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Darkrunner Rising
Reylyn Hummel is the only half-elf in the village, and it doesn't make her popular. Her only friends are the Infernal, Hellzebub, and his feathered minions. When the villagers go too far, Hellzebub helps her escape in exchange for helping him get his throne in the Lower Planes back from his sister, the overly-ambitious Celestial, Tiaphima. This lands Reylyn in Timbercrest, where all the rules about elves, humans, and orcs, about good and evil, are different. Where even she can have friends and family. Where having friends and family will be more dangerous and more difficult than being the villain of her village.
326 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2022
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 20, 2022
Refreshing debut tale of a villain with a D&D vibe. The inversion of how we usually perceive light, good characters, or infernal ones makes this novel unique and refreshing.
It starts with Rey who has a "demon" for a friend who gives her the power to get revenge on those who mistreat her. She embarks on a journey to help this infernal - to find a character in a specific city.
Just because she starts as a villain doesn't mean this book is an ode to evil and evil deeds, on the contrary. The character arc is awesome, she learns about kindness and love leading her to protect instead of destroying like in the beginning.
She finds her place in a city of outcasts and helps restore balance.
This city is quite interesting. It's where Rey's mentorship develops. The author is very creative about it in all the lessons on manners, honesty, and self-improvement.
Sometimes authors have trouble capturing the inner child of a young character when the child is too powerful or clever, but Rey keeps her personality as a kid making it fun and light. Young readers will find her cool.
There are some parts of the story that will continue in the next volume. I like the author's style and likely will read more titles.
It starts with Rey who has a "demon" for a friend who gives her the power to get revenge on those who mistreat her. She embarks on a journey to help this infernal - to find a character in a specific city.
Just because she starts as a villain doesn't mean this book is an ode to evil and evil deeds, on the contrary. The character arc is awesome, she learns about kindness and love leading her to protect instead of destroying like in the beginning.
She finds her place in a city of outcasts and helps restore balance.
This city is quite interesting. It's where Rey's mentorship develops. The author is very creative about it in all the lessons on manners, honesty, and self-improvement.
Sometimes authors have trouble capturing the inner child of a young character when the child is too powerful or clever, but Rey keeps her personality as a kid making it fun and light. Young readers will find her cool.
There are some parts of the story that will continue in the next volume. I like the author's style and likely will read more titles.
August 16, 2022
This book was so original! I have never read a book similar to this before. Larke did a fantastic job with this story. It was a little hard to remember that Reylyn was only 12 because while she has issues controlling her emotions she is such a brave girl. Watching her grow into someone who learns how to trust and love after being abused and bullied. Reylyn deserved so much more from her family and the original “home” but I am glad she found a place where she actually belonged. Everyone needs a family and while it took time she found her family. This was a beautiful story that showed so much love and acceptance for those who are different than us.
August 18, 2022
This book was fun fast paced read. To be honest it was not what I expected to find now. But I would’ve love to have the possibility to read a book as this one earlier in my life.
The story follows Reylyn a half human half elf. She grows up in a small town that even more small minded. Her blood and looks make her a target to both adults and children. Her only friends are birds and and the infernal known as Hellzebub.
As she is forced to leave the village and all she has known she truly learns to see the world. She doesn’t just learn to be even stronger that she was but opens up to others. As in any relationship her new found place comes with ups and downs, and I loved to see her growing into being able to truly lay on others.
Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is the religion and beliefs put into it. As towns are close minded to only follow a celestial or an infernal. Yet the city whew she goes opens up to all, reminding the reader about tolerance despiece the names. It a book that teaches to go beyond expectations and what others tell you to see.
As I said before, as a more mature mind reading I didn’t connect with the character as much. But this is the kind of book that would up make a difference when I was growing up. I truly wish for this book to be shared and appreciate it for the weight it carries into the story.
Please give it a shot, or recommend it to any teen you see feeling out of place.
The story follows Reylyn a half human half elf. She grows up in a small town that even more small minded. Her blood and looks make her a target to both adults and children. Her only friends are birds and and the infernal known as Hellzebub.
As she is forced to leave the village and all she has known she truly learns to see the world. She doesn’t just learn to be even stronger that she was but opens up to others. As in any relationship her new found place comes with ups and downs, and I loved to see her growing into being able to truly lay on others.
Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is the religion and beliefs put into it. As towns are close minded to only follow a celestial or an infernal. Yet the city whew she goes opens up to all, reminding the reader about tolerance despiece the names. It a book that teaches to go beyond expectations and what others tell you to see.
As I said before, as a more mature mind reading I didn’t connect with the character as much. But this is the kind of book that would up make a difference when I was growing up. I truly wish for this book to be shared and appreciate it for the weight it carries into the story.
Please give it a shot, or recommend it to any teen you see feeling out of place.
July 20, 2022
My heart really went out to Reylyn at the beginning of this novel - an abused and neglected 12 year old with only her birds for company. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself through the novel that Reylyn was only 12 years old and trying to find her way in the world. There were some elements of the novel that reminded me of a Dungeons and Dragons adventure and I really enjoyed learning more about the Infernals and the Celestials.
This book caught me a bit by surprise because it wasn’t what I expected it to be when I first picked it up. I was expecting a fantasy story about a half-elf child helping a villain come into power. But what I actually got was a touching story about acceptance and finding your place in the world even if you are different from the people around you. It’s this heart at the centre of the novel that really makes ‘Darkrunner rising’ a captivating read.
I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.
This book caught me a bit by surprise because it wasn’t what I expected it to be when I first picked it up. I was expecting a fantasy story about a half-elf child helping a villain come into power. But what I actually got was a touching story about acceptance and finding your place in the world even if you are different from the people around you. It’s this heart at the centre of the novel that really makes ‘Darkrunner rising’ a captivating read.
I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.
August 31, 2022
[ARC REVIEW] In this book we follow a twelve years old half-elf girl who, after having been ostracised, abused and harassed for being different her entire life, is tasked to deliver a message by Hellzebub and entitled his "Warder".
The story manly tackles the concept of found-family in a city where all the misfits can find a place of their own no matter their differences, their past or their beliefs. Reylyn, the main character, will learn to grow in an healthy and loving environment, overcoming her trust issue and find a place she can finally call home.
When I was younger, DarkRunner Rising is totally the type of work I would have picked up and loved.
The fear of disappointing others and being abandoned the MC felt throughout the whole book felt true and, I think, can resonate with many. In addition, the older characters written bring some important values in the story and we have, for example, a talk about boundaries that I found pretty interesting to see in a YA.
The only thing I would have wanted to see a little different is the development of Dell and Reylin relationship. At first, both did not accept each others as siblings and the progression from "hate" to "love" between them seemed a bit sudden to me while reading the book.
Nevertheless, I would absolutely recommend it for young teenagers ✨️
3.5/4★
The story manly tackles the concept of found-family in a city where all the misfits can find a place of their own no matter their differences, their past or their beliefs. Reylyn, the main character, will learn to grow in an healthy and loving environment, overcoming her trust issue and find a place she can finally call home.
When I was younger, DarkRunner Rising is totally the type of work I would have picked up and loved.
The fear of disappointing others and being abandoned the MC felt throughout the whole book felt true and, I think, can resonate with many. In addition, the older characters written bring some important values in the story and we have, for example, a talk about boundaries that I found pretty interesting to see in a YA.
The only thing I would have wanted to see a little different is the development of Dell and Reylin relationship. At first, both did not accept each others as siblings and the progression from "hate" to "love" between them seemed a bit sudden to me while reading the book.
Nevertheless, I would absolutely recommend it for young teenagers ✨️
3.5/4★
August 7, 2022
This was a story about a child, but not necessarily a children's book. There were dark elements right from the beginning that I would caution reader digression. Reylyn is a vulnerable child dealing with the trauma of a parent leaving and being left with an unloving father. She is teased in her village by the village children because she is different, and the only kindness shown to her is by a infernal (think demon) Hellzebub...who she's adorably nick-named Bubby.
Hellzebub gives her the power of fire, and before leaving her town for good she accidentally kills A LOT of people. I think this weighs heavily on Reylyn but being a child she's probably not sure to how to process this...and it's kind of just dropped in the story.
When she gets to the new town Reylyn is shown kindness and acceptance and she really isn't sure what to do with it. Hellzebub encourages her to make friends, and she does...and even manages to find herself a family. I found the ending to be somewhat anti-climactic, with lose ends tied up quite quickly.
If you enjoy books that contain morally grey storylines that focus on character development instead of plot you would enjoy this book!
Hellzebub gives her the power of fire, and before leaving her town for good she accidentally kills A LOT of people. I think this weighs heavily on Reylyn but being a child she's probably not sure to how to process this...and it's kind of just dropped in the story.
When she gets to the new town Reylyn is shown kindness and acceptance and she really isn't sure what to do with it. Hellzebub encourages her to make friends, and she does...and even manages to find herself a family. I found the ending to be somewhat anti-climactic, with lose ends tied up quite quickly.
If you enjoy books that contain morally grey storylines that focus on character development instead of plot you would enjoy this book!
August 2, 2022
I enjoyed reading my ARC copy of Darkrunner Rising by A.J Larke
It was a really good debut novel, definitely set itself up to be a series.
I liked the world building and the magic system, the species of people human, elf, orc, Celestial, Infernal . It would have been nice to delve into other characters magic but perhaps if there is further books in the series we might get to see that.
I did have to remind myself a few times that this was from the POV of an abused 12 year old half elf with understandable trust issues.
I liked how reylyn's character developed and the interactions with others in the story , how she went from unloved, alone, isolated to having a found family and finding love and acceptance - and also having some wonderful role models to help her grow.
some elements of the story seemed a little rushed or anticlimactic however even though this was, for me the case it didn't affect how enjoyable a read it was.
Thank you A.J Larke for giving me the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader and reviewer for you.
It was a really good debut novel, definitely set itself up to be a series.
I liked the world building and the magic system, the species of people human, elf, orc, Celestial, Infernal . It would have been nice to delve into other characters magic but perhaps if there is further books in the series we might get to see that.
I did have to remind myself a few times that this was from the POV of an abused 12 year old half elf with understandable trust issues.
I liked how reylyn's character developed and the interactions with others in the story , how she went from unloved, alone, isolated to having a found family and finding love and acceptance - and also having some wonderful role models to help her grow.
some elements of the story seemed a little rushed or anticlimactic however even though this was, for me the case it didn't affect how enjoyable a read it was.
Thank you A.J Larke for giving me the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader and reviewer for you.
September 24, 2022
“Everyone’s story is worth telling. When they’re ready to tell it.”
“Paying attention is important, in sewing and in life”
It’s written very well. This follows the odyssey of Reylyn, she is half elf. Until her power awakens, Bubba won’t let her serve in the court of Sygia and her father has already decided to sell her in work market in Snowport. Now either she can escape or she can convince Bubba to let her in the court of Sygia. Her destiny is unpredictable and full of surprises and paths filled with danger and challenges. Is Bubba concealing something from her? Will he give her a chance? While to escape from her father, she end up at Orcs so first she has to find a way out of there to fulfil the secret mission, she been given. Will she fulfil her mission? While there are deities, demigods, celestials and infernal.
In the midst of secrets, conspiracy, secrets mission and awakening, she meets Kalissa and Ebion. And they made her feel complete like the family she always longed for. Know your worth, if you are burden to those you consider family, leave them alone.
“Paying attention is important, in sewing and in life”
It’s written very well. This follows the odyssey of Reylyn, she is half elf. Until her power awakens, Bubba won’t let her serve in the court of Sygia and her father has already decided to sell her in work market in Snowport. Now either she can escape or she can convince Bubba to let her in the court of Sygia. Her destiny is unpredictable and full of surprises and paths filled with danger and challenges. Is Bubba concealing something from her? Will he give her a chance? While to escape from her father, she end up at Orcs so first she has to find a way out of there to fulfil the secret mission, she been given. Will she fulfil her mission? While there are deities, demigods, celestials and infernal.
In the midst of secrets, conspiracy, secrets mission and awakening, she meets Kalissa and Ebion. And they made her feel complete like the family she always longed for. Know your worth, if you are burden to those you consider family, leave them alone.
August 17, 2022
The story is told by Reylyn, a 12 year old half-elf fleeing her village after being bullied and tormented by her own parent and other townspeople just for being different.
Her journey was much more than expected. loved seeing this new place through her eyes, so much wonder in this town, with everything being so different from what she knew, with many species and magic and people just coexisting peacefully.
Reylyn went through a lot and grew so much in the book. I really enjoyed seeing her go from lonesome brat to someone who was loved by all. cried happy tears seeing that she finally got to have a real family and friends, the sense of belonging she always yearned for.
This was such a great book and seems like there will be more to follow can't wait to see where the story goes. I just know y'all will enjoy this as much as I did.
Her journey was much more than expected. loved seeing this new place through her eyes, so much wonder in this town, with everything being so different from what she knew, with many species and magic and people just coexisting peacefully.
Reylyn went through a lot and grew so much in the book. I really enjoyed seeing her go from lonesome brat to someone who was loved by all. cried happy tears seeing that she finally got to have a real family and friends, the sense of belonging she always yearned for.
This was such a great book and seems like there will be more to follow can't wait to see where the story goes. I just know y'all will enjoy this as much as I did.
August 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and that really centered around the found family trope. I found it to be uniquely original having the entire novel center around Reylyn as she carries out her mission for Bubba but also try to lead a normal life to fit in to this new town she finds herself in. I also love that there was no one, that she trusts or likes, actively trying to get her to shove her rage and anger down but to find a way to use it when the time is right. It felt a lot like reading about a kid going through puberty all by themselves but in a fantasy setting and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Reylyn is such a spitfire MC but also so easy to feel sympathy for all i wanted to do was to protect her. I'm glad she was able to move past all the horrid things that was done to her and begin to heal with her new family that would do anything to help her.
September 13, 2022
Interesting read
Darkrunner rising tells us the story of Rey, who is mistreated by people in her village and her father. One day she makes a demon her friend, who gives her powers to take revenge on those who have done her wrong. And then starts her adventure.
The character development that Rey goes through is incredible. By the sound on the synopsis you would feel that she is evil but the transformations she goes through as just incredible. Even though she is a misfit in her village she learns to find her place in the midst of outcasts.
The story of this book is super original. I have never comes across such a story. It's written in a commendable manner. And it will truly touch your heart.
This story really makes the quote true, that blood makes you related, but loyalty, trust and acceptance that is the true definition of a family.
Darkrunner rising tells us the story of Rey, who is mistreated by people in her village and her father. One day she makes a demon her friend, who gives her powers to take revenge on those who have done her wrong. And then starts her adventure.
The character development that Rey goes through is incredible. By the sound on the synopsis you would feel that she is evil but the transformations she goes through as just incredible. Even though she is a misfit in her village she learns to find her place in the midst of outcasts.
The story of this book is super original. I have never comes across such a story. It's written in a commendable manner. And it will truly touch your heart.
This story really makes the quote true, that blood makes you related, but loyalty, trust and acceptance that is the true definition of a family.
August 23, 2022
📖: Dark Runner Rising
✍🏻: A. J. Larke
Genre: Fantasy
Ratings: A 3.6/5⭐
Reylyn, I loved your character in the book. Being 12, and that mature while handling things is a quality that not every possesses. Your character is so real and so unique and you're a brave little soul. Kudos to you!
The way the author has described everything is so good. The tiny little details are introduced to the world so beautifully. I guess kids or young adults might love this one as the character is such a pure and brave one.
Reylyn got me hooked to the book. I read it for her!
✍🏻: A. J. Larke
Genre: Fantasy
Ratings: A 3.6/5⭐
Reylyn, I loved your character in the book. Being 12, and that mature while handling things is a quality that not every possesses. Your character is so real and so unique and you're a brave little soul. Kudos to you!
The way the author has described everything is so good. The tiny little details are introduced to the world so beautifully. I guess kids or young adults might love this one as the character is such a pure and brave one.
Reylyn got me hooked to the book. I read it for her!
August 23, 2022
I love a great coming of age young adult read. I completely related to Reylyn (great name) and her struggle to find her place in a world that doesn’t handle “different” well. Most characters, just like her, become the strongest because of the differences they have. I love that. And I love when characters appreciate the ones around them and are challenged to make decisions based a level of caring that not everyone has. Read this.
December 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It took me a while to warm to Reylyn as she could be bit of a pain at times (though what 12 year old isn't?) But I soon realised that she was just scared and I just wanted to give her a big hug! This book is full of action and magic and is a must read for those who are fans of the found family trope as this does it so well! I'll be keeping my eye out for the rest of the next book in the series
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast paced read, and not what I expected at all. Reylyn is a 12 year old half elf who is trying to find her way in the world. Honestly, my heart went out to this girl. She's fleeing her village because her family and the towns people bully her for being different. Watching Reylyn's character grow throughout the book was great. I had to keep reminding myself she was only 12 years old. I think there are supposed to be more books to follow this one, and I'm hoping that's the case. Definitely a great, unique read.
September 8, 2022
This is the first book I have read from A.J. Larke. And she did a fantastic job. Her writing was easy to follow. The character development of Ray was great it wasn't Rush or slow. I enjoyed Darkrunner Rising very much and look forward to reading more.
October 16, 2022
Enjoyable. Reylyn is a different kind of hero, a bit dark but justifiably so from her experiences in early life. I am have only played a couple D&D campaigns, but I had fun with all the nods to the game.
July 23, 2024
great read
This was a great book. It was kinda sad at first then full of action and watching the main characters grow was amazing i can’t wait to read the next book
This was a great book. It was kinda sad at first then full of action and watching the main characters grow was amazing i can’t wait to read the next book
September 2, 2022
I was able to read an ARC of this book thanks to @katieandbreypa on instagram.
I really enjoyed this one! It was a riveting combination of Dungeons and Dragons, a coming-of-age story, and brand new mythology. The author, A.J. Larke, does a fantastic job of worldbuilding and overall descriptiveness! I can almost smell the market at Timbercrest and see the fire on the palms of Reylyn’s hands. My favorite characters in the story were the side characters– they were developed so well and it felt like the reader really was getting a glimpse into their lives through the eyes of a 12 year old girl. I will admit, it took me a while to like Reylyn. Even though her situation was sad, I found her hard to love until about halfway through the story. Even so, I loved watching her character development from a scared twelve-year-old into the powerhouse she became at the end of the story. Overall, this is a solid upper-middle-grade read and great for those who love fantasy stories!
I really enjoyed this one! It was a riveting combination of Dungeons and Dragons, a coming-of-age story, and brand new mythology. The author, A.J. Larke, does a fantastic job of worldbuilding and overall descriptiveness! I can almost smell the market at Timbercrest and see the fire on the palms of Reylyn’s hands. My favorite characters in the story were the side characters– they were developed so well and it felt like the reader really was getting a glimpse into their lives through the eyes of a 12 year old girl. I will admit, it took me a while to like Reylyn. Even though her situation was sad, I found her hard to love until about halfway through the story. Even so, I loved watching her character development from a scared twelve-year-old into the powerhouse she became at the end of the story. Overall, this is a solid upper-middle-grade read and great for those who love fantasy stories!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews