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Dark Lament
Magic. Murder. Resurrection has a high price…
Nardus has himself to blame for the brutal end of his wife and children. When he learns of a powerful stone that could bring them back from the dead, he ignores the cost. To get his old life back, Nardus must slay otherworldly creatures in a magical trial that no man has ever survived…
Imbued with a unique bond, twins Alderan and Aria have never left each other’s side. But when a ruthless attack severs their connection, the warrior Aria must endure a cruel prison while her timid brother must cross a kingdom to save her. Struggling to survive, the twins’ magic blooms within them… as a sinister being hunts down their incredible powers.
As their paths all converge, Nardus’ determination and the twins’ abilities may not be enough to avert a catastrophe.
Dark Lament is the first book in The Dark Heart Chronicles epic fantasy series. If you like vivid new worlds, action-packed adventures, and courageous characters, then you’ll love Daniel Kuhnley’s ominously imaginative novel.
Buy Dark Lament to embark on an epic quest today!- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
63 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kuhnley
14 books70 followersRead the FREE prequel novella to The Braille Killer,
Birth Of A Killer
.
You can also read my Dark Fantasy novella, Scourge , for FREE as well!
I'm Daniel Kuhnley, an American author of Dragon Fantasy and Supernatural Serial Killer stories. Some of my novels include The Dragon's Stone, Reborn, The Braille Killer, and Rended Souls. I enjoy watching movies, reading novels, and programming. I live in Albuquerque, NM with my wife who also writes.
All of my novels are professionally edited and proofread to ensure you have an enjoyable reading experience.
More information about my novels and sample chapters are available at danielkuhnley.com.
facebook.com/DanielKuhnley
amazon.com/author/danielkuhnley
bookbub.com/profile/daniel-kuhnley
You can also read my Dark Fantasy novella, Scourge , for FREE as well!
I'm Daniel Kuhnley, an American author of Dragon Fantasy and Supernatural Serial Killer stories. Some of my novels include The Dragon's Stone, Reborn, The Braille Killer, and Rended Souls. I enjoy watching movies, reading novels, and programming. I live in Albuquerque, NM with my wife who also writes.
All of my novels are professionally edited and proofread to ensure you have an enjoyable reading experience.
More information about my novels and sample chapters are available at danielkuhnley.com.
facebook.com/DanielKuhnley
amazon.com/author/danielkuhnley
bookbub.com/profile/daniel-kuhnley
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2018
Rose
Action and adventure are definitely contained in this book. Each character has their own special appeal. Daniel Kuhnley has an enormous imagination which he used generously to keep his readers on the edge of their seats while reading this book.
Action and adventure are definitely contained in this book. Each character has their own special appeal. Daniel Kuhnley has an enormous imagination which he used generously to keep his readers on the edge of their seats while reading this book.
June 5, 2025
I was excited to get started on this book. A few pages in, I knew it was going to end up being a cover-to-cover can't-stop-won't-stop read. I had to force myself to pace myself so I could TRULY enjoy every delightful layer of this wonderful adventure! Thankfully, a crazy new third shift schedule helped. I was able to savor it longer. And savor it I did!
I tend to save my favorite authors for my special bubble-bath and coffee time. This story/author became a fast favorite. I got so wrapped up in the world of Dark Lament that the bubbles were gone and the water and coffee were both cold before I could make myself stop reading!
Fantastically crafted and highly creative. I've truly enjoyed it. Every single page of it. No tired tropes here... just all your favorite fantasy elements taken to a whole new level! A little dark. A little creepy. A lot of emotion. Inventive quest, irresistible characters, unforgettable magic, ferocious dragons, wicked wizards, and all sorts of other impressive (and unique) magical beasties. A few of them might even give me nightmares. ^_^ *gnolls*
At the heart of this one beats a great love story. <3 If you're into that kind of thing, go get this book now.
I think adult fans of the Harry Potter series will certainly find delight with this one. It has definite moments that made me feel like I did while reading Rowling's HP stories. I'm not for one moment saying it feels like anything was stolen/copied/borrowed from that series, so please don't assume that is what I mean! This work is by far one of the MOST original I've ever encounter. It's in the way everything is crafted... the MAGIC of the story, the variety of marvelous critters, the wide-range of characters, and the enchanting series draw you into the story-world very much the way I was drawn into the HP world. You just get absolutely, wonderfully LOST in the worlds within the pages!
I love a story that has the power to truly transport me. Don't you?
BONUS: Because of the unique way it's told, it's almost like getting three novels for the price of one!
I laughed. I cried. I rooted. I jeered. I oohed. I ahhed. And I enjoyed it so much I bought the sequel when I was only 33% through this one! I can't wait to re-immerse myself in the world Kuhnley has created!
I'm super picky. Do not take my rave review lightly. I rarely give 5 stars to any work.
AND on that note: Shout out to how PROFESSIONALLY & PERFECTLY edited this book is. I hate typos and mistakes that draw me out of the story. Not once did I stumble over an error. Be that due to Kuhnley's excellent writing skills, or his editor(s), or a combination of both... *round of applause* for a flawlessly written and presented work of art!
Daniel Kuhnley is an author to watch... and more importantly, to READ. He is a masterful story-teller. I'm very excited to see where his amazing talent takes him in the future. I truly cannot wait to read more from this author!
I could go on and on, but it's bubble bath time and Book 2 of the Dark Heart Chronicles: REBORN is waiting for me and I cannot wait a second longer to find out what happens next!!!
I tend to save my favorite authors for my special bubble-bath and coffee time. This story/author became a fast favorite. I got so wrapped up in the world of Dark Lament that the bubbles were gone and the water and coffee were both cold before I could make myself stop reading!
Fantastically crafted and highly creative. I've truly enjoyed it. Every single page of it. No tired tropes here... just all your favorite fantasy elements taken to a whole new level! A little dark. A little creepy. A lot of emotion. Inventive quest, irresistible characters, unforgettable magic, ferocious dragons, wicked wizards, and all sorts of other impressive (and unique) magical beasties. A few of them might even give me nightmares. ^_^ *gnolls*
At the heart of this one beats a great love story. <3 If you're into that kind of thing, go get this book now.
I think adult fans of the Harry Potter series will certainly find delight with this one. It has definite moments that made me feel like I did while reading Rowling's HP stories. I'm not for one moment saying it feels like anything was stolen/copied/borrowed from that series, so please don't assume that is what I mean! This work is by far one of the MOST original I've ever encounter. It's in the way everything is crafted... the MAGIC of the story, the variety of marvelous critters, the wide-range of characters, and the enchanting series draw you into the story-world very much the way I was drawn into the HP world. You just get absolutely, wonderfully LOST in the worlds within the pages!
I love a story that has the power to truly transport me. Don't you?
BONUS: Because of the unique way it's told, it's almost like getting three novels for the price of one!
I laughed. I cried. I rooted. I jeered. I oohed. I ahhed. And I enjoyed it so much I bought the sequel when I was only 33% through this one! I can't wait to re-immerse myself in the world Kuhnley has created!
I'm super picky. Do not take my rave review lightly. I rarely give 5 stars to any work.
AND on that note: Shout out to how PROFESSIONALLY & PERFECTLY edited this book is. I hate typos and mistakes that draw me out of the story. Not once did I stumble over an error. Be that due to Kuhnley's excellent writing skills, or his editor(s), or a combination of both... *round of applause* for a flawlessly written and presented work of art!
Daniel Kuhnley is an author to watch... and more importantly, to READ. He is a masterful story-teller. I'm very excited to see where his amazing talent takes him in the future. I truly cannot wait to read more from this author!
I could go on and on, but it's bubble bath time and Book 2 of the Dark Heart Chronicles: REBORN is waiting for me and I cannot wait a second longer to find out what happens next!!!
March 23, 2019
Intriguing Dark Fantasy
Compelling characters, creative world-building, and a fast-paced story make this a great read! If you enjoy Dark Fantasy, you will love this story!
Compelling characters, creative world-building, and a fast-paced story make this a great read! If you enjoy Dark Fantasy, you will love this story!
November 24, 2019
A wonderful beginning to a fabulous fantasy. Once I start reading, I’m totally lost in the story.
June 10, 2019
I won this via a Goodreads giveaway which in no way influenced my review. This was more like a 2.5 read for me but I rounded up because technically it didn't have problems. It was the narrative that I didn't quite enjoy. It's actually three separate narrative lines, two of which are interlinked and one that wasn't (as of this book but it is the first in a series). Let me deal with each separately.
First we have Nardus's story line and his was the most compelling for me. It opens with the murder of his entire family and he is given an opportunity by a wizard to have his family brought back from the dead but only if he faces seven Herculean tasks that have killed everyone else who have attempted them (and in the process retrieve the item the wizard wants). Nardus agrees and he goes off to face these horrors bolstered only by his belief in the fact he will be reunited with his loved ones and at the same time set adrift from his God (who has a funky name filled with symbols so I'll just call him God). In fact God is very present in this book. It's an overwhelmingly religious book to be honest (Not necessarily Christian but there is that mustard seed analogy and the scene breaks are crosses so make of that what you will). Either Nardus rejecting God or the twins begging for help from him, God is in just about every chapter.
Alderan and Aria's stories are of course interlinked (as they are twins) but separate. Aria is taken from her village after monsters slaughter it while Alderan is out of town.
Alderan runs into a dryte, a faerie like creature who can control dirt/earth. Her name is Rayah and they become companions. She has been sent to keep an eye on him and his sister but she didn't do a good job of interceding. Alderan and Aria both are special but they don't know it (fairly standard fantasy fare). Alderan has a hair trigger and it makes liking him a bit difficult. He goes off on near homicidal rages for very little reason in some cases (and in others it's more understandable). Rayah does bear the blunt of this sometimes. There's a time jump between chapters of about a month and without being too spoilery they decide independently that they are in love but can't tell each other. The problem is with the time jump the story does nothing to earn this relationship, it doesn't build to it at all. Alderan himself mostly moves about without much direction.
Aria's story line is a bit harder to take. She spends a chunk of it suffering from aphasia due to all the rape and abuse she's endured at the hands of her captors (the rapes are not on page but it is obvious and it is discussed). She does have an unexpected ally and her relationship to him is probably the most interesting and believable part of her story. She is a tough character and sympathetic for that (ignoring the fact that there are only two women in the story and one has been suffering daily beatings and rapes) right up until the time when she is, in theory, rescued and we learn exactly what is so important about her and her twin (who she thinks is dead as Alderan assumes she is as well).
The reader knows something about her rescuer that she doesn't and that she isn't as safe as she thinks. However, it's at this point I toss out any respect I might have had for the character and here's why There's a meme going about talking about why Disney's Elsa is a queen and all the others a princesses because of her statement 'you can't marry a man you just met.' Yeah....that's what we're facing here. Just because this guy (whom she thought was going to be just another master to beat and rape her) says she's going to be his queen, even though he's keeping her in a slave collar 'to protect her from her magic', she immediately falls in love with him and can't wait to marry him. SIGH. Even when she doubts him, she immediately goes right back to, I'm going to be his queen. This tough character who wouldn't even speak or make a sound to let her attackers know how much they hurt her suddenly spends the rest of the book thinking about this Lord Josai and how she'll be his queen. Most of her scenes are now her repeatedly praying to God to restore her ability to have kids (I'm assuming she thinks she can't have kids because the rapes didn't get her pregnant). Repeated scenes of this. Her only mission is now to breed. Sigh.
None of the story lines are resolved. For me that's a big problem. I hate that. I don't expect a lot of resolution in a series but at least one arc should have some. It's one of those non-endings that just seem to be the author saying 'well that's enough story for right now. ' There's not a cliff hanger per se. It just meanders to a close. At least Nardus found what the wizard sent him for (I think) so he had some resolution. Not so much the twins. I will say this one isn't for me. I couldn't invest in Alderan (and oh man that name, just kept thinking Star Wars) and Aria. Nardus yes but the twins, not so much so I don't think I'll be seeking book two.
First we have Nardus's story line and his was the most compelling for me. It opens with the murder of his entire family and he is given an opportunity by a wizard to have his family brought back from the dead but only if he faces seven Herculean tasks that have killed everyone else who have attempted them (and in the process retrieve the item the wizard wants). Nardus agrees and he goes off to face these horrors bolstered only by his belief in the fact he will be reunited with his loved ones and at the same time set adrift from his God (who has a funky name filled with symbols so I'll just call him God). In fact God is very present in this book. It's an overwhelmingly religious book to be honest (Not necessarily Christian but there is that mustard seed analogy and the scene breaks are crosses so make of that what you will). Either Nardus rejecting God or the twins begging for help from him, God is in just about every chapter.
Alderan and Aria's stories are of course interlinked (as they are twins) but separate. Aria is taken from her village after monsters slaughter it while Alderan is out of town.
Alderan runs into a dryte, a faerie like creature who can control dirt/earth. Her name is Rayah and they become companions. She has been sent to keep an eye on him and his sister but she didn't do a good job of interceding. Alderan and Aria both are special but they don't know it (fairly standard fantasy fare). Alderan has a hair trigger and it makes liking him a bit difficult. He goes off on near homicidal rages for very little reason in some cases (and in others it's more understandable). Rayah does bear the blunt of this sometimes. There's a time jump between chapters of about a month and without being too spoilery they decide independently that they are in love but can't tell each other. The problem is with the time jump the story does nothing to earn this relationship, it doesn't build to it at all. Alderan himself mostly moves about without much direction.
Aria's story line is a bit harder to take. She spends a chunk of it suffering from aphasia due to all the rape and abuse she's endured at the hands of her captors (the rapes are not on page but it is obvious and it is discussed). She does have an unexpected ally and her relationship to him is probably the most interesting and believable part of her story. She is a tough character and sympathetic for that (ignoring the fact that there are only two women in the story and one has been suffering daily beatings and rapes) right up until the time when she is, in theory, rescued and we learn exactly what is so important about her and her twin (who she thinks is dead as Alderan assumes she is as well).
The reader knows something about her rescuer that she doesn't and that she isn't as safe as she thinks. However, it's at this point I toss out any respect I might have had for the character and here's why There's a meme going about talking about why Disney's Elsa is a queen and all the others a princesses because of her statement 'you can't marry a man you just met.' Yeah....that's what we're facing here. Just because this guy (whom she thought was going to be just another master to beat and rape her) says she's going to be his queen, even though he's keeping her in a slave collar 'to protect her from her magic', she immediately falls in love with him and can't wait to marry him. SIGH. Even when she doubts him, she immediately goes right back to, I'm going to be his queen. This tough character who wouldn't even speak or make a sound to let her attackers know how much they hurt her suddenly spends the rest of the book thinking about this Lord Josai and how she'll be his queen. Most of her scenes are now her repeatedly praying to God to restore her ability to have kids (I'm assuming she thinks she can't have kids because the rapes didn't get her pregnant). Repeated scenes of this. Her only mission is now to breed. Sigh.
None of the story lines are resolved. For me that's a big problem. I hate that. I don't expect a lot of resolution in a series but at least one arc should have some. It's one of those non-endings that just seem to be the author saying 'well that's enough story for right now. ' There's not a cliff hanger per se. It just meanders to a close. At least Nardus found what the wizard sent him for (I think) so he had some resolution. Not so much the twins. I will say this one isn't for me. I couldn't invest in Alderan (and oh man that name, just kept thinking Star Wars) and Aria. Nardus yes but the twins, not so much so I don't think I'll be seeking book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2019
It was an interesting book for a dark fantasy book.
This is NOT your typical fantasy book where people in the realms are living in dark times and a protagonist rises in its midst to conquer the evil.
This one involves journey into yourself,where Daniel and others must face their inner darkness, whether it is Fear, Anger, Hopelessness, Shame, etc. The author masterfully brings the emotions to life as they face trials.
Daniel wants to save his family but also needs to save the world through his decisions by facing trials. They are not easy and involves facing different fears and finding answers.
I personally did not enjoy the book; however, if you are looking for a unique fantasy book, I highly recommend this book!
This is NOT your typical fantasy book where people in the realms are living in dark times and a protagonist rises in its midst to conquer the evil.
This one involves journey into yourself,where Daniel and others must face their inner darkness, whether it is Fear, Anger, Hopelessness, Shame, etc. The author masterfully brings the emotions to life as they face trials.
Daniel wants to save his family but also needs to save the world through his decisions by facing trials. They are not easy and involves facing different fears and finding answers.
I personally did not enjoy the book; however, if you are looking for a unique fantasy book, I highly recommend this book!
August 28, 2020
I won this book through the Goodreads contests but am under no obligation to review it; but I have to say I was truly enthralled by this book! I read it in less than 24 hrs. It was so good! Daniel Kuhnley can flat out write well. His characters were absolutely fantastic and the descriptions are forever rooted in my brain! I cannot say enough good things about this book and can not wait to read the next one in The Dark Heart Chronicles. Nardus, Alderan, Aria and Rayah’s adventures have me so wrapped up in their stories already I am completely engrossed in this series! I don’t want to give anything away for new reader’s so I’ll just say that I highly recommend this book. Those who love fantasy as much as I do will not be able to put it down!
October 5, 2019
Audiobook review: Well written dark fantasy story. It’s creepy, it’s got mayhem and many fantasy essentials. From the opening scene I was hooked! The author’s writing style reminds me a lot of Joe Ambercrombie, which is awesome! The narrator did a fantastic job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 1, 2020
A dark, vivid journey begins…
Wow, The Dragon’s Stone takes the reader to some dark places in this epic fantasy adventure!
This book had a little of everything from spiders to gnolls to demons to a powerful dragon. If you like tales of where ordinary folks are forced to embark on a dangerous quest, then this book is for you.
Wow, The Dragon’s Stone takes the reader to some dark places in this epic fantasy adventure!
This book had a little of everything from spiders to gnolls to demons to a powerful dragon. If you like tales of where ordinary folks are forced to embark on a dangerous quest, then this book is for you.
August 4, 2021
Highly recommend
I definitely enjoyed this book. The storyline encompasses multiple main characters and their parts in the changing world . These different perspectives and actions are all happening at the same time which made for an interesting read. To top a great story off, the ending involves a dragon being released into the world
I definitely enjoyed this book. The storyline encompasses multiple main characters and their parts in the changing world . These different perspectives and actions are all happening at the same time which made for an interesting read. To top a great story off, the ending involves a dragon being released into the world
February 12, 2019
I loved this book. It was a great read and would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure and such.
September 12, 2019
Fabulous story. Another fantastic from this author for me. Nardus only wants his family back. He’s willing to do almost anything. Don’t miss out.
October 29, 2018
It is a great book to read
August 30, 2021
Nardus' wife and baby are killed. He leaves his twins in the wagon to chase those who killed his wife and child and finds they were killed by one he thought of as a friend. He seeks a way to bring them back and talks with his god both asking for help and cursing his god.
Aria is told by her father to stay in the house because the village was being attacked and burned. Her father is attacked by the beasts that are burning the village and killing the people. She goes out to help her father and manages to get captured and watch the beasts kill her father.
A caped man appears and puts a silver ring around her neck and she stabs him with a broken arrow. She is taken to a dungeon where she is ill treated.
Alderan is in a meadow where he has been unsuccessfully hunting. He sees four beasts in the shadows of the distant tree line. These beasts are looking for him and he runs. Suddenly he feels pain in his chest and finds something sticking out of it. He thought he was going to die. He thinks of his sister, Aria and their unique bond. He suddenly realizes he can not feel their bond.
He is surrounded by four beasts who say they are to kill him.
The leader, Rakzar, names him 'White Knight'
After Alderan tries to kill him with a stone and a slingshot. Rakzar tries to punch Alderan with his fist when Alderan disappears. There is a fight among the beasts one gets killed . The rest run away.
Alderan goes to a place with no doors and meets Rayah, a dryte. He thanks her for saving his life but she tells him that his god is the one to thank.
This tale is very well written and keeps you deeply interested in the outcome of each person.
I read this book as 'Dark Lament'. When I was ready to leave a review I found the title was changed to 'The Dragon's Stone'. It is the same story just a new title.
What a great descriptive narration of three lives raked with terrible events and how they handle themselves. Next - 'Reborn"!
March 16, 2020
Dragon's Stone (formerly Dark Lament) is a dark fantasy in which we follow two seemingly disconnected plotlines. Nardus, the lone survivor of an ambush, strikes a demonic deal to retrieve a magical stone from an underworld dungeon in return for a promise to bring his family back to life. His trials in the formerly unconquered Temple of the Dead dungeon are complex and action-packed. Upon the surface, twins Alderan and Aria reach their sweet sixteenth, not knowing it is a magical trigger to an ancient prophecy. Of course, there are those aware of the prophecy having evil intent for the twins. Ultimately, the two paths cross with unexpected results. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews