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The Dark Ability #1
The Dark Ability
Exiled by his family. Claimed by thieves. Could his dark ability be the key to his salvation?
Rsiran is a disappointment to his family, gifted with the ability to Slide. It is a dark magic, one where he can transport himself wherever he wants, but using it will only turn him into the thief his father fears.
Forbidden from Sliding, he’s apprenticed under his father as a blacksmith where lorcith, a rare, precious metal with arcane properties, calls to him, seducing him into forming forbidden blades. When discovered, he’s banished, sentenced indefinitely to the mines of Ilphaesn Mountain.
Though Rsiran tries to serve obediently, to learn to control the call of lorcith as his father demands, when his life is threatened in the darkness of the mines, he finds himself Sliding back to Elaeavn where he finds a black market for his blades - and a new family of thieves.
There someone far more powerful than him discovers what he can do and intends to use him. He doesn’t want to be a pawn in anyone’s ambitions; all he ever wanted was a family. But the darkness inside him cannot be ignored - and he’s already embroiled in an ancient struggle that only he may be able to end.
Rsiran is a disappointment to his family, gifted with the ability to Slide. It is a dark magic, one where he can transport himself wherever he wants, but using it will only turn him into the thief his father fears.
Forbidden from Sliding, he’s apprenticed under his father as a blacksmith where lorcith, a rare, precious metal with arcane properties, calls to him, seducing him into forming forbidden blades. When discovered, he’s banished, sentenced indefinitely to the mines of Ilphaesn Mountain.
Though Rsiran tries to serve obediently, to learn to control the call of lorcith as his father demands, when his life is threatened in the darkness of the mines, he finds himself Sliding back to Elaeavn where he finds a black market for his blades - and a new family of thieves.
There someone far more powerful than him discovers what he can do and intends to use him. He doesn’t want to be a pawn in anyone’s ambitions; all he ever wanted was a family. But the darkness inside him cannot be ignored - and he’s already embroiled in an ancient struggle that only he may be able to end.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2016
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November 10, 2018
The Dark Ability
(The Dark Ability #1)
by D.K. Holmberg, Vikas Adam (Reading)
I really, really loved this book! It's a young adult fantasy about a world where people have certain abilities. Some of these abilities are considered dark by most. Our young hero has one of those abilities, he can jump from one place to another or 'slide'. This is his story as a teen as his cruel father disowned him, him finding his way, making friends and choices. It is full of interesting characters, exciting fantasy, wonderful world building, suspense, and even heartwarming moments.
I LOVED the narration too! This book was just so well rounded! I have to get book two!
(The Dark Ability #1)
by D.K. Holmberg, Vikas Adam (Reading)
I really, really loved this book! It's a young adult fantasy about a world where people have certain abilities. Some of these abilities are considered dark by most. Our young hero has one of those abilities, he can jump from one place to another or 'slide'. This is his story as a teen as his cruel father disowned him, him finding his way, making friends and choices. It is full of interesting characters, exciting fantasy, wonderful world building, suspense, and even heartwarming moments.
I LOVED the narration too! This book was just so well rounded! I have to get book two!
December 28, 2021
Elaeavn (Elven) is a city with a chronic cat problem. They are on every corner, constantly yowling. Our erstwhile protagonist Rsiran, is like his name stupid. He can teleport and has been told that is a terrible power by his bully of a father. For some inexplicable reason, he believes him and wallows in misery.
Arse has no ambition at all, not to travel or even snog his smelly girlfriend. His hobbies include visiting this one warehouse repeatedly, and counting cat cries.
Remarkably, he makes two other friends that he never trusts or talks to and between them, they muddle along, managing to get poisoned at least once a week, requiring a mandatory visit to the 'wise woman' for healing. Two things, must thee know of the Wisewoman. First, she is a woman…
Enough backstory. Pros and cons time. Pros:
1) Arse is a blacksmith AND makes magical weapons.
2) Arse levels slowly and everything is not provided on a platter in chapter one.
Cons:
1) Arse and his motley ensemble cannot communicate even the most basic information or see the forest for the trees. Their inept bumbling made me stop reading the series.
2) No-one dies. While the restraint is actually admirable—in real life—and thus realistic, the story doesn't move forward at all. I got halfway through book 3 before realising how bored I was.
Overall, it's all a little Dickensian and drab—about dumb people wallowing in their own shortsightedness.
Not badly written, but I prefer a smart and decisive protagonist.
Arse has no ambition at all, not to travel or even snog his smelly girlfriend. His hobbies include visiting this one warehouse repeatedly, and counting cat cries.
Remarkably, he makes two other friends that he never trusts or talks to and between them, they muddle along, managing to get poisoned at least once a week, requiring a mandatory visit to the 'wise woman' for healing. Two things, must thee know of the Wisewoman. First, she is a woman…
Enough backstory. Pros and cons time. Pros:
1) Arse is a blacksmith AND makes magical weapons.
2) Arse levels slowly and everything is not provided on a platter in chapter one.
Cons:
1) Arse and his motley ensemble cannot communicate even the most basic information or see the forest for the trees. Their inept bumbling made me stop reading the series.
2) No-one dies. While the restraint is actually admirable—in real life—and thus realistic, the story doesn't move forward at all. I got halfway through book 3 before realising how bored I was.
Overall, it's all a little Dickensian and drab—about dumb people wallowing in their own shortsightedness.
Not badly written, but I prefer a smart and decisive protagonist.
August 21, 2019
* SPFBO5 Read *
The Dark Ability was one of interest around the FBC circle for SPFBO5, as it already has over 2,000 varied ratings on GR, so I was pretty excited to give it a try. The notion of magical abilities determining a person's standing in society is an intriguing approach to viewing the many prevalent inequities in our own society. The whole "they only hate and fear it because they don't understand it" concept plays a huge role in this story, and tackling it sends out a positive message to readers. Additionally, I absolutely loved the blacksmithing aspect introduced, especially how lorcith, a magical and almost sentient metal, calls out to Mastersmiths to be shaped in a way it desires, usually in the form of weapons. These lorcith-forged weapons have been deemed illegal by those ruling - the reasoning unknown. I was also captivated by a supporting cast of complex characters with many unveiled secrets.
Having that said, while I adored Brusus, Jessa, and Haern, I just couldn't connect with Rsiran, the main character, whatsoever. His constant, repetitive introspection became overly distracting, consistently pulling me from the immersion of the story - if these repetitions had borne fruit, I'd not even mention it. The underlying story is truly fantastic, but I felt some aspects were overly simplified, while others felt too bogged down with superfluous details. Additionally, the corrupt ruling class dictating the lives of all was an interesting thread I wished has been explored in more detail - I know they're the bad guys, but not why. Despite my mixed reactions to this book, I'll most likely be continuing with the series, simply because I need to know what happens next.
The Dark Ability was one of interest around the FBC circle for SPFBO5, as it already has over 2,000 varied ratings on GR, so I was pretty excited to give it a try. The notion of magical abilities determining a person's standing in society is an intriguing approach to viewing the many prevalent inequities in our own society. The whole "they only hate and fear it because they don't understand it" concept plays a huge role in this story, and tackling it sends out a positive message to readers. Additionally, I absolutely loved the blacksmithing aspect introduced, especially how lorcith, a magical and almost sentient metal, calls out to Mastersmiths to be shaped in a way it desires, usually in the form of weapons. These lorcith-forged weapons have been deemed illegal by those ruling - the reasoning unknown. I was also captivated by a supporting cast of complex characters with many unveiled secrets.
Having that said, while I adored Brusus, Jessa, and Haern, I just couldn't connect with Rsiran, the main character, whatsoever. His constant, repetitive introspection became overly distracting, consistently pulling me from the immersion of the story - if these repetitions had borne fruit, I'd not even mention it. The underlying story is truly fantastic, but I felt some aspects were overly simplified, while others felt too bogged down with superfluous details. Additionally, the corrupt ruling class dictating the lives of all was an interesting thread I wished has been explored in more detail - I know they're the bad guys, but not why. Despite my mixed reactions to this book, I'll most likely be continuing with the series, simply because I need to know what happens next.
January 31, 2023
There are few who carry abilities beyond. The Dark ability however is one to be hidden. For that is to be reviled. In the shadows of Ilphaesn Mountain one also to exploit.
Wow Wow. Wow. Amazing. Gripping, dark & heart wrenching. Addictive. Not to be missed.
This was so good! Such a compelling story.
Our main character is learning the trade of the blacksmith from his father. It is a terrible relationship however. His father drowns his demons in alcohol, is abusive and shames his son.
Found family in the dark streets but whether they are to be trusted is another thing.
And the plot gets darker and bigger from there.
Such a gem. There is an ominous feeling throughout. Our main character tugs on your heartstrings. No one is to be trusted. Secrets aplenty.
So excited for book 2!
Wow Wow. Wow. Amazing. Gripping, dark & heart wrenching. Addictive. Not to be missed.
This was so good! Such a compelling story.
Our main character is learning the trade of the blacksmith from his father. It is a terrible relationship however. His father drowns his demons in alcohol, is abusive and shames his son.
Found family in the dark streets but whether they are to be trusted is another thing.
And the plot gets darker and bigger from there.
Such a gem. There is an ominous feeling throughout. Our main character tugs on your heartstrings. No one is to be trusted. Secrets aplenty.
So excited for book 2!
March 1, 2016
its the kind of book that is really annoying to read, because the author is a jackass who goes arround a arround the subject, you just want to know how it ends, and how it got there, but i skipped a lot of useless stuff done in the middle, the worst of it, the book and the world are really good, so i will just read the whole thing as fas as i can.
i am no a patient man so if you are a no nonsense kind of reader, dont read this it will trap you and you will not enjoy jumping ahead, i even skipped a whole chapter after noticing how useless it was, the worst thing is, i expected to have to go back a re-read, but no, its like its there just so the book has more pages.
i am no a patient man so if you are a no nonsense kind of reader, dont read this it will trap you and you will not enjoy jumping ahead, i even skipped a whole chapter after noticing how useless it was, the worst thing is, i expected to have to go back a re-read, but no, its like its there just so the book has more pages.
January 22, 2016
I have some complicated thoughts on this book. I had thought at first that the author was new at writing, and that would explain why the structure of the writing was often simplistic and straight-forward. Then I discovered that he has in fact written many, many books, and so it seemed perhaps he was merely trying to portray the text as the very naive very sheltered main character would express things...to lend a feeling of simpleness to it all. But then it became clear he was trying to portray the character as sheltered but clever, quick even. In the end, I have to conclude he's just not a very good writer.
Now, having said that, I did very much enjoy the setting he came up with and the characters he populated the setting with. They were a bit on the one-dimensional side, but no moreso than any other YA fantasy. Aside from his very basic writing style, my only other beef with this would be that he tried far far far far too hard to come up with "unique" sounding names, to the point where many of the names of people and places in the story are downright difficult to pronounce. This is very, very jarring when you're trying to read and cannot pronounce even the main character's name in your head.
Now, having said that, I did very much enjoy the setting he came up with and the characters he populated the setting with. They were a bit on the one-dimensional side, but no moreso than any other YA fantasy. Aside from his very basic writing style, my only other beef with this would be that he tried far far far far too hard to come up with "unique" sounding names, to the point where many of the names of people and places in the story are downright difficult to pronounce. This is very, very jarring when you're trying to read and cannot pronounce even the main character's name in your head.
June 12, 2019
First, for some readers this may be an enjoyable read so I will make some effort to avoid spoilers, primarily by speaking in generalities. However, this isn’t a sufficiently good book for me to put a lot of effort into spoiler avoidance.
Second, I go into a fair amount of detail in this review for my own benefit. This way should I ever forget this book I can read this review and remind myself not to waste my time. If you like this kind of book and aren’t a critical reader you may be able to enjoy this book. It was well written enough that I didn’t immediately go into critical mode but once I did the deficiencies were glaring. Therefore, if you are comfortable immediately classifying this book as a waste of time you do not need to spend more time on this review.
This is yet another case of YA authors not bothering write with even the minimum amount of intelligence. The MC in particular is stupid. In theory all he wants to be is a blacksmith like his father but he can’t follow through to save his life. In the MC’s first scene with his father the MC admits to using the forge against the rules and can’t remember if he banked the forge’s fire or not and so has to go back. Back at the forge the MC basically steals magic metal from his father, enters a trance and makes an illegal weapon. And that is just the start of the MC’s stupidity. Rather than hide the evidence of his crime he carries it with him and stops to eavesdrop on a conversation in an alley at night. Guess what? This leads to the MC, and the evidence of his crime, being discovered.
To be fair I feel I must acknowledge that I did like the “magic metal” aspect of this story: There is a metal that tells blacksmiths with the gift the shape it wants to take allowing those blacksmiths to enter a trance and make pretty impressive swords, knives, etc. In the climax the MC develops a new aspect of this power that was also interesting. However none of this was sufficiently interesting to make this book worth the read.
It will be quicker and easier to describe the two somewhat intelligent things the MC did rather than continuing to list the MC’s stupidity. First the MC meets some sketchy characters, one of whom threatens the MC at their initial meeting. INTELLIGENTLY ENOUGH the MC doesn’t trust these people immediately. What is weird is the author portrays this as paranoid instead of reasonable even going so far as to introduce a wise old healer woman character who tells the MC to trust them. Second, after the MC’s stupidity has led him into being blackmailed by one of the city’s rulers to commit a crime against the other city rulers, the MC attempts to deviate from the plan in a manner intended to free the MC from the blackmail. The MC, being incompetent, fails at this until he experiences the miraculous luck of developing talent previously unknown in this world.
The characters of the MCs family are one dimensional. The mother appears in one scene and she just stands and looks at the MC. Really the mother’s whole presence is pointless. The sister is the typical snotty sister and the father is a drunk failing business man that takes it out on his son. I suspect the lack of character development is due to the author’s commitment to having the dad send his son to work in a mine WHERE EVERY OTHER WORKER IS A PRISONER. (In other words, if any thought was given to the father character at all a better way of dealing with the MC would have occurred to him.)
The MC’s magic is pretty poorly handled as well. The MC can “slide” - move from place to place instantly as long as he is sufficiently familiar with the place. Since this ability interferes with the foresight ability it means people with this ability aren’t as readily controlled by the city’s rulers. Therefore the rulers have caused this ability to be looked upon as a cursed dark ability fit only for thieves and assassins. This just shows how little thought the author put into this. The first thing I thought of was why wouldn’t the rulers hire these people as messengers, scouts, spies, assassins, etc. Who wouldn’t want such a vast power at their disposal? Plus “sliders” can take others with them so a ruler could visit another country in an afternoon rather than traveling for weeks. But I digress, the point is that the author needed to come up with a more intelligent explanation than just saying “the city leaders feared sliders” and he didn’t.
Back to speaking of the moronic MC: the rational given for the MC putting up with all the stupid stuff happening (like allowing his father to send him to a prison mine) is that he really wants to be a blacksmith. Apparently the MC’s father is the only blacksmith in the world who would consider teaching him???? Besides that the MC has been working in his father’s smithy for years now and it seems pretty clear the MC could just go to some remote village in need of a blacksmith and set up shop and learn the rest as he goes. BUT NO- THAT WOULD MAKE TOO MUCH SENSE. This city is the only home the MC has known, but if you were given the choice of going to a prison mine or traveling WHICH WOULD YOU DO???
You know what, listing all of the stupid stuff in this book is just exhausting therefore time for the:
Bottom line: There must be something better to read.
Second, I go into a fair amount of detail in this review for my own benefit. This way should I ever forget this book I can read this review and remind myself not to waste my time. If you like this kind of book and aren’t a critical reader you may be able to enjoy this book. It was well written enough that I didn’t immediately go into critical mode but once I did the deficiencies were glaring. Therefore, if you are comfortable immediately classifying this book as a waste of time you do not need to spend more time on this review.
This is yet another case of YA authors not bothering write with even the minimum amount of intelligence. The MC in particular is stupid. In theory all he wants to be is a blacksmith like his father but he can’t follow through to save his life. In the MC’s first scene with his father the MC admits to using the forge against the rules and can’t remember if he banked the forge’s fire or not and so has to go back. Back at the forge the MC basically steals magic metal from his father, enters a trance and makes an illegal weapon. And that is just the start of the MC’s stupidity. Rather than hide the evidence of his crime he carries it with him and stops to eavesdrop on a conversation in an alley at night. Guess what? This leads to the MC, and the evidence of his crime, being discovered.
To be fair I feel I must acknowledge that I did like the “magic metal” aspect of this story: There is a metal that tells blacksmiths with the gift the shape it wants to take allowing those blacksmiths to enter a trance and make pretty impressive swords, knives, etc. In the climax the MC develops a new aspect of this power that was also interesting. However none of this was sufficiently interesting to make this book worth the read.
It will be quicker and easier to describe the two somewhat intelligent things the MC did rather than continuing to list the MC’s stupidity. First the MC meets some sketchy characters, one of whom threatens the MC at their initial meeting. INTELLIGENTLY ENOUGH the MC doesn’t trust these people immediately. What is weird is the author portrays this as paranoid instead of reasonable even going so far as to introduce a wise old healer woman character who tells the MC to trust them. Second, after the MC’s stupidity has led him into being blackmailed by one of the city’s rulers to commit a crime against the other city rulers, the MC attempts to deviate from the plan in a manner intended to free the MC from the blackmail. The MC, being incompetent, fails at this until he experiences the miraculous luck of developing talent previously unknown in this world.
The characters of the MCs family are one dimensional. The mother appears in one scene and she just stands and looks at the MC. Really the mother’s whole presence is pointless. The sister is the typical snotty sister and the father is a drunk failing business man that takes it out on his son. I suspect the lack of character development is due to the author’s commitment to having the dad send his son to work in a mine WHERE EVERY OTHER WORKER IS A PRISONER. (In other words, if any thought was given to the father character at all a better way of dealing with the MC would have occurred to him.)
The MC’s magic is pretty poorly handled as well. The MC can “slide” - move from place to place instantly as long as he is sufficiently familiar with the place. Since this ability interferes with the foresight ability it means people with this ability aren’t as readily controlled by the city’s rulers. Therefore the rulers have caused this ability to be looked upon as a cursed dark ability fit only for thieves and assassins. This just shows how little thought the author put into this. The first thing I thought of was why wouldn’t the rulers hire these people as messengers, scouts, spies, assassins, etc. Who wouldn’t want such a vast power at their disposal? Plus “sliders” can take others with them so a ruler could visit another country in an afternoon rather than traveling for weeks. But I digress, the point is that the author needed to come up with a more intelligent explanation than just saying “the city leaders feared sliders” and he didn’t.
Back to speaking of the moronic MC: the rational given for the MC putting up with all the stupid stuff happening (like allowing his father to send him to a prison mine) is that he really wants to be a blacksmith. Apparently the MC’s father is the only blacksmith in the world who would consider teaching him???? Besides that the MC has been working in his father’s smithy for years now and it seems pretty clear the MC could just go to some remote village in need of a blacksmith and set up shop and learn the rest as he goes. BUT NO- THAT WOULD MAKE TOO MUCH SENSE. This city is the only home the MC has known, but if you were given the choice of going to a prison mine or traveling WHICH WOULD YOU DO???
You know what, listing all of the stupid stuff in this book is just exhausting therefore time for the:
Bottom line: There must be something better to read.
January 7, 2016
Great first book, reminded me a bit of Shadow's Son by Jon Sprunk (the shadow/sliding), but other then that these books stand on their own.
I loved the world DK has created here, we have our city Elaeavn, a high and low town and of course the Palace where the "most gifted family" lives. People are born with powers here, whether it's being able to read a persons emotions or mind, see small snippets of the future...or sliding. One thing I really liked was the idea of the eyes here, dull or bright, most in this city have green eyes and its one way to tell how strong a persons gift really is.
Rsiran was a interesting character, he has this gift, which could potentially be used for thieving/killing (which is what his Father fears). But Rsiran really just wants to be a blacksmith, he's not a fighter, he's not a thief. Since birth he's been told he was cursed, to ignore his gift. This make it hard for him to trust just anyone with what he can do.
Also liked that he wasn't an OP protagonist, which made for a very different read. Don't expect an assassin in the making here...although I wouldn't mind that. But even the secondary characters have various layers to peel away, not too many one-dimensional characters here. Hearn (if you recognize this name, I'm sure you will like this character later), Brusus and others each have their parts to play and each have their own secrets to hide.
Even after reading this book, there is still so much of the world to explore. The call of the Lorcith, the factions inside the Elaeavn Palace, not to mention the whole world outside this city left to explore.
And after finishing I saw that the next 2 books are already up for pre-order on Kindle. Take my money DK, happy that I can already see the next books on the horizon.
I loved the world DK has created here, we have our city Elaeavn, a high and low town and of course the Palace where the "most gifted family" lives. People are born with powers here, whether it's being able to read a persons emotions or mind, see small snippets of the future...or sliding. One thing I really liked was the idea of the eyes here, dull or bright, most in this city have green eyes and its one way to tell how strong a persons gift really is.
Rsiran was a interesting character, he has this gift, which could potentially be used for thieving/killing (which is what his Father fears). But Rsiran really just wants to be a blacksmith, he's not a fighter, he's not a thief. Since birth he's been told he was cursed, to ignore his gift. This make it hard for him to trust just anyone with what he can do.
Also liked that he wasn't an OP protagonist, which made for a very different read. Don't expect an assassin in the making here...although I wouldn't mind that. But even the secondary characters have various layers to peel away, not too many one-dimensional characters here. Hearn (if you recognize this name, I'm sure you will like this character later), Brusus and others each have their parts to play and each have their own secrets to hide.
Even after reading this book, there is still so much of the world to explore. The call of the Lorcith, the factions inside the Elaeavn Palace, not to mention the whole world outside this city left to explore.
And after finishing I saw that the next 2 books are already up for pre-order on Kindle. Take my money DK, happy that I can already see the next books on the horizon.
July 26, 2016
honestly, i've had high expectations for this book since the first time i set my eyes on it, i had this urge to read it no matter what, especially when i read the sypnosis. so i started to read it yasterday. upon turning page after page, i had this feeling that there is something messing in this book, it is like my expactation of this book turned into desapointment. i think that the writer would have done a better job of this book than this. i mean it is a great story, it would have turned to be a great book to read, something enjoyable. so now i'm crossing my fingers for the second book and hope to better than this one.
May 10, 2017
This was a good book. It's shorter and less epic than a lot of fantasy, with a single point of view character. I'm not always in the mood for that kind of book, but it's a refreshing change of pace.
I felt for Rsiran's struggles in this one, and I enjoyed the world that Holmberg started to reveal. I didn't quite love it enough to give it five stars, but it came pretty close, and I'm excited to read more books in this series because this book finished so strong.
Rating: 8.5/10
I felt for Rsiran's struggles in this one, and I enjoyed the world that Holmberg started to reveal. I didn't quite love it enough to give it five stars, but it came pretty close, and I'm excited to read more books in this series because this book finished so strong.
Rating: 8.5/10
May 27, 2016
Somewhat repetitive in parts, but a fun read nonetheless. Maybe a little extra editing would've made this a 5 star book. The story is really interesting, an apprentice smith, some thieves, a strange metal and awesome abilities that make up quite a different world. I really enjoyed it! :)
February 1, 2016
Egh
Just another caste system robot, with little original thought or ideas, but has mysterious powers that miraculously save the day without any actual real effort.
Just another caste system robot, with little original thought or ideas, but has mysterious powers that miraculously save the day without any actual real effort.
March 26, 2016
Kind of Meh
While reading this book I never got excited. You know the way you get excited when you land in a brand new world. Just wasn't there for me.
While reading this book I never got excited. You know the way you get excited when you land in a brand new world. Just wasn't there for me.
January 9, 2017
No real surprises. Somewhat interested to see what happens to these charicters. May read next one.
October 17, 2018
One of the best fantasy novel I've read in a couple of years
I guess that should be enough said :-) So good I'm going for the full series. Great plot, enough world building to pick one's interest without being overwhelmed by details either. Great characters, and here as well not too many that we can't track who's who. Perfect balance in this first volume!
I guess that should be enough said :-) So good I'm going for the full series. Great plot, enough world building to pick one's interest without being overwhelmed by details either. Great characters, and here as well not too many that we can't track who's who. Perfect balance in this first volume!
January 13, 2021
Fun story, boy discovers that he has power, overbearing father disowns him for it, sends him to the mines, he gets out finds friends and blooms
July 7, 2017
Rather enjoyed this story. It was well written, and kept me hooked all the way through, so much so I devoured it in two days.
The ending was satisfying as well. It sets up the next book well, but not at the expense of leaving book 1 hanging.
The whole book is told from the perspective of the main character, but in no way does this deminish the other characters that frequent the story. The different types of abilities people have makes it interesting too and the world in which it is set suits it well.
A very good read. Worth your time.
The ending was satisfying as well. It sets up the next book well, but not at the expense of leaving book 1 hanging.
The whole book is told from the perspective of the main character, but in no way does this deminish the other characters that frequent the story. The different types of abilities people have makes it interesting too and the world in which it is set suits it well.
A very good read. Worth your time.
May 7, 2016
I recently completed the fourth book and decided it was time to write my review for the series. The world that the author builds is great. It has the hallmarks of the but-he's-just-a-regular-kid coming of age stories, but with some nice twists on that classic case. My only frustration is the pacing -
I had to subtract a star. The world and the concept are great, but the pacing is a bit too slow. The main character spent waaay too much time in his head in the 3rd book. I started to feel like the author had to bulk it up or else forgot that I had just read almost the same phrasing 50 pages before that. I won't go into detail, but I did end up flipping quickly past pages where it looked like the character was going to spiral into his mental anguish mid-sentence. What can I say? I read four of the books, so i was clearly felt like it was surmountable
I had to subtract a star. The world and the concept are great, but the pacing is a bit too slow. The main character spent waaay too much time in his head in the 3rd book. I started to feel like the author had to bulk it up or else forgot that I had just read almost the same phrasing 50 pages before that. I won't go into detail, but I did end up flipping quickly past pages where it looked like the character was going to spiral into his mental anguish mid-sentence. What can I say? I read four of the books, so i was clearly felt like it was surmountable
October 9, 2017
The overall story was actually very good. But the main character is just a bit too whiny for my taste. I should go through this book and count the number of times the term ‘ I all most’ then whines about it for the next two paragraphs. But the sad fact is this is the same story told a million times before with the same doubt, fear and whininess of the main character. Overall I don’t think this story would appeal to readers who are widely read in this genre, but somebody new coming to it would probably find this to be a good story. It’s just that how many times can you read the same story over and over and not want to kick the main character in the ass and say straighten up. So though I gave the story only two stars this is just my personal opinion from having read the same storyline to many times, you should read it and make your own opinion.
March 16, 2019
The world that D.K. Holmberg created in this book is very unique and interesting. I read this in a few hours and it kept me reading. At first I thought I wasn't going to like it, The story became interesting and the main characters are developed throughout the book, with plots and twists that keep you turning the page. Great reading everyone.
Update: I read this series again, I love it even more. I read a book a day pretty much and I enjoyed them together (meaning one after another). You will enjoy these.
Update: I read this series again, I love it even more. I read a book a day pretty much and I enjoyed them together (meaning one after another). You will enjoy these.
May 7, 2018
I like the story itself. The different abilities are interesting. I will finish the series because i want to see how it ends. The reason it's only getting 3 stars is the trap I see a few writers get into. So intent on making sure the reader understands a mindset or situation the author hammers on it over and over and over. Look we get he can sense lorcith, we don't need to be reminded every 3rd sentence. And the what if what if what if self talks make me think he actually works for the redundant department of redundancy. Seeing how I'm on book 2 part of the review is a bleedover from it.
March 12, 2016
Great read
Really liked this origin story for Rsiran. His struggle to find his place was well written and now that he has an idea of it I'm excited to see the next part of his tale.
Really liked this origin story for Rsiran. His struggle to find his place was well written and now that he has an idea of it I'm excited to see the next part of his tale.
August 19, 2016
Good start
Good first book. Characters well developed. The story started out a little slow but really picked up & segued into the second book very well with many questions still unanswered. About to start the second book with very high expectations
Good first book. Characters well developed. The story started out a little slow but really picked up & segued into the second book very well with many questions still unanswered. About to start the second book with very high expectations
December 7, 2016
Brilliant
Reminds me of some of Raymond E. Feist work. Great characters and great story line. Sorry about spelling thanks DK Holmberg. Looking forward to the series
Reminds me of some of Raymond E. Feist work. Great characters and great story line. Sorry about spelling thanks DK Holmberg. Looking forward to the series
June 30, 2017
Fantastic little book. I say "little" because the story flew by without me realising how far I was into it before it ended and leaving me wanting more, so it felt like a short read. However, as the saying goes, quality is definitely over quantity here. I would like to add that I have never read anything by this author before. Being a fan of major fantasy books always sets a precedent as well. This means I am sometimes very pleasantly surprised when I come across an unknown fantasy author, as is the case here.
The Dark Ability story is simple, as are the characters. There's a clean cut feel to the whole book, right from introduction of the characters to the way the plot weaves throughout, making it feel like a nice easy read, with the pace just right. There was enough information to keep things moving, without having to overload with details that aren't central or integral to the story. There was just enough intrigue and excitement to keep you wondering what was going on.
What struck me about the main character (and this is often something many authors don't get right) is how believable and genuine his motivations felt, given that the plot is quite simple. Additionally the surrounding cast of characters are interesting enough, without the reader needing to know an enormous amount of detail about them. That could be seen as a flaw I suppose, but I don't think this author set out to go into grand-scale fantasy with this particular story, at least, not yet.
I always think that this way of writing is quite a skill, as its difficult to world-build when an author is succinct with the details. When it is pulled off correctly, the end result is an enjoyable story that feels just as alive and full of depth as many major fantasy works that I've read.
My only criticisms are that there were occasional sentences that didn't seem grammatically correct, or didn't do a good job of explaining something well, however I only came across this a small number of times and this didn't detract from my overall appreciation of the book. Once I realised the type of story it was, I didn't mind that it didn't have the enormous detail of history, world-building and complex characters that is usually required of a good fantasy novel. It was enough to know them main character and hear his story, even if it was simply written and narrated.
I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series and would highly recommend giving this a go if you enjoy the more easy-read side of the fantasy genre.
The Dark Ability story is simple, as are the characters. There's a clean cut feel to the whole book, right from introduction of the characters to the way the plot weaves throughout, making it feel like a nice easy read, with the pace just right. There was enough information to keep things moving, without having to overload with details that aren't central or integral to the story. There was just enough intrigue and excitement to keep you wondering what was going on.
What struck me about the main character (and this is often something many authors don't get right) is how believable and genuine his motivations felt, given that the plot is quite simple. Additionally the surrounding cast of characters are interesting enough, without the reader needing to know an enormous amount of detail about them. That could be seen as a flaw I suppose, but I don't think this author set out to go into grand-scale fantasy with this particular story, at least, not yet.
I always think that this way of writing is quite a skill, as its difficult to world-build when an author is succinct with the details. When it is pulled off correctly, the end result is an enjoyable story that feels just as alive and full of depth as many major fantasy works that I've read.
My only criticisms are that there were occasional sentences that didn't seem grammatically correct, or didn't do a good job of explaining something well, however I only came across this a small number of times and this didn't detract from my overall appreciation of the book. Once I realised the type of story it was, I didn't mind that it didn't have the enormous detail of history, world-building and complex characters that is usually required of a good fantasy novel. It was enough to know them main character and hear his story, even if it was simply written and narrated.
I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series and would highly recommend giving this a go if you enjoy the more easy-read side of the fantasy genre.
September 24, 2020
After reading some of the reviews here I started this book with some apprehension. After reading the book however I can honestly say ignore the negative reviews. Those people have no clue what they're talking about. Let me address a few of the common criticisms.
1. "The protagonist is dumb and/or naïve." - In a manner of speaking this is true but for some reason those who say this conveniently leaves out that the protagonist is 17 years old. How often do you read a novel where a teenager/child actually acts like a typical teenager/child? More often than not you get characters who are suppose to be children acting like 70 year old wise men/women. Teenagers are not wise and teenagers who are abused will either trust too easy or will keep hoping their abusive family members somehow love them.
2. "The protagonist has an awesome 'magic' ability but he views it as a curse." - Yes he does but again, if you read the book it makes perfect sense. The protagonist is part of a race of people that are almost all born with some "magic" ability. Super eyesight, super hearing, seeing glimpses of the future etc. The ruling class of said race has almost all of these abilities. The ruling class are a bad bunch who does their best to maintain power and fear abilities that leave them vulnerable so over the centuries they have manipulated the common people into thinking these abilities are evil. The ability that our protagonist has is one of these. He is able to slide, meaning he can teleport to almost any location he knows. His father unfortunately is an idiot who believes the lies of the ruling class and starts abusing his son because he thinks he is meant to follow an evil path. So our protagonist is obviously not going to be thrilled that his ability ruined his life and he's certainly not going to tell everyone about it.
3. "Some story threads were not tied." - It's a 7 book series. Obviously not all the threads will be tied in the first book. There are no major cliffhangers and just enough questions remained unanswered to make one interested in the rest of the novels.
1. "The protagonist is dumb and/or naïve." - In a manner of speaking this is true but for some reason those who say this conveniently leaves out that the protagonist is 17 years old. How often do you read a novel where a teenager/child actually acts like a typical teenager/child? More often than not you get characters who are suppose to be children acting like 70 year old wise men/women. Teenagers are not wise and teenagers who are abused will either trust too easy or will keep hoping their abusive family members somehow love them.
2. "The protagonist has an awesome 'magic' ability but he views it as a curse." - Yes he does but again, if you read the book it makes perfect sense. The protagonist is part of a race of people that are almost all born with some "magic" ability. Super eyesight, super hearing, seeing glimpses of the future etc. The ruling class of said race has almost all of these abilities. The ruling class are a bad bunch who does their best to maintain power and fear abilities that leave them vulnerable so over the centuries they have manipulated the common people into thinking these abilities are evil. The ability that our protagonist has is one of these. He is able to slide, meaning he can teleport to almost any location he knows. His father unfortunately is an idiot who believes the lies of the ruling class and starts abusing his son because he thinks he is meant to follow an evil path. So our protagonist is obviously not going to be thrilled that his ability ruined his life and he's certainly not going to tell everyone about it.
3. "Some story threads were not tied." - It's a 7 book series. Obviously not all the threads will be tied in the first book. There are no major cliffhangers and just enough questions remained unanswered to make one interested in the rest of the novels.
February 7, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
This book, while it built slowly, intrigued me from the beginning. I knew there was going to be some surprises in store and I was correct. The main character, Rsiren, is an apprentice blacksmith with abilities that his father forbids him to use. Rsiren is bullied by father into obeying him, a very difficult thing for Rsiren to accomplish. His father says his abilities are dark and must be avoided.
While Rsiren tries heroically to obey, he is drawn to use them. He has the ability to Slide (travel from place to place by just thinking), and his blacksmithing skills go beyond the normal. He can sense where the metal lorcith lies hidden in deep, dark mines. Not only can he sense the metal, he can forge it into beautiful weapons. The problem is, weapon making is forbidden by law unless you are appointed by the rulers.
The story contains many diverse characters, the plot is complex and not forthright. However, it did entice me into wanting more. And more was there. Rsiren, who is not used to freedom and no longer has friends to hang out with is quite naïve. After being driven from home by his father, spending time deep in the lorcith mines where he is almost killed, Rsiren escapes only to be pulled into a dangerous plot by people whom he believes to be friends.
Most of the characters are very well developed, others are not, but are not that important to the development of the plot. The world is wildly interesting. I love the descriptions of the city and its surroundings. There are more books in this series and I am looking forward to reading more of them. This was a fun read; intriguing and exciting.
This book, while it built slowly, intrigued me from the beginning. I knew there was going to be some surprises in store and I was correct. The main character, Rsiren, is an apprentice blacksmith with abilities that his father forbids him to use. Rsiren is bullied by father into obeying him, a very difficult thing for Rsiren to accomplish. His father says his abilities are dark and must be avoided.
While Rsiren tries heroically to obey, he is drawn to use them. He has the ability to Slide (travel from place to place by just thinking), and his blacksmithing skills go beyond the normal. He can sense where the metal lorcith lies hidden in deep, dark mines. Not only can he sense the metal, he can forge it into beautiful weapons. The problem is, weapon making is forbidden by law unless you are appointed by the rulers.
The story contains many diverse characters, the plot is complex and not forthright. However, it did entice me into wanting more. And more was there. Rsiren, who is not used to freedom and no longer has friends to hang out with is quite naïve. After being driven from home by his father, spending time deep in the lorcith mines where he is almost killed, Rsiren escapes only to be pulled into a dangerous plot by people whom he believes to be friends.
Most of the characters are very well developed, others are not, but are not that important to the development of the plot. The world is wildly interesting. I love the descriptions of the city and its surroundings. There are more books in this series and I am looking forward to reading more of them. This was a fun read; intriguing and exciting.
May 15, 2020
Light in the darkness!
I get many speculative fiction series introductory volumes as freebies from a variety of sources; but, I only have time to evaluate perhaps twenty percent of them. D.K. Holmberg novel, The Dark Ability, is one such volume that immediately caught my attention, and it was certainly worth my time!
Holmberg is an award-winning author, so I do not have to waste your time dwelling on his qualifications. This book and its series was written by a seasoned pro, not a newbie hopeful. The characters and environments are professionally crafted. The challenges posed to the characters are complex and, in the protagonist’s case, ethically complicated.
I must warn any reader who lacks empathy and compassion to avoid this series and go read something else. This is both a “coming of age” and a “hero’s journey” story, for those of us who enjoy following character development. The Dark Ability is the first of seven volumes, so you will have plenty of time to bond with the characters and to care about what happens to them.
This introductory volume is a complete story in itself and gives you full value. It also promises that you are in the hands of an excellent author who will make reading the whole series well worth your while.
A worthy read!
I get many speculative fiction series introductory volumes as freebies from a variety of sources; but, I only have time to evaluate perhaps twenty percent of them. D.K. Holmberg novel, The Dark Ability, is one such volume that immediately caught my attention, and it was certainly worth my time!
Holmberg is an award-winning author, so I do not have to waste your time dwelling on his qualifications. This book and its series was written by a seasoned pro, not a newbie hopeful. The characters and environments are professionally crafted. The challenges posed to the characters are complex and, in the protagonist’s case, ethically complicated.
I must warn any reader who lacks empathy and compassion to avoid this series and go read something else. This is both a “coming of age” and a “hero’s journey” story, for those of us who enjoy following character development. The Dark Ability is the first of seven volumes, so you will have plenty of time to bond with the characters and to care about what happens to them.
This introductory volume is a complete story in itself and gives you full value. It also promises that you are in the hands of an excellent author who will make reading the whole series well worth your while.
A worthy read!
November 18, 2019
Rsiran was different to others; the watcher had not gifted him with a useful ability so he felt like an outcast. All he could do was slide, and this was seen as an evil ability which would only turn him into a criminal. His family did not care for him and his father was brutal towards him when all he wanted was to become a blacksmith like him. Instead his father got rid of him by sending him to work in the mines next to criminals who served their punishment sentences there. However he had come across Brusus and his cronies who lived in the lower city and Rsiran got to overcome his mistrust of these, his new friends who had saved his life twice, no questions asked. Della, the healer told Rsiran that sliding was also a watcher’s gift and it was up to him to embrace this, learn how to use it fully and use it for good, she also told him not to be afraid to listen to the call of lorcith, the metal which called to him and which he could mould into knives. These had been banned by the guild but he didn’t know why, he only knew he was finally ready to embrace who he really was, even if this meant losing his family and the forge he loved so much. The Elvraeth lived in the floating palace in the clouds above everyone else, they had everything given to them but people like Rsiran had to make their own way in life. Can Rsiran learn to accept who he truly is and see his ability as the gift it really was? Only in so doing would he be able to save the friends he loved, the first people who had ever shown kindness and acceptance towards him. An intricate and very intriguing novel, with great characters, and a very complex story line! Would love to read the rest of this series!
January 24, 2019
This is the first book in a while that wasn’t recommended to me or turned into a show I saw first. I believe I got this book for free, or very cheap. I didn’t expect much from it, but I found it well written and very intriguing. I’m usually a very slow reader. I only read about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I managed to get through this book in 20 days! That by itself says a lot.
This fantasy world is quite different from many of the other fantasy novels I’ve read. I’m impressed at the ability to stay original with so many different stories out there. It’s quite interesting to find a world where everybody has some sort of supernatural ability and treats it as an every day occurrence.
The main character is a blacksmith’s apprentice. I never found something so technical and mechanical to be very interesting before. Somehow the author kept me hooked even during what I would consider a very dry scene.
The only thing I wish the book included was a pronunciation guide! Many of the names in this book have a complicated spelling.
This fantasy world is quite different from many of the other fantasy novels I’ve read. I’m impressed at the ability to stay original with so many different stories out there. It’s quite interesting to find a world where everybody has some sort of supernatural ability and treats it as an every day occurrence.
The main character is a blacksmith’s apprentice. I never found something so technical and mechanical to be very interesting before. Somehow the author kept me hooked even during what I would consider a very dry scene.
The only thing I wish the book included was a pronunciation guide! Many of the names in this book have a complicated spelling.
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