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Darkness Within Saga #4
The Curse of Home
Separated from Ember and Max, Kael Symes turns to an old friend to help hide the afterlife tokens in Talohna’s most terrifying locales. After nearly two years and with one token left to hide, a powerful magical event hits Talohna and causes the failure of the most important spell Kael has ever cast. The horrific results leave him a wanted man and all of his efforts to form an alliance against the Ri’Tek fall apart.
With the tokens hidden at last, Kael wants nothing more than to forget the past and to spend time with his family, but knowing they will never be safe no matter where they hide, he recruits Treach in a bid to scour the Arcane Library catacombs for an answer. When the fallen god discovers the location of a legendary fortress thought to exist only in myth, Kael and his allies set out to find the hidden keep in the hopes of making it a home for the children born under the rays of the Black Sun.
Unfortunately for Kael and everyone he cares about, myths in Talohna are often grounded in reality and when they stumble into the cursed grounds of Solikyr Fortress, Kael prays that the last five years have hardened him enough to protect his loved ones from the gauntlet of horrors that have infected the fortress and its massive castle. Kael and his companions press further into the fortress and deeper into the curse, only to discover one of Talohna’s oldest and most dangerous secrets.
One that will leave its mark on them all.
With the tokens hidden at last, Kael wants nothing more than to forget the past and to spend time with his family, but knowing they will never be safe no matter where they hide, he recruits Treach in a bid to scour the Arcane Library catacombs for an answer. When the fallen god discovers the location of a legendary fortress thought to exist only in myth, Kael and his allies set out to find the hidden keep in the hopes of making it a home for the children born under the rays of the Black Sun.
Unfortunately for Kael and everyone he cares about, myths in Talohna are often grounded in reality and when they stumble into the cursed grounds of Solikyr Fortress, Kael prays that the last five years have hardened him enough to protect his loved ones from the gauntlet of horrors that have infected the fortress and its massive castle. Kael and his companions press further into the fortress and deeper into the curse, only to discover one of Talohna’s oldest and most dangerous secrets.
One that will leave its mark on them all.
708 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
130 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 4, 2022
What happened?
I even struggle to believe this is the same writer as the previous books even though the third one shares some of the same issues. I foolishly hoped the fourth book would be making up for the stupid Kael is dying yet again for a stupid reason and yet again survives for an even more foolish reason. Characters lose their personalities and being there just because.
This was like a collection of all the bad writing I have seen in other books combined into one.
The amount of times antagonists shout out "impossible" and the long talks from them every time Kael is dead for sure really would fit better in a shounen manga than in a supposed adult book.
Don't get me wrong I love shounen manga when done well but this is not even that.
I even struggle to believe this is the same writer as the previous books even though the third one shares some of the same issues. I foolishly hoped the fourth book would be making up for the stupid Kael is dying yet again for a stupid reason and yet again survives for an even more foolish reason. Characters lose their personalities and being there just because.
This was like a collection of all the bad writing I have seen in other books combined into one.
The amount of times antagonists shout out "impossible" and the long talks from them every time Kael is dead for sure really would fit better in a shounen manga than in a supposed adult book.
Don't get me wrong I love shounen manga when done well but this is not even that.
March 20, 2020
Get the audiobook
First, I like this story. That said I only gave it 3 stars because the editing is awful and the author hasn’t grown. There are still logic and plot holes all over the place, confusing sentences, poorly explained sequences, and the spelling and grammar, gah don’t get me started. I only read this book because the audiobook isn’t out yet and I did t want to wait. My advice, wait for the audiobook, listening to someone read the book fixes the grammar and spelling. It won’t fix the plot holes, but it’s a start.
Second, the story. It’s a bit of a let down. At the end of the 3rd book Kael is supposed to be a god. At least a bit of a badass, but no. He spends the whole 4th book just about dying and sucking like all the other books. There is a good story in there, but what has been put on the market is a rough draft at best.
First, I like this story. That said I only gave it 3 stars because the editing is awful and the author hasn’t grown. There are still logic and plot holes all over the place, confusing sentences, poorly explained sequences, and the spelling and grammar, gah don’t get me started. I only read this book because the audiobook isn’t out yet and I did t want to wait. My advice, wait for the audiobook, listening to someone read the book fixes the grammar and spelling. It won’t fix the plot holes, but it’s a start.
Second, the story. It’s a bit of a let down. At the end of the 3rd book Kael is supposed to be a god. At least a bit of a badass, but no. He spends the whole 4th book just about dying and sucking like all the other books. There is a good story in there, but what has been put on the market is a rough draft at best.
May 11, 2020
Disappointed
I loved the previous books but put this one down without even finishing it as it is riddled with mistakes and is poorly written.
I understand the pressure to get the next book out but at least have the courtesy to get it proof read.
I loved the previous books but put this one down without even finishing it as it is riddled with mistakes and is poorly written.
I understand the pressure to get the next book out but at least have the courtesy to get it proof read.
April 19, 2022
Finally finish the book. It was Kael saving the day again. It was just as dumb as I thought it was going to be. On to the finale I guess.
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Some mild spoilers ahead
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What I didn't write in my previous review was how could Ember take 2 months off to go galavanting with Kael when she's supposed to be the high monarch of the fae?? I realize it's family first but they hate Death Wizards so.... This made no sense to me whatsoever. How can necrosa and sephi just leave their posts as king and queen to go run off for just 2 months leaving their kingdom unmanaged? When everyone kept saying the Ancients could strike at any time. Shouldn't one of them have stayed behind... Maybe Necrosa because he has a bad leg? And was more powerful. These are things that bothered me about this book. When they were looking for the castle for 2 months, how could they just send a message to the death dogs and they suddenly appear? (I'm assuming through a portal but it was not explained) It never explained why the Northman were there. Why did they bring families with children with them? Why did they have to take them through swamps and mountains etc etc? (Again, why not use a portal??) I honestly don't think this book was thought out that well. Plus the spelling and grammatical errors really bothered me. He would call someone one name in one paragraph (who wasn't even there) and then another name in a different paragraph. Then some characters would be completely forgotten about for pages and pages until they were useful. I honestly see why I stopped reading this book at the 80 or 90% mark.
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I really liked books two and three but I just couldn't finish this one. Kael is supposed to be a god but he's really just a whiny teenager and his wife. Don't even get me started on her. She's been my least favorite character throughout the series... .I had a lot of wtf? and why? moments in this book. A lot of things really made no sense. Plus the author REALLY needs an editor. The spelling and grammar is the worst in this book. I might read the next one so I can see what happens at the end of the story but..... I'm not going to finish this one. Yes it was that dumb.
------------------------------
Some mild spoilers ahead
-----------------------------
What I didn't write in my previous review was how could Ember take 2 months off to go galavanting with Kael when she's supposed to be the high monarch of the fae?? I realize it's family first but they hate Death Wizards so.... This made no sense to me whatsoever. How can necrosa and sephi just leave their posts as king and queen to go run off for just 2 months leaving their kingdom unmanaged? When everyone kept saying the Ancients could strike at any time. Shouldn't one of them have stayed behind... Maybe Necrosa because he has a bad leg? And was more powerful. These are things that bothered me about this book. When they were looking for the castle for 2 months, how could they just send a message to the death dogs and they suddenly appear? (I'm assuming through a portal but it was not explained) It never explained why the Northman were there. Why did they bring families with children with them? Why did they have to take them through swamps and mountains etc etc? (Again, why not use a portal??) I honestly don't think this book was thought out that well. Plus the spelling and grammatical errors really bothered me. He would call someone one name in one paragraph (who wasn't even there) and then another name in a different paragraph. Then some characters would be completely forgotten about for pages and pages until they were useful. I honestly see why I stopped reading this book at the 80 or 90% mark.
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I really liked books two and three but I just couldn't finish this one. Kael is supposed to be a god but he's really just a whiny teenager and his wife. Don't even get me started on her. She's been my least favorite character throughout the series... .I had a lot of wtf? and why? moments in this book. A lot of things really made no sense. Plus the author REALLY needs an editor. The spelling and grammar is the worst in this book. I might read the next one so I can see what happens at the end of the story but..... I'm not going to finish this one. Yes it was that dumb.
October 21, 2021
I have tried to enjoy this series since the first book, as there were moments of brilliance to be found here and there. However, for the fourth book the writing has not simply gone downhill, but has plunged itself head first into the Black Chasm.
From the beginning Kael has been hard to relate to, as have most of the characters. Their actions and behaviors make me question whether or not J.D. Franx has ever actually interacted with humanity, as he surely has no understanding of their motivations or how they would behave in a given situations. He tends to write unrealistic, often completely ludicrous actions for his characters to take when faced with anything from the mundane to the extraordinary. However, this latest entry into the series is the straw that broke the camel's back. In this book Kael is a whiny, pathetic, weak and completely useless foil upon which to anchor a tale that is mediocre at best tale. There is no attempt to make the reader relate to or sympathize with any of the characters, let alone Kael, the one person above all else to whom a reader should feel connected.
After the 3rd time Kael was knocked out, on the heal of him being "close to death" an additional 3 times, I found myself not caring one iota about his fate. I had no belief that this would turn out any different than the myriad of other times the author had already employed the same boring and tired trope in order to build some sort of suspense. A task at which he failed miserably. Even had the author gone a completely different route with the outcome, I would not have cared as by this point I actually despised Kael and everything about him.
This series has been more of a let down than anything I have read in more than a decade and I hope others can avoid the unbelievable disappointment I felt when reading it, by simply avoiding it all together.
From the beginning Kael has been hard to relate to, as have most of the characters. Their actions and behaviors make me question whether or not J.D. Franx has ever actually interacted with humanity, as he surely has no understanding of their motivations or how they would behave in a given situations. He tends to write unrealistic, often completely ludicrous actions for his characters to take when faced with anything from the mundane to the extraordinary. However, this latest entry into the series is the straw that broke the camel's back. In this book Kael is a whiny, pathetic, weak and completely useless foil upon which to anchor a tale that is mediocre at best tale. There is no attempt to make the reader relate to or sympathize with any of the characters, let alone Kael, the one person above all else to whom a reader should feel connected.
After the 3rd time Kael was knocked out, on the heal of him being "close to death" an additional 3 times, I found myself not caring one iota about his fate. I had no belief that this would turn out any different than the myriad of other times the author had already employed the same boring and tired trope in order to build some sort of suspense. A task at which he failed miserably. Even had the author gone a completely different route with the outcome, I would not have cared as by this point I actually despised Kael and everything about him.
This series has been more of a let down than anything I have read in more than a decade and I hope others can avoid the unbelievable disappointment I felt when reading it, by simply avoiding it all together.
March 8, 2022
Imagine a tale with great themes, exciting potential, and a smart universe...only to be let down by poor writing and weak characters.
The most exciting plot points are glossed over, while the tedious are given far too much time.
I tried. I gave it until the 4th book before I threw it at the wall and lost my dummy.
Do yourself a favor and move on. Pass these stories by and spend your time on something more worthwhile.
The most exciting plot points are glossed over, while the tedious are given far too much time.
I tried. I gave it until the 4th book before I threw it at the wall and lost my dummy.
Do yourself a favor and move on. Pass these stories by and spend your time on something more worthwhile.
November 10, 2021
This series is not getting better, very disappointing. The MC with godlike powers is once again weak as a newborn kitten. It gets a bit repetitive.
August 26, 2023
I've had enough now. I really only signed up for 3 books and these characters just get stupider. Lately I've been on a spate of books where the good guys are constantly losing. Its enough to make me want to give up fantasy books. I can't keep backing losers
Ok so I just read the reviews and LOOOL
I listened this on audible and a lot of times I'd be like "Who??? Who's he talking about? Who said what ??? "
And I just assumed I hadn't been paying attention, but the reviews told me I was wrong, the author just randomly added people onto scenes who weren't even there ??
Anyway, I need some joy. I'm going to go re-read a book where people aren't being tortured constantly by their own memories and getting their asses beaten by people who are less powerful than they are .
Ok so I just read the reviews and LOOOL
I listened this on audible and a lot of times I'd be like "Who??? Who's he talking about? Who said what ??? "
And I just assumed I hadn't been paying attention, but the reviews told me I was wrong, the author just randomly added people onto scenes who weren't even there ??
Anyway, I need some joy. I'm going to go re-read a book where people aren't being tortured constantly by their own memories and getting their asses beaten by people who are less powerful than they are .
February 16, 2025
4.5/5 Stars I picked this novel based solely on the cover. I mean how could I not having never read from this author before, the cover just drew me in like a magnet. I jumped right in and had the best time. In fact I am on the fifth novel as I write this. I am not going to go into detail about the novel. In fact I suggest you don't event read the synopses and jump right in. If you enjoy an Epic-Fantasy with a Dark-Fantasy twist you will love this one. There are a lot of character's to keep up with for the first two or three novels that can be a challenge at times. But as they die off or fall to way side it gets better. Each novel starts right were the last left off with only a brief summery of the last, which I love.
I am giving this a clean 4.5 rounded up for the series up to four. I am going to copy and paste this for next three reviews to catch up. Happy Reading.
I am giving this a clean 4.5 rounded up for the series up to four. I am going to copy and paste this for next three reviews to catch up. Happy Reading.
June 6, 2025
when you raise the stakes every chapter of the book, sooner or later you leave the reader apathetic.
Curse also feels much less cohesive than the rest of the series so far. It spands some 5-6 years and sometimes makes wild jumps with only the vaguest handwavey "and then we solved that problem....moving on"
the first 3 books felt like Franx had a clear plan for where the story was going, and how to get there.
Curse feels like Franx have lost the plot, and is desperately trying to find the way back.
i will give the next book a chance, but only becourse i really like the first 3.
would recommend everyone who plans to pick this up, pick up the 3.5 book Northmen up first.
its not quite up to snuff with the first 3, but its decent and becomes very pertinent the last few chapters of this one
Curse also feels much less cohesive than the rest of the series so far. It spands some 5-6 years and sometimes makes wild jumps with only the vaguest handwavey "and then we solved that problem....moving on"
the first 3 books felt like Franx had a clear plan for where the story was going, and how to get there.
Curse feels like Franx have lost the plot, and is desperately trying to find the way back.
i will give the next book a chance, but only becourse i really like the first 3.
would recommend everyone who plans to pick this up, pick up the 3.5 book Northmen up first.
its not quite up to snuff with the first 3, but its decent and becomes very pertinent the last few chapters of this one
March 6, 2020
Words fail me!
I would put this series right up there with the greats. It's got it all. Your plot twists, your action, your touch of romance, the awesome take on magic, the different races, the almost seamless transitioning, and so much more.
The story grips you and pulls you along for a pleasantly dark and twisted ride.
Give it a read and see for yourself.
I would put this series right up there with the greats. It's got it all. Your plot twists, your action, your touch of romance, the awesome take on magic, the different races, the almost seamless transitioning, and so much more.
The story grips you and pulls you along for a pleasantly dark and twisted ride.
Give it a read and see for yourself.
March 4, 2020
Amazing
This whole series has been one amazing book after another and this book breaks the mold. I couldnt put it down from the moment I started. I love the character development...I cant hardly stand the wait for the next one.
This whole series has been one amazing book after another and this book breaks the mold. I couldnt put it down from the moment I started. I love the character development...I cant hardly stand the wait for the next one.
March 17, 2020
JD Franx best work to date
Wow. Jumped straight back into this book with ease. Mr Franx is one of the best fantasy authors around. You simply must read this saga from the beginning. Complex but engaging storyline, characters that you will never forget. 5 stars well earned.
Wow. Jumped straight back into this book with ease. Mr Franx is one of the best fantasy authors around. You simply must read this saga from the beginning. Complex but engaging storyline, characters that you will never forget. 5 stars well earned.
March 26, 2020
Book 4
I chose 4 stars due to the fact their's alot of spelling errors. Not alot like full but more than a few. GREAT SERIES THOUGH. TRULY ENJOYING IT SO FAR. CHECK THIS SERIES OUT. Biggest issue is waiting for next book lol
I chose 4 stars due to the fact their's alot of spelling errors. Not alot like full but more than a few. GREAT SERIES THOUGH. TRULY ENJOYING IT SO FAR. CHECK THIS SERIES OUT. Biggest issue is waiting for next book lol
February 29, 2020
Love this book and the saga in general. Jd franx does not disappoint.
April 13, 2020
Overall a very good read.
I like the series so far and will be waiting for the next one. The plot is a little all over but in general answers a lot of questions from the previous.
I like the series so far and will be waiting for the next one. The plot is a little all over but in general answers a lot of questions from the previous.
August 3, 2024
Great story and characters, but the author was all over the place again. Death Wizards were so powerful that they were killed immediately in the first book. Kale is a death wizard with 200 years of constant combat experience, but still somehow managed to get his butt kicked by everyone and I mean everyone. I just don't understand it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
JD Franx the BEST
This book and the books before all 5 stars. I loved every book. I cried and laughed throughout . The next book coming the end of summer 2020, can't come soon enough. I have read every book from JD Franx, such a amazing author, one of my favorites.
This book and the books before all 5 stars. I loved every book. I cried and laughed throughout . The next book coming the end of summer 2020, can't come soon enough. I have read every book from JD Franx, such a amazing author, one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews