What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkling Mage #10
Ex Tenebris
Out of the darkness and into the night.
Dustin Graves has been honing his power as a godling, splitting his time between his personal dark dimension and the modern conveniences of Valero, California. All is well in his world, but for one small thing. The Midnight Convocation just won’t leave him alone.
An alliance of the entities of darkness, night, and the moon, the Midnight Convocation demands Dustin’s loyalty. He can’t be a god of nothing, they say. And that’s just the problem. Dustin wants nothing to do with them.
But then the entities show their hand: a bribe, a bargain, a threat. The Midnight Convocation has located something Dustin thought he’d lost forever. No, not something. Someone.
Vanitas.
Dustin Graves has been honing his power as a godling, splitting his time between his personal dark dimension and the modern conveniences of Valero, California. All is well in his world, but for one small thing. The Midnight Convocation just won’t leave him alone.
An alliance of the entities of darkness, night, and the moon, the Midnight Convocation demands Dustin’s loyalty. He can’t be a god of nothing, they say. And that’s just the problem. Dustin wants nothing to do with them.
But then the entities show their hand: a bribe, a bargain, a threat. The Midnight Convocation has located something Dustin thought he’d lost forever. No, not something. Someone.
Vanitas.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2022
32 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books393 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 15, 2022
Nazri Noor’s latest book, Ex Tenebris, really ties together everything and everyone in Dustin’s life.
After dealing with Agatha Black, Dustin is now a godling and has to spend a lot of time in the Dark Room, his realm. At first he wasn’t even sure how to get out. The beginning of this book is a great overview of where Dustin is and how he got there. It really helped me to become reacquainted with the storyline.
There is plenty of humor, much of it at Dustin’s expense. And Banjo is back. (I love Banjo).
Artemis, as always, is funny, helpful, and a bit scary, while his interactions with Dionysus are pretty much what you might expect.
This story is basically Dustin Graves’ journey to rediscover himself, and to reconnect with his friends.
In the About the Author section, Nazri Noor says, “Most of all, I write about hope.” And that is truly what this book is about.
This is a wonderful story!
After dealing with Agatha Black, Dustin is now a godling and has to spend a lot of time in the Dark Room, his realm. At first he wasn’t even sure how to get out. The beginning of this book is a great overview of where Dustin is and how he got there. It really helped me to become reacquainted with the storyline.
There is plenty of humor, much of it at Dustin’s expense. And Banjo is back. (I love Banjo).
Artemis, as always, is funny, helpful, and a bit scary, while his interactions with Dionysus are pretty much what you might expect.
This story is basically Dustin Graves’ journey to rediscover himself, and to reconnect with his friends.
In the About the Author section, Nazri Noor says, “Most of all, I write about hope.” And that is truly what this book is about.
This is a wonderful story!
July 22, 2022
Trust In Dustin
A fabulous ending to the Darkling Mage series. I'll miss Dustin and the gang.
If you like humorous, fast paced Urban fantasy then I recommend these.
A fabulous ending to the Darkling Mage series. I'll miss Dustin and the gang.
If you like humorous, fast paced Urban fantasy then I recommend these.
July 16, 2022
Awesome
Dustin finally finds himself. Realized what really is important in life. Friends, enemies, gods come together for this lesson. Great read, very entertaining. Goo going Nazri Noor!
Dustin finally finds himself. Realized what really is important in life. Friends, enemies, gods come together for this lesson. Great read, very entertaining. Goo going Nazri Noor!
July 18, 2022
Godling Dustin Graves has been honing his power in his dark dimension while also visiting his friends and partner in Valero, California. All appears to be well, but the Midnight Convocation (an alliance of the gods of darkness, night and the moon) is not leaving him alone saying that he can't be a god of nothing. Dustin really does not want anything to do with them considering his past interactions with them. Then they offer a bribe - it appears they have located Vanitas - can he make the right choice?
Wow - there were a whole host of the characters that Dustin knew, relied on, or had helped him in some way in the past. It was great to read how they were woven into the story and how the various moments of action occurred and were resolved. I loved how the whole invitation was resolved and how it was not quite how it appeared (when is anything when it involves Dustin?). Well written, easy to read, feel and understand. I loved the way the story ended and I will reiterate - trust in Dustin. The burger, fries and onion rings are soon to follow.
Wow - there were a whole host of the characters that Dustin knew, relied on, or had helped him in some way in the past. It was great to read how they were woven into the story and how the various moments of action occurred and were resolved. I loved how the whole invitation was resolved and how it was not quite how it appeared (when is anything when it involves Dustin?). Well written, easy to read, feel and understand. I loved the way the story ended and I will reiterate - trust in Dustin. The burger, fries and onion rings are soon to follow.
July 18, 2022
Dustin is finally able to leave the "Dark Room," now home to him as a godling. Harold his boyfriend was able to finally figure out how to get him back into Valero and he has been able to stay longer periods of time. Things would be perfect as he visited his friends, had his "Happy Cow burgers,'' and basked in the admiration of his boyfriend...and himself if he just had his sword and best friend with him. He had not seen Avanitas for months now and he was sorely missed. A story I thoroughly enjoyed with endless humor, a bringing of all his friends and family together for one more adventure as Chernobog of the Midnight Convocation brings his own brand of evil into the picture. Will Dustin find Avanitas before Chernobog gets ahold of him? This book wraps things up beautifully as this is the last book in this series. As with this authors books there is never really an HEA. We are left with HFNs because our heroes are left in our imaginations to fight, love and go on more adventures as they fade away into the sunset over an ocean breeze.
July 18, 2022
This the tenth Book in the Darkling Mage Book Series .
This was such a fun read I missed Dustin soooo much I adore your other series Nazri but your original will always be my favorite .
This was such a fun read I missed Dustin soooo much I adore your other series Nazri but your original will always be my favorite .
July 28, 2022
Dust has mostly settled into his demigod state - although the learning curve is steep, and some things remain a mystery to him. But when the Midnight Convocation issues an invitation, Dust again drawn into a battle to save the world. Business as usual.
This marks an obvious and fitting conclusion to Dustin's story arc. While I'm very sad to see this series end, the author has several spin-off series set in the same universe that are still going on, connected in various ways to the Boneyard's denizens and which feature many cameos, so something tells me that we may not have seen the last of Dustin.
As always, the pacing is impeccable, the sarcasm and wit are on-point, and Dust is very, very hungry most of the time. The world-building and character development are executed extremely well.
My only complaint remains the absence of a certain stinky imp, who captured my heart and has left me wanting for more ever since.
This has been an excellent series, and I'm firmly a fan of Mr. Noor's writing! I look forward to my next visit to the Arcane Underground.
I received an ARC via the author.
This marks an obvious and fitting conclusion to Dustin's story arc. While I'm very sad to see this series end, the author has several spin-off series set in the same universe that are still going on, connected in various ways to the Boneyard's denizens and which feature many cameos, so something tells me that we may not have seen the last of Dustin.
As always, the pacing is impeccable, the sarcasm and wit are on-point, and Dust is very, very hungry most of the time. The world-building and character development are executed extremely well.
My only complaint remains the absence of a certain stinky imp, who captured my heart and has left me wanting for more ever since.
This has been an excellent series, and I'm firmly a fan of Mr. Noor's writing! I look forward to my next visit to the Arcane Underground.
I received an ARC via the author.
October 24, 2023
AUDIO REVIEW
Luke Daniels did a great job bringing this story to life! His narration made this story so much more fun, and engaging!
The novel, Ex Tenebris, by Nazri Noor, wraps up everything and it makes everything from the previous book come together in the perfect way. Everything and the people in the main character's life from the previous books really made the story.
The beginning of this book was a fantastic overview of where, main character, Dustin is and it recaps the way he got there. This recap helped me familiarize with the story line and plot. There is so much humor in this book, a good deal of it is at Dustin’s expense, but I couldn't stop laughing!
This audiobook is basically, main character, Dustin Graves’ journey to of rediscovery with himself, and reconnecting with his friends.
This story was so hopeful and fun; author Nazri Noor did a great job writing this story! I absolutely loved it!
Luke Daniels did a great job bringing this story to life! His narration made this story so much more fun, and engaging!
The novel, Ex Tenebris, by Nazri Noor, wraps up everything and it makes everything from the previous book come together in the perfect way. Everything and the people in the main character's life from the previous books really made the story.
The beginning of this book was a fantastic overview of where, main character, Dustin is and it recaps the way he got there. This recap helped me familiarize with the story line and plot. There is so much humor in this book, a good deal of it is at Dustin’s expense, but I couldn't stop laughing!
This audiobook is basically, main character, Dustin Graves’ journey to of rediscovery with himself, and reconnecting with his friends.
This story was so hopeful and fun; author Nazri Noor did a great job writing this story! I absolutely loved it!
July 25, 2022
Happy Endings
I fell in love with Dustin from chapter one of the series The boys from the boneyard will forever have a place in my heart. A little sappy but true. We waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. Like all the books before it has all the suspense adventure and humour we come to expect. Being a godling has not changed Dustin. He's still stubborn and smarky as always This series actually pulled me into the urban fantasy world and I haven't looked back since. This is definitely a 5 star series to start with for anyone who hasn't discovered this genre. Nazri is brilliant and so are his characters
I fell in love with Dustin from chapter one of the series The boys from the boneyard will forever have a place in my heart. A little sappy but true. We waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. Like all the books before it has all the suspense adventure and humour we come to expect. Being a godling has not changed Dustin. He's still stubborn and smarky as always This series actually pulled me into the urban fantasy world and I haven't looked back since. This is definitely a 5 star series to start with for anyone who hasn't discovered this genre. Nazri is brilliant and so are his characters
January 19, 2025
It's such an epic story!
This was a really sweet ending. And of course, it was just as exciting and twisty as the rest of the series. I love Herald's nuisance sweetheart. He's a cute little baby god. 😆
I'm so freaking happy for V to get to have his autonomy. Banjo helping look for him was one of my favorite parts. He's an adorable little corgi.
I don't want this series to be over! This has been an incredible journey. The characters feel like my family now. I love them. ❤️
Luke Daniels is such a talented voice actor. I'm so glad he narrates these books. They've been so fun to listen to.
This was a really sweet ending. And of course, it was just as exciting and twisty as the rest of the series. I love Herald's nuisance sweetheart. He's a cute little baby god. 😆
I'm so freaking happy for V to get to have his autonomy. Banjo helping look for him was one of my favorite parts. He's an adorable little corgi.
I don't want this series to be over! This has been an incredible journey. The characters feel like my family now. I love them. ❤️
Luke Daniels is such a talented voice actor. I'm so glad he narrates these books. They've been so fun to listen to.
September 19, 2025
Ex Tenebris pushes Dustin into the ultimate confrontation, with gods, monsters, and impossible choices finally demanding everything he has left. Noor keeps the snark and grit, but the finale rushes through arcs that deserved proper exploration. The scope is too massive and the emotional weight of saying goodbye to these characters feels cavalier. It’s boldly tries to be bold, completes the series in many ways, though not without its rough edges.
The Darkling Mage series as a whole is a sometimes clever, chaotic ride with flashes of brilliance.
The Darkling Mage series as a whole is a sometimes clever, chaotic ride with flashes of brilliance.
September 4, 2022
The "big bad" was defeated in book 9, but what it cost was a lot. So this book 10 shows us what Dustin's sacrifice actually means for everyone, as well as the changes Dustin has undergone. Really enjoying discovering Dustin all over again. He was awesome already, and now he's awesome on a whole new level. I heard whispers of this being the finale for his POV, but I sure hope there is more for him down the road.
October 22, 2023
Wonderful addition to the series
I love the great development of this book. Showing how Dustin is coming along as a new God. PlusI love the relationships that he has forged over all the books. I am sincerely hoping there will be more books with Dustin and the rest. I also like to see the author, explore the attraction between Dustin and Sebastian, and how that could lead to an interesting love triangle with Harold.
I love the great development of this book. Showing how Dustin is coming along as a new God. PlusI love the relationships that he has forged over all the books. I am sincerely hoping there will be more books with Dustin and the rest. I also like to see the author, explore the attraction between Dustin and Sebastian, and how that could lead to an interesting love triangle with Harold.
October 25, 2023
Such a great series ending! Dustin is learning how to live his new life. And of course there is always chaos and secrets in the world. Luke Daniels has quickly jumped to the top of my favorite narrators list. If you like urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series. There is a romantic subplot that begins a few books in, but this is not a romance title. All fade to black.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy
March 23, 2024
awe…. what a cute ending
For all the rapid pace of the last 9 books, this book practically just ambles along.
There’s still ton of action and even another 3-day deadline (and I bet you thought we’d gotten past all of those, didn’t you?), but still the pacing of this book is not nearly as frantic, and so I reached that oh so cute ending completely ready for it to be over. Mainly that’s because Mason’s series is next and it too is already complete.
Hehe
Enjoy!
For all the rapid pace of the last 9 books, this book practically just ambles along.
There’s still ton of action and even another 3-day deadline (and I bet you thought we’d gotten past all of those, didn’t you?), but still the pacing of this book is not nearly as frantic, and so I reached that oh so cute ending completely ready for it to be over. Mainly that’s because Mason’s series is next and it too is already complete.
Hehe
Enjoy!
June 12, 2024
The finale book in the darkling mage series. This was about Dustin coming to terms what kind of god he's gonna be and what gives him power. It was touching and a great send off for this huge cast of characters we have come to know and love. Over all in the series it was okay compared to some of the others but as an ending it was great. This series has become one of my favorite reads to have discovered by pure accident.
July 21, 2022
Loved, loved, loved it!
Loved the series. Loved the ending of the series. Loved everything. Truly enjoyed it! Thank you for giving us an ending befitting the story and still wanting more.
Loved the series. Loved the ending of the series. Loved everything. Truly enjoyed it! Thank you for giving us an ending befitting the story and still wanting more.
August 9, 2022
Ex Tenebris
Dustin has had many incredible times! This one is nearer and dearer to his heart, the search for Vanitas! As with the other stories, nothing goes exactly as planned!! This entire series is highly recommended!
Dustin has had many incredible times! This one is nearer and dearer to his heart, the search for Vanitas! As with the other stories, nothing goes exactly as planned!! This entire series is highly recommended!
December 9, 2022
another wonderful series from Nazri
Like his other series, didn’t want it to end!!! Can’t wait to find his next one!!! This is the 3rd or 4th I’ve finished and frankly I am looking forward to re-reads in a while.
Like his other series, didn’t want it to end!!! Can’t wait to find his next one!!! This is the 3rd or 4th I’ve finished and frankly I am looking forward to re-reads in a while.
May 8, 2023
Reads like a 290 page epilogue
The final installment of the Darkling Mage series sort of reads like an epilogue for the series. It wasn’t quite as action packed or humorous as normal for this author but was still an enjoyable read.
The final installment of the Darkling Mage series sort of reads like an epilogue for the series. It wasn’t quite as action packed or humorous as normal for this author but was still an enjoyable read.
July 18, 2022
Excellent!
Nazri Noor, does what he does best! I have yet to read one of his books I did not think was excellent! Always remember Trust in Dustin !!!
Nazri Noor, does what he does best! I have yet to read one of his books I did not think was excellent! Always remember Trust in Dustin !!!
August 15, 2022
Darkling finale
Dustin's last book, and it's pretty epic. The hunt for his sentient sword, his coming into his own, standing up to the other gods. It's beautiful.
Dustin's last book, and it's pretty epic. The hunt for his sentient sword, his coming into his own, standing up to the other gods. It's beautiful.
January 19, 2024
this was so good. this entire series was amazing. although this read more like an additional short story or something than an actual book i still liked it. would definitely read again.
March 19, 2023
The first part of the book seemed to drag on. I figured I would be giving it three stars. At a little past the midway point it picked up. Dustin is finally able to leave his demesne and all he really wants is to find Vanitas. What follows is a sort of hail and farewell to many of the characters we have met over the years. It was weird that there was no mention of Sterling’s relationship with Thor, sorry “Roth”. Maybe that series is supposed to take place after this book. “Ex Tenebris” reminded us that we were supposed to hate Bastion. This time even Prudence was being a jerk. It seemed as if all of the growth that the teams from the Boneyard and Lorica had been undone. An epilogue that gives an excuse for the behavior felt tacked on. It did have an inkling to something that could be a neat follow-up series. I am glad that Dustin’s series didn’t end with him stuck alone in the Dark Room for eternity.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews