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Conquer the world—check. Assume the title Dark Lord Emperor—check. Job done. Or not so done. Morden Deathwing thought he could kick back and enjoy holding sway over the world but no. There just wasn't pleasing some people. Something was going to have to be done. Something drastic.
The Dark Lord's Handbook: Empire is the concluding chapter of The Dark Lord's Handbook trilogy.
Yeah, right.
No, honestly. It is.
The Dark Lord's Handbook: Empire is the concluding chapter of The Dark Lord's Handbook trilogy.
Yeah, right.
No, honestly. It is.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
48 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dale
4 books65 followersI live in Bath, England, a city rich in Roman and Georgian heritage. When I’m not writing, I’m cycling the surrounding hills of the Mendips and Cotswolds.
I studied Physics with Applied Physics at Bath University, later earning an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University.
My first work, a satirical fantasy trilogy, The Dark Lord’s Handbook, explores whether anyone can be born entirely evil—even a Dark Lord. My latest novel, Artificial Intelligence: Awakening, shifts to science fiction, tackling the accelerating impact of technology on society. While more serious in tone, it still carries moments of humour and aims to spark thoughtful conversation.
I studied Physics with Applied Physics at Bath University, later earning an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University.
My first work, a satirical fantasy trilogy, The Dark Lord’s Handbook, explores whether anyone can be born entirely evil—even a Dark Lord. My latest novel, Artificial Intelligence: Awakening, shifts to science fiction, tackling the accelerating impact of technology on society. While more serious in tone, it still carries moments of humour and aims to spark thoughtful conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 31, 2017
Dark Lord Morden Deathwing has finally conquered the whole world. He’s supreme ruler. All he has to do is stay there. That’s always been the hard bit. He loses a couple of his right-hand men to death but he won’t let them go easily. His charming, sweary late wife Griselda won’t keep quiet either. The elves and the Fae, armed with a dragonslayer who’s only ten years old and keeps needing a wee, intend to finish the interminable war between good and evil. Ah, if only it were that simple.
This is the final book in the Dark Lord trilogy and you really need to have read the other two. I’ve followed this series from the first and love the gentle pokes at the genre, the genuine homages, the brilliant flashes of dark humour. I love it all. It’s a world I have happily immersed myself in. If you’re looking for a nod in the direction of Tolkien, Pratchett and more, yet with its own story and concepts, this trilogy will get under your skin, as it has mine. I’ve looked forward to this final book for a long time and it was well worth the wait. Fabulous.
This is the final book in the Dark Lord trilogy and you really need to have read the other two. I’ve followed this series from the first and love the gentle pokes at the genre, the genuine homages, the brilliant flashes of dark humour. I love it all. It’s a world I have happily immersed myself in. If you’re looking for a nod in the direction of Tolkien, Pratchett and more, yet with its own story and concepts, this trilogy will get under your skin, as it has mine. I’ve looked forward to this final book for a long time and it was well worth the wait. Fabulous.
November 14, 2021
The final book in the trilogy and provides a conclusion worthy of the previous two.
Definitely not a standalone novel - you really have to have read the first two to understand what is going on.
Can't say too much more as I do not wish to spoil the wonderful ending for you, all I can say it is really worth the time it takes to read it.
Recommendation - get to Amazon and read the series, you will not regret it.
Definitely not a standalone novel - you really have to have read the first two to understand what is going on.
Can't say too much more as I do not wish to spoil the wonderful ending for you, all I can say it is really worth the time it takes to read it.
Recommendation - get to Amazon and read the series, you will not regret it.
July 3, 2017
The final book is the series has the tone of an epic fantasy novel, instead of the more satirical first two. There is still the commentary chapters that are amusing, but it's the characters that provide the humour. His ex-wife Griselda is a lot of fun, orcs and elves behave as expected. If you have read the first two, you will need to complete the trilogy.
July 3, 2017
Best 'Evil Isn't So Bad' Themed Book Yet
This is the most intelligent version of the bad guy winning I've read yet. There are no liberal-viewed politics hamstringing the 'villain' as they do in other Supervillain novels I've read recently. It's witty, upbeat, and well-thought.
This is the most intelligent version of the bad guy winning I've read yet. There are no liberal-viewed politics hamstringing the 'villain' as they do in other Supervillain novels I've read recently. It's witty, upbeat, and well-thought.
March 27, 2018
Worth reading
I enjoyed reading this series much more than I expected. It's smart, funny, and never boring. I would recommend to any fantasy fan or anyone just getting in to this genre.
I enjoyed reading this series much more than I expected. It's smart, funny, and never boring. I would recommend to any fantasy fan or anyone just getting in to this genre.
May 22, 2020
Great conclusion of the series
This series have been a blast to read, poking great fun at fantasy while telling a great story. Of everything the dark lord that's no so dark really sells the series.
This series have been a blast to read, poking great fun at fantasy while telling a great story. Of everything the dark lord that's no so dark really sells the series.
May 17, 2017
Hilarious. A very fun read. Definitely pg-13 for language and mature themes.
July 29, 2020
Series struggled to find its tone over the first couple books but he nailed the dismount.
January 10, 2022
Funny as always!
The story comes to an end (or does it?) in an unexpected way. The author's wit is present as always and even in greater degree. Definitely worth a read!
The story comes to an end (or does it?) in an unexpected way. The author's wit is present as always and even in greater degree. Definitely worth a read!
March 9, 2020
Good vs Evil, who really wins?
November 3, 2021
Dark Lord Morden has conquered the world, his dark majesty holds sway over all. Unfortunately DLM is smart enough to know that in the timeless struggle between good and evil he has peaked and can only fall. It’s the old story, loses trusted lieutenant (dark lords don't have friends) challenges death it self, who cheats, ends up with zombified lieutenant, and his ex (very ex as in dead) dark queen is also now floating around. Meanwhile the ancient foe is preparing a hero to oppose the dark lord, but this hero is only 10 years old and the ancient foe can't afford to wait as the dark lord is about to unleash his master weapon that will ensuring his control over the world will be eternal…democracy.
If you have read the previous two books in this trilogy, The Dark Lord's Handbook and The Dark lords Handbook: Conquest this final book is a magnificent end. Paul Dale mocks the epic fantasy as only someone who has read and loved these sort of stories can. He references LOTRs of course, but even Hunger Games, Star Wars and beloved author in this world 'Sir Terry'.
Have at it, and don't worry the ending is as satisfying an ending to this tale as could be hoped.
If you have read the previous two books in this trilogy, The Dark Lord's Handbook and The Dark lords Handbook: Conquest this final book is a magnificent end. Paul Dale mocks the epic fantasy as only someone who has read and loved these sort of stories can. He references LOTRs of course, but even Hunger Games, Star Wars and beloved author in this world 'Sir Terry'.
Have at it, and don't worry the ending is as satisfying an ending to this tale as could be hoped.
April 7, 2017
I enjoyed this series this was a great ending to the story. It plays out in a fun way as Morden takes a non-traditional approach to a Dark Lord victory. The book doesn't take itself too seriously and has some pop-culture references that will no doubt date with time but are fun now. If you want a light fantasy read that leaves you with a smile you'd do worse than pick up this series.
April 8, 2017
Excellent end to good series
Anyone that enjoys Terry good kind books but has finished all of them should read this series. Excellent breakdown of tropes and well written.
Anyone that enjoys Terry good kind books but has finished all of them should read this series. Excellent breakdown of tropes and well written.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews