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The Dark Trilogy #2
Darker
Darker is the second installment of the Dark series.
Can Dun help stop a War? The problem is, he started it.
Dun didn't want to be a hero and the war has cost him dearly: his friends, his innocence. Maybe his mind.
Now he's a fully-fledged Shaman, Dun's mind is a receiver for those who can transmit, but what will he do when starts getting messages from someone who's dead.
Dun's new powers might allow his Underfolk, victory. But he must quiet the demons inside his head, and find his oldest friends Tali and Padg if they stand a chance of defeating the merciless Rowle of the Cat-People. And she is about to release demons of her own.
Read "Darker", the thrilling sequel to the "Dark" series by indie sensation Paul Arvidson, and discover the darker side of SFF today.
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"I loved this book. I… couldn't wait for the second installment. I wasn't disappointed. The whole concept is brilliant and like nothing I have read before."
"There is so much to say about this novel, but I think the main thing is how ambitious it is! I have genuinely never read anything like it before."
"I was caught after the first book in this series! …it was really hard to put down… Beautifully written, I would highly recommend this author."
379 pages, ebook
Published February 3, 2018
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Paul L. Arvidson
6 books97 followersPAUL ARVIDSON is a forty-something ex lighting designer who lives in rural Somerset. He juggles his non-author time bringing up his children and fighting against being sucked into his wife’s chicken breeding business.
The Dark Trilogy is his Sci-Fi Fantasy series. He has also written The Wheels of Cady Grey a thriller and the start of the Cady Grey series. Book 2 comes out next year.
The Dark Trilogy is his Sci-Fi Fantasy series. He has also written The Wheels of Cady Grey a thriller and the start of the Cady Grey series. Book 2 comes out next year.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Want to read
April 16, 2020I’m having trouble getting back into this story. It may be a case of too much time passing since I read the first book or I wasn’t in the right mood for it. I’ll try again later
November 3, 2020
Whilst not as compelling as Dark this was still an exciting story. However the book was full of minor typos and weird formatting (the latter maybe something to do with the Amazon printing interface) and could have done with another run past a proof reader.
Also since we now know the world is completely dark, (which was the very intriguing and exciting reveal from book 1,) I find it hard to imagine the characters and this made some of their actions a bit confused and the dialogue a bit hard to follow sometimes.
But it was a very nice easy read and it only took a few nights to finish. I will read Darkest, but as usual with trilogies I love the first one and then get slowly less enamoured as they go on.
Also since we now know the world is completely dark, (which was the very intriguing and exciting reveal from book 1,) I find it hard to imagine the characters and this made some of their actions a bit confused and the dialogue a bit hard to follow sometimes.
But it was a very nice easy read and it only took a few nights to finish. I will read Darkest, but as usual with trilogies I love the first one and then get slowly less enamoured as they go on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2018
A captivating return to the Dark
I was caught after the first book in this series! But it was hard to put down this continuation of Dun's, Tali's and Pagg's adventure. Beautifully written, you really travel along with these characters and share their world. I would highly recommend this author.
I was caught after the first book in this series! But it was hard to put down this continuation of Dun's, Tali's and Pagg's adventure. Beautifully written, you really travel along with these characters and share their world. I would highly recommend this author.
June 7, 2019
Intensely gripping, this book is well-written and impossible to put down! Second in the series,, I recommend reading the first book before reading this book. Either way, this is a series you don't want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Do I have to do everything myself?"
Continuing the story of Tally, Padge and Dun, the strange unsighted creatures on a quest, and the territories through which they pass on planet Sirius 4, better known as Dark. Author Paul L.Davidson skillfully paints vivid pictures of the environment using all senses except that most frequently used: sight. Dun's nightmares increase, drawing him ever closer to the mysterious Myrch, the voice in his head. And it is also leading him to war and responsibilities he'd never wanted.
Although intriguing and well written, this reader had found the predecessor of this book, Dark, difficult to finish. Not so this book, which excited and enthralled, perhaps because many of the lead characters were already established and familiar, plus a new player entered the game, the marvellous Bureaucratic, Raoul. The evil ruler, she was magnificent and, voiced by narrator Benjamin Fife to sound a little like Julian Clarey, she slowed the frantic tempo around her and gave an ongoing stability to the tale. Totally delicious. I know it wasn't meant to be this way but I was routing for her every step of the journey!
Narration by Benjamin Fife was, again, excellent throughout, which further helped carry me through to the end. I was most fortunate in that the rights holder of Darker, book two in the Dark Trilogy, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Story Origin. Thank you so much. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
"Do I have to do everything myself?"
Continuing the story of Tally, Padge and Dun, the strange unsighted creatures on a quest, and the territories through which they pass on planet Sirius 4, better known as Dark. Author Paul L.Davidson skillfully paints vivid pictures of the environment using all senses except that most frequently used: sight. Dun's nightmares increase, drawing him ever closer to the mysterious Myrch, the voice in his head. And it is also leading him to war and responsibilities he'd never wanted.
Although intriguing and well written, this reader had found the predecessor of this book, Dark, difficult to finish. Not so this book, which excited and enthralled, perhaps because many of the lead characters were already established and familiar, plus a new player entered the game, the marvellous Bureaucratic, Raoul. The evil ruler, she was magnificent and, voiced by narrator Benjamin Fife to sound a little like Julian Clarey, she slowed the frantic tempo around her and gave an ongoing stability to the tale. Totally delicious. I know it wasn't meant to be this way but I was routing for her every step of the journey!
Narration by Benjamin Fife was, again, excellent throughout, which further helped carry me through to the end. I was most fortunate in that the rights holder of Darker, book two in the Dark Trilogy, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Story Origin. Thank you so much. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
February 18, 2021
"Do I have to do everything myself?"
Continuing the story of Tally, Padge and Dun, the strange unsighted creatures on a quest, and the territories through which they pass on planet Sirius 4, better known as Dark. Author Paul L.Davidson skillfully paints vivid pictures of the environment using all senses except that most frequently used: sight. Dun's nightmares increase, drawing him ever closer to the mysterious Myrch, the voice in his head. And it is also leading him to war and responsibilities he'd never wanted.
Although intriguing and well written, this reader had found the predecessor of this book, Dark, difficult to finish. Not so this book, which excited and enthralled, perhaps because many of the lead characters were already established and familiar, plus a new player entered the game, the marvellous Bureaucratic, Raoul. The evil ruler, she was magnificent and, voiced by narrator Benjamin Fife to sound a little like Julian Clarey, she slowed the frantic tempo around her and gave an ongoing stability to the tale. Totally delicious. I know it wasn't meant to be this way but I was routing for her every step of the journey!
Narration by Benjamin Fife was, again, excellent throughout, which further helped carry me through to the end. I was most fortunate in that the rights holder of Darker, book two in the Dark Trilogy, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Story Origin. Thank you so much. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
March 27, 2022
Much Less Confusing
Parents- PG13
Language: PG13 - bad language is heavier in book 2 (Gods, Hells and lots of d words and a few others) and no f-bombs
Violence: PG13 normal to genre- a little gross with the growing vat of brains/bodies
Sexual Content: LGBT relationship, kissing, nothing really to warn of
I really don't want to give too much away so I'll keep this brief. This book went more smoothly for me because the author finally started explaining more of what was going on. We learn what they are and are introduced to a cat-person, the world is explained and then we are introduced to the vat or "One Love." This went more sci-fi and in a weird sometimes creepy way but I know a few people that are into sci-fi who would probably love this series... It's just not really my thing personally. It doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger but does give a segway into what is coming next in book three.
The narrator was fantastic as always! I did listen at 1.25x speed but I tend to listen faster anyway.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG13
Language: PG13 - bad language is heavier in book 2 (Gods, Hells and lots of d words and a few others) and no f-bombs
Violence: PG13 normal to genre- a little gross with the growing vat of brains/bodies
Sexual Content: LGBT relationship, kissing, nothing really to warn of
I really don't want to give too much away so I'll keep this brief. This book went more smoothly for me because the author finally started explaining more of what was going on. We learn what they are and are introduced to a cat-person, the world is explained and then we are introduced to the vat or "One Love." This went more sci-fi and in a weird sometimes creepy way but I know a few people that are into sci-fi who would probably love this series... It's just not really my thing personally. It doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger but does give a segway into what is coming next in book three.
The narrator was fantastic as always! I did listen at 1.25x speed but I tend to listen faster anyway.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 19, 2025
One of the main differences between Dark and Darker is that we do a lot more jumping around - while Dark did jump around viewpoints unexpectedly, most of the characters were still in the same place. This time the plot is more nonlinear, jumping between characters in different places doing different things. So Darker may require a bit more attention to understand everything that's going on and keep track of the plot threads. It took me a few chapters to get used to this less linear style, though eventually, all the threads interweave into a whole.
Darker's plot itself is also heavier than Dark, appropriately enough (it is literally called darker, after all). While the last book was mostly a harrowing adventure plot that escalated into a political wartime story, this installment starts with the politics and warfare. Darker is more cerebral with lots of world-building than the previous installment. And there's so much new stuff. Cat people! Gestalt entities that functionally act as gods and discussions about whether they're good or bad!
Again, Fife's narration brings a lot to the text. Especially when he speaks as many people for the gestalt entity One Love.
Darker's plot itself is also heavier than Dark, appropriately enough (it is literally called darker, after all). While the last book was mostly a harrowing adventure plot that escalated into a political wartime story, this installment starts with the politics and warfare. Darker is more cerebral with lots of world-building than the previous installment. And there's so much new stuff. Cat people! Gestalt entities that functionally act as gods and discussions about whether they're good or bad!
Again, Fife's narration brings a lot to the text. Especially when he speaks as many people for the gestalt entity One Love.
Read
January 21, 2021Darker (The Dark Trilogy Book 2), my second read from author D.J. Hoskins, an author I'd not previously heard of. December seemed to be my month for new authors and January looks to continue the trend. I was gifted a free copy and I'm voluntarily reviewing it. I'm not a particular fan of sci-fi but this reads more like epic fantasy than sci-fi. 379-pages/9-hours 51-minutes, but reads longer due to the detail & development of the story. Benjamin Fife's talented narration added to a good book's enjoyment. I look forward to reading more from this author. Personally, I prefer mystery and thrillers. Still, I look forward to more from this author, I'll need to get Darkest (The Dark Trilogy #3), when it comes out in April. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 23, 2021
The book is good. I loved the next part of adventure tale of Tally, Padge and Dun.
Story has LOTR kinda narration to it...story moves in that way. Author has brilliantly penned the picturesque environment of this strange strange world which help us readers to visualize accurately.
Dun's nightmares, the mysterious Myrch, all out war, etc. Book is packed with amazing twists and turns.
Only thing I didn't like was sudden change of pace in the story, sometime it'll just slow down abruptly. Which kinda breaks the rhythm and you ask yourself...did I miss reading a page. :P
The book is Fantastic. It has potential to be made into TV Limited Series. I would like to see British people making this as they have done this many times .
Story has LOTR kinda narration to it...story moves in that way. Author has brilliantly penned the picturesque environment of this strange strange world which help us readers to visualize accurately.
Dun's nightmares, the mysterious Myrch, all out war, etc. Book is packed with amazing twists and turns.
Only thing I didn't like was sudden change of pace in the story, sometime it'll just slow down abruptly. Which kinda breaks the rhythm and you ask yourself...did I miss reading a page. :P
The book is Fantastic. It has potential to be made into TV Limited Series. I would like to see British people making this as they have done this many times .
June 25, 2022
I enjoyed book 2 even more than book 1 in this series. I found book 2 to be darker in theme as this book featured preparations for and incidents of war. Because of this, the material was heavier and more emotional. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this series to others who enjoy this genre. I can't write enough praise for the narration skill of Benjamin Fife. He provided various voices for the characters. His voice was filled with appropriate emotion and engendered emotional responses with his performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 19, 2021
Life can change on an instant, as Dun learns. His dreams are gone as are his friends. The world he knows is at war. So what should he do...once again he listens to the voices in his head. Along the way, answers to mysteries are revealed as heroes are born and die in this strange and difficult future. What is still in store for Dun and his friends? Book three holds that information, and I'm looking forward to it. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
February 27, 2021
This is the second book in the Dark Trilogy and I loved it! I cried a few times because some of the main characters died, I won’t say which ones. The adventure takes up where it left off in the first book and keeps you hopping from start to finish. There is intrigue and deception that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The narrator was great, I have listened to many of his books and enjoyed each. I am eagerly awaiting the final book!
I received an advanced reader copy from story origin for an honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy from story origin for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
Excellent continuation of a great story arc. The author gets you really hooked on a story about a new species. They have all the same "qualities" both good and bad that we do, but they are not quite the same. Excellent story and pacing. Excellent narrator.
February 2, 2021
Great book and a great narrator. Can't ask for anything more. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews