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Darkblade #3
Slayer
The Hunter has set his sights on new prey.
Abiarazi. Master manipulators, bloodthirsty, and cruel. Demons of nightmare.
His hunt for the monstrosities prowling among mankind takes him to the top of the highest mountain peak on Einan…
…where he stumbles across an ancient city and people forgotten by time.
The Hunter has set his sights on new prey.
Abiarazi. Master manipulators, bloodthirsty, and cruel. Demons of nightmare.
His hunt for the monstrosities prowling among mankind takes him to the top of the highest mountain peak on Einan…
…where he stumbles across an ancient city and people forgotten by time.
Amidst the ruins and relics of a long-dead race, his vendetta against the demons will drag him ever-deeper into a millennia-old war for conquest and an enslaved nation’s desperate fight for freedom.
His skills as assassin will be put to the ultimate test: battling an enemy even he may not be strong enough to kill.
Yet should he fail, the cost will be high, for the first victim to die in the ensuing bloodshed will be the god-touched boy he has sworn to protect—a child with the power to either shatter or save the world.
"A riveting, action-packed, rollercoaster ride of extreme awesomeness, one that fires you up and ignites the darkness within! Magnificently written and wonderfully dark!" - Angel Haze, author of Beyond the Shadows
Abiarazi. Master manipulators, bloodthirsty, and cruel. Demons of nightmare.
His hunt for the monstrosities prowling among mankind takes him to the top of the highest mountain peak on Einan…
…where he stumbles across an ancient city and people forgotten by time.
The Hunter has set his sights on new prey.
Abiarazi. Master manipulators, bloodthirsty, and cruel. Demons of nightmare.
His hunt for the monstrosities prowling among mankind takes him to the top of the highest mountain peak on Einan…
…where he stumbles across an ancient city and people forgotten by time.
Amidst the ruins and relics of a long-dead race, his vendetta against the demons will drag him ever-deeper into a millennia-old war for conquest and an enslaved nation’s desperate fight for freedom.
His skills as assassin will be put to the ultimate test: battling an enemy even he may not be strong enough to kill.
Yet should he fail, the cost will be high, for the first victim to die in the ensuing bloodshed will be the god-touched boy he has sworn to protect—a child with the power to either shatter or save the world.
"A riveting, action-packed, rollercoaster ride of extreme awesomeness, one that fires you up and ignites the darkness within! Magnificently written and wonderfully dark!" - Angel Haze, author of Beyond the Shadows
750 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
393 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Andy Peloquin
91 books1,298 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 2, 2023
Intense Action!
I am not going into a backstory as there is so much that happens within the story that most of it would be spoilers, so I am just going to give out thoughts.
Thoughts:
The third installment in the Darkblade series has quite of bit of action along with tons of deception and corruption that surrounds the Hunter as he tries to protect the young boy Hailen. The author is able to weave the action where it becomes so intense that you feel like you are in the midst of what is happening to the Hunter.
The fight scenes are flawless and brings the action alive in your mind as you read about the Hunter as he takes on some "baddies" within this story. There wasn't much world building in this book as it was more of fighting scenes with the Hunter taking out the bad guys.
The story has opened up more of who the Hunter is and what lays in his past which is brought forth more in this book. The last half of the book my reading went into overdrive as more things were happening within the story and I kept wanting to see what was going to happen next! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where that leads the Hunter. Giving this book four "Slash & Dash" stars!
I am not going into a backstory as there is so much that happens within the story that most of it would be spoilers, so I am just going to give out thoughts.
Thoughts:
The third installment in the Darkblade series has quite of bit of action along with tons of deception and corruption that surrounds the Hunter as he tries to protect the young boy Hailen. The author is able to weave the action where it becomes so intense that you feel like you are in the midst of what is happening to the Hunter.
The fight scenes are flawless and brings the action alive in your mind as you read about the Hunter as he takes on some "baddies" within this story. There wasn't much world building in this book as it was more of fighting scenes with the Hunter taking out the bad guys.
The story has opened up more of who the Hunter is and what lays in his past which is brought forth more in this book. The last half of the book my reading went into overdrive as more things were happening within the story and I kept wanting to see what was going to happen next! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where that leads the Hunter. Giving this book four "Slash & Dash" stars!
December 18, 2022
It's a great 3rd installment in this amazing series!
I can't recommend this series enough. Andy's writing is top-notch! The plot throughout is a very intricatly weaved web where everything seems to connect for some reason or another. The reasons will eventually be told. So there isn't some kind of puzzle you have to solve.
I don't normally get hit emotionally when reading, but this one got me a little on a few occasions. Shock and sadness at the same time! I'm just a puney mortal!
Great job, Andy. I am looking forward to the next book!
I can't recommend this series enough. Andy's writing is top-notch! The plot throughout is a very intricatly weaved web where everything seems to connect for some reason or another. The reasons will eventually be told. So there isn't some kind of puzzle you have to solve.
I don't normally get hit emotionally when reading, but this one got me a little on a few occasions. Shock and sadness at the same time! I'm just a puney mortal!
Great job, Andy. I am looking forward to the next book!
January 11, 2022
I do believe that Andy Peloquin has written his strongest and darkest epic fantasy novel yet and that is saying something, as he has surpassed even himself through this massive tome about the Hunter of Voramis. The hunter and Hailen, the boy he has vowed to protect with his life are leaving Voramis behind after the hunter had rid the city of the two abiarazi who brought terror and killed some of the people who he had cared most about, people who kept on haunting his days and nights. Now they travelled towards Shana Laal and the two massive temples of Kara-Ket in the highest of mountains. He came with the intention of killing the two most powerful abiarazi in Einan, the Sage and the Warmaster. He also came in search of a cure for the madness which was effecting Hailen's mind and in search of answers about his past, namely the woman who he felt calling to him. A past which had been wiped out of his mind by the beggar priests. However he was not prepared for the town he found in the shadow of Kara-Ket and the people who dwelt therein. They were the Elivasti amongst whom was Master Eldor, the first blade who Hunter had known and trained with in his past. The Elivasti were Hailen's people as was obvious from the lavender coloured eyes they shared and the madness which took over the Elivasti children, which hunter got to know was called the irrsinnon and which could only be cured through the opia flower during a ceremony which the abiarazi held once a year. The Elivasti were slaves to the abiarazi through an oath their ancestors had taken when the Serenii had tried to kill them, an oath which bound them to the demons totally but rebellion was brewing and this is what the Hunter and Hailen found themselves embroiled in when they arrived. The action and the battle scenes are non-stop, there is a lot of bloodshed and death and the torture scenes are definitely not for anyone who is queasy but this book is a masterpiece and makes the hunter a real icon as the best assassin ever! I cannot wait for the next thrilling read in this very riveting dark epic series and cannot wait to read the description of Enarium.
December 5, 2025
Things I loved about Darkblade Slayer:
Narrative style: Since this is a series with so many installments with a call back to history of thousands of years, there is SO MUCH to digest. Magic. History. Power dynamics. Lots and lots and lots! Peloquin’s narrative style is methodical and really allowed me to immerse myself in the world without feeling lost in the sauce.
The relationship between the Hunter and Hailen! Love a killer with a soft spot for protecting the innocent. Seeing the Hunter try and hide his true self to protect his ward is endearing for a character who is thinking about only like two things ever: his mental disorder demon and killing demons. I am waiting for him to wake up to the fact that he isnt hiding himself from Hailen as well as he thinks, and Hailen loves him anyway!!!
Back story: I’m a magic system sloot, but also a history sloot. A world with a rich history really hooks me. Peloquin really digs into both personal history as well as world history in Slayer. For me, it adds another layer of information to analyze, and my brain likes to chew on this level of intricate information.
Stabby stabbing! The Hunter gets to do what he does best, and does plenty of it! Stab stab stab! Wouldn’t be a Darkblade book without lots of murder! <3
Narrative style: Since this is a series with so many installments with a call back to history of thousands of years, there is SO MUCH to digest. Magic. History. Power dynamics. Lots and lots and lots! Peloquin’s narrative style is methodical and really allowed me to immerse myself in the world without feeling lost in the sauce.
The relationship between the Hunter and Hailen! Love a killer with a soft spot for protecting the innocent. Seeing the Hunter try and hide his true self to protect his ward is endearing for a character who is thinking about only like two things ever: his mental disorder demon and killing demons. I am waiting for him to wake up to the fact that he isnt hiding himself from Hailen as well as he thinks, and Hailen loves him anyway!!!
Back story: I’m a magic system sloot, but also a history sloot. A world with a rich history really hooks me. Peloquin really digs into both personal history as well as world history in Slayer. For me, it adds another layer of information to analyze, and my brain likes to chew on this level of intricate information.
Stabby stabbing! The Hunter gets to do what he does best, and does plenty of it! Stab stab stab! Wouldn’t be a Darkblade book without lots of murder! <3
July 7, 2022
Too many words
This saga could have been edited by about 200 pages. Seems every chapter reminds reader of every dead person protagonist knew. I really hate paragraphs of inner monologue questions that can never be answered. Long winded explanations should have been better edited. The entire story could have been written in half the length.
This saga could have been edited by about 200 pages. Seems every chapter reminds reader of every dead person protagonist knew. I really hate paragraphs of inner monologue questions that can never be answered. Long winded explanations should have been better edited. The entire story could have been written in half the length.
September 23, 2023
Andy is going to be the death of me, he plays my heartstrings like a violin, so fast and furious, they're in danger of snapping!
Imagine having a voice in your head constantly demanding, compelling and literally screaming at you to kill. And a dagger wanting to slurp up blood, how is one supposed to stay sane? I love how the Hunter negotiates with both, tying to keep the demon's bloodlust at bay.
Love seeing how a scrap of a boy, Hailen, can totally undo the hardened, deadly assassin. Yet the emotions the Hunter has for Hailen, his need to protect him, the concern he feels, are so endearing, so human. He will do everything in his power to keep Hailen safe, and he does.
Snippets of memories keep surfacing but the Hunter struggles to make sense of them. All he knows is that he needs to find the woman from his dreams, that she is somehow the key to unlocking his memory, he has to find her.
I was totally riveted by the Hunter's encounter with the Sage and the Elivasti city, especially when he stumbles across Master Eldor, I could feel his excitement and amazement, almost like a school kid with a favourite teacher, delightful! The scenes during his stay there are, to me, heartbreaking, the Hunter's lack of acceptance and affection given to him is so vividly portrayed, he subconsciously yearns for it and I have to remind myself I'm NOT there with him, I CAN'T hug him, which brings me to my opening sentence, violin, heartstrings, twang!
The way Andy writes, I'm propelled into this world, almost like I've entered a virtual reality world, you know, where you put on those VR glasses and suddenly everything you feel, smell, taste feels real. Those final few chapters had me almost sobbing with despair and anguish.
The plot, the pace, the world building is incredibly gripping. The fight scenes are always so amazing, so spectacular. My goodness me, if it's action you're after, if it's lies and betrayal, if it's just pure unadulterated phenomenal penmanship, this is the book for you!
Imagine having a voice in your head constantly demanding, compelling and literally screaming at you to kill. And a dagger wanting to slurp up blood, how is one supposed to stay sane? I love how the Hunter negotiates with both, tying to keep the demon's bloodlust at bay.
Love seeing how a scrap of a boy, Hailen, can totally undo the hardened, deadly assassin. Yet the emotions the Hunter has for Hailen, his need to protect him, the concern he feels, are so endearing, so human. He will do everything in his power to keep Hailen safe, and he does.
Snippets of memories keep surfacing but the Hunter struggles to make sense of them. All he knows is that he needs to find the woman from his dreams, that she is somehow the key to unlocking his memory, he has to find her.
I was totally riveted by the Hunter's encounter with the Sage and the Elivasti city, especially when he stumbles across Master Eldor, I could feel his excitement and amazement, almost like a school kid with a favourite teacher, delightful! The scenes during his stay there are, to me, heartbreaking, the Hunter's lack of acceptance and affection given to him is so vividly portrayed, he subconsciously yearns for it and I have to remind myself I'm NOT there with him, I CAN'T hug him, which brings me to my opening sentence, violin, heartstrings, twang!
The way Andy writes, I'm propelled into this world, almost like I've entered a virtual reality world, you know, where you put on those VR glasses and suddenly everything you feel, smell, taste feels real. Those final few chapters had me almost sobbing with despair and anguish.
The plot, the pace, the world building is incredibly gripping. The fight scenes are always so amazing, so spectacular. My goodness me, if it's action you're after, if it's lies and betrayal, if it's just pure unadulterated phenomenal penmanship, this is the book for you!
July 23, 2023
Bloody & brutal
The demons that are the Abiarazi delight in delivering pain. Callous & conniving as they further their dark aspirations. With them awaits unimaginable agony for the greatest of warriors.
Darkest & best yet in this bloody series. Made me squeamish & wince! 🔥
The demons that are the Abiarazi delight in delivering pain. Callous & conniving as they further their dark aspirations. With them awaits unimaginable agony for the greatest of warriors.
Darkest & best yet in this bloody series. Made me squeamish & wince! 🔥
July 2, 2025
In this third installment of the Hero of Darkness series, Andy Peloquin continues to prove why he's a master of morally gray heroes and brutal, layered storytelling. The Hunter, cursed with fragmented memories and a dagger with an unquenchable bloodlust, is thrust into new dangers that cut deeper than blades—forcing him to confront not only deadly foes, but the buried truths of who he really is.
The story takes us deeper into a world that’s grim yet vivid, where loyalties are fragile and survival demands more than just skill with a dagger. The pacing is tight, the stakes are constantly escalating, and there's a growing emotional weight that makes every choice matter. You think you know where things are going—and then Peloquin throws you into chaos all over again.
What I loved:
The Hunter (my book boyfriend🔥) continues to be an absolutely fantastic main character. He's deadly, flawed, and vulnerable in ways that just break your heart—and in this book, we finally start uncovering more of his mysterious past.
His relationship with Hailen is one of the emotional cores of the book. It adds warmth, tension, and humanity to a world soaked in blood and betrayal.
The fight scenes are absolutely thrilling—sharp, fast, and bloody, just how I like them.
There’s a gut-wrenching chapter near the end that left me completely shattered. Andy, why do you do this to me? 😭
The betrayals, twists, and turns keep the tension at a near-constant high. I never knew who to trust or what might come next.
While we finally get some long-awaited answers, they only open the door to even more questions. It’s the kind of book that satisfies and teases in equal measure.
This isn’t just a dark fantasy full of blood and blades—it’s a character-driven journey full of pain, purpose, and transformation. If you’re following the Hunter’s story, Darkblade Slayer is where everything starts to shift. You won’t be able to put it down—and when it ends, you’ll be desperate for the next chapter.
The story takes us deeper into a world that’s grim yet vivid, where loyalties are fragile and survival demands more than just skill with a dagger. The pacing is tight, the stakes are constantly escalating, and there's a growing emotional weight that makes every choice matter. You think you know where things are going—and then Peloquin throws you into chaos all over again.
What I loved:
The Hunter (my book boyfriend🔥) continues to be an absolutely fantastic main character. He's deadly, flawed, and vulnerable in ways that just break your heart—and in this book, we finally start uncovering more of his mysterious past.
His relationship with Hailen is one of the emotional cores of the book. It adds warmth, tension, and humanity to a world soaked in blood and betrayal.
The fight scenes are absolutely thrilling—sharp, fast, and bloody, just how I like them.
There’s a gut-wrenching chapter near the end that left me completely shattered. Andy, why do you do this to me? 😭
The betrayals, twists, and turns keep the tension at a near-constant high. I never knew who to trust or what might come next.
While we finally get some long-awaited answers, they only open the door to even more questions. It’s the kind of book that satisfies and teases in equal measure.
This isn’t just a dark fantasy full of blood and blades—it’s a character-driven journey full of pain, purpose, and transformation. If you’re following the Hunter’s story, Darkblade Slayer is where everything starts to shift. You won’t be able to put it down—and when it ends, you’ll be desperate for the next chapter.
September 22, 2024
reread
While the Hunter is still protecting the boy Hallen, his journey takes him to an ancient city where he discovers more about his background as well as more battles.
Again, there is a lot of violent action but it is so well written you almost feel you are the one battling, there is magic, demons, great characters and story.
The Hunter is growing in his empathy for others and becoming less of an unfeeling assassin although no less deadly, probably more deadly as he takes his protection duty very seriously.
The city is full of Hallen’s people who are enslaved but are trying to rebel.
There are also some torture scenes that could bother people, again perfectly written.
Everything is wonderfully woven together and the book flows quickly.
This is one of the best series I’ve ever read.
While the Hunter is still protecting the boy Hallen, his journey takes him to an ancient city where he discovers more about his background as well as more battles.
Again, there is a lot of violent action but it is so well written you almost feel you are the one battling, there is magic, demons, great characters and story.
The Hunter is growing in his empathy for others and becoming less of an unfeeling assassin although no less deadly, probably more deadly as he takes his protection duty very seriously.
The city is full of Hallen’s people who are enslaved but are trying to rebel.
There are also some torture scenes that could bother people, again perfectly written.
Everything is wonderfully woven together and the book flows quickly.
This is one of the best series I’ve ever read.
December 30, 2024
The darkest and most brutal yet!
I find myself time and time again staying up WAY past my bed time curled up with the Hunter until I'm finished the book.
The manipulation in this book is by far the most in depth I've seen in a while. The torture was absolutely brutal.
The ever growing story of the Hunter, and the "adventures" with Hailen.... I don't even have the words. Characters I really wanted to see more of, gone too soon.
I am gripped, and more dedicated than ever before to complete the world build read of the Andy-verse!
I find myself time and time again staying up WAY past my bed time curled up with the Hunter until I'm finished the book.
The manipulation in this book is by far the most in depth I've seen in a while. The torture was absolutely brutal.
The ever growing story of the Hunter, and the "adventures" with Hailen.... I don't even have the words. Characters I really wanted to see more of, gone too soon.
I am gripped, and more dedicated than ever before to complete the world build read of the Andy-verse!
March 20, 2025
That was quite a ride, book #3 in the Darkblade series expands the entire scope of the Hunters world, more demons, a city of untold knowledge of both Hailen and the Hunters past!
This one starts of a bit slower than the others but fills in a lot of story of both the world and more of the Hunter and Hailen history, that all comes to a cataclysmic head at the end! 📚😎
This one starts of a bit slower than the others but fills in a lot of story of both the world and more of the Hunter and Hailen history, that all comes to a cataclysmic head at the end! 📚😎
May 3, 2024
The first book is the strongest and reeled me in with the world-building and main character. However the author guards against us forgetting every major plot point and character motivation by repeating both at length in every chapter. I speed-skimmed through this third novel even more than I did the second. This series has such great bones but it could have been absolutely epic with a really good editor.
dnf
August 15, 2023DNF @40%
I feel like there were too many.. words?! These books definitely could have been shorter!
I feel like there were too many.. words?! These books definitely could have been shorter!
June 20, 2025
Peloquin combines an epic threat to existence with conflicting moral goals, creating a fantasy tale that presents the ideal of pure good while accepting the difficulty of approaching it.
This novel is the third in the Darkblade series. The past may be revealed beyond this point.
Before dying, the demon impersonating Al Malik’s queen revealed her plan to conquer the Twelve Kingdoms and the infiltration of Voramis were both only parts of a greater scheme. Hoping to cut the heart from the conspiracy, leaving the surviving demons easier to pick off, the Hunter journeys to the mountain of Shana Lal to kill both The Sage and The Warmaster, and investigate hints of a cure for Hailen’s strange affliction. The powerful rivalry between the two demons offers an opportunity to play them against each other, but how can the Hunter make each think he is their loyal servant against the other and avoid Hailen and the other innocent citizens of the mountain in grave peril?
After the reactive fighting against immediate enemies of the first two volumes, Peloquin shifts the plot to a proactive striking against a wider threat. In addition to fitting with the Hunter’s growing realisation that he is not a loner who struck back against the death of useful associates but someone who cares for his companions, this avoids the series gaining the feel of simply a chain of “demon of the week” encounters on the Hunter’s journey toward a dream-woman he might never find.
Further reducing the risk the books will feel samey, the plot has a strong feel of spy thriller in contrast to the vengeance quest and road trip themes of the first two volumes. In addition to the two demons wanting each other gone but not having a strong enough position that they can guarantee an overt strike against the other will not end in a pyrrhic victory—and therefore being open to the pretence that the Hunter is still the loyal warrior he was created to be when the demons first came to this world—the Hunter swiftly discovers he has lived among the people who serve the demons during the time before his memories were taken, and that the fragments of memory he has show one of them was almost a father figure to him. Thus, in addition to attempting to fool two demons of very different personalities that he supports them against the other and only pretends to favour the other so he can get close enough to strike, the Hunter is drawn toward the people who live on the mountain based on what he recalls while already having had his belief in a loving wife challenged by new fragments of memory revealing she betrayed him to his enemies.
Peloquin complicates this further by growing hints that The Sage does not actually seek to summon the Great Destroyer and turn the world into some eternal demonic hellscape but instead wants to return the demons to the realm they were torn from to fight in the War of the Gods. While the argument that he is only masterminding a cruel conspiracy because it is the only way to gather power and control the more brutal of his kind would potentially not have much impact on a shiningly heroic protagonist, the Hunter’s own efforts to build a reputation as a merciless killer and his willingness to do anything to protect Hailen leave him challenging his assumption that all demons need to be slaughtered.
In contrast, The Warmaster is without redeeming qualities, taking pleasure in torture and possessing all the martial violence of a superb warrior and general without any of the loyalty to those beneath him. This both amplifies the suggestion that The Sage is a civilised, if very flawed, being rather than the beast all demons are reputed to be and maintains the feeling that there is a morality to the world rather than everything being relative.
Adding to the Hunter’s own ongoing struggle over whether and when it is acceptable to do an immoral act to stop a greater immorality or aid a worthy goal, the Elivasti—the traditional inhabitants of the mountain—serve the demons not because they wish to but because their ancestors swore service and breaking that oath would mean the end of their civilisation. In addition to the practical challenge that the very people he would save from the demons, who might even want him to save them, could well report any sign of conspiracy to their masters, this similar yet different stance on the line between moral and immoral action presents the reader with interesting questions on the true value of honour.
Although much of the plot turns on questions of who to trust and whether to act, these are interwoven with tense scenes of infiltration and dramatic combat; thus, the novel has a sense of action rather than introspection.
The one real caveat to this is the Hunter’s continued recalling of those who were killed in the past, and his doubts over whether it is best for Hailen to keep him close or leave him behind, in the same way he brooded on them in the previous volume. Depending on reader preference, this might seem like a plausible portrayal of the impacts of trauma or an irritating angst amid the fast-paced action.
The ending of the novel marks a significant positive change in the immediate situation but leaves a number of larger plot-threads unresolved. Thus, while not being a cliffhanger, the ending very strongly feels like an intermediate book in a series rather than a firm conclusion.
The Hunter remains an engaging protagonist, combining great competence as an assassin and warrior with conflicting moral drives and a lack of knowledge that prevent him simply applying his superior skill to every situation.
The supporting cast are similarly marked by competence in one or more areas and limitation in others, giving them a sense of being active participants in, rather than passive subjects of, the world without challenging the Hunter’s place as protagonist of this story.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking gritty fantasy that combines epic metaphysical conflict with the complexity of moral choices.
This novel is the third in the Darkblade series. The past may be revealed beyond this point.
Before dying, the demon impersonating Al Malik’s queen revealed her plan to conquer the Twelve Kingdoms and the infiltration of Voramis were both only parts of a greater scheme. Hoping to cut the heart from the conspiracy, leaving the surviving demons easier to pick off, the Hunter journeys to the mountain of Shana Lal to kill both The Sage and The Warmaster, and investigate hints of a cure for Hailen’s strange affliction. The powerful rivalry between the two demons offers an opportunity to play them against each other, but how can the Hunter make each think he is their loyal servant against the other and avoid Hailen and the other innocent citizens of the mountain in grave peril?
After the reactive fighting against immediate enemies of the first two volumes, Peloquin shifts the plot to a proactive striking against a wider threat. In addition to fitting with the Hunter’s growing realisation that he is not a loner who struck back against the death of useful associates but someone who cares for his companions, this avoids the series gaining the feel of simply a chain of “demon of the week” encounters on the Hunter’s journey toward a dream-woman he might never find.
Further reducing the risk the books will feel samey, the plot has a strong feel of spy thriller in contrast to the vengeance quest and road trip themes of the first two volumes. In addition to the two demons wanting each other gone but not having a strong enough position that they can guarantee an overt strike against the other will not end in a pyrrhic victory—and therefore being open to the pretence that the Hunter is still the loyal warrior he was created to be when the demons first came to this world—the Hunter swiftly discovers he has lived among the people who serve the demons during the time before his memories were taken, and that the fragments of memory he has show one of them was almost a father figure to him. Thus, in addition to attempting to fool two demons of very different personalities that he supports them against the other and only pretends to favour the other so he can get close enough to strike, the Hunter is drawn toward the people who live on the mountain based on what he recalls while already having had his belief in a loving wife challenged by new fragments of memory revealing she betrayed him to his enemies.
Peloquin complicates this further by growing hints that The Sage does not actually seek to summon the Great Destroyer and turn the world into some eternal demonic hellscape but instead wants to return the demons to the realm they were torn from to fight in the War of the Gods. While the argument that he is only masterminding a cruel conspiracy because it is the only way to gather power and control the more brutal of his kind would potentially not have much impact on a shiningly heroic protagonist, the Hunter’s own efforts to build a reputation as a merciless killer and his willingness to do anything to protect Hailen leave him challenging his assumption that all demons need to be slaughtered.
In contrast, The Warmaster is without redeeming qualities, taking pleasure in torture and possessing all the martial violence of a superb warrior and general without any of the loyalty to those beneath him. This both amplifies the suggestion that The Sage is a civilised, if very flawed, being rather than the beast all demons are reputed to be and maintains the feeling that there is a morality to the world rather than everything being relative.
Adding to the Hunter’s own ongoing struggle over whether and when it is acceptable to do an immoral act to stop a greater immorality or aid a worthy goal, the Elivasti—the traditional inhabitants of the mountain—serve the demons not because they wish to but because their ancestors swore service and breaking that oath would mean the end of their civilisation. In addition to the practical challenge that the very people he would save from the demons, who might even want him to save them, could well report any sign of conspiracy to their masters, this similar yet different stance on the line between moral and immoral action presents the reader with interesting questions on the true value of honour.
Although much of the plot turns on questions of who to trust and whether to act, these are interwoven with tense scenes of infiltration and dramatic combat; thus, the novel has a sense of action rather than introspection.
The one real caveat to this is the Hunter’s continued recalling of those who were killed in the past, and his doubts over whether it is best for Hailen to keep him close or leave him behind, in the same way he brooded on them in the previous volume. Depending on reader preference, this might seem like a plausible portrayal of the impacts of trauma or an irritating angst amid the fast-paced action.
The ending of the novel marks a significant positive change in the immediate situation but leaves a number of larger plot-threads unresolved. Thus, while not being a cliffhanger, the ending very strongly feels like an intermediate book in a series rather than a firm conclusion.
The Hunter remains an engaging protagonist, combining great competence as an assassin and warrior with conflicting moral drives and a lack of knowledge that prevent him simply applying his superior skill to every situation.
The supporting cast are similarly marked by competence in one or more areas and limitation in others, giving them a sense of being active participants in, rather than passive subjects of, the world without challenging the Hunter’s place as protagonist of this story.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking gritty fantasy that combines epic metaphysical conflict with the complexity of moral choices.
February 9, 2022
Received initially as ARC member prior to buying
Fortune favours the brave"
Publius Terentius Afer, (c161 B.C.)
And if that's the case then it is showered upon Andy!!
It takes a lot to take a series of books that are already very popular and well loved, to then decide to do a complete overhaul on them, turning them into....well for what could be hoped for, something far better!! Yet he's done that!!
It has to be said that as far as these books go, they are getting better and better as they go along! There are more characters than in the original books and even the original characters have more depth and far more involved, thus making for a more interesting read! However with so many more characters comes more possibilities of inflicting so much pain of loss and more internal turmoil for the Hunter to deal with. But also his humanity grows as he's shown what true love, friendship and loyalty looks and feels like, helping him to grow and experience things on a whole new level!!
He also learns that it's not only he, alone, to make the deeply hard choices for the sake of another and not to think just what it could mean for him!! He learns that he does need others, whether that be their help or just someone to talk to. He finds that it's ok to rely on some and he also learns more about his own people, the Buccelari and through the Elivasti, he learns more about Hailen's own people and their ancestors ways.
But of course the horrors he is soon to learn and the tortures of one and manipulation of another. All the while playing a deadly game of Nizza, but not only on the board for the game is being played for real, all while each is manoeuvring the other. It's a game of cat and mouse and all think they're the cat while the others are running round and round in their little wheels. And I can't say much about the Warmaster and his brutality without giving something away. Suffice to say, if you had the good fortune of reading the original series, then take what you know of the Warmaster and his cruelty there and times that by A LOT!!! My toes curled so far up, I had to put my slippers into my knees!
So the most i can say is this, get ready for a hell of a ride that just keeps going and going and going and just when you think there can't be much more, he hits you with it again. The book is beyond excellent and it's just constantly on the go, you just can't put it down. Now I'm counting down the days for when we get Saviour in July!!
Fortune favours the brave"
Publius Terentius Afer, (c161 B.C.)
And if that's the case then it is showered upon Andy!!
It takes a lot to take a series of books that are already very popular and well loved, to then decide to do a complete overhaul on them, turning them into....well for what could be hoped for, something far better!! Yet he's done that!!
It has to be said that as far as these books go, they are getting better and better as they go along! There are more characters than in the original books and even the original characters have more depth and far more involved, thus making for a more interesting read! However with so many more characters comes more possibilities of inflicting so much pain of loss and more internal turmoil for the Hunter to deal with. But also his humanity grows as he's shown what true love, friendship and loyalty looks and feels like, helping him to grow and experience things on a whole new level!!
He also learns that it's not only he, alone, to make the deeply hard choices for the sake of another and not to think just what it could mean for him!! He learns that he does need others, whether that be their help or just someone to talk to. He finds that it's ok to rely on some and he also learns more about his own people, the Buccelari and through the Elivasti, he learns more about Hailen's own people and their ancestors ways.
But of course the horrors he is soon to learn and the tortures of one and manipulation of another. All the while playing a deadly game of Nizza, but not only on the board for the game is being played for real, all while each is manoeuvring the other. It's a game of cat and mouse and all think they're the cat while the others are running round and round in their little wheels. And I can't say much about the Warmaster and his brutality without giving something away. Suffice to say, if you had the good fortune of reading the original series, then take what you know of the Warmaster and his cruelty there and times that by A LOT!!! My toes curled so far up, I had to put my slippers into my knees!
So the most i can say is this, get ready for a hell of a ride that just keeps going and going and going and just when you think there can't be much more, he hits you with it again. The book is beyond excellent and it's just constantly on the go, you just can't put it down. Now I'm counting down the days for when we get Saviour in July!!
April 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the book, it was nice to see the Hunter winning a bit more often though he still lost a bunch of times too. The stupid Elivasti upholding their oath so stubbornly was really fucking annoying tho. Like idgaf about your honor, just kill the demon! Also it was blessedly relieving to see that the amount of times the Hunter spent several pages arguing with the voice in his head was much reduced throughout this book as the Hunter learned to block out the voice properly. The pages upon pages of emotional turmoil in the last books were soooo exhausting, it always made it difficult to want to read on but I didn't really have a problem with that this book. There were stretches of chapters where there wasn't really much going on and it felt like it was just filler stuff so my interest would start waning during those chapters but once the action picked up again I got more into it and was able to finish the book thirsty for more darkblade content.
One thing I will say is that while reading the book I couldn't help but think how perfectly this series would fit in an Assassin's Creed game. Like it matches so perfectly, the main character is an assassin, there are two opposing secret magic orders, one made up of a bunch of zealots that wants to destroy/subjugate the world (Abiarazi=the Templars) and the other that wants to save it (Cambionari=the Brotherhood). The evil order has a hierarchy of hard-to-kill big bads whose identity the MC needs to uncover with one really big bad at the head of the organization and the assassin has plans to systematically take them all down and kill the leader. It's just funny how well it works and it almost makes me want to think the author has at least heard of or played the games cuz it's just too perfect. This is entirely unrelated to my opinion of the book but I just felt like pointing it out.
I enjoyed the book, it was nice to see the Hunter winning a bit more often though he still lost a bunch of times too. The stupid Elivasti upholding their oath so stubbornly was really fucking annoying tho. Like idgaf about your honor, just kill the demon! Also it was blessedly relieving to see that the amount of times the Hunter spent several pages arguing with the voice in his head was much reduced throughout this book as the Hunter learned to block out the voice properly. The pages upon pages of emotional turmoil in the last books were soooo exhausting, it always made it difficult to want to read on but I didn't really have a problem with that this book. There were stretches of chapters where there wasn't really much going on and it felt like it was just filler stuff so my interest would start waning during those chapters but once the action picked up again I got more into it and was able to finish the book thirsty for more darkblade content.
One thing I will say is that while reading the book I couldn't help but think how perfectly this series would fit in an Assassin's Creed game. Like it matches so perfectly, the main character is an assassin, there are two opposing secret magic orders, one made up of a bunch of zealots that wants to destroy/subjugate the world (Abiarazi=the Templars) and the other that wants to save it (Cambionari=the Brotherhood). The evil order has a hierarchy of hard-to-kill big bads whose identity the MC needs to uncover with one really big bad at the head of the organization and the assassin has plans to systematically take them all down and kill the leader. It's just funny how well it works and it almost makes me want to think the author has at least heard of or played the games cuz it's just too perfect. This is entirely unrelated to my opinion of the book but I just felt like pointing it out.
January 18, 2022
Brilliant, violent, fantastic!
Be prepared! Once you start this book you will not put it down! No sleeping, no eating, no work, nothing until you finish the last page... Hunter is on a special and extremely dangerous journey with the boy, Hailen. A very special boy. Hunter has given his word to protect this child no matter what. Even if the most powerful Demons try to stop him. The fight scenes are so well done that even though I was reading them, I actually felt like I was there watching it happen. Very powerful indeed! The journey is long and there is more danger than anyone should have to deal with. But, we are talking about The Hunter here! There is plenty of action with twists and turns to blow the mind. Yes, the book ends with a sort of cliffhanger, but I didn't mind so much because the author is very good to not make us readers wait to long for the next book. So it's worth it!. I'd like to add that I enjoyed and appreciated that the author included some character sketches in the book. I loved them. Thank you author Andy Peloquin for an outstanding book to sink my teeth into!
Be prepared! Once you start this book you will not put it down! No sleeping, no eating, no work, nothing until you finish the last page... Hunter is on a special and extremely dangerous journey with the boy, Hailen. A very special boy. Hunter has given his word to protect this child no matter what. Even if the most powerful Demons try to stop him. The fight scenes are so well done that even though I was reading them, I actually felt like I was there watching it happen. Very powerful indeed! The journey is long and there is more danger than anyone should have to deal with. But, we are talking about The Hunter here! There is plenty of action with twists and turns to blow the mind. Yes, the book ends with a sort of cliffhanger, but I didn't mind so much because the author is very good to not make us readers wait to long for the next book. So it's worth it!. I'd like to add that I enjoyed and appreciated that the author included some character sketches in the book. I loved them. Thank you author Andy Peloquin for an outstanding book to sink my teeth into!
July 22, 2022
Every single time I think this tale can’t get any darker, this author says, “ challenge accepted”. If you have been following this epic tale, you should already know the Hunter is the bad guy you just have to root for. In his ever continuing quest to keep Hailen safe, he once again faces unspeakable horrors. On top of trying to keep a promise, the Hunter constantly has to deal with the ever present voices of not just his inner demon, but of his soul draining blade as well.
This is the ultimate experience of battles, horrors and gut wrenching losses as well as giving you glimpses of true devotion and innocence in the face of all things evil.
Let’s just face it, I lack the skills to put into words how deep this tale will take you. You just have to take the plunge! It goes without saying, this is not the tale for the faint of heart. If you are a wuss…look elsewhere!
All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
This is the ultimate experience of battles, horrors and gut wrenching losses as well as giving you glimpses of true devotion and innocence in the face of all things evil.
Let’s just face it, I lack the skills to put into words how deep this tale will take you. You just have to take the plunge! It goes without saying, this is not the tale for the faint of heart. If you are a wuss…look elsewhere!
All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
March 12, 2025
In this book, the Hunter encounters the Sage and the Warmaster, two vastly different Abiarazi in both appearance and personality, setting up a story that is by far the darkest yet in this series, but which is totally entertaining and enthralling at the same time.
We also learn more about the Hunter's past, as the people and events he is involved in start to trigger memory flashbacks for him, which promises the possibility of a complex and interesting plot for future novels.
Hailen's story is also expanded on, as we start to learn why the Beggar priest, Father Pietus, had gotten the Hunter to promise to look after him.
This is not a tale for the faint-hearted as it is visceral in its description of battle and torture scenes, and delivers several emotional gut punches. On the brighter side is the bond growing between the Hunter and Hailen, which is extremely well balanced with the other events, and a delight to see unfold.
We also learn more about the Hunter's past, as the people and events he is involved in start to trigger memory flashbacks for him, which promises the possibility of a complex and interesting plot for future novels.
Hailen's story is also expanded on, as we start to learn why the Beggar priest, Father Pietus, had gotten the Hunter to promise to look after him.
This is not a tale for the faint-hearted as it is visceral in its description of battle and torture scenes, and delivers several emotional gut punches. On the brighter side is the bond growing between the Hunter and Hailen, which is extremely well balanced with the other events, and a delight to see unfold.
November 11, 2023
Wow.
The third book in the Darkblade series continues to impress, and continues to provide gruesome, gritty, visceral combat, intrigue and betrayal.
Ever free moment was given to finishing this read.
Throughout the novel we learn more about the Hunter's past, the Abiarazi, and we learn more about the Sereneii and their impact on the history of Einan. We also get insight into the God's war.
This novel delves deeper into the Hunter's motivations and inner struggles. Highlighting his character and what it is about the Hunter that keeps us rooting for him. Besides the obvious badassery and ability to overcome insurmountable odds.
The importance of family, history, and purpose is once again a focus, seen through the Hunter's present relationships and flashbacks to his past.
This book was absolutely amazing, and I look forward to seeing the Hunter's story continue to unfold.
The third book in the Darkblade series continues to impress, and continues to provide gruesome, gritty, visceral combat, intrigue and betrayal.
Ever free moment was given to finishing this read.
Throughout the novel we learn more about the Hunter's past, the Abiarazi, and we learn more about the Sereneii and their impact on the history of Einan. We also get insight into the God's war.
This novel delves deeper into the Hunter's motivations and inner struggles. Highlighting his character and what it is about the Hunter that keeps us rooting for him. Besides the obvious badassery and ability to overcome insurmountable odds.
The importance of family, history, and purpose is once again a focus, seen through the Hunter's present relationships and flashbacks to his past.
This book was absolutely amazing, and I look forward to seeing the Hunter's story continue to unfold.
January 19, 2022
Book 3 in the rewritten Darkblade series is huge, and I love it! So much happens in this book as the Hunter faces demons and does everything he can to protect Hailen. There’s tons of action and the fight scenes are so vivid it’s like watching them in real life, but where the story shines even more is in the emotional moments. For a seemingly bloodthirsty assassin, the Hunter is remarkably human and a better person than many. As always I enjoyed Peloquin’s writing style and the amount of detail he puts into his work. There is so much depth in the world and it’s history which makes it a joy to read. This is not a book I wanted to put down. If you like dark fantasy, read this series!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 15, 2022
The thing that makes Peloquin's work special is the combination of extreme action/adventure with exploration of moral issues. This is the case whether he is writing science fiction or, as in the instant case, fantasy. The fusion of the two elements gives the work a depth and solidity that lifts it well clear of the general fun of fantasy fiction.
Although some readers may be captivated by the fast-paced, colourful action sequences, it was in watching the Hunter work through his ethical choices that I found myself most on the edge of my seat. But regardless of which type of excitement most appeals, the reader is sure to find this a virtually unputdownable read.
Although some readers may be captivated by the fast-paced, colourful action sequences, it was in watching the Hunter work through his ethical choices that I found myself most on the edge of my seat. But regardless of which type of excitement most appeals, the reader is sure to find this a virtually unputdownable read.
January 20, 2022
I really enjoy Author Peloquin's books. Each one has a unique blend of action, adventure, moral decisions and more. This 3rd book in the Darkblade series is no exception.
It's fast-paced and adventurous, dangerous, and dark but there are also moral and ethical dilemmas going on that bring the characters into a fully developed 'life.' The character interactions and internal ponderings are strong and the pacing is great as it builds to one sequence after another. I can visualize the world, and while it's a place I don't want to live, I'm happy to visit is as I read.
I read an ARC of the book and have chosen to review it.
It's fast-paced and adventurous, dangerous, and dark but there are also moral and ethical dilemmas going on that bring the characters into a fully developed 'life.' The character interactions and internal ponderings are strong and the pacing is great as it builds to one sequence after another. I can visualize the world, and while it's a place I don't want to live, I'm happy to visit is as I read.
I read an ARC of the book and have chosen to review it.
August 25, 2025
This is an action-packed dark fantasy adventure following the continued battles of The Hunter, half-demon assassin. The plot is intricate with many twists and unexpected revelations, and kept me at the edge of my seat. I particularly enjoy the depth of exploration to create a properly morally grey character who I still connect well enough with to care about and root for.
While it’s gory and very dark, the story is good enough and the characters interesting enough for me to be able to overlook my usual distaste for such themes. And I think that is what is most important and a true sign of how good this series is.
While it’s gory and very dark, the story is good enough and the characters interesting enough for me to be able to overlook my usual distaste for such themes. And I think that is what is most important and a true sign of how good this series is.
February 23, 2022
This book is so full of suspense and surprises that I had to slow down and read just a little at a time. It seemed like each time I thought I knew what would happen next, I was hit with a shock. But reading slowly, I could see a hint or two. There were still some OMG moments. The Hunter learns more about his past, but sometimes it’s not what he thought it was. All together, this book was exciting, sometimes breathtaking, and always suspenseful. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book by the amazing Andy Peloquin.
June 24, 2022
I'm glad I took a break from the series so I could experience it through a kindle instead of paperback. The font on those things are so tiny and hard to read. Aside from that, it's such an excellent series to read and I'm glad I came back to it. Everything about the series was unique on it's own, but when you go down the rabbit's hole it's rather hard to get out of cause you're stuck in it. Or that's how I felt when reading the next two in line in this series. I seriously didn't want to put this down. Congrats on making me come back to the series. I look forward to more things to come. :)
August 13, 2023
The Hunter's quest to find his hidden past has led him to a high mountain peak and a people forgotten by time. Unfortunately, his fight against the demons is also about to complicate his life even farther. It is about to drag him even deeper into an ancient struggle and a fight for freedom. One that he must win because the first sacrifice if he loses will be the boy he has sworn to protect. I love how Halien is managing to make Hunter so much more human and is bringing out emotions in him, even as he tries to resist.
April 30, 2022
A Damn fine read!!!!!!
How can one man give all he has, not only to protect a boy. But all the innocents. That is a lot of weight for one man's shoulders an one hell of a betting on one man.
The Hunter has been lied to from the moment he stepped into the Sages domain. This is a exciting story from being to end. Andy Peloquin pulls you right on in an you feel an breath everything that the Hunter does.
" Isn't that just Keeper -Damn delightful"
How can one man give all he has, not only to protect a boy. But all the innocents. That is a lot of weight for one man's shoulders an one hell of a betting on one man.
The Hunter has been lied to from the moment he stepped into the Sages domain. This is a exciting story from being to end. Andy Peloquin pulls you right on in an you feel an breath everything that the Hunter does.
" Isn't that just Keeper -Damn delightful"
December 30, 2023
Amazing Series.. So far
This a great fantasy tale. Lots of plot twists and action aplenty. I'm 3 books in and can't wait to see what happens next. Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story and lots of action.
Be forewarned, a lot of death and betrayal. Some bad language. But I am not offended by such things. I appreciate this author's efforts and praise his ability to keep me entertained and guessing what happens next.
This a great fantasy tale. Lots of plot twists and action aplenty. I'm 3 books in and can't wait to see what happens next. Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story and lots of action.
Be forewarned, a lot of death and betrayal. Some bad language. But I am not offended by such things. I appreciate this author's efforts and praise his ability to keep me entertained and guessing what happens next.
June 5, 2024
Hardwell & Haiden Adventures
Another great adventure for our two. I thought I was a well seasoned horror reader but some of the torture scenes I had to breeze over. The action and all the new heros an villains we get into it in my to are amazingingly loveable and hateable. The details make the story come alive in my mind. Well done. I am on to book four right after I finish this review. Another adventure awaits and time is of the essence for our two mismatched family.
Another great adventure for our two. I thought I was a well seasoned horror reader but some of the torture scenes I had to breeze over. The action and all the new heros an villains we get into it in my to are amazingingly loveable and hateable. The details make the story come alive in my mind. Well done. I am on to book four right after I finish this review. Another adventure awaits and time is of the essence for our two mismatched family.
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