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Whispers of the Gods #2
Dark Art
An alternative cover for this ISBN can be found here.
The second book in the sweeping epic fantasy series Whispers of the Gods, perfect for fans of the Summoner trilogy by Taran Matharu and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, WHO WILL FIND THE STRENGTH TO LEAD THE WAY?
Lann is lost. Haunted by ghosts and desperate for vengeance, he is struggling to maintain control of the Dreadblade. Its call is growing stronger and Lann's resolve is at an all-time low.
Across a dark sea, Kelewulf is searching for the heart of a god. This powerful and terrible object is the final piece of the puzzle that will return darkness to the world forever. And with each day that passes, Kelewulf is closer to achieving his goal.
1st printing.
The second book in the sweeping epic fantasy series Whispers of the Gods, perfect for fans of the Summoner trilogy by Taran Matharu and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS, WHO WILL FIND THE STRENGTH TO LEAD THE WAY?
Lann is lost. Haunted by ghosts and desperate for vengeance, he is struggling to maintain control of the Dreadblade. Its call is growing stronger and Lann's resolve is at an all-time low.
Across a dark sea, Kelewulf is searching for the heart of a god. This powerful and terrible object is the final piece of the puzzle that will return darkness to the world forever. And with each day that passes, Kelewulf is closer to achieving his goal.
1st printing.
- GenresFantasyMagicYoung Adult
311 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2020
5 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Steve Feasey
17 books157 followersSteve Feasey was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, UK in 1968. From a modest background, he found escape in books, and spent much of his time in his local library. Always an avid reader, he only began writing in his late thirties, but was fortunate to land a publishing deal for his very first book, Changeling.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 30, 2024
Book: Dark Art
Type: Series (Whispers of the Gods #2)
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: tale of good versus evil
Author: Steven Feasey
Date Released: October 1, 2020
My Rating: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In "Dark Art," the second installment of The Whispers of the Gods series by Steve Feasey, the story takes an exciting turn, offering improved pacing and rich character development. Feasey's engaging narrative style keeps readers captivated from beginning to end, delivering a strong follow-up to the first book in the series.
One aspect that stood out in "Dark Art" was the incorporation of fascinating Viking-inspired stories into the overall lore of the series. Feasey expertly weaves these tales into the larger narrative, lending depth and intrigue to the world he has created. The attention to detail in depicting the Viking culture and its mythology is commendable, adding an authentic and immersive touch to the novel.
As the reader delves deeper into the pages of "Dark Art," they will notice some similarities between this book and John Gwynne's "The Shadow of the Gods," despite Feasey's work being published earlier. However, these similarities are quite negligible and do not detract from the enjoyment or originality of Feasey's own story.
The pacing of this sequel has significantly improved, delivering a more balanced and engaging reading experience. Feasey maintains a steady tempo throughout the book, ensuring that readers remain engrossed in the unfolding events. The story progresses smoothly, interweaving action, intrigue, and moments of introspection with precision.
Character development has also noticeably evolved in "Dark Art." Feasey shines a brighter spotlight on his main characters, allowing readers to connect with and understand their motivations on a deeper level. The growth and progression of the characters are organic, allowing for a more immersive reading experience that keeps readers invested in their fates.
While "Dark Art" has successfully addressed some of the pacing issues from the first book and introduced compelling character development, there were a few minor areas of improvement. Some plot points may feel slightly predictable, and a touch more originality in certain aspects could have elevated the story further.
Type: Series (Whispers of the Gods #2)
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: tale of good versus evil
Author: Steven Feasey
Date Released: October 1, 2020
My Rating: 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In "Dark Art," the second installment of The Whispers of the Gods series by Steve Feasey, the story takes an exciting turn, offering improved pacing and rich character development. Feasey's engaging narrative style keeps readers captivated from beginning to end, delivering a strong follow-up to the first book in the series.
One aspect that stood out in "Dark Art" was the incorporation of fascinating Viking-inspired stories into the overall lore of the series. Feasey expertly weaves these tales into the larger narrative, lending depth and intrigue to the world he has created. The attention to detail in depicting the Viking culture and its mythology is commendable, adding an authentic and immersive touch to the novel.
As the reader delves deeper into the pages of "Dark Art," they will notice some similarities between this book and John Gwynne's "The Shadow of the Gods," despite Feasey's work being published earlier. However, these similarities are quite negligible and do not detract from the enjoyment or originality of Feasey's own story.
The pacing of this sequel has significantly improved, delivering a more balanced and engaging reading experience. Feasey maintains a steady tempo throughout the book, ensuring that readers remain engrossed in the unfolding events. The story progresses smoothly, interweaving action, intrigue, and moments of introspection with precision.
Character development has also noticeably evolved in "Dark Art." Feasey shines a brighter spotlight on his main characters, allowing readers to connect with and understand their motivations on a deeper level. The growth and progression of the characters are organic, allowing for a more immersive reading experience that keeps readers invested in their fates.
While "Dark Art" has successfully addressed some of the pacing issues from the first book and introduced compelling character development, there were a few minor areas of improvement. Some plot points may feel slightly predictable, and a touch more originality in certain aspects could have elevated the story further.
October 9, 2020
It feels like forever since I read Dark Blade but it's such an easy world to fall back into and actually, a really great job was done with weaving in just enough of the backstory to bring back those key moments from book one. I loved the alternating chapters between locations and how the author wasn't afraid to move the focus away from Lann or Kelewulf at times to help round out the story. Whilst book one was really focused on Lann, I felt that we really got to learn more about Kelewulf this time and actually he stole the show for me! He had the benefit of a new area and new characters and his battles with both the Lich and being a stranger in a strange land made for utterly compelling reading. Whilst Kelewulf has the benefit of building a solid base in Hasz, Lann and Astrid find themselves traversing several locations and even planes during their journey. Their valiant efforts in hunting down those who escaped through the rift feels like a relentless task for them, but they make an awesome team and I love how they bounced off each other in battle. They have quite the roller coaster going on so I'm not going to let slip much of their adventure, but it's compelling! There are some quite visually graphic representations of their experiences at times which tips it at the slightly darker end of YA fantasy.
This is still a very much character driven series, and whilst I do miss my beloved world building, it's fine because I knew this going into it from book one. I did get a little sprinkling here and there though! Specifically with Hasz and the Citadel, it reminded me a little of The Black Church from Nevernight, there's a wonderful little magic system in play and some great teachers and set ups to really drive Kelewulf's arc forward. There were a couple of occasions towards the end where I would have liked to have known more though because it felt a teeny bit rushed and I had to read back because I thought I had missed something. There is no word wasted though, it's a fast, punchy and easy read that a thoroughly enjoyed and I'm very grateful to Bloomsbury YA for providing me with this opportunity to continue this fantastic story!
This is still a very much character driven series, and whilst I do miss my beloved world building, it's fine because I knew this going into it from book one. I did get a little sprinkling here and there though! Specifically with Hasz and the Citadel, it reminded me a little of The Black Church from Nevernight, there's a wonderful little magic system in play and some great teachers and set ups to really drive Kelewulf's arc forward. There were a couple of occasions towards the end where I would have liked to have known more though because it felt a teeny bit rushed and I had to read back because I thought I had missed something. There is no word wasted though, it's a fast, punchy and easy read that a thoroughly enjoyed and I'm very grateful to Bloomsbury YA for providing me with this opportunity to continue this fantastic story!
December 28, 2025
Dark Art is a masterful second installment that plunges readers deeper into the brutal, haunting world of the Whispers of the Gods. Lann, now haunted by ghosts and struggling against the corrupting call of the Dreadblade, is a hero on the edge. Across a dark sea, his nemesis Kelewulf is on a terrifying quest for the heart of a god, a quest that promises to bring eternal darkness. The dual narrative creates a relentless, high-stakes tension that is impossible to put down.
Steve Feasey elevates everything that made the first book great: the character development is richer, the moral complexity is sharper, and the world expands into fascinating new realms of dark magic and Viking-inspired lore. Lann’s internal battle is as compelling as the external conflict, and Kelewulf’s journey adds a chilling, nuanced layer to the epic. The action is visceral, the pacing is superb, and the cliffhanger ending will leave you desperate for more.
A must-read for fans of dark, character-driven epic fantasy. This series is a hidden gem that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.
Steve Feasey elevates everything that made the first book great: the character development is richer, the moral complexity is sharper, and the world expands into fascinating new realms of dark magic and Viking-inspired lore. Lann’s internal battle is as compelling as the external conflict, and Kelewulf’s journey adds a chilling, nuanced layer to the epic. The action is visceral, the pacing is superb, and the cliffhanger ending will leave you desperate for more.
A must-read for fans of dark, character-driven epic fantasy. This series is a hidden gem that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.
October 5, 2020
This was a real step up in quality for me, which was a pleasant surprise. It tells the continuing tale of Lannigon and Astrid as they hunt down monsters and try to prevent Kelewulf from achieving his goals. The world has expanded a great deal in this second installment and there was a maturity to the writing that I felt was a little lacking in the first book. Lann has been crafted with more depth here, which is great to see and his nemesis is a far more nuanced individual in this book, which makes for a far more interesting conflict. I really enjoyed the plot here, which moved around the expanded world really well and made the best use of the characters. Overall, I thought this second book was far superior to its predecessor and will now be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 10, 2020
I absolutely love this series and I can’t wait for it to continue. I have so many more things I want to experience with the world and the characters and the magic.
New characters, creatures, and powerful entities were introduced. I loved them all, especially a certain clever priestess and some powerful warrior women. Yet all the things Ioved from the previous book remained.
A strong hero in Lann, the fiery Astrid, and even the morally complex Kelewulf. Add in the great side characters and their relationships to one another, plus the inventive action and cliffhanger ending, and there is tons for readers of epic fantasy adventure to enjoy.
A definite recommend if you love classic fantasy adventures, Dungeons & Dragons, and great action!
New characters, creatures, and powerful entities were introduced. I loved them all, especially a certain clever priestess and some powerful warrior women. Yet all the things Ioved from the previous book remained.
A strong hero in Lann, the fiery Astrid, and even the morally complex Kelewulf. Add in the great side characters and their relationships to one another, plus the inventive action and cliffhanger ending, and there is tons for readers of epic fantasy adventure to enjoy.
A definite recommend if you love classic fantasy adventures, Dungeons & Dragons, and great action!
November 30, 2022
This book was such an improvement from the first one in the series. Now, I admit it, I'm kind of obsessed with it. I love the world that was built in this fantasy series and I want MORE. It pains me to see that this book was written 2 years ago, a year after the first book was released, and we're still not seeing a sequel. It's almost 2023, Steve. I'm begging you, please write the third book. I need to know what happens next. I want there to be a satisfying ending to this series. This series has me in a chokehold. Next thing you know I'm going to be drawing fanart for it.
May 23, 2024
The minor issue I had in Dark Blade was no longer in the second book. It was so well written and not at all the way I suspected it to go. Great series…
However after further inquiring about any further books, it seems Bloomsbury dropped the series and we are to be left on a crazy cliffhanger. That sucks.
However after further inquiring about any further books, it seems Bloomsbury dropped the series and we are to be left on a crazy cliffhanger. That sucks.
October 15, 2024
Oh my goodness what a book! I loved this book so much. This is the second book in the whispers of the gods series and it is amazing. The ending left me craving more (of course as it is a clift hanger). I really hope a 3rd is in the making and will be published soon!!! I need more of these books they are really good! Definitely a 5 star series and book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 16, 2021
Interesting sequel. Plenty of action and intrigue, well described places in addition to those from the first book. I like how a couple of the characters slide along the scale from really unlikable/evil, to relatively sympathetic. It does end in a way that left me wondering whether more is to come.
July 3, 2020
This is a lovely book. The images are amazing (similar to Kim Lewis’) and the story is simple, but unusual. This is a great story to share with young children.
September 23, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series last year and really enjoyed it, so I was delighted to receive an ARC of this book and got to it as soon as I could. In a lot of ways, the books in this series have a very classical fantasy feel about them (which is just fine by me because I love that!) There's the farm boy who has to leave his village and go on a quest, a magical sword, plenty of politics and scheming, appearances from the gods (some of which are more of a hinderance than a help), dark magic and monsters.
However, this series also has several things that make it feel fresh and not just the same story being told all over again. The main character actually has several 'unherolike' weaknesses, he's not great at politicing or public speaking and without his sword, he's a long way from being an unbeatable champion. The better fighter by far is Astrid, (a Princess-turned-Shield-Maiden) who's skilled with a sword, dagger and bow and arrow. Plenty of characters and races also have well-thought out back stories and world building, so it's definitely not a clear cut fight of good against evil.
This sequel begins soon after the end of the first book and we get to see how the characters are dealing with the aftermath of those events. This time we are introduced to more of the world and visit lands outside the Six Kingdoms. The different viewpoints were handled well and I felt genuinely interested in the storyline for each of the POV characters (though I definitely have a favourite and I've got my fingers crossed that their story ends well). There were some clever questions raised about whether the ends justify the means and just how far you can go using this reasoning - in my opinion, they went too far! This book builds well on the action the first book, the various plots weave together brilliantly and the ending leaves you wondering what is going to happen next.
I particularly like the way the romance is handled in these books. Too many YA books either have instalove romances or, for me, go way beyond the content that I would be happy to recommend to a 12/13 year old! In this book, we see a genuine growth from friendship and attraction to the beginnings of a relationship. All with content suitable for younger YA and without getting in the way of the main plot.
I would recommend this book (obviously after reading book 1!) to readers aged 12+ who enjoy fantasy or are interested in getting into the genre. People who have enjoyed the Wereworld series, Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) and Abhorsen Series (Sabriel) will also like this.
Content warning: there is a rather gruesome death near the end of the book. It is not shown 'on screen' but it is discussed and what is left of the 'body' is seen afterwards.
I read the first book in this series last year and really enjoyed it, so I was delighted to receive an ARC of this book and got to it as soon as I could. In a lot of ways, the books in this series have a very classical fantasy feel about them (which is just fine by me because I love that!) There's the farm boy who has to leave his village and go on a quest, a magical sword, plenty of politics and scheming, appearances from the gods (some of which are more of a hinderance than a help), dark magic and monsters.
However, this series also has several things that make it feel fresh and not just the same story being told all over again. The main character actually has several 'unherolike' weaknesses, he's not great at politicing or public speaking and without his sword, he's a long way from being an unbeatable champion. The better fighter by far is Astrid, (a Princess-turned-Shield-Maiden) who's skilled with a sword, dagger and bow and arrow. Plenty of characters and races also have well-thought out back stories and world building, so it's definitely not a clear cut fight of good against evil.
This sequel begins soon after the end of the first book and we get to see how the characters are dealing with the aftermath of those events. This time we are introduced to more of the world and visit lands outside the Six Kingdoms. The different viewpoints were handled well and I felt genuinely interested in the storyline for each of the POV characters (though I definitely have a favourite and I've got my fingers crossed that their story ends well). There were some clever questions raised about whether the ends justify the means and just how far you can go using this reasoning - in my opinion, they went too far! This book builds well on the action the first book, the various plots weave together brilliantly and the ending leaves you wondering what is going to happen next.
I particularly like the way the romance is handled in these books. Too many YA books either have instalove romances or, for me, go way beyond the content that I would be happy to recommend to a 12/13 year old! In this book, we see a genuine growth from friendship and attraction to the beginnings of a relationship. All with content suitable for younger YA and without getting in the way of the main plot.
I would recommend this book (obviously after reading book 1!) to readers aged 12+ who enjoy fantasy or are interested in getting into the genre. People who have enjoyed the Wereworld series, Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) and Abhorsen Series (Sabriel) will also like this.
Content warning: there is a rather gruesome death near the end of the book. It is not shown 'on screen' but it is discussed and what is left of the 'body' is seen afterwards.
February 2, 2021
Haven’t read the first in this series but this book stood by itself pretty well. I’ll be going back to read the Dark Blade and look forward to the next instalment.
April 30, 2023
A great read for all ages.
Steve Feasey should try to make an anime out of this series.
Might be popular 🤔 Possibly
Steve Feasey should try to make an anime out of this series.
Might be popular 🤔 Possibly
March 21, 2025
The only critic I have is I wish the series went on longer because I’m obsessed
April 18, 2025
What happened to the third installment? I want part 3!
June 7, 2022
Not as good as the first in my opinion, but it was still amazing and I really enjoyed it and it was a fast read. Would definitely read these both again… But this does not feel like a duology, I feel like there should be a third.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews