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The Seven Signs #2
The Knife in the Dark
Sanctuary beckons, but it hides a deadly secret within.
Dormael and D’Jenn bring a dangerous artifact home to the Conclave, hoping to answer the riddle behind an ancient mystery. But their homecoming only raises more questions as they discover an undercurrent of lies beneath the surface—lies that have been eating at the foundation of the Conclave itself, and subverting all they’ve sworn to uphold. Caught in a web of treachery, they must uncover the truth to free themselves, and keep an ancient weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
To survive, Dormael and D’Jenn may have to sacrifice everything.
With their home crumbling around them, they’re forced to make a dreadful choice. Will they navigate the waters of intrigue steeping the Conclave in turmoil, or be crushed by the cold heels of their enemies?
Dormael and D’Jenn bring a dangerous artifact home to the Conclave, hoping to answer the riddle behind an ancient mystery. But their homecoming only raises more questions as they discover an undercurrent of lies beneath the surface—lies that have been eating at the foundation of the Conclave itself, and subverting all they’ve sworn to uphold. Caught in a web of treachery, they must uncover the truth to free themselves, and keep an ancient weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
To survive, Dormael and D’Jenn may have to sacrifice everything.
With their home crumbling around them, they’re forced to make a dreadful choice. Will they navigate the waters of intrigue steeping the Conclave in turmoil, or be crushed by the cold heels of their enemies?
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2017
111 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Hawkins
16 books106 followersD.W. Hawkins haunts the badlands of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Sightings in the wild are rare, and this creature should be approached with caution. If you insist on pursuing this dangerous animal, you can find out more about him by visiting his website.
You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and YouTube.
You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and YouTube.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 13, 2020
Whilst the world building continues to be excellently done, I found this a bit of a slog in honesty. I could have done without the repeated return to the perspective of the necromancer and his brother, finding many of the descriptions overly vivid and in your face without adding a great deal to the story. The sense of dread and evil could have been handled far more subtly just using the key characters and there would have been a far greater sense of mystique and uncertainty if you didn’t have forewarnings from these chapters interspersed at regular intervals. They also became very samey with repetitive descriptions of maiming, killing and walking corpses. Oh, and I don’t recommend to the squeamish either - there are some graphic and disturbing scenes described in detail.
I admit, I found this a slow read to begin with and whilst there are moments of action, somehow the tension didn’t build up. I was never in any real concern for the characters lives. Long journeys are notoriously difficult to write and this just didn’t quite do it to me. This changed when the group reach the Conclave though and I really did enjoy the build up of political webs and intrigues, although again there is a lack of subtlety and I’d have enjoyed more time with the varied individuals that call the Conclave home. I wasn’t quite sold on the conclusion either - I mean, I saw the bad guy reveal from a mile off but unlike the previous novel, his motives just didn’t seem sound unless you take insanity in as a factor and that doesn’t seem right either.
What I really did enjoy were the characterisations and the gradual maturing of many of the key individuals. There are some really sweet moments and more importantly still, the characters continued to be vividly imagined. Shawna continues to be a strong female lead but it’s Bethany, an orphan girl, who really shines here and comes into herself. The banter between Dormeal and D’Jenn is always entertaining and several other characters come out of the shadows, platforming a varied and interesting group. I would have liked to have seen more of many of them though throughout the novel as it seems a lot is rushed into the last handful of chapters.
All in all, this wasn’t as good as the first but is a well written novel that will appeal to fans of dark and gritty fantasy who don’t mind body parts exploding or necromancy involving the consumption of internal organs. I’ll likely pick up the next at some point, but from the blurb alone I have a nasty suspicion that I’d going to run into some of the same issues, namely a long drawn out journey and drawn out descriptions of gore and nastiness.
I admit, I found this a slow read to begin with and whilst there are moments of action, somehow the tension didn’t build up. I was never in any real concern for the characters lives. Long journeys are notoriously difficult to write and this just didn’t quite do it to me. This changed when the group reach the Conclave though and I really did enjoy the build up of political webs and intrigues, although again there is a lack of subtlety and I’d have enjoyed more time with the varied individuals that call the Conclave home. I wasn’t quite sold on the conclusion either - I mean, I saw the bad guy reveal from a mile off but unlike the previous novel, his motives just didn’t seem sound unless you take insanity in as a factor and that doesn’t seem right either.
What I really did enjoy were the characterisations and the gradual maturing of many of the key individuals. There are some really sweet moments and more importantly still, the characters continued to be vividly imagined. Shawna continues to be a strong female lead but it’s Bethany, an orphan girl, who really shines here and comes into herself. The banter between Dormeal and D’Jenn is always entertaining and several other characters come out of the shadows, platforming a varied and interesting group. I would have liked to have seen more of many of them though throughout the novel as it seems a lot is rushed into the last handful of chapters.
All in all, this wasn’t as good as the first but is a well written novel that will appeal to fans of dark and gritty fantasy who don’t mind body parts exploding or necromancy involving the consumption of internal organs. I’ll likely pick up the next at some point, but from the blurb alone I have a nasty suspicion that I’d going to run into some of the same issues, namely a long drawn out journey and drawn out descriptions of gore and nastiness.
April 24, 2019
Sanctuary beckons, but it hides a deadly secret within.
Dormael and D’Jenn bring a dangerous artifact home to the Conclave, hoping to answer the riddle behind an ancient mystery. But their homecoming only raises more questions as they discover an undercurrent of lies beneath the surface—lies that have been eating at the foundation of the Conclave itself, and subverting all they’ve sworn to uphold. Caught in a web of treachery, they must uncover the truth to free themselves, and keep an ancient weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
To survive, Dormael and D’Jenn may have to sacrifice everything.
With their home crumbling around them, they’re forced to make a dreadful choice. Will they navigate the waters of intrigue steeping the Conclave in turmoil, or be crushed by the cold heels of their enemies?
The Knife in the Dark is book two of The Seven Signs, the continuation of a sword and sorcery series full of magic, intrigue, conspiracy, violence, and mystery. If you're looking for a new favorite world to call home, The Seven Signs will give you a reason to lose a little sleep.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the Seven Signs series.
I found this one was even better than book 1. I couldn't put it down.
The characters are believable and quite fun to read about.
Recommend reading this series.
Now need to get book 3 read!
I picked up my copy via bookfunnel but this is my honest voluntary review.
Dormael and D’Jenn bring a dangerous artifact home to the Conclave, hoping to answer the riddle behind an ancient mystery. But their homecoming only raises more questions as they discover an undercurrent of lies beneath the surface—lies that have been eating at the foundation of the Conclave itself, and subverting all they’ve sworn to uphold. Caught in a web of treachery, they must uncover the truth to free themselves, and keep an ancient weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
To survive, Dormael and D’Jenn may have to sacrifice everything.
With their home crumbling around them, they’re forced to make a dreadful choice. Will they navigate the waters of intrigue steeping the Conclave in turmoil, or be crushed by the cold heels of their enemies?
The Knife in the Dark is book two of The Seven Signs, the continuation of a sword and sorcery series full of magic, intrigue, conspiracy, violence, and mystery. If you're looking for a new favorite world to call home, The Seven Signs will give you a reason to lose a little sleep.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the Seven Signs series.
I found this one was even better than book 1. I couldn't put it down.
The characters are believable and quite fun to read about.
Recommend reading this series.
Now need to get book 3 read!
I picked up my copy via bookfunnel but this is my honest voluntary review.
September 26, 2020
A solid second book in the Seven Signs series. Well written, engaging and the characters are developing nicely. I liked the introduction of new characters in the book, including the necromancer and his brother. The character of Bethany shows a whimsy the story needs, so it's not completely dark, and there's a definite hint of snark starting to come through in her I really like.
My only complaint is the length of the chapters. The could be split into more conveniently sized chapters, and it would increase the pace of the story, but honestly, that's nitpicking.
All-in-all I'm really enjoying my time in the world of this story and joining along with these characters. Highly recommended if you like fantasy with a dark twist.
My only complaint is the length of the chapters. The could be split into more conveniently sized chapters, and it would increase the pace of the story, but honestly, that's nitpicking.
All-in-all I'm really enjoying my time in the world of this story and joining along with these characters. Highly recommended if you like fantasy with a dark twist.
June 1, 2020
A Knife in the Dark 1
Book 2 in the Seven Signs series from D.W. Hawkins
I’ve been itching to start this book and burned through it.
It’s much darker than book 1.
We’ve already met the four solid characters from book 1. Cousins D’Jenn and Dormael, Shawna a Baroness, and Bethany a young girl who has been rescued. Each Character with their there own strength. We also meet more intriguing characters. This book has brutality, gore, magic, swords, friendship, deception, adventure, teaching, fear. It’s a great continuation from book one that will kept me awake all night just to see what came next.
Book 2 in the Seven Signs series from D.W. Hawkins
I’ve been itching to start this book and burned through it.
It’s much darker than book 1.
We’ve already met the four solid characters from book 1. Cousins D’Jenn and Dormael, Shawna a Baroness, and Bethany a young girl who has been rescued. Each Character with their there own strength. We also meet more intriguing characters. This book has brutality, gore, magic, swords, friendship, deception, adventure, teaching, fear. It’s a great continuation from book one that will kept me awake all night just to see what came next.
May 29, 2019
Fascinating Continuation
I have to say I feel this book was even better than the first! I found myself pulled in from the very first page and then they flew by and I couldn’t believe I’d reached the epilogue! The first half of this book is beautiful and so emotion evoking, it’s very refreshing to find an author that’s so crafty with words he makes you feel apart of the story! The developments were intriguing and the magic continues to fascinate! I’m excited to see where their journey leads them and how they will deal with the guaranteed dangers to come!
I have to say I feel this book was even better than the first! I found myself pulled in from the very first page and then they flew by and I couldn’t believe I’d reached the epilogue! The first half of this book is beautiful and so emotion evoking, it’s very refreshing to find an author that’s so crafty with words he makes you feel apart of the story! The developments were intriguing and the magic continues to fascinate! I’m excited to see where their journey leads them and how they will deal with the guaranteed dangers to come!
September 14, 2017
Enjoying the series.
I read part 1, and immediately bought this part to keep reading. Enjoying the story, the world, and the characters. There's the odd strange usage of words, as though the author wants to sound erudite but doesn't quite understand the meaning, such as using 'proprietors' when talking about customers, but this is a minor irritation and won't stop me from reading the next book.
I read part 1, and immediately bought this part to keep reading. Enjoying the story, the world, and the characters. There's the odd strange usage of words, as though the author wants to sound erudite but doesn't quite understand the meaning, such as using 'proprietors' when talking about customers, but this is a minor irritation and won't stop me from reading the next book.
September 20, 2019
Overall rating: 5
Yes, the first book opened my mind to this amazing storyline, and book two won me over even further. The mystery and intrigue just kept building and building and I surprised myself when I found myself at the conclusion. A definite warp in time for me. When a book is so encompassing, you feel guilty for all that you neglected because you just couldn’t put it down. Well done! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Yes, the first book opened my mind to this amazing storyline, and book two won me over even further. The mystery and intrigue just kept building and building and I surprised myself when I found myself at the conclusion. A definite warp in time for me. When a book is so encompassing, you feel guilty for all that you neglected because you just couldn’t put it down. Well done! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
September 9, 2017
Better than the first
Normally the first books have all the action, drama and adventure to draw you in and make you want to keep reading about the characters. this book just adds to the first.
A little dark and gory in places but definitely worth reading
Normally the first books have all the action, drama and adventure to draw you in and make you want to keep reading about the characters. this book just adds to the first.
A little dark and gory in places but definitely worth reading
January 10, 2020
Book 2
Book 2 had errors throughout and was a fun read. The plot and characters have grown well. The characters are well done and I enjoyed reading about them. The plot has become well done too and the bad guys in the story are interesting. I look forward to book 3
Book 2 had errors throughout and was a fun read. The plot and characters have grown well. The characters are well done and I enjoyed reading about them. The plot has become well done too and the bad guys in the story are interesting. I look forward to book 3
May 17, 2017
Fascinate ing
What a tale very fast moving, wonderful characters,
Very descriptive, painting vivid pictures with such ease,
Will have to MoveOn to the next book recommend
What a tale very fast moving, wonderful characters,
Very descriptive, painting vivid pictures with such ease,
Will have to MoveOn to the next book recommend
June 7, 2017
Loving it.
Can't wait to see what happens next. I just love all the characters. I have just bought the next book in the series.
Can't wait to see what happens next. I just love all the characters. I have just bought the next book in the series.
February 15, 2019
Great series
Thoroughly enjoying the Seven Signs series, and looking forward to the release of the re-edited version of the next instalment.
Thoroughly enjoying the Seven Signs series, and looking forward to the release of the re-edited version of the next instalment.
August 17, 2019
Great book
September 11, 2019
Good
Well worth the read s s s s d d d rd d d d d d d r d d
Well worth the read s s s s d d d rd d d d d d d r d d
September 25, 2019
Traitor , that he was.You
Corneal and De'Jen now need to fight off a vilth, but also their old mentor. Both of whom want them dead. Plus they still need to figure out the amulet.
Corneal and De'Jen now need to fight off a vilth, but also their old mentor. Both of whom want them dead. Plus they still need to figure out the amulet.
June 1, 2021
Fantastic
Best thing I have read in a long time. Be sure to start with book 1. Great characters, action can't put it down. On to book 3
Best thing I have read in a long time. Be sure to start with book 1. Great characters, action can't put it down. On to book 3
December 1, 2021
Fun read
I like the characters and look forward to more of the story. Looking forward to discovering more about Bethany and the conclave vs warlocks.
I like the characters and look forward to more of the story. Looking forward to discovering more about Bethany and the conclave vs warlocks.
August 13, 2022
Awesome Story. Kept me reading until I finished it. Great characters and plot!
March 7, 2017
Great sequil, well crafted characters, The magic system works very well, with enough depth that as the characters grow their abilities grow with them.
I am really looking forward to the 3rd instalment as soon as It is published
I am really looking forward to the 3rd instalment as soon as It is published
February 20, 2017
Where is the next book? I *need* the next book. Now! I can't wait to find out what happens next and its been a long time since I felt like that about a series.
January 22, 2017
Really hotting up now. Getting into the head of the author which was unexpected to be truthful. A real wrk of imagination. How does he sleep at night with so many stories in his head?.The characters are brilliant..the "undead" brothers?.. Funny but really scary too !..i feel sorry for the youngest brother just wanting to die.
April 9, 2017
Expanding on a fully realised world.
A well-written and compelling narrative with well-written and compelling characters in a thoroughly-considered and, yes, well-written world. I can't wait for the third instalment.
A well-written and compelling narrative with well-written and compelling characters in a thoroughly-considered and, yes, well-written world. I can't wait for the third instalment.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews