What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkling Mage #2
Dark Harvest
Dustin Graves has three days to live.
The darkling mage has found himself in the company of scoundrels. Maybe that's what Dustin deserves: a werewolf, a vampire, and a talking sword for teammates, and a rogue sorcerer as his mentor and master.
But a doomsday cult has surfaced. Twelve mutilated bodies are found drowned in blood and in wine. The massacre stinks of both the divine and the supernatural. Worst of all, an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission, one he must complete in three days. The reward? He gets to live. Well... maybe.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the second book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Dark Harvest today.
The darkling mage has found himself in the company of scoundrels. Maybe that's what Dustin deserves: a werewolf, a vampire, and a talking sword for teammates, and a rogue sorcerer as his mentor and master.
But a doomsday cult has surfaced. Twelve mutilated bodies are found drowned in blood and in wine. The massacre stinks of both the divine and the supernatural. Worst of all, an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission, one he must complete in three days. The reward? He gets to live. Well... maybe.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the second book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Dark Harvest today.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2018
413 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books394 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 16, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I thought that this book was really well done. I enjoyed the first book in the series quite a bit so I was pretty excited to start reading this book. It really had everything that I was looking for with great characters, a touch of humor, a mystery that kept me guess, and one of my favorite narrators. I really enjoyed the hours that I spend with this book.
This book is the second book in the Darkling Mage series which I do think is best read in order since this book picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Dustin's life looks somewhat similar but yet different than it did in the previous book. He is still stealing things but he is doing it for a different group. He still has his trusty sword and seems to be able to get out of some pretty serious situations.
The story opens with the search for a very special cup and things go wrong almost immediately. Before long, Dustin has been assigned a task and if he can't complete it within three days he will die. Let's just say that Dustin is pretty motivated to do what he has been asked to do. The story takes quite a few twists and turns and there is a lot of excitement along the way.
Luke Daniels does a phenomenal job with this book. He really was able to bring Dustin to life and I loved the voices that he used for all of the characters. I think that he was able to give highlight Dustin's sense of humor through his reading. He was very easy to listen to for hours at a time and I think that I liked this story just a bit more because of his narration.
I would recommend this series to others. This was an action-filled story where anything could happen. This was a very complete story but there were a few unresolved questions that I hope will be addressed in future books. I can't wait to read more about Dustin and his friends!
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
I thought that this book was really well done. I enjoyed the first book in the series quite a bit so I was pretty excited to start reading this book. It really had everything that I was looking for with great characters, a touch of humor, a mystery that kept me guess, and one of my favorite narrators. I really enjoyed the hours that I spend with this book.
This book is the second book in the Darkling Mage series which I do think is best read in order since this book picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Dustin's life looks somewhat similar but yet different than it did in the previous book. He is still stealing things but he is doing it for a different group. He still has his trusty sword and seems to be able to get out of some pretty serious situations.
The story opens with the search for a very special cup and things go wrong almost immediately. Before long, Dustin has been assigned a task and if he can't complete it within three days he will die. Let's just say that Dustin is pretty motivated to do what he has been asked to do. The story takes quite a few twists and turns and there is a lot of excitement along the way.
Luke Daniels does a phenomenal job with this book. He really was able to bring Dustin to life and I loved the voices that he used for all of the characters. I think that he was able to give highlight Dustin's sense of humor through his reading. He was very easy to listen to for hours at a time and I think that I liked this story just a bit more because of his narration.
I would recommend this series to others. This was an action-filled story where anything could happen. This was a very complete story but there were a few unresolved questions that I hope will be addressed in future books. I can't wait to read more about Dustin and his friends!
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
May 9, 2020
3.9 stars. I liked the story better than the first, but I liked Dustin less. Dustin actually was irritating me a lot.
May 14, 2023
Ugh! This is so frustrating. That villain who won't die permanently and the jerkface entities. I swear I want to punch Dionysus face right now. I'm just glad the gods in Book 1 came around to help. And please, bring me back my Vanitas. 😭 I hope the next installment, Dustin will find some new skill to grow stronger.
P.S. This book has 666 ratings as of this writing and I'll break that curse by posting the 667th rating. Neurotic, I know. 😂
P.S. This book has 666 ratings as of this writing and I'll break that curse by posting the 667th rating. Neurotic, I know. 😂
Read
August 20, 2018Warning: it's in your best interest to read the books in order. Start with Penumbra, available for free from nazrinoor.com, and then move on to Shadow Magic before reading Dark Harvest. Dustin says so! Just... just trust in Dustin.
June 12, 2020
Another fast paced, all action, filled book. Dustin and the gang are really growing as characters and the world building is fantastic. I will definitely be reading the whole series.
August 26, 2018
This is book #3 for me after Penumbra and Shadow Magic and I continue to enjoy the Darkling Mage series. UF is a favourite of mine and I'm enjoying the mythology, the gods/entities, and a number of the characters give me a lot of enjoyment in the way they behave, some not as much. It's well written, including plenty of action throughout, and the usual snark and banter is definitely on page. I'm very interested to see where this 'verse, Dustin, and these characters take me next.
There are returning characters, new ones, new cults - Viridian Dawn step into the fold in Dark Harvest - and more I can't talk about for fear of spoiling the book.
Full blog review -
There are returning characters, new ones, new cults - Viridian Dawn step into the fold in Dark Harvest - and more I can't talk about for fear of spoiling the book.
Full blog review -
June 5, 2020
It's getting there...
The darkling mage has left his old job for a new job, but Dustin's work description is pretty much the same; find magic artifacts and keep them out of evil hands. This time around, however, Dust is working with a vampire, a werewolf, and a mentor-magical being of unknown origins, A.K.A his former enemies. Oh and let us not forget Dust's talking sword. This time around Dustin finds twelve mutilated bodies, as opposed to the 3 at the beginning of book 1. The bodies are found drowned in blood and in wine. On top off, Dust has been tasked by an ancient god to go on a mission with a short deadline or he might die.
This book continues the snarky, grit and gore from book one with some improvements to the gloom, pun intended. Dustin is still discovering the magic underground but there is some experience to his decisions now. I am glad I forced myself to listen to this book after the first because 1) Nazri Noor is getting better at his craft as this book is much better then the first, and 2) I was satisfied enough with this book to want to get into book 3 (which is even better then book 2). Some of my favorite moments are Dustin working through some PTSD concerning the use of his special brand of magic, learning to live with his co-workers, and generally seeing Dust develop more then he was able to in the last book.
Luke Daniels does another amazing job here that I believe that he was the perfect choice for this books snark and humor. Honestly, he is the reason I got into the series in the first place, and into book 2 after the first.
The darkling mage has left his old job for a new job, but Dustin's work description is pretty much the same; find magic artifacts and keep them out of evil hands. This time around, however, Dust is working with a vampire, a werewolf, and a mentor-magical being of unknown origins, A.K.A his former enemies. Oh and let us not forget Dust's talking sword. This time around Dustin finds twelve mutilated bodies, as opposed to the 3 at the beginning of book 1. The bodies are found drowned in blood and in wine. On top off, Dust has been tasked by an ancient god to go on a mission with a short deadline or he might die.
This book continues the snarky, grit and gore from book one with some improvements to the gloom, pun intended. Dustin is still discovering the magic underground but there is some experience to his decisions now. I am glad I forced myself to listen to this book after the first because 1) Nazri Noor is getting better at his craft as this book is much better then the first, and 2) I was satisfied enough with this book to want to get into book 3 (which is even better then book 2). Some of my favorite moments are Dustin working through some PTSD concerning the use of his special brand of magic, learning to live with his co-workers, and generally seeing Dust develop more then he was able to in the last book.
Luke Daniels does another amazing job here that I believe that he was the perfect choice for this books snark and humor. Honestly, he is the reason I got into the series in the first place, and into book 2 after the first.
August 16, 2018
The first couple of pages immediately reminded me why I love this author, his stories, and his characters. I think I loved this book even more than the previous two. And Dustin is still one of the most lovable characters ever created.
First of all, the author's writing style is superb, consistent without a flaw, and with a particular note of dry satire and black humour. I could not love his stories more. I wish a had the next book(s) immediately to continue. The characters created by this author are simply amazing, and I am not even referring to my beloved Dustin. All of the characters have their own strengths, flaws, and lovable sides, or superevil intentions. The author develops his world further and adds incredible dimensions and entities.
The story itself, continues several months after the ending of the previous book, and it immediately start off into a roller coaster of action and confrontations, with Dustin somehow always ending up in the middle of them, and some of the time seriously hurt. Fortunately, he is a very resilient character.
I don't think I can express with words how much I enjoyed this book, I just know that I got sucked into the story from page one and I didn't want it to end. This is truly an amazing series and I hope the author is planning many more books.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage, #1), and Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage, #2).
First of all, the author's writing style is superb, consistent without a flaw, and with a particular note of dry satire and black humour. I could not love his stories more. I wish a had the next book(s) immediately to continue. The characters created by this author are simply amazing, and I am not even referring to my beloved Dustin. All of the characters have their own strengths, flaws, and lovable sides, or superevil intentions. The author develops his world further and adds incredible dimensions and entities.
The story itself, continues several months after the ending of the previous book, and it immediately start off into a roller coaster of action and confrontations, with Dustin somehow always ending up in the middle of them, and some of the time seriously hurt. Fortunately, he is a very resilient character.
I don't think I can express with words how much I enjoyed this book, I just know that I got sucked into the story from page one and I didn't want it to end. This is truly an amazing series and I hope the author is planning many more books.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage, #1), and Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage, #2).
April 2, 2019
Worse than Book 1
I tried this second book because there was a possibility that the writer's storytelling would improve. It didn't and I bailed about two-thirds of the way in.
The characters get more cartoon-like. The plot makes even less sense. The entities are about the only interesting parts of the book. Armed twenty+ year old white males are called "kids" by the MC (even after murdering many people while committing acts of magical terrorism). When do white males become adults? Black children are treated as criminals in the courts as young as six years old and sometimes killed by police as well.
This is supposed to be America and every white male or female non-police person can claim they were scared for their life in the presence of a fourteen year old or less black girl and reasonably expect to be acquitted of murder (and no charges for anything less).
On what planet does the MC live. The prohibition on killing normals makes no sense at all but if it did, it doesn't apply to those losers.
The MC hesitated to kill the person, whom he thought was the woman that murdered him? He's flirting with a woman who's trying to kill him? He mouths off at deities? He doesn't train in magic or combat because it makes him sweaty? This book probably appeals to some readers but it was a waste of my time. I hope this writer gets better in his next series.
I tried this second book because there was a possibility that the writer's storytelling would improve. It didn't and I bailed about two-thirds of the way in.
The characters get more cartoon-like. The plot makes even less sense. The entities are about the only interesting parts of the book. Armed twenty+ year old white males are called "kids" by the MC (even after murdering many people while committing acts of magical terrorism). When do white males become adults? Black children are treated as criminals in the courts as young as six years old and sometimes killed by police as well.
This is supposed to be America and every white male or female non-police person can claim they were scared for their life in the presence of a fourteen year old or less black girl and reasonably expect to be acquitted of murder (and no charges for anything less).
On what planet does the MC live. The prohibition on killing normals makes no sense at all but if it did, it doesn't apply to those losers.
The MC hesitated to kill the person, whom he thought was the woman that murdered him? He's flirting with a woman who's trying to kill him? He mouths off at deities? He doesn't train in magic or combat because it makes him sweaty? This book probably appeals to some readers but it was a waste of my time. I hope this writer gets better in his next series.
August 24, 2018
As far as follow-ups to brilliant first novels go, this one is stellar.
Dust, working for his new employer, once again gets over his head in the extraction of an artifact. He encounters some prior acquaintances, and meets some intriguing new characters along the way.
For me, the strength of this novel is in Dust's character development. First of all, I love the sarcasm and wit. I wish more characters were this clever. Dust has a certain bravado, but we also see his vulnerabilities - even though they're not revealed as we might expect.
The narrative moves along at a great pace, with lots of action. There is careful description mixed in, but it never mires the book down.
The one weakness in this novel is that I found a lack of development in some of the overarching elements (those that I anticipate with resolve over the course of the whole series). This includes Dust's abilities (what's so special about him, his origins, etc). I think it's wise not to reveal or resolve too quickly, but I would have liked more development along these lines than I read.
Still, this is a brilliant, funny, and touching follow-up to the first book in the series, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
Dust, working for his new employer, once again gets over his head in the extraction of an artifact. He encounters some prior acquaintances, and meets some intriguing new characters along the way.
For me, the strength of this novel is in Dust's character development. First of all, I love the sarcasm and wit. I wish more characters were this clever. Dust has a certain bravado, but we also see his vulnerabilities - even though they're not revealed as we might expect.
The narrative moves along at a great pace, with lots of action. There is careful description mixed in, but it never mires the book down.
The one weakness in this novel is that I found a lack of development in some of the overarching elements (those that I anticipate with resolve over the course of the whole series). This includes Dust's abilities (what's so special about him, his origins, etc). I think it's wise not to reveal or resolve too quickly, but I would have liked more development along these lines than I read.
Still, this is a brilliant, funny, and touching follow-up to the first book in the series, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
March 18, 2024
An utterly PERFECT ending!!!
Preceded, might I add, by an incredibly excellent book!
This book hits all the right buttons and all in the right order. You have a mystery, you have tension, you have the great climax, battle, the resolution, and then wham a perfect ending.
You know, when I articulated themany issues which I had with the beginning of the “arcane hearts” series, I also said that I stuck with the series solely because even amidst “the mess,” I could discern a great talent.
In my review of the previous book in this series, I acknowledged this, but I want to reiterate that this guy has a talent one has no choice but to appreciate. He builds a complex tale that always manages to find its ending and yet always leaves that dangling to hook you for the next installment - ending though everything has wrapped up nicely. It’s great! Annoying if you are one of those who wants it all right now, like me, but, like me, you’ll get over it. It’s too much fun, and you can’t help but forgive him.
In other words, pick it up now and enjoy!
Preceded, might I add, by an incredibly excellent book!
This book hits all the right buttons and all in the right order. You have a mystery, you have tension, you have the great climax, battle, the resolution, and then wham a perfect ending.
You know, when I articulated themany issues which I had with the beginning of the “arcane hearts” series, I also said that I stuck with the series solely because even amidst “the mess,” I could discern a great talent.
In my review of the previous book in this series, I acknowledged this, but I want to reiterate that this guy has a talent one has no choice but to appreciate. He builds a complex tale that always manages to find its ending and yet always leaves that dangling to hook you for the next installment - ending though everything has wrapped up nicely. It’s great! Annoying if you are one of those who wants it all right now, like me, but, like me, you’ll get over it. It’s too much fun, and you can’t help but forgive him.
In other words, pick it up now and enjoy!
August 30, 2018
Dustin Graves is a darkling mage and is now part of a group of scoundrels working for a rogue sorcerer and a teammate of a werewolf and a vampire. Dustin is also using a mysterious talking sword (who seems to be a bit bloodthirsty). When a doomsday cult appears and they come across 12 bodies life appears complicated enough but them an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission that he has to complete within 3 days or else he will die. (no pressure then!). Can he survive and complete the mission?
Wow - this book was full of action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and turns. Throughout it had lots of great dialogue and snarky comments that made me smile. It was definitely a great example of urban fantasy and the world that the author created was very clear and easy to understand. The way the book ended definitely made me laugh - all I will say is it happens in a park and involves a finger. Well written and a delight to read - I can't wait to find out what happens to Dust next!
Wow - this book was full of action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and turns. Throughout it had lots of great dialogue and snarky comments that made me smile. It was definitely a great example of urban fantasy and the world that the author created was very clear and easy to understand. The way the book ended definitely made me laugh - all I will say is it happens in a park and involves a finger. Well written and a delight to read - I can't wait to find out what happens to Dust next!
August 1, 2019
This book builds nicely on the first one nicely, but it is not simply more of the same, while Dustin is still in danger it does feel more personal and on a slightly smaller scale than the previous book. This is not a bad thing as the author had done a lot of the world-building in the first book and now has more time to spend on character-building this time round with the supporting cast seeming to get more attention this time round.
This narrator again gives a strong performance that helps to enhance the story and to help to bring the characters to life more fully with distinctive voices for most of the cast.
Overall, this book works really well as part of the series and as a book in it's own right and I am looking forward to some of the subsequent ones in the series being released as audiobooks.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
This narrator again gives a strong performance that helps to enhance the story and to help to bring the characters to life more fully with distinctive voices for most of the cast.
Overall, this book works really well as part of the series and as a book in it's own right and I am looking forward to some of the subsequent ones in the series being released as audiobooks.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 18, 2020
The storyline leads you into some of the darkest scenes, or those rare ones that Protagonist, Dustin finds that soothe his very soul. The prose is lyrical and flows like a mountain stream bubbling over smooth moss-covered stones. I am in awe of the skill of the author as he paints a setting so vivid you look around to see if you are there at the center of the happenings. I love the style of writing and again, I find I have to stop and stare off into space compelled to savor what I have read. This is becoming among my most favorite of all the novels ever. I assure you, I have read many in the Fantasy Genre. Likely more than most readers. I consider it a part of my education as a writer to learn of the myriad of ways authors choose to deliver what they conjure in their minds to lay in our hands. The very enjoyment of reading is what makes it all worthwhile.
Eager to keep the adventures moving, I am ready to begin the next in the series, book three, Grave Intentions.
Eager to keep the adventures moving, I am ready to begin the next in the series, book three, Grave Intentions.
May 6, 2024
DARK HARVEST continues Dustin's journey but now he's left the Lorica, has a talking sword roommate, and is working for a mysterious sorcerer alongside a snarky vampire and an affable werewolf. I don't know yet if Dustin is working for the good guys, bad guys, or something in between but it was interesting to learn more about his powers and where they might come from.
Dustin stumbles his way through a lot of his magical encounters but with an endearing quality that makes him an enjoyable narrator. I'm also weirdly finding Sterling fun and I'm definitely curious about who or what Carver is.
I would like to see some diversification in the female characters. Prudence is pretty badass but most of the other women Dustin encounters seem to all revert to a simpering, girlish vibe that feels weirdly childlike.
Dustin stumbles his way through a lot of his magical encounters but with an endearing quality that makes him an enjoyable narrator. I'm also weirdly finding Sterling fun and I'm definitely curious about who or what Carver is.
I would like to see some diversification in the female characters. Prudence is pretty badass but most of the other women Dustin encounters seem to all revert to a simpering, girlish vibe that feels weirdly childlike.
June 22, 2020
Dustin Graves has a new job which seems incredible similar to his last one with the Lorica. The main difference is that Dustin trusts Carver his new boss. The other difference is the Lorica will try to not harm anyone at all times. His new team eschews this little rule in order to do things right. Which is how they end up meeting Bacchus at a pretty hip nightclub.
I really like the interaction of the characters with Mythical characters of other beliefs and how they intermingle with Dustin. This is a lot of fun and it reads fast as you get engrossed in the story.
Highly recommended series. One thing to note this should be book 3 not 2. But I didn't know "Penumbra" existed. Now thinking if I should double back and read it before continuing the series.
I really like the interaction of the characters with Mythical characters of other beliefs and how they intermingle with Dustin. This is a lot of fun and it reads fast as you get engrossed in the story.
Highly recommended series. One thing to note this should be book 3 not 2. But I didn't know "Penumbra" existed. Now thinking if I should double back and read it before continuing the series.
April 5, 2023
Just trust in Dustin
This book was an absolutely wild ride.
There wasn’t really any character development to speak of, but this book literally only takes place over the span of three days. One of which Dustin basically slept through.
Dark Harvest quite literally has it all—magic, intrigue, danger…and a werewolf in teddy bear pajamas and fuzzy puppy slippers. Yes, you read that right.
At the beginning of this series Dustin reveals that he’s basically a jack of all trades and, as I read this book, I couldn’t help but feel like the author must be as well. I’ve read between 12 and 15 books by this author now and I am continuously impressed with just how much he KNOWS. Like how does his brain hold all that information?
This book was an absolutely wild ride.
There wasn’t really any character development to speak of, but this book literally only takes place over the span of three days. One of which Dustin basically slept through.
Dark Harvest quite literally has it all—magic, intrigue, danger…and a werewolf in teddy bear pajamas and fuzzy puppy slippers. Yes, you read that right.
At the beginning of this series Dustin reveals that he’s basically a jack of all trades and, as I read this book, I couldn’t help but feel like the author must be as well. I’ve read between 12 and 15 books by this author now and I am continuously impressed with just how much he KNOWS. Like how does his brain hold all that information?
April 4, 2024
Very good but it still needs more!
I enjoyed this one slightly more then the one before due to character connections and the shorter timeline but it is still missing something and I think I finally figured it out. Dustin is not growing fast enough for my liking. (This is a preference not an issue in the writing or story.) I want him to grow as a character to the point where he is not such a one trick pony. And, he is...... just at a snails pace. He is going through dramatic events and not learning much from any of it. But it is one of his flaws and it is mentioned by many of the other characters in the books. So I can take it not as an over sight of the author, but an intentional hurtle Dustin needs to get over.
So, I'll wait....as patiently as I can.
On to the next one!
I enjoyed this one slightly more then the one before due to character connections and the shorter timeline but it is still missing something and I think I finally figured it out. Dustin is not growing fast enough for my liking. (This is a preference not an issue in the writing or story.) I want him to grow as a character to the point where he is not such a one trick pony. And, he is...... just at a snails pace. He is going through dramatic events and not learning much from any of it. But it is one of his flaws and it is mentioned by many of the other characters in the books. So I can take it not as an over sight of the author, but an intentional hurtle Dustin needs to get over.
So, I'll wait....as patiently as I can.
On to the next one!
September 12, 2025
Dark Harvest leans into bloodier stakes with more cults, gore, and confrontations, but the execution rarely feels fresh or surprising. Much like the first book, the snarky narration and urban-fantasy grit echo themes that Noor later refined in Arcane Hearts, making this feel more like groundwork than a standout story. The characters remain more archetypes than fully developed personalities. While there are moments of great, dark humor and atmosphere, it falls just short of shaking the sense of being formulaic rather than compelling.
September 6, 2018
Easy Read
Book 2 shows Dustin trying to find his place with his new group.
However, he is also not ready to leave behind his friends from the Lorica. This leads to awkward confrontations in the book which is greatly felt as reading this book also leaves you feeling awkward as Dustin tries to become more than he is and mostly fails. But it still leaves you with hope that our character will grow in the next book.
Book 2 shows Dustin trying to find his place with his new group.
However, he is also not ready to leave behind his friends from the Lorica. This leads to awkward confrontations in the book which is greatly felt as reading this book also leaves you feeling awkward as Dustin tries to become more than he is and mostly fails. But it still leaves you with hope that our character will grow in the next book.
March 9, 2019
Enjoying this series
It’s like going a journey of self discovery finding out what skills and secrets Dustin has got the feeling that where he thinks he comes from is not what it seems.
The characters are engaging and vibrant love the stories always leaving you to want to read more see where they are going what’s up the sleeves of the characters and finding out the secrets they are hiding
It’s like going a journey of self discovery finding out what skills and secrets Dustin has got the feeling that where he thinks he comes from is not what it seems.
The characters are engaging and vibrant love the stories always leaving you to want to read more see where they are going what’s up the sleeves of the characters and finding out the secrets they are hiding
August 4, 2019
Second main book in the series, 3rd if you count the prequel Penumbra. Builds the series nicely. This has the makings of a great new urban fantasy series. Fast moving and enjoyable. Narrator also performed extremely well. I will be continuing the series as they are published in audio format.
Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 11, 2020
Too many times the writer emphasized this was a 2nd book, making comments all over about 'maybe someone should write a book about it'. To the degree that I almost contacted audible for my credit back- just to much! The way the character re-introduced himself is equally like nails on a chalkboard bad. Characters are a little weak, mbv emphasizing certain characteristics but not touching others. Story line was ok, but not enough of interest to continue the series.
November 16, 2023
OK Dustin is starting to grow on me. I enjoy this book better than the last, and I am becoming more and more invested in his story and what he really is… The secondary characters are becoming more interesting as well. I want to know what’s going on with prudence and Gill.. and I’m starting to think there is no type of MM love interest in this series at all.. and I’m getting sick of Thea will that bitch just die already!! I hope her death isn’t dragged on book after book!!
August 31, 2019
My review is based on the audiobook. I love this series. It has action, adventure, magic and characters that you quickly become invested in. The storyline is original and keeps your interest throughout. The narrator is awesome with perfect pacing and character voices that are easy to distinguish and understand. I look forward to more in this series
April 24, 2024
This is the first series since the Dresden files that I've read that has interested me so much that I want to just keep reading. It has been tough to find another urban fantasy author I've liked as much at Butcher but these books have been amazing. I'm so glad there are multiple series built in the same world! Onto book #3!
January 4, 2019
Fast paced! Left me wanting more!
Wow. The dear author did it again! Actually, tbh, I think this book was better than the first. Thanks again to MD Massey for the reading suggestion!
Wow. The dear author did it again! Actually, tbh, I think this book was better than the first. Thanks again to MD Massey for the reading suggestion!
March 23, 2019
Developing nicely, but slowly
Good story line, just waiting to see if there is more development of the characters and story. I want to be totally sucked in to the story, but not quite there yet. Am downloading book 3!
Good story line, just waiting to see if there is more development of the characters and story. I want to be totally sucked in to the story, but not quite there yet. Am downloading book 3!
May 25, 2019
Trust in Dustin
I'm loving this series and the main characters. Dust is in the thick of it trying to save his life and his friends. The mysterious Mr. Carver enters the fray, and what is up with Gil and Prue?
I'm loving this series and the main characters. Dust is in the thick of it trying to save his life and his friends. The mysterious Mr. Carver enters the fray, and what is up with Gil and Prue?
December 16, 2019
You should give it a try
Surprising how such a frustrating hero can be at the center of such a fun story. The guy is lazy, a professional complainer, with a instinct to run from everything hard (even the training that can save his life), and yet he manages brilliantly.
Surprising how such a frustrating hero can be at the center of such a fun story. The guy is lazy, a professional complainer, with a instinct to run from everything hard (even the training that can save his life), and yet he manages brilliantly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews