What do you think?
Rate this book
Soul Force Saga #1
Darkness Rising
Damien St. Cloud is a failure. Born with the most powerful soul force anyone has ever seen, he can't get it to work. The next in a long line of warlords, Damien is a disappointment to his legendary father and a weakling compared to his perfect sister.
Everything Changes when a visiting sorcerer proclaims Damien isn't a warlord at all, but a sorcerer! Damien is thrust into a world of magic and intrigue, war and death.
Behind the scenes a dark and ancient evil is rising once more, intent on destroying everything Damien cares about.
Can Damien, along with his sister and allies expose this evil and save the kingdom?
Read on for a tale of action and adventure, love and friendship.
The Darkness is rising. Who will survive?
Everything Changes when a visiting sorcerer proclaims Damien isn't a warlord at all, but a sorcerer! Damien is thrust into a world of magic and intrigue, war and death.
Behind the scenes a dark and ancient evil is rising once more, intent on destroying everything Damien cares about.
Can Damien, along with his sister and allies expose this evil and save the kingdom?
Read on for a tale of action and adventure, love and friendship.
The Darkness is rising. Who will survive?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2016
379 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 2, 2017
When a book grabs my attention, I usually finish it in one sitting. I find that happening less often that it used to. "Darkness Rising" is one of those rare books that did so.
I liked the action, the settings and to some extent, the character development too. If there is one sin that this book commits, it is the sheer predictability of the story. But the writing more than compensates for it.
I liked the action, the settings and to some extent, the character development too. If there is one sin that this book commits, it is the sheer predictability of the story. But the writing more than compensates for it.
October 26, 2017
4.25 Stars
February 5, 2017
Still scratching my head over who the target audience for this book was. It read like something targeted at a younger audience, perhaps elementary/middle school, but there were some things that made me question that. For example, the main character Damien is in love with a female succubus whose soul is bound to a sword, and whenever he sees her in the mental world she can create, she shows up completely naked. There's a scene where some characters get tortured, and even the main character, who is only a teenager, can kill other human beings without batting an eye. So yeah, probably not exactly PG or PG-13.
I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I had skimmed the blurb on the back, but that was really it. If this is a children's book, then I could overlook the lack of real character development, world building, and any kind of explanation about the magic system. And I felt like there were quite a few plot holes or things that happened too easily for the main character. For example, Damien is able to perform magic and make a small ball of light appear on his very first try with his teacher, even though it takes other students a couple days to do it. It just seems like for Damien, everything comes so effortlessly, that unless this is a book targeted for a younger audience and this kind of glossing over is okay, it detracts from my enjoyment of the book.
The first half of the story was pretty straightforward as Damien spends most of his time learning and getting up to speed as a sorceror, but afterwards when he starts going out on real missions with his sister is when things start getting exciting and I got into the story more.
I'd say this book has mildly piqued my interest and I'm looking forward to reading more about Damien and Jen and their adventures in the next book.
I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I had skimmed the blurb on the back, but that was really it. If this is a children's book, then I could overlook the lack of real character development, world building, and any kind of explanation about the magic system. And I felt like there were quite a few plot holes or things that happened too easily for the main character. For example, Damien is able to perform magic and make a small ball of light appear on his very first try with his teacher, even though it takes other students a couple days to do it. It just seems like for Damien, everything comes so effortlessly, that unless this is a book targeted for a younger audience and this kind of glossing over is okay, it detracts from my enjoyment of the book.
The first half of the story was pretty straightforward as Damien spends most of his time learning and getting up to speed as a sorceror, but afterwards when he starts going out on real missions with his sister is when things start getting exciting and I got into the story more.
I'd say this book has mildly piqued my interest and I'm looking forward to reading more about Damien and Jen and their adventures in the next book.
July 18, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
This was a pretty good story. This is the second series that I have read from this author. His other series I have read is the Aegis of Merlin. While this is a completely different kind of story, there is a similarity in the structure. It has the same ..... flavor as the other book. The same style. The things I liked in this book are the same as I liked in the Aegis of Merlin series. The things that I thought could be better, are the same things that I thought could be better in the other series. I will start with the things that I really liked about the story and end with the things that I thought could be better. I really enjoyed the setup and the magic system.
The story follows Damien St. Cloud. He is the son of the Citadel commander and the champion of the king. His father is a warlord. This is a man that can use the magic in his body internally to strengthen his skin, bones, and improve muscles. It allows them to focus energy to their eyes so they can see great distances. Damien has the largest pool of magic anyone has seen, but he still can't access it. He has been training to be a warlord for years an is about to fail out because he is the only one who can't harden his skin in his class. He is constantly getting his bones broken during his testing. He is ridiculed and bullied and his father treats him like he is a leper. One day a sorcerer shows up and is immediately able to recognize Damien as a fellow sorcerer. Sorcerers are able to use their magic pool outside their body, not inside. Damien is sent off to learn to be a sorcerer.
This was a pretty good story. This is the second series that I have read from this author. His other series I have read is the Aegis of Merlin. While this is a completely different kind of story, there is a similarity in the structure. It has the same ..... flavor as the other book. The same style. The things I liked in this book are the same as I liked in the Aegis of Merlin series. The things that I thought could be better, are the same things that I thought could be better in the other series. I will start with the things that I really liked about the story and end with the things that I thought could be better. I really enjoyed the setup and the magic system.
The story follows Damien St. Cloud. He is the son of the Citadel commander and the champion of the king. His father is a warlord. This is a man that can use the magic in his body internally to strengthen his skin, bones, and improve muscles. It allows them to focus energy to their eyes so they can see great distances. Damien has the largest pool of magic anyone has seen, but he still can't access it. He has been training to be a warlord for years an is about to fail out because he is the only one who can't harden his skin in his class. He is constantly getting his bones broken during his testing. He is ridiculed and bullied and his father treats him like he is a leper. One day a sorcerer shows up and is immediately able to recognize Damien as a fellow sorcerer. Sorcerers are able to use their magic pool outside their body, not inside. Damien is sent off to learn to be a sorcerer.
May 31, 2017
Wonderfully imagined story.
I really liked Mr. Wisher's story of swords and sorcery.
His young hero, Damien, is a warrior trained, who finds out that he was meant to be a sorcerer all along, not a sword fighter. After an equal amount of time spent learning how to harness his power, he and his warrior sister become involved with killing a demon someone has conjured up. The king, who's daughter schemes to marry
Damien, awards him a metal. The Court Sorcerer becomes his mentor so he can become a full sorcerer. He saves the king's life when an assassination attempt is made and is then sent as bodyguard to a young female diplomat who is also his mentor's daughter. They head out to deal with a rebellion of some Barons and discover a nest of evil with connections to the demon Damien killed.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I can hardly wait to read what happens next.
I really liked Mr. Wisher's story of swords and sorcery.
His young hero, Damien, is a warrior trained, who finds out that he was meant to be a sorcerer all along, not a sword fighter. After an equal amount of time spent learning how to harness his power, he and his warrior sister become involved with killing a demon someone has conjured up. The king, who's daughter schemes to marry
Damien, awards him a metal. The Court Sorcerer becomes his mentor so he can become a full sorcerer. He saves the king's life when an assassination attempt is made and is then sent as bodyguard to a young female diplomat who is also his mentor's daughter. They head out to deal with a rebellion of some Barons and discover a nest of evil with connections to the demon Damien killed.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I can hardly wait to read what happens next.
September 19, 2016
A good start of a sword and sorcery saga
Damien St Cloud is a not too complex character that would be more at home in one of high school anime stories with overpowered main characters being cold, stoic, with a kind heart and hidden genius. However, the story was enjoyable from end to end, and there are some good stories from the perspective of the side characters.
Damien St Cloud is a not too complex character that would be more at home in one of high school anime stories with overpowered main characters being cold, stoic, with a kind heart and hidden genius. However, the story was enjoyable from end to end, and there are some good stories from the perspective of the side characters.
June 4, 2017
I liked every other character than the MC. This book has the same problem other fantasy has now, and that is this procedure. Find the enemy; kill the enemy. Add in plenty of ego boosting events for MC and Its like watching a super lucky elitist. His sister, father, mother are all super strong and he is god like. Any body who disagree's with him gets intimidated, talked down to, humiliated.
Im supposed to feel bad for a character who had the total of 1 year of bad treatment by his dad and peers and is now having the time of his life. It would be nice to see his father take responsibility for his wrongful treatment; He was disgraced for not being able to use his powers even though his father picked the wrong path for him.
Anyways enough of this rambling review.
Im supposed to feel bad for a character who had the total of 1 year of bad treatment by his dad and peers and is now having the time of his life. It would be nice to see his father take responsibility for his wrongful treatment; He was disgraced for not being able to use his powers even though his father picked the wrong path for him.
Anyways enough of this rambling review.
February 28, 2021
This was a well written fantasy. It pulled me back every time I put it down. It combined warlords and sorcerers, magic and fighting ability. The protagonist was truly a hero for his country. Even those around him were pulled up to higher standards.
There was action and intrigue to pull the reader into the story. Of course there was good and evil. Lots of variations on the evil. We could see the protagonist grow through his training and self-education.
There were two books in Volume I. It never seemed that long. You wanted to find out what was going to happen next. Definitely a recommended read.
There was action and intrigue to pull the reader into the story. Of course there was good and evil. Lots of variations on the evil. We could see the protagonist grow through his training and self-education.
There were two books in Volume I. It never seemed that long. You wanted to find out what was going to happen next. Definitely a recommended read.
August 8, 2021
This was a fantastic start to a series. The characters were engaging and the storyline was full of adventure and depth. The author gave just the right amount of information so you were not left with too many questions but left out just enough to make you want to come back for more. The idea behind people have a “soul force” to help enhance their ability in life is interesting and well developed between two different paths. I hope that the author manages to end Damien’s fascination with the demon locked in the sword for a relationship more tangible but he is only 16. A good reminder there towards the end. I can’t wait to read the schism book.
April 8, 2019
2.5. Interesting premise but such simple characters and dialogue and world building. The magic was interesting but not fleshed our and it didn’t have any real rules. The author played around with switching pov’s and it could have worked well, but they moved between plot points too quickly. Sad backstory’s were tacked on as afterthoughts. Character relations and reactions seemed ridiculous and unrealistic at times. But the ideas were cool and despite everything I kind of want to know what happens next.
February 8, 2020
A real fantasy adventure
This is a fast paced well written tale. The characters are interesting & I want to know more about them. They are believable people, apart from one thing, the lead characters are all handsome/beautiful people. It would be refreshing to have people who are average looking. As that is my only gripe I urge readers who like lots of action, magic & interweaving story lines to give this book a go
This is a fast paced well written tale. The characters are interesting & I want to know more about them. They are believable people, apart from one thing, the lead characters are all handsome/beautiful people. It would be refreshing to have people who are average looking. As that is my only gripe I urge readers who like lots of action, magic & interweaving story lines to give this book a go
June 17, 2021
Darkness rising 1 & 2
This book is two books in one. I enjoyed this book and the characters. The plot was a little different than most and described aspects that are interesting. The characters are interesting if not some what odd, but some of the information is a bit annoying. The description on people, places, and other thoughts are well done at times and bad, or under described at times. I look forward to the next book.
This book is two books in one. I enjoyed this book and the characters. The plot was a little different than most and described aspects that are interesting. The characters are interesting if not some what odd, but some of the information is a bit annoying. The description on people, places, and other thoughts are well done at times and bad, or under described at times. I look forward to the next book.
August 26, 2021
Pacy coming of age drama
Well that story raced past in the couple of hours it took me to read. Run of the mill evil sorcerer meets troubled teen hero. Not much on world and scene setting, backgrounds or character developing other than the few central ones and the first half of the book galloped through what others could string out into two or three books. One of those easy reading fast paced magical distractions that you can easily finish in an afternoon.
Well that story raced past in the couple of hours it took me to read. Run of the mill evil sorcerer meets troubled teen hero. Not much on world and scene setting, backgrounds or character developing other than the few central ones and the first half of the book galloped through what others could string out into two or three books. One of those easy reading fast paced magical distractions that you can easily finish in an afternoon.
June 8, 2022
Captivating
This was a great read! I had a hard time putting it down and when I did I was thinking about it through the entirety of this book. Very well written, descriptive, and witty. Characters were well rounded, easy to imagine, and get attached to. The idea of soul force and its capabilities is super original. I haven't read a book from this genre in years but I'm hooked and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
This was a great read! I had a hard time putting it down and when I did I was thinking about it through the entirety of this book. Very well written, descriptive, and witty. Characters were well rounded, easy to imagine, and get attached to. The idea of soul force and its capabilities is super original. I haven't read a book from this genre in years but I'm hooked and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
July 14, 2022
Great read, was sad when it ended!
So I really enjoyed reading this book. The first in series was free in another book I had gotten, I stopped reading that book and bought up this series right away. I really like the characters, and the way the book was written. Kind of wish it were longer, and had more details in the fighting scenes, they're all over so quickly and then says it took an hour to finish a fight. Overall I dig the story line and it was fun to read.
So I really enjoyed reading this book. The first in series was free in another book I had gotten, I stopped reading that book and bought up this series right away. I really like the characters, and the way the book was written. Kind of wish it were longer, and had more details in the fighting scenes, they're all over so quickly and then says it took an hour to finish a fight. Overall I dig the story line and it was fun to read.
June 15, 2023
TO BE HONEST
This is a meh first book not a 1 star maybe a 3 star, but the series goes down hill fast It turns into generic male power fantasy where all the girls just wanna get in bed with him and he struggles to turn them down cuss he is "just a normal nice guy" main char never struggles just one shots every and is just so humble about it cuss "just a normal nice guy", the series target audience is just non based guys that wanna live a hyper unrealistic power fantasy.
This is a meh first book not a 1 star maybe a 3 star, but the series goes down hill fast It turns into generic male power fantasy where all the girls just wanna get in bed with him and he struggles to turn them down cuss he is "just a normal nice guy" main char never struggles just one shots every and is just so humble about it cuss "just a normal nice guy", the series target audience is just non based guys that wanna live a hyper unrealistic power fantasy.
May 13, 2018
I finished this series a long time ago. And surprisingly, I do remember bits and pieces of it. It's pretty good. It uses its own kind of physical versus magical type of system. It's also Vikas Adam again. There's a bunch of stupidity induced plot but not that bad. Would I read/listen to it again? If I run out of new stuff to read, yes. But probably not my number 1 (or 10) book to reread.
February 14, 2020
This was a nice read. Some interesting variations on the standard barbarian kingdoms and sorcerers sub-genre of fantasy. Having said that there is nothing that special here. Worth reading as a whiling away an afternoon when you don't want to spend the energy on a 'worthy' book but just relax.
Unless it comes up as a 99 pence daily bargain on Amazon, will not buy the sequel.
Unless it comes up as a 99 pence daily bargain on Amazon, will not buy the sequel.
May 29, 2020
Could have been a decent book but it lacked world, and character development. The story line was fun but I never felt anything for the characters making it lackluster. Also, I could not figure out the target audience. It seemed written for a younger pre-teen crowd with dialogue such as ”arm candy”, but had more sexual connotation (naked demons and rape) for a much older YA genre.
December 21, 2017
Enjoying it, the main character is likeable, but just a little boring and predictable, and seems like everything just goes his way all the time, and he's just 'perfect'. Story line is still interesting and looking forward to next book.
January 12, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed this book and some of the characters and will read the next one. I just don't know what kind of growth the characters can have. Damien starts out with a little adversity but I'm shot order is supremely powerful.
I enjoyed this book and some of the characters and will read the next one. I just don't know what kind of growth the characters can have. Damien starts out with a little adversity but I'm shot order is supremely powerful.
February 9, 2021
Excellent Start
James E Wisher has done it again. Another excellent book and start to a series I will be reading the rest of the series as I am sure all the books are fast paced and compelling to read.
James E Wisher has done it again. Another excellent book and start to a series I will be reading the rest of the series as I am sure all the books are fast paced and compelling to read.
December 24, 2021
I enjoyed the author's other books, so hopefully this works out too.
This turned out to be entertaining. The author really knows how to write overpowered protagonists.
Will pick up the sequel in the future.
3/5 Stars
This turned out to be entertaining. The author really knows how to write overpowered protagonists.
Will pick up the sequel in the future.
3/5 Stars
January 3, 2022
Worth the read.
This book was worth reading. It opened up a whole new world to me and I really liked that. I liked that there was a lot of action & the story was solid too. All-in-all I enjoyed the time I spent reading this. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
This book was worth reading. It opened up a whole new world to me and I really liked that. I liked that there was a lot of action & the story was solid too. All-in-all I enjoyed the time I spent reading this. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
October 30, 2022
excellent wow
Compliments to the author on this well written and action filled tale. Looking forward to finishing the series. You’ll connect to the main characters really well. Enjoy the fantasy and adventure.
Compliments to the author on this well written and action filled tale. Looking forward to finishing the series. You’ll connect to the main characters really well. Enjoy the fantasy and adventure.
September 7, 2023
REVIEW: Book 1 of James E. Wisher's " Soul Force Saga"
Read it non-stop cover to cover! Wished has a propensity of keeping you on the edge of your seat. AND in wanting more. I'm starting the next book, so don't expect to sleep soon, tonight
Read it non-stop cover to cover! Wished has a propensity of keeping you on the edge of your seat. AND in wanting more. I'm starting the next book, so don't expect to sleep soon, tonight
August 8, 2017
excellent writing
if I had money i would buy the second book right now, love the characters and the plot, wishing for a lane and damian romance
if I had money i would buy the second book right now, love the characters and the plot, wishing for a lane and damian romance
November 6, 2017
Fast read with a lot of action.
Fast read with a lot of action. A little more time could have been spent on some of the characters. However it was very enjoyable.
Fast read with a lot of action. A little more time could have been spent on some of the characters. However it was very enjoyable.
December 2, 2018
Surprisingly this was a shot in the dark read for me, but none the less it was an excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews