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Hero of Darkness #3
Darkblade Protector
Protect the innocent at any cost.
The Hunter, legendary assassin of Voramis, has been given a second chance.
He will safeguard Hailen, the boy he rescued from a demon, against any threat - mortal or immortal.
Though he joins a caravan in the hope of safe passage across the vast emptiness of the Advanat Desert, he cannot outrun his enemies: the Illusionist Cleric on a holy mission to capture him, the savage raiders out for blood and gold, and the Abiarazi, demons who masquerade as humans.
Every step north unlocks the truth about the woman who haunts his memories, offering new glimpses into who he is...what he is.
The Hunter, legendary assassin of Voramis, has been given a second chance.
He will safeguard Hailen, the boy he rescued from a demon, against any threat - mortal or immortal.
Though he joins a caravan in the hope of safe passage across the vast emptiness of the Advanat Desert, he cannot outrun his enemies: the Illusionist Cleric on a holy mission to capture him, the savage raiders out for blood and gold, and the Abiarazi, demons who masquerade as humans.
Every step north unlocks the truth about the woman who haunts his memories, offering new glimpses into who he is...what he is.
Audible Audio
Published March 19, 2019
373 people are currently reading
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About the author
Andy Peloquin
91 books1,298 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 21, 2017
Review coming on Release Day!
I received an ARC edition from Andy Peloquin in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Last Bucelarii - Book 3
Publisher: J. Ellington Ashton Press (March 31, 2017)
Publication Date: March 31, 2017
Genre: Epic Fantasy - Dark
Print Length: 397 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received an ARC edition from Andy Peloquin in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Last Bucelarii - Book 3
Publisher: J. Ellington Ashton Press (March 31, 2017)
Publication Date: March 31, 2017
Genre: Epic Fantasy - Dark
Print Length: 397 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 7, 2019
The Hunter has escaped Melandria with a young boy he rescued from the House of Need which was dominated by a demon, Helion seemed to have been touched by the illusionist god and his naivete made him vulnerable so Hunter decided he would protect this child whatever happens. He was still being haunted by the faces of those he had cared for but who he was not in time to save namely the young girl Farida and he vowed this would not happen again with Helien, however being the Hunter nothing ever comes easy in his life and in this book we see him travelling with a caravan across the desert always in search of the woman from his past who haunts his dreams. He is being hunted by a crazy cleric, and some very religiously fanatical woman who are out to rid the world of the last evil Buceleraii, a band of desert bandits whose leader Il Seytani, has become so renowned he is almost a myth and these know the desert like the back of their hands and they are great scimitar wielders and the abiarazi who seem to keep cropping up in front of Hunter wherever he goes. Can he protect Helien who has become his only link to sanity, the only person who keeps the voices in his head silent and who he needs in his life as much as the boy needed him. This of course all went into giving us yet another very exciting dark fantasy novel, nail biting for most of it and edge of the seat for the rest of it. When he is out for revenge, beware because once lost to his blood lust there is no stopping or messing around with the Hunter, no matter how hard he tries to escape the killing.
May 3, 2017
Gateway to the Past is Book 3 in Andy Peloquin’s The Last Bucelarii series.
The Hunter is a driven, conflicted, cold-nerved killer. That’s what I love about him. There’s never a dull moment around this guy.
He’s also rather sexy, if you’re into the bad-boy type.
This is actually my introduction to Peloquin’s series, so I’m a Book Three walk-in. Nevertheless, I never felt compelled to put the book down and start over from the beginning. There is enough background to feed new readers while keeping the pace for fans more familiar with the series. And now, having finished of Book Three, I have already snagged Book One to start this disaster over from the beginning.
When I say disaster, that’s a compliment. Bear with me.
Peloquin knows how to pen a dark tale. He is a master of tone and is adept at using plot and setting to build suspense. There is an overall feel about Peloquin’s world reminiscent of crawling through an old, crumbling storm-drain right before a downpour, wondering when the flood will arrive. And not knowing how to get out.
I found myself a little distanced from the Hunter at first, but I suspect that was intentional on the authors’ part. How does one draw close to a character who doesn’t really know himself? Are you supposed to love a murderous half-demon driven by a screaming dagger to feast off the life-force of the living? But, as I followed the Hunter through this gritty and sometimes gruesome journey into his past, I felt like I got to know him just a bit.
And I liked what I found.
I wouldn’t marry the guy. I’d never hire him as a baby sitter. But I’d go with him on a coffee date.
The Hunter has a strange, inglorious nobility. He doesn’t murder indiscriminately, but picks and choses those he deems deserving of an end. When he has the luxury to pick and choose. But, hey, at least, he tries to have some standards and morals.
He is somewhat capable of attachment. Somewhere in his past is a lost love he feels compelled to find. And in his current story arc, there is a little boy who depends on him. Though, while I’d like to think that the Hunter’s motivation for protecting this child comes from genuinely compassion, I can’t escape the gnawing fear that his motivations are far more base in nature; being around the boy soothes the voices in his mind.
In summary, Gateway to the Past is a well-written, consuming story into the mind of monster who has been separated from his life, his morals, his purpose, and his memory. Basically, he’s lost everything and isn’t aware enough to miss it. This is a fascinating journey of self-exploration into the haunted mind of a demon. Peloquin delivers on his promises and doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t spare the weak-stomached. His writing is exactly what it needs to be to make this work. That’s a big recommend.
I’m going to enjoy this series.
The Hunter is a driven, conflicted, cold-nerved killer. That’s what I love about him. There’s never a dull moment around this guy.
He’s also rather sexy, if you’re into the bad-boy type.
This is actually my introduction to Peloquin’s series, so I’m a Book Three walk-in. Nevertheless, I never felt compelled to put the book down and start over from the beginning. There is enough background to feed new readers while keeping the pace for fans more familiar with the series. And now, having finished of Book Three, I have already snagged Book One to start this disaster over from the beginning.
When I say disaster, that’s a compliment. Bear with me.
Peloquin knows how to pen a dark tale. He is a master of tone and is adept at using plot and setting to build suspense. There is an overall feel about Peloquin’s world reminiscent of crawling through an old, crumbling storm-drain right before a downpour, wondering when the flood will arrive. And not knowing how to get out.
I found myself a little distanced from the Hunter at first, but I suspect that was intentional on the authors’ part. How does one draw close to a character who doesn’t really know himself? Are you supposed to love a murderous half-demon driven by a screaming dagger to feast off the life-force of the living? But, as I followed the Hunter through this gritty and sometimes gruesome journey into his past, I felt like I got to know him just a bit.
And I liked what I found.
I wouldn’t marry the guy. I’d never hire him as a baby sitter. But I’d go with him on a coffee date.
The Hunter has a strange, inglorious nobility. He doesn’t murder indiscriminately, but picks and choses those he deems deserving of an end. When he has the luxury to pick and choose. But, hey, at least, he tries to have some standards and morals.
He is somewhat capable of attachment. Somewhere in his past is a lost love he feels compelled to find. And in his current story arc, there is a little boy who depends on him. Though, while I’d like to think that the Hunter’s motivation for protecting this child comes from genuinely compassion, I can’t escape the gnawing fear that his motivations are far more base in nature; being around the boy soothes the voices in his mind.
In summary, Gateway to the Past is a well-written, consuming story into the mind of monster who has been separated from his life, his morals, his purpose, and his memory. Basically, he’s lost everything and isn’t aware enough to miss it. This is a fascinating journey of self-exploration into the haunted mind of a demon. Peloquin delivers on his promises and doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t spare the weak-stomached. His writing is exactly what it needs to be to make this work. That’s a big recommend.
I’m going to enjoy this series.
December 14, 2017
The Hunter is no longer alone. Now he travels with the boy, Hailen, a special child, touched by one of the gods, so his understanding of the world around him is different from others. He does not know fear, or understand that some people are not nice.
In Hailen’s company, the Hunter is not plagued by his internal demon. Keeping Hailen with him is both a selfish choice – to preserve his own sanity – and a selfless one, as he struggles to keep the boy from harm. Unfortunately, being what he is, trouble and danger are never far from the Hunter…
This latest book in the series continues to unravel the history of the Bucelarii, and of the Hunter personally, while embroiling him in another pacey adventure, laced with as much violence and death as we have come to expect from this series. The new depth to the Hunter’s character as hints of his past emerge is fascinating and brings a satisfying character development to one who originally seemed relatively shallow. There is far more of this to come, and I look forward to discovering the truth of his past life, and seeing where it will take him.
Despite enjoying the story, I do think this book could have been successfully trimmed quite a bit. The endless repetitions reminding us why he wants to keep Hailen with him became quite tedious, as did the frequent references to why he must keep on killing to survive. Also, certain words could really do with either reducing or replacing – ‘pounding’, ‘atop’ and ‘screeching’ are a just a few that leapt out.
Highly recommended for readers of Grimdark fantasy, or if you are happy to take a large dollop of violence with your fantasy. The story is engrossing, the world building excellent, and you can just about smell the heat of the desert while reading this engrossing book.
In Hailen’s company, the Hunter is not plagued by his internal demon. Keeping Hailen with him is both a selfish choice – to preserve his own sanity – and a selfless one, as he struggles to keep the boy from harm. Unfortunately, being what he is, trouble and danger are never far from the Hunter…
This latest book in the series continues to unravel the history of the Bucelarii, and of the Hunter personally, while embroiling him in another pacey adventure, laced with as much violence and death as we have come to expect from this series. The new depth to the Hunter’s character as hints of his past emerge is fascinating and brings a satisfying character development to one who originally seemed relatively shallow. There is far more of this to come, and I look forward to discovering the truth of his past life, and seeing where it will take him.
Despite enjoying the story, I do think this book could have been successfully trimmed quite a bit. The endless repetitions reminding us why he wants to keep Hailen with him became quite tedious, as did the frequent references to why he must keep on killing to survive. Also, certain words could really do with either reducing or replacing – ‘pounding’, ‘atop’ and ‘screeching’ are a just a few that leapt out.
Highly recommended for readers of Grimdark fantasy, or if you are happy to take a large dollop of violence with your fantasy. The story is engrossing, the world building excellent, and you can just about smell the heat of the desert while reading this engrossing book.
August 7, 2019
Another great story expanding the world and the characters set in Einan. Our favorite Assassin continues his epic struggle between being the protector of innocence that he wants to be and the inner demon that demands death. Add to this struggle the blade soulhunger which also thirsts for death and little Hailen, the Hunter's new ward, and you get a indepth look at fighting ones own personal demons. The action is swift and often brutal but for me what makes this series truly great is that inner struggle: finding out who he was, who he is, and who he can be. For me Andy Peloquin has really brought to the page what I think we all go through fighting our self doubt, self worth and the demons of our past choices. I am hooked and need more. Can the Hunter of Voramis find peace?
November 15, 2020
I didn't like this as much as the first two books, but it was still quite enjoyable.
July 26, 2018
Good inspite of itself
Yeah, the story is compelling, but, there is too much repetition of the whole "voices in my head" angst. I get it, I really do but it was the same thing presented in the same way at least once a chapter.
Other bits that irritate are the way that the demon is once again quite one dimensional, just like the previous ones. I had some hope that it would be shown to be a bit more of a character, I mean there were hints, but that was then snatched from the jaws by brutal events. I do understand that demons are bad, but even a demon has a past and can be coloured by the events in their extraordinarily lengthy lives.
It's a four star book anyway, nice twisted hero, innocent boy, once again not enough character exploration, it has demons, half breeds, swords, a devilish dagger, really what's not to love
Yeah, the story is compelling, but, there is too much repetition of the whole "voices in my head" angst. I get it, I really do but it was the same thing presented in the same way at least once a chapter.
Other bits that irritate are the way that the demon is once again quite one dimensional, just like the previous ones. I had some hope that it would be shown to be a bit more of a character, I mean there were hints, but that was then snatched from the jaws by brutal events. I do understand that demons are bad, but even a demon has a past and can be coloured by the events in their extraordinarily lengthy lives.
It's a four star book anyway, nice twisted hero, innocent boy, once again not enough character exploration, it has demons, half breeds, swords, a devilish dagger, really what's not to love
October 13, 2018
Ok, I picked this series up as a random. It was surfing Kindle Unlimited Fantasy and thought it looked worth my time.
It wasn't.
But I plodded on. I kept going, reading Books I-4 in 4 days. I had my kindle read it to me while I work (seamstress work leaves my imagination free).
I ameas going to do separate reviews but, why? I'll take a page from the authors book and just do one review and copy/paste it over and over again.
The author has a solid base story but repeats and recaps everything from whe thoughts of the main character to the series of events, to actual peoples names OVER AND OVER AND OVER again in the same book. Then does it again in each book! This and all of the 4 I read are a repetitive waste of time. I would give it 1 star but it earned a star by being on Kindle Unlimited therefore not something in going to have to ask a refund for.
It wasn't.
But I plodded on. I kept going, reading Books I-4 in 4 days. I had my kindle read it to me while I work (seamstress work leaves my imagination free).
I ameas going to do separate reviews but, why? I'll take a page from the authors book and just do one review and copy/paste it over and over again.
The author has a solid base story but repeats and recaps everything from whe thoughts of the main character to the series of events, to actual peoples names OVER AND OVER AND OVER again in the same book. Then does it again in each book! This and all of the 4 I read are a repetitive waste of time. I would give it 1 star but it earned a star by being on Kindle Unlimited therefore not something in going to have to ask a refund for.
July 13, 2018
Book 3, in The Hero of Darkness series takes you straight into the fray between the desert thieves bent on stealing away all the fortune and children of a traveling caravan and the Hunter, protector of the caravan. With his trusty blade Soulhunger, Hailen - the boy he rescued from Darkblade Outcast, and the demon voice that constantly taunts him, the Hunter of Voramis is once against thrust into battles and situations that he can't help finding himself in. But this time, the Hunter has a straightforward goal - to find the true ruler of the Abiarazi demons who were placed on Earth to destroy mankind and make a new Hell.
In part three's story, Darkblade Protector is quick to the climax, taking the readers on a wild and narrow path to solve the Hunter's mysterious past. This time however, more secrets are revealed and everything is even more convoluted. I'm all at once confused, intrigued, and angered for the Hunter and the destiny he is slowly but surely reaching. While the Hunter is holding steadfast to not becoming what he was created to be, he somehow can't escape it either. So, the only way to avoid his fate, the Hunter is determined to meet it head on and discover all the memories that were stolen from him by the Illusionist Clerics.
In the central theme of the third book, the Hunter is hell-bent on getting to the mysterious fortress in the high mountains where no living being ever returns from. In this mountain he is sure to find the answers to his never-ending question and to hopefully find peace. His mind and heart calls to the mysterious woman who has constantly haunted his dreams and why she abandoned him so suddenly. In the previous books, there are subtle hints as to who she is but it's in book 3 that we get a much clearer understanding of her importance to the Hunter.
Darkblade Protector is written with the same vein of intensity, anguish, and harshness as the other books, but I feel that with book 3, the Hunter is slowly becoming more "human" and softer in his views of humans and this world. The young boy, Hailen who he is taking care of throughout the journey, is guilelessly loyal to the Hunter and the boy himself has mysterious powers. Together, the Hunter and Hailen travel together through a perilous journey filled with bloodshed, revelations, and regrets. Book 3 was a super fast read for me; a treacherous ride through the unrelenting desert and the quick follow up to more revelations of his past.
Will book four lead the Hunter, Hailen, and the readers into his final journey? Will we, along with the Hunter, discover his true destiny? And will he succumb to the demon within him?
Thank you, Andy for the ARC!
In part three's story, Darkblade Protector is quick to the climax, taking the readers on a wild and narrow path to solve the Hunter's mysterious past. This time however, more secrets are revealed and everything is even more convoluted. I'm all at once confused, intrigued, and angered for the Hunter and the destiny he is slowly but surely reaching. While the Hunter is holding steadfast to not becoming what he was created to be, he somehow can't escape it either. So, the only way to avoid his fate, the Hunter is determined to meet it head on and discover all the memories that were stolen from him by the Illusionist Clerics.
In the central theme of the third book, the Hunter is hell-bent on getting to the mysterious fortress in the high mountains where no living being ever returns from. In this mountain he is sure to find the answers to his never-ending question and to hopefully find peace. His mind and heart calls to the mysterious woman who has constantly haunted his dreams and why she abandoned him so suddenly. In the previous books, there are subtle hints as to who she is but it's in book 3 that we get a much clearer understanding of her importance to the Hunter.
Darkblade Protector is written with the same vein of intensity, anguish, and harshness as the other books, but I feel that with book 3, the Hunter is slowly becoming more "human" and softer in his views of humans and this world. The young boy, Hailen who he is taking care of throughout the journey, is guilelessly loyal to the Hunter and the boy himself has mysterious powers. Together, the Hunter and Hailen travel together through a perilous journey filled with bloodshed, revelations, and regrets. Book 3 was a super fast read for me; a treacherous ride through the unrelenting desert and the quick follow up to more revelations of his past.
Will book four lead the Hunter, Hailen, and the readers into his final journey? Will we, along with the Hunter, discover his true destiny? And will he succumb to the demon within him?
Thank you, Andy for the ARC!
November 28, 2017
An exciting and glorious third book in The Last of The Buselarii series, but by no means the last book. There will be more.
Here in this third book of The Last Bucelarii we find the Hunter seeking answers to the questions of who he really is and who is the mysterious woman he sees in his dreams. Unfortunately for him, the answers only bring him pain and confusion. However, they are beginning to give him a better idea of who he was and what he was doing before his memories were wiped out by an insane priest.
Whilst on this voyage of self discovery. The Hunter meets, and saves a young boy of incredible purity of mind and soul. The child has a strong and peaceful affect upon the Hunter's ravaged mind. Soothing him and helping him, simply by travelling with him. The Hunter determines to protect the child as they travel together, and look for answers to the burning questions that torment the Hunter both night and day.
But whilst on their travels, the boy is abducted by Il Seytani bandits. The only way for the Hunter to get him back, is for him to agree to kill a king.
Of course, the Hunter is going to go through with it, but silently vowing to himself that he will not kill the king, but will instead kill as many of Il Seytani as he possibly can.
Along the way we meet an evil she-demon. A well loved king. A besotted concubine. A madly loyal captain of the guards and many many people with swords...oh and an insane old priest who is a member of the Illusionist gods church.
As with the previous books of this series; this story is wonderfully rich in detail, and beautifully depicted in the glorious technicolour of the mind.
It takes hold of you in a firm grip and holds you steady from start to end. Riding the waves of excitement, one at a time till you find yourself with heart racing; holding your breath for the Hunter, as he fights for his right to do the right thing. Against insurmountable odds at times, and despite the fact that he was created to be bad, by creatures who are demons.
The Hunter is a brilliantly complex character. Constantly at war against the evil he carries within him. Daily struggling against the will of his evil, demon half; against his good, human side. And constantly at war with those who would hurt the weak, the innocents and those who do good.
He must find out the truth about himself. And he seeks the knowledge of how to silence his demon side permanently. Along the way, killing as few people as possible, and trying to do good, in a world that considers him evil and is trying its best to kill him.
Here in this third book of The Last Bucelarii we find the Hunter seeking answers to the questions of who he really is and who is the mysterious woman he sees in his dreams. Unfortunately for him, the answers only bring him pain and confusion. However, they are beginning to give him a better idea of who he was and what he was doing before his memories were wiped out by an insane priest.
Whilst on this voyage of self discovery. The Hunter meets, and saves a young boy of incredible purity of mind and soul. The child has a strong and peaceful affect upon the Hunter's ravaged mind. Soothing him and helping him, simply by travelling with him. The Hunter determines to protect the child as they travel together, and look for answers to the burning questions that torment the Hunter both night and day.
But whilst on their travels, the boy is abducted by Il Seytani bandits. The only way for the Hunter to get him back, is for him to agree to kill a king.
Of course, the Hunter is going to go through with it, but silently vowing to himself that he will not kill the king, but will instead kill as many of Il Seytani as he possibly can.
Along the way we meet an evil she-demon. A well loved king. A besotted concubine. A madly loyal captain of the guards and many many people with swords...oh and an insane old priest who is a member of the Illusionist gods church.
As with the previous books of this series; this story is wonderfully rich in detail, and beautifully depicted in the glorious technicolour of the mind.
It takes hold of you in a firm grip and holds you steady from start to end. Riding the waves of excitement, one at a time till you find yourself with heart racing; holding your breath for the Hunter, as he fights for his right to do the right thing. Against insurmountable odds at times, and despite the fact that he was created to be bad, by creatures who are demons.
The Hunter is a brilliantly complex character. Constantly at war against the evil he carries within him. Daily struggling against the will of his evil, demon half; against his good, human side. And constantly at war with those who would hurt the weak, the innocents and those who do good.
He must find out the truth about himself. And he seeks the knowledge of how to silence his demon side permanently. Along the way, killing as few people as possible, and trying to do good, in a world that considers him evil and is trying its best to kill him.
November 26, 2017
The Last Bucelarii: Gateway to the Past by Andy Peloquin
I really didn’t think Andy Peloquin could possibly wow me anymore than he already has. I was wrong. In Gateway to the Past, book three in The Last Bucelarii series, the story only continues to expand, the characters grow exponentially, and the plot thickens.
Andy Peloquin created a world in books one and two in which the Hunter, an assassin, continues to fight his naturally inherited instincts to kill and finds himself fighting to help those he’s been hired to kill. He struggles with his conscience, his morals, and the bloodthirsty demon’s voice who constantly encourages the Hunter to seek more blood. His blade, Soulhunger, is also an entity in itself that collects ‘souls’ of those it kills. Will the Hunter learn to overcome the strong, compelling voices of the demon and his blade? How is it this ruthless assassin even desires to fight against the voices urging him on?
Einan is full of places and people who all plot to kill, harm, or, in their strange ways, even help the Hunter. It is fantasy and legend and intrigue all wrapped up into one powerful and impactful story that had me turning pages quicker than I wanted to. I just could not put it down, which is a typical discovery of mine when reading any and all of Andy Peloquin’s masterpieces.
A definite five star read, and a continuation of the Hunter’s great journeys through Einan.
Have You Heard?
I really didn’t think Andy Peloquin could possibly wow me anymore than he already has. I was wrong. In Gateway to the Past, book three in The Last Bucelarii series, the story only continues to expand, the characters grow exponentially, and the plot thickens.
Andy Peloquin created a world in books one and two in which the Hunter, an assassin, continues to fight his naturally inherited instincts to kill and finds himself fighting to help those he’s been hired to kill. He struggles with his conscience, his morals, and the bloodthirsty demon’s voice who constantly encourages the Hunter to seek more blood. His blade, Soulhunger, is also an entity in itself that collects ‘souls’ of those it kills. Will the Hunter learn to overcome the strong, compelling voices of the demon and his blade? How is it this ruthless assassin even desires to fight against the voices urging him on?
Einan is full of places and people who all plot to kill, harm, or, in their strange ways, even help the Hunter. It is fantasy and legend and intrigue all wrapped up into one powerful and impactful story that had me turning pages quicker than I wanted to. I just could not put it down, which is a typical discovery of mine when reading any and all of Andy Peloquin’s masterpieces.
A definite five star read, and a continuation of the Hunter’s great journeys through Einan.
Have You Heard?
June 20, 2017
I loved it! The plot and character development is excellent. The story is exciting and full of adventure. The Hunter is sort of an anti-hero that draws you in and you just have to like him and sometimes feel sorry for him even though he isn't a particularly good guy. A world in which this part of the saga takes place in an area and during a time that is reminiscent of 12th-16th century Persia. A dark fantasy where the protagonist, the Hunter, is half human and half demon assassin. He has a blade that consumes the soul of the victims and the voice of his demon father always telling him to kill. In this part the the series the Hunter is protecting the child he rescued from a demon in book two. Full of action and adventure, this dark fantasy is appropriate for anyone who loves dark fantasy I can recommend for ages 13 to 100+.
October 19, 2020
Summary: A very dark book, the main character is not a nice person, the people he interacts with are also generally not nice and the whole premise is grim. Having said that its well written with a plot that moves quickly and lots of action. If you want a romance then go elsewhere!. Same again , we learn a bit more about the premise. It's a bit annoying to get to the end of the 3rd book and find we are no where near the end of the story.
Plotline: Fast moving well thought out plot, although very uncertain where this is all going
Premise: Grim. Glad I'm not in this universe
Writing: Very good, the reader is right there in the action
Ending: Plenty more to more I suspect, but yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Fast moving well thought out plot, although very uncertain where this is all going
Premise: Grim. Glad I'm not in this universe
Writing: Very good, the reader is right there in the action
Ending: Plenty more to more I suspect, but yes
Pace: Never a dull moment!
August 2, 2018
WARNING: This series is not suitable for cardiac patients!
Our poor Hunter faces demons, crazy priests, killer dancers, desert bandits... In short, a variety of enemies with a common goal: they all want to destroy him!
I think this book is the best of the first three books in the series. It is full of action and our hero (or anti-hero?) shows us his most human side: he cares for an orphaned child to the point of agreeing to murder a king so that his captors free the boy without hurting him.
An excellent and very entertaining book, but I've begun to read only a couple of chapters at a time, to make the series last longer.
Our poor Hunter faces demons, crazy priests, killer dancers, desert bandits... In short, a variety of enemies with a common goal: they all want to destroy him!
I think this book is the best of the first three books in the series. It is full of action and our hero (or anti-hero?) shows us his most human side: he cares for an orphaned child to the point of agreeing to murder a king so that his captors free the boy without hurting him.
An excellent and very entertaining book, but I've begun to read only a couple of chapters at a time, to make the series last longer.
July 19, 2019
I think Andy Peloquin has become my new favorite author! The battle continues within the Hunter as the demon inside torments him forcing him to choose between his destiny and his human side who is compelled to protect weak and defenseless while delving justice to those who deserve his wrath. The Hunter will protect Hailen at all cost and Andy does not disappoint with his descriptive and emotive writing style. Again, I felt like I was with the Hunter has he reined terror on those who seek to destroy him and ones he cares for. It was great to see a different side of the Hunter as he learns the tremendous responsibility of caring for a child. It's quite endearing.
September 4, 2019
Overall rating: 5
The first 2 books I was really caught in the love/hate thing over Hunter. Now, I am wholly invested in the Hunter just having some successes that doesn’t come with extreme costs. Especially over Hailen. He is a character that I have the extreme need to know what his true backstory is, and hopefully it is in one of the books I have yet to read. With each book in this series, the layers of mysteries keep building as well as intros to more intriguing characters that cross the path of the Hunter. Loving this series and getting the next book on calendar! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
The first 2 books I was really caught in the love/hate thing over Hunter. Now, I am wholly invested in the Hunter just having some successes that doesn’t come with extreme costs. Especially over Hailen. He is a character that I have the extreme need to know what his true backstory is, and hopefully it is in one of the books I have yet to read. With each book in this series, the layers of mysteries keep building as well as intros to more intriguing characters that cross the path of the Hunter. Loving this series and getting the next book on calendar! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
July 23, 2020
The only thing I don’t like about this book is the fact that the Hunter is doing everything on his own. He’s a one-man show. I don’t particularly like that. I was hoping he would have characters that connect with him and it would help him on his quest along the way. I understand why he’s doing this on his own. I understand that he lives a lonely life and doesn’t know anything about his past however, I figured he would have people who connect with them to help him on his journey to find answers. This is the only thing I do not like about this entire series other than that, the series is very enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading the next few books in the series.
June 14, 2017
Definitely worth the money!
Loved every book in this series! I feel addictive to follow the storyline of the Hunter, what an fantastic read you will not be disappointed.
I can't wait to get the next one, hopefully it will not take long? No clue when book four comes out.
I hope he will get his answer he seeks.
He went through so much and I hope he will stop what he started. Now he has Hailen back, he knows he can't keep him but I believe he has an important role to play for the Hunter.
What a great read really recommend this series!!
Loved every book in this series! I feel addictive to follow the storyline of the Hunter, what an fantastic read you will not be disappointed.
I can't wait to get the next one, hopefully it will not take long? No clue when book four comes out.
I hope he will get his answer he seeks.
He went through so much and I hope he will stop what he started. Now he has Hailen back, he knows he can't keep him but I believe he has an important role to play for the Hunter.
What a great read really recommend this series!!
June 20, 2018
Just when I thought this story couldn't get any better, Andy has proven me wrong. This third installment of the Darkblade series is exciting, keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering whether the Hunter is going to make it or not. I can't wait to see what happens next in this fast moving and incredible story!
October 13, 2018
Mr. Peloquin has created a fantasy world with a dark tone reminiscent of Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 26, 2020
Great fight scenes. We got to learn more about The Hunters past which was enough for me to continue to the next book. But I still don't know what is the overall plot of this series so far. In each book we've been in three different cities, different challenges for our protagonist feels a little bit episodic to me but I'm enjoying it.
November 6, 2017
he finds a boy and he must protect her and they join a caravan which will take them where he needed to go to. the closer he gets the more he learns of his past and hopefully leads him to the girls of his dreams, can he find everything before he is caught. again. this is a great ending to the series
June 20, 2018
This is book three in the series. This is a brilliant book, full of nonstop action from start to finish. The Hunter never ceases to amaze me. Finding his softer side now as well. Cannot wait for the next one or to see what happens next. Very highly recommended must read.
August 12, 2018
Highly recommend
This book is great Epic Fantasy. In some ways it reminds me of the Thieves World Series, but a little darker. I really like the main character, even with all of his flaws. I read this on Kindle unlimited and it is really worth the download.
This book is great Epic Fantasy. In some ways it reminds me of the Thieves World Series, but a little darker. I really like the main character, even with all of his flaws. I read this on Kindle unlimited and it is really worth the download.
August 13, 2018
Book # 3 in the Dark Blade series!
Again an awesome read. The Story continues packed with action, adventures and danger from every side. Andy Peloquin is an excellent writer and story teller. If you like dark fantasy I recommend this series of books.
Again an awesome read. The Story continues packed with action, adventures and danger from every side. Andy Peloquin is an excellent writer and story teller. If you like dark fantasy I recommend this series of books.
April 29, 2019
An epic fantasy
Can't keep writing the same praises with every book in the series. To say they are in my estimation fantastic edge of the seat rollercoasting thrilling adventures. Great friends and foes with a twist here and there. Real shame to pass this series by.
Can't keep writing the same praises with every book in the series. To say they are in my estimation fantastic edge of the seat rollercoasting thrilling adventures. Great friends and foes with a twist here and there. Real shame to pass this series by.
August 1, 2019
This book gives us 2 totally new perspectives on the Hunter! One that I was totally hoping for after the Outcast, the other, I never saw coming; it could have had it's own spin-off (past tense). The ending will have you yearning for more development of Hailen.
July 30, 2020
Really interesting read. The story of both the present and past of The Hunter is certainly cranking up!!
As you can be guaranteed, there is more death...
More memories intercede into The Hunter's life, find out what takes priority for him in this epic continuation of the Darkblade Series!
As you can be guaranteed, there is more death...
More memories intercede into The Hunter's life, find out what takes priority for him in this epic continuation of the Darkblade Series!
December 21, 2023
Dnf'd ...ive been struggling with this series but now im officially done with it....its soooo repetitive...seems like every 5 minutes the "hunter" gets captured ,tied up and has to escape...over and over again...think of something new already
May 17, 2017
I loved this book! It's definitely a page turner. It has so much action in it. I'm honestly amazed at the Hunter's determination to keep going. I can't wait to see what happens next!
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