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The Dark Sorcerer #1
Festival of Mourn
A dangerous magic will be unleashed in the city unless Jayna embraces her dark power.
To become a Sorcerer at the prestigious Academy was all Jayna ever wanted—until her parents died and her brother disappeared.
To find him, she had to give it all up in exchange for greater power. Now she searches for him and chases down dark magic for her mysterious benefactor, a Sul’toral named Ceran.
Her path has led her to the city of Nelar, where she struggles to understand the depths of the power granted to her. Here Jayna finds herself facing a new danger, one greater than any dark magic she’s faced before. When Ceran doesn’t answer her summons, she must stop the Festival of Mourn before it’s too late. But how can a half-trained sorcerer stop a dark god?
And can she do it without giving in to her own dark power?
To become a Sorcerer at the prestigious Academy was all Jayna ever wanted—until her parents died and her brother disappeared.
To find him, she had to give it all up in exchange for greater power. Now she searches for him and chases down dark magic for her mysterious benefactor, a Sul’toral named Ceran.
Her path has led her to the city of Nelar, where she struggles to understand the depths of the power granted to her. Here Jayna finds herself facing a new danger, one greater than any dark magic she’s faced before. When Ceran doesn’t answer her summons, she must stop the Festival of Mourn before it’s too late. But how can a half-trained sorcerer stop a dark god?
And can she do it without giving in to her own dark power?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2021
518 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 17, 2022
Strange
This was so weird. It was like the first third of the book was written by a middle-schooler. I was shocked. Very little plot was advanced. Sentences were repeated over and over describing the same annoying reactions of the two women. I stopped reading for a while and then tried again. I really liked this author previously. About one third in the writing changed. The plot started moving and the lead characters were not so obnoxious. It started to get interesting. It eventually turned into a decent story. I am not sure what happened here but I hope it doesn’t happen again.
This was so weird. It was like the first third of the book was written by a middle-schooler. I was shocked. Very little plot was advanced. Sentences were repeated over and over describing the same annoying reactions of the two women. I stopped reading for a while and then tried again. I really liked this author previously. About one third in the writing changed. The plot started moving and the lead characters were not so obnoxious. It started to get interesting. It eventually turned into a decent story. I am not sure what happened here but I hope it doesn’t happen again.
April 26, 2021
This work was well-written and interesting. I enjoyed the way magic was incorporated into this world and the explanations of it as well as some of the history of the world that was included. The characters were pretty well-written but I felt they were a little boring and stagnant, especially Eva. The book ends with plenty of unanswered questions that set up for the next book. Overall it was a quick, easy read but I would have liked to see more engaging characters.
March 8, 2026
3.5 Stars
Festival of Mourn is Book #21 in The Chain Breaker World Series (The Dark Sorcerer Book #1) by D.K. Holmberg. It is an expansive, character-driven fantasy saga that blends fast-paced adventure with a rich, evolving world. Across its multiple interconnected books, Mr. Holmberg crafts a setting that feels both lived-in and yet still full of mystery — from bustling city streets to dangerous wilds teeming with magic and hidden threats.
Mr. Holmberg excels at portraying characters with depth — flawed, determined, and shaped by the weight of their choices. The relationships, particularly the bonds of loyalty and trust, give the story an emotional core that balances the action.
If you enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, morally complex heroes, and a blend of action, mystery, and heartfelt moments, then ‘The Chain Breaker World’ Series is a rewarding read that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Happy Reading…
Festival of Mourn is Book #21 in The Chain Breaker World Series (The Dark Sorcerer Book #1) by D.K. Holmberg. It is an expansive, character-driven fantasy saga that blends fast-paced adventure with a rich, evolving world. Across its multiple interconnected books, Mr. Holmberg crafts a setting that feels both lived-in and yet still full of mystery — from bustling city streets to dangerous wilds teeming with magic and hidden threats.
Mr. Holmberg excels at portraying characters with depth — flawed, determined, and shaped by the weight of their choices. The relationships, particularly the bonds of loyalty and trust, give the story an emotional core that balances the action.
If you enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, morally complex heroes, and a blend of action, mystery, and heartfelt moments, then ‘The Chain Breaker World’ Series is a rewarding read that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Happy Reading…
November 10, 2025
Overall series review here (no spoilers tho).
Ok, so, this was a pretty relaxing series, but nothing special. Short, fast-paced, good for a break between stronger reads.
It was fun and fast-paced at times and also a bit boring every few chapters or so. It's the type of series you read when you're not looking for anything too complicated and just want some straight-forward fantasy with decent world building and not bad characters.
It's predictable at times, but not to the point it's annoying.
I actually really like this author for writing these types of series, easy to understand and to follow, that finish fast and are as relaxing as possible.
Ok, so, this was a pretty relaxing series, but nothing special. Short, fast-paced, good for a break between stronger reads.
It was fun and fast-paced at times and also a bit boring every few chapters or so. It's the type of series you read when you're not looking for anything too complicated and just want some straight-forward fantasy with decent world building and not bad characters.
It's predictable at times, but not to the point it's annoying.
I actually really like this author for writing these types of series, easy to understand and to follow, that finish fast and are as relaxing as possible.
January 28, 2022
This is a brilliant read! At first I could not quite connect. I got up grabbed a hot chocolate, sat back down and I was sucked in. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. Like I said it is going to take you by surprise and you will be hooked! Can't wait to start the next novel in this series. I think this might be by far the best novel I have read by this author - but who knows the next one might even be better! I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.
October 22, 2021
This was an interesting story. Bits and pieces were explained while others were not. The relationship between Eva and Jayna and how they found each other is still clouded in mystery. The type of power Jayna can draw from is unexplained in total as well. The question of who has power and how much power was a strong theme in this book and I’m not sure if the questions surrounding it helped improve the story or distract from the story. I’m on the fence about continuing the series, we’ll see how much the characters come back to me.
November 27, 2021
This book is intense. Magic is everywhere. There are more types of magic in play than the reader can track. Unfortunately our protagonist, Jayna, is still learning what she has access to. She is thrust into unstable situations that she has to handle. She has a sidekick - who is quite powerful, but indefinite. The reader never knows where Eva stands - what can she really do?
Jayna is driven to do the best for her kingdom, but it is not always clear what that means. Pull this book out to get your magic thrill right from the front lines.
Jayna is driven to do the best for her kingdom, but it is not always clear what that means. Pull this book out to get your magic thrill right from the front lines.
April 7, 2021
So. Many. Questions!
After reading a LOAD of series by this author, let me just say to him:
How dare you, sir?! Leave me hanging like THAT? Just when I though I was closer to completing my Charlie Day conspiracy board of connections between the world(s) where the series are set, you go and give me another story to love on, and then cut it off right there, and make me wait on a sequel? Not nice.
After reading a LOAD of series by this author, let me just say to him:
How dare you, sir?! Leave me hanging like THAT? Just when I though I was closer to completing my Charlie Day conspiracy board of connections between the world(s) where the series are set, you go and give me another story to love on, and then cut it off right there, and make me wait on a sequel? Not nice.
June 12, 2021
Well done
Jayna has not completed her training as a sorcerer but has the benefit of a ring given to her by Ceran a Sul’toral. He requests she stay in the city of Nelar and look for dark sorcerers. Her time completing the task is not east and the conclusion tests her abilities to an extreme.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Jayna has not completed her training as a sorcerer but has the benefit of a ring given to her by Ceran a Sul’toral. He requests she stay in the city of Nelar and look for dark sorcerers. Her time completing the task is not east and the conclusion tests her abilities to an extreme.
I am looking forward to the next book.
April 11, 2021
Sorcery is not easy
Jayne struggles mightily to do the work of combating dark forces, and has to draw upon some of the same power that lures others to abandon human compassion. Her past and potential are gradually revealed to herself and the reader in an action packed adventure.
Jayne struggles mightily to do the work of combating dark forces, and has to draw upon some of the same power that lures others to abandon human compassion. Her past and potential are gradually revealed to herself and the reader in an action packed adventure.
November 4, 2021
A good book to read.
You are taken on a journey with many ups and downs , you are kept wondering how it will work out. The did a good job with the book and keeping you involved with wanting more and you keep reading.
You are taken on a journey with many ups and downs , you are kept wondering how it will work out. The did a good job with the book and keeping you involved with wanting more and you keep reading.
April 23, 2023
The Dark Sorcerer
This explains a lot about Jayna and Jonathan's relationship, and explains about her search for power. There are several types of unique magic and very interesting characters. The book has lots of action and a great intensity.
This explains a lot about Jayna and Jonathan's relationship, and explains about her search for power. There are several types of unique magic and very interesting characters. The book has lots of action and a great intensity.
May 14, 2024
Jayna using her knowledge of sorcery and power granted her by Ceran, must fight dark sorcery and stop the release of powerful dark sorcerers. Her adventures take place in the same universe as the Chain Breaker. A good read.
April 22, 2021
Great story as Jayna goes on to save the world.
December 19, 2022
Challenging
Secrets abound around Eva while Jayna struggles to learn the powers hidden in her ring. Each lesson takes her closer to the dark magic.
Secrets abound around Eva while Jayna struggles to learn the powers hidden in her ring. Each lesson takes her closer to the dark magic.
January 24, 2024
Great read
The struggles of not being quite sure of one's self is what made this book so entertaining. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes magic.
The struggles of not being quite sure of one's self is what made this book so entertaining. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes magic.
May 3, 2021
This was a very refreshing shift to the trained magic users saving their own city, and it was so deep that I thought this was two books when I went back to review!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews