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Ancient Enemy #2
Darkwind
Book Two in the Ancient Enemy series
After a rancher finds ten mutilated bodies at a dig site on the Navajo Reservation, both Captain Begay of the Navajo Tribal Police and Special Agent Palmer of the FBI become involved ... but the case leads Palmer back up to Colorado where five more mutilated bodies and Stella's vehicle have been discovered at a burning cabin.
Cole, Stella, and David escape the cabin on a snowmobile, heading south to get David back down to the Navajo lands. Now that Stella believes that David is a natural-born shaman, she knows that their only hope of David ever defeating the Ancient Enemy is to find a reclusive shaman named Joe Blackhorn who can help train David.
But with Agent Palmer and Captain Begay hot on their trail, Cole and Stella must find Joe Blackhorn and the secrets he possesses before the Ancient Enemy destroys them all.
Genre: Supernatural horror
Contains: violence, gore, some strong language
After a rancher finds ten mutilated bodies at a dig site on the Navajo Reservation, both Captain Begay of the Navajo Tribal Police and Special Agent Palmer of the FBI become involved ... but the case leads Palmer back up to Colorado where five more mutilated bodies and Stella's vehicle have been discovered at a burning cabin.
Cole, Stella, and David escape the cabin on a snowmobile, heading south to get David back down to the Navajo lands. Now that Stella believes that David is a natural-born shaman, she knows that their only hope of David ever defeating the Ancient Enemy is to find a reclusive shaman named Joe Blackhorn who can help train David.
But with Agent Palmer and Captain Begay hot on their trail, Cole and Stella must find Joe Blackhorn and the secrets he possesses before the Ancient Enemy destroys them all.
Genre: Supernatural horror
Contains: violence, gore, some strong language
- GenresHorrorSupernatural
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2016
308 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 11, 2020
Fantastic follow-up to the first part of the series. The story starts with Capt. Begay (Tribal Police) investigating the slaughter of the archeologists in the cave. Then we have the FBI taking oven with Agent Palmer. Cole and Stella are still on the run. Will they find a save haven in Colorado? What about David? Why does the Ancient Enemy or Darkwind, as he also is called, still want to get him? The novel leads to an incredibly intriguing showdown at the end in a ghosttown. Besides you learn more about one of the deadliest and most fascinating evils I ever came across. Absolutely love this series, the characters and the evil entity. Fast paced, well plotted and extremely compelling. Totally recommended. This series will get you hooked!
May 24, 2024
ML did it again! I loved this book maybe even more than the first one. I would suggest reading Ancient Enemy first even though it was stated they were stand alone books. I think Dark Wind could have been lacking serious info if I had not known the content from the 1st book. Non-stop action, suspense and of course visceral horror! I wish all books could capture my attention the way these two books have done. If you're even slightly interested in Ancient Enemy and Darkwind, I would suggest Please Read! I don't think you will be disappointed.
January 10, 2018
Wow there were more deaths in this one book then in all of the horror books I've read in the last six months. The plot didn't feel forced though or like a cheap b rated horror movie. It was actually just as good, if not better, then the first. If you like an intense, non-stop thrill ride, this is just the book.
February 17, 2018
After reading the Mark Lukens novel Ancient Enemy, I immediately set the rest of my TBR list aside and purchased the sequel. The author claims that this novel could be read as a stand-alone, and I would agree with that premise. However, as a continuation of the original storyline, it is an excellent companion tale.
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After the horror experienced by Stella, Cole and David at the hands of the Ancient Enemy in the first novel, they attempt to find the one man able to teach young David how to harness his power and send the demonic force back to wherever it came from. In addition to avoiding the demon's myriad tools, our protagonists are also being hunted by law enforcement in two states, as well as the determined Special Agent Palmer of the FBI.
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Lukens has again created a masterful story, with a fantastic cast of characters and a cover-to-cover tale of supernatural horror. The story moves at a frantic pace, without giving the reader time to catch their breath, just like our heroes. The story ends with a very satisfactory conclusion, with no loose ends. I can foresee a prequel, however, with an origin story of the Ancient Enemy. My only complaint with the tale is that Agent Klein wasn't one of the victims, haha (read the book and you'll agree).
.
After the horror experienced by Stella, Cole and David at the hands of the Ancient Enemy in the first novel, they attempt to find the one man able to teach young David how to harness his power and send the demonic force back to wherever it came from. In addition to avoiding the demon's myriad tools, our protagonists are also being hunted by law enforcement in two states, as well as the determined Special Agent Palmer of the FBI.
.
Lukens has again created a masterful story, with a fantastic cast of characters and a cover-to-cover tale of supernatural horror. The story moves at a frantic pace, without giving the reader time to catch their breath, just like our heroes. The story ends with a very satisfactory conclusion, with no loose ends. I can foresee a prequel, however, with an origin story of the Ancient Enemy. My only complaint with the tale is that Agent Klein wasn't one of the victims, haha (read the book and you'll agree).
November 10, 2017
Great Sequel--Imaginative Writing!
Thoroughly enjoyable. I'm convinced that reading the first story prior to this sequel was absolutely necessary! While I liked the first story, I enjoyed this one even more. Very well written and excellent character development. If you enjoy this genre, this is one not to be missed!!
Thoroughly enjoyable. I'm convinced that reading the first story prior to this sequel was absolutely necessary! While I liked the first story, I enjoyed this one even more. Very well written and excellent character development. If you enjoy this genre, this is one not to be missed!!
September 11, 2024
Great continuation from the first book. Picks right up. Meet some new characters. Expands the setting. A little more depth.
With that said, this one just didn’t get me like the first one. I’d get pulled in; then fall off. If I can comfortably go a day or two without reading a book, it almost immediately looses a star because clearly something is missing.
If I had to break it down:
Plot: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Development, pace: 3 stars
Writing: 2 stars
The author has excellent ideas; I really enjoy the plot of this series. The story and execution are done well: easy to follow, character interaction and development are decent. Also Includes some interesting historical narrative.
However, compared to the first book, this one didn’t have the quick pace, movement of events; didn’t come across nearly as exciting. Maybe because this book is almost twice as long. And personally, I don’t feel that it needed to be. More is not always better.
Lastly, while I enjoy Lukens’s ability to conceive a story idea and decently deliver it, his prose is a tad weak. Like the first book, it’s very play-by-play and there’s a lot of this about inconsequential matters that don’t need to be said:
she approached the car; she unlocked the car; she got in the car; she put the keys in the ignition; she turned the key. The car started. She put it in drive; she drove away.
And this occurs a lot. Much more noticeable in this book (maybe because it is longer); therefore much harder to ignore; and further takes away from the engagement and pleasure.
Again I don’t need fancy flourishes, a wild menagerie of metaphors and similes. But use the extra pages to help me know and understand the characters more, put me in the setting and see it and experience it. Give me more than just a chronological series of events.
With that said, this one just didn’t get me like the first one. I’d get pulled in; then fall off. If I can comfortably go a day or two without reading a book, it almost immediately looses a star because clearly something is missing.
If I had to break it down:
Plot: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Development, pace: 3 stars
Writing: 2 stars
The author has excellent ideas; I really enjoy the plot of this series. The story and execution are done well: easy to follow, character interaction and development are decent. Also Includes some interesting historical narrative.
However, compared to the first book, this one didn’t have the quick pace, movement of events; didn’t come across nearly as exciting. Maybe because this book is almost twice as long. And personally, I don’t feel that it needed to be. More is not always better.
Lastly, while I enjoy Lukens’s ability to conceive a story idea and decently deliver it, his prose is a tad weak. Like the first book, it’s very play-by-play and there’s a lot of this about inconsequential matters that don’t need to be said:
she approached the car; she unlocked the car; she got in the car; she put the keys in the ignition; she turned the key. The car started. She put it in drive; she drove away.
And this occurs a lot. Much more noticeable in this book (maybe because it is longer); therefore much harder to ignore; and further takes away from the engagement and pleasure.
Again I don’t need fancy flourishes, a wild menagerie of metaphors and similes. But use the extra pages to help me know and understand the characters more, put me in the setting and see it and experience it. Give me more than just a chronological series of events.
November 25, 2024
My true rating is 4.8 stars.
The story picks up right where the last book left off. Strella, Cole, and David are leaving the cabin in Colorado just as the FBI arrives at the dig site on the Navajo reservation. The introduction of new characters adds depth to the narrative as we move between various kill sites. These new characters are just as compelling, if not more so, than the original cast, each bringing their unique drama to the story. The settings are vividly described, allowing me to visualize them clearly, along with the horrifying events that occurred there.
After a rancher finds 10 mutilated bodies at an archaeological dig site on the Navajo Reservation, both Captain Begay of the Navajo Tribal Police and Special Agent Palmer of the FBI become involved...but the case leads Palmer back up to Colorado where five more mutilated bodies and Stella's vehicle have been discovered at a burning cabin.
Cole, Stella, and David escape the cabin, heading south to get David back down to the Navajo lands. Now that Stella believes David is a natural-born shaman, she knows their only hope of David ever defeating the Ancient Enemy is to find a reclusive shaman named Joe Blackhorn who can help train David.
But with Agent Palmer and Captain Begay hot on their trail, Cole and Stella must find Joe Blackhorn and the secrets he possesses before the Ancient Enemy destroys them all.
Information in the story comes from various sources, each with their own agendas, but ultimately, everything leads them to confront one another in a climactic showdown.
The book contains violence, gore, and some strong language so be aware if any things offend you.
The story picks up right where the last book left off. Strella, Cole, and David are leaving the cabin in Colorado just as the FBI arrives at the dig site on the Navajo reservation. The introduction of new characters adds depth to the narrative as we move between various kill sites. These new characters are just as compelling, if not more so, than the original cast, each bringing their unique drama to the story. The settings are vividly described, allowing me to visualize them clearly, along with the horrifying events that occurred there.
After a rancher finds 10 mutilated bodies at an archaeological dig site on the Navajo Reservation, both Captain Begay of the Navajo Tribal Police and Special Agent Palmer of the FBI become involved...but the case leads Palmer back up to Colorado where five more mutilated bodies and Stella's vehicle have been discovered at a burning cabin.
Cole, Stella, and David escape the cabin, heading south to get David back down to the Navajo lands. Now that Stella believes David is a natural-born shaman, she knows their only hope of David ever defeating the Ancient Enemy is to find a reclusive shaman named Joe Blackhorn who can help train David.
But with Agent Palmer and Captain Begay hot on their trail, Cole and Stella must find Joe Blackhorn and the secrets he possesses before the Ancient Enemy destroys them all.
Information in the story comes from various sources, each with their own agendas, but ultimately, everything leads them to confront one another in a climactic showdown.
The book contains violence, gore, and some strong language so be aware if any things offend you.
March 9, 2021
This is the second installment in the Ancient Enemy series. Picking-up where the first book left off, we discover to no surprise that the Ancient Enemy has not been vanquished. This is not a spoiler as it this is clear at the end of the first book.
The second book continues the carnage and horror as Stella, Cole and David try to find a reclusive Navajo shaman who can help David develop his powers to a sufficient level to confront the enemy. Side stories involve police and FBI investigators who are trying to make sense of what is happening.
Like the original, the story is intriguing and sometimes gripping. I was a bit disappointed at the ending, particularly in how David's powers developed without any real training.
Still, a fun read. Not sure if I will continue with the other two installments.
The second book continues the carnage and horror as Stella, Cole and David try to find a reclusive Navajo shaman who can help David develop his powers to a sufficient level to confront the enemy. Side stories involve police and FBI investigators who are trying to make sense of what is happening.
Like the original, the story is intriguing and sometimes gripping. I was a bit disappointed at the ending, particularly in how David's powers developed without any real training.
Still, a fun read. Not sure if I will continue with the other two installments.
March 1, 2020
The Navajo Tribal Police and the FBI are investigating the murders at the dig site Stella and David fled from. They are looking in the wrong place, trying to find a human suspect in the crimes. What happens when they stumble into the path of the Ancient Enemy? Can modern law enforcement prevail against an ancient evil?
Stella, Cole and David survived the confrontation with the Darkwind at the cabin. But their only hope is to find a medicine man to teach David about his skills. Can a ten year old boy really be the only hope to surviving this evil spirit?
Stella, Cole and David survived the confrontation with the Darkwind at the cabin. But their only hope is to find a medicine man to teach David about his skills. Can a ten year old boy really be the only hope to surviving this evil spirit?
January 1, 2018
Very eerie reading!
This should be read after Ancient Enemy although it could stand alone. Taken together, they offer a spooky, frightening experience that will make you think between shivers! The Native American lore draws the reader into the story. The author created sympathetic characters who get the reader on their side. I didn't find anything that marred my total enjoyment of this book!
This should be read after Ancient Enemy although it could stand alone. Taken together, they offer a spooky, frightening experience that will make you think between shivers! The Native American lore draws the reader into the story. The author created sympathetic characters who get the reader on their side. I didn't find anything that marred my total enjoyment of this book!
March 26, 2018
Stellar!
Very rarely have I read a sequel that was just as good as the original story, but I have to say, Mark Lukens nailed it again. This was one tense and scary ride, and I loved every minute of it. This story would have made me a fan if I hadn't previously discovered what a great writer he is. This is my favorite work of his so far though. Just read it! Don't take my word for it, discover how good he is for yourself!
Very rarely have I read a sequel that was just as good as the original story, but I have to say, Mark Lukens nailed it again. This was one tense and scary ride, and I loved every minute of it. This story would have made me a fan if I hadn't previously discovered what a great writer he is. This is my favorite work of his so far though. Just read it! Don't take my word for it, discover how good he is for yourself!
May 23, 2017
Mark Lukens does it again!
Darkwind is a seamless continuation of Ancient Enemy, that is sure to thrill! The enemy is so dark and mysterious that it takes many different, and grotesque facades. Now spiders and snakes! Gasp!
No prob if you haven't read part one, but I highly recommend it for it's strange factor.
Darkwind is a seamless continuation of Ancient Enemy, that is sure to thrill! The enemy is so dark and mysterious that it takes many different, and grotesque facades. Now spiders and snakes! Gasp!
No prob if you haven't read part one, but I highly recommend it for it's strange factor.
July 27, 2018
Shin-walkers are they a legend?
If you have read or seen the book/movie It, you would get a basis of the tale in this two novel story. A mysterious event that keeps occurring periodically over the years. At least, the gory details aren't as psychotic to your mind, to effect one's dreams, because you are so caught up with the story. This was a page turned story.
If you have read or seen the book/movie It, you would get a basis of the tale in this two novel story. A mysterious event that keeps occurring periodically over the years. At least, the gory details aren't as psychotic to your mind, to effect one's dreams, because you are so caught up with the story. This was a page turned story.
February 16, 2019
One of the best horror stories
I read this book and the first one in two days. Great books for a nasty winters day. The writings was so visual that I could see all of the action. They would make a great movie alongside the lines of Alien. Anyone reading this series will not be disappointed.
I read this book and the first one in two days. Great books for a nasty winters day. The writings was so visual that I could see all of the action. They would make a great movie alongside the lines of Alien. Anyone reading this series will not be disappointed.
March 27, 2019
Great!
I don't recommend starting this book if you have something important to do because once you start you won't want to put out down! I loved it and didn't want it to end! I can't start the next one till I get off work and that's already driving me crazy! Thank you Mark Lukens! Donna
I don't recommend starting this book if you have something important to do because once you start you won't want to put out down! I loved it and didn't want it to end! I can't start the next one till I get off work and that's already driving me crazy! Thank you Mark Lukens! Donna
June 7, 2017
This book is very well written. I liked the characters and the story very much. It was very fast paced. It was a little gory but that does not bother me. I have read most of Mr. Lukens books and have enjoyed all of them.
June 13, 2017
Horror Perfection
Loved it read the first book in the series and knew I had to see this storey to its conclusion and I was not let down at all I enjoyed the native American folk lore the story grabbed your attention and kept you turning the pages
Loved it read the first book in the series and knew I had to see this storey to its conclusion and I was not let down at all I enjoyed the native American folk lore the story grabbed your attention and kept you turning the pages
September 29, 2017
A dimension of groce
If I hadn't read Ancient Enemy I would have been at a loss with Darkwind. While both were groce they kept me turning pages. Character development was good as well as settings. There was also educational value which made me think, so overall a good read
If I hadn't read Ancient Enemy I would have been at a loss with Darkwind. While both were groce they kept me turning pages. Character development was good as well as settings. There was also educational value which made me think, so overall a good read
April 5, 2018
Exciting!
I really enjoyed this second book in The Ancient Enemy series. Fast paced with likeable characters. The Ancient Enemy is a truly terrifying entity. I couldn't put this book down!
I really enjoyed this second book in The Ancient Enemy series. Fast paced with likeable characters. The Ancient Enemy is a truly terrifying entity. I couldn't put this book down!
July 17, 2018
What a ride!
Darkwind Ancient Enemy 2 is the sequel to Ancient Enemy. It combines Native American folklore with supernatural horror. The story is cohesive and good, and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I couldn’t put it down.
Darkwind Ancient Enemy 2 is the sequel to Ancient Enemy. It combines Native American folklore with supernatural horror. The story is cohesive and good, and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I couldn’t put it down.
February 10, 2019
Loved it
I almost literally couldn't put it down. The suspense and action never let up. I would have liked more character development but I realize that the main story and plot were like the essential characters of this book.I
Great follow-up to the first one.
I almost literally couldn't put it down. The suspense and action never let up. I would have liked more character development but I realize that the main story and plot were like the essential characters of this book.I
Great follow-up to the first one.
March 3, 2019
Mesmerizing
Lukens writing reminds me of a young Stephen King. You just can't wait to pick it up again, and to turn that next page to see what happens. This is the first book I've read by him, but it sure won't be the last.
Lukens writing reminds me of a young Stephen King. You just can't wait to pick it up again, and to turn that next page to see what happens. This is the first book I've read by him, but it sure won't be the last.
May 10, 2020
An absolute great continuation of the story started in book one, "Ancient Enemy". A fast paced read, it picks up right where book one ended. Brutal like the first book, but not quite as gory. (Note, the version that I read is from the box set.)
February 3, 2017
Enjoyed
Good reading good flow kept me wanting to keep reading from start to finish. Will look forward to reading more from Lukens.
Good reading good flow kept me wanting to keep reading from start to finish. Will look forward to reading more from Lukens.
May 17, 2017
Good app
I hope the one app r the game but is good app for a great app app but I hope it that is good great the app app but it has everything
I hope the one app r the game but is good app for a great app app but I hope it that is good great the app app but it has everything
May 20, 2017
Ancient Enemy Series
Great story teller. Definitely will be reading more of his work. A well crafted series kept me up far too long but I couldn't stop
Great story teller. Definitely will be reading more of his work. A well crafted series kept me up far too long but I couldn't stop
June 14, 2017
Navajo
I really enjoyed this book. I lived in this area for almost 20 years. Navajo are a great tribe and the are an intelligent people.
I really enjoyed this book. I lived in this area for almost 20 years. Navajo are a great tribe and the are an intelligent people.
June 30, 2017
Excellent
Loved this fast paced 2nd book! Just as great and page turning as the first one. No complaints at all.
Loved this fast paced 2nd book! Just as great and page turning as the first one. No complaints at all.
July 16, 2017
Great set of books .
These 2 books were very good and kept you pins and needles .If you like scary books and tales you will enjoy these. What ending.
These 2 books were very good and kept you pins and needles .If you like scary books and tales you will enjoy these. What ending.
November 25, 2017
Ancient Enemy 2
I read the original book in 2015. It was a lot more intense then Book 2, but this book was still a great, suspenseful read.
I read the original book in 2015. It was a lot more intense then Book 2, but this book was still a great, suspenseful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews