What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkfall: Shadows of the Deep
Something is happening in the small coastal town of Whitby. Something… otherworldly.
Jack Bennett has been chosen to assist the spies known as the Shadowhand in their investigation. The fishing settlement has been identified as the source of the strange ‘spawn’ creatures, and the Shadowhand need more information.
However, unbeknownst to them all, there is something else afoot. The mysterious Crimson Lord has a particular interest in the wytch known as Assandra, harbouring a secret that will change her life. And a horrifying monster is also on the loose, growing in strength with every kill.
All the while a great and ancient entity lies beneath the waves, watching… and waiting.
Can Jack and his colleague unravel the mystery in time, or will the insidious forces working against them prove too much to overcome?
Book 2 in the Darkfall series.
Jack Bennett has been chosen to assist the spies known as the Shadowhand in their investigation. The fishing settlement has been identified as the source of the strange ‘spawn’ creatures, and the Shadowhand need more information.
However, unbeknownst to them all, there is something else afoot. The mysterious Crimson Lord has a particular interest in the wytch known as Assandra, harbouring a secret that will change her life. And a horrifying monster is also on the loose, growing in strength with every kill.
All the while a great and ancient entity lies beneath the waves, watching… and waiting.
Can Jack and his colleague unravel the mystery in time, or will the insidious forces working against them prove too much to overcome?
Book 2 in the Darkfall series.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2022
67 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Lee Mountford
64 books1,084 followersI am an author with a huge love of horror.
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 1, 2023
Book 2 in the Darkfall series does not disappoint! The pacing in this one is slightly different than the 1st book but still great. I loved Jack and Max working together, they make a helluva team. And there is some amazing Lovecraftian stuff going on that was so fun to read. Can't wait for the 3rd installment!
October 4, 2022
I absolutely love this series.
Jack and Max are a perfect team and I can't wait to see them work together more. Assandra is badass and such a great take on being a wytch.
The monsters are awesome and I enjoyed reading from the view of Tom it's such an interesting take on slowly becoming a monster.
This whole Deathborn and all the other sectors is such an interesting tower I'd love to know more about. Like who's up the top? Who made this?
I can't wait for the next book. This has made me fall back in love with Lee's books. Me and the haunted series weren't clicking. Thankfully this series is binge worthy.
Jack and Max are a perfect team and I can't wait to see them work together more. Assandra is badass and such a great take on being a wytch.
The monsters are awesome and I enjoyed reading from the view of Tom it's such an interesting take on slowly becoming a monster.
This whole Deathborn and all the other sectors is such an interesting tower I'd love to know more about. Like who's up the top? Who made this?
I can't wait for the next book. This has made me fall back in love with Lee's books. Me and the haunted series weren't clicking. Thankfully this series is binge worthy.
May 15, 2023
INTRODUCTION
Here we have another great entry in the Darkfall series, one of my recent favorites in horror. This time around, there is less focus on monster hunting and dying horribly. Instead there is more gumshoe shit that involves the Shadowhand Max and mere Deathborn Jack, recently christened by the fires of slaying a horrible lovecraftian witch that left the Deathborn depleted. There is no time skips or exposition following this event, but just going full steam ahead. An unconventional choice, but a good one that ties well to the hellish pacing of this equally hellish novel.
VIBRANT BUT GRIM SETTING
The main setting of this novel is Whitby. It is a busted coastal town that does a decent job of being heavily influenced by Lovecraftian work like The Shadow over Innsmouth, but without completely ripping it off. Rather than being some deeply haunted place where the locals are all weird and obviously fucked up, Whitby is actually downright pleasant sounding. The descriptions and details that Mountford pours into Whitby and its people aren't horrifying despite this being a horrifying novel. Hell, one guy who is turning into a monster gets treated well by a complete stranger. It's just going through some hard economic times via the mysterious fishing conglomerate monopolizing the best spots.
PACING THAT DOESN'T RELENT
Like I mentioned above, the thing that really gets me good about this novel is that it starts almost immediately after the major events of the first novel. There is barely anytime for anybody involved with a pyrrhic victory that left them decimated. What doesn't help in addition to the usual threat of supernatural death lingering over Jack's head is the fact a mundane manchild who is really good with a sword also wants him dead for a percieved insult. The clock is constantly against Jack and Max, and you can feel it.
JACK AND MAX UNITED BY FATE
With a much smaller cast of just two major protagonists, we have much more focus on two of the best characters of this series - Jack and Max. They have such a great buddy cop dynamic that adds some much needed levity and spirit to such a grim series.
VIOLENCE THAT GETS A LITTLE TOO GRIM
This is a pretty violent series, seeing how the protagonists are meant to slay monsters but also act as the semi-disposable frontline infantry against these same monsters. But I feel like the amount of violence in this novel peaked, sometimes to ghoulish degrees. I have a high tolerance for fictional violence as a lifelong horror fan, but a few of the scenes in this, like the killing of two graverobbers followed by two random women on a beach felt a bit much. Sometimes a little subtlety rather than explicit, balls to the walls, violence on the page paints a stronger image since an reader's imagination is often more terrifying than anything a writer can create.
A STUNNING CONCLUSION
After following the madness of this novel, the conclusion of this novel is a phenomenal reminder that even if the Deathborn, Thales, Knights, and whatever factions you have can still have their hard-earned success, they aren't fighting an enemy they can win against. They are only fighting the figments of something much larger, older, and infinitely more powerful. In the words of a great protagoinist from another great series, they are the bad man holding the door against the other bad men, but never truly stopping them.
Here we have another great entry in the Darkfall series, one of my recent favorites in horror. This time around, there is less focus on monster hunting and dying horribly. Instead there is more gumshoe shit that involves the Shadowhand Max and mere Deathborn Jack, recently christened by the fires of slaying a horrible lovecraftian witch that left the Deathborn depleted. There is no time skips or exposition following this event, but just going full steam ahead. An unconventional choice, but a good one that ties well to the hellish pacing of this equally hellish novel.
VIBRANT BUT GRIM SETTING
The main setting of this novel is Whitby. It is a busted coastal town that does a decent job of being heavily influenced by Lovecraftian work like The Shadow over Innsmouth, but without completely ripping it off. Rather than being some deeply haunted place where the locals are all weird and obviously fucked up, Whitby is actually downright pleasant sounding. The descriptions and details that Mountford pours into Whitby and its people aren't horrifying despite this being a horrifying novel. Hell, one guy who is turning into a monster gets treated well by a complete stranger. It's just going through some hard economic times via the mysterious fishing conglomerate monopolizing the best spots.
PACING THAT DOESN'T RELENT
Like I mentioned above, the thing that really gets me good about this novel is that it starts almost immediately after the major events of the first novel. There is barely anytime for anybody involved with a pyrrhic victory that left them decimated. What doesn't help in addition to the usual threat of supernatural death lingering over Jack's head is the fact a mundane manchild who is really good with a sword also wants him dead for a percieved insult. The clock is constantly against Jack and Max, and you can feel it.
JACK AND MAX UNITED BY FATE
With a much smaller cast of just two major protagonists, we have much more focus on two of the best characters of this series - Jack and Max. They have such a great buddy cop dynamic that adds some much needed levity and spirit to such a grim series.
VIOLENCE THAT GETS A LITTLE TOO GRIM
This is a pretty violent series, seeing how the protagonists are meant to slay monsters but also act as the semi-disposable frontline infantry against these same monsters. But I feel like the amount of violence in this novel peaked, sometimes to ghoulish degrees. I have a high tolerance for fictional violence as a lifelong horror fan, but a few of the scenes in this, like the killing of two graverobbers followed by two random women on a beach felt a bit much. Sometimes a little subtlety rather than explicit, balls to the walls, violence on the page paints a stronger image since an reader's imagination is often more terrifying than anything a writer can create.
A STUNNING CONCLUSION
After following the madness of this novel, the conclusion of this novel is a phenomenal reminder that even if the Deathborn, Thales, Knights, and whatever factions you have can still have their hard-earned success, they aren't fighting an enemy they can win against. They are only fighting the figments of something much larger, older, and infinitely more powerful. In the words of a great protagoinist from another great series, they are the bad man holding the door against the other bad men, but never truly stopping them.
September 29, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the Shadows of the Deep series by this author. It is set in a coastal town of Whitby which I really liked whilst I was reading as I have been to visit Whitby a lovely town.
But, anyway Jack has been chosen to assist the Shadowhand in a supernatural investigation oh dear you say. But the Crimson Lord has other ideas with Assandra who is hiding a secret too. There are horrifying monsters unleashed with devastating consequences. Can Jack and his colleague save the day with new monsters to contend with.
This author sent me on a rollercoaster of a ride from the first page to the very last. It has
monsters, gore, horror and OMG 😲 shock value moments throughout which every horror reader loves.
Totally loved this read it is addictive series in my opinion. Go on I dare you to try as you won't be able to put the book down!!!!
But, anyway Jack has been chosen to assist the Shadowhand in a supernatural investigation oh dear you say. But the Crimson Lord has other ideas with Assandra who is hiding a secret too. There are horrifying monsters unleashed with devastating consequences. Can Jack and his colleague save the day with new monsters to contend with.
This author sent me on a rollercoaster of a ride from the first page to the very last. It has
monsters, gore, horror and OMG 😲 shock value moments throughout which every horror reader loves.
Totally loved this read it is addictive series in my opinion. Go on I dare you to try as you won't be able to put the book down!!!!
October 1, 2022
Great World Building!!
Jack has no time to rest whatsoever. He still has blood stained clothing and smells horrible and now Max, a Shadowhand, needs him for yet another mission.
Whitby seems to be the place that bad things keep coming from so to Whitby they go. However, what they find there may be beyond what their organization normally takes on and since the Deathborn have a very low life expectancy, the odds of Jack surviving this are very much against him
Enjoying this series very much. This is the 2nd book and I'm already salivating for the third.
Think 1800's LovecraftIan horror with some Fantasy mixed in.
Great series!!
Jack has no time to rest whatsoever. He still has blood stained clothing and smells horrible and now Max, a Shadowhand, needs him for yet another mission.
Whitby seems to be the place that bad things keep coming from so to Whitby they go. However, what they find there may be beyond what their organization normally takes on and since the Deathborn have a very low life expectancy, the odds of Jack surviving this are very much against him
Enjoying this series very much. This is the 2nd book and I'm already salivating for the third.
Think 1800's LovecraftIan horror with some Fantasy mixed in.
Great series!!
October 6, 2022
Too gruesome.
I thought I can read pretty much anything. But vivid and detailed description of men and women and children being slowly ripped apart and eaten by monsters, together with description of what they feel as they are being eaten alive is too much for me.
The first book was pretty gruesome, but the second one is just too much. This is really unnecessary to story development, and felt more like snuff porn than a story.
I got through about 2/3rd of the book before realizing that death porn is not for me.
Hard pass.
I thought I can read pretty much anything. But vivid and detailed description of men and women and children being slowly ripped apart and eaten by monsters, together with description of what they feel as they are being eaten alive is too much for me.
The first book was pretty gruesome, but the second one is just too much. This is really unnecessary to story development, and felt more like snuff porn than a story.
I got through about 2/3rd of the book before realizing that death porn is not for me.
Hard pass.
November 21, 2022
another good read
I honestly liked this book better then the first one. Jacks personality was better and he was much more heroic. Actually did some good in a fight. Assandra was a disappointment. Like did you not learn anything from your sister? Unfortunately Theodore wasn’t in this book and didn’t get his comeuppance, going to be really disappointed if he doesn’t get the unfortunate fate he deserves in the next book. Overall, great read!!
I honestly liked this book better then the first one. Jacks personality was better and he was much more heroic. Actually did some good in a fight. Assandra was a disappointment. Like did you not learn anything from your sister? Unfortunately Theodore wasn’t in this book and didn’t get his comeuppance, going to be really disappointed if he doesn’t get the unfortunate fate he deserves in the next book. Overall, great read!!
March 17, 2023
audible:I loved this book! Hannibal Hills is a wonderful narrator.Every character is perfectly voiced.This is kind of a quest book.The last book included the killing of a witch by the Shadowhand. Along with a dirty deathborn,he convinces the witches sister to help them with a monster.Alliances change rapidly.Excellent read!I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 29, 2022
Nefarious designs
Who is the Crimson Lord? What nefarious plans does he have for Assandra? Another adventure where Jack Bennett and Max White have to contend with powerful dark entities and the outcome looks bleak. The book is intriguing, enthralling and chilling with a well defined cast of characters. Max White and Jack Bennett are two of my favourites. I am excited to read the next book.
Who is the Crimson Lord? What nefarious plans does he have for Assandra? Another adventure where Jack Bennett and Max White have to contend with powerful dark entities and the outcome looks bleak. The book is intriguing, enthralling and chilling with a well defined cast of characters. Max White and Jack Bennett are two of my favourites. I am excited to read the next book.
November 15, 2022
Great second entry
This book picks up right after the first. Jack, Assandra, Gus, and Max are all back. Theodore is in it for a few seconds but leaves quickly thank God. This was a really fun and gory story. I love the pictures that show what some of the monsters look like. I'm excited to see where the third novel goes
This book picks up right after the first. Jack, Assandra, Gus, and Max are all back. Theodore is in it for a few seconds but leaves quickly thank God. This was a really fun and gory story. I love the pictures that show what some of the monsters look like. I'm excited to see where the third novel goes
December 12, 2022
Another great to book in an already great series
The adventures of Jack and shadow hand max continue. Now traveling together to figure the mystery of the spawn. This is an amazing sequel that keeps up with the great storytelling amazing action and vivid imagery. I can't wait to read the next one I hope you enjoy this as much as I did amazing fantasy series. 😎😵💫🍄
The adventures of Jack and shadow hand max continue. Now traveling together to figure the mystery of the spawn. This is an amazing sequel that keeps up with the great storytelling amazing action and vivid imagery. I can't wait to read the next one I hope you enjoy this as much as I did amazing fantasy series. 😎😵💫🍄
June 18, 2023
Great read
I've never been much of a fantasy fan, but I loved this. It's an amazing blend of horror and adventure with a fascinating twist on the monsters.
The real magic is in the world and relationships between the characters. It connects some dots in some of his other stories, but... Well, it's just different and fun.
I've never been much of a fantasy fan, but I loved this. It's an amazing blend of horror and adventure with a fascinating twist on the monsters.
The real magic is in the world and relationships between the characters. It connects some dots in some of his other stories, but... Well, it's just different and fun.
October 10, 2022
Great book
Very good story, well written. Its so full of action and suspense that I couldn't put it down. Loved the great cast but I was really hoping for something to happen between Jack and Assandra, maybe the next book. A very good read.
Very good story, well written. Its so full of action and suspense that I couldn't put it down. Loved the great cast but I was really hoping for something to happen between Jack and Assandra, maybe the next book. A very good read.
March 18, 2024
Another page turner
I have to say, Lee Mountford is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have breezed through the first series that started it all, Person Manor. If you haven't read it yet.....what are you waiting for!!!!
I have to say, Lee Mountford is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have breezed through the first series that started it all, Person Manor. If you haven't read it yet.....what are you waiting for!!!!
October 4, 2022
This is a great series! It's well-written and easy to read. It's also my kind of creepy!
October 9, 2022
Darkfall:Shadows of the deep
Another fantastic book!I could hardly put this book down
I dont really know any other author with such imagination !
Lee I am your fan for ever !
Another fantastic book!I could hardly put this book down
I dont really know any other author with such imagination !
Lee I am your fan for ever !
November 3, 2022
really like this add on
This book takes off right after the last one and introduces more monsters and other bigger things. I like all the character and the action is great.
This book takes off right after the last one and introduces more monsters and other bigger things. I like all the character and the action is great.
December 11, 2022
Good read
Liked this book, the characters are strong and the story get a more and more.interesting. Well worth a go. Try it
Liked this book, the characters are strong and the story get a more and more.interesting. Well worth a go. Try it
January 9, 2024
Oooh that felt a bit Lovecraftian! Nice dreadful monsters.
July 24, 2024
If you love monsters and graphic details, this book will not let you down.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews