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Darkness Within Saga #3
Fallen Sepulchre
Warning: 18+ Only. Contains scenes of an adult nature.
Threatened by an Elloryan invasion reinforced by the Ancients, the sanctuary Ember and Max sought in DormaSai after Kael’s burial is at its end. A civil war rages in Cethos, and the threat of Wildland tribal attacks in the Blood Kingoms is imminent. They can offer no help to their Southern neighbors, leaving DormaSai as all that stands in the Ancients’ way. When the peace conclave crumbles and the Ancients are forced from DormaSai by unexpected allies, Ember and Max turn their attention to preparing for the Ancients’ inevitable return.
One year after Kael’s death, the Ancients return for the Human Animus seal, and with them, comes the full might of Emperor Mero’s Elloryan military machine. On the dawn of war, startling information from the North reaches the DormaSai military camp as King Kohl’s spies return from Corynth. They bring tales of a DeathWizard restoring the rightful Bale heir to the Cesthosian throne and freeing Talohna’s only ArchWizard from the clutches of the DragonKin.
Ember, Max, and Yrlissa are convinced that only one DeathWizard would have cause to do either—Kael.
As war with Ellorya erupts, their hope that Kael is somehow back from the dead must be set aside. The war that all of Talohna has dreaded for so long is about to begin, and hope is a rare commodity during any war.
Threatened by an Elloryan invasion reinforced by the Ancients, the sanctuary Ember and Max sought in DormaSai after Kael’s burial is at its end. A civil war rages in Cethos, and the threat of Wildland tribal attacks in the Blood Kingoms is imminent. They can offer no help to their Southern neighbors, leaving DormaSai as all that stands in the Ancients’ way. When the peace conclave crumbles and the Ancients are forced from DormaSai by unexpected allies, Ember and Max turn their attention to preparing for the Ancients’ inevitable return.
One year after Kael’s death, the Ancients return for the Human Animus seal, and with them, comes the full might of Emperor Mero’s Elloryan military machine. On the dawn of war, startling information from the North reaches the DormaSai military camp as King Kohl’s spies return from Corynth. They bring tales of a DeathWizard restoring the rightful Bale heir to the Cesthosian throne and freeing Talohna’s only ArchWizard from the clutches of the DragonKin.
Ember, Max, and Yrlissa are convinced that only one DeathWizard would have cause to do either—Kael.
As war with Ellorya erupts, their hope that Kael is somehow back from the dead must be set aside. The war that all of Talohna has dreaded for so long is about to begin, and hope is a rare commodity during any war.
581 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2018
144 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 13, 2018
Decent but not nearly as good as the previous two.
The pace of the story was fast in the previous books as well. However, this time felt out of control. Character development was minimal at best. The flow and sequence of events were all over the place. Another issue is Kael's magical progression. Spoiler
He supposedly develops amazing power and magic but seems to regress and be even weaker. He had centuries to practice and fight but apparently forgets how to do anything once he returns.
Still a good story overall but it would have been better off as two books as at slower pace.
The pace of the story was fast in the previous books as well. However, this time felt out of control. Character development was minimal at best. The flow and sequence of events were all over the place. Another issue is Kael's magical progression. Spoiler
He supposedly develops amazing power and magic but seems to regress and be even weaker. He had centuries to practice and fight but apparently forgets how to do anything once he returns.
Still a good story overall but it would have been better off as two books as at slower pace.
January 5, 2019
The first 2 books were much better. Kael is just unlikeable now as a main character. The dialogue is also very clunky and on the nose; while I would have forgiven this in the previous books, it stands out more now that I am no longer invested in the plot, which seems to have been too hastily written and not thought out. I find that with a of fantasy books I read, the more that a massive war happens or is planned, the more the story suffers and becomes bland. Suffice to say, I will not be reading about the war with the ancients in the next one. This also needed to be better proof read, there were too many distracting grammatical errors.
May 2, 2019
The death of this series!
This book has been one of the worst sequels in a serious I've probably ever read! So many stupid decisions made by the author. I can't list them off because it would take me forever to right them all out! This series is dead to me, along with anything else this author writes from now on. I can't believe how many times I was asking myself "what the hell is this" or "Why is he talking with the enemy and not fighting?" or "why is he not fighting with MAGIC?!?!". I would honestly really like to know the GD reasoning that went into making a character in your book that supposedly has all the races magic and abilities, have that char learn his magic, good enough to kill demon Lords and Angels for years, but then have that char fight with almost no magic in any situation and pretty much lose every fight. I really think that the goal of this book wasn't for a good put together story, but to extend the length of the story any way possible so they could sell more books. Just horrible. 2/10
This book has been one of the worst sequels in a serious I've probably ever read! So many stupid decisions made by the author. I can't list them off because it would take me forever to right them all out! This series is dead to me, along with anything else this author writes from now on. I can't believe how many times I was asking myself "what the hell is this" or "Why is he talking with the enemy and not fighting?" or "why is he not fighting with MAGIC?!?!". I would honestly really like to know the GD reasoning that went into making a character in your book that supposedly has all the races magic and abilities, have that char learn his magic, good enough to kill demon Lords and Angels for years, but then have that char fight with almost no magic in any situation and pretty much lose every fight. I really think that the goal of this book wasn't for a good put together story, but to extend the length of the story any way possible so they could sell more books. Just horrible. 2/10
October 27, 2018
Seriously
Great idea for a series. My problem is that everything that can go wrong does. It gets rather boring and predictive.
Great idea for a series. My problem is that everything that can go wrong does. It gets rather boring and predictive.
September 8, 2020
(1) It was supposed to be a trilogy. It isn't. This is deeply disappointing and is the root of all problems related to the series.
(2) Following up on the first point, the first half of the book should be the book two; the end of the second book should be the end of the first book.
(2.1.) Expanding on this point. The first book sets the saga as the struggle to determine if the main character is or isn't a threat and keeps the main character avoiding his enemies and friends. However, by the end of the second book he is still doing the same thing as he was doing during the whole first book. There was no meaningful progress.
(3) There are several loopholes due to this reason.
(4) The main character powercreep and "god-like" status makes no sense. There is no explanation as to why he is a better DW than the ones before him.
(5) Max past actions aren't compatible with revelations made in this book.
Those are just some of the problems that made me look back and see how disappointing the series was in face of the expectations generated by book one.
(2) Following up on the first point, the first half of the book should be the book two; the end of the second book should be the end of the first book.
(2.1.) Expanding on this point. The first book sets the saga as the struggle to determine if the main character is or isn't a threat and keeps the main character avoiding his enemies and friends. However, by the end of the second book he is still doing the same thing as he was doing during the whole first book. There was no meaningful progress.
(3) There are several loopholes due to this reason.
(4) The main character powercreep and "god-like" status makes no sense. There is no explanation as to why he is a better DW than the ones before him.
(5) Max past actions aren't compatible with revelations made in this book.
Those are just some of the problems that made me look back and see how disappointing the series was in face of the expectations generated by book one.
December 23, 2018
My first “wizarding” read
I really like how this has developed. The plot is creative, lots of characters with complex origins. The story is developing quick enough for me, with just enough character dev so not to inhibit the pace. My only criticism is that it’s going longer than three books. Kael, grow up already and become the wizard you’ll eventually be in future books and let’s get this over with. There’s not much more to write without getting diluted. All in all good stuff. Thanks for writing.
I really like how this has developed. The plot is creative, lots of characters with complex origins. The story is developing quick enough for me, with just enough character dev so not to inhibit the pace. My only criticism is that it’s going longer than three books. Kael, grow up already and become the wizard you’ll eventually be in future books and let’s get this over with. There’s not much more to write without getting diluted. All in all good stuff. Thanks for writing.
October 5, 2018
Title is extremely misleading
This is supposed to be a trilogy. 3 books. The 3rd one in the trilogy does not conclude anything. Ember is now the fae monarch, keal is going into the kasym and the ancients made it to their homeland on the other side of the kasym and have the alchemist. That is where is stop. This wouldn't bother me if every book did not call it a trilogy. The series is nowhere near being done
This is supposed to be a trilogy. 3 books. The 3rd one in the trilogy does not conclude anything. Ember is now the fae monarch, keal is going into the kasym and the ancients made it to their homeland on the other side of the kasym and have the alchemist. That is where is stop. This wouldn't bother me if every book did not call it a trilogy. The series is nowhere near being done
August 26, 2018
Finally...
Waited so long for the pieces to be put together. A fitting end/beginning, and a lot of questions from the first two books were answered. Still got a bit frustrating with those ever elusive half truths and lies, but not as bad as the first two..A great read, finished it in a day haha! Curious to see what Kael and his crew will get into next.
Waited so long for the pieces to be put together. A fitting end/beginning, and a lot of questions from the first two books were answered. Still got a bit frustrating with those ever elusive half truths and lies, but not as bad as the first two..A great read, finished it in a day haha! Curious to see what Kael and his crew will get into next.
December 13, 2019
Sometimes a trilogy gets the job done and other times you wish it did. I was not happy that this was not the final book in the series but mostly the addition of new twist in the world and magic. I don't even know if four is gonna do it now. It's probably just me. For sure I am going to buy book four but that's as far as I'm going on this ride.
November 6, 2021
This series seems inspired by shonen manga, the MC constantly walks into traps, gets a power up in some deus ex machina way and defeats his enemies in an overpowered manner. Then in the true spirit of fillers, he gets his ass handed to him again... and again.
I think Lord Dark Helmet said it best in Spaceballs. "Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb."
I think Lord Dark Helmet said it best in Spaceballs. "Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb."
September 2, 2018
Still one of my favorite new series
Fan of the pacing and how the story has started coming together within this book while rapidly expanding various subplots that will definitely be critical in the next book(kyah...)
This series is becoming one of my favorites
Fan of the pacing and how the story has started coming together within this book while rapidly expanding various subplots that will definitely be critical in the next book(kyah...)
This series is becoming one of my favorites
September 3, 2018
Amazing. Such a great read
Read the book, it's totally worth it! The author mixed action with a healthy dose of suspense, creating a masterpiece of genius and continuing the books legacy of greatness
Read the book, it's totally worth it! The author mixed action with a healthy dose of suspense, creating a masterpiece of genius and continuing the books legacy of greatness
September 15, 2018
Exciting
I really enjoyed the first two books and this book was just as intriguing and filled with adventure. I like Kael Times in perdition and how Ember and the Ancients worked out. Can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the first two books and this book was just as intriguing and filled with adventure. I like Kael Times in perdition and how Ember and the Ancients worked out. Can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book in the series.
October 17, 2018
Definitely one of the best reads ever!
I couldn't put this series down once started..the characters are different but very engaging, the plot similar to other fantasies except the earth dimension aspect. I am looking forward to the installment with much elation.
I couldn't put this series down once started..the characters are different but very engaging, the plot similar to other fantasies except the earth dimension aspect. I am looking forward to the installment with much elation.
February 11, 2019
Cool story, but not as well built as the first two
Still good reading, but not as good as the first two... Some great bits, but just a bit too cobbled together this time (and possibly rushed out?). Hope the next one is back up to the 5 star standard of the first two books.
Still good reading, but not as good as the first two... Some great bits, but just a bit too cobbled together this time (and possibly rushed out?). Hope the next one is back up to the 5 star standard of the first two books.
September 17, 2018
Outstanding
Another amazing read, constantly kept on your toes following the emotional rollercoaster made almost sad to finish it, while at the same time unable to put it down.
Another amazing read, constantly kept on your toes following the emotional rollercoaster made almost sad to finish it, while at the same time unable to put it down.
October 14, 2018
Great series
Well written and thought out sequence to the story. Overall very happy with the 3 I have read and hope to read any other soon
Well written and thought out sequence to the story. Overall very happy with the 3 I have read and hope to read any other soon
December 11, 2018
Not Interesting
I would not recommend this book. The plot was too spread out initially. I could not keep reading it known their were lots of better books out there.
I would not recommend this book. The plot was too spread out initially. I could not keep reading it known their were lots of better books out there.
May 18, 2019
Good book
This was a great book. I am ready to read the next one. Can’t wait for it to come out!!
This was a great book. I am ready to read the next one. Can’t wait for it to come out!!
August 28, 2019
Waaah! Yes, that!
I am biased with my review as I learned to love the characters and their struggles! A carefully thought book worth reading! Exciting as always.
I am biased with my review as I learned to love the characters and their struggles! A carefully thought book worth reading! Exciting as always.
October 21, 2024
Great Book, àlot of characters but all from previous books.
Love JD Franx's writing, he keeps me entertained.
Now on to the next...
Love JD Franx's writing, he keeps me entertained.
Now on to the next...
January 21, 2022
So many twists an turns!!!!
Wonderful wonderful!!! Loving this conv
oluted craziness that all makes sense!!! Looking forward to book 3 an then 4 an 5!!!
Wonderful wonderful!!! Loving this conv
oluted craziness that all makes sense!!! Looking forward to book 3 an then 4 an 5!!!
February 16, 2025
4/5 Stars I picked this novel based solely on the cover. I mean how could I not having never read from this author before, the cover just drew me in like a magnet. I jumped right in and had the best time. In fact I am on the fifth novel as I write this. I am not going to go into detail about the novel. In fact I suggest you don't event read the synopses and jump right in. If you enjoy an Epic-Fantasy with a Dark-Fantasy twist you will love this one. There are a lot of character's to keep up with for the first two or three novels that can be a challenge at times. But as they die off or fall to way side it gets better. Each novel starts right were the last left off with only a brief summery of the last, which I love.
I am giving this a clean 4.5 rounded up for the series up to four. I am going to copy and paste this for next three reviews to catch up. Happy Reading.
I am giving this a clean 4.5 rounded up for the series up to four. I am going to copy and paste this for next three reviews to catch up. Happy Reading.
August 17, 2019
A return to form
The second book left a lot to be desired, but this one was quite good. I'm pretty tired of people freaking out about Kael killing people when he's not even being evil about it 99% of the time. Also the fights between Kael and the ancients don't always make too much sense, feels like who wins is somewhat arbitrary and decided by the author instead of the laws of Tahlona. Basically making Kael's character and abilities consistent would make the book much better.
The second book left a lot to be desired, but this one was quite good. I'm pretty tired of people freaking out about Kael killing people when he's not even being evil about it 99% of the time. Also the fights between Kael and the ancients don't always make too much sense, feels like who wins is somewhat arbitrary and decided by the author instead of the laws of Tahlona. Basically making Kael's character and abilities consistent would make the book much better.
January 4, 2019
Who proofreads for you?
The storyline is very captivating. However, the amount of grammatical errors made reading irritating (at least to me).
And, as the third book of a trilogy, I expected a conclusion. That is not the case here.
Too many questions left unanswered. Is there a second trilogy in the works?
The storyline is very captivating. However, the amount of grammatical errors made reading irritating (at least to me).
And, as the third book of a trilogy, I expected a conclusion. That is not the case here.
Too many questions left unanswered. Is there a second trilogy in the works?
August 31, 2019
Another enjoyable read from The Darkness Within Saga
I enjoyed this book although at some points it felt rushed and the author missed certain events that happened but only got a brief mention. As you read the book you will discover where they are. Aside from that still enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next.
I enjoyed this book although at some points it felt rushed and the author missed certain events that happened but only got a brief mention. As you read the book you will discover where they are. Aside from that still enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next.
February 26, 2024
This is the last book in the series I'm going to read. The first one intrigued me, the second one led me on and the third one has made me realize this is going to be a never ending story, re-cycling the same characters despite having deadly fights almost non-stop. Too many story threads, too much of a promise, too many near misses and too few permanently dead characters.
October 19, 2018
Somewhat disappointed
Have waited with great anticipation for book three. Was not worth the wait. Writing and editing was bad. Thought all authors were familiar with punctuation. Overall the story was okay.
Have waited with great anticipation for book three. Was not worth the wait. Writing and editing was bad. Thought all authors were familiar with punctuation. Overall the story was okay.
July 24, 2024
Very good continuation of the story, but if I had a gripe it would be there were too many characters and plot elements added to book 3 that it took away from the main arc. Overall, though, still very worth continuing the series up to this point.
August 31, 2018
Great sequel
The wait was worth it and this book has left me looking forward to the next one. I can only hope the wait will not be too long.
The wait was worth it and this book has left me looking forward to the next one. I can only hope the wait will not be too long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews