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A Dark Descent
This a realistic fantasy fiction story, aimed at young adults. It is set within a realm named Islandia. The land is divided into five kingdoms with each having its own respective leader. These kingdoms come under attack by a long-rumored enemy called the Felled Ones. Under the banner of the High King Eloy they must unite against the coming assault or fall divided into darkness.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
About the author
J.J. Johnson
4 books13 followersI was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. I later graduated from Evangel University in Springfield, MO. My wife (Vanessa), our daughter, and I serve as career missionaries on the continent of Africa. I have always loved the power of story. Growing up watching and reading epics such as Narnia, LOTR, Star Wars, and many more I knew how much a powerful story could impact others.
I started the Kingdoms of Islandia trilogy hoping in a small way I could make an impact on others like these stories impacted me. Above all, I dedicate everything I do to my king, Jesus. Without sounding cliché, it is by his radical love that I am who you see today. I hope all my work, speech, and ministry can bring glory to his name.
I started the Kingdoms of Islandia trilogy hoping in a small way I could make an impact on others like these stories impacted me. Above all, I dedicate everything I do to my king, Jesus. Without sounding cliché, it is by his radical love that I am who you see today. I hope all my work, speech, and ministry can bring glory to his name.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 6, 2022
Listened to audio narrated by Preston Rosales, Tumisho Ngobeni, Corinna Wilson. I liked the varied cast but odd word pronounciations were continual distraction.
High King Eloy has returned with knowledge and weapons to fight the dark evil trying to overtake Islandia. A benevolent, noble King that knows more than he's telling sends his noble followers on quests for knowledge and to gather forces to defeat the Felled Ones and their creator.
Prince Titus was betrayed by his best friend, Lancelin, and it cost many lives. In this second installment we learn what was behind the betrayal but is it enough for Titus to forgive and trust again?
As each of them enlist help from their kingdoms, they face their own battles and betrayals before gathering to fight the dark forces unleashed on Islandia.
This second book deals a lot with repairing relationships, rebuilding trust, hope, betrayals and battles against evil. It has a to be continued ending, but 'A New Dawn' has already been released so you won't have to wait to see what happens next.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
High King Eloy has returned with knowledge and weapons to fight the dark evil trying to overtake Islandia. A benevolent, noble King that knows more than he's telling sends his noble followers on quests for knowledge and to gather forces to defeat the Felled Ones and their creator.
Prince Titus was betrayed by his best friend, Lancelin, and it cost many lives. In this second installment we learn what was behind the betrayal but is it enough for Titus to forgive and trust again?
As each of them enlist help from their kingdoms, they face their own battles and betrayals before gathering to fight the dark forces unleashed on Islandia.
This second book deals a lot with repairing relationships, rebuilding trust, hope, betrayals and battles against evil. It has a to be continued ending, but 'A New Dawn' has already been released so you won't have to wait to see what happens next.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads
April 16, 2021
An epic follow-up to A King's Return. Leaves the reader wanting more. Investment in the characters from book one allows the story to move with quicken pace to an epic conclusion.
June 1, 2021
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My Rating - 3.5 Stars
A Dark Descent begins as the embers of A King's Return's war only begin to cool. Now, with the High King returned, those left alive must prepare to face the impending threat of an ancient dark force known as the Felled Ones. Titus, Imari, Geralt, even Lancelin and a few new POVs must unite together under Eloy's banner if they have any hope of surviving the supernatural skirmishes that are ahead. Wielding their magical Dawn Blades and trusting in their returned King, the warriors step boldly forward towards a dark descent.
J.J. Johnson's sequel is a solid one. He does well reintroducing the readers the characters and realms from where they come from. While there is a lot of build up in the first half of this book, the second half pays off with lots of action. Forgiveness is a major theme in Book Two. And while it is certainly a good theme, it might be over-addressed at times with melodramatic monologues. Other themes like mercy, hope, and light overcoming darkness are pervasive throughout the text too. In fact, A LOT of this series seems to be somewhat allegorical. If you've read The Chronicles of Narnia before, you might find a similar writing style here. It is abundantly clear which of Johnson's characters represent which biblical ones even if you have a cursory knowledge of the Christian faith.
As far as characters go, I found myself less interested in Imari this time (although he was my favorite in Book One) and much more interested in Lydia's story, one of the new character POVs. It was unfortunate that we didn't get more of Khaleena either and what we did get of her was, well, unfortunate. I think most of my problems with this book are simply due to the book's length. Like A King's Return, A Dark Descent is a fairly short read. 264 pages in paperback. Johnson does well with utilizing the pages he has, but I felt like more could have been done with the characters if Johnson had 100 more pages to work with.
We are now one book away from what is bound to be an epic conclusion. The act has taken place and it appears as though darkness has all but won. Good thing I know that the darkest of nights always fall before the brightest of dawns.
A Dark Descent was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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My Rating - 3.5 Stars
A Dark Descent begins as the embers of A King's Return's war only begin to cool. Now, with the High King returned, those left alive must prepare to face the impending threat of an ancient dark force known as the Felled Ones. Titus, Imari, Geralt, even Lancelin and a few new POVs must unite together under Eloy's banner if they have any hope of surviving the supernatural skirmishes that are ahead. Wielding their magical Dawn Blades and trusting in their returned King, the warriors step boldly forward towards a dark descent.
J.J. Johnson's sequel is a solid one. He does well reintroducing the readers the characters and realms from where they come from. While there is a lot of build up in the first half of this book, the second half pays off with lots of action. Forgiveness is a major theme in Book Two. And while it is certainly a good theme, it might be over-addressed at times with melodramatic monologues. Other themes like mercy, hope, and light overcoming darkness are pervasive throughout the text too. In fact, A LOT of this series seems to be somewhat allegorical. If you've read The Chronicles of Narnia before, you might find a similar writing style here. It is abundantly clear which of Johnson's characters represent which biblical ones even if you have a cursory knowledge of the Christian faith.
As far as characters go, I found myself less interested in Imari this time (although he was my favorite in Book One) and much more interested in Lydia's story, one of the new character POVs. It was unfortunate that we didn't get more of Khaleena either and what we did get of her was, well, unfortunate. I think most of my problems with this book are simply due to the book's length. Like A King's Return, A Dark Descent is a fairly short read. 264 pages in paperback. Johnson does well with utilizing the pages he has, but I felt like more could have been done with the characters if Johnson had 100 more pages to work with.
We are now one book away from what is bound to be an epic conclusion. The act has taken place and it appears as though darkness has all but won. Good thing I know that the darkest of nights always fall before the brightest of dawns.
A Dark Descent was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews