist, bigoted, chauvinistic Major who is one of the leaders of the task force, and with Elizabeth, another woman granted the ability to manipulate magic. Elizabeth is a religious zealot and somewhat arrogant perfectionist who never fails to offer her opinions of what is going on, even (and especially) when they are not wanted. She's not the worst religious zealot I have come across in fiction, but she's pretty grating. But it works - her presence, and the presence of characters like Buck make the main character, Cassie, all the more real and the situation all the more frightening.
I have to admit, I found myself cheering at times for the fae invader, Maelhrandia. There's a part of me that wanted her to succeed against the humans which just demonstrates how well the book is written. When you're not sure if you are rooting for the good guys or the bad guys or both at the same time, it means that the author has created a really good balance. I will most definitely be eager to read on with the series because I felt so invested in the characters that it was sad to let them go.
Perhaps my only comment was that there were times I felt the military detail was a little over the top. The author has a military background and that shows in the clarity and obvious knowledge of military equipment, personnel and culture. I definitely appreciated the detail, but there were times my eyes skipped quickly over paragraphs because it wasn't of interest to me. But that's OK, because it means that people who want the detail have it, whereas those like me can skim and still thoroughly enjoy the book.
Overall, I thought it was a great book and I was glad to get the opportunity to read it.
I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for and honest review.
The book is the first in the Dark Elf War series. Cassie has been expelled from university and returns to her home in the north of Canada to her elder sister and her guilty memories of the death of her parents. But there have been strange happenings in the area - a combined US and Canadian military task force has discovered and has been using a portal to another world, the world of the fae, and soon after Cassie arrives home the portal is breached and deadly fae enter the human world. At the same time, Cassie and several others are suddenly struck with the ability to manipulate 'mana' or magic. They are then brought on board to try and stop the creatures and halt the damage that the breach has caused.
I think the most impressive thing about this book is the depth of the characters. Each one is drawn so well, especially Cassie. Like others who have read this book, I found myself permanently irritated with both Buck, the racist, bigoted, chauvinistic Major who is one of the leaders of the task force, and with Elizabeth, another woman granted the ability to manipulate magic. Elizabeth is a religious zealot and somewhat arrogant perfectionist who never fails to offer her opinions of what is going on, even (and especially) when they are not wanted. She's not the worst religious zealot I have come across in fiction, but she's pretty grating. But it works - her presence, and the presence of characters like Buck make the main character, Cassie, all the more real and the situation all the more frightening.
I have to admit, I found myself cheering at times for the fae invader, Maelhrandia. There's a part of me that wanted her to succeed against the humans which just demonstrates how well the book is written. When you're not sure if you are rooting for the good guys or the bad guys or both at the same time, it means that the author has created a really good balance. I will most definitely be eager to read on with the series because I felt so invested in the characters that it was sad to let them go.
Perhaps my only comment was that there were times I felt the military detail was a little over the top. The author has a military background and that shows in the clarity and obvious knowledge of military equipment, personnel and culture. I definitely appreciated the detail, but there were times my eyes skipped quickly over paragraphs because it wasn't of interest to me. But that's OK, because it means that people who want the detail have it, whereas those like me can skim and still thoroughly enjoy the book.
Overall, I thought it was a great book and I was glad to get the opportunity to read it.
I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for and honest review.
October 27, 2015
What is it about female protagonists who kick ass that appeals to me? Could be that I’m a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan or maybe that quality is something that yearns within me to get out. Whatever the reason, I love urban fantasy stories that have females that kick utter ass!
Starlight is the story of Cassie, a college dropout who returns to her hometown, and the magic hidden within. Cassie and her friends are out camping out in the wilderness of upper British Columbia when a bolt of lightning appears out of nowhere and strikes her. Before she knows what’s happening, magical beasts and beings attack the population.
Cassie discovers she has magical powers and has the ability to save humanity from these mythical beasts and the Fae Seelie (Dark Elves). She’s soon recruited by a secretive military operation and learns more about her power and the Dark Elves. Will she be up to the task of saving humanity or will the dark being observing her from afar lure her to the other side?
I must admit, I was hooked from the first page and I absolutely LOVED this book! Filled with intense action, magic, good versus evil, mythical beings and people posturing it’s the end of the world, Stalight is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The author does a masterful job weaving the story while making the reader feel a part of it.
Yes, it’s a long book, but it goes by quickly as there’s so much going on and so much to take it. I didn’t mind the length and when I finished, I wished there was more.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and more specifically, this series!
Favorite Character: Cassie. I loved everything about her from her ability to kick some serious ass to her vulnerability, especially when it comes to her family and friends. She’s written so realistically, she flies off the page and there were so many times when I chuckled at her inner dialogue. I don’t know if the author was paying homage to Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I got the same vibe from Cassie as I do every time I watch Faith on dvd (hugs fan of BtVS).
Favorite Quote:
There were so many great lines in this book that it was hard for me to pick just one. In the end, I picked this one because it illustrated how descriptive and addictive the writing is.
“He turned toward the monster, his weapon pressed up into his shoulder, ready to fire. And then, in horror, he saw the dragon leap over the stream of water the firemen were aiming at its head. The damned thing was unbelievably agile, and it had jumped about twenty feet, landing just in front of the two men. They tried to readjust their aim to knock it back again, but at that moment, its eyes glowed with a blue fire. The two men stood frozen in place, their skin turning gray, cracking, and flaking— like stone.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Starlight is the story of Cassie, a college dropout who returns to her hometown, and the magic hidden within. Cassie and her friends are out camping out in the wilderness of upper British Columbia when a bolt of lightning appears out of nowhere and strikes her. Before she knows what’s happening, magical beasts and beings attack the population.
Cassie discovers she has magical powers and has the ability to save humanity from these mythical beasts and the Fae Seelie (Dark Elves). She’s soon recruited by a secretive military operation and learns more about her power and the Dark Elves. Will she be up to the task of saving humanity or will the dark being observing her from afar lure her to the other side?
I must admit, I was hooked from the first page and I absolutely LOVED this book! Filled with intense action, magic, good versus evil, mythical beings and people posturing it’s the end of the world, Stalight is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The author does a masterful job weaving the story while making the reader feel a part of it.
Yes, it’s a long book, but it goes by quickly as there’s so much going on and so much to take it. I didn’t mind the length and when I finished, I wished there was more.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and more specifically, this series!
Favorite Character: Cassie. I loved everything about her from her ability to kick some serious ass to her vulnerability, especially when it comes to her family and friends. She’s written so realistically, she flies off the page and there were so many times when I chuckled at her inner dialogue. I don’t know if the author was paying homage to Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I got the same vibe from Cassie as I do every time I watch Faith on dvd (hugs fan of BtVS).
Favorite Quote:
There were so many great lines in this book that it was hard for me to pick just one. In the end, I picked this one because it illustrated how descriptive and addictive the writing is.
“He turned toward the monster, his weapon pressed up into his shoulder, ready to fire. And then, in horror, he saw the dragon leap over the stream of water the firemen were aiming at its head. The damned thing was unbelievably agile, and it had jumped about twenty feet, landing just in front of the two men. They tried to readjust their aim to knock it back again, but at that moment, its eyes glowed with a blue fire. The two men stood frozen in place, their skin turning gray, cracking, and flaking— like stone.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
February 13, 2016
When Cassie Rogan returns home to northern British Columbia, she's expecting nothing. Unable to deal with her survivor guilt after being the sole survivor of an accident that killed both her parents, she's been expelled from university, and, with nowhere else to go, has come home to her small town. But when what appears to be a powerful lightening storm hits the area, killing some but leaving three people – including Cassie – unconscious but apparently unscathed, her life is permanently changed. Soon Cassie will be involved in a deeply classified military mission hidden deep in the BC wilderness, fighting to keep her family, friends, and the wider world safe from powers accidentally brought back to Earth from another dimension.
A combination of classic fantasy and military action genres, Starlight had me hooked from the first few pages. Author William Stacey hasn't created new fantasy beings so much as re-interpreted familiar ones in a unique manner, placing the creatures of fairy tale in a grimmer, darker setting, exiled, angry, and revengeful. Weaving in elements of Native American and northwest North American folklore and belief firmly roots the story in its British Columbia setting, while Stacey's military background ensures that those aspects of the story are accurate and believable, creating a world which I found (within the bounds of the genre) plausible. The explanation for and descriptions of the channelling of 'magic' were both very well handled, as were the differing reactions of the three people left with this ability after the 'lightening storm'.
Stacey's writing is crisp and competent. The plot grows slowly but steadily, the action building nicely towards the climactic scenes. Cassie's character grows throughout the novel; other characters perhaps develop less, but for the most part are well rounded enough; the motivations for their actions are clear and consistent. There were a few production errors: 'fae-seelie' is sometimes hyphenated and sometimes not, and there were one or two other minor errors, but not enough to be irritating.
My personal rating for Starlight is 4 1/2 stars, and it falls short of five only because there were aspects of the world-building that I felt were incomplete. This may be unfair to a book that is the first of a series, as those aspects may become more fully explained in the subsequent books, books which I hope are out soon, so I can continue reading this entertaining story.
Review by Goodreads author Marian Thorpe
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A combination of classic fantasy and military action genres, Starlight had me hooked from the first few pages. Author William Stacey hasn't created new fantasy beings so much as re-interpreted familiar ones in a unique manner, placing the creatures of fairy tale in a grimmer, darker setting, exiled, angry, and revengeful. Weaving in elements of Native American and northwest North American folklore and belief firmly roots the story in its British Columbia setting, while Stacey's military background ensures that those aspects of the story are accurate and believable, creating a world which I found (within the bounds of the genre) plausible. The explanation for and descriptions of the channelling of 'magic' were both very well handled, as were the differing reactions of the three people left with this ability after the 'lightening storm'.
Stacey's writing is crisp and competent. The plot grows slowly but steadily, the action building nicely towards the climactic scenes. Cassie's character grows throughout the novel; other characters perhaps develop less, but for the most part are well rounded enough; the motivations for their actions are clear and consistent. There were a few production errors: 'fae-seelie' is sometimes hyphenated and sometimes not, and there were one or two other minor errors, but not enough to be irritating.
My personal rating for Starlight is 4 1/2 stars, and it falls short of five only because there were aspects of the world-building that I felt were incomplete. This may be unfair to a book that is the first of a series, as those aspects may become more fully explained in the subsequent books, books which I hope are out soon, so I can continue reading this entertaining story.
Review by Goodreads author Marian Thorpe
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2015
Starlight (The Dark Elf War #1) Starlight (The Dark Elf War #1) by William Stacey Twenty-year-old university dropout Cassie Rogan has returned to her small British Columbia home. Tortured by an accident that killed her parents, she drifts, failing life at every turn. When an impossibly localized lightning storm hits the surrounding forest, Cassie discovers her supernatural side.After centuries of atrophy, the forces of magic are flowing back into our world, and Cassie can wield arcane powers. Her life seems destined to turn around, until the downside of magic brings everything to a screeching halt. Horrifying mythical beasts now prowl the northern wilderness—including the Basilisk—an enormous eight-legged lizard that can turn its prey to stone.Recruited by a secretive agency, Cassie must quickly master her powers to protect mankind. As she develops her skills, a dark power secretly watches from the shadows. The Fae Seelie (a.k.a. the Dark Elves)—humanity's ancient enemy—have returned to settle the score. My Review: Starlight is a mix of fantasy and reality with some epic supernatural tossed into the mix. I love Cassie's strength and how determined she is to get through her self exploration and her past. Although some of the characters got on my nerves I had to respect the authors ability create such well developed characters it lends credence to the authors ability to create such realistic worlds. Its strong entertainment and now it has won a new fan. I look forward to seeing where the Dark Elf series goes in the future. My Rating:4 StarsReviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviewshttp://kkmalott.booklikes.com/Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2015
I won this book in a recent goodreads give-a-way and it was my lucky day when I did. Starlight is an Urban Fantasy set in rural British Columbia, Canada and the planet men have named Rubicon. A joint task force of Canadian and U.S. military have opened a jump gate between Earth and Rubicon. Little do they know that a race of Dark Elves which were banished from Earth to Rubicon many thousands of years ago live on Rubicon. The Elves kill all but one officer who flees back to Earth. A Dark Elf scout follows him back to Earth with a pack of Hell Hounds and her mount, a Basilisk, who can turn men to stone with his gaze. Coming through the jump gate from Rubicon lets magic in the form of mana return to the Earth. Three people pass out when this happens and wake up with with strange new powers. The military recruits them to help battle this new menace from the distant past. This book is extremely well written and exciting from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the sequel entitled "GUNZ", and the third book in the series "RANGER" when they come out. I highly recommend this book!
October 5, 2015
An exciting book about dark magic and today's technology. This is completely different than any other book about humans vs magic that I have read. It is very dark with the scariest monsters and creatures you could ever imagine. It is action packed but also has a humans side to it. Religion, atheists, and everyone in between are just some of the characters. You can by no means guess who is going to win which battle. Just when you think that the magic will win out, the humans and technology win. And vice versus. The ending was really a surprise to me and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I highly recommend this series if you like paranormal and the humans battle it out. Even if you have never read something like this try it. I'm sure you will love it. William Stacey has started a winning series with this book.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
November 8, 2015
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program and I am so grateful! I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading, and couldn't quite make sense of the cover art (although it quickly became apparent!). This book remained fast-paced and attention-grabbing throughout, and I was pleased to find that its content would appeal to a wide age range (I could easily give it to some of the younger teens I work with). Can't wait to read the next books in the series and to check out some of William Stacey's previous works!
February 15, 2018
“...in the primeval forests of northern British Columbia, Cassie and Alex will fight alongside an elite Special Forces unit hunting mythical beasts with supernatural powers in an undeclared war they can’t afford to lose.”
And so it begins. I happen to really enjoy military action novels, from WEB Griffith to Tom Clancy and everything in between. Add in Sci Fi or fantasy elements (hello Robert A. Heinlein) especially in an urban fantasy setting (probably my favorite genre right now), and even more when there’s a bit of a potential for romance. So now we have poor college dropout Cassie, who happens to be in the wrong place (near a portal when it opens) at the wrong time, though at least she’s not one of the many who died and she did get some kick-a** Powers out of it. Add to this mix one dark elf princess, “...sent to our world to strike out at the pestilence that is humanity” along with a nasty beasty of a monster, plus the promised thrilling battles and non-stop action, and the result is a heady mix indeed. Pure fun if you are up for well written urban fantasy/military sci-fi. I definitely am and William Stacey’s Starlight (The Dark Elf War Book 1) definitely worked well for me. I can’t wait for book 2.
Highly recommended.
And so it begins. I happen to really enjoy military action novels, from WEB Griffith to Tom Clancy and everything in between. Add in Sci Fi or fantasy elements (hello Robert A. Heinlein) especially in an urban fantasy setting (probably my favorite genre right now), and even more when there’s a bit of a potential for romance. So now we have poor college dropout Cassie, who happens to be in the wrong place (near a portal when it opens) at the wrong time, though at least she’s not one of the many who died and she did get some kick-a** Powers out of it. Add to this mix one dark elf princess, “...sent to our world to strike out at the pestilence that is humanity” along with a nasty beasty of a monster, plus the promised thrilling battles and non-stop action, and the result is a heady mix indeed. Pure fun if you are up for well written urban fantasy/military sci-fi. I definitely am and William Stacey’s Starlight (The Dark Elf War Book 1) definitely worked well for me. I can’t wait for book 2.
Highly recommended.
March 10, 2019
A good read, really well written, real characters
Good flawed characters who reacted like real people no superhero’s just doing what had to or needed to in the storyline. This book came up as a recommendation when I was seeing what was new. I am currently reading two other books but had to stop because it grabbed my attention so much. I purchased the next two books about half way through this one. So I can read through the whole series which is Always a reading treat.
I will likely check out what else the author has written after this series. Judging by the end of the book blurb there are others I will likely be interested in reading. All around Well worth the price and time.
Good flawed characters who reacted like real people no superhero’s just doing what had to or needed to in the storyline. This book came up as a recommendation when I was seeing what was new. I am currently reading two other books but had to stop because it grabbed my attention so much. I purchased the next two books about half way through this one. So I can read through the whole series which is Always a reading treat.
I will likely check out what else the author has written after this series. Judging by the end of the book blurb there are others I will likely be interested in reading. All around Well worth the price and time.
January 4, 2021
Interesting start...
The three stars are because I am not sure I like this ad much as I could. The story moved well, and seemed to have a well thought or back world. I would have to say it was some of the characters that annoyed me. There was too much emphasis on some character flaws, not enough to make me walk away from the story, but it was a bit irritating. I am curious to see how some of the various lines get resolved.
I would recommend this to people who are fans of urban fantasy as well as fantasy fans looking for something different, also to fans of stories involving the Fae (not sure this lines up exactly with other stories, but it does point out a lengthy banishment...). Worth reading, enjoy.
The three stars are because I am not sure I like this ad much as I could. The story moved well, and seemed to have a well thought or back world. I would have to say it was some of the characters that annoyed me. There was too much emphasis on some character flaws, not enough to make me walk away from the story, but it was a bit irritating. I am curious to see how some of the various lines get resolved.
I would recommend this to people who are fans of urban fantasy as well as fantasy fans looking for something different, also to fans of stories involving the Fae (not sure this lines up exactly with other stories, but it does point out a lengthy banishment...). Worth reading, enjoy.
March 20, 2024
Tough to Review
This book contains both my favorite and least favorite elements. First the good. Young people growing into competent military operators is great. Military teams carrying out difficult missions I so enjoy. The bad. Overblown drama and exaggerated character flaws I try to avoid. The character Buck basically ruins the story for me. I was constantly broken out of immersion by his gross characterization. I made it to 79% by skimming hoping he would be killed off so the book would have a chance. The government and military leaders are portrayed as hopelessly immoral and incompetent. Every good idea is immediately shot down. I want smart, competent characters I can bond with. Every character is hobbled by flaws and issues. Feels like Reality TV.
This book contains both my favorite and least favorite elements. First the good. Young people growing into competent military operators is great. Military teams carrying out difficult missions I so enjoy. The bad. Overblown drama and exaggerated character flaws I try to avoid. The character Buck basically ruins the story for me. I was constantly broken out of immersion by his gross characterization. I made it to 79% by skimming hoping he would be killed off so the book would have a chance. The government and military leaders are portrayed as hopelessly immoral and incompetent. Every good idea is immediately shot down. I want smart, competent characters I can bond with. Every character is hobbled by flaws and issues. Feels like Reality TV.
March 18, 2018
Starlight by William Stacey
Ultimate Fantasy Thriller!
This was an earlier Stacey novel that I hadn’t gotten to and shame on me. It was fun romp in the wilds of British Columbia. As with all good tales, the results of a government research screw up causes all kinds of trouble.
A gateway to another dimension has allowed creatures of myth to enter Earth in a scouting mission to prepare for all out war. It also has allowed Mana into our dimension awaking strange new powers in a few special people. Dark Elves, fire breathing Hell Hounds and monstrous Basilisk vs the best U.S./Canadian Special Forces sets the stage for one hell of a firefight.
Ultimate Fantasy Thriller!
This was an earlier Stacey novel that I hadn’t gotten to and shame on me. It was fun romp in the wilds of British Columbia. As with all good tales, the results of a government research screw up causes all kinds of trouble.
A gateway to another dimension has allowed creatures of myth to enter Earth in a scouting mission to prepare for all out war. It also has allowed Mana into our dimension awaking strange new powers in a few special people. Dark Elves, fire breathing Hell Hounds and monstrous Basilisk vs the best U.S./Canadian Special Forces sets the stage for one hell of a firefight.
February 19, 2020
This isnt a series or an author I had previously heard of, but as a gift from xmas, I wanted to include it in my February pile instead of waiting and I am very glad I did, I am also grateful that i have the rest of the series too as i want to know what comes next. I shall admit that it took me a short while to get into but once you're in, you're in. I think that if you enjoy Fantasy, you shall enjoy this book with its references to mythology, and beliefs, the characters are well written and the storyline is fantastic. I love how the inner story has been portrayed and that some of the characters are so normalised and not overly exaggerated or favoured.
May 29, 2023
If Black Hawk Down played out as a D&D game…
Gonna start by saying that, in my opinion, not all of Stacey’s dialogue was perfect. Some of it was forced, & some of it spent a little too much trying to nail a point home. But I’m also gonna say that he does a really good job pulling from his own military service to set the tone. He’s got some characters who have a lot of room to grow out of their current status as story tropes, with some of that groundwork already laid out here.
My bottom line is that I had a lot of fun with this book, & I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes next.
Gonna start by saying that, in my opinion, not all of Stacey’s dialogue was perfect. Some of it was forced, & some of it spent a little too much trying to nail a point home. But I’m also gonna say that he does a really good job pulling from his own military service to set the tone. He’s got some characters who have a lot of room to grow out of their current status as story tropes, with some of that groundwork already laid out here.
My bottom line is that I had a lot of fun with this book, & I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes next.
February 11, 2019
Overall, I liked this book. It's a different take on magic, casting it at odds with modern technology and a fight between very different foes. There are a few inconsistencies with his universe (Chapter 6: "To the east, the sun had yet to fully set..." - Chapter 49: "Here, just like Earth, the sun rose in the east.") but overall the characters are well fleshed out and the descriptions are well written. Stacey does have a tendency on occasion to go into great detail where it isn't necessary but it doesn't detract to much from the story. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
September 2, 2024
Magic returns with interest
I enjoyed the setting, and some of the characters. The author managed to have a number of the characters become fairly alive. The US major was a jarring change, where he was just portrayed as a psychotic with no reason behind it. Elizabeth has the religious one could have been developed further, maybe they will in the next book, but it wasn't developed as much in this book. That being said, it's a good first book and an interesting mix on fairies and magic returning. I will read the next one.
I enjoyed the setting, and some of the characters. The author managed to have a number of the characters become fairly alive. The US major was a jarring change, where he was just portrayed as a psychotic with no reason behind it. Elizabeth has the religious one could have been developed further, maybe they will in the next book, but it wasn't developed as much in this book. That being said, it's a good first book and an interesting mix on fairies and magic returning. I will read the next one.
September 10, 2020
1 of Stacey's best books yet!
It's getting difficult to think of appropriate words to use in reviews of William Stacey's books.All of those I have read so far Have been exciting With constant action and suspense and as time is going on they've all gotten better. Starlight is no exception.It was another read that I had a hard time putting down As I was so eager to get to the next interesting part of the saga. Now I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
It's getting difficult to think of appropriate words to use in reviews of William Stacey's books.All of those I have read so far Have been exciting With constant action and suspense and as time is going on they've all gotten better. Starlight is no exception.It was another read that I had a hard time putting down As I was so eager to get to the next interesting part of the saga. Now I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 12, 2022
I'm on the fence here. I want to leave a higher rating because it was a good read. It did almost everything right; an engaging protagonist with real flaws and a believable strength, a fun premise, and the background details are drawn with that sort of "you must have grown up here" feeling of veracity you get with early Tony Hillerman or Stephen King.
But then it doesn't stick the landing. What was set up here wants the sequel and the sequel missed somehow.
But then it doesn't stick the landing. What was set up here wants the sequel and the sequel missed somehow.
April 20, 2023
Fun filled action and magic book
This book was a lot of fun, and filled with action, magic, interesting characters, and some mythological stuff too.
Other than the jerk waiting until near the end of this book to find his place in the world, the story was well paced, the universe filled in as the story progressed, and the action was engaging. I recommend this book and am glad to see it is part of a series.
This book was a lot of fun, and filled with action, magic, interesting characters, and some mythological stuff too.
Other than the jerk waiting until near the end of this book to find his place in the world, the story was well paced, the universe filled in as the story progressed, and the action was engaging. I recommend this book and am glad to see it is part of a series.
May 10, 2023
WAY better than I expected!
Not really a "fantasy" guy but I thought I'd give this a shot. The SF aspect. Hooked me. And what a surprise! The plot was fascinating! The action was accurate (I'm a Vet)! The dialogue, the character development, all of it. Just outstanding! The contrast between the fantasy and the scifi, Earth and Rubicon, even it involving Canada was new! This book held my attention from start to finished. Moving on to book 2 now!
Not really a "fantasy" guy but I thought I'd give this a shot. The SF aspect. Hooked me. And what a surprise! The plot was fascinating! The action was accurate (I'm a Vet)! The dialogue, the character development, all of it. Just outstanding! The contrast between the fantasy and the scifi, Earth and Rubicon, even it involving Canada was new! This book held my attention from start to finished. Moving on to book 2 now!
February 12, 2019
DNF at 80 % I just couldn't continue to listen to this trash. It had a promising start with a lot of potential but every time the story started to build momentum the author switch the POV away from the action. If that wasn't enough the author is pretty bad at writing the actual action scenes and not that great at building towards them either.
November 2, 2019
The old world vs the new world
While the book starts slow it more than makes up for it in the end, it's what happens when the old world of myths and legends collide with the new world of guns and tanks, this series is already off to a interesting start and looking forward to see where it goes.
While the book starts slow it more than makes up for it in the end, it's what happens when the old world of myths and legends collide with the new world of guns and tanks, this series is already off to a interesting start and looking forward to see where it goes.
July 11, 2020
The book didn't feel like it had a story. It read like a series of events that didn't necessarily go anywhere. I enjoyed the magical creatures and the idea that magic bled into our world but overall I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters or events that made me care too much about the outcomes.
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