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The Darkling Threads
Meen was adopted and put to work for the Gelden Construction Company.
When demons and dragons from the abyss begin a game that uses Meen's world as a playing field, he joins with two spellcasters who question their role as advisors to the king.
Despite being an outcast, Meen uses his considerable skill as a construction worker to participate in the contest for the benefit of his people and drags his two companions along with him. One of which hallucinates through a chain of abuse, while the other just wants to walk into the black fire that burns and surround their world.
When demons and dragons from the abyss begin a game that uses Meen's world as a playing field, he joins with two spellcasters who question their role as advisors to the king.
Despite being an outcast, Meen uses his considerable skill as a construction worker to participate in the contest for the benefit of his people and drags his two companions along with him. One of which hallucinates through a chain of abuse, while the other just wants to walk into the black fire that burns and surround their world.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 1, 2019
This book wasn't an enjoyable read for me. I've no doubt that the author had a clear vision of the world and characters, but I found the imagery blurry and patchy, making it difficult to connect with the story even on a basic level.
The story idea is a good one, but it just didn't do it for me.
The story idea is a good one, but it just didn't do it for me.
January 7, 2018
A Unique and Fascinating Sci-Fi Fantasy Tale...
Author Derek Corsaro weaves a unique and fascinating sci-fi fantasy tale, with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints an adventurous and action packed supernatural story in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘Meen was adopted and put to work for the Gelden Construction Company. When demons and dragons from the abyss begin a game that uses Meen's world as a playing field, he joins with two spellcasters who question their role as advisors to the king.
Despite being an outcast, Meen uses his considerable skill as a construction worker to participate in the contest for the benefit of his people and drags his two companions along with him. One of which hallucinates her way through a chain of abuse, while the other just wants to walk into the black fire that burns and surrounds their world.…’
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There's an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey!
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
Now, if what I’ve said above isn’t enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Derek Corsaro in the future. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think this would make a great movie. It goes without saying, that this story bares all the hallmarks of making a great series. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Five stars from me.
Author Derek Corsaro weaves a unique and fascinating sci-fi fantasy tale, with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints an adventurous and action packed supernatural story in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.
The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘Meen was adopted and put to work for the Gelden Construction Company. When demons and dragons from the abyss begin a game that uses Meen's world as a playing field, he joins with two spellcasters who question their role as advisors to the king.
Despite being an outcast, Meen uses his considerable skill as a construction worker to participate in the contest for the benefit of his people and drags his two companions along with him. One of which hallucinates her way through a chain of abuse, while the other just wants to walk into the black fire that burns and surrounds their world.…’
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There's an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey!
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
Now, if what I’ve said above isn’t enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Derek Corsaro in the future. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think this would make a great movie. It goes without saying, that this story bares all the hallmarks of making a great series. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Five stars from me.
January 16, 2018
The Darkling Threads by Derek Corsaro is a complex, engaging piece of classic epic fantasy. Some of the characters and plot points are stereotypical and/or traditional for this genre but, overall, I found Corsaro’s work to be incredibly inventive and original, something which any fantasy fan will appreciate.
The geldens are a private race of beings. They don’t venture into the outside world often and keep their city hidden. They have yet to reach the end of Quiem Forest, and they don’t even know if the black flames at the end of the world are truly the end of the world. Yet when the Time of Measurement comes, they find out that there is a lot more outside of their walls than they’ve ever imagined, good and bad. Will they make this realization—and recognize the consequences—before it’s too late? Or will another malicious race take advantage of this relatively-docile kingdom before they have a chance to defend themselves?
Corsaro populates his fantasy world with a surprisingly wide variety of characters, but one thread connects many of them: the feeling of being a misfit. Meen is a human/gelden hybrid who many geldens see as a burden; Coda is so connected to magic that the other mumblers think he’s lost his mind; Risa cannot master spells nearly as quickly as her colleagues; and the other fledgling demons and fledging dragons think Elemelemelem is too weak to become a true demon. This isn’t one of those stories where all of the misfits come together, even the one on the “wrong” side, to defeat the ultimate evil, but it is certainly a story about how different kinds of people deal with being ostracized.
Unfortunately, I think this cast of characters may have been too large at times. On the one hand, such a large cast is needed to thoroughly explore the plot and this world. The larger cast also provides a more realistic interaction with the political manipulation, battles, and threats faced in Quiem Forest. On the other hand, I had a hard time keeping track of the different characters and perspectives earlier in the novel.
Overall, I think that The Darkling Threads is a very exciting and engaging novel. I really appreciate all the imaginative energy Corsaro put into it, as well as the fact that while humans are involved on a minor scale, they do not dominate the narrative. Some elements are a little darker than some people may like, but it should be perfect for the typical fan of epic fantasy. I can’t wait to see what Corsaro comes up with next!
The geldens are a private race of beings. They don’t venture into the outside world often and keep their city hidden. They have yet to reach the end of Quiem Forest, and they don’t even know if the black flames at the end of the world are truly the end of the world. Yet when the Time of Measurement comes, they find out that there is a lot more outside of their walls than they’ve ever imagined, good and bad. Will they make this realization—and recognize the consequences—before it’s too late? Or will another malicious race take advantage of this relatively-docile kingdom before they have a chance to defend themselves?
Corsaro populates his fantasy world with a surprisingly wide variety of characters, but one thread connects many of them: the feeling of being a misfit. Meen is a human/gelden hybrid who many geldens see as a burden; Coda is so connected to magic that the other mumblers think he’s lost his mind; Risa cannot master spells nearly as quickly as her colleagues; and the other fledgling demons and fledging dragons think Elemelemelem is too weak to become a true demon. This isn’t one of those stories where all of the misfits come together, even the one on the “wrong” side, to defeat the ultimate evil, but it is certainly a story about how different kinds of people deal with being ostracized.
Unfortunately, I think this cast of characters may have been too large at times. On the one hand, such a large cast is needed to thoroughly explore the plot and this world. The larger cast also provides a more realistic interaction with the political manipulation, battles, and threats faced in Quiem Forest. On the other hand, I had a hard time keeping track of the different characters and perspectives earlier in the novel.
Overall, I think that The Darkling Threads is a very exciting and engaging novel. I really appreciate all the imaginative energy Corsaro put into it, as well as the fact that while humans are involved on a minor scale, they do not dominate the narrative. Some elements are a little darker than some people may like, but it should be perfect for the typical fan of epic fantasy. I can’t wait to see what Corsaro comes up with next!
November 2, 2023
A Dark and Mesmerizing Fantasy
‘The Darkling Threads' is a mesmerizing journey into a nightmarish world filled with outcast characters and complex themes. It's not your typical fantasy tale, but that's what makes it stand out. Derek Corsaro's vivid and contemplative writing style takes you on a rollercoaster ride, leaving you breathless at every turn. The unique focus on misfits who often fail as much as they succeed is a refreshing change. I was particularly drawn to the imaginative magic system and the exploration of a bizarre world. Corsaro's world-building is creative and thought-provoking, creating a setting that's both dark and captivating. The characters, each broken in their own way, are intriguing and add depth to the story. If you're seeking a captivating and unconventional fantasy experience, 'The Darkling Threads' is a must-read. Bravo to the author for crafting such a compelling narrative!
Reflecting on the book's description, which mentions the characters failing as often as they succeed, I appreciate how this theme is woven into the story. It creates a sense of realism and relatability, as life is full of failures and successes. The characters' struggles make them feel human, and you can't help but root for them even when they falter.
In conclusion, I'd recommend 'The Darkling Threads' to readers who enjoy dark and imaginative fantasy, appreciate non-traditional protagonists, and are intrigued by the exploration of strange and creative worlds. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.
‘The Darkling Threads' is a mesmerizing journey into a nightmarish world filled with outcast characters and complex themes. It's not your typical fantasy tale, but that's what makes it stand out. Derek Corsaro's vivid and contemplative writing style takes you on a rollercoaster ride, leaving you breathless at every turn. The unique focus on misfits who often fail as much as they succeed is a refreshing change. I was particularly drawn to the imaginative magic system and the exploration of a bizarre world. Corsaro's world-building is creative and thought-provoking, creating a setting that's both dark and captivating. The characters, each broken in their own way, are intriguing and add depth to the story. If you're seeking a captivating and unconventional fantasy experience, 'The Darkling Threads' is a must-read. Bravo to the author for crafting such a compelling narrative!
Reflecting on the book's description, which mentions the characters failing as often as they succeed, I appreciate how this theme is woven into the story. It creates a sense of realism and relatability, as life is full of failures and successes. The characters' struggles make them feel human, and you can't help but root for them even when they falter.
In conclusion, I'd recommend 'The Darkling Threads' to readers who enjoy dark and imaginative fantasy, appreciate non-traditional protagonists, and are intrigued by the exploration of strange and creative worlds. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.
January 14, 2018
I loved this book! The world was so imaginative. This is not what I would call an easy read, but if you don't mind a story where everything isn't given to you and you don't mind a little stranger fantasy then this is a great read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews