Darkened Light

Darkened Light #1

by Sarina Langer

When he was a boy in Onwwe, he’d been taught to respect the dead and honour their memory. Not once had anyone said anything about them still existing somewhere.

The peace of the dead is in danger: the Dread King has awoken, and he is building an army with their souls. Naavah Ora—a young elf with the magic to walk amongst the dead—notices the first signs of the corruption, but she has no allies, let alone an army…

Until a careless thief, an unwilling sacrifice, and an unlucky trap-maker cross her path. She needs to stop the undead invasion before it consumes both worlds, but it’s easier said than done with the quarrelling team of misfits at her back. She will need their help, but can she trust them? Against her better judgement, she slowly starts to care about them…

But when the corruption destroys her sister clans and her family, her personal feelings can’t matter. Can Naavah Ora find the only weapon that can end the threat before it’s too late… or is she chasing a myth?

Genres: Fantasy

485 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Hello my fellow book-obsessed, erm, bookworms *waves*

I'm a dark epic fantasy author and I read a *lot* (but also slowly, so don't expect big reading goals from me XD).

I love talking about books, stationery, cute things, video games, and witchy stuff, so make a cuppa, get a cookie, and say hi *waves again*

Like free stuff? Join my mailing list and I'll send you free short stories and a free novella *high five* : https://sarinalanger.com/stay-in-touch/

Reviews

[Nils | nilsreviewsit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars


“You’re your own warrior. You don’t belong to anyone but yourself.”
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Darkened Light by Sarina Langer is an epic fantasy novel, full of adventure, friendship and mystery. We are thrown right into the middle of events with the opening scene, and I really enjoyed this. A mage elf Naavah Ora, is noticing something amiss in Dunha; a world where the spirit of the dead inhabit, which immediately terrifies her. We then meet 840, a young male with no name who is being sacrificed as part of a cult ritual, and a runaway thief who stumbles upon this ritual and intervenes. Then follows a quest that unites the main characters to prevent the corruption of the world.
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The characters who were instantly my favourites were Naavah Ora and 840, because both of them had such interesting story arcs. Naavah Ora, was not only an elf with immense power, she also had a very unique gift amongst her race, which was pretty cool. I would have liked a few more scenes of her using this gift. As for 840, well a character that has been brainwashed by a cult; a cult that conditions you into thinking pain, blood, rape and death, is all to the good of serving their Lord, was fascinating to me. The way 840 transforms throughout the novel and begins to see that love and friendship are worth so much more than serving a deity who causes such suffering, was quite sad at times.
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The pace of the book is really fast, with the plot continually developing. Each chapter is only 1-2 pages long. However this is something that I had issues with, because I felt perhaps events happened too fast, without fully being explored. There were certain scenes where I wanted the action to last longer, to be more detailed or to include more world-building. That’s me though, and if you know me, you know I like my battles to be longer. I also felt some of the dialogue and interactions between the characters were a bit over emotional. I’m not a fan of angst, so this again is just my personal preference.
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Overall though, Darkened Light is a fun adventure, full of diverse characters, which is great to see, but there were just a few parts that were not my cup of tea.

Thank you Sarina for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had everything that you’d look for in a fantasy novel. Four completely different characters thrown together by happenstance. There was a quest, personal growth and discovery, friction between these four disparate personalities, fight scenes and flight scenes – all wrapped up in a neat and enjoyable package.

Beautifully written, the author’s attention to detail in the world she was creating was second to none, and even though it is firmly based in the realms of the fantastical, it still all made logical sense. So that when one character explained to another that the world of the dead was in trouble and why I nodded my head in understanding.

There was much I loved about this book, yet minor things that irked me. There were a couple of places where the characters were a little wooden and the ending left me slightly baffled. I’m sure there must be a sequel out or at least planned because the cliffhanger did rather leave me dangling.

But these were minor, personal opinions and in no way detract from the solid four stars I’m giving it – I wish I could give 4.5 stars as that would more accurately reflect how I felt about the book. This was a very enjoyable read and a worthy addition to the bookshelf of any lover of fantasy.

[ThatReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite genre is undoubtedly fantasy. Be it high or epic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal or supernatural fantasy, it is where I most manage to lose myself and find solace from the world at large. I must have read far more in this genre than any other, except perhaps for mystery, because it's such easy read, most times. When I started delving into the massive world of Indie Authors and self published books - haven't even scraped the surface! - I came across many fantasy novels that sort of, kind of, almost killed my love for the genre. Probably a hard genre to get well done, or maybe I'm just too picky. There's a lot of trad publishing fantasy that has had me gagging for how bad I find it.
But then I came across Sarina Langer. And was hooked right at the start. This is the third book of hers I've read, and I can't help gushing about it. If with her previous work I was invested in the story and the main character, feeling Rachael's hurts and victories as my own, here, I plunged into the whole book head first. The characters in this story are unforgetable. They will linger, you will question their actions, their motives, you'll go back to them time and again. If plot moved Miss Langer's previous instalments - at least in my opinion - this book is moved by excellently crafted characters alone. You want to save them. You want to kick them. You want to help them. What you DON'T want is to let them go. You simply can't, they're that vivid, that real. I read the book twice. And am hungering for the next one. A solid four stars for the excellence of the writing, the plot, the story, but above all else, the characters.

[Beverley Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarina Langer's third book delivers what readers of fantasy *want*. Her talent for world-building continues in the creation of Dunhă, a land that is dying, and whose only hope is in the hands of four people thrown together, who somehow can't seem to get along.

And you know what that creates? Conflict. A vital ingredient in any story. The author skillfully uses this to maximum effect as the tale unfolds, and you find yourself rooting for the characters (so hard to pick a favourite!) whilst wanting to bang their heads together!

Filled with magic and uncertainty, danger and courage, Darkened Light proves that the author's distinctive voice is one to watch, creating a story that will carry you along to the very last page.

[Nicole Eigener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come! 🖤

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming up this week

[Faith Rivens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides plot, the most important elements in any novel are the world building and the characters. I look for a setting that I can fall into, that I want to escape into for hours. I look for a cast of unique individuals with real feelings, fears and desires alike.

Sarina Langer's latest release excels at each of these!

The world is dying and its only hope lies in the hands of four people who just can't seem to get along.

Dunhă breathes life through the words on the pages, coming alive with all its beauty and treachery. Those of you familiar with Sarina's first two novels in her Relics of Ar'Zac series will not be disappointed. The world of Darkened Light is alive with just as much magic and danger and comes with a stunning map to keep you grounded on the journey.

Like her earlier work, Darkened Light is populated with distinct characters who come together to fight a rising trouble, drawn together despite their differences and their flaws. Their arcs are compelling as they grow from bickering and begrudging allies to... well, no spoilers ;)

Full of adventure, mystery, and magic, Sarina proves again that she is a master of fantasy and a queen of worldbuilding! Blending the fun of dysfunctional teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy with the poignant plotting of Mistborn, Darkened Light will appeal to fans of high fantasy!!

[Villimey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable, thrilling ride! I inhaled this book in one day! I couldn't get enough of it!

What really shined through this book were the characters! All relatable, flawed characters that really sucked you into the storyline. You kept rooting for them, you wanted to slap their heads for being stupid and unreasonable and you got happy when they were happy.

Naavah Ora is such a great female character, so strong yet so prideful (such a typical elf, you know?), Doran is my favorite flirter/fighter - he reminded me of Indiana Jones and I loved him the entire time I was reading his chapters, 840 is so compassionate and enjoys being in the moment, which makes sense, considering what hell he had to go through and lastly, Ash "hey, I'm a lover, not a fighter" type but who always manages to get into trouble every time!

Without those characters, this story would have been boring and just your typical fantasy story but no, it's so much more than that. I can't wait to sink my fangs into the sequel!

[Nicola Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating...

Sarina Langer has delivered a wonderful fantasy in Darkened Light. The world-building is so well done that I have no trouble envisioning this place, and even those places the characters didn't yet go to!

With plenty of action and excitement, and fast moving chapters, there's never a dull moment.

I really enjoyed all the characters and the way they find themselves together.840 is my favourite. He's so broken and yet so strong. Throw him into a scene with Doran and I can't tear my eyes away!

And damn, that ending has left me dying for more! Excited for book two...

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review - ‘Darkened Light’ by Sarina Langer ⭐⭐⭐.5

Thank you to Sarina Langer for my copy of this novel.

The death goddess Ithrean has lead the dead to their rest and watched over them in Dunhă for centuries, but they are no longer at peace. Their souls turn the red grass black, and their corruption seeps into the world of the living.

Naavah Ora is an elven mage who can enter Dunhă at will, and study it’s corruption like no one else can.

Doran is a runaway who cares about nothing more as much as the next treasure, even if it puts his own life in danger.

840 is the only male sacrifice in his village, longing for a chance to live.

Ash is a troublemaker who is learning that he can’t bun his way through every obstacle.

To halt the coming darkness, they need to work together.

It’s too bad they are too different to get along.

‘Darkened Light’ is not the kind of book I usually read but I was contacted by the author and asked if I would read and review her novel. After reading the synopsis found myself intrigued and eager to dive into something different and a genre I rarely even consider picking up.

With Fantasy books if the world your characters inhabit isn’t believable, then the whole story will fail regardless of the quality of the writing or great characters. The spirit world of Dunhă and the villages and forests that the characters live and journey through, were vividly brought to life from the outset. It was like I could see the movie of the story in my mind and I accepted this band of misfits travelling together without question.

The book started out strongly with the description of a nightmare that Naavah Ora had where the world is dying. It sets an ominous tone and is something Naavah Ora herself refers back to many times in the story as it begins to appear that it wasn’t a simple nightmare but actually a warning/premonition of what is to come.

Each chapter of the book is narrated by one of the four main characters and has a few lines before it that are all by the same, mysterious narrator. I had the sense of it being someone we’d maybe heard of but not been introduced to and until it was made obvious to the reader, I had only one contended for who that might be. I won’t say who that was or if it was correct, but I did like the cryptic and illusive aspect this added and the possible clues as to what was to come in the story that were included.

As the synopsis tells you, our main characters aren’t instant friends, Naavah Ora is probably the most reluctant to travel with the others initially and resists and niceties the longest. She is also the one who knows the most about what the ritual 840 was rescued from was for and what the things she sees both in Dunhă and in their world actually means. As a mage she is also the one most equipped to stop it, but she needs to realise she can’t do this alone and her Grandmother had her reasons for sending her out into the world with these strangers.

I liked the four main characters, especially Naavah Ora. I liked her strength, determination, sense of duty but also her faults and that she had moments of weakness despite all her powers. Doran and 840 had great character arcs and development through the novel and I enjoyed how they grew as they shared their secrets and learned more about their past with each others encouragement and support. Ash is an impulsive character who brought extra danger and suspense into the story. All the characters are on a journey of self discovery while also having to learn how to get along and work together to save their world from the corruption of dark spirits.

I thought that the story was fun kept me wanting to know what would happen next. It wasn’t so gripping that I couldn’t put it down, but it held my interest until the end. I know this is the first in a trilogy of books and I will definitely be reading the others as this one ended on a cliffhanger that makes me want to find out what happens next to our motley crew and if they succeed in saving their world.

[Anna Ostberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing fantasy - an elf and misfits band together to save the world
Reviewed in Australia on 11 October 2020
Verified Purchase
Highly recommended. Beautifully crafted, character - driven fantasy. Immersive world building and flawed characters who grow in strength. The excellent blurb sets the scene. The young elf, Naavah Ora, is a Suf'afir one of a few elves who can cross to the spirit world of Dunha. Naavah Ora senses that something is wrong in Dunha. There is corruption spreading and leaking into the mortal realm and she is the only one with power to combat it. There is a cliff hanger ending, luckily the next book is due soon. I am anxious to know what Naavah Ora plans and what happens to the others. A great map helps ground the action as the group travels.

Told from 4 POVs. Naavah Ora, Doran, 840 and Ash. Doran is a thief who was raiding elven treasures in the Dryad infested elven forest. 840, AKA Ginger, is rescued from the ritual sacrifice by Doran stumbling poisoned out of the forest. Together they are healed by the Naavah Ora's grandmother. Doran and 840 are tasked with accompanying Naavah Ora as she travels to visit other enclaves. They are joined by Doran's best friend, Ash, a trap maker on the run from authorities for an illegal explosives sale. The characters rub along, gaining each other's respect and eventually affection. I loved the gentle unfolding relationship between Doran and Ginger as they shared painful memories.

[Ashlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read a book by Sarina Langer, who has self-published two other books that I'm interested in as well, and I was not disappointed.

Sarina wrote an interesting fantasy world that has both an amazing story and characters you care about. She made each chapter, that was told by four different characters perspectives, feel important and gave the characters development through each one. Sarina delivers a fantasy novel that is both familiar and different.

Each of the four main characters were interesting, as well as I never disliked any of them. I was always wanting to know more about them and keep reading about them. They each are different from each other, which makes it really cool when they are all together.

If you enjoy fantasy and the summary interests you, then definitely pick this novel up. I definitely will pick up the sequel when it comes out and read her other books.

Have fun reading!!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkened Light by Sarina Langer.
The author masterfully creates well defined mystical worlds and creatures with a vividness that you can see and feel.
This is an action-packed mystical thriller with multiple twist and plots with creatively complex characters that keeps your attention. The four unwitting travel companions were a refreshing add to the storyline, because they were not typical trained warriors or heroes sent on a mission to save the world. They were young, inexperienced, and scared when faced with dark forces and the evil that was hunting them. I was fascinated and disturbed in learning each of their secrets and of the deep torment, scars, devastation, and loss they bore because of their unfortunate lives and circumstances.
It was a touching and emotional story, one that is to be continued! Yes, one of my pet peeves is Cliffhangers! That is because I am an impatient reader and I want to know what’s going to happen right now...

[Peter Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy for me can either come off as predictable or completely unique.

Coming into Darkened Light, I wasn't sure what to expect, but oh, boy, do I love this book!

Without going into too much detail and giving away the plot, Darkened Light focuses on a group of characters who come from very interesting and unique backgrounds. They're brought together in a surprisingly natural fashion, so none of them feel forced into the storyline at all. These aren't your standard heroes - they're three dimensional with depth, issues and enough history where they really come alive.

The world building from cultures to the expansion of the world is something to be admired; the unravelling of this world was equally as appealing as was every other aspect of the story. If you're a fan of fantasy you'll love this, I guarantee it!

[Aarika Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Determination and love are powerful motivators, if you can find something that deserves both."

Its amazing witnessing an author's progression as a storyteller with each new book. Langer continues to impress with her newest release Darkened Light.

The characters are rich and three dimensional. They each have emotional wounds and inner conflict that is displayed effortlessly on the page. I loved their interactions with one another.

The plot is well developed and anchored firmly with the character's pasts. It's a good story when the reader forgets the unfolding of events are not strictly coincidental.

I'm always impressed at Sarina's world building, and you will be too when you enter Dunhă and the world of elves, dryads, thiefs and more, all found inside this fantastic fantasy book.

[Sharman Badgett-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC, and found it hard to put down. I loved the characters and wanted to know what the future held for them. They grew and changed throughout the story, which made them three-dimensional. The writing was well edited and easy to read, and the world building was excellent, including a fine map. The plot worked well, though I was disappointed that the book did not stand alone, but will require a sequel. Each chapter started with a paragraph from an unidentified character's insight into the story which worked well, though a few entries were repetitive. For a quest fantasy, I wished there had been more suspense, but because it was character-driven, I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I'll look forward to the next book in the series!

[K.J. Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read of Langer's and it certainly lives up to her high/epic fantasy reputation. Magic, a variety of fantastical creatures/ characters, and strong world building make for a fascinating read.

The vast array of diverse characters is the strongest factor for me. Characters make a story, and as long as each has a distinctive voice and and their own motivations, you can't go wrong. 840 was my favourite. The name itself is just intriguing, right?
Langer uses epigraphs at the start of each chapter. I'm a Brandon Sanderson fan, and he loves a good epigraph, so Langer's were right up my street.
This book is available from Aug 20th. Pre-order now, folks!

[Holly Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Sarina Langer, and now her other books are at the top of my 'to read' list. I love fantasy books and this one is no exception. Beautifully written the author creates a new and rich world that the characters inhabit. The characters themselves are well rounded and telling the story alternately through their different perspectives makes it an enjoyable read. I stayed up well past when I normally turn my lights out just to find out what happened next. Definitely can't wait to find out what happens next. The book is officially out on 20th August, so don't delay. Order it and enter this new world.

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the vivid imagination of Sarina Langer, a mysterious, colourful tale unfolds. Three mis-matched strangers become unlikely friends, as they join forces to fight the evil that threatens to overtake their world and the afterlife. (Because, you know, one world is never enough for a truly evil villain.)
Darkened Light trips along at a good pace, with some colourful characters who get themselves into all sorts of scrapes. It's an action-packed page-turner set in a fantasy world with dryads, elves and dragons: a great read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dead have been resting in peace for centuries but now they are not and a strange group of people will be brought together. They are so different from each other and they cannot get on so how are they going to work together? Follow them and see if they can get on long enough to stop the danger

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DOROTHY SILLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, the people were not perfect as a matter of fact, they were just the opposite. It is a story of a young girl willing to give her life (as she was trained to do all her life) to save the world.
Good read, will keep you interested until the end and wanting to read the next book.
I recommend this book to everyone.

[Lejla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Sarina Langer, who has two other books that I read this month.
I don´t have words to describe love for this book.
I read it in less than 2 days!

I can NOT wait to read more of this series!

[Betty McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course after reading Sarina Langers Sparrow series (4 books) I had to see if this set was as good. And yup! Not disappointed at all. I also read each book twice. Geezo!.