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The Dark Ability #7
Rise of the Elder
Forced into the heart of the Aisl Forest, Rsiran and the guilds regroup and try to find a way to reclaim the city from Venass and the Elvraeth council. Rsiran has stopped the production of shadowsteel, but Venass still possess dangerous weapons, and what’s more, one of the great crystals remains missing. Forced into an alliance with the mysterious Carth in order to find the crystal, they make new allies and discover the means to reclaim the city, but will it be too late? With one of the Elder Trees already gone, recovering the crystal is the key to stopping Venass for good, but as they approach the final battle, Venass proves even more powerful than they ever imagined. The final novel in The Dark Ability series.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 7, 2018
I really love this story, Rsiran is a great character and the premise is so different from other things I've read. The problem, the reason it loses the two extra stars, is that it feels like the author is looking for quantity of books, as opposed to quality. It sometimes contradicts itself in small parts, and it really needs some serious editing. Some sentences don't even make 100% sense. After 7 books, and countless more that I've seen he's written, he could put a tiny bit more effort into that bit. Or maybe I'm just uptight and like my books well edited and well constructed. Oh well!
Anyway, this was an awesome ending to a pretty great story!
Anyway, this was an awesome ending to a pretty great story!
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed the story. I would rate it higher if parts of the writing didn't drive me almost insane. "But what if", "keep them safe", "But could I". A few phrases so over used I contemplated on not finishing. I'm hoping other books by this author do not fall into the same traps.
November 30, 2018
Done, and done well
Happy to see a good ending to the adventures of Rsiran. Enjoyed how the main character evolved throughout the series, and matured quite a bit along the way. The story weaving around the 5 crystals was solid, with we'll rounded characters. I think I might give a shot to the series dedicated to Carth. She proved quite the intriguing character as well!
Happy to see a good ending to the adventures of Rsiran. Enjoyed how the main character evolved throughout the series, and matured quite a bit along the way. The story weaving around the 5 crystals was solid, with we'll rounded characters. I think I might give a shot to the series dedicated to Carth. She proved quite the intriguing character as well!
February 8, 2020
This was an exciting conclusion to a series I really enjoyed. Holmberg's books are the kind of fantasy comfort reads I really enjoy. He's just one among many authors that have made me thankful for the self-publishing movement.
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
September 12, 2023
Amazing series!
The last battle is now upon them. The dark conspiracies exposed. Uncertain alliances will soon determine the fate of all.
Incredible climax to a series that had me completely enthralled! Loaded with action, wonderful characters and riveting mystery!
The last battle is now upon them. The dark conspiracies exposed. Uncertain alliances will soon determine the fate of all.
Incredible climax to a series that had me completely enthralled! Loaded with action, wonderful characters and riveting mystery!
December 28, 2016
Loved this series!
DK Holmberg is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. This series is my favorite so far, of his books....but so far I love them all! I love that the hero goes through trials and they serve to make him stronger and better....just as ours do. Rsirian just gets better with each round of adversity and he is never full of vengeance and hate, as many would be in his shoes. He is one of my favorite characters in literature. If you love clean fantasy and powerful heroes.. You should read these books!
DK Holmberg is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. This series is my favorite so far, of his books....but so far I love them all! I love that the hero goes through trials and they serve to make him stronger and better....just as ours do. Rsirian just gets better with each round of adversity and he is never full of vengeance and hate, as many would be in his shoes. He is one of my favorite characters in literature. If you love clean fantasy and powerful heroes.. You should read these books!
October 3, 2019
blooded and sheathed
Rsiran has been able to access the power of the Great Trees for some time as he heals and Travels. now he must decide how he will hunt for the rest of the Venass, most importantly, his grandfather, before anymore destruction occurs to the crystals. but he is one man against armies of people who desire to see Elvraeth and the guilds fail. for all his abilities, will be be fast enough?
I'm so pleased with the ending. there are always some lost on the journey and they will be mourned, but it was a fantastic time. I have thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Rsiran grew from an unschooled, scared boy to a confident man. he has friends and abilities unheard of before. I look forward to reading more of D. K.'s work
Rsiran has been able to access the power of the Great Trees for some time as he heals and Travels. now he must decide how he will hunt for the rest of the Venass, most importantly, his grandfather, before anymore destruction occurs to the crystals. but he is one man against armies of people who desire to see Elvraeth and the guilds fail. for all his abilities, will be be fast enough?
I'm so pleased with the ending. there are always some lost on the journey and they will be mourned, but it was a fantastic time. I have thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Rsiran grew from an unschooled, scared boy to a confident man. he has friends and abilities unheard of before. I look forward to reading more of D. K.'s work
May 13, 2021
Wraps up the series in good style.
I've not reviewed any single book in this series, preferring to read all seven books and then do a review encompassing all of them. Now I'm finished I find I'm impressed with Holmberg's ability to avoid what I dislike - in a series - going with so many "great adventures", I find myself getting tired of the heroes/ villains/ failures/successes/plots and pace. As a result i went from book to book without taking a break to read something other than Dark Ability and was pleased to find my reading time was well spent. Book One is a good start and Book Seven a good wrap up. I'd recommend.
I've not reviewed any single book in this series, preferring to read all seven books and then do a review encompassing all of them. Now I'm finished I find I'm impressed with Holmberg's ability to avoid what I dislike - in a series - going with so many "great adventures", I find myself getting tired of the heroes/ villains/ failures/successes/plots and pace. As a result i went from book to book without taking a break to read something other than Dark Ability and was pleased to find my reading time was well spent. Book One is a good start and Book Seven a good wrap up. I'd recommend.
November 7, 2017
The best series i have read and it enthralled me from start to finish.☺
I thought when I started this series that I would get bored as it neared the end but I was wrong. This story held me from start to finish and I even found myself wishing there was going to b another. I loved how the characters grew and particularly liked the way other characters came in that I had read about in different books. I'm definitely hooked on this author.
I thought when I started this series that I would get bored as it neared the end but I was wrong. This story held me from start to finish and I even found myself wishing there was going to b another. I loved how the characters grew and particularly liked the way other characters came in that I had read about in different books. I'm definitely hooked on this author.
August 5, 2018
Finished this series
Finished this series and am going to read the others that have developed from it the shadows the dark and more of the assassins to see where the stories of other characters lead really liked reading so far and am giving it a 5 star rating --Amazon prime/ kIndle unlimited ----good reads another book closer to this year's good reads challenge goal
Finished this series and am going to read the others that have developed from it the shadows the dark and more of the assassins to see where the stories of other characters lead really liked reading so far and am giving it a 5 star rating --Amazon prime/ kIndle unlimited ----good reads another book closer to this year's good reads challenge goal
January 22, 2023
Rise of the Elder
This conclusion of the Dark Abulity series was, in my opinion, the best in the series. Apparently it had better editing and proofreading than some of the earlier books. There were some errors, but not enough to detract from the enjoyment of reading. I give this one five stars.
This conclusion of the Dark Abulity series was, in my opinion, the best in the series. Apparently it had better editing and proofreading than some of the earlier books. There were some errors, but not enough to detract from the enjoyment of reading. I give this one five stars.
July 18, 2018
Very good series
I do not often read any book series because they do often are repeats with shifts of character. In this series there is continued evolution of character and story line. Well done.
I do not often read any book series because they do often are repeats with shifts of character. In this series there is continued evolution of character and story line. Well done.
February 10, 2021
Book 7
Book 7 was a lot of running around again and trying to figure this and that out, with the ending not as exciting as I expected. The characters and plot was still okay overall and the series itself was fun to read.
Book 7 was a lot of running around again and trying to figure this and that out, with the ending not as exciting as I expected. The characters and plot was still okay overall and the series itself was fun to read.
June 15, 2021
Loved the conclusion of this series. Surprised that I stuck with it as it didn't seem as long as it was with so many books. Would recommend this read for good, clean fantasy and interesting, multi-dimensional characters.
September 19, 2021
The Dark Ability Series
The finale of the series is just as action packed as the other books, and brings everything to an explosive conclusion. Rsiran finishes everything he wanted to accomplish and brings everything to a close. Wonderful series!
The finale of the series is just as action packed as the other books, and brings everything to an explosive conclusion. Rsiran finishes everything he wanted to accomplish and brings everything to a close. Wonderful series!
June 20, 2022
The Dark Ability series
I loved it! As the characters grew I feel lucky to have been able to "slide" along with them through their world and share in their challenges and adventures. My husband and sister are now enjoying the writings of D.K. Holmberg, why not join us!
I loved it! As the characters grew I feel lucky to have been able to "slide" along with them through their world and share in their challenges and adventures. My husband and sister are now enjoying the writings of D.K. Holmberg, why not join us!
November 5, 2017
not bad, i still don't like his GF,
August 5, 2018
Best for last
I read this series from book 1 cover to book 7 cover. Brilliantly written! If you love a great story read this series.
I read this series from book 1 cover to book 7 cover. Brilliantly written! If you love a great story read this series.
September 26, 2018
Nooooo
As anxious as I was to read the last book, I am sad that it has ended. Your books grab a reader right at the beginning and they can’t put the book down. Wonderful tale.
As anxious as I was to read the last book, I am sad that it has ended. Your books grab a reader right at the beginning and they can’t put the book down. Wonderful tale.
December 29, 2018
Great series
Anticipating book 8 . Love the characters and the side stories of them. D.K. please continue the story of Rsiran!
Anticipating book 8 . Love the characters and the side stories of them. D.K. please continue the story of Rsiran!
September 17, 2019
Fantastic!
Amazing ending to a fantastic series couldn't have seen it coming if i tried. Can't wait to read more books by DK Holmberg!
Amazing ending to a fantastic series couldn't have seen it coming if i tried. Can't wait to read more books by DK Holmberg!
July 1, 2020
A fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series, and it even leaves seeds for spin-off series. Definitely worth the read.
July 30, 2020
WONDERFUL! I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Everything I have read by D.K. Holmberg has been excellent. Never a dull moment from start to finish. Thank you Mr. Holmberg
January 12, 2021
Wow Wow Wow
Wow Wow Wow great series! I like how D K Holmberg has written other books on the characters in this story. Thank you
Wow Wow Wow great series! I like how D K Holmberg has written other books on the characters in this story. Thank you
August 23, 2021
Fast moving great read
What a great series. Page turners all. Hard for me to put them down. A wonderful fantasy adventure wrapped in mystery and mystical powers.
What a great series. Page turners all. Hard for me to put them down. A wonderful fantasy adventure wrapped in mystery and mystical powers.
October 2, 2022
another great series
Book upon book leads you from one adventure to another stimulating the imagination and demanding what happens next. Time to re-read about Carth
Book upon book leads you from one adventure to another stimulating the imagination and demanding what happens next. Time to re-read about Carth
March 8, 2017
Great series
I loved the whole series. Took me about a week to finish, I just couldn't put it down. I don't like saying what the book is about or what happens, but I will say that there is plenty of action. For those that have to have a perfectly edited book, the typos aren't bad. It didn't distract from the book and make you think as to what the author was trying to write. Like I said, great series.
I loved the whole series. Took me about a week to finish, I just couldn't put it down. I don't like saying what the book is about or what happens, but I will say that there is plenty of action. For those that have to have a perfectly edited book, the typos aren't bad. It didn't distract from the book and make you think as to what the author was trying to write. Like I said, great series.
November 15, 2016
Forced into the heart of the Aisl Forest, Rsiran and the guilds regroup and try to find a way to reclaim the city from Venass and the Elvraeth council. Rsiran has stopped the production of shadowsteel, but Venass still possess dangerous weapons, and what’s more, one of the great crystals remains missing. Forced into an alliance with the mysterious Carth in order to find the crystal, they make new allies and discover the means to reclaim the city, but will it be too late? With one of the Elder Trees already gone, recovering the crystal is the key to stopping Venass for good, but as they approach the final battle, Venass proves even more powerful than they ever imagined.
A fitting end for this series. Loved it, didn't leave anything hamging, all questions answered. Loved this series and the characters. I was sorry to see one killed off but if it had to be then it had to be. You will love this series as I have and won't be disappointed. 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.
A fitting end for this series. Loved it, didn't leave anything hamging, all questions answered. Loved this series and the characters. I was sorry to see one killed off but if it had to be then it had to be. You will love this series as I have and won't be disappointed. 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.
February 10, 2017
A great series
This has been a great journey with seven books filled with excitement, adventures, and mysteries.
I loved the main character and the way he developed throughout the story. His companions were all diverse and each offered something different to the plot.
This has been a great journey with seven books filled with excitement, adventures, and mysteries.
I loved the main character and the way he developed throughout the story. His companions were all diverse and each offered something different to the plot.
October 27, 2016
End of an era?
This series is well written and imaginative. It has everything a great story should, from plot twist and character development to the continuity between the books. The end of Rise of the Elder seemed rushed to me but it was still good. I don't think that Lareth's story is complete, maybe for this series it is but there are many avenues that could be taken to continue his (and Jessa's) story. Just a suggestion. And what about his apprentice and the other master Smith's.
This series is well written and imaginative. It has everything a great story should, from plot twist and character development to the continuity between the books. The end of Rise of the Elder seemed rushed to me but it was still good. I don't think that Lareth's story is complete, maybe for this series it is but there are many avenues that could be taken to continue his (and Jessa's) story. Just a suggestion. And what about his apprentice and the other master Smith's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews