What do you think?
Rate this book
The Volatar Saga #1
The Edge of Darkness
They called him the Volatar. He came from nothing. Found his power. Became a legend, then lost it all.
Now he has all the power in the world but can't touch it. With war growing, an old enemy on his heels, his best friend by his side, only the north holds the secret to reconnecting with his lost power.
But war has a way of pushing old heroes aside.
Hevith Alaster knew nothing of the Hith when their dark magic took his family away. Life on the wagon train had been simple. Keep moving north, stay ahead of the war.
But war found him all the same.
Hurt, humbled, and left to rot in a northern prison, Hevith must carve out a new life for himself in the wake of tragedy--but only if he can find a way to break free before the Hith break him. Either he must rise to the challenge or he will be yet another casualty on the Hith's path to total domination.
Now he has all the power in the world but can't touch it. With war growing, an old enemy on his heels, his best friend by his side, only the north holds the secret to reconnecting with his lost power.
But war has a way of pushing old heroes aside.
Hevith Alaster knew nothing of the Hith when their dark magic took his family away. Life on the wagon train had been simple. Keep moving north, stay ahead of the war.
But war found him all the same.
Hurt, humbled, and left to rot in a northern prison, Hevith must carve out a new life for himself in the wake of tragedy--but only if he can find a way to break free before the Hith break him. Either he must rise to the challenge or he will be yet another casualty on the Hith's path to total domination.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
611 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 23, 2022
Another book that wasn’t for me. I’m not having much luck finding a good book these days. This was too slow for me and I didn’t feel a connection to the characters at all. 2 stars.
September 29, 2020
The story was interesting, but I had several problems, including a major plot device, the characters, and the story itself. I would give it two and one half stars if possible. I enjoyed it enough to finish reading it, but I don't think I'll pick up the second book.
April 1, 2020
Holmberg's earlier books are easy reading. Simple good fun. This book shows the author finally is starting to produce quality adult fantasy. Big improvement. It may not be what his usual fans expect and they may not enjoy it but this book will gain a new crowd.
March 20, 2020
well written
This story follows two characters The Volatar and Hevith.
The Volatar (a person) had destroyed entire armies with the gift of elaron, magic. Now he can't find it, only that magic which destroys, the ne'rash. While he barely has control over his two forms of magic he is traveling north with Coldan, his guardian, to find the tu’alan and regain his control.
A caravan of traders lead by Nevan, Hevith's father, is heading south when It arrives at a town that is not as welcoming as usual. hey turn around and head back north. Nevan leads the first two caravans to the left and has Hevith lead the rest to the right when they reach a fork in the road. This Nevan hopes will protect the larget number of people. Unfortunately this doesn't work. Hevith's group is attacked. The caravans are destroyed,many are killed and the rest disappear leaving Hevith injured and alone. Vard,a guard who went with his father, appears in the area and the two of them go away from the destroyed caravans. They are captured and taken just outside the city of Yarshin. Hevith escapes but is injured in the process He makes it into the city and is nursed by an elderly woman. Days later he is out in the city and is captured by the city soldiers and taken to a prison.
This is a well written deep emotional story that brings to mind the horrible things that happened in the concentration camps in Germany and the hope the people had that were interred in them.
This story follows two characters The Volatar and Hevith.
The Volatar (a person) had destroyed entire armies with the gift of elaron, magic. Now he can't find it, only that magic which destroys, the ne'rash. While he barely has control over his two forms of magic he is traveling north with Coldan, his guardian, to find the tu’alan and regain his control.
A caravan of traders lead by Nevan, Hevith's father, is heading south when It arrives at a town that is not as welcoming as usual. hey turn around and head back north. Nevan leads the first two caravans to the left and has Hevith lead the rest to the right when they reach a fork in the road. This Nevan hopes will protect the larget number of people. Unfortunately this doesn't work. Hevith's group is attacked. The caravans are destroyed,many are killed and the rest disappear leaving Hevith injured and alone. Vard,a guard who went with his father, appears in the area and the two of them go away from the destroyed caravans. They are captured and taken just outside the city of Yarshin. Hevith escapes but is injured in the process He makes it into the city and is nursed by an elderly woman. Days later he is out in the city and is captured by the city soldiers and taken to a prison.
This is a well written deep emotional story that brings to mind the horrible things that happened in the concentration camps in Germany and the hope the people had that were interred in them.
May 17, 2020
There are two story lines that follows the life of Hevith and Volatar. In the beginning I was thinking what do have these two persons in common? Which left me torn and a bit disconnected, I feel it was the writers intention throw us off game, and ended the story with a masterly written twist.
Even though it takes a while to get used to the new world, the races , the interaction with each other and the elements of magic. There is a lot of mystery evolved with the enemy, it seems you can only see the war by it's aftermath.
The story is slow build and wonder if Hevith or the Volatar can change the course of the war? They both seeking a way to defeat the enemy and would not likely give us as easy. When the Volatar rescues Shae he starts to open up to her. Will she be his rescue?
I love the intriguing plots following Hevith and the Volator, with this slow building tension, so slow that you keep on reading of what is going to happen. Towards the end of it, the story explodes into violence and a twist that you will never expect.
Underlying the story, what will you do when you are taking captive, will you do anything to safe yourself or your family? What will you do in such a situation when survival is key. Again masterly told story that will sweep you away in a world of magic, terror, war, anger, hope, adventure and so, so much more.
Even though it takes a while to get used to the new world, the races , the interaction with each other and the elements of magic. There is a lot of mystery evolved with the enemy, it seems you can only see the war by it's aftermath.
The story is slow build and wonder if Hevith or the Volatar can change the course of the war? They both seeking a way to defeat the enemy and would not likely give us as easy. When the Volatar rescues Shae he starts to open up to her. Will she be his rescue?
I love the intriguing plots following Hevith and the Volator, with this slow building tension, so slow that you keep on reading of what is going to happen. Towards the end of it, the story explodes into violence and a twist that you will never expect.
Underlying the story, what will you do when you are taking captive, will you do anything to safe yourself or your family? What will you do in such a situation when survival is key. Again masterly told story that will sweep you away in a world of magic, terror, war, anger, hope, adventure and so, so much more.
November 10, 2025
2.5 stars
I was hoping for more from this author and series, frankly.
Not a bad book, but it didn't keep me interested and didn't make me want to continue with the series.
Maybe it's me, but I just couldn't really connect to the characters and couldn't get into the plot. Still, worth a try, maybe you're in a better place than me and you'll actually like it.
I was hoping for more from this author and series, frankly.
Not a bad book, but it didn't keep me interested and didn't make me want to continue with the series.
Maybe it's me, but I just couldn't really connect to the characters and couldn't get into the plot. Still, worth a try, maybe you're in a better place than me and you'll actually like it.
April 11, 2020
A time of peace was destroyed by people that has magic power. Power grew and so did war, destruction and famine. A wagon train of traders was skirting the war until one day, it caught up with them and they were attacked. The father and leader of the wagon train was teaching his son Hevith, how to be a successful driver and leader but Hevith lost his mother and father in the raid. Times changed and so did Hevith and others. A sobering and exciting book for all ages!
April 11, 2020
This is the third series I’ve read by this author, and there’s a reason I picked it up. I generally enjoy his pacing and the introspective characters.
This one, the first of a trilogy, has the same intricate plot development I’ve come to expect, and also has an ending I didn’t anticipate. All good!
The downside is that this plot is a SLOW build to the conclusion. Molasses slow. I’m hoping things accelerate in Book 2.
This one, the first of a trilogy, has the same intricate plot development I’ve come to expect, and also has an ending I didn’t anticipate. All good!
The downside is that this plot is a SLOW build to the conclusion. Molasses slow. I’m hoping things accelerate in Book 2.
March 22, 2020
Only A Three Star
As much as I like Holmberg and appreciate the early copy of The Edge of Darkness I just can't rate it more than 3 stars, and a low 3 at that. I liked the ending and the part of the story following the Volatar but, for me it was a struggle to stay interested in the travails of "Helvy."
As much as I like Holmberg and appreciate the early copy of The Edge of Darkness I just can't rate it more than 3 stars, and a low 3 at that. I liked the ending and the part of the story following the Volatar but, for me it was a struggle to stay interested in the travails of "Helvy."
August 25, 2020
Intriguing Page Turner
This is the first book in a while where I had a difficult time putting it down. I think what drew me in was the character development and element of mystery. Things would happen that weren't obvious or predictable, and I enjoyed that the most. The characters seemed well thought out with depth and some surprising twists. I highly recommend it.
This is the first book in a while where I had a difficult time putting it down. I think what drew me in was the character development and element of mystery. Things would happen that weren't obvious or predictable, and I enjoyed that the most. The characters seemed well thought out with depth and some surprising twists. I highly recommend it.
December 27, 2021
The Edge of darkness
This was a strange read, the way it jumped back and forth between the Volatar and Hevith. Each with there own struggles. Then after Hevith overcame his situation and Volatar did his own was when they were one and the same. I enjoyed reading this story and will read the next.
This was a strange read, the way it jumped back and forth between the Volatar and Hevith. Each with there own struggles. Then after Hevith overcame his situation and Volatar did his own was when they were one and the same. I enjoyed reading this story and will read the next.
July 25, 2020
Sorry
I tried reading this. I really did. I like the author. Plot wasn't coming together at all. Hobart was very dense and a main character. He seemed simple but was considered intellegent. He irritated me.
I tried reading this. I really did. I like the author. Plot wasn't coming together at all. Hobart was very dense and a main character. He seemed simple but was considered intellegent. He irritated me.
August 22, 2020
A great way to start a Book Set
Well written, good set of characters both main and supporting. A coming of age and discovering the use of unknown magic.
Looking forward to the next read.
Well written, good set of characters both main and supporting. A coming of age and discovering the use of unknown magic.
Looking forward to the next read.
September 30, 2020
Ok. Let's do this.
While the book seemed to be slow going, it still kept me entrenched in the story, needing to know how everything connected. The ending didn't disappoint, and now I'm off to find the next in the series!
While the book seemed to be slow going, it still kept me entrenched in the story, needing to know how everything connected. The ending didn't disappoint, and now I'm off to find the next in the series!
March 6, 2021
A good series
It took me a little longer to get into this one but it is a good story. I’m not a fan of time jumping, but it was necessary to see how and why things happen. Since the back story seems to be complete, the next series should be interesting. Enjoy
It took me a little longer to get into this one but it is a good story. I’m not a fan of time jumping, but it was necessary to see how and why things happen. Since the back story seems to be complete, the next series should be interesting. Enjoy
March 23, 2020
Not what you think....
Not to give spoilers, but you need to read this book to its end, and then the moment will come that clarifies so much. Glad that I stayed with it.
Not to give spoilers, but you need to read this book to its end, and then the moment will come that clarifies so much. Glad that I stayed with it.
March 26, 2020
Great new series
Looking forward to the second book, as usual.
I think I have read all of his books. I never get tired of his stories or characters.
Looking forward to the second book, as usual.
I think I have read all of his books. I never get tired of his stories or characters.
March 27, 2020
Difficult
I really like your books but I found that I had a hard time following the storyline on this one. It didn’t connect until the very last.
I really like your books but I found that I had a hard time following the storyline on this one. It didn’t connect until the very last.
April 15, 2020
Interesting
Interesting storyline with twists and turns as magic is intertwined throughout the realm while factions struggle against those who want to win
Interesting storyline with twists and turns as magic is intertwined throughout the realm while factions struggle against those who want to win
April 25, 2020
Pretty grim book
Probably 3.5 stars. Seems to be roughly based on Jews and Nazis from a suffering and persecution perspective. A little too dark for me.
Probably 3.5 stars. Seems to be roughly based on Jews and Nazis from a suffering and persecution perspective. A little too dark for me.
May 18, 2020
Best series of this author
This is so good. I am so excited to read the next one. This kept me guessing until the end. Love this!!
This is so good. I am so excited to read the next one. This kept me guessing until the end. Love this!!
May 19, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book. Found it beyond boring.
July 23, 2025
Very interesting story with a great surprise ending
August 28, 2020
Literally got tired of the prison episodes that got too long and were not advancing. The Volatar episodes were more interesting yet again took too long to reach where it was going. Not a good start.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews