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The Rhenwars Saga #3
Darkrise
Some Bonds Are Meant to Be Shattered.
Darien Lauchlin betrayed his allegiance to the Rhen when he sold his soul to the God of Chaos. Now the unthinkable has occurred: war between Malikar and the Rhen looms on the horizon. As Darien prepares to lead an invasion against his former homeland, he struggles to unite a diverse people who still view him as the enemy. Darien is forced to abandon his former loyalties and confront the tragedies of his past. With the help of Azár, he embarks on a series of trials that will forge him into the Battlemage his people desperately need him to be. But will the price of becoming a weapon be the last of his humanity?
Darien Lauchlin betrayed his allegiance to the Rhen when he sold his soul to the God of Chaos. Now the unthinkable has occurred: war between Malikar and the Rhen looms on the horizon. As Darien prepares to lead an invasion against his former homeland, he struggles to unite a diverse people who still view him as the enemy. Darien is forced to abandon his former loyalties and confront the tragedies of his past. With the help of Azár, he embarks on a series of trials that will forge him into the Battlemage his people desperately need him to be. But will the price of becoming a weapon be the last of his humanity?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
155 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Spencer
21 books745 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 31 reviews
May 9, 2021
4-stars
The series has got better with each of these books. There's more depth to the characters now. It will be interesting to see where the final book takes me.
My only real gripe is with the order of the books on my Kindle. When I read a 5-book-series I expect them to run in order. Placing the book that comes first at the end is aggravating. It means that I will have to go back and read Darkstorm (book 0) after I finish book 4. Aside from that I would recommend the series to fans of Dark fantasy.
Thanks for reading.
The series has got better with each of these books. There's more depth to the characters now. It will be interesting to see where the final book takes me.
My only real gripe is with the order of the books on my Kindle. When I read a 5-book-series I expect them to run in order. Placing the book that comes first at the end is aggravating. It means that I will have to go back and read Darkstorm (book 0) after I finish book 4. Aside from that I would recommend the series to fans of Dark fantasy.
Thanks for reading.
March 22, 2018
DARKRISE is the fourth volume of the Rhenwars Saga (technically third with a prequel). The premise of the books is a ragtag band of misfits were given the task of saving the world from the God of Evil and a natural cataclysm of anti-magic a 1000 years ago--then botched the job horribly. Now the world is divided between the light and darkness with the two sides viewing the other as purely evil with themselves as the good guys in a typical fantasy way. The books play a lot with typical tropes of the genre and actually have their protagonist switch sides midway through the story.
The premise of this book is Darien Lauchlin, the most powerful mage alive, has sold his soul to the God of Evil in order to free his lover from damnation. This resulted in him being given the job of making sure said God of Evil's followers are able to evacuate from a horrible disaster--which, notably, is not a terribly evil thing for said god to do. Unfortunately, his former friends and colleagues want nothing than the genocide of the refugees. Darien wants a peaceful solution for the million+ people as well as his former comrades but that seems impossible. Meanwhile, Naida and Quinlan are trying to figure out a way to prevent the end of magic and the death of everyone who uses it.
M.L. Spencer is one of the best grimdark authors of the 2010s and has managed to establish a world where you don't need gratuitous amounts of violence, swearing, or sex to be dark as hell. Her books thrive on a more cold uncertainty about what is the right thing to do and the perhaps chilling idea that there often isn't a moral answer to problems and many people who claim to be righteous are going to be doing so in order to justify atrocities. Heroes of the previous books become monsters here but the only thing which has changed is the humanization of who the violence is being done to. It's akin to doing 3 books about the people of Gondor and Rohan then switching to the genocide of Mordor's people.
An amazing job was done with the development of Darien as a protagonist. He started as a man who was willing to do anything to protect his people and, well, he's still that same person but his attitude has switched. The depth of his betrayal by Meiran is an interesting subversion of the usual "power of love" trope in fantasy. He was willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loved, only to find out she immediately turned on him when she thought he betrayed their political cause. Meiran is the second major female love interest in the series to prove to be an awful-awful person and I'm starting to wonder if Spencer has a fondness for tearing apart epic love affairs.
Indeed, the only real critique of the book I have is the fact the romance deconstruction kind of flows through the entire book. Darien is only slightly less attractive to women than Daniel Craig and has seemingly every female in the novel want to sleep with him. These are ALL toxic relationships of various kinds and the healthiest one being where they realize Darien can't return their feelings before moving on. It's an interesting display of anti-romanticism and helps ground the book in a world where everything looks like it's a typical fantasy world but the truth is much darker.
This is the penultimate volume of the Rhenwars Saga and the set up for the finale is coming soon. I'm anxious for it as I think this is probably one of the best sagas to come out of fantasy in the past decade, especially since it didn't take years to write. It has its flaws but the story is moving and the characters interesting with a real set of themes behind the action. The fact it was all done as an indie fantasy novel budget and was self-published is the biggest surprise of it all.
9.5/10
The premise of this book is Darien Lauchlin, the most powerful mage alive, has sold his soul to the God of Evil in order to free his lover from damnation. This resulted in him being given the job of making sure said God of Evil's followers are able to evacuate from a horrible disaster--which, notably, is not a terribly evil thing for said god to do. Unfortunately, his former friends and colleagues want nothing than the genocide of the refugees. Darien wants a peaceful solution for the million+ people as well as his former comrades but that seems impossible. Meanwhile, Naida and Quinlan are trying to figure out a way to prevent the end of magic and the death of everyone who uses it.
M.L. Spencer is one of the best grimdark authors of the 2010s and has managed to establish a world where you don't need gratuitous amounts of violence, swearing, or sex to be dark as hell. Her books thrive on a more cold uncertainty about what is the right thing to do and the perhaps chilling idea that there often isn't a moral answer to problems and many people who claim to be righteous are going to be doing so in order to justify atrocities. Heroes of the previous books become monsters here but the only thing which has changed is the humanization of who the violence is being done to. It's akin to doing 3 books about the people of Gondor and Rohan then switching to the genocide of Mordor's people.
An amazing job was done with the development of Darien as a protagonist. He started as a man who was willing to do anything to protect his people and, well, he's still that same person but his attitude has switched. The depth of his betrayal by Meiran is an interesting subversion of the usual "power of love" trope in fantasy. He was willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loved, only to find out she immediately turned on him when she thought he betrayed their political cause. Meiran is the second major female love interest in the series to prove to be an awful-awful person and I'm starting to wonder if Spencer has a fondness for tearing apart epic love affairs.
Indeed, the only real critique of the book I have is the fact the romance deconstruction kind of flows through the entire book. Darien is only slightly less attractive to women than Daniel Craig and has seemingly every female in the novel want to sleep with him. These are ALL toxic relationships of various kinds and the healthiest one being where they realize Darien can't return their feelings before moving on. It's an interesting display of anti-romanticism and helps ground the book in a world where everything looks like it's a typical fantasy world but the truth is much darker.
This is the penultimate volume of the Rhenwars Saga and the set up for the finale is coming soon. I'm anxious for it as I think this is probably one of the best sagas to come out of fantasy in the past decade, especially since it didn't take years to write. It has its flaws but the story is moving and the characters interesting with a real set of themes behind the action. The fact it was all done as an indie fantasy novel budget and was self-published is the biggest surprise of it all.
9.5/10
February 27, 2018
HANG ON FOR A WILD RIDE!!!
A wonderfully written, easy to follow, fast paced, action packed, frozen to the edge of your seat read. With twists and turns that keep you captivated from the first chapter to the very last word. M did a remarkable job making this read so realistic you can practically feel the breeze. Unpredictable surprises hold your attention and the characters and their personalities come through as the tale unfolds.
A wonderfully written, easy to follow, fast paced, action packed, frozen to the edge of your seat read. With twists and turns that keep you captivated from the first chapter to the very last word. M did a remarkable job making this read so realistic you can practically feel the breeze. Unpredictable surprises hold your attention and the characters and their personalities come through as the tale unfolds.
July 27, 2023
I took a bit of a break between book two and three, so it took me a little bit to settle back into this world.
And oh, it does get a lot darker than it was before... Be advised this is taking a turn to the bloody and gritty and there's a lot of death. Both in vast numbers of people who are mostly used like canon fodder, and in the really painful individual deaths of important characters. So have comfort food at the ready.
I really liked how the characters grow in depth, and how their decisions and actions have long lasting effects on their own mental state as well as on the story. Morals get questioned, intentions go awry, and people change, for better or worse.
The author definitely gets better at characters with every book, so my initial complaint of characters feeling a bit bland or predictable in the first book has now been fully resolved.
A great epic tale of fighting against all the odds, with plenty of magic, fighting and action. And the best thing is how there isn't a good or bad side anymore by now, just two different sides that both do horrible things, but you can sort of get behind their thinking. I love stories that make it basically impossible to choose sides...
And oh, it does get a lot darker than it was before... Be advised this is taking a turn to the bloody and gritty and there's a lot of death. Both in vast numbers of people who are mostly used like canon fodder, and in the really painful individual deaths of important characters. So have comfort food at the ready.
I really liked how the characters grow in depth, and how their decisions and actions have long lasting effects on their own mental state as well as on the story. Morals get questioned, intentions go awry, and people change, for better or worse.
The author definitely gets better at characters with every book, so my initial complaint of characters feeling a bit bland or predictable in the first book has now been fully resolved.
A great epic tale of fighting against all the odds, with plenty of magic, fighting and action. And the best thing is how there isn't a good or bad side anymore by now, just two different sides that both do horrible things, but you can sort of get behind their thinking. I love stories that make it basically impossible to choose sides...
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June 6, 2018A very good book in the series. It shows the change of all the characters except one. Lots of action and a continued good train of action!
I gave it a great review because the story is well thought out and lots of action. It keeps you wanting to read on and interested.
I gave it a great review because the story is well thought out and lots of action. It keeps you wanting to read on and interested.
March 16, 2018
The day the lands of the Rhen feared has come. The people of the Darklands are massing on their borders, ready to invade. And this time, leading them is Darien Lauchlin, the man responsible for stopping the last attempted invasion.
Darkrise continues Darien's story as he tries to unite the people of the Darklands, many of whom still see him as the mage who destroyed their army two years before and would happily see him dead. At the same time, he has to contend with his former allies planning ways to trap him and his new allies turning him into a weapon, no matter what it costs him.
The Rhenwars series has never been simple fantasy but as the invasion draws closer, each book has become gradually darker. There are plenty of conflicts, with several of the supposedly righteous characters showing themselves to be just as ruthless as the ones they decry as monsters. There are also enough gruesome moments to satisfy most grimdark fans, with the standout being Darien's lesson in how to become a Battlemage.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Quinlan Rais serves to levy some of the darkness as he embarks on his own quest to find a way to forestall matters. As in Darklands, his self-deprecation and sarcasm is a welcome relief from some of the more serious characters.
Obviously, since this is the third book (and there has to be a fourth or Ms. Spencer and I will have words), I recommend reading both Darkmage and Darklands before this one. But then I'd highly recommend reading all of them anyway.
Darkrise continues Darien's story as he tries to unite the people of the Darklands, many of whom still see him as the mage who destroyed their army two years before and would happily see him dead. At the same time, he has to contend with his former allies planning ways to trap him and his new allies turning him into a weapon, no matter what it costs him.
The Rhenwars series has never been simple fantasy but as the invasion draws closer, each book has become gradually darker. There are plenty of conflicts, with several of the supposedly righteous characters showing themselves to be just as ruthless as the ones they decry as monsters. There are also enough gruesome moments to satisfy most grimdark fans, with the standout being Darien's lesson in how to become a Battlemage.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Quinlan Rais serves to levy some of the darkness as he embarks on his own quest to find a way to forestall matters. As in Darklands, his self-deprecation and sarcasm is a welcome relief from some of the more serious characters.
Obviously, since this is the third book (and there has to be a fourth or Ms. Spencer and I will have words), I recommend reading both Darkmage and Darklands before this one. But then I'd highly recommend reading all of them anyway.
January 19, 2019
In Malikar, the Darklands, their culture relies on magic for survival. The global magic field is in danger of collapsing, and if it does, their way of life cannot be sustained. They decide to evacuate to a region where they might have hope of survival, but the only path out goes through The Rhen, a nation who has long seen them as enemies.
Darien will do anything to protect and unite the people he has vowed to save. As the imminent conflict looms, he meets with the leaders of The Rhen to discuss a possible compromise. Will his old friends, now on the opposite side of the field, understand his reasons and negotiate? Can they find an agreement both sides will honor?
In a separate storyline, we follow Quin and Naia as they search for a way to repair the weakness in the magic field and avert the impending crisis of its collapse. If they can succeed, perhaps war can be prevented.
Darien once again has impossible choices to make. The way the characters align, there are hard choices on both sides of the war, and more of them begin to experience something Darien is well-versed in—doing horrible things for good reasons. Both sides commit atrocities for the sake of their own righteousness.
Spencer keeps the stakes high and the tension tight, bringing the reader through new love stories, new parts of the world, giving the characters more reasons to fight, and more reasons to die.
I went immediately into Darkfall, the series conclusion, and I can't wait to see how all this ends.
Darien will do anything to protect and unite the people he has vowed to save. As the imminent conflict looms, he meets with the leaders of The Rhen to discuss a possible compromise. Will his old friends, now on the opposite side of the field, understand his reasons and negotiate? Can they find an agreement both sides will honor?
In a separate storyline, we follow Quin and Naia as they search for a way to repair the weakness in the magic field and avert the impending crisis of its collapse. If they can succeed, perhaps war can be prevented.
Darien once again has impossible choices to make. The way the characters align, there are hard choices on both sides of the war, and more of them begin to experience something Darien is well-versed in—doing horrible things for good reasons. Both sides commit atrocities for the sake of their own righteousness.
Spencer keeps the stakes high and the tension tight, bringing the reader through new love stories, new parts of the world, giving the characters more reasons to fight, and more reasons to die.
I went immediately into Darkfall, the series conclusion, and I can't wait to see how all this ends.
April 26, 2018
Unquestionably a five star book. I devoured this book in two days. M.L. Spencer has created one of the best series I have read with some of the deepest and most polarizing characters that I have read to date. The past two editions to the series have left me breathless to know how the Rhenwars are going to finally culminate. I don't believe I shall ever read another story that will test the moral compass in such a beautifully epic fashion.
From this day forward, M.L. Spencer will be named in my top three names for Mistresses of Grimdark. When, Dark Lady, can I get my hands on book four??
From this day forward, M.L. Spencer will be named in my top three names for Mistresses of Grimdark. When, Dark Lady, can I get my hands on book four??
November 14, 2018
This series is awesome. How M.L. Spencer can take demons and make them out to be the good guys is really great. This book carries on with the conflicts within each character and between them. I feel like I know each and everyone personally. Totally unexpected delight and change for a set of books. You really need to read this if you like the unexpected and really tortured souls doing the best they can.
May 1, 2018
I love this series. Please bring us the next book quickly! Darien is an iconic character that you need to care about.
April 14, 2018
Read all three
Loved it, annoyed I have to wait for the next one.
Grabbed me from the first page. Want to strangle certain characters.
Loved it, annoyed I have to wait for the next one.
Grabbed me from the first page. Want to strangle certain characters.
October 30, 2019
4.5*
Having read an early edition of the book it was interesting coming back for a (re)listen. I felt that after the trials, deaths and torment - the characters had come home to where they were meant to be.
Darien and Kyel develop their roles and all the squabbling among the ‘good guys’ is an interesting touch with few people seeming to do the right thing for the right reason. If anything in this series, this is where you see black and white being showed for what they are - a different version of grey.
While Kyel is always out of his depth, it was cool to see him take a stand. The last voice of morality in the pragmatism of bloodshed.
I particularly enjoyed the Reis arc and how that countered the Mirien counterpoint with what is at stake for all magic. The twisting about of who is ‘doing the right thing’ adds continual tension until you are left unsure of who will cockup first. It would have been entertaining to see Miren less feckless considering how untrained the other ‘masters’ are, but if anything it sums up the story and the characters - with everyone being flawed and with the potential for ruin.
A solid story, punishing and unforgiving on the characters and not a world to be a footslogger on. It certainly sets things up for the finale.
Having read an early edition of the book it was interesting coming back for a (re)listen. I felt that after the trials, deaths and torment - the characters had come home to where they were meant to be.
Darien and Kyel develop their roles and all the squabbling among the ‘good guys’ is an interesting touch with few people seeming to do the right thing for the right reason. If anything in this series, this is where you see black and white being showed for what they are - a different version of grey.
While Kyel is always out of his depth, it was cool to see him take a stand. The last voice of morality in the pragmatism of bloodshed.
I particularly enjoyed the Reis arc and how that countered the Mirien counterpoint with what is at stake for all magic. The twisting about of who is ‘doing the right thing’ adds continual tension until you are left unsure of who will cockup first. It would have been entertaining to see Miren less feckless considering how untrained the other ‘masters’ are, but if anything it sums up the story and the characters - with everyone being flawed and with the potential for ruin.
A solid story, punishing and unforgiving on the characters and not a world to be a footslogger on. It certainly sets things up for the finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
3.5/5
Again, it's an okay book.
Picking up from Darklands this book mainly follows three POVs:
* who's trying to unite the Darklands while negotiating with people of Graystone Keep for some semblance of truce
* who's increasingly trapped in a moral dilemma, witnessing the treachery and malice displayed by his comrades
* who's on a quest to Titherry to anticipate a looming magical cataclysm
Unfortunately, while Spencer displays her strength once again in creating morally dilemmatic situations, this book almost brings nothing new besides progressing the plot.
The worldbuilding is as derivative as usual with common epic fantasy trope trappings, such as honour-driven desert people, insta-romance, and McGuffin retrieval quests. Despite the number of mage characters, I also don't see variations of magical practice beyond warfare, illusion, shielding, healing, weaving magelights, and moving objects in limited ways. And bound by Oath, it is easy to question the effectivity of sworn military mages, or their purpose to begin with. Some new factions are introduced, but as the story already reaches the penultimate stage, their existence feels more like a convenient cop-out to progress the plot.
I think this book could've been a great commentary about global refugee issues and protectionism-nationalism had Spencer focused more on the cultural nuances and agency of the Oriental characters. The White Saviour Among Desert People narrative does feel a bit stale, as invoked in past works like Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Wheel of Time.
Again, it's an okay book.
Picking up from Darklands this book mainly follows three POVs:
* who's trying to unite the Darklands while negotiating with people of Graystone Keep for some semblance of truce
* who's increasingly trapped in a moral dilemma, witnessing the treachery and malice displayed by his comrades
* who's on a quest to Titherry to anticipate a looming magical cataclysm
Unfortunately, while Spencer displays her strength once again in creating morally dilemmatic situations, this book almost brings nothing new besides progressing the plot.
The worldbuilding is as derivative as usual with common epic fantasy trope trappings, such as honour-driven desert people, insta-romance, and McGuffin retrieval quests. Despite the number of mage characters, I also don't see variations of magical practice beyond warfare, illusion, shielding, healing, weaving magelights, and moving objects in limited ways. And bound by Oath, it is easy to question the effectivity of sworn military mages, or their purpose to begin with. Some new factions are introduced, but as the story already reaches the penultimate stage, their existence feels more like a convenient cop-out to progress the plot.
I think this book could've been a great commentary about global refugee issues and protectionism-nationalism had Spencer focused more on the cultural nuances and agency of the Oriental characters. The White Saviour Among Desert People narrative does feel a bit stale, as invoked in past works like Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Wheel of Time.
March 7, 2018
What!!!!!
Okay! So, I can't wait to see what this brings!!! Each book just keeps getting better! These will definitely hold a spot on my shelf indefinitely!
Okay! So, I can't wait to see what this brings!!! Each book just keeps getting better! These will definitely hold a spot on my shelf indefinitely!
Read
March 1, 2018Darkrise by M. L. Spencer is the fourth book in this unique epic fantasy series (counting the prequel, Darkstorm). If you’re looking for a satisfying conclusion in this novel, you’ll have to wait until the next book (maybe). If you’re seeking an enthralling epic adventure comprising the fantastical elements you love, Darkrise is that and more.
Darkrise continues where Darklands ended. Malikar and the Rhen teeter on the brink of war if a peaceful solution can’t be achieved. Darien Lauchlin, revered as a hero by some and an enemy to others, is entrenched within a battle not only between civilizations, but also within himself. Regardless of his moral conflicts and waning integrity, he’s determined to ascertain a peaceful solution and stand as a bridge between both worlds. Howbeit, his desires are incongruous to those of his new oath and master. Darien struggles with retaining his humanity, whilst striving to protect it. In doing so, numerous aspects of his life must change as he realizes that in order to attempt the impossible, he must surrender to the unthinkable.
It wouldn’t be a Rhenwars novel without the beloved, misunderstood, and flawed, Quin Reis. He’s continuing his efforts to aid Darien on a separate, perilous journey of discovery and strife. Even so, there’s some interesting facets of his personality that are brought forth along with more insight into who and what he is. Can a touch of humanity deliver him from the turbidity encompassing his soul? One can only hope. As one of the most intriguing characters in the series, Quin never ceases to sacrifice himself for others and continuously advocates for causes that are beneficial to the whole. I do love that numerous so-called ‘demons’ in this series comprise more rectitude and ‘goodness’ than those proclaiming morality and righteousness. Furthermore, those purporting other cultures as savage, display the very barbarity they assign to their nemeses.
With a few more darker undertones than the previous novels in the series (at least to me), Darkrise comes closer to having a grimdark edge. Conflicted characters, demons, hell-hounds, magic, torture and war, are all interwoven into a compelling tale that I didn’t want to end.
The one thing that perplexed me was the sudden aberrant behavior of an essential character. Throughout the series and especially in this novel, he remained unflinching and cold (as he should). Even after proclaiming his ‘blood-thirst’ and elation at decimating his enemies (or friends…he’s like that), it completely changed when the opportunity presented itself. It was contrary to everything that he is and previously demonstrated. Perhaps, this aspect was needed to augment another character’s purpose and significance. He certainly benefited from this reversal in characterization. I can’t wait to read the next novel and see.
Darkrise by M.L. Spencer is a captivating read with relatable characters that you’ll care about. The world is richly drawn, enhancing the epic experience. Definitely recommended.
Darkrise continues where Darklands ended. Malikar and the Rhen teeter on the brink of war if a peaceful solution can’t be achieved. Darien Lauchlin, revered as a hero by some and an enemy to others, is entrenched within a battle not only between civilizations, but also within himself. Regardless of his moral conflicts and waning integrity, he’s determined to ascertain a peaceful solution and stand as a bridge between both worlds. Howbeit, his desires are incongruous to those of his new oath and master. Darien struggles with retaining his humanity, whilst striving to protect it. In doing so, numerous aspects of his life must change as he realizes that in order to attempt the impossible, he must surrender to the unthinkable.
It wouldn’t be a Rhenwars novel without the beloved, misunderstood, and flawed, Quin Reis. He’s continuing his efforts to aid Darien on a separate, perilous journey of discovery and strife. Even so, there’s some interesting facets of his personality that are brought forth along with more insight into who and what he is. Can a touch of humanity deliver him from the turbidity encompassing his soul? One can only hope. As one of the most intriguing characters in the series, Quin never ceases to sacrifice himself for others and continuously advocates for causes that are beneficial to the whole. I do love that numerous so-called ‘demons’ in this series comprise more rectitude and ‘goodness’ than those proclaiming morality and righteousness. Furthermore, those purporting other cultures as savage, display the very barbarity they assign to their nemeses.
With a few more darker undertones than the previous novels in the series (at least to me), Darkrise comes closer to having a grimdark edge. Conflicted characters, demons, hell-hounds, magic, torture and war, are all interwoven into a compelling tale that I didn’t want to end.
The one thing that perplexed me was the sudden aberrant behavior of an essential character. Throughout the series and especially in this novel, he remained unflinching and cold (as he should). Even after proclaiming his ‘blood-thirst’ and elation at decimating his enemies (or friends…he’s like that), it completely changed when the opportunity presented itself. It was contrary to everything that he is and previously demonstrated. Perhaps, this aspect was needed to augment another character’s purpose and significance. He certainly benefited from this reversal in characterization. I can’t wait to read the next novel and see.
Darkrise by M.L. Spencer is a captivating read with relatable characters that you’ll care about. The world is richly drawn, enhancing the epic experience. Definitely recommended.
October 2, 2019
Another excellent installment in the Rhenwars Saga. Spencer's writing improves with every book. The characters that we've come to enjoy continue to grow, and the multifaceted conflict continues to evolve in new and interesting ways.
What stood out to me as outstanding in this book was the pacing. I flew through it, never feeling as if one story thread was less compelling than another, never getting bogged down in any of the pitfalls that can often make a book feel as if it’s dragging. Everything is woven together in such a way that mysteries and conflicts pile one atop another until you realize that you’ve reached the climactic conclusion without any waver in the galloping pace.
It is a bit of a juggling act, making demons’ motivations feel just, and presenting servants of hell as love interests. There are a few reactions/assumptions that feel a little contrived or contorted in this regard. In order to make the story work there were a few elements in which character thoughts and emotions didn't feel 100% genuine to me. In the same vein, there is a point at which Kyel Archer does something that should obviously be immediately attributed to him, but to facilitate the storyline, the obvious conclusion is postponed for a more advantage moment in the narrative. Still, these few moments didn't spoil the story. I still very much enjoyed it.
The setting and worldbuilding is always a highlight in the Rhenwars Saga. Spencer has done a phenomenal job of creating a rich world, with a history that lives off the page. The factions have a depth of history, custom, visual distinctiveness that lends them the authenticity every fantasy series needs.
Romantic relationships in genre fiction often feel flat or forced to me. It takes a lot of real estate to pull off the intricacies of human attachment in a convincing way. But over the course of the second and third novels in the series, Spencer has built up a dynamic between Azar and Darien. It’s a slow build that is interesting because it isn’t your typical story about falling madly in love. The relationship budding between Naia and Quin is a bit less compelling. While Quin is an interesting and unique character, Naia has had at least a flirtation with Darien and then Kyel and now Quin. It makes it feel like she is just getting paired up with whoever is convenient regardless of any chemistry.
Overall, Darkrise is another good installment in the Rhenwars series. If you’ve enjoyed the first two books of the saga, you’ll tear through this one in short order.
What stood out to me as outstanding in this book was the pacing. I flew through it, never feeling as if one story thread was less compelling than another, never getting bogged down in any of the pitfalls that can often make a book feel as if it’s dragging. Everything is woven together in such a way that mysteries and conflicts pile one atop another until you realize that you’ve reached the climactic conclusion without any waver in the galloping pace.
It is a bit of a juggling act, making demons’ motivations feel just, and presenting servants of hell as love interests. There are a few reactions/assumptions that feel a little contrived or contorted in this regard. In order to make the story work there were a few elements in which character thoughts and emotions didn't feel 100% genuine to me. In the same vein, there is a point at which Kyel Archer does something that should obviously be immediately attributed to him, but to facilitate the storyline, the obvious conclusion is postponed for a more advantage moment in the narrative. Still, these few moments didn't spoil the story. I still very much enjoyed it.
The setting and worldbuilding is always a highlight in the Rhenwars Saga. Spencer has done a phenomenal job of creating a rich world, with a history that lives off the page. The factions have a depth of history, custom, visual distinctiveness that lends them the authenticity every fantasy series needs.
Romantic relationships in genre fiction often feel flat or forced to me. It takes a lot of real estate to pull off the intricacies of human attachment in a convincing way. But over the course of the second and third novels in the series, Spencer has built up a dynamic between Azar and Darien. It’s a slow build that is interesting because it isn’t your typical story about falling madly in love. The relationship budding between Naia and Quin is a bit less compelling. While Quin is an interesting and unique character, Naia has had at least a flirtation with Darien and then Kyel and now Quin. It makes it feel like she is just getting paired up with whoever is convenient regardless of any chemistry.
Overall, Darkrise is another good installment in the Rhenwars series. If you’ve enjoyed the first two books of the saga, you’ll tear through this one in short order.
February 23, 2018
I was captivated by the richly detailed world M. L. Spencer wrote into Darkrise. It is the third book in The Rhenwars Saga and though there were times I really wished I had read the first two books first, even without a grounding in the story that has brought the world to the brink of catastrophe, Darkrise was gripping. Spencer's characters often defy categorization - protagonists and antagonists alike live in the moral gray and ask the reader to grapple with this question: what would you be willing to give up to do what you thought was necessary. I heartily recommend Darkrise and The Rhenwars Saga for fantasy lovers looking for authentically complicated characters and a can't put it down storyline.
July 24, 2018
From Amazon: The Rhenwars Saga (3 Book Series)
THREE BOOK series, so WHY ?? when I got to the end of Book 3 does it say.....
........................TO BE CONTINUED......................
No. NONONONONONONONO.
If it says '3 book' series , that is what I expect. Three books. The end. All done. Everything tidy and complete.
I liked the first, struggled through the second, slogged painfully through the third - reassuring myself that everything would be brought to a conclusion.
And it isn't.
1 star. I am DONE with this series.
Maybe even this author.
THREE BOOK series, so WHY ?? when I got to the end of Book 3 does it say.....
........................TO BE CONTINUED......................
No. NONONONONONONONO.
If it says '3 book' series , that is what I expect. Three books. The end. All done. Everything tidy and complete.
I liked the first, struggled through the second, slogged painfully through the third - reassuring myself that everything would be brought to a conclusion.
And it isn't.
1 star. I am DONE with this series.
Maybe even this author.
September 17, 2020
I dove into this one with mixed feelings. I was invested in the story but not in the protagonist. I think that finally changed.
Darkrise starts with Darien Lauchlan coming to grips with his warlord-ship over his former enemies in the dark north. His struggle and eventual decisions along the way make for a compelling--and slightly frightening--change of character. You feel like you're watching someone's descent into madness or corruption but aren't quite sure if either is really true. I'm not sure when, but somewhere in this story, he finally started to grow on me. Other character development--particularly Quin and Naia--is also excellent, though I felt one important character backslid in terms of relatability and likability, though (pending book 4) perhaps that was intentional. I enjoyed seeing the various threads of the story weave together and more of the world's history (and how everything went wrong) started coming into focus. The final third of this book feature riveting action and was hard to put down.
The novel ends on a cliffhanger which was a little off-putting but since I have the fourth book, I am diving right in. Thoroughly enjoyable story, this series has gotten successively better with each volume.
Darkrise starts with Darien Lauchlan coming to grips with his warlord-ship over his former enemies in the dark north. His struggle and eventual decisions along the way make for a compelling--and slightly frightening--change of character. You feel like you're watching someone's descent into madness or corruption but aren't quite sure if either is really true. I'm not sure when, but somewhere in this story, he finally started to grow on me. Other character development--particularly Quin and Naia--is also excellent, though I felt one important character backslid in terms of relatability and likability, though (pending book 4) perhaps that was intentional. I enjoyed seeing the various threads of the story weave together and more of the world's history (and how everything went wrong) started coming into focus. The final third of this book feature riveting action and was hard to put down.
The novel ends on a cliffhanger which was a little off-putting but since I have the fourth book, I am diving right in. Thoroughly enjoyable story, this series has gotten successively better with each volume.
November 7, 2020
An amazing series thus far. Ms Spencer, you got me for life! I’ll be raving about the Rhenwars for years to come. Darkrise, a magical world of Demons, Mages, and an action adventure fight for survival. As always, love Darien Lauchlin great epic adventures, struggles, and formidable strength. Quinlan Reis is a second favorite. I look forward to his character growth as I move forward into the series’ conclusion.
October 14, 2018
Twists and turns
Whoa what a cliffhanger! So fast paced. People dying, being reborn, being healed over and over again. There's no clear heroes or villains. Everybody is so so wrong and so right. No wonder the battlefield is grey...deep meanings abound. Unlikely heroes are developing through the folds of time.
Whoa what a cliffhanger! So fast paced. People dying, being reborn, being healed over and over again. There's no clear heroes or villains. Everybody is so so wrong and so right. No wonder the battlefield is grey...deep meanings abound. Unlikely heroes are developing through the folds of time.
May 22, 2018
Great book
I could not stop reading this book once I started. There is lots of action and great descriptions of scenery and people.
I could not stop reading this book once I started. There is lots of action and great descriptions of scenery and people.
August 7, 2018
Love the series.....keeps you on the edge of your seat!
November 4, 2020
Couldn't even finish it, this whole trilogy is terrible.
June 27, 2022
Enjoyed this and onto the last book...
January 28, 2023
Well Daaaamnnnn. This series just gets better and better with each chapter.
December 4, 2018
This is the 3rd book in this epic fantasy saga and yet again many things are expected from Darien namely whilst in Aerysius he had been a sentinel, now in Khazahar he needed to be an overlord, and these desert people were very different to those of Aerysius, they believed in blood ties and family and would never follow an outsider. He keeps on making sacrifices to do his job yet people still think of him as evil. I personally do not think that Darien had ever been evil, just a human who with all good intent had made many mistakes. I also really like the character of Quin Reis, his sardonic sense of humour is great and though he too is supposed to be evil I see in Quin more sadness and hurt than evil and his adventurous side is a lot of fun except for those, who unlike him are not already dead but could very well end up being so. As for Naia who would have ever thought she had it in her to follow Quin on his crazy adventures? She too is turning out to be more than she seemed. The reversal was coming and none of them would survive it. Darien had promised that the people of the darklands would get to see the sun and he went all out to keep his promise, however his once great friends of the Rhen, namely Craig and Meiran would not compromise and though they pretended to allow the refugees to enter their lands they once again betrayed Darien and so many lost their lives. The twists and turns, plots and sub-plots and above all betrayal are devastating, leaving the reader reeling and dismayed. So much death and hatred for the faceless enemy who in reality is no more faceless than themselves. No one wins in a war! A strong book, seems to me that every book in the saga is getting darker yet stronger and I absolutely cannot stop reading this amazingly epic read.
October 25, 2018
I was afraid this book was not as exciting as the rest but then it picked up speed and I couldn’t ut it down. Love, love, love this series. Can’t wait to start the next book, Darkfall.
January 16, 2019
Outstanding Story!ML Spencer weaves a Dark web that you just do not want to put Down!
March 20, 2019
An intense satisfying read that leaves you grasping onto a cliff-hanger ending. You better have Darkfall ready to read when you finish the last page.
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