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The Rhenwars Saga #0.5
Darkstorm
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B01MT77SK9
Our Choices Define Our Destiny.
When Merris Bryar stumbles across a secret meeting in the forgotten passages deep beneath Aerysius, she has no idea the harrowing sequence of events her discovery will set into motion. Merris discovers that deep below the city of the mages, forces of chaos are hard at work boring the Well of Tears, a gateway to the Netherworld.
Faced with an imminent cataclysm that will destroy the magical heritage of their people, a conspiracy of darkmages have resorted to harnessing the powers of Hell to save their legacy. The only mages who can oppose them are Merris and her mentor, Sephana Clemley, along with their protectors, Braden and Quin Reis: two brothers with a turbulent past and a caustic relationship. But both Braden and Quin are compromised, harboring terrible and tragic secrets.
Will Braden and Quin be able to protect Sephana and Merris long enough to stop the unsealing of the Well of Tears? Or will they fall victim to the darkmages’ sinister manipulations and join their conspiracy?
Our Choices Define Our Destiny.
When Merris Bryar stumbles across a secret meeting in the forgotten passages deep beneath Aerysius, she has no idea the harrowing sequence of events her discovery will set into motion. Merris discovers that deep below the city of the mages, forces of chaos are hard at work boring the Well of Tears, a gateway to the Netherworld.
Faced with an imminent cataclysm that will destroy the magical heritage of their people, a conspiracy of darkmages have resorted to harnessing the powers of Hell to save their legacy. The only mages who can oppose them are Merris and her mentor, Sephana Clemley, along with their protectors, Braden and Quin Reis: two brothers with a turbulent past and a caustic relationship. But both Braden and Quin are compromised, harboring terrible and tragic secrets.
Will Braden and Quin be able to protect Sephana and Merris long enough to stop the unsealing of the Well of Tears? Or will they fall victim to the darkmages’ sinister manipulations and join their conspiracy?
304 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2017
145 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Spencer
22 books716 followersM.L. Spencer is an epic fantasy author. Her debut novel Darkmage won the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Award for Fantasy, and her novel Dragon Mage won the 2021 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 11, 2018
Darkstorm
The Rhenwars Saga, Book 0
By: M. L. Spencer
Narrated by: Simon Wright
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I have to say that as soon as the book started I was drawn to the smooth and attractive voice coming from my tablet. I had not heard this narrator before and I was enticed right away. Loved his voice! This man could get away with murder! He delivered a flawless performance and and had me glued to his dreamy voice.
The book was wonderful also but different than what I am accustomed to. My heroes don't die normally! Sob, sob.... Great world building, interactions, characters, and plot. Loved the fantasy aspects too. Fresh and appealing, dark and aluring. I had bought all three books before I had the chance to review this book. Now I can't wait to read the other books. I may just wait and listen to them!
Enjoyed this book tremendously!
The Rhenwars Saga, Book 0
By: M. L. Spencer
Narrated by: Simon Wright
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I have to say that as soon as the book started I was drawn to the smooth and attractive voice coming from my tablet. I had not heard this narrator before and I was enticed right away. Loved his voice! This man could get away with murder! He delivered a flawless performance and and had me glued to his dreamy voice.
The book was wonderful also but different than what I am accustomed to. My heroes don't die normally! Sob, sob.... Great world building, interactions, characters, and plot. Loved the fantasy aspects too. Fresh and appealing, dark and aluring. I had bought all three books before I had the chance to review this book. Now I can't wait to read the other books. I may just wait and listen to them!
Enjoyed this book tremendously!
September 1, 2017
I read this book as part of the #SPFBO reading I am currently working on, and I have to say I was not disappointed. I went into this book hoping for mage battles and epic magic and a whole lot of drama, and that is exactly what I got. It's a fairly short fantasy book, but it's got a lot of good moments and it packs a strong punch of fun. I would certainly say this is well worth a read.
In this story we follow two brothers, Braden and Quin Reis. They haven't been best of friends for some time thanks to some shared tragedies in their pasts, but at the time we are following it seems that they are going to have to get along because there is an evil growing and gaining followers, and some of these followers are supposed to be very important people in the world order.
What I liked about this book was that it was pure fun at times. I tend to find that reading fantasy is how I like to escape and enjoy my time, and this book is a prime example of that. The characters and plot are well done for the number of pages the book has, and feel feisty and exciting. The plot moves at a solid pace, and the book feels intriguing from page one where we're following a young mage who is spying on her master.
Overall I think this book was definitely one of the better ones in my bunch and I am looking forward to continuing the series hopefully too as it seems to already have a few others out. I would recommend this one for sure, 4*s
In this story we follow two brothers, Braden and Quin Reis. They haven't been best of friends for some time thanks to some shared tragedies in their pasts, but at the time we are following it seems that they are going to have to get along because there is an evil growing and gaining followers, and some of these followers are supposed to be very important people in the world order.
What I liked about this book was that it was pure fun at times. I tend to find that reading fantasy is how I like to escape and enjoy my time, and this book is a prime example of that. The characters and plot are well done for the number of pages the book has, and feel feisty and exciting. The plot moves at a solid pace, and the book feels intriguing from page one where we're following a young mage who is spying on her master.
Overall I think this book was definitely one of the better ones in my bunch and I am looking forward to continuing the series hopefully too as it seems to already have a few others out. I would recommend this one for sure, 4*s
June 15, 2018
Time for a little disclaimer. It is, unfortunately, impossible to really separate the narrator from the words when reviewing an audiobook. But I have tried.
Darkstorm is a prequel of sorts to M L Spencer's Rhenwars Saga. The author told me this when I started the book, and pointed out that it's probably not the best place to start the series. However, I was after an audiobook, and book 1 was not yet ready (I believe it will be soon and is probably a better place to begin your journey into the Rhen). She was not wrong. There are points where I found myself a bit lost and confused, and I feel if I had a broader knowledge of the world, it would have all made a bit more sense.
Right, so Darkstorm is the story of 2 brothers, Braden and Quin Reis as they struggle to stop a corruption within their order of mages from opening up a portal to hell. Yup, that pretty much sums up the plot in a single sentence. It's a mad ride!
The story is fast paced and frantic, with a few big twists along the way, and a hell ( ;-) ) of a lot at stake. I mean, let's be fair, the stakes rarely get higher than 'the world'.
So normally I'd have given this book 4 stars (just keep reading). It's fun and dark, sword and sorcery, short and very enjoyable. BUT! I am a picky audiobook consumer. Narrators can make or break a book. Some really bring the characters to life, and others... Well, I'll just point out here that I did NOT get on with the narrator. He made everything sound like a breathy whisper, and I don't think he captured the tone of the story at all. Honestly, he made the book sound like a romance novel rather than a fantasy.
So I'm giving Darkstorm 3.5 stars (yes, I'm knocking off 0.5 of a star for the narrator), but as always, I round up. So technically it still gets a 4 stars from me. I think I'll pick up the next book in written format.
Darkstorm is a prequel of sorts to M L Spencer's Rhenwars Saga. The author told me this when I started the book, and pointed out that it's probably not the best place to start the series. However, I was after an audiobook, and book 1 was not yet ready (I believe it will be soon and is probably a better place to begin your journey into the Rhen). She was not wrong. There are points where I found myself a bit lost and confused, and I feel if I had a broader knowledge of the world, it would have all made a bit more sense.
Right, so Darkstorm is the story of 2 brothers, Braden and Quin Reis as they struggle to stop a corruption within their order of mages from opening up a portal to hell. Yup, that pretty much sums up the plot in a single sentence. It's a mad ride!
The story is fast paced and frantic, with a few big twists along the way, and a hell ( ;-) ) of a lot at stake. I mean, let's be fair, the stakes rarely get higher than 'the world'.
So normally I'd have given this book 4 stars (just keep reading). It's fun and dark, sword and sorcery, short and very enjoyable. BUT! I am a picky audiobook consumer. Narrators can make or break a book. Some really bring the characters to life, and others... Well, I'll just point out here that I did NOT get on with the narrator. He made everything sound like a breathy whisper, and I don't think he captured the tone of the story at all. Honestly, he made the book sound like a romance novel rather than a fantasy.
So I'm giving Darkstorm 3.5 stars (yes, I'm knocking off 0.5 of a star for the narrator), but as always, I round up. So technically it still gets a 4 stars from me. I think I'll pick up the next book in written format.
September 24, 2017
That was a really fun book, review to come soon.
May 19, 2018
Character driven and original. A must read.
The strength of this book is in its unusual characters. You’ve got Branden, who is hidebound and stiff necked but at the same time carries guilt over his past. His approach is that ever dangerous utilitarian principle of the greater good. The kind of attitude that can steamroll over normal people. Merris is an enigma. She seems to be one thing but is a chameleon, shifting her identity to fit with whoever she is in the company of. This is a fascinating trait and one I’ve encountered in the real world. Who she is deep inside is a large part of the core mystery of the story. If there is anyone inside. Quin is more like the decent hero with a good heart who has fallen from grace and off the wagon because of his past. Never an innocent but someone who is fundamentally a good person but has had that ground out of them by circumstance. An idealist with their dreams shattered. Probably my favourite character. The most powerful female character in setting is… oh, I’ve forgotten her name. She’s massively important but at the same time a bit of a bland person. Set against the incredible characterisation of Merris and Branden she’s left in such shadow that she didn’t really make that much impact on me. An insignificant person in a position of power. It actually makes her a good character. Not everyone should be leaping off the page. That’s not true to life. Spencer gets this detail dead right.
Plot: well it’s original and though in its denouement there is a degree of predictability, that doesn’t detract from the set up to that point. I wasn’t surprised by the resolution though the events leading towards it did surprise me. So the execution of the plot was exceptional and the plot itself very good until the final few pages when it wrapped up in a satisfying but not mind-blowingly brilliant way. A good ending but overshadowed by the fireworks that came before.
Setting -- interesting but somewhat underdeveloped. That means you avoid infodumps but I felt there could have been more fleshing out of the setting to truly immerse me in it. That said, this is a story that is carried by the characters and so this issue only occurs to me in retrospect after I’ve finished the novel.
After finishing this, I’d enjoyed it so much I picked up the author’s other novels.
The strength of this book is in its unusual characters. You’ve got Branden, who is hidebound and stiff necked but at the same time carries guilt over his past. His approach is that ever dangerous utilitarian principle of the greater good. The kind of attitude that can steamroll over normal people. Merris is an enigma. She seems to be one thing but is a chameleon, shifting her identity to fit with whoever she is in the company of. This is a fascinating trait and one I’ve encountered in the real world. Who she is deep inside is a large part of the core mystery of the story. If there is anyone inside. Quin is more like the decent hero with a good heart who has fallen from grace and off the wagon because of his past. Never an innocent but someone who is fundamentally a good person but has had that ground out of them by circumstance. An idealist with their dreams shattered. Probably my favourite character. The most powerful female character in setting is… oh, I’ve forgotten her name. She’s massively important but at the same time a bit of a bland person. Set against the incredible characterisation of Merris and Branden she’s left in such shadow that she didn’t really make that much impact on me. An insignificant person in a position of power. It actually makes her a good character. Not everyone should be leaping off the page. That’s not true to life. Spencer gets this detail dead right.
Plot: well it’s original and though in its denouement there is a degree of predictability, that doesn’t detract from the set up to that point. I wasn’t surprised by the resolution though the events leading towards it did surprise me. So the execution of the plot was exceptional and the plot itself very good until the final few pages when it wrapped up in a satisfying but not mind-blowingly brilliant way. A good ending but overshadowed by the fireworks that came before.
Setting -- interesting but somewhat underdeveloped. That means you avoid infodumps but I felt there could have been more fleshing out of the setting to truly immerse me in it. That said, this is a story that is carried by the characters and so this issue only occurs to me in retrospect after I’ve finished the novel.
After finishing this, I’d enjoyed it so much I picked up the author’s other novels.
December 15, 2017
Enjoyable and frustrating!
I interviewed ML Spencer for my podcast The Nerd Book Review ! The book is well written and at times was both enjoyable and frustrating. I thought the storyline was engaging and entertaining but she has a cast of characters that for the most part weren’t very likeable. Her “heroes” are deeply flawed people and the character who I thought seemed like the most middle of the road and reasonable was a villain.
If you like a book with characters in the Mark Lawrence mold then you will probably enjoy this book. It’s not nearly as graphically violent as his books and most of the violence is achieved by magic instead of a sword. If you need a real hero in your story this is NOT the book for you.
I interviewed ML Spencer for my podcast The Nerd Book Review ! The book is well written and at times was both enjoyable and frustrating. I thought the storyline was engaging and entertaining but she has a cast of characters that for the most part weren’t very likeable. Her “heroes” are deeply flawed people and the character who I thought seemed like the most middle of the road and reasonable was a villain.
If you like a book with characters in the Mark Lawrence mold then you will probably enjoy this book. It’s not nearly as graphically violent as his books and most of the violence is achieved by magic instead of a sword. If you need a real hero in your story this is NOT the book for you.
May 1, 2017
Darkstorm is an interesting novel because I can't help but think of a high school class of Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, and other short fantasy novel series with Rhenwars sitting in the back as the Goth chick. It's a book which superficially has a resemblance to all the fun Dungeons and Dragons "adventure" fiction where there's a threat to the world, a misfit party of adventurers, evil villains, and a ticking clock forcing everyone to put aside their personal baggage.
The thing is, in this case, the heroes fail miserably in trying to get their act together and it has a much more cynical take on human nature. There's also a good deal more sex, lies, and personal betrayals that make the story quite a bit more interesting than your typical dark elf with two scimitars tale.
The premise is Merris is a young street orphan turned mage who is trying to follow her master to get some juicy details she can use to blackmail him (due to him wanting to throw her out). She gets more than she bargained for when she discovers he's become part of a cult of demon-worshipers. This results in her hooking up with two wizard brothers, one a successful battlemage while the other is a handsome but broken drunk, as well as the beautiful lover of the former.
The battlemage, Branden, is determined to stop the cult, even when he discovers that they're using demonic magic to stabilize a cataclysm that will kill all magic users in the world. It's a plan which will permanently make worshiping their equivalent to Satan as part of their religion but most wizards are apathetic about religion anyway. Personal flaws and jealousy tear into the makeshift group even as none of them, save one, really like their need to stop the cultists.
I like the characters as they're fairly well-rounded for the short time we get to be with them. All of them are suffering from some heavy character flaws while having better qualities too. The villains' motivation is arguably far more sympathetic than the primary hero's. While doubting any plan which begins with, "harnessing the power of hell for the greater good", I find the way Branden casually dismisses of thousands of magi lives as well as the destruction of civilization even more psychotic. It strikes me as coming from a martyr complex than a genuine sympathy for the multitudes (possibly also the fact he seems to be a self-hating wizard).
I was also a big fan of the character Quin. He is my sort of character in that he started with a mind full of high ideals and then decided to get drunk and laid a lot instead. He owns his flaws, which makes him a good deal more likable than his brother Branden. Merris starts as the plucky female protagonist, a mix of Harry and Hermione really, but goes down a much darker road as events show her to not possess a strong moral core.
I really liked Merris' story in the book as too many people in fiction react to changing circumstances by putting their foot down. A lot of us adapt to survive in new circumstances, occasionally doing terrible things in the process. There's a bit of a "cliffhanger" in the middle of the book which is resolved with a cheat regarding her but I enjoyed it anyway.
The book is full of action, mostly spell duels, and I have to say works very well as a kind of dark fantasy version of a D&D game. It just so happens to be a D&D game full of sex, lies, betrayal, and hell worship. The ending of the book is also a great deal more apocalyptic than I expected it to be and I appreciate the author didn't pull any punches. Not everyone makes it out alive and that saddened me because I actually grew fond enough of the group that I would have read an entire series about their adventures. That's a pretty hefty endorsement right there. World-building wise, everything is coherent and it doesn't get bogged down in the minutia like so many other authors. Two rival mage empires and a Mongol culture to the North. Boom. Got it.
In conclusion, I recommend Darkstorm for someone who wants a quick easy-to-read fantasy epic. It condenses what other authors would have expanded to three novels into one and while some of the character developments feel a bit too swift, it still works enough that I wrote this review and have already picked up the second volume.
9/10
The thing is, in this case, the heroes fail miserably in trying to get their act together and it has a much more cynical take on human nature. There's also a good deal more sex, lies, and personal betrayals that make the story quite a bit more interesting than your typical dark elf with two scimitars tale.
The premise is Merris is a young street orphan turned mage who is trying to follow her master to get some juicy details she can use to blackmail him (due to him wanting to throw her out). She gets more than she bargained for when she discovers he's become part of a cult of demon-worshipers. This results in her hooking up with two wizard brothers, one a successful battlemage while the other is a handsome but broken drunk, as well as the beautiful lover of the former.
The battlemage, Branden, is determined to stop the cult, even when he discovers that they're using demonic magic to stabilize a cataclysm that will kill all magic users in the world. It's a plan which will permanently make worshiping their equivalent to Satan as part of their religion but most wizards are apathetic about religion anyway. Personal flaws and jealousy tear into the makeshift group even as none of them, save one, really like their need to stop the cultists.
I like the characters as they're fairly well-rounded for the short time we get to be with them. All of them are suffering from some heavy character flaws while having better qualities too. The villains' motivation is arguably far more sympathetic than the primary hero's. While doubting any plan which begins with, "harnessing the power of hell for the greater good", I find the way Branden casually dismisses of thousands of magi lives as well as the destruction of civilization even more psychotic. It strikes me as coming from a martyr complex than a genuine sympathy for the multitudes (possibly also the fact he seems to be a self-hating wizard).
I was also a big fan of the character Quin. He is my sort of character in that he started with a mind full of high ideals and then decided to get drunk and laid a lot instead. He owns his flaws, which makes him a good deal more likable than his brother Branden. Merris starts as the plucky female protagonist, a mix of Harry and Hermione really, but goes down a much darker road as events show her to not possess a strong moral core.
I really liked Merris' story in the book as too many people in fiction react to changing circumstances by putting their foot down. A lot of us adapt to survive in new circumstances, occasionally doing terrible things in the process. There's a bit of a "cliffhanger" in the middle of the book which is resolved with a cheat regarding her but I enjoyed it anyway.
The book is full of action, mostly spell duels, and I have to say works very well as a kind of dark fantasy version of a D&D game. It just so happens to be a D&D game full of sex, lies, betrayal, and hell worship. The ending of the book is also a great deal more apocalyptic than I expected it to be and I appreciate the author didn't pull any punches. Not everyone makes it out alive and that saddened me because I actually grew fond enough of the group that I would have read an entire series about their adventures. That's a pretty hefty endorsement right there. World-building wise, everything is coherent and it doesn't get bogged down in the minutia like so many other authors. Two rival mage empires and a Mongol culture to the North. Boom. Got it.
In conclusion, I recommend Darkstorm for someone who wants a quick easy-to-read fantasy epic. It condenses what other authors would have expanded to three novels into one and while some of the character developments feel a bit too swift, it still works enough that I wrote this review and have already picked up the second volume.
9/10
February 4, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Epic Battle Rap Review for Darkstorm – M.L. Spencer
Yo Dis Jay, Epic Battle Rap Review,
Here to tell you, what he think true.
Darkstorm be epic fantasy, twisted plot yo canna see,
Wild ride no prediction, mad protag antag friction,
Bound by love, fits like a glove
Under threat of war, making the score
Brimming with magic, damn full of tragic
Until the sacrifice, like added all spice
Jay love the mayhem, drilling into brain stem
Wild action ride, pumping heart beside
Book brings the storm, this ain’t lukewarm
Down came the rain, bringing the pain.
It’s time for the score, bring the jive
Darkstorm a tempesting 4.5 outta five.
Epic Battle Rap Review for Darkstorm – M.L. Spencer
Yo Dis Jay, Epic Battle Rap Review,
Here to tell you, what he think true.
Darkstorm be epic fantasy, twisted plot yo canna see,
Wild ride no prediction, mad protag antag friction,
Bound by love, fits like a glove
Under threat of war, making the score
Brimming with magic, damn full of tragic
Until the sacrifice, like added all spice
Jay love the mayhem, drilling into brain stem
Wild action ride, pumping heart beside
Book brings the storm, this ain’t lukewarm
Down came the rain, bringing the pain.
It’s time for the score, bring the jive
Darkstorm a tempesting 4.5 outta five.
July 15, 2018
Betrayal and failure infest this story, with scant moments of triumph. Spencer teases the reader with glimpses of success and hope, making for an experience that compels you to keep reading, to keep hoping the next plot will work out. It's unsettling, mesmerizing, and addictive.
I devoured this book. I read until my eyes were soupy. I had some vague understanding of where things would end up, and I desperately needed to see how it unfolded. I had started with Darkmage, the first book in The Rhenwars Saga, then backed up and read this prequel. There were some things I liked about doing it this way. Darkstorm takes place a thousand years earlier, and thus shows the origins of some of the artifacts and traditions you find in Darkmage. It was cool, knowing where these circumstances would lead, but if you want a truly spoiler-free experience with this series, then start with Darkstorm.
Those Reis brothers! What can I say about them? They have some issues for sure. I am impressed they still talk to each other after finding out the history that went down between them. Their relationship is fraught with conspiracy and tragedy.
While Braden is more of an optimist and one to take action, Quin has a tendency to be consumed with cynicism, but he keeps going despite all the odds, because he does love his brother deep down and wishes he could feel more like his equal.
Darkstorm really explores extreme choices made with good intentions, how small actions conceived in self-preservation can lead to dire consequences. It's an excellent exploration in moral ambiguity. It teases that line of when and how to defy the rules, that point where justice lives more within revolution than institution. While the sympathetic characters are generally from one side of this conflict, it's clear that both sides are desperately trying to do what they think is right, and the fate of their entire existence is at stake.
I devoured this book. I read until my eyes were soupy. I had some vague understanding of where things would end up, and I desperately needed to see how it unfolded. I had started with Darkmage, the first book in The Rhenwars Saga, then backed up and read this prequel. There were some things I liked about doing it this way. Darkstorm takes place a thousand years earlier, and thus shows the origins of some of the artifacts and traditions you find in Darkmage. It was cool, knowing where these circumstances would lead, but if you want a truly spoiler-free experience with this series, then start with Darkstorm.
Those Reis brothers! What can I say about them? They have some issues for sure. I am impressed they still talk to each other after finding out the history that went down between them. Their relationship is fraught with conspiracy and tragedy.
While Braden is more of an optimist and one to take action, Quin has a tendency to be consumed with cynicism, but he keeps going despite all the odds, because he does love his brother deep down and wishes he could feel more like his equal.
Darkstorm really explores extreme choices made with good intentions, how small actions conceived in self-preservation can lead to dire consequences. It's an excellent exploration in moral ambiguity. It teases that line of when and how to defy the rules, that point where justice lives more within revolution than institution. While the sympathetic characters are generally from one side of this conflict, it's clear that both sides are desperately trying to do what they think is right, and the fate of their entire existence is at stake.
November 6, 2017
And it's done!
I've completed my first foray into the Rhenwars Saga.
And I am torn to shreds between satisfaction and despair.
So much good soil, such vigorous seeds... but the tree didn't grow as tall as I'd hoped it would.
Small things kept popping up. And then they grew.
So let's talk about it (usual disclaimer applies).
The 1st chapter
We get right down to it. Someone's about to buy a one-way ticket to the Down Under. Strong start.
I like.
The writing is a bit... lyrical, I'd say, but it gets the job done.
There's a lot of "feelings" in the air. I'm generally not too good with that, but it's not overly distracting. Curiously, although the subject matter is rather grim, I keep getting an disconcerting impression of bright interior scenes. I've kept that impression, consistently failing to tell night from day throughout the book. Curious.
The Good
The plot. The concept is simply superb, and something I've been dying to see authors try. FINALLY, no Evil Antagonist(tm)!! Just people with different ideas about what is the right way out of a mighty pinch. I kept switching sides like a turncoat. That felt good!!
The philosophy. Some heavy topics in this book. Can there be such a thing as self-doubting self-righteousness? Well I found it here. And it was quite well done.
I really liked how Braden (annoying prick!) kept talking the talk without walking the walk, and getting his nose rubbed in it.
I liked Quin. He was the most well-built character (because balanced would be out of place in this world). He brought the most colour to the story. And that's a shame, but you'll get why in just a few.
I liked Merris. Yeah I said it. I really liked her. More than all the others.
And I'm frustrated...
The... less good
The concept of what a DarkMage is, how to get (fall?) there. That needed more delving into, since it was instrumental.
The whole "Status in Calador" thing gets a long introduction, and then is not used anymore.
By the first third of the book, we are told what the Big Issue is. And it is BIG. So big in fact, that I cannot for the life of me understand WHY it just disappears in the background so easily.
My biggest peeve: The female characters felt... underwhelming. Almost archetypical damsels in distress or sly bitches. And that was quite... weird, considering the author is a Gal amongst gals.
Merris got me frustrated. She had all the trappings of an extremely complex personality. She could have been one of the most satisfying characters I've read this year. I could feel the weight of her past in her schizophrenia. I could sniff MEGA DRAMA beneath the veneer of aloofness and lunacy. if only I'd had some flesh around her!! She felt like a huge missed opportunity.
No, 2 paragraphs about some past abuse and a few lines on her being an ex-street urchin is not enough, considering the massive impact she has on the whole story. She deserved more backstory. She deserved more fleshing out.
Actually, they all deserved more! But she deserved more!!!
The downright confusing
Remember when I said I kept getting pushed out of the book by small things? Here are a few:
Do you know how many instances of people tossing/throwing their heads back (to down some liquid) there is in this book? a few, to say the least...
The dialogue tags are... varied, quite a slew of 'em; wondered and informed being among the most jarring. Dunno 'bout you lads, but when someone "wonders", I personally almost always equate it to inner dialogue... As to "informing", well it's so formal it knocks you right out of the flow of dialogue.
Some sporadic POVs that really were not necessary.
The narration tends to get a bit melodramatic at times. I had to remind myself several times I wasn't reading some Danielle Steel. Naked chests and stuff...
And the ending was a massive Huh??? moment.
So it's either a setup for me to read the next books and fill in the blanks (soo manyyyy). Or it really is the end of that ARC... and I'm pissed off...
Conclusion
I am torn. I really am.
This book has so much going for it.
I go out of it with the strong feeling that the author tried to say/do too much in too short a space/time. I don't yet know what subject matter the next books cover, but I really feel like this one deserved to be 2 to 3 times longer. The impending crisis was just too momentous, and I felt I was being dragged along at blinding speed, desperately trying to cling to the blurring world and THE PLOT by my bleeding fingertips... Rushed to an end that felt totally anti-climatic.
And it frustrated me, because I WANTED MORE OF THIS WORLD! I WANTED MORE OF QUIN AND MERRIS!!! Damn it!
When was the last time I complained that a book went too fast?...
Final score: 3.5
I've completed my first foray into the Rhenwars Saga.
And I am torn to shreds between satisfaction and despair.
So much good soil, such vigorous seeds... but the tree didn't grow as tall as I'd hoped it would.
Small things kept popping up. And then they grew.
So let's talk about it (usual disclaimer applies).
The 1st chapter
We get right down to it. Someone's about to buy a one-way ticket to the Down Under. Strong start.
I like.
The writing is a bit... lyrical, I'd say, but it gets the job done.
There's a lot of "feelings" in the air. I'm generally not too good with that, but it's not overly distracting. Curiously, although the subject matter is rather grim, I keep getting an disconcerting impression of bright interior scenes. I've kept that impression, consistently failing to tell night from day throughout the book. Curious.
The Good
The plot. The concept is simply superb, and something I've been dying to see authors try. FINALLY, no Evil Antagonist(tm)!! Just people with different ideas about what is the right way out of a mighty pinch. I kept switching sides like a turncoat. That felt good!!
The philosophy. Some heavy topics in this book. Can there be such a thing as self-doubting self-righteousness? Well I found it here. And it was quite well done.
I really liked how Braden (annoying prick!) kept talking the talk without walking the walk, and getting his nose rubbed in it.
I liked Quin. He was the most well-built character (because balanced would be out of place in this world). He brought the most colour to the story. And that's a shame, but you'll get why in just a few.
I liked Merris. Yeah I said it. I really liked her. More than all the others.
And I'm frustrated...
The... less good
The concept of what a DarkMage is, how to get (fall?) there. That needed more delving into, since it was instrumental.
The whole "Status in Calador" thing gets a long introduction, and then is not used anymore.
By the first third of the book, we are told what the Big Issue is. And it is BIG. So big in fact, that I cannot for the life of me understand WHY it just disappears in the background so easily.
My biggest peeve: The female characters felt... underwhelming. Almost archetypical damsels in distress or sly bitches. And that was quite... weird, considering the author is a Gal amongst gals.
Merris got me frustrated. She had all the trappings of an extremely complex personality. She could have been one of the most satisfying characters I've read this year. I could feel the weight of her past in her schizophrenia. I could sniff MEGA DRAMA beneath the veneer of aloofness and lunacy. if only I'd had some flesh around her!! She felt like a huge missed opportunity.
No, 2 paragraphs about some past abuse and a few lines on her being an ex-street urchin is not enough, considering the massive impact she has on the whole story. She deserved more backstory. She deserved more fleshing out.
Actually, they all deserved more! But she deserved more!!!
The downright confusing
Remember when I said I kept getting pushed out of the book by small things? Here are a few:
Do you know how many instances of people tossing/throwing their heads back (to down some liquid) there is in this book? a few, to say the least...
The dialogue tags are... varied, quite a slew of 'em; wondered and informed being among the most jarring. Dunno 'bout you lads, but when someone "wonders", I personally almost always equate it to inner dialogue... As to "informing", well it's so formal it knocks you right out of the flow of dialogue.
Some sporadic POVs that really were not necessary.
The narration tends to get a bit melodramatic at times. I had to remind myself several times I wasn't reading some Danielle Steel. Naked chests and stuff...
And the ending was a massive Huh??? moment.
So it's either a setup for me to read the next books and fill in the blanks (soo manyyyy). Or it really is the end of that ARC... and I'm pissed off...
Conclusion
I am torn. I really am.
This book has so much going for it.
I go out of it with the strong feeling that the author tried to say/do too much in too short a space/time. I don't yet know what subject matter the next books cover, but I really feel like this one deserved to be 2 to 3 times longer. The impending crisis was just too momentous, and I felt I was being dragged along at blinding speed, desperately trying to cling to the blurring world and THE PLOT by my bleeding fingertips... Rushed to an end that felt totally anti-climatic.
And it frustrated me, because I WANTED MORE OF THIS WORLD! I WANTED MORE OF QUIN AND MERRIS!!! Damn it!
When was the last time I complained that a book went too fast?...
Final score: 3.5
November 29, 2018
Darkstorm by M.L. Spencer is the first book in The Rhenwars Saga. Braden and Quin Reis, two brothers of great power, are the only hope to stopping a conspiracy of mages who are intent on unsealing the Well of Tears.
Plot 5/5 : Interesting plot with some twists.
Characters 5/5 : Well fleshed out characters
World building 5/5 : An interesting setting
Pacing 5/5 : Steady pace with spurts of action.
Writing 5/5 : Beautifully written with tastefully written scenes of sexual encounters
Overall 5 stars
M.L. Spencer's beautiful prose, world building, and character development breathe life into this tale of love, betrayal, determination, and intrigue. This is a must read book for anyone into fantasy.
Plot 5/5 : Interesting plot with some twists.
Characters 5/5 : Well fleshed out characters
World building 5/5 : An interesting setting
Pacing 5/5 : Steady pace with spurts of action.
Writing 5/5 : Beautifully written with tastefully written scenes of sexual encounters
Overall 5 stars
M.L. Spencer's beautiful prose, world building, and character development breathe life into this tale of love, betrayal, determination, and intrigue. This is a must read book for anyone into fantasy.
February 23, 2018
It all starts with a young mage, Merris, who overhears something from her master and a stranger. It causes her to have to flee and take refuge in a place where she never thought she'd be. Seeking help from two brothers, one a battlemage and one a drunk, they need to figure out what exactly is happening, how deep it goes and how to stop it.
It took me a little while to fully immerse myself into the world the author was setting up, but once I did, I ended up really enjoying this. This book doesn't believe in happy endings or sparing characters, and I really liked that. I liked that all the characters are flawed and the world is muddy, is good really good and is bad really bad or worse!! The plot itself was fast paced and intriguing. We are brought into the story right from the start when Merris hears her master talking to a stranger, and it's pretty much none stop after that. There was plenty of things happening to keep me hooked and I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes it from here.
All the characters were well written and developed and, for me anyway, were the best part of the book. Each of the characters were flawed and each has baggage and seeing them grow and develop throughout the story was awesome. I feel like Quin had the most growth during the story and he was my favourite! Merris grew a lot too, though I'm still not too sure how I feel about her!!
In all this was a great read. Filled with magic, intrigue, demonic plots and so much more, it has made me excited to read more in this series. This author is one to watch!!
Simon Wright read this well. His tones and cadences worked well to bring the atmosphere to life and I enjoyed his performance. I did find though, that his female voices needed work and he sometimes didn't differentiate who was talking enough that I found myself confused at times.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
It took me a little while to fully immerse myself into the world the author was setting up, but once I did, I ended up really enjoying this. This book doesn't believe in happy endings or sparing characters, and I really liked that. I liked that all the characters are flawed and the world is muddy, is good really good and is bad really bad or worse!! The plot itself was fast paced and intriguing. We are brought into the story right from the start when Merris hears her master talking to a stranger, and it's pretty much none stop after that. There was plenty of things happening to keep me hooked and I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes it from here.
All the characters were well written and developed and, for me anyway, were the best part of the book. Each of the characters were flawed and each has baggage and seeing them grow and develop throughout the story was awesome. I feel like Quin had the most growth during the story and he was my favourite! Merris grew a lot too, though I'm still not too sure how I feel about her!!
In all this was a great read. Filled with magic, intrigue, demonic plots and so much more, it has made me excited to read more in this series. This author is one to watch!!
Simon Wright read this well. His tones and cadences worked well to bring the atmosphere to life and I enjoyed his performance. I did find though, that his female voices needed work and he sometimes didn't differentiate who was talking enough that I found myself confused at times.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
June 15, 2017
A suspenseful and lugubrious fantasy tale, Darkstorm is aptly named indeed, for it offers a foreshadowing of things to come. And those things don't bode well for humanity. Two high civilisations, Caladorn and the Rhen, are on the brink of war, their rival ruling synods of warlocks at daggers drawn. But underpinning this mortal conflict is a much graver danger, and averting this may involve a diabolical pact with the forces of darkness. This story thus revolves around a moral dilemma on a large scale, namely, do the ends justify the means? The supernatural forces of Hell appear destined to intersect with the all-too-human struggle for survival, as a society's most gifted but morally flawed warlocks contemplate doing the unthinkable to save the civilisation they have built.
As such this tale is political in nature and has complex plot developments, some driven by character and others by the nature of the world they inhabit; Rhenwars #1 presents a web of intrigue entangling a host of actors caught up in world-shaking events that they struggle to control. Darkstorm is also beautifully written by an author who is clearly well versed in the English language and not afraid to show it: the prose is powerful and evocative, but for all the splendid descriptions of temples, towers, landscapes and cities, the reader never loses the sense that this is a world on the brink of a precipice.
I won't go into the protagonists in too much detail because that would constitute a plot spoiler, but suffice to say that Quinlan Reis, a talented warlock who feels driven to drown past pain in the bottle, is an intriguing anti-hero; his fraught relationship with his brother and fellow mage Braden, Caladornian ambassador to Aerysius, the capital of the Rhen, is marred by tragedy and allows the author to give her protagonists depth while maintaining the fast pace of a thriller. And right from the start we are obliged to question the elusive Merris, an acolyte mage who becomes embroiled in skulduggery for motives of her own. Her character development is shocking, but clues as to her true nature are cleverly interwoven into the early narrative.
The world is revealed gradually and again there is a sense of much more to come: future history waiting to be written, much of it cataclysmic I suspect. The pastoral steppe culture of the Reis brothers' homeland in Kazahar is a pleasing counterweight to the tense city halls of Bryn Calazar and Aerysius that their destiny has obliged them to navigate, and again I expect the geographical scope of Spencer's world will become more apparent as the Rhenwars Saga progresses.
Brooding and grim and surreally beautiful, Darkstorm is a fast-paced book with a lot of twists and subtexts that probably rewards rereading; it comes equipped with a glossary at the back, testimony to the author's meticulous construction of a fully functioning world with its traditions, hierarchies and superstitions, including a detailed magic system. My only criticism (if such it is) is that the novel could have been longer: I understand there is a trend towards shorter books nowadays, but it isn't one I hold with. The Rhenwars Saga is clearly intended as a dark fantasy on an epic scale that will reward an intelligent and patient reader who likes to be left with questions as well as answers. Highly recommended for sophisticated fans of the genre.
As such this tale is political in nature and has complex plot developments, some driven by character and others by the nature of the world they inhabit; Rhenwars #1 presents a web of intrigue entangling a host of actors caught up in world-shaking events that they struggle to control. Darkstorm is also beautifully written by an author who is clearly well versed in the English language and not afraid to show it: the prose is powerful and evocative, but for all the splendid descriptions of temples, towers, landscapes and cities, the reader never loses the sense that this is a world on the brink of a precipice.
I won't go into the protagonists in too much detail because that would constitute a plot spoiler, but suffice to say that Quinlan Reis, a talented warlock who feels driven to drown past pain in the bottle, is an intriguing anti-hero; his fraught relationship with his brother and fellow mage Braden, Caladornian ambassador to Aerysius, the capital of the Rhen, is marred by tragedy and allows the author to give her protagonists depth while maintaining the fast pace of a thriller. And right from the start we are obliged to question the elusive Merris, an acolyte mage who becomes embroiled in skulduggery for motives of her own. Her character development is shocking, but clues as to her true nature are cleverly interwoven into the early narrative.
The world is revealed gradually and again there is a sense of much more to come: future history waiting to be written, much of it cataclysmic I suspect. The pastoral steppe culture of the Reis brothers' homeland in Kazahar is a pleasing counterweight to the tense city halls of Bryn Calazar and Aerysius that their destiny has obliged them to navigate, and again I expect the geographical scope of Spencer's world will become more apparent as the Rhenwars Saga progresses.
Brooding and grim and surreally beautiful, Darkstorm is a fast-paced book with a lot of twists and subtexts that probably rewards rereading; it comes equipped with a glossary at the back, testimony to the author's meticulous construction of a fully functioning world with its traditions, hierarchies and superstitions, including a detailed magic system. My only criticism (if such it is) is that the novel could have been longer: I understand there is a trend towards shorter books nowadays, but it isn't one I hold with. The Rhenwars Saga is clearly intended as a dark fantasy on an epic scale that will reward an intelligent and patient reader who likes to be left with questions as well as answers. Highly recommended for sophisticated fans of the genre.
June 17, 2017
An absolutely cracking story that is hard to put down. I urge everyone to buy a copy. Really looking forward to book two.
September 18, 2017
Originally reviewed on Grimdark Magazine by C.T. Phipps.
Grimdark comes in a variety of shapes and sizes but tends to be viewed as epic trilogies or doorstopper series. Rarely do we get to see what I term to be “pocket-sized fantasy” where the adventure begins and ends within in a single 300-page volume. Darkstorm, by M.L. Spencer, challenges that by telling a stand-alone story as the first installment of The Rhenwars Saga.
Darkstorm by M.L. SpencerDarkstorm has the premise of saving the world (like so many other works of fantasy) but deconstructs it at every turn. A magical cataclysm is going to wipe out all magic-using individuals on Earth and destroy sorcery as a whole in a few weeks. A secret cabal has made a pact with Xerys, the god of the underworld, despite him being considered the Lord of Evil. They hope this pact will save the world, elevating Xerys to the pantheon of gods who oppose him. Repulsed by this, archmage Branden Reis raises an army to slaughter the cabal so the disaster can happen unimpeded. Branden’s brother, Quin, and Quin’s lover, Merris, serve as wildcards in this conflict. Quin and Merris find both options for dealing with the looming apocalypse unappealing but have no better solutions. Betrayal, lies, and destruction follow across every page.
Part of what makes Darkstorm effective is that the author doesn’t seem to have any particular attachment to the heroes. Protagonists are killed, corrupted or driven insane with no more warning than what may (typically) happen to a supporting character. The author has crafted an extraordinarily dangerous world where the “heroes” are no more immune to its dangers or temptations than anyone else. Indeed, by the ending of Darkstorm, I concluded that they were exactly the wrong people for the job of saving the world. There’s no happy ending and the heroes’ choices are highly questionable, making it all the more effective as a work of fiction.
Branden Reis is convinced he’s the hero and he’s taking a principled stand against evil but the massive collateral damage of his actions makes him come off as self-righteous at best. His casual dismissal of not only the lives of his fellow mages but the destruction of an entire civilization’s knowledge also hints at a disdain for his own profession. He’s never more unsympathetic than when he uses his relationship with another archmage to manipulate her into helping him bring about the end of the cabal’s plan.
Quin, by contrast, is a character who wants nothing more than to lie back and coast on his seemingly meager magical talents. He has wasted the majority of his gifts and spent them in pursuit of pleasure. Branden tries to rouse Quin into helping him “save the world” but the latter remains skeptical, not the least because Branden’s own plans are insane. I warmed to Quin quickly as he was a far more likable character than his brother.
My favorite character is Merris. For much of the book, she seems to be the protagonist and we follow a YA fiction-style journey of her: from being a former street urchin turned wizard’s apprentice to now being turned to something else. In another book, she would have risen up to be the savior but here, her callous selfishness and her lack of a strong moral core turns her into something else entirely. Really, I wish the entire book had been from her perspective as that would have been a really fascinating deconstruction of “coming of age” dramas.
The world-building is coherent and straight to the point with very little in the way of exposition. New details about the world come into play as they become necessary. We get a general sense of who the major factions are, what they worship, what the cultures are like, and so on through dialogue rather than being told via narrative description and commentary. I think the book’s shortened format harms the narrative to an extent as this is the kind of story which could have been told in three books without losing anything. The characters and setting are rich enough that the events could have stretched out so we could spend more time with them.
The conclusion feels a bit rushed. Much of the latter half of the book is filled with dramatic reversals and character decisions that, while in character, feels like they don’t have time properly breathe. The ending is dramatic and moving but I couldn’t help think it could have been stretched over at least half-again the size of the book.
Is it grimdark? Yes, I think so. The protagonists are flawed individuals who make morally ambiguous choices in an impossible situation. But they are well-written, interesting characters. The heroes make terrible choices and the consequences of their actions are not always good. For those who want a short epic fantasy, I think Darkstorm is a really good choice.
Grimdark comes in a variety of shapes and sizes but tends to be viewed as epic trilogies or doorstopper series. Rarely do we get to see what I term to be “pocket-sized fantasy” where the adventure begins and ends within in a single 300-page volume. Darkstorm, by M.L. Spencer, challenges that by telling a stand-alone story as the first installment of The Rhenwars Saga.
Darkstorm by M.L. SpencerDarkstorm has the premise of saving the world (like so many other works of fantasy) but deconstructs it at every turn. A magical cataclysm is going to wipe out all magic-using individuals on Earth and destroy sorcery as a whole in a few weeks. A secret cabal has made a pact with Xerys, the god of the underworld, despite him being considered the Lord of Evil. They hope this pact will save the world, elevating Xerys to the pantheon of gods who oppose him. Repulsed by this, archmage Branden Reis raises an army to slaughter the cabal so the disaster can happen unimpeded. Branden’s brother, Quin, and Quin’s lover, Merris, serve as wildcards in this conflict. Quin and Merris find both options for dealing with the looming apocalypse unappealing but have no better solutions. Betrayal, lies, and destruction follow across every page.
Part of what makes Darkstorm effective is that the author doesn’t seem to have any particular attachment to the heroes. Protagonists are killed, corrupted or driven insane with no more warning than what may (typically) happen to a supporting character. The author has crafted an extraordinarily dangerous world where the “heroes” are no more immune to its dangers or temptations than anyone else. Indeed, by the ending of Darkstorm, I concluded that they were exactly the wrong people for the job of saving the world. There’s no happy ending and the heroes’ choices are highly questionable, making it all the more effective as a work of fiction.
Branden Reis is convinced he’s the hero and he’s taking a principled stand against evil but the massive collateral damage of his actions makes him come off as self-righteous at best. His casual dismissal of not only the lives of his fellow mages but the destruction of an entire civilization’s knowledge also hints at a disdain for his own profession. He’s never more unsympathetic than when he uses his relationship with another archmage to manipulate her into helping him bring about the end of the cabal’s plan.
Quin, by contrast, is a character who wants nothing more than to lie back and coast on his seemingly meager magical talents. He has wasted the majority of his gifts and spent them in pursuit of pleasure. Branden tries to rouse Quin into helping him “save the world” but the latter remains skeptical, not the least because Branden’s own plans are insane. I warmed to Quin quickly as he was a far more likable character than his brother.
My favorite character is Merris. For much of the book, she seems to be the protagonist and we follow a YA fiction-style journey of her: from being a former street urchin turned wizard’s apprentice to now being turned to something else. In another book, she would have risen up to be the savior but here, her callous selfishness and her lack of a strong moral core turns her into something else entirely. Really, I wish the entire book had been from her perspective as that would have been a really fascinating deconstruction of “coming of age” dramas.
The world-building is coherent and straight to the point with very little in the way of exposition. New details about the world come into play as they become necessary. We get a general sense of who the major factions are, what they worship, what the cultures are like, and so on through dialogue rather than being told via narrative description and commentary. I think the book’s shortened format harms the narrative to an extent as this is the kind of story which could have been told in three books without losing anything. The characters and setting are rich enough that the events could have stretched out so we could spend more time with them.
The conclusion feels a bit rushed. Much of the latter half of the book is filled with dramatic reversals and character decisions that, while in character, feels like they don’t have time properly breathe. The ending is dramatic and moving but I couldn’t help think it could have been stretched over at least half-again the size of the book.
Is it grimdark? Yes, I think so. The protagonists are flawed individuals who make morally ambiguous choices in an impossible situation. But they are well-written, interesting characters. The heroes make terrible choices and the consequences of their actions are not always good. For those who want a short epic fantasy, I think Darkstorm is a really good choice.
April 1, 2017
A fast-paced and vividly rendered story of dark magic, "Darkstorm" is full of twists and turns. Merris Bryar is an acolyte mage in Aerysius who stumbles into a conspiracy between high-ranking officials of her own country and Caladorn, their sworn enemies. Before she knows what is happening, she has to flee to Caladorn and take refuge in the protection of a washed-up drunkard who used to be a powerful mage. But the conspiracy goes deeper than anyone suspects...
Hovering somewhere on the border between epic fantasy and sword and sorcery, "Darkstorm" partakes amply of the tropes of both. There are political plots, magical conspiracies, necromancy, bold warriors and evil mages, not to mention beautiful maidens (who can take care of themselves, thank you very much). While the characters are somewhat thinly drawn, so that they sometimes seem to act more in service of the plot than of their inner natures, the plot itself manages to fit in a number of shocking reversals, not to mention plenty of magic, so that for fans of the fantasy genre in its pure form, "Darkstorm" will be a cracking read.
Although the book uses multiple points of view, the main character is Merris. I can't say that I liked her that much, for reasons that I don't want to give away but will most likely become obvious to the reader as the book progresses, but I did have to wonder if the whole book is an extended metaphor about grad school. Or is the fact that I think so a sign of my own obsessive sickness? In any case, let's assume that it IS about grad school. In which case I can't help but sympathize with Merris. Already in her mid-twenties, she's an acolyte who knows she has the talent and hungers for power, but is still treated essentially as chattel or a child by her older mentors, and is forced to risk her safety for the sake of others, and humiliate herself for the sake of her safety. No wonder she...no, never mind, I'm not giving it away! You'll have to read the book to find out what her desperation drives her to.
Hovering somewhere on the border between epic fantasy and sword and sorcery, "Darkstorm" partakes amply of the tropes of both. There are political plots, magical conspiracies, necromancy, bold warriors and evil mages, not to mention beautiful maidens (who can take care of themselves, thank you very much). While the characters are somewhat thinly drawn, so that they sometimes seem to act more in service of the plot than of their inner natures, the plot itself manages to fit in a number of shocking reversals, not to mention plenty of magic, so that for fans of the fantasy genre in its pure form, "Darkstorm" will be a cracking read.
Although the book uses multiple points of view, the main character is Merris. I can't say that I liked her that much, for reasons that I don't want to give away but will most likely become obvious to the reader as the book progresses, but I did have to wonder if the whole book is an extended metaphor about grad school. Or is the fact that I think so a sign of my own obsessive sickness? In any case, let's assume that it IS about grad school. In which case I can't help but sympathize with Merris. Already in her mid-twenties, she's an acolyte who knows she has the talent and hungers for power, but is still treated essentially as chattel or a child by her older mentors, and is forced to risk her safety for the sake of others, and humiliate herself for the sake of her safety. No wonder she...no, never mind, I'm not giving it away! You'll have to read the book to find out what her desperation drives her to.
February 15, 2018
Throughout the book I found myself drawn into the world and the magic here. I enjoyed the characters. Even when I was getting a bad vibe from a character or two because this is a sign of them being written very well for me to get the right feel off their actions and emotions. The end happened fast because we were moved from one character to another to get the whole view as it was happening, which pulled me back some, but that's the movement of everything happening.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
March 24, 2017
Initially I was confused by the prologue, it almost spoiled the book because I already knew part of what was going to happen. I always think a prologue should be set either a very long time ago or a very long way into the future. I also struggled initially to get into the stride of Spencer's writing style - for me, it felt a little overwritten but then I am of the one word will do school of writing. Once I got used to the liberal sprinkling of adjectives I was able to get into the story and it is a highly readable book.
I loved the world building in this book although I can't help but compare any horse-based clan to the Rohirrim. The brothers were believable characters with enough shared backstory for the readers to feel compassion for them. When we initially meet Quin he is a bit of a disappointment then he shows his true nature and it starts to get exciting. I also liked the fact that most of the main characters don't get a happy ever after - that felt very satisfying. I can't say too much more - *spoilers*.
I had the most difficulty with Merris - to me she wasn't a believable character. She went from timid child to wanton hussy to power hungry mage. I think if we'd had a bit more backstory we might have been able to follow the personality changes better - she was a scared acolyte when she arrived in Bryn Calazar and within pages she was a brazen sex monster - it just didn't track. Perhaps it was an indication of mental instability but I felt it needed a little more development.
Luckily that niggle didn't detract from the story arc and I was pleased to see a fresh take on the end of the magical world. The polarity reversal made sense as did the group of mages prepared to do anything to protect their magical power. As always with fantasy novels you need to keep all the different names of places and people in your head but there were times when I was asking - who is that again?
All in all, an enjoyable read and Sephana's actions at the end of the book make you wonder what will happen next in this world.
I loved the world building in this book although I can't help but compare any horse-based clan to the Rohirrim. The brothers were believable characters with enough shared backstory for the readers to feel compassion for them. When we initially meet Quin he is a bit of a disappointment then he shows his true nature and it starts to get exciting. I also liked the fact that most of the main characters don't get a happy ever after - that felt very satisfying. I can't say too much more - *spoilers*.
I had the most difficulty with Merris - to me she wasn't a believable character. She went from timid child to wanton hussy to power hungry mage. I think if we'd had a bit more backstory we might have been able to follow the personality changes better - she was a scared acolyte when she arrived in Bryn Calazar and within pages she was a brazen sex monster - it just didn't track. Perhaps it was an indication of mental instability but I felt it needed a little more development.
Luckily that niggle didn't detract from the story arc and I was pleased to see a fresh take on the end of the magical world. The polarity reversal made sense as did the group of mages prepared to do anything to protect their magical power. As always with fantasy novels you need to keep all the different names of places and people in your head but there were times when I was asking - who is that again?
All in all, an enjoyable read and Sephana's actions at the end of the book make you wonder what will happen next in this world.
June 6, 2017
So I finally got to finish Darkstorm by M. L. Spencer today (only took me 2 months thanks to work and my own writing).
Darkstorm for me has a bit of a special place on my shelf as it is not only very, very good, it is also the first full length kindle book I've read and it's by a self published author.
M. L. Spencer's first installment of the Rhenwars Saga has really impressed me for a number of reasons.
First and foremost is obviously the quality of her writing, she's accomplished, professional and has a knack for character voices - I particularly enjoyed Quin.
Her world building is also something to be admired, it's multifaceted, rich and complex, with a depth any other writer would be sure to nod appreciatively of as they read. Of particular note is her Tolkien-esque attention to detail when it comes to scenery, her descriptions of her characters' various surroundings are vivid and clear but never feel overblown or forced, and on the whole she manages to give everything in the book an impression of scope and grandeur. I was also fond of her penchant for skilled and elaborate descriptions of magic use throughout the book, something lacking from a lot of the books I've read the last few years.
Spencer's plotweaving is also something to be commented on, as while her writing style most certainly has a foot planted firmly in high fantasy, she blends it seamlessly with characters and themes that could only come from a grimdark tome for their profound levels of assholery.
I was left with a ton of questions after reading Darkstorm, and I'll be grabbing Darkmage asap to follow this up with, the sure sign of a solid series debut. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Spencers writing and world develop over this series, as all the signs from this starting point are definitely full of promise.
Darkstorm for me has a bit of a special place on my shelf as it is not only very, very good, it is also the first full length kindle book I've read and it's by a self published author.
M. L. Spencer's first installment of the Rhenwars Saga has really impressed me for a number of reasons.
First and foremost is obviously the quality of her writing, she's accomplished, professional and has a knack for character voices - I particularly enjoyed Quin.
Her world building is also something to be admired, it's multifaceted, rich and complex, with a depth any other writer would be sure to nod appreciatively of as they read. Of particular note is her Tolkien-esque attention to detail when it comes to scenery, her descriptions of her characters' various surroundings are vivid and clear but never feel overblown or forced, and on the whole she manages to give everything in the book an impression of scope and grandeur. I was also fond of her penchant for skilled and elaborate descriptions of magic use throughout the book, something lacking from a lot of the books I've read the last few years.
Spencer's plotweaving is also something to be commented on, as while her writing style most certainly has a foot planted firmly in high fantasy, she blends it seamlessly with characters and themes that could only come from a grimdark tome for their profound levels of assholery.
I was left with a ton of questions after reading Darkstorm, and I'll be grabbing Darkmage asap to follow this up with, the sure sign of a solid series debut. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Spencers writing and world develop over this series, as all the signs from this starting point are definitely full of promise.
February 22, 2017
Darkstorm by M. L. Spencer is an exceptionally well-written fantasy epic with dark undertones. Spencer weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, sacrifice, betrayal, and love all enveloped in a magical world on the fringe of war and disaster.
When a powerful secret order is discovered plotting the morally unthinkable, can a few conflicted and emotionally scarred characters intervene in time to prevent an apocalyptic event that would change the very fabric of their existence? The perfidious depth that some might sink when confronted with their own mortality is hauntingly brought forth within these pages.
Darkstorm encompasses strong themes and multidimensional characters. Of them, the irrepressibly scarred Quin is my favorite. I found myself routing for him in some chapters and scolding him in others. With the rich cast of characters—each flawed, yet each reaching within their depths to accomplish a common goal, Darkstorm will keep you engrossed in a fast-moving and sometimes jaw-dropping plot.
The magical element is amazing as well as The Magic Field, the Well of Tears, the Circle of Convergence, and even the thanacrysts (demonic hounds that feed off the life force of a mage). M.L. Spencer’s imaginative musings are to be applauded. I cannot wait until the next novel in this series releases. Highly recommended!
When a powerful secret order is discovered plotting the morally unthinkable, can a few conflicted and emotionally scarred characters intervene in time to prevent an apocalyptic event that would change the very fabric of their existence? The perfidious depth that some might sink when confronted with their own mortality is hauntingly brought forth within these pages.
Darkstorm encompasses strong themes and multidimensional characters. Of them, the irrepressibly scarred Quin is my favorite. I found myself routing for him in some chapters and scolding him in others. With the rich cast of characters—each flawed, yet each reaching within their depths to accomplish a common goal, Darkstorm will keep you engrossed in a fast-moving and sometimes jaw-dropping plot.
The magical element is amazing as well as The Magic Field, the Well of Tears, the Circle of Convergence, and even the thanacrysts (demonic hounds that feed off the life force of a mage). M.L. Spencer’s imaginative musings are to be applauded. I cannot wait until the next novel in this series releases. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2018
Finally got around to reading this, even thought it's been on my TBR for quite some time. It was darn good too. It started off like some YA fantasy (not that that's bad) with some hints of a dark undercurrent, slowly building up the tension. Then about 70% in, bang - here we go (don't worry, you'll be intrigued throughout).
The plot revolves around two brothers and their "ladyfriends." Braden is the successful one, the highest ranking mage in his homeland of Caladorn. He is the equivalent of the foreign ambassador to Rhen, who appear to be on the brink of war with Caladorn. His brother Quin is a disaster, an alcoholic who drank away all his potential. Braden has an illicit affair with Sephana, a wizard from Rhen, and their very affair could set off the war on its own. But it is Merris, a wizard-in-training who sets off the whole affair by following her boss, the Prime Warden (president) of Rhen, who meets up with some dodgy characters.
The characters are deep and well layered, while the plot is well-disguised throughout, always staying one step ahead of the reader. There is so much more going on under the surface, that the next three books may not cover it all, but I'll have to read them to find out. I'll keep you all posted.
The plot revolves around two brothers and their "ladyfriends." Braden is the successful one, the highest ranking mage in his homeland of Caladorn. He is the equivalent of the foreign ambassador to Rhen, who appear to be on the brink of war with Caladorn. His brother Quin is a disaster, an alcoholic who drank away all his potential. Braden has an illicit affair with Sephana, a wizard from Rhen, and their very affair could set off the war on its own. But it is Merris, a wizard-in-training who sets off the whole affair by following her boss, the Prime Warden (president) of Rhen, who meets up with some dodgy characters.
The characters are deep and well layered, while the plot is well-disguised throughout, always staying one step ahead of the reader. There is so much more going on under the surface, that the next three books may not cover it all, but I'll have to read them to find out. I'll keep you all posted.
September 14, 2017
Blurred lines
After what seemed like a slow start I found myself engulfed in the world built by the author. The twists and turns went down a dark path that lead to a beautiful place in the end. Book stands alone but left me in wonder of where the next story will go.
After what seemed like a slow start I found myself engulfed in the world built by the author. The twists and turns went down a dark path that lead to a beautiful place in the end. Book stands alone but left me in wonder of where the next story will go.
April 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book in the end. Starting off, I found some of the characters and their development a little rough. Still have that feeling about Merris/Arden, but she worked as what she was finally created to be. But like I said, I liked this book in the end. The story was wrapped up nicely with a nice feeling of the future historical significance of the events being portrayed. I feel like this could have easily been a wonderful book at a longer length, but it didn't need it. Well done Ms. Spencer, this was a great way to get me ready and excited for the rest of the Saga!
March 20, 2019
At this point, I have to wonder why I waited so long to read this!
Okay, in fairness, it isn't the best indie book I've read this year, but it's definitely in the top four!
About the narrator:
We have some generally skillful narration here. Although he does suffer from the oh-so-common problem of not being able to create convincing female voices, his male voices are awesome and he has a keen understanding of pacing and tempo. The one glaring flaw here, unfortunately, is his pronunciations. Let's just call them... Odd. Part of that, I'm sure, is his accent/dialect. But it did create some problems for me.
I'm not reducing my rating for this, but there were numerous points where it seemed the text had moved into present tense. But about a third of the way through the book I realized it wasn't really changing, it was just the narrator's strange pronunciations confusing me.
Now, story:
As the story opened, it actually took me a bit to realize there were two female leads. Not that their names or personalities are in any way similar, I just wasn't fully expecting a prequel to be a book I needed to pay close attention to in order to follow the story.
Paying more attention, I quickly realized there was just something a little... Off, with Meriss's behavior. Especially when her recollection of her past seems to change from one scene to the next.
Later in the book, some things happen that showed me this was not an error on the author's part but rather some very deep, very clever character building.
Here we have the very epitome of an unreliable narrator. Once I realized that, Meriss became a while lot more fun to read!
In the span of a day we go from one man describing her as homely to another calling her beautiful. But then, in the first case we're dealing with someone who has clear cause to want to undervalue her beauty, so again, this is not truly an inconsistency but another case of clever character building.
So well done, ML Spencer!
In contrast, Sephana didn't really feel like a real person until around halfway through the book when she started to feel like more than just Braden's tag along.
In the end, I'm still not sure that I'm fond of her as a character, but she definitely improved.
Similarly, I'm not sure I completely buy Braden's motivations. Perhaps I just didn't get a keen grasp on his personality, but it seems to me that he should have been on board with the "big plan."
Quin, though. While not so much in the beginning, he quickly grew into my favorite character.
Seen through the lens of Meriss's perceptions, he seemed very much "off," but once we got to see things from his perspective a lot of things started making more sense.
All in all, Quin is the character who has the most depth and the widest arc of change. While the other characters in the book don't really change a whole lot, he has this huge range of growth between the opening and the end.
I don't know that I'd go so far as to call him heroic at the end, but he comes a lot closer to that than any other character does.
Here we definitely have a story and a world full of villains and antiheroes where there really isn't room for a true hero. This is a world that would chew up and spit out a real hero long before they came into enough power to do anything truly heroic.
And while I would have liked to see a protagonist start a little lower on the power scale and work their way up throughout the story, I realize that wasn't the point of this book.
All in all, this was a very well written story full of dark-souled, complex characters, crazy twists you'll kick yourself for not seeing coming, and a wild conclusion that will keep you breathlessly turning pages (or listening at faster-than-normal speeds!) all the way to the end!
Okay, in fairness, it isn't the best indie book I've read this year, but it's definitely in the top four!
About the narrator:
We have some generally skillful narration here. Although he does suffer from the oh-so-common problem of not being able to create convincing female voices, his male voices are awesome and he has a keen understanding of pacing and tempo. The one glaring flaw here, unfortunately, is his pronunciations. Let's just call them... Odd. Part of that, I'm sure, is his accent/dialect. But it did create some problems for me.
I'm not reducing my rating for this, but there were numerous points where it seemed the text had moved into present tense. But about a third of the way through the book I realized it wasn't really changing, it was just the narrator's strange pronunciations confusing me.
Now, story:
As the story opened, it actually took me a bit to realize there were two female leads. Not that their names or personalities are in any way similar, I just wasn't fully expecting a prequel to be a book I needed to pay close attention to in order to follow the story.
Paying more attention, I quickly realized there was just something a little... Off, with Meriss's behavior. Especially when her recollection of her past seems to change from one scene to the next.
Later in the book, some things happen that showed me this was not an error on the author's part but rather some very deep, very clever character building.
Here we have the very epitome of an unreliable narrator. Once I realized that, Meriss became a while lot more fun to read!
In the span of a day we go from one man describing her as homely to another calling her beautiful. But then, in the first case we're dealing with someone who has clear cause to want to undervalue her beauty, so again, this is not truly an inconsistency but another case of clever character building.
So well done, ML Spencer!
In contrast, Sephana didn't really feel like a real person until around halfway through the book when she started to feel like more than just Braden's tag along.
In the end, I'm still not sure that I'm fond of her as a character, but she definitely improved.
Similarly, I'm not sure I completely buy Braden's motivations. Perhaps I just didn't get a keen grasp on his personality, but it seems to me that he should have been on board with the "big plan."
Quin, though. While not so much in the beginning, he quickly grew into my favorite character.
Seen through the lens of Meriss's perceptions, he seemed very much "off," but once we got to see things from his perspective a lot of things started making more sense.
All in all, Quin is the character who has the most depth and the widest arc of change. While the other characters in the book don't really change a whole lot, he has this huge range of growth between the opening and the end.
I don't know that I'd go so far as to call him heroic at the end, but he comes a lot closer to that than any other character does.
Here we definitely have a story and a world full of villains and antiheroes where there really isn't room for a true hero. This is a world that would chew up and spit out a real hero long before they came into enough power to do anything truly heroic.
And while I would have liked to see a protagonist start a little lower on the power scale and work their way up throughout the story, I realize that wasn't the point of this book.
All in all, this was a very well written story full of dark-souled, complex characters, crazy twists you'll kick yourself for not seeing coming, and a wild conclusion that will keep you breathlessly turning pages (or listening at faster-than-normal speeds!) all the way to the end!
October 13, 2017
Buyer beware! Note that most of the top reviews for this book were completed as part of a promotion or well known reviewing personalities. This book is marginal at best.
I only got a little over half way through this book before I decided that I just didn't want to spend anymore time with these lackluster characters or this confusingly annoying world.
Worse yet, the fantasy proper nouns were probably the most awful I've ever experienced. This book is populated with names that if you pronounce out loud make you want to puke.
The sad thing is that Spencer has got a way with words. His prose is generally good. They just don't hang together well as an interesting story.
Boring. Skip it.
I only got a little over half way through this book before I decided that I just didn't want to spend anymore time with these lackluster characters or this confusingly annoying world.
Worse yet, the fantasy proper nouns were probably the most awful I've ever experienced. This book is populated with names that if you pronounce out loud make you want to puke.
The sad thing is that Spencer has got a way with words. His prose is generally good. They just don't hang together well as an interesting story.
Boring. Skip it.
March 13, 2018
Interesting
Action packed with treachery and sabotage as warring factions continue to fight with evil magic versus good magic for the survival of clans.
Action packed with treachery and sabotage as warring factions continue to fight with evil magic versus good magic for the survival of clans.
March 24, 2017
Mages from opposite sides have to come together to stop hell being unleashed on earth. Sephana, Merris, Braden and Quin only have three weeks to overturn the apocalypse.
I received free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great Fantasy story with some big ideas.
The impending apocalypse; the idea that magic is a tangible thing that people devote their lives to, and the threat of it reversing polarity; and what people will sacrifice to stop it.
I also found the morals and arguments of the opposing characters fascinating, and it does make you wonder which is the lesser of two evils.
I liked the four main characters - the narrations starts mainly with Merris, as she uncovers the sinister plot and tells her mentor that one of their highest-standing mages is working against nature.
Braden and Quin get to lead some sections. Sephana is nice enough, but tends to be a back-up character for Merris and Braden.
Merris is quite light-hearted and helps to contrast the seriousness of the plot. I did find her character very changeable throughout, and was hard to keep track of. One minute she's shy, the next she's confident. She's tomboyish, then a seductress. In the story, she is described as a chameleon who adapts to her surroundings, so I struggled to define her.
Braden is probably the strongest character. His morals define him, and he stands true to who he is, no matter the cost. He has his problems and past pains, but he doesn't let that hinder him in trying to save the world. He represents the best of everything, he's a diplomat, a fierce warrior, a leader amongst the tribes he originated from (oh, and deserving of Thor's hammer, anyone?).
His brother Quin is his opposite. He is physically weak, prone to addiction, and has little willpower to control his emotions. His magic is also more experimental, and has darker undertones. But he is loyal, and brave (when necessary) and will step up to do his part.
As I said before, Sephana is a back-up character. She is nice, has powerful magic and a positive outlook. She supports Braden when he needs it, and helps to keep him human. Beyond that, we don't get to know much about her.
The story has some big ideas, and I enjoyed most of it.
I have to confess, I found the second have somewhat confusing, as the tension builds and the narration jumps between various scenes.
I also wondered at the lack of drive from some of our characters - they've got three weeks to stop the oncoming apocalypse, but Quin and Merris spend two weeks of that shacked up in an inn 'hiding'.
I received free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great Fantasy story with some big ideas.
The impending apocalypse; the idea that magic is a tangible thing that people devote their lives to, and the threat of it reversing polarity; and what people will sacrifice to stop it.
I also found the morals and arguments of the opposing characters fascinating, and it does make you wonder which is the lesser of two evils.
I liked the four main characters - the narrations starts mainly with Merris, as she uncovers the sinister plot and tells her mentor that one of their highest-standing mages is working against nature.
Braden and Quin get to lead some sections. Sephana is nice enough, but tends to be a back-up character for Merris and Braden.
Merris is quite light-hearted and helps to contrast the seriousness of the plot. I did find her character very changeable throughout, and was hard to keep track of. One minute she's shy, the next she's confident. She's tomboyish, then a seductress. In the story, she is described as a chameleon who adapts to her surroundings, so I struggled to define her.
Braden is probably the strongest character. His morals define him, and he stands true to who he is, no matter the cost. He has his problems and past pains, but he doesn't let that hinder him in trying to save the world. He represents the best of everything, he's a diplomat, a fierce warrior, a leader amongst the tribes he originated from (oh, and deserving of Thor's hammer, anyone?).
His brother Quin is his opposite. He is physically weak, prone to addiction, and has little willpower to control his emotions. His magic is also more experimental, and has darker undertones. But he is loyal, and brave (when necessary) and will step up to do his part.
As I said before, Sephana is a back-up character. She is nice, has powerful magic and a positive outlook. She supports Braden when he needs it, and helps to keep him human. Beyond that, we don't get to know much about her.
The story has some big ideas, and I enjoyed most of it.
I have to confess, I found the second have somewhat confusing, as the tension builds and the narration jumps between various scenes.
I also wondered at the lack of drive from some of our characters - they've got three weeks to stop the oncoming apocalypse, but Quin and Merris spend two weeks of that shacked up in an inn 'hiding'.
November 24, 2018
Rating: 4.5/10
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I really liked the premise of the book. Rather than having a defined villain to go up against, the main characters have a world changing dilemma to contend with, one that will bring an end to magic and those who wield it. The source of conflict revolves around how the various characters think this problem should by addressed.
The story actually started off very well, but it wasn’t long before the lack of depth in terms of characterisation became an issue for me, and it remained so for the remainder of the book. The pace at which the narrative moves leaves no time for any meaningful development of the characters. I never felt as though I gained real insights into the characters so I never truly understood (or believed) why anyone made the choices they made or did the things that they did. One character in particular abruptly morphs into a James Bond villain, and the lack of set-up for the change makes it impossible to buy into.
It’s worth mentioning that my issues with the lack of character development probably won’t be a problem for readers who want an action-driven story, which is what Darkstorm is. And there’s a lot to like about the world-building, too. Nonetheless, I suspect that readers who (like me) favour character-driven tales will encounter the same issues that I did.
One thing that went against the book, for which it is blameless, is that I read it immediately after reading a multi-award winning novel by one of my all-time favourite authors. Subsequently, the difference in the quality of character development, plot progression, and prose etc. was very marked. That said, very few authors write as well as Lois McMaster Bujold so perhaps this book is a little better than my final rating suggests.
FULL REVIEW PENDING!!!
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I really liked the premise of the book. Rather than having a defined villain to go up against, the main characters have a world changing dilemma to contend with, one that will bring an end to magic and those who wield it. The source of conflict revolves around how the various characters think this problem should by addressed.
The story actually started off very well, but it wasn’t long before the lack of depth in terms of characterisation became an issue for me, and it remained so for the remainder of the book. The pace at which the narrative moves leaves no time for any meaningful development of the characters. I never felt as though I gained real insights into the characters so I never truly understood (or believed) why anyone made the choices they made or did the things that they did. One character in particular abruptly morphs into a James Bond villain, and the lack of set-up for the change makes it impossible to buy into.
It’s worth mentioning that my issues with the lack of character development probably won’t be a problem for readers who want an action-driven story, which is what Darkstorm is. And there’s a lot to like about the world-building, too. Nonetheless, I suspect that readers who (like me) favour character-driven tales will encounter the same issues that I did.
One thing that went against the book, for which it is blameless, is that I read it immediately after reading a multi-award winning novel by one of my all-time favourite authors. Subsequently, the difference in the quality of character development, plot progression, and prose etc. was very marked. That said, very few authors write as well as Lois McMaster Bujold so perhaps this book is a little better than my final rating suggests.
FULL REVIEW PENDING!!!
February 18, 2021
Where Darkstorm shines is in its damaged characters. The most intriguing of them is Merris, an acolyte of Rhen with magical potential, who yearns for a Transference. She comes off as driven and ambitious, though her goals don’t become clear until the end. With the expectation of at least one mild romantic thread in epic fantasies, I could never quite pin down her true love—probably because she seemed to find several powerful people attractive. We never really learn who… or what… her True Love is until the end, and it won’t be all warm and fuzzy like in The Princess Bride.
See the full review at:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/darks...
See the full review at:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/darks...
March 4, 2017
"Darkstorm" was a very enjoyable read. There's lots of light and shade throughout the story, with some deeply interesting characters.
M.L. Spencer writes with a natural ability that pulls you right in to the story - and doesn't want to let you go!
Impressive!
M.L. Spencer writes with a natural ability that pulls you right in to the story - and doesn't want to let you go!
Impressive!
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