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The Dark Archer
All he wanted was the safety of his princess. What he received was eternal torment.
Bereft of a soul, a wraith who should have no ties to humanity, Bene wants nothing more than release from his twisted existence. Trapped between life and nothingness, he hopes to reclaim his soul and find the death he so desperately desires.
Bene finds rare solace in the company of Feorin, a satyr war hero who chose exile over continuing the centuries long war with the Fae. He doesn't look at Bene with fear or contempt, but rather hope. If a wraith can find a path to redemption, perhaps he could as well…
Bereft of a soul, a wraith who should have no ties to humanity, Bene wants nothing more than release from his twisted existence. Trapped between life and nothingness, he hopes to reclaim his soul and find the death he so desperately desires.
Bene finds rare solace in the company of Feorin, a satyr war hero who chose exile over continuing the centuries long war with the Fae. He doesn't look at Bene with fear or contempt, but rather hope. If a wraith can find a path to redemption, perhaps he could as well…
- GenresFantasy
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 8, 2018
I read it and enjoyed it very much. Robert reminds me of the a “Nicholas Sparks” of the fantasy world-writers. He has such a way with words wrapping you into the story with the characters having such powerful emotions.
I enjoyed the unique friendship between Bene and Feorin as they sometimes had to fight some battles against some of their enemies. Bene only wanted to save his princess but he had to fight other battles and as fate would have it, his friend Feorin was there to help.
I will not spoil this by telling you the ending. Each chapter is filled with excitement and action. I recommend this book – even if you are not a fan of fantasy. Robert Cano’s words alone will capture your heart with his words as I’m sure when he writes, he digs deep within his soul and the words come pouring out.
I enjoyed the unique friendship between Bene and Feorin as they sometimes had to fight some battles against some of their enemies. Bene only wanted to save his princess but he had to fight other battles and as fate would have it, his friend Feorin was there to help.
I will not spoil this by telling you the ending. Each chapter is filled with excitement and action. I recommend this book – even if you are not a fan of fantasy. Robert Cano’s words alone will capture your heart with his words as I’m sure when he writes, he digs deep within his soul and the words come pouring out.
February 4, 2019
Bene, the Dark Archer, is a Wraith. Quite an unlikely hero! I almost didn’t pick up this book, but I am glad I did, because Robert Cano does a masterful job in creating a character with great inner struggles as he finds a way to die in a proper way and rid himself of his wraith existence.
Along the way he meets a cast a very interesting and equally troubled characters.
This is a great fantasy read with hints of mythological undertones. Any reader who loves fantasy and mythology, will love the Dark Archer.
Along the way he meets a cast a very interesting and equally troubled characters.
This is a great fantasy read with hints of mythological undertones. Any reader who loves fantasy and mythology, will love the Dark Archer.
May 3, 2020
Great story, great characters, the story took a surprising turn, which I loved! Looking forward to reading more!
March 14, 2019
A book with twists and turns and dragons.
In the interest of full disclosure the author is a member of a Facebook group I am a member of.
Now with that out of the way this is a great book. What could have easily become just another group on a quest story it rose to become better than that. The characters are multidimensional and not just given cookie cutter personalities. I sincerely hope there are more stories involving Bene and his quest for peace.
In the interest of full disclosure the author is a member of a Facebook group I am a member of.
Now with that out of the way this is a great book. What could have easily become just another group on a quest story it rose to become better than that. The characters are multidimensional and not just given cookie cutter personalities. I sincerely hope there are more stories involving Bene and his quest for peace.
November 4, 2020
The Dark Archer - 5/5 Book Review
Like so many other modern fantasy works, The Dark Archer isn't a book that I could sit down and fly through. I read the first series of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series in a weekend. This book does not allow for that, and there are so many creatures: wraiths, fae, dragons, banshees, gods, satyrs etc. that it takes focus. However, this story is well-worth the perseverance.
The Goods about the book
The Dark Archer trips my taste for solid worldbuilding.
There is a fantastic map tucked in the back of the book that helped me along the way.
It’s pure epic fantasy, the hero’s journey to be exact. It has a tragic romantic thread, but the focus is more on the main character Bene.
Some of the stuff I adored
The concept embedded in the title really intrigued me. It came clear to me around page 50, and I thought to myself. “Wow, that’s cool!”
The way the wraith magic works and is fleshed out throughout the novel was fun. It wasn’t a magic system per se, but it fit more with the nature of being a wraith. If I look at my 5 Sources of Magic post, I’d say this blends the magic given and the genetic magic categories. It’s magic because of his wraith nature. Maybe it’s because I haven’t delved deeply into these creatures, but I found it super unique.
Also, I truly enjoyed the contrast between younger and older dragons. This does hit a trope with the dragons, but it was fun to read in The Dark Archer.
This quote from Bene (spoiler omitted):
And this quote, also from Bene:
The “eh, maybe could be better”s
I will admit that I’m learning to be both a reader and an author, and sometimes the author part handicaps me during my reads. In this case, there weren’t that many things that tripped my author trigger. However, there were a few grammatical issues and instances when I believed the information could have been delivered through more character interaction as opposed to inner monologue. The latter could be stylistic choices, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
Then, there is one thing about the worldbuilding that bothered me. Two moons, okay. I can get behind that. But the thing about multiple suns pulled me out. Again, I think this is just me, because discussing with my son, he mentioned he’d have absolutely no problem with it.
Anyway, that’s really all, folks.
The Bottom Line
I debated between 4 and 5 stars and in the end, I think the story, emotion, and voice of this book deserve all 5. If you’re a fan of fantasy, and especially if you’ve enjoyed activities like table-top role-playing games or online fantasy games, read this! It hits the fantasy tropes but has an unusual main character. That the main character is a wraith makes it an interesting read in itself.
Like so many other modern fantasy works, The Dark Archer isn't a book that I could sit down and fly through. I read the first series of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series in a weekend. This book does not allow for that, and there are so many creatures: wraiths, fae, dragons, banshees, gods, satyrs etc. that it takes focus. However, this story is well-worth the perseverance.
The Goods about the book
The Dark Archer trips my taste for solid worldbuilding.
There is a fantastic map tucked in the back of the book that helped me along the way.
It’s pure epic fantasy, the hero’s journey to be exact. It has a tragic romantic thread, but the focus is more on the main character Bene.
Some of the stuff I adored
The concept embedded in the title really intrigued me. It came clear to me around page 50, and I thought to myself. “Wow, that’s cool!”
The way the wraith magic works and is fleshed out throughout the novel was fun. It wasn’t a magic system per se, but it fit more with the nature of being a wraith. If I look at my 5 Sources of Magic post, I’d say this blends the magic given and the genetic magic categories. It’s magic because of his wraith nature. Maybe it’s because I haven’t delved deeply into these creatures, but I found it super unique.
Also, I truly enjoyed the contrast between younger and older dragons. This does hit a trope with the dragons, but it was fun to read in The Dark Archer.
This quote from Bene (spoiler omitted):
“If it were as easy as me dying, I would welcome it. But you attacked my friends. I never wanted you dead, dragon. I never wanted your…For your loss, I am sorry. For your death, well…you brought this upon yourself.”
page 282
And this quote, also from Bene:
“I am incapable of releasing my humanity for the sake of my own peace. There is nothing more selfish than to seek peace when others suffer, especially at my hands. What I could be is not what I want to be.”
page 338
The “eh, maybe could be better”s
I will admit that I’m learning to be both a reader and an author, and sometimes the author part handicaps me during my reads. In this case, there weren’t that many things that tripped my author trigger. However, there were a few grammatical issues and instances when I believed the information could have been delivered through more character interaction as opposed to inner monologue. The latter could be stylistic choices, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
Then, there is one thing about the worldbuilding that bothered me. Two moons, okay. I can get behind that. But the thing about multiple suns pulled me out. Again, I think this is just me, because discussing with my son, he mentioned he’d have absolutely no problem with it.
Anyway, that’s really all, folks.
The Bottom Line
I debated between 4 and 5 stars and in the end, I think the story, emotion, and voice of this book deserve all 5. If you’re a fan of fantasy, and especially if you’ve enjoyed activities like table-top role-playing games or online fantasy games, read this! It hits the fantasy tropes but has an unusual main character. That the main character is a wraith makes it an interesting read in itself.
July 26, 2019
I personally love a story with archaic prose so for me this was perfect! The story is what it says...DARK. Bene is nothing less than a hero and this story portrays the power of friendship. If you like dark fantasy with a powerful message on friendship this is your book!
March 22, 2019
The Dark Archer is where Bene’s story starts. Loyal to his princess at all costs, he is tortured, and his soul is ripped from his being. As a wraith, Bene searches for death to avoid hurting others to survive. His quest brings him an unlikely group of followers who become his friends despite his efforts to avoid those connections. After all, they are all seeking redemption.
Pros:
There are a lot of things I loved about this book. First is the world building. Cano spent a lot time developing his world. The complexity of creatures, social rules, and history are stunning. And the way he doles it out just fast enough to be interesting but not overwhelming is masterful. Every detail seemed well thought out.
I also loved the character development. These are characters who have a tremendous amount of thought and planning in them. They are multi-faceted and grow with the story. Their choices and behavior throughout the story come across as consistent and realistic. Cano had to have spent time studying people to add the things he does to these characters.
I appreciated the psychology behind the story. As someone who works in behavioral health, the trauma and pain in this story were palpable. The arc of each of the characters as they worked to come to terms with their own trauma, or avoid it, felt authentic. I also loved how each sought a kind of redemption in their own way, and yet the redemption was different for each of them.
Cons:
I have little here people. It’s a wonderful book. The best I can give you for a downside to this book is a warning about the prose. Cano writes in an older, more formal style than many authors today. Personally, once I made that shift in my head from what I am more used to, I found the prose to be beautiful. However, I know people may struggle a little with this style of writing. So, just keep in mind this is a book you’re not likely to whip through in a couple hours. The writing style will probably slow you down some and push you a little.
Conclusion
I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Since I can’t do that on most review sites for ratings, I’ll round it up to a 5 out of 5. Excellent dark fantasy book. Be careful with the trauma, it may hook you more than you expect. And the prose is challenging, but well worth the work to read. Check it out!
Pros:
There are a lot of things I loved about this book. First is the world building. Cano spent a lot time developing his world. The complexity of creatures, social rules, and history are stunning. And the way he doles it out just fast enough to be interesting but not overwhelming is masterful. Every detail seemed well thought out.
I also loved the character development. These are characters who have a tremendous amount of thought and planning in them. They are multi-faceted and grow with the story. Their choices and behavior throughout the story come across as consistent and realistic. Cano had to have spent time studying people to add the things he does to these characters.
I appreciated the psychology behind the story. As someone who works in behavioral health, the trauma and pain in this story were palpable. The arc of each of the characters as they worked to come to terms with their own trauma, or avoid it, felt authentic. I also loved how each sought a kind of redemption in their own way, and yet the redemption was different for each of them.
Cons:
I have little here people. It’s a wonderful book. The best I can give you for a downside to this book is a warning about the prose. Cano writes in an older, more formal style than many authors today. Personally, once I made that shift in my head from what I am more used to, I found the prose to be beautiful. However, I know people may struggle a little with this style of writing. So, just keep in mind this is a book you’re not likely to whip through in a couple hours. The writing style will probably slow you down some and push you a little.
Conclusion
I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Since I can’t do that on most review sites for ratings, I’ll round it up to a 5 out of 5. Excellent dark fantasy book. Be careful with the trauma, it may hook you more than you expect. And the prose is challenging, but well worth the work to read. Check it out!
February 9, 2020
It’s been sometime since I read a fantasy novel. I was lucky to meet the author in college where he gave me a signed copy. I don’t usually read fantasy because so many are too focused on world building and are terribly unimaginative. Most are trying to mimic LOTR or GOT but The Dark Archer and the tale of Bene the wraith is something unique. Instead part of this reminded me of a little more obscure fantasy, The Legacy of Kain and Soul Reaver series. Cano does what I wish more indie fantasy writers would do, and that’s put the characters up front. Sure there’s world building and there’s the typical expository drops but they don’t last long and Cano doesn’t spend lines upon lines giving you backstory. His characters are the focus and I found myself loving each of the four big party members, and while Bene is our lead, I definitely became a big fan of Feorin the satyr. The criticism you’ll see about the prose is true. You’ll either love it or hate it. It reminded me of reading The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams and can be cumbersome at times. But Cano is creating his own high speech in this world so it adds that immersion. People are oddly kind and respectful in his world. I’d have liked to see more antagonism from the antagonists. There is a big baddy and a couple others but none of it compares to a particular rift between characters that I wish would have lasted much longer because it was so twisted and dramatic that I wanted more from it. Cano did what most fantasy hasn’t been able to do for me and that’s care about its characters. You want to see them reach their points and help Bene and you know he’ll need it soon because theirs always this tension in the air. Like something bigger is coming. It’s the peace before the calm when bigger powers are barely starting to stir. I’m looking forward to the next books to see where these characters go, and yes maybe get a little more world building...but not too much lol.
December 6, 2020
The Dark Archer by the author Robert Cano is an epic dark fantasy. It is the sequel of The Suffering.
Bene, the guard captain of princess of Preju, Devani only wanted the safety of his princess but he was left to his torment alone after Affractus ripped his soul from his body. Bene is now a wraith. Wraith is the soulless wanderer. Affractus is the reason black magic exists in the world. The princess for which Bene has given his whole life had no concern for what fate had brought to him.
Feorin, a satyr who wanted to have peace saw a shadowed figure coming out of the forest. After sometime, he could hear the voice inside his head. He talked to the wraith and they introduced each other. Bene felt so good after feeling the life through Feorin.
This is an interesting story showing loneliness, friendship, freedom, grief, etc. Cover photo of the book couldn't have been better. World building is nice. Pace of the story was medium and characters are described nicely. This is a great fantasy story and Robert has impressed me with the emotions expressed in this book. Story is really dark and if you enjoy dark fantasy stories, give a try to this one. I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Bene, the guard captain of princess of Preju, Devani only wanted the safety of his princess but he was left to his torment alone after Affractus ripped his soul from his body. Bene is now a wraith. Wraith is the soulless wanderer. Affractus is the reason black magic exists in the world. The princess for which Bene has given his whole life had no concern for what fate had brought to him.
Feorin, a satyr who wanted to have peace saw a shadowed figure coming out of the forest. After sometime, he could hear the voice inside his head. He talked to the wraith and they introduced each other. Bene felt so good after feeling the life through Feorin.
This is an interesting story showing loneliness, friendship, freedom, grief, etc. Cover photo of the book couldn't have been better. World building is nice. Pace of the story was medium and characters are described nicely. This is a great fantasy story and Robert has impressed me with the emotions expressed in this book. Story is really dark and if you enjoy dark fantasy stories, give a try to this one. I am sure you won't be disappointed.
December 2, 2020
I found this story interesting to start. It was a fun look at a new kind of hero. The storyline is good and at times it is hard to put down. I rated it four stars because even though the story is good there were a few parts that just seemed to jump to where the author wanted to take it without giving me a good reason. Even to the point of forcing the story at times when I think it could have been made to flow better. I also struggled at times with some of the grammatical errors while reading it, causing me to reread sentences several times. A little clean up will make it even better, I am sure, in the future. Overall it is still a good story and I applaud the author. Thank you for taking me along for the ride in a world filled with many mythical creatures and for giving a wraith an interesting perspective.
December 3, 2020
There's something about Bene that pierces my soul. He doesn't have one, and the concept of the soul is something that bodes deep in my life, and many others. He's a character, someone magical, mystical, yet tormented. He's the main focus of this poetic series. I'd mentioned about author Robert Cano's captivating prose on his prequel novella, but in The Dark Archer, he gets to flex his writing muscles. Poetry, thoughts and dreams of nightmares and darkness abound, yet the eloquent style offers longing for redemption. There is something out there for Bene, it seems. I can feel it. One of the best character studies published recently.
November 2, 2020
🌸The Dark Archer is an incredibly written fantasy book and for a person like me who love fantasy books a lot, this book is an another great rollercoaster ride.
🌸This book will take you to the journey of Bene, a wraith that is looking to find peace by ending his existence, he is tortured, and his soul is ripped. Bene searches for death so that he can achieve peace.
Why he is like that?
He is described as the one who was loyal to his princess, all he wanted was the safety of his princess but what he received was eternal torment. So, the story follows his quest to find peace and rest and his quest brings him an unlikely group of followers who become his friends despite his efforts to avoid those connections.
There is so much to share about this book but I don't want to be a spoiler.
🌸The Dark Archer and the tale of the wraith is something unique to read and imagine. I am very impressed with this story. The characters and plot building is too good and different from other stories. When i decided to read this book, I was not sure if i will be able to complete it with this Interest till the end but honestly its a Woww read, the story goes with the flow and there is no point where i felt like i should take a break with this story, I continued reading and finished it in one go which is the best quality of any book. The characters are very impressive and well developed, You can actually imagine the character of Bene in your mind.
Overall its a wonderful tale full of rich dialogue, emotions, strong attractive characters and a hero, who just wants to die, Unique? Totally unique!
To all the fantasy lovers, don't miss reading this book💌
🌸This book will take you to the journey of Bene, a wraith that is looking to find peace by ending his existence, he is tortured, and his soul is ripped. Bene searches for death so that he can achieve peace.
Why he is like that?
He is described as the one who was loyal to his princess, all he wanted was the safety of his princess but what he received was eternal torment. So, the story follows his quest to find peace and rest and his quest brings him an unlikely group of followers who become his friends despite his efforts to avoid those connections.
There is so much to share about this book but I don't want to be a spoiler.
🌸The Dark Archer and the tale of the wraith is something unique to read and imagine. I am very impressed with this story. The characters and plot building is too good and different from other stories. When i decided to read this book, I was not sure if i will be able to complete it with this Interest till the end but honestly its a Woww read, the story goes with the flow and there is no point where i felt like i should take a break with this story, I continued reading and finished it in one go which is the best quality of any book. The characters are very impressive and well developed, You can actually imagine the character of Bene in your mind.
Overall its a wonderful tale full of rich dialogue, emotions, strong attractive characters and a hero, who just wants to die, Unique? Totally unique!
To all the fantasy lovers, don't miss reading this book💌
November 27, 2020
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: The Dark Archer
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Robert Cano
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
The Dark Archer is the second book that I have read penned down by the author Robert Cano. The story intrigued me from the beginning. Bene's character has already impressed me in Robert's novella "The Suffering". Bene was so loyal towards his princess. He has given everything for her but the princess abandoned him. He is turned into a Corporeal wraith.
Bene encountered a satyr Feorin who has fought in the last two centuries of The Great War and is tired now from the war. Under the threat of death, Feroin has been exiled from his homeland. When Feorin and Bene interacted, Feorin asked him to visit him again. Bene visited Feorin again and Feorin told him about the fae that wanted him dead. But Feorin was at least happy to see Bene again.
This is a unique story. Although I have read dark fantasy stories earlier but this is surely more interesting and unique one. Bene is an immortal but impressed me really. Language of the book involves some difficult words and I have added those to my vocabulary. Story is gripping. I enjoyed this dark fantasy and I like to suggest this one to my friends.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4.5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Robert Cano
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
The Dark Archer is the second book that I have read penned down by the author Robert Cano. The story intrigued me from the beginning. Bene's character has already impressed me in Robert's novella "The Suffering". Bene was so loyal towards his princess. He has given everything for her but the princess abandoned him. He is turned into a Corporeal wraith.
Bene encountered a satyr Feorin who has fought in the last two centuries of The Great War and is tired now from the war. Under the threat of death, Feroin has been exiled from his homeland. When Feorin and Bene interacted, Feorin asked him to visit him again. Bene visited Feorin again and Feorin told him about the fae that wanted him dead. But Feorin was at least happy to see Bene again.
This is a unique story. Although I have read dark fantasy stories earlier but this is surely more interesting and unique one. Bene is an immortal but impressed me really. Language of the book involves some difficult words and I have added those to my vocabulary. Story is gripping. I enjoyed this dark fantasy and I like to suggest this one to my friends.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4.5/5
December 2, 2020
Detailed Review Of "The Dark Archer" By Robert Cano
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Fantasy
Ratings 5/5
The dark Archer is one of the fantasy book which really make you hooked and take you to it's amazing world
The story is very intriguing and kept you hooked with it throughout the end and also it's a fast pace story.
The language of the book is very easy so even if you're a beginner reader you can read it easily. The vocabulary of the book is also very good.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me. Author has narrated this story very nicely.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the readers.
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Fantasy
Ratings 5/5
The dark Archer is one of the fantasy book which really make you hooked and take you to it's amazing world
The story is very intriguing and kept you hooked with it throughout the end and also it's a fast pace story.
The language of the book is very easy so even if you're a beginner reader you can read it easily. The vocabulary of the book is also very good.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me. Author has narrated this story very nicely.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the readers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews