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The Infernal Guardian #2
Dawn of the Exile
For the damned, redemption may be just a mad dream…
Years have passed since the demon Tarrik and his master, the sorcerer Ren, destroyed the servants of Samal and suppressed the very essence of the vile lord. The cost was greater than even a demon could have imagined. But in the realms of demons and humans, no evil can be fully controlled, and no one’s true fate can be foretold. Including Tarrik’s. He’s been summoned once more, now by the vengeful Linriel, who’s fallen in with one of Samal’s ravaged survivors.
Linriel takes Tarrik, bound again to serve, on a journey to the harsh southern lands to find the source of Ren’s coveted powers, and there they discover a part of Tarrik’s past he thought had been lost forever. As old bindings more powerful than sorcery fetter him, Tarrik is drawn into an obsessive and insane mission to erase the demon lord Samal from existence forever. And only if he succeeds will he at last be freed from exile.
As old threats are reborn, he must decide what sacrifices he’s willing to make and what risks he’s willing to take on the unforgiving road to redemption.
Years have passed since the demon Tarrik and his master, the sorcerer Ren, destroyed the servants of Samal and suppressed the very essence of the vile lord. The cost was greater than even a demon could have imagined. But in the realms of demons and humans, no evil can be fully controlled, and no one’s true fate can be foretold. Including Tarrik’s. He’s been summoned once more, now by the vengeful Linriel, who’s fallen in with one of Samal’s ravaged survivors.
Linriel takes Tarrik, bound again to serve, on a journey to the harsh southern lands to find the source of Ren’s coveted powers, and there they discover a part of Tarrik’s past he thought had been lost forever. As old bindings more powerful than sorcery fetter him, Tarrik is drawn into an obsessive and insane mission to erase the demon lord Samal from existence forever. And only if he succeeds will he at last be freed from exile.
As old threats are reborn, he must decide what sacrifices he’s willing to make and what risks he’s willing to take on the unforgiving road to redemption.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2019
153 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Hogan
36 books938 followers
*** Signup to Mitchell's New Release mailing list to be the first to hear about new releases, and for bonus chapters of A Crucible of Souls! ***
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
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March 29, 2019
I was sent a review copy of Dawn of the Exile in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Mitchell Hogan for approaching me and 47North for the NetGalley widget.
Set ten years after the conclusion of Shadow of The Exile, the second novel in The Infernal Guardian series sees Tarrik Nal-Valim, one of the most well-crafted and likeable demon characters in fantasy facing a trial regarding his actions in the human world and the following consequences. Five demon lords are presiding and after his case is discussed each of the judges can state whether they believe Tarrik should be offered redemption from his exile, to remain exiled, or to be put to death. It would be a short narrative if the resulting verdict was death at this point so I won't mark this as a spoiler. Following the outcome, Tarrik, a demon of the Thirty-Ninth Order returns to the mundane, dangerous and rundown haunts of Shimrax where the sandglass of his long life is ever so slowly trickling away. Conveniently timed, in a similar style to the previous entry in the series, Tarrick is summoned by a sorcerer from the human world. Hooks pierce his skin causing indescribable agony and rip him through the veil of the very different worlds to serve an unknown being. This is where the story really starts and the mage discusses with Tarrik what the demon will have to do whilst he is bound, what their objective is, and that he will be a sex slave whenever they demand it.
Hogan is a phenomenal wordsmith and although the worldbuilding isn't over the top, needlessly detailed or extravagant I always felt like I was truly in the moment and sharing my emotions with the presented ensemble. The prose is swift and pleasant and therefore this was the only book I cared about whilst I was reading it and I normally work through about four books at a time. Ed McDonald, I believe, penned the phrase 'GrimHeart' and I think Dawn of the Exile would fit that category if such a genre really existed. It's a dark, macabre fantasy world full of slavery, betrayal, magicians flaunting occult powers, mysterious artefacts, and an overpowered, completely insane prisoned demon lord. Apart from the obviously evil characters who themselves could be seen as metaphorical onions with a decent number of layers, there really is a sense of hope, camaraderie, and enjoyment in helping others presented here. Especially in the last half of the novel. New characters are introduced and familiar faces return. One or two of the latter are not as we remember them due to the ten years time progression and what has happened to them in the interim.
I won't regurgitate the same information from my previous review further than saying Tarrik is an incredible character, with heart, a shadowblade and is able to manipulate the dusk, dark, and stars to flaunt certain magic. Dawn of the Exile continues with the not LitRPG but RPG like-upgrade system that demons have and it's really interesting and often exciting.
The finale was breathtakingly exquisite from the eighty per cent through the book point. That isn't to say what went before wasn't great but the ending pushed my rating up by at least 1/10 which means the outcome here had an unprecedented effect on my final score. Slightly over the top but poignantly intense otherworldly showdowns, dream-sequences, and betrayals by those closest to the main cast (or were they?), I could reel of much much more that I adored but I actually want to finish this review sometime today.
This is a gem of a sequel. Whatever gem I would say, emerald, diamond, ruby, I'm happy to state that this is the novel that is the literal equivalent. It is dark, but features heart, has a great cast, stunning pacing, and leaves me salivating for whatever comes next. To conclude, Hot Damn! That ending was phenomenal.
Set ten years after the conclusion of Shadow of The Exile, the second novel in The Infernal Guardian series sees Tarrik Nal-Valim, one of the most well-crafted and likeable demon characters in fantasy facing a trial regarding his actions in the human world and the following consequences. Five demon lords are presiding and after his case is discussed each of the judges can state whether they believe Tarrik should be offered redemption from his exile, to remain exiled, or to be put to death. It would be a short narrative if the resulting verdict was death at this point so I won't mark this as a spoiler. Following the outcome, Tarrik, a demon of the Thirty-Ninth Order returns to the mundane, dangerous and rundown haunts of Shimrax where the sandglass of his long life is ever so slowly trickling away. Conveniently timed, in a similar style to the previous entry in the series, Tarrick is summoned by a sorcerer from the human world. Hooks pierce his skin causing indescribable agony and rip him through the veil of the very different worlds to serve an unknown being. This is where the story really starts and the mage discusses with Tarrik what the demon will have to do whilst he is bound, what their objective is, and that he will be a sex slave whenever they demand it.
Hogan is a phenomenal wordsmith and although the worldbuilding isn't over the top, needlessly detailed or extravagant I always felt like I was truly in the moment and sharing my emotions with the presented ensemble. The prose is swift and pleasant and therefore this was the only book I cared about whilst I was reading it and I normally work through about four books at a time. Ed McDonald, I believe, penned the phrase 'GrimHeart' and I think Dawn of the Exile would fit that category if such a genre really existed. It's a dark, macabre fantasy world full of slavery, betrayal, magicians flaunting occult powers, mysterious artefacts, and an overpowered, completely insane prisoned demon lord. Apart from the obviously evil characters who themselves could be seen as metaphorical onions with a decent number of layers, there really is a sense of hope, camaraderie, and enjoyment in helping others presented here. Especially in the last half of the novel. New characters are introduced and familiar faces return. One or two of the latter are not as we remember them due to the ten years time progression and what has happened to them in the interim.
I won't regurgitate the same information from my previous review further than saying Tarrik is an incredible character, with heart, a shadowblade and is able to manipulate the dusk, dark, and stars to flaunt certain magic. Dawn of the Exile continues with the not LitRPG but RPG like-upgrade system that demons have and it's really interesting and often exciting.
The finale was breathtakingly exquisite from the eighty per cent through the book point. That isn't to say what went before wasn't great but the ending pushed my rating up by at least 1/10 which means the outcome here had an unprecedented effect on my final score. Slightly over the top but poignantly intense otherworldly showdowns, dream-sequences, and betrayals by those closest to the main cast (or were they?), I could reel of much much more that I adored but I actually want to finish this review sometime today.
This is a gem of a sequel. Whatever gem I would say, emerald, diamond, ruby, I'm happy to state that this is the novel that is the literal equivalent. It is dark, but features heart, has a great cast, stunning pacing, and leaves me salivating for whatever comes next. To conclude, Hot Damn! That ending was phenomenal.
April 29, 2019
Really enjoyed this second installment! New adventures, new characters and characters we know and some of the story felt a bit the same too. A fun read nonetheless!
January 31, 2019
Mitchell Hogan has become my second favorite authors; he’s in excellent company with Michael J Sullivan being in the number one spot. I love this series that’s’ set many years before the beginning of the Tainted Cabal series (please get book 2 out soon).
The prologue picks up where Shadow of Exile ends; Tarrik Nal-Valim is mourning Ren’s death and has returned his exile in the Guttering Wastes of Shimrax where he’s been exiled. When he’s summoned before the council of lord, he hopes that his deeds in Wiryaa ensuring that that Samal was not set free from his prison. The Augers, who can see glimpses, have brought disturbing news to the council and informed them of Tarrik’s the role that he played while in the human realm; unfortunately, they also informed them that he remained there after his bindings were severed with Ren’s death. They want to hear his version of the events, he knows that he cannot lie because the Augers have already told them everything, but he is still hoping that he will be released from exile. After he explains the lords take a vote to decide if he will be redeemed, killed or sent back into exile; two vote for redemption, two for death and one for his return to exile. Since there is no majority, he is to be returned to exile with the warning that if he meddles with humans again the one vote that saved him form death will change ensuring that he dies. He’s not sure if death is not better than exile.
Ten years later, Tarrik is still mourning Ren’s loss but due to her teachings he has learned to drawn in dark-tide from the stars which is something that no other demon can do. Tarrik makes his home in Cravenrock Mountain on the Burzash Plain. The mountain is home to both upper and lower level demons, the lower level while the higher-order demons have created a primitive society in the upper caverns. When he returned, he brought Ren’s journal and sword as he has promised and they have remained buried behind deep within the stones of his cave. None of the other demons know that he has advanced to the 39th level and he plans to keep it that way to have an edge in a fight if he is ever challenged. Sekrie-Zurlaya a female demon of the 36th level vacillates between wanting to sleep with him and or kill him. Like the others, she feels that by falling in love with a human he has betrayed their kind and that he should have been killed and not exiled, she believes that he will not sleep with her because she is not human.
One day while out hunting for meat he is ambushed by five lower-level demons whom he believes wants to kill him to split his essences amongst them to progress to a higher level. He believes they were sent by Sekrie, but when asked they inform him that they answer to higher demons than her; The House of the Black Sun. This is disconcerting, they’re a powerful organization, shrouded in secrecy with unknown goals. They’d claimed responsibility for the death of a dozen lords and scores of higher-order demons and now they wanted his death. He doesn’t have time to wonder why now and after warning them once again to run before he kills them, even telling he is of the 39th order, which they don’t believe they start fighting and he is forced to call on his shadow blade and kills three of them and the other two run but he chases them down; to keep his order and abilities there can be no survivors. When he’s finished, he hears Sekrie behind him, she has seen everything and now realizes that if she had attempted to challenge him, she would have died, there is no chance that she could have beaten him. She informs him that she had seen the five skulking about, though they were up to no god and followed them.
All at once he feels a pulling after ten years he is being summoned again, but with Ren’s death there should be no one alive that know his true name. He tells Sekrie to run, asks her to keep his spear safe for him and do what she wants with the rest of his belongings, including the meat he has just caught. As she looks on horrified, he is wrenched from his world back into Wiraya.
This book is filled with all the action of the first and it moves very quickly. The reader discovers that the nine did not all perish and they are still determined to free Samal form his prison and now that have bound Tarrik to assist them. It took all of Ren’s power and her death to prevent it last time and he is horrified to know that while he has remained in exile they have been plotting and scheming to achieve their goals. Can they be stopped and if so how? Why does the House of the Black Sun want him dead and what does the demon lords know about it? Will he be killed by the council if he escapes his bindings or is released since they warned him to interfere in the human world again?
If you haven’t read Shadow of Exile, do so now then get this as soon as it’s released. I started reading this series before I read Revenant Winds (I haven’t finished it yet) and I like the order that I chose to read it in and if this series was complete, I would have read all of it first before starting the Tainted Cabal series. I love the worlds and characters that he has created in the Infernal Guardian Series and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
4.75/5 STARS: **This is an honest, unbiased review. I would like to thank the author and/or/publisher for providing an ARC through Netgalley, all opinions are mine. **
The prologue picks up where Shadow of Exile ends; Tarrik Nal-Valim is mourning Ren’s death and has returned his exile in the Guttering Wastes of Shimrax where he’s been exiled. When he’s summoned before the council of lord, he hopes that his deeds in Wiryaa ensuring that that Samal was not set free from his prison. The Augers, who can see glimpses, have brought disturbing news to the council and informed them of Tarrik’s the role that he played while in the human realm; unfortunately, they also informed them that he remained there after his bindings were severed with Ren’s death. They want to hear his version of the events, he knows that he cannot lie because the Augers have already told them everything, but he is still hoping that he will be released from exile. After he explains the lords take a vote to decide if he will be redeemed, killed or sent back into exile; two vote for redemption, two for death and one for his return to exile. Since there is no majority, he is to be returned to exile with the warning that if he meddles with humans again the one vote that saved him form death will change ensuring that he dies. He’s not sure if death is not better than exile.
Ten years later, Tarrik is still mourning Ren’s loss but due to her teachings he has learned to drawn in dark-tide from the stars which is something that no other demon can do. Tarrik makes his home in Cravenrock Mountain on the Burzash Plain. The mountain is home to both upper and lower level demons, the lower level while the higher-order demons have created a primitive society in the upper caverns. When he returned, he brought Ren’s journal and sword as he has promised and they have remained buried behind deep within the stones of his cave. None of the other demons know that he has advanced to the 39th level and he plans to keep it that way to have an edge in a fight if he is ever challenged. Sekrie-Zurlaya a female demon of the 36th level vacillates between wanting to sleep with him and or kill him. Like the others, she feels that by falling in love with a human he has betrayed their kind and that he should have been killed and not exiled, she believes that he will not sleep with her because she is not human.
One day while out hunting for meat he is ambushed by five lower-level demons whom he believes wants to kill him to split his essences amongst them to progress to a higher level. He believes they were sent by Sekrie, but when asked they inform him that they answer to higher demons than her; The House of the Black Sun. This is disconcerting, they’re a powerful organization, shrouded in secrecy with unknown goals. They’d claimed responsibility for the death of a dozen lords and scores of higher-order demons and now they wanted his death. He doesn’t have time to wonder why now and after warning them once again to run before he kills them, even telling he is of the 39th order, which they don’t believe they start fighting and he is forced to call on his shadow blade and kills three of them and the other two run but he chases them down; to keep his order and abilities there can be no survivors. When he’s finished, he hears Sekrie behind him, she has seen everything and now realizes that if she had attempted to challenge him, she would have died, there is no chance that she could have beaten him. She informs him that she had seen the five skulking about, though they were up to no god and followed them.
All at once he feels a pulling after ten years he is being summoned again, but with Ren’s death there should be no one alive that know his true name. He tells Sekrie to run, asks her to keep his spear safe for him and do what she wants with the rest of his belongings, including the meat he has just caught. As she looks on horrified, he is wrenched from his world back into Wiraya.
This book is filled with all the action of the first and it moves very quickly. The reader discovers that the nine did not all perish and they are still determined to free Samal form his prison and now that have bound Tarrik to assist them. It took all of Ren’s power and her death to prevent it last time and he is horrified to know that while he has remained in exile they have been plotting and scheming to achieve their goals. Can they be stopped and if so how? Why does the House of the Black Sun want him dead and what does the demon lords know about it? Will he be killed by the council if he escapes his bindings or is released since they warned him to interfere in the human world again?
If you haven’t read Shadow of Exile, do so now then get this as soon as it’s released. I started reading this series before I read Revenant Winds (I haven’t finished it yet) and I like the order that I chose to read it in and if this series was complete, I would have read all of it first before starting the Tainted Cabal series. I love the worlds and characters that he has created in the Infernal Guardian Series and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
4.75/5 STARS: **This is an honest, unbiased review. I would like to thank the author and/or/publisher for providing an ARC through Netgalley, all opinions are mine. **
April 23, 2021
I hope there’s another!
February 19, 2019
Publishing Date: March 2019
Publisher: 47 North
ISBN:9781542040303
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.6/5
Review: This story continues on the heels of a very good novel that I reviewed awhile ago, “Shadow of the Exile”. Tarrik is once again summoned by a sorcerer with nefarious plans and away we go.
This author is very good at creating intense movement coupled with great character development. When you look forward to every scene and silently root for the characters to prevail, you have a winner. Most sequels suck and rely on a patterned rendition to create a series. Although this continues the story line, the world building whisks you away to an alternate reality.
The only fall downs were minor where scene consistency lacked resolution. For instance; Sekrie is impaled, has her leg broken and twisted but somehow is fit and hale in the next scene. This lack of continuity diminished a very good novel.
Tarrik’s redemption in the form of a new love will have to wait as I assume there will be another in the series.
Publisher: 47 North
ISBN:9781542040303
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.6/5
Review: This story continues on the heels of a very good novel that I reviewed awhile ago, “Shadow of the Exile”. Tarrik is once again summoned by a sorcerer with nefarious plans and away we go.
This author is very good at creating intense movement coupled with great character development. When you look forward to every scene and silently root for the characters to prevail, you have a winner. Most sequels suck and rely on a patterned rendition to create a series. Although this continues the story line, the world building whisks you away to an alternate reality.
The only fall downs were minor where scene consistency lacked resolution. For instance; Sekrie is impaled, has her leg broken and twisted but somehow is fit and hale in the next scene. This lack of continuity diminished a very good novel.
Tarrik’s redemption in the form of a new love will have to wait as I assume there will be another in the series.
March 19, 2019
Another good addition to the series. Review here - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2019/03/...
May 31, 2019
Ive become a Hogan fanboy. So far everything I've read by him is super fun. Set a few years after book 1, we are immersed into Tarriks world, his friends, his enemies both old and new, as well as great world building. Its not over the top confusing but its not too basic. I love the levels the demons upgrade to. Hogans has this way with words that enables you to feel every emotion possible. Second to this, the pace is unrelenting with great action pieces. Highly recommend this
November 12, 2019
3.25
This was good. It wasn’t as good as the first, but it had its moments.
(They didn’t eat as much in this one, haha.)
I was a little worried because I thought Ren was really dead and Linriel was going to be the new love interest.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
This book was a bit repetitive in parts and I found myself scanning over them quite a few times.
I really do like Tarrik as a character and the push-pull between him and Ren is great! I do think they are quite good together.
Looks like there is going to be a third book, so I’m excited for it. I’d like this be more than three books because the author is good at writing characters.
This was good. It wasn’t as good as the first, but it had its moments.
(They didn’t eat as much in this one, haha.)
I was a little worried because I thought Ren was really dead and Linriel was going to be the new love interest.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
This book was a bit repetitive in parts and I found myself scanning over them quite a few times.
I really do like Tarrik as a character and the push-pull between him and Ren is great! I do think they are quite good together.
Looks like there is going to be a third book, so I’m excited for it. I’d like this be more than three books because the author is good at writing characters.
June 11, 2020
I can’t remember being so enthralled by a story that I’d read the first and second installments back to back. However, this wasn’t a great as the first but it was still an engaging read. There were some really nice surprises and twists I didn’t expect. I really like the world Mitchell Hogan has created. The demon world, the Orgrols and the Undying Ones were so interesting. I wanted to know of their history. Again, Tarrik was great, flawed, and an absolutely joy. There were some weird moments in the writing that took me out of the story. It was a consistent thing and at times a little repetitive.
However, I would snatch up the next installment as soon as it’s available. Now I don’t know what to read.
However, I would snatch up the next installment as soon as it’s available. Now I don’t know what to read.
March 11, 2019
Release day is today 12/3/19
To say I was excited when I realised Dawn of the Exile was up on NetGalley would be an understatement. I whooped a bit and jumped straight in. You see, while I didn't think book 1, Shadow of Exile, was perfect, I really enjoyed Tarrik. He is a great character. My review can be found on my blog. He is a demon, stuck in exile, guilty of staying in the human world and loving a human woman. He is an upper level demon and past all the chaos that the younger demons bring with them. He is brave, strong, smart and he feels everything more acutely than humans.
In the beginning of Dawn of the Exile, Tarrik is dealing with the fallout of the last time he was summoned. He escapes death only to be summoned back into the human world by a very angry and vindictive sorcerer. Once again he is bound, forced into service and in a fight for his life.
I wish I could say I loved this book. I wish I could say I really liked it even, unfortunately, this one just didn't come together for me.
I still love everything about Tarrik, he has more of a sense of right and wrong than any of the humans in the book. If there was ever a character observing how wrong the world was, how unjust it all seemed, it was Tarrik. All of the human characters were so wrapped up in their own thing, they only saw the world in the way it could benefit them. I guess that is a common theme in fantasy nowadays. Usually the biggest monsters are the humans.
Because Tarrik spent more time in the demon realms, we were given an insight into their ways, the power plays, the landscape. I'm pretty positive book 3 will have even more information about this, which is a positive.
I didn't love the way the story flowed. There were some passages where I thought the writing was fantastic.
"There was an unmistakable aura about a prison cell, one Tarrik had felt enough to recognize. A blind man could sense it, though he wouldn't be able to see the stains, the old blood and waste. A deaf man could, though he wouldn't hear the pleas and cries of the inhabitants, the rattle of chains. It was an atmosphere of hopelessness."
In others it seemed over written and repetitive. Information was given in large chunks on one page just so a nugget of it could be used on the next page again. This happened quite a few times and it pulled me out of the story. The way the characters moved from one situation to the next was also jarring, I feel like a lot of the book was just skimming over the important stuff.
Being the second book in the series, I don't want to say too much about the plot, it would all be spoilerish. I will say it had that second book feel. We only have this story to find out who the real enemy is. I guess in saying that it has done a great job of setting up for book 3, I just don't know if I want to read it. I want more Tarrik, but there are a few others that I don't need to read about anymore, for I know that they always have the answers. They can always get out of trouble because they are so special and better than every one else. They will always be selfish, standoffish and hold information from people so that they can control them. And they might just use their magic to rape minds again, which I'm not up for. At one point I put the book down and walked away because it made me so angry.
I feel like an asshole for not liking this one, and I hope you check out other reviews as well to see if it might be for you, because I checked on Goodreads; I'm in the minority so far. It has glowing reviews.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To say I was excited when I realised Dawn of the Exile was up on NetGalley would be an understatement. I whooped a bit and jumped straight in. You see, while I didn't think book 1, Shadow of Exile, was perfect, I really enjoyed Tarrik. He is a great character. My review can be found on my blog. He is a demon, stuck in exile, guilty of staying in the human world and loving a human woman. He is an upper level demon and past all the chaos that the younger demons bring with them. He is brave, strong, smart and he feels everything more acutely than humans.
In the beginning of Dawn of the Exile, Tarrik is dealing with the fallout of the last time he was summoned. He escapes death only to be summoned back into the human world by a very angry and vindictive sorcerer. Once again he is bound, forced into service and in a fight for his life.
I wish I could say I loved this book. I wish I could say I really liked it even, unfortunately, this one just didn't come together for me.
I still love everything about Tarrik, he has more of a sense of right and wrong than any of the humans in the book. If there was ever a character observing how wrong the world was, how unjust it all seemed, it was Tarrik. All of the human characters were so wrapped up in their own thing, they only saw the world in the way it could benefit them. I guess that is a common theme in fantasy nowadays. Usually the biggest monsters are the humans.
Because Tarrik spent more time in the demon realms, we were given an insight into their ways, the power plays, the landscape. I'm pretty positive book 3 will have even more information about this, which is a positive.
I didn't love the way the story flowed. There were some passages where I thought the writing was fantastic.
"There was an unmistakable aura about a prison cell, one Tarrik had felt enough to recognize. A blind man could sense it, though he wouldn't be able to see the stains, the old blood and waste. A deaf man could, though he wouldn't hear the pleas and cries of the inhabitants, the rattle of chains. It was an atmosphere of hopelessness."
In others it seemed over written and repetitive. Information was given in large chunks on one page just so a nugget of it could be used on the next page again. This happened quite a few times and it pulled me out of the story. The way the characters moved from one situation to the next was also jarring, I feel like a lot of the book was just skimming over the important stuff.
Being the second book in the series, I don't want to say too much about the plot, it would all be spoilerish. I will say it had that second book feel. We only have this story to find out who the real enemy is. I guess in saying that it has done a great job of setting up for book 3, I just don't know if I want to read it. I want more Tarrik, but there are a few others that I don't need to read about anymore, for I know that they always have the answers. They can always get out of trouble because they are so special and better than every one else. They will always be selfish, standoffish and hold information from people so that they can control them. And they might just use their magic to rape minds again, which I'm not up for. At one point I put the book down and walked away because it made me so angry.
I feel like an asshole for not liking this one, and I hope you check out other reviews as well to see if it might be for you, because I checked on Goodreads; I'm in the minority so far. It has glowing reviews.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2019
(ARC received from 47North via Netgalley)
A good sequel to the first novel Shadow of the Exile, which begins right after the climactic end. I enjoyed reading this. It is an entertaining romp with likable characters, and shadowy threats brimming with malice. There is awesome magic, action, demonic assassins, undead gods, that adds up spice to the interesting world of the novel. It has a pretty simple story-arc with doses of intriguing mythology, and a fresh modern take on some of the tropes that gives us the vibe of playing a virtual-reality game.
Hogan introduces a few new characters here, and a little amount of amazing worldbuilding. I particularly was interested in the Orgol Kingdom and their esoteric culture. Hogan gave quite a view on it in the story. Also, Tarrik, our protagonist demon is again caught up in the affairs of the human world. He is amped up with some new powers and abilities. Although I'm of the opinion that two of the potential characters were underused, I can't wait to see where the story will go further. As a personal choice, I want the character of the 'Sanguine King' to play a more prominent role in the upcoming conflict which is hinted throughout the story.
The simple narrative with short chapters work wonders as it increases the pace of the story, and keeps the tension escalating. I liked the occasional dry humour and the dynamics of the characters, although the emotional tug wasn't enough for me. I like the fact that Hogan doesn't meander in philosophic musings, rather with sparsely decorated prose he jumps right into the events along with the characters and take the readers on a wild adventure filled with danger, threats, and thrill.
A good sequel to the first novel Shadow of the Exile, which begins right after the climactic end. I enjoyed reading this. It is an entertaining romp with likable characters, and shadowy threats brimming with malice. There is awesome magic, action, demonic assassins, undead gods, that adds up spice to the interesting world of the novel. It has a pretty simple story-arc with doses of intriguing mythology, and a fresh modern take on some of the tropes that gives us the vibe of playing a virtual-reality game.
Hogan introduces a few new characters here, and a little amount of amazing worldbuilding. I particularly was interested in the Orgol Kingdom and their esoteric culture. Hogan gave quite a view on it in the story. Also, Tarrik, our protagonist demon is again caught up in the affairs of the human world. He is amped up with some new powers and abilities. Although I'm of the opinion that two of the potential characters were underused, I can't wait to see where the story will go further. As a personal choice, I want the character of the 'Sanguine King' to play a more prominent role in the upcoming conflict which is hinted throughout the story.
The simple narrative with short chapters work wonders as it increases the pace of the story, and keeps the tension escalating. I liked the occasional dry humour and the dynamics of the characters, although the emotional tug wasn't enough for me. I like the fact that Hogan doesn't meander in philosophic musings, rather with sparsely decorated prose he jumps right into the events along with the characters and take the readers on a wild adventure filled with danger, threats, and thrill.
March 14, 2019
Book two outpaces it's predecessor in every way!
Book one of this series easily earned a spot in my top 5 reads of last year. It really drew me into the world and this only improves on that.
Several years have passed and Tarrik is still ecking out a living in the wastes, his actions of the first book not redeeming him in the eyes of *most* of the demon lords.
He is one day summoned back to the world by a human sorcerer, one who he met the last time he was summoned.
To avoid spoilers, I won't go on, however this book really enthralled me. It was intense and so well written I was really invested in the plot and the characters.
If you've read book one (and it's pretty required reading before diving into this one), you absolutely should get this!
You will not be disappointed!
Book one of this series easily earned a spot in my top 5 reads of last year. It really drew me into the world and this only improves on that.
Several years have passed and Tarrik is still ecking out a living in the wastes, his actions of the first book not redeeming him in the eyes of *most* of the demon lords.
He is one day summoned back to the world by a human sorcerer, one who he met the last time he was summoned.
To avoid spoilers, I won't go on, however this book really enthralled me. It was intense and so well written I was really invested in the plot and the characters.
If you've read book one (and it's pretty required reading before diving into this one), you absolutely should get this!
You will not be disappointed!
March 19, 2019
I loved the first book, Shadow of the Exile, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one, too. It took me a while to get into this story but once I did, I was hooked. Ren and Tarrik along with a few extra characters once again team up to try and defeat the biggest, baddest demon, Samal. There is lots of adventure and betrayal. Ren’s sole focus is on destroying Samal at all costs while Tarrik assists her in order to achieve redemption in his demon world. Their friendship grows stronger and while not exactly touching, Mr. Hogan makes the most despicable demons have a heart and soul. This is an exciting, well-written and suspenseful story that makes me impatient for the next story in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2020
So much more than I could have expected after a brilliant Book 1
This series has been an absolute breath of fresh air!
I had been searching for a while for the perfect fantasy/adventure book and I am so happy I chose Shadow of the Exile and now this book. I was weary at first as I’m used to a female POV and don’t usually like demonic themes but I’m glad I ignored my preconceptions as this is a masterpiece. No tacky sex scenes as filler, no one dimensional characters and no loose ends in the plot. Beautifully written, dynamic, detailed characters and places and a strong plot throughout. Unique, refreshing and satisfying. What a wonderful read!!!
This series has been an absolute breath of fresh air!
I had been searching for a while for the perfect fantasy/adventure book and I am so happy I chose Shadow of the Exile and now this book. I was weary at first as I’m used to a female POV and don’t usually like demonic themes but I’m glad I ignored my preconceptions as this is a masterpiece. No tacky sex scenes as filler, no one dimensional characters and no loose ends in the plot. Beautifully written, dynamic, detailed characters and places and a strong plot throughout. Unique, refreshing and satisfying. What a wonderful read!!!
April 3, 2019
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, and I'm so glad I did, otherwise I would never have read it. Tarik is an engaging character, with a substantial amount of development over the course of the book. The world-building is expansive and coherent, and the non-stop action kept my interest. There is enough description of prior events to make sense, so that reading the first book isn't really necessary, although it makes for a better understanding of the characters and their motivations. All together, a well-written book that I very much enjoyed. Thanks, Goodreads and Michael Hogan.
April 5, 2021
A great ending to what has been so far a brilliant duology by Mitchell Hogan. I absolutely adored Hogan's books as his protagonists are usually the enemies in majority of fantasy novels. In The Infernal Guardian we have Tarrik - a Demon in exile (for falling in love with a human) as the main character. Though he is unfortunately torn from his realm & bound to Sorcerer's he uses cunning, skill and a burgeoning talent to get himself freed from his tormented exile.
March 29, 2019
Wonderfully written, with a cast of characters who each have their own incredible strengths. I do sort of feel that it took a while for everyone to find their rhythm again after the events of book 1 and it felt like most of them had regressed, which I struggled with. But it fell into a good dynamic pattern after a while.
April 7, 2019
Loved It
This was a great follow-up to the first book in the series. I loved how another character/demon was added to the storyline as well as involving other important characters.. With all that happens to Tarrik I am looking forward to what happens next and will he ever become a demon Lord.
This was a great follow-up to the first book in the series. I loved how another character/demon was added to the storyline as well as involving other important characters.. With all that happens to Tarrik I am looking forward to what happens next and will he ever become a demon Lord.
April 9, 2019
Great conclusion to an exciting tale of magic and chaos.
When a demon is exiled for hanging out with humans, even though he was summoned, is summoned again, barely escapes and gets summoned again it start to seem like Groundhog Day but with different people doing the summoning each time. Will he survive this time? It’s a wild ride and a page turner.
When a demon is exiled for hanging out with humans, even though he was summoned, is summoned again, barely escapes and gets summoned again it start to seem like Groundhog Day but with different people doing the summoning each time. Will he survive this time? It’s a wild ride and a page turner.
May 11, 2019
Something a bit different that keeps u reading.
I have neglected a fantasy novel predominantly about demons but I am so glad that I have read the 2 books in this series as they've been brought to life in a really original way. Great storyline and am now looking to read more by this man.
I have neglected a fantasy novel predominantly about demons but I am so glad that I have read the 2 books in this series as they've been brought to life in a really original way. Great storyline and am now looking to read more by this man.
June 7, 2019
An absolutely amazing continuation of the first book. The world building and character development are absolutely phenomenal.
There is not one thing I can fault about this book, it might be bias since this book plays exactly to my personal tastes, but I absolutely loved it and would recommend the series to anyone who loves fantasy.
There is not one thing I can fault about this book, it might be bias since this book plays exactly to my personal tastes, but I absolutely loved it and would recommend the series to anyone who loves fantasy.
June 19, 2019
Another outstanding tale
I am really enjoying these characters, I like this version of demons for some reason, to me at least, it feels right. The characters are strong, the stories are very character focused but even so the secondary characters also feel 3 dimensional.
Looking forward to book #3
I am really enjoying these characters, I like this version of demons for some reason, to me at least, it feels right. The characters are strong, the stories are very character focused but even so the secondary characters also feel 3 dimensional.
Looking forward to book #3
May 5, 2022
I liked the characters and story but the travel/action/travel/action did get a bit repetitive after a while, (and the action scenes were a bit samey). Maybe if I'd read it at a slower pace I wouldn't have noticed so much. It's also noticeable that the descriptions for certain effects were repeated several times over the course of the book.
March 17, 2019
A decent enough 2nd installment
The plot was pretty good, but did seem a bit repetitive in places. The action was gripping, but some of the extended fight scenes did get bogged down in a lot of extraneous detail.
The plot was pretty good, but did seem a bit repetitive in places. The action was gripping, but some of the extended fight scenes did get bogged down in a lot of extraneous detail.
April 3, 2019
A fine story. If you read the first one, you kind of know what you will get
I like the demons facing ethical dillemmas in this world. We have a lot of power corrupts, but everyone seems to start with reasonable motives.
I LIKE it.
I like the demons facing ethical dillemmas in this world. We have a lot of power corrupts, but everyone seems to start with reasonable motives.
I LIKE it.
May 9, 2019
Excellent!
Never thought I would view a Demon as a hero.... characters were well developed and the story never lagged. Excellent read... cant wait for more books from the Author.
Never thought I would view a Demon as a hero.... characters were well developed and the story never lagged. Excellent read... cant wait for more books from the Author.
January 30, 2020
Better than the first
This is s better than the first book! It is thoughtful, but full of action. I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow and the story progress. I really hope there are more to come!
This is s better than the first book! It is thoughtful, but full of action. I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow and the story progress. I really hope there are more to come!
February 1, 2020
In my opinion, this book was stronger than the first. The relationship dynamics were interesting and fun, the story fast paced and full of action. I would have read this in one sitting if life didn't keep getting in the way!
March 15, 2019
Michell Hogan gets better and better with every book he writes. This is absolutely my favorite of his so far, and I look forward to all his future work. Keep them coming sir!!
March 28, 2019
A fantastic book with a different angle. This book was a breath of fresh air.
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