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The Elder Stones Saga #1
The Darkest Revenge
Some are born to power. Others must find it within themselves.
Decades ago, a powerful enemy called the Forgers attacked their homeland, nearly destroying everything. Few remember the time before the attack, but the Forgers have not forgotten. They have spent decades preparing, gaining power, and now their plan has nearly reached fruition.
On the outskirts of the city, living within the stronghold of ancient power, Haern longs for a life beyond what he knows—and away from the long shadow cast by his father. When an attack on the city renews a decades old battle, Haern volunteers to leave the city and find the one person that can lead their people to victory. His inexperience might kill him, but his instincts might be the reason they succeed.
For Daniel, a member of the ruling family, life in the palace is easy and his path is clear. Eventually, he will rise up to sit on the council and lead the people of the city. An injury to someone he cares for changes everything for him, and he must go to the one person he despises most for help. If he fails, he’ll learn what it means to lose everything he cares about.
When their fates intertwine, they must put aside past differences. Stopping the Forgers will require strength and power that both must find within them—or more than their people will suffer.
Decades ago, a powerful enemy called the Forgers attacked their homeland, nearly destroying everything. Few remember the time before the attack, but the Forgers have not forgotten. They have spent decades preparing, gaining power, and now their plan has nearly reached fruition.
On the outskirts of the city, living within the stronghold of ancient power, Haern longs for a life beyond what he knows—and away from the long shadow cast by his father. When an attack on the city renews a decades old battle, Haern volunteers to leave the city and find the one person that can lead their people to victory. His inexperience might kill him, but his instincts might be the reason they succeed.
For Daniel, a member of the ruling family, life in the palace is easy and his path is clear. Eventually, he will rise up to sit on the council and lead the people of the city. An injury to someone he cares for changes everything for him, and he must go to the one person he despises most for help. If he fails, he’ll learn what it means to lose everything he cares about.
When their fates intertwine, they must put aside past differences. Stopping the Forgers will require strength and power that both must find within them—or more than their people will suffer.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
702 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2019
2094 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 21, 2019
I got over 30% into the book and it just wasn't keeping my interest. Boring and slow moving. I quit reading it.
August 14, 2022
4,5 stars- English Ebook
Some are born to power. Others must find it within themselves.
Ages ago, powerful beings known only as the Elders left their mark on the world, gifting powerful stones to their followers. Through these stones, some have been gifted by birth with great abilities, while others search for them as a way to access that power. Scattered around the known lands, wars have been fought for them, and won by them.
On the outskirts of the city, living within an ancient stronghold, Haern longs for a life beyond what he knows—and away from the long shadow cast by his father. When an attack on the city renews a decades old battle, Haern volunteers to leave the city and find the one person who can lead their people to victory. His inexperience might kill him, but his instincts might be the reason they succeed.
For Daniel, a member of the ruling family, life in the palace is easy and his path is clear. Eventually, he will rise up to sit on the council and lead the people of the city. An injury to someone he cares for changes everything for him, and he must go to the one person he despises most for help. If he fails, he’ll learn what it means to lose everything he cares about.
Though born to power, Lucy longs for an understanding she can’t find in books. When a horrible attack leaves her forever changed, her quest for understanding leads her to those responsible—and a means of stopping them.
All paths lead toward the Elder Stones, for the one who controls the stones controls power.
The Darkest Revenge had me nonplussed for a while trying to get into the world wherein Haern, Daniel and Lucy lives in.
Acquainting the reader with the mysteries of the world the characters in the book live in, obviously can be daunting.
In The Darkest Revenge this is exactly the issue as it takes a while for the reader to get a grip on the world the author is taking care to establish. But it happens anyhow.
It becomes evident that some people are gifted with abilities like telepathy, far sight, teleportation and so forth, others are not.
These abilities are not all regarded as being equally useful and though regarded as innate, yet also regarded as a gift from a being called The Watcher.
These gifts can be enhanced once off by crystals called the Elder stones. These stones also have a mysterious connection too with trees known as the Elder trees.
When a mysterious attack on the Elder Trees alarms the local villagers, placing them on the alert for further attacks, the three kids, each with their own reasons for doing so, leave their homes in search of a man they belief may assist in solving the question of who the perpetrators really are and to assist them in eliminating a possible threat to their very existence.
Thus a rather intriguing and action packed quest gets underway.
It is with quite a surprise that somewhere along the way I became aware that I was caught up deeply in pursuing the developing events. It was a pageturner for me. Almost impossible to pit down.
I'm ready to delve into the further adventures of haern, Daniel and Lucy.
Some are born to power. Others must find it within themselves.
Ages ago, powerful beings known only as the Elders left their mark on the world, gifting powerful stones to their followers. Through these stones, some have been gifted by birth with great abilities, while others search for them as a way to access that power. Scattered around the known lands, wars have been fought for them, and won by them.
On the outskirts of the city, living within an ancient stronghold, Haern longs for a life beyond what he knows—and away from the long shadow cast by his father. When an attack on the city renews a decades old battle, Haern volunteers to leave the city and find the one person who can lead their people to victory. His inexperience might kill him, but his instincts might be the reason they succeed.
For Daniel, a member of the ruling family, life in the palace is easy and his path is clear. Eventually, he will rise up to sit on the council and lead the people of the city. An injury to someone he cares for changes everything for him, and he must go to the one person he despises most for help. If he fails, he’ll learn what it means to lose everything he cares about.
Though born to power, Lucy longs for an understanding she can’t find in books. When a horrible attack leaves her forever changed, her quest for understanding leads her to those responsible—and a means of stopping them.
All paths lead toward the Elder Stones, for the one who controls the stones controls power.
The Darkest Revenge had me nonplussed for a while trying to get into the world wherein Haern, Daniel and Lucy lives in.
Acquainting the reader with the mysteries of the world the characters in the book live in, obviously can be daunting.
In The Darkest Revenge this is exactly the issue as it takes a while for the reader to get a grip on the world the author is taking care to establish. But it happens anyhow.
It becomes evident that some people are gifted with abilities like telepathy, far sight, teleportation and so forth, others are not.
These abilities are not all regarded as being equally useful and though regarded as innate, yet also regarded as a gift from a being called The Watcher.
These gifts can be enhanced once off by crystals called the Elder stones. These stones also have a mysterious connection too with trees known as the Elder trees.
When a mysterious attack on the Elder Trees alarms the local villagers, placing them on the alert for further attacks, the three kids, each with their own reasons for doing so, leave their homes in search of a man they belief may assist in solving the question of who the perpetrators really are and to assist them in eliminating a possible threat to their very existence.
Thus a rather intriguing and action packed quest gets underway.
It is with quite a surprise that somewhere along the way I became aware that I was caught up deeply in pursuing the developing events. It was a pageturner for me. Almost impossible to pit down.
I'm ready to delve into the further adventures of haern, Daniel and Lucy.
Read
March 3, 2020Overly wordy and plot development is slow/tentative
This author is horrible at dialogue. Character A says something which doesn't require a response. Character B interrupts and asks "Why?" Then character A continues with what could have been said without the interruption. Finally character B might respond with something meaningful. This wouldn't be a problem if it didn't happen in nearly every conversation.
Also, the characters are boring. Several of them are afraid of self discovery to the point that they come off as cowardly, but in a way that's not realistic. Their motivations seem contrived for the sole purpose of stretching the narrative out. More is not always better.
I can't....
This author is horrible at dialogue. Character A says something which doesn't require a response. Character B interrupts and asks "Why?" Then character A continues with what could have been said without the interruption. Finally character B might respond with something meaningful. This wouldn't be a problem if it didn't happen in nearly every conversation.
Also, the characters are boring. Several of them are afraid of self discovery to the point that they come off as cowardly, but in a way that's not realistic. Their motivations seem contrived for the sole purpose of stretching the narrative out. More is not always better.
I can't....
January 13, 2019
Great continuation of the life of Rsiran Lareth
I enjoyed this boo k. It was a bit slow at first. I’m not sure I understand Haern’s attitude towards his father. It was tough for him not being around d as Hearn was growing up, but surely he could understand what his father was trying to protect. I enjoyed seeing the character growth though it was slow in coming about. I can’t wait to read more. I enjoyed reading the series where Rsiran was the main character. Reading about his son should be even more interesting. I hope so.
I enjoyed this boo k. It was a bit slow at first. I’m not sure I understand Haern’s attitude towards his father. It was tough for him not being around d as Hearn was growing up, but surely he could understand what his father was trying to protect. I enjoyed seeing the character growth though it was slow in coming about. I can’t wait to read more. I enjoyed reading the series where Rsiran was the main character. Reading about his son should be even more interesting. I hope so.
January 29, 2019
Pretty intense
This book is pretty intense right from the beginning and never let's up. Currently the author is saturating his novels with themes around dominance, submission and slavery. They've gotten pretty dark compared to last works. I'll have to see where the next book in the series goes before I decide if I'm going to part ways from the author or stick with him. This is probably his third or fourth book delving into the complete domination and subjugation to slavery in his characters. In the process the aggressor dehumanized the victim. It's not a topic or theme that is enjoyable or relaxing to read after work. I hope this phase for DK Holmberg concludes soon.
This book is pretty intense right from the beginning and never let's up. Currently the author is saturating his novels with themes around dominance, submission and slavery. They've gotten pretty dark compared to last works. I'll have to see where the next book in the series goes before I decide if I'm going to part ways from the author or stick with him. This is probably his third or fourth book delving into the complete domination and subjugation to slavery in his characters. In the process the aggressor dehumanized the victim. It's not a topic or theme that is enjoyable or relaxing to read after work. I hope this phase for DK Holmberg concludes soon.
February 18, 2019
Another great series by D.K. Holmberg
I started reading the first book of this series not knowing if I would like it. I was gradually pulled in to the layers of intrigue and characters that are very interesting. Then at the end of the first story I discovered there are other series that explore some of the charters more in depth. Look to be entertained for some time.
I started reading the first book of this series not knowing if I would like it. I was gradually pulled in to the layers of intrigue and characters that are very interesting. Then at the end of the first story I discovered there are other series that explore some of the charters more in depth. Look to be entertained for some time.
March 8, 2019
Another good book!
I was happy to return to this world as I really enjoyed the other books that took place in it. I was happy to have more of Rsirin and Galen but was a tiny bit disappointed that they weren’t main characters..but all things considered this is worth reading..as all DK Holmberg’s books are. I am bad at reviews but don’t let that stop you from reading this!
I was happy to return to this world as I really enjoyed the other books that took place in it. I was happy to have more of Rsirin and Galen but was a tiny bit disappointed that they weren’t main characters..but all things considered this is worth reading..as all DK Holmberg’s books are. I am bad at reviews but don’t let that stop you from reading this!
March 29, 2019
"I had to stop reading this book. The English is terrible. Several times words are missing from the sentences. I read the first 10 chapters or so and just couldn't finish. There are some attempts at clever "other worldly" use of words, only to be made mundane by the use of commonplace "this world" words. I found it totally boring and did not engage with any of the characters."
April 1, 2019
I'm a sucker for a good fantasy, especially those that go beyond one book. That said, this seems to have a well thought out story line, interesting characters, a lot of action, decent writing (no misspellings or bad punctuation), and also some thoughtful explanation of the "why" in the story. It's got me hooked to go on to Book 2.
April 23, 2019
Best author ever!
I ABSOLUTELY love the way each series has characters from other series so you usually end up getting multiple viewpoints from key players about the same events. Its so enthralling. You can't decide who's good or bad. Who to love or hate. Once you have Read as many as I have. Keep them coming!
I ABSOLUTELY love the way each series has characters from other series so you usually end up getting multiple viewpoints from key players about the same events. Its so enthralling. You can't decide who's good or bad. Who to love or hate. Once you have Read as many as I have. Keep them coming!
December 22, 2019
A Son's belief.
Another wonderful story. I congratulate the author's characters and his dramatic use of magical abilities to make this another hit D.K. Goldberg is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. Holmberg has never failed to intrigue me with his action packed stories. Highly recommend.😇
Another wonderful story. I congratulate the author's characters and his dramatic use of magical abilities to make this another hit D.K. Goldberg is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. Holmberg has never failed to intrigue me with his action packed stories. Highly recommend.😇
March 23, 2019
It is an interesting book. Worth the read.
I liked the characters and the flow of the book. I listened to it all night and appreciated how characters progressed in their journeys. I'm looking toward to the next book.
I liked the characters and the flow of the book. I listened to it all night and appreciated how characters progressed in their journeys. I'm looking toward to the next book.
July 28, 2020
Very tough to get through. I lost interest many times and had to force myself to finish this. None of the characters were very interesting, and the plot overall was kind of confusing. Don't think I'll be picking up the sequel on this.
March 16, 2023
A story about an imagined world. This is the first book in a series that can be read as a stand alone story with a? HEA ending. There is a lead in to the next book in the series. There are twists that keep the story moving. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to lovers of new worlds.
February 12, 2019
Started out interesting but got very slow very quickly. DNF.
March 22, 2019
Great start
The story is very compelling & forever twists around all the characters. This is war with magic that is different & enhanced. Will start the next book ASAP!
The story is very compelling & forever twists around all the characters. This is war with magic that is different & enhanced. Will start the next book ASAP!
April 18, 2019
Slow start but finished strong. Original and kept my interest.
May 2, 2019
I struggled to finish this one. I liked the premise and the central idea of this story, but it didn’t come together for me.
June 18, 2019
Good return to this world.
It had been a while since I had read the other series.
This book draws you back into the world with new and old
characters.
It had been a while since I had read the other series.
This book draws you back into the world with new and old
characters.
July 20, 2019
Loved the world-building. The characters seemed real and believable. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
September 8, 2019
Great book.
As always the author leaves you wanting to read more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
As always the author leaves you wanting to read more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
October 5, 2019
Amazing...
It's like a video game, with an world you can live in; if you can focus hard enough, more of this; Mr. H
It's like a video game, with an world you can live in; if you can focus hard enough, more of this; Mr. H
August 6, 2020
Another very good series. I'm on to #2 - Shadows Within the Flame (The Elder Stones Saga Book 2)
January 28, 2023
The Darkest Revenge
Enjoyable with a few errors that could be solved by better proofreading and editing. On to the next in the series.
Enjoyable with a few errors that could be solved by better proofreading and editing. On to the next in the series.
May 8, 2024
I found this so slow going I almost gave up at a few points. The dialogue didn’t flow for me and I’ve decided not to read any more of the series - sorry!
August 16, 2020
Holmberg really needs to get someone to help him with the dialogue because it is horrible.
He is creative and could potentially write great books if he got good enough help with dialogue and his characters in general. He should just sell his ideas to a good writer because everything character related is bad.
He is creative and could potentially write great books if he got good enough help with dialogue and his characters in general. He should just sell his ideas to a good writer because everything character related is bad.
February 20, 2020
All I can say Is: A good story with good characters and you will keep reading. Good Reading Everyone!
July 18, 2019
Another epic adventure by D.K. Holmberg! Can't wait to start the next one!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews