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Black Diamond #1.1
Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story
Langley is a valued assassin in the Black Diamond’s guild of mercenaries and spies. But what of his life before?
Sixteen-year-old Langellus is the son of the famous obilin dance master and travelling performer, Zosar von Madan. His days involve endless training in this intricate form of masked dance, his nights watching carnivalia performances both for the affluent and the poor.
When an assassin invades the camp and attacks the obilin master, Langellus vows to find out who tried to kill his father, and why. What does the Goddess of Death have in store for Langellus? Will he find Zosar von Madan’s would-be killer before it’s too late?
Discover Langley’s thrilling origin story, set eight years before Oath, and his journey from masked performer to deadly assassin.
Sixteen-year-old Langellus is the son of the famous obilin dance master and travelling performer, Zosar von Madan. His days involve endless training in this intricate form of masked dance, his nights watching carnivalia performances both for the affluent and the poor.
When an assassin invades the camp and attacks the obilin master, Langellus vows to find out who tried to kill his father, and why. What does the Goddess of Death have in store for Langellus? Will he find Zosar von Madan’s would-be killer before it’s too late?
Discover Langley’s thrilling origin story, set eight years before Oath, and his journey from masked performer to deadly assassin.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2022
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Kuroki
9 books192 followersPoppy was born in Scotland and has been living in Japan since 2014. GATE TO KAGOSHIMA (BOOK 1), a sweeping historical fantasy set in samurai-era Japan, releases in summer 2024.
Poppy loves video games, cooking, history, and reading books of any genre. She lives in a beautiful town near the sea with her husband and son.
Poppy loves video games, cooking, history, and reading books of any genre. She lives in a beautiful town near the sea with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 26, 2021
Langley is an exciting and well-written story about Langellus and his journey from performer to trained assassin. I found the characters well-developed, and the author uses vivid language to describe the scenes in the book. The book introduces us to Langellus, who trains to be an obilin like his father. His only family are the other carnivalia performers, while his father, the Master of Deception, spends most evenings performing intricate and beautiful dances. The ending was unexpected, and the revelation about his mother's past was a huge surprise. The author gave nothing away until the very end! A great story, and I look forward to reading more from her.
May 26, 2021
I just finished reading Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story by P. Kuroki, it is a very creative and unique story line, the plot leads readers on quite a journey in the circus performer’s mysterious life. The Carnivalia is showcasing Obilin, a dance that told stories, but it is certainly not easy to master this performance. Zosar Von Madan who is also known as the Master of Deception, Langellus’s father has a deceptive mind and a weapon that no one has seen before. Langellu’s Von Madam also known as the “Little Prince” of Carnivalia has been trained by his father whole life to be the greatest obilin performer one day. When assassinations attempt occurs on Zosar, Langellus must attempt to apprehend the assassin that stab his father, he works to identify the Black Diamond’s guilt that tried to kill his family member. But just what will be the sacrifices to get justice? You’ll need to read the book to find out!
I very much enjoyed Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story. Author P. Kuroki has done a great job in crafting unique and interesting worlds and characters, and his readers will find themselves plunging into the story from page one. Any reader who enjoys a great story of fiction, or just a creative work of fiction in general should definitely give Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story a chance. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am looking forward to seeing what the very inventive newcomer, author P. Kuroki, has in store for his readers next!
I very much enjoyed Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story. Author P. Kuroki has done a great job in crafting unique and interesting worlds and characters, and his readers will find themselves plunging into the story from page one. Any reader who enjoys a great story of fiction, or just a creative work of fiction in general should definitely give Langley: A Black Diamond Origin Story a chance. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am looking forward to seeing what the very inventive newcomer, author P. Kuroki, has in store for his readers next!
May 26, 2021
I am a huge lover of fantasy fiction, particularly those involving mystical settings and scheming assassins, so I was sure I was going to enjoy Langley, a bite-sized thrill of a read, from the offset – and how right I was! Despite its short length Poppy Kuroki has expertly crafted an intricate world and cast of characters that I was hugely invested in from the very beginning, and I really loved following the journey of our protagonist Langellus as he becomes entangled within a web of lies, murder and assassins.
One of the things I loved most about this short story was the absolutely wonderful writing; it read like a movie to me in places, I could picture each and every scene so vividly in my mind as I read. As a result, the characters felt so real, so much so that I felt a little sad upon finishing the book and having to say goodbye to them! This is an impressive feat within any novel, but for Kuroki to have achieved this within the short story format is truly remarkable, and I’ll absolutely be reading more of her work in the future. I believe Langley serves as an origin story/prequel for another of Kuroki’s books, and I’ll definitely be adding that to my TBR list after enjoying this so much. Highly recommend!
One of the things I loved most about this short story was the absolutely wonderful writing; it read like a movie to me in places, I could picture each and every scene so vividly in my mind as I read. As a result, the characters felt so real, so much so that I felt a little sad upon finishing the book and having to say goodbye to them! This is an impressive feat within any novel, but for Kuroki to have achieved this within the short story format is truly remarkable, and I’ll absolutely be reading more of her work in the future. I believe Langley serves as an origin story/prequel for another of Kuroki’s books, and I’ll definitely be adding that to my TBR list after enjoying this so much. Highly recommend!
May 31, 2021
A young man growing up in a traveling circus has no idea the events that will change his life.
When an assassin comes to kill his father, young Langely fights him off, but his father is badly wounded. Knowing the assassin will come back to finish the job, Langely sets out to track down the killer and stop him.
Even if it means risking his own life.
Langely is a coming of age story, a prequel to Kuroki’s Oath. It is a short, but impactful, fantasy story with some great world-building and twists and turns.
The story hooks you and pulls you along through Langely’s life to the fateful moments that make him the man we meet in Oaths.
This story had plenty of surprises. I read it one sitting. If you like a character-driven fantasy story, then you have to read Langely!
When an assassin comes to kill his father, young Langely fights him off, but his father is badly wounded. Knowing the assassin will come back to finish the job, Langely sets out to track down the killer and stop him.
Even if it means risking his own life.
Langely is a coming of age story, a prequel to Kuroki’s Oath. It is a short, but impactful, fantasy story with some great world-building and twists and turns.
The story hooks you and pulls you along through Langely’s life to the fateful moments that make him the man we meet in Oaths.
This story had plenty of surprises. I read it one sitting. If you like a character-driven fantasy story, then you have to read Langely!
May 25, 2021
Langley is my favourite Black Diamond book so far. It’s atmospheric and immediately draws you in. The characters are relatable and there is a clever plot twist. The origin stories of the characters from Oath are a great idea and I hope that Poppy will be able to write them all. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
May 26, 2021
Simply put - I really enjoyed the book.
I was not familiar with the Black Diamond books and this made for an excellent gateway to get me hooked.
The setting, the characters, the way the story built to its twist-filled finale - all of it was excellent.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books.
I was not familiar with the Black Diamond books and this made for an excellent gateway to get me hooked.
The setting, the characters, the way the story built to its twist-filled finale - all of it was excellent.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books.
May 26, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much. After reading Oath I was interested in how Langley came to be in the Guild. This answers that very nicely.
July 1, 2021
Loved this book!
October 28, 2021
I love books that return to worlds I’ve come to enjoy. Basically, new books in a series that expand on the story or character or just continue from where things left off. Poppy Kuroki’s Langley may not continue from where things left off with Black Diamond, but it expands on what came before, and I do so love her world.
1. Thoughts on the plot
If you’re not familiar with Poppy Kuroki’s world, it follows the members of the Black Diamond organisation, a group of assassins devoted to the goddess of death. They came to join the organisation by different means, each one of them finding their place in this unlikely group. This story follows Langley, a boy raised as a traditional dancer by his father. One day, however, his father is attacked and Langley must determine by whom and how to stop it.
The plot is fairly straightforward, given that this story is firmly in novelette territory at about 75 pages or so. That does not make it any less interesting. Langley’s story is one of family and duty and love and I really enjoyed the twist at the end. Very surprising!
2. Thoughts on the character
Of the Black Diamond members I’ve seen so far, Langley is perhaps the most focused and disciplined. He has a devotion to his craft—dance and performance—and spends hours applying himself to improving his ability and seeking the approval of the master performer, his father. I appreciate the depth of Langley’s character, as well as the arc of a child who prefers to embrace his family legacy instead of turning away from it. That extra bit of character development at the end, with the twist that I can’t talk about because of spoilers, well that really made Langley a character to root for.
3. Favourite part
That twist that I can’t talk about because of spoilers. Well done!
4. Critique
My only critique is that I would have liked more. This book was so well done and I love this world and could happily spend hours there, so am always a bit disappointed when the story ends.
Overall, Langley was another stunning instalment of the Black Diamond series and I would highly recommend it and all the other books to anyone looking for a story that breaks from the unexpected and makes you feel.
1. Thoughts on the plot
If you’re not familiar with Poppy Kuroki’s world, it follows the members of the Black Diamond organisation, a group of assassins devoted to the goddess of death. They came to join the organisation by different means, each one of them finding their place in this unlikely group. This story follows Langley, a boy raised as a traditional dancer by his father. One day, however, his father is attacked and Langley must determine by whom and how to stop it.
The plot is fairly straightforward, given that this story is firmly in novelette territory at about 75 pages or so. That does not make it any less interesting. Langley’s story is one of family and duty and love and I really enjoyed the twist at the end. Very surprising!
2. Thoughts on the character
Of the Black Diamond members I’ve seen so far, Langley is perhaps the most focused and disciplined. He has a devotion to his craft—dance and performance—and spends hours applying himself to improving his ability and seeking the approval of the master performer, his father. I appreciate the depth of Langley’s character, as well as the arc of a child who prefers to embrace his family legacy instead of turning away from it. That extra bit of character development at the end, with the twist that I can’t talk about because of spoilers, well that really made Langley a character to root for.
3. Favourite part
That twist that I can’t talk about because of spoilers. Well done!
4. Critique
My only critique is that I would have liked more. This book was so well done and I love this world and could happily spend hours there, so am always a bit disappointed when the story ends.
Overall, Langley was another stunning instalment of the Black Diamond series and I would highly recommend it and all the other books to anyone looking for a story that breaks from the unexpected and makes you feel.
October 29, 2021
Langley is a new novella from talented author Poppy Kuroki and it is the first of her novels I have read. It's wonderful detective story set in a fantasy realm, our Hero Langley stops a assassin from killing his father a traditional performer called the master of disguises. Langley sets out on a quest to uncover who ordered the hit on his father which leads him into the grim underworld of a death Cult of assassins called the Black Diamond. Poppy has a elegant writing style and her prose is clear and descriptive. She is able to evoke a sense of time and place which is both otherworldly and familiar without getting too bogged down in details. The plot moves at a swift pace and ends on a cliffhanger just as the events are heating up. The world conjured by the pages I read reminded me of elder scroll games like skyrim. Poppys presents a fantasy world also littered with dangerous inns and dark guilds. Looking forward to delving deeper into this world again with her other works.
May 28, 2021
I have received ARC of this book. This is my honest review on this book. This book comes under fantasy thriller genre.
The name of the book is Langley. This is actually the nickname of the protagonist of the book named Langellus.
This is a the story of mediaeval period when the nomads used to travel different cities and earn money by performing their unique artistic activities among local community.
The story starts with young Langellus practicing an old dance form Obilin. His father is the master of this art form and also the head of the nomad group. The first chapter describes the discipline and the atmosphere of the group.
The story takes an interesting turn from the second chapter where an assassin attempts to kill Langellus's father. He starts searching for the assassin on his own. One day, while moving from one location to another he finds some clue to reach to the assassin. He chases the clue. What happens next? Will he able to catch the assassin? Why his father was attacked? The book will give you all the answers.
There are two things I liked very much about this book. First is the plot. The turns and twists are placed in perfect manner, that will definitely glue the readers to the book. The second best thing is, it gives a flavour of mediaeval art forms which is very rare in thriller and mystery genre.
I recommend this book to all thriller lovers as it is a fantastic taste changer.
The name of the book is Langley. This is actually the nickname of the protagonist of the book named Langellus.
This is a the story of mediaeval period when the nomads used to travel different cities and earn money by performing their unique artistic activities among local community.
The story starts with young Langellus practicing an old dance form Obilin. His father is the master of this art form and also the head of the nomad group. The first chapter describes the discipline and the atmosphere of the group.
The story takes an interesting turn from the second chapter where an assassin attempts to kill Langellus's father. He starts searching for the assassin on his own. One day, while moving from one location to another he finds some clue to reach to the assassin. He chases the clue. What happens next? Will he able to catch the assassin? Why his father was attacked? The book will give you all the answers.
There are two things I liked very much about this book. First is the plot. The turns and twists are placed in perfect manner, that will definitely glue the readers to the book. The second best thing is, it gives a flavour of mediaeval art forms which is very rare in thriller and mystery genre.
I recommend this book to all thriller lovers as it is a fantastic taste changer.
June 16, 2021
As an avid fantasy reader, I loved this bit-sized fantasy novel. Poppy Kuroki created a fanciful world full of carnival performers and assassins. With plot twists and excellent character development, it has the making of a full fantasy novel in a much smaller package. Kuroki’s writing style is exquisite. Beautiful imagery, great flow, and detailed descriptions. The characters are unique and interesting. I loved it! I read Langley in one sitting and can’t wait to get my hands on more of this series in Poppy’s novel. Overall, one of the best fantasy stories I’ve read this year.
May 31, 2021
Langely is a trilling story.
The excitement derived from it is great, love to read over and over in broad daylight.
Just like Rhoda, I enjoyed both.
Kudos to the writer of this book.
The excitement derived from it is great, love to read over and over in broad daylight.
Just like Rhoda, I enjoyed both.
Kudos to the writer of this book.
March 23, 2022
Langley was my first introduction to the Black Diamond series. I got it and read it on the strength of Poppy Kuroki's writing. I have read several books and stories from Poppy, and each of them impresses me no end with her writing talent and abilities. She is a marvelous, gracious writer who evokes many different textures, emotions, and visions from her writing. I wanted to get the flavor of the world the Black Diamond takes place in, and so I read Langley.
As others have written, Langley is the story of a toddler, growing up in a roving carnival. Poppy's depictions of the people that populate the carnival bring them to real life. Unbeknownst to Langley, as he grows to a teenager, is the intrigues and oaths and illusions and deceptions that have and are taking place in the background that he knows nothing about. But he's about to learn all about them in ways that will change his life forever.
One of Poppy's great strengths as a writer is to create a visceral sensation in the reader. She is outstanding at painting experiences out of the wind blowing, a door creaking shut, a horse stomping, or a carnival wagon being unladen to go easier on the horses. It's all the fine little details that evoke a real live experiential reaction in the reader. And it's why I love her books and her writing so much.
Read this little gem. Enjoy it. Then dive into the main event of the Black Diamond books. You'll be glad you did.
As others have written, Langley is the story of a toddler, growing up in a roving carnival. Poppy's depictions of the people that populate the carnival bring them to real life. Unbeknownst to Langley, as he grows to a teenager, is the intrigues and oaths and illusions and deceptions that have and are taking place in the background that he knows nothing about. But he's about to learn all about them in ways that will change his life forever.
One of Poppy's great strengths as a writer is to create a visceral sensation in the reader. She is outstanding at painting experiences out of the wind blowing, a door creaking shut, a horse stomping, or a carnival wagon being unladen to go easier on the horses. It's all the fine little details that evoke a real live experiential reaction in the reader. And it's why I love her books and her writing so much.
Read this little gem. Enjoy it. Then dive into the main event of the Black Diamond books. You'll be glad you did.
October 18, 2023
This is the first of Poppy Kuroki 's books that l have read. It won't be the last! Langley is short enough to be read in one session but filled with so much intrigue that it feels like a much bigger book.
The book follows the growth and development of the main character, who is a child of the circus. However, he is being prepared by his father for a very different life.
The story takes a surprising turn of events at the end, which most readers (especially myself) would not see coming!
I highly recommend this little treasure to readers, even moreover to fantasy readers. Anyone who loves twists and turns in his reading will be more than pleased with this book.
The book follows the growth and development of the main character, who is a child of the circus. However, he is being prepared by his father for a very different life.
The story takes a surprising turn of events at the end, which most readers (especially myself) would not see coming!
I highly recommend this little treasure to readers, even moreover to fantasy readers. Anyone who loves twists and turns in his reading will be more than pleased with this book.
April 6, 2022
another captivating read
Another interesting story about a new member of the Black Diamond Guild. While the ending felt a bit abrupt, I did enjoy how everything came together in the end.
Another interesting story about a new member of the Black Diamond Guild. While the ending felt a bit abrupt, I did enjoy how everything came together in the end.
January 28, 2023
Descriptive, atmospheric, and humorous, on top of being a short and easy read; though it ends a bit abruptly. Recommended that you read it *after* a few others in the series though, as this is a prequel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews