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Light in the Dark #4
Shattered Walls
Out of the storm, into the hurricane.
Drangar Ralgon has gone by many names: Scythe, Shepherd, Madman. Now, he can add another to the list: future vessel for the demon Turuuk. Surrounded by friends, family, and foes, in the fortress he left a lifetime ago, he has to choose.
Fight or die?
Live or surrender?
Drangar’s fate is decided at the Eye of Traksor as reality crashes in on him. His hopes shattered by a revelation so terrifying, he now stands at a precipice. All of the sudden his most horrible dreams seem pleasant. Can he reclaim his destiny from the Fiend and determine his own future?
With long hidden secrets forced to the surface, the Eye of Traksor becomes a crucible to uncover the truth. Will facts wash away the multitude of lies or will they be people’s undoing? Can Drangar’s companions and reluctant allies find common ground?
But the demon Turuuk won’t permit them to plot against him unimpeded.
Drangar has to conquer despair, nightmares, and guilt, to become a warrior once again.
Drangar Ralgon has gone by many names: Scythe, Shepherd, Madman. Now, he can add another to the list: future vessel for the demon Turuuk. Surrounded by friends, family, and foes, in the fortress he left a lifetime ago, he has to choose.
Fight or die?
Live or surrender?
Drangar’s fate is decided at the Eye of Traksor as reality crashes in on him. His hopes shattered by a revelation so terrifying, he now stands at a precipice. All of the sudden his most horrible dreams seem pleasant. Can he reclaim his destiny from the Fiend and determine his own future?
With long hidden secrets forced to the surface, the Eye of Traksor becomes a crucible to uncover the truth. Will facts wash away the multitude of lies or will they be people’s undoing? Can Drangar’s companions and reluctant allies find common ground?
But the demon Turuuk won’t permit them to plot against him unimpeded.
Drangar has to conquer despair, nightmares, and guilt, to become a warrior once again.
- GenresFantasy
567 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Ulff Lehmann
12 books105 followersUlff Lehmann has spent quite a while waiting on his Midlife Crisis, and decided he won't go there. For the past two decades he has been developing the stories he is now publishing. Born and bred in Germany, Ulff chose to write in English when he realized he had spent most of his adult life reading English instead of his mother tongue, and brings with him the oftentimes Grimm outlook of his country's fairy-tales to his stories. A wordsmith with a poet's heart, Ulff's goal is to create a world filled with believable people.
According to his friends, his place is utter chaos and filled to the brim with books, CDs, and DVDs. In an earlier part of his life, Ulff turned his love for music outward, singing in two bands. Nowadays the only singing he does is in concert with his shower, and it thinks his voice is still acceptable. His passion for movies led him to begin Movie and TV studies at university, begin being the operative word. He didn't finish. Instead life pulled him this way and that until he finally understood he was a storyteller.
According to his friends, his place is utter chaos and filled to the brim with books, CDs, and DVDs. In an earlier part of his life, Ulff turned his love for music outward, singing in two bands. Nowadays the only singing he does is in concert with his shower, and it thinks his voice is still acceptable. His passion for movies led him to begin Movie and TV studies at university, begin being the operative word. He didn't finish. Instead life pulled him this way and that until he finally understood he was a storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 10, 2023
4-stars for this.
This book will appeal to those of you who like tactics and combat of a grim-nature. The magic system is Blood-Magic and is rather visceral.
The book starts off with a recap of the previous books.
I believe I'm right in saying that each of Ulff's 4 books describe the events that take place during a single day in his world.
Shattered Walls describes the battle for "The Eye of Traksor" an ancient circular fortress.
Ulff does enjoy profanity, so do expect a fair amount of swearing in this book. I laughed at this passage from late on in the book:
"People are, by and large, idiots. Not good, not evil, just stupid."
If I was going to be critical about anything it would have to be that a lot is left to the reader to build their own mental picture of the events. This will be fine for the majority, but for people like me who can't visualise from the written word it's not quite as enjoyable.
All in all it was a very well-written and well-imagined story. It does have a hanging ending, but that's fine in this case. It will be good to read the final book in the series to find out how it all pans-out.
Thanks for reading.
This book will appeal to those of you who like tactics and combat of a grim-nature. The magic system is Blood-Magic and is rather visceral.
The book starts off with a recap of the previous books.
I believe I'm right in saying that each of Ulff's 4 books describe the events that take place during a single day in his world.
Shattered Walls describes the battle for "The Eye of Traksor" an ancient circular fortress.
Ulff does enjoy profanity, so do expect a fair amount of swearing in this book. I laughed at this passage from late on in the book:
"People are, by and large, idiots. Not good, not evil, just stupid."
If I was going to be critical about anything it would have to be that a lot is left to the reader to build their own mental picture of the events. This will be fine for the majority, but for people like me who can't visualise from the written word it's not quite as enjoyable.
All in all it was a very well-written and well-imagined story. It does have a hanging ending, but that's fine in this case. It will be good to read the final book in the series to find out how it all pans-out.
Thanks for reading.
January 4, 2023
This book is far more bloody and gory than previous volumes. The other books have been leading to this so it should not be a surprise. I just want to note that this book has a foot firmly in the horror genre. Not just the blood magic used by some of the magic users but the blood beasts that have been created through the use of blood magic. Creatures that are an amalgam of many animals ripped apart and reformed into a single creature through blood magic. Even humans are parts of these monsters. Quite a visceral experience reading about the process and what the creatures are used for in the battle. Talk about specialization.
My favorite aspect of the book was the events being seen from the point of view of multiple characters as the events are unfolding. It is not a round robin of characters one after the other. Not all characters participate in every event. We do not even get all the characters of every event weighing in on the action. That would have gotten tedious while increasing the size of the book considerably. We do get to see things from multiple points of view to understand more about each character, their goals, understanding and how they process the event while it occurs. It gives a much broader view of events than a narrative from a single point of view. I can only imagine how much work that was to pull off by Mr. Lehmann as he was writing the book. Not only keeping track of the flow of the book and the scene but from the point of view of multiple characters without missing details or changing the event from one point of view to another. Well done.
This book brings out so much more of Drangar’s story, how he was cursed and why. As well as many secrets about other characters of what they have known, for how long and how cowardly they have been not dealing with the threat that has manifested.
The ending, while being surprising, it will not feel like there was any other option. The entire book was leading to that moment.
Looking forward to the next book to find out how that ending is resolved.
My favorite aspect of the book was the events being seen from the point of view of multiple characters as the events are unfolding. It is not a round robin of characters one after the other. Not all characters participate in every event. We do not even get all the characters of every event weighing in on the action. That would have gotten tedious while increasing the size of the book considerably. We do get to see things from multiple points of view to understand more about each character, their goals, understanding and how they process the event while it occurs. It gives a much broader view of events than a narrative from a single point of view. I can only imagine how much work that was to pull off by Mr. Lehmann as he was writing the book. Not only keeping track of the flow of the book and the scene but from the point of view of multiple characters without missing details or changing the event from one point of view to another. Well done.
This book brings out so much more of Drangar’s story, how he was cursed and why. As well as many secrets about other characters of what they have known, for how long and how cowardly they have been not dealing with the threat that has manifested.
The ending, while being surprising, it will not feel like there was any other option. The entire book was leading to that moment.
Looking forward to the next book to find out how that ending is resolved.
January 17, 2023
There are very few characters in my near half century of reading that I've felt a true connection with. Drangar and Kildanor are two of them. Ulff takes his deep knowledge of all things archaea and combines that with magic, intrigue, and vulnerability. Read this. Put down what you're reading now and read this.
November 18, 2022
Amazing. Incredible story. Very fast paced. Enjoyed it a lot.
Read my full review here: https://rottiegirl-2.blogspot.com/202...
Read my full review here: https://rottiegirl-2.blogspot.com/202...
May 26, 2023
For anyone that follows Ulff Lehmann as an author, this book is a logical continuation of his previous books, diving ever deeper into the world he's created. All of the elements that you would expect to see are present, a strong narrative, clever presentation and comparison between religious and philosophical approaches, and a detailed and "factual" description of how weaponry might work, the wounds it would inflict, and the tactics that this would demand.
And yet, this is a dark and gory world. The battle sequences should leave you feeling a little uneasy as you begin to understand the relationship between the various players in the story, the rigours of blood magic, and how some of these relationships might be a little more symbiotic than will be good for them. Another reviewer described some of the sequences as "a visceral experience" and I think that's an excellent word to describe the battle. This isn't Tolkein's Middle Earth, these are the armies of the Roman Empire encountering the complete menagerie from Doom.
A great read, and a continuation of the saga that absolutely leaves you wondering how it will end.
And yet, this is a dark and gory world. The battle sequences should leave you feeling a little uneasy as you begin to understand the relationship between the various players in the story, the rigours of blood magic, and how some of these relationships might be a little more symbiotic than will be good for them. Another reviewer described some of the sequences as "a visceral experience" and I think that's an excellent word to describe the battle. This isn't Tolkein's Middle Earth, these are the armies of the Roman Empire encountering the complete menagerie from Doom.
A great read, and a continuation of the saga that absolutely leaves you wondering how it will end.
September 8, 2024
What if your darkest fears became your only hope for survival?
This question sets the stage for an electrifying journey in this remarkable fantasy novel. A gripping installment of the Light in the Dark series, Shattered Walls 4th book by Ulff Lehmann.
This book is an unforgettable read that grips you with its thrilling narrative and intricate plot twists.
The highlight I loved about this book is the powerful exploration of personal redemption and courage, woven into a high-stakes fantasy adventure. The storyline is a masterclass in suspense, with every chapter pushing the boundaries of expectation and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The author has created a world where every decision is fraught with tension and every secret has far reaching consequences. The writing is immersive and engaging, pulling readers into a vividly imagined realm where the stakes are as high as they come. The blend of intense personal conflict and epic fantasy elements makes this book stand out.
This book is a captivating read for anyone who loves epic tales of struggle and triumph. I found it to be both amazing and exhilarating, offering a unique take on classic fantasy themes. The author’s skillful storytelling and deep character development make this a standout work that leaves you eager for more.
Overall, this book is an enthralling and compelling adventure.
This question sets the stage for an electrifying journey in this remarkable fantasy novel. A gripping installment of the Light in the Dark series, Shattered Walls 4th book by Ulff Lehmann.
This book is an unforgettable read that grips you with its thrilling narrative and intricate plot twists.
The highlight I loved about this book is the powerful exploration of personal redemption and courage, woven into a high-stakes fantasy adventure. The storyline is a masterclass in suspense, with every chapter pushing the boundaries of expectation and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The author has created a world where every decision is fraught with tension and every secret has far reaching consequences. The writing is immersive and engaging, pulling readers into a vividly imagined realm where the stakes are as high as they come. The blend of intense personal conflict and epic fantasy elements makes this book stand out.
This book is a captivating read for anyone who loves epic tales of struggle and triumph. I found it to be both amazing and exhilarating, offering a unique take on classic fantasy themes. The author’s skillful storytelling and deep character development make this a standout work that leaves you eager for more.
Overall, this book is an enthralling and compelling adventure.
September 7, 2024
A LIGHT IN THE DARK is a series by Ulff Lehmann that I have been following since the beginning. I read the first book in 2018 and thought it was a fantastic mixture of low fantasy and growing high fantasy elements. It takes place in a grimdark setting where magic has all but become extinct, expansionist nation states are at war, and there's a bunch of scheming politics. Ulff Lehmann does a fantastic job in SHATTERED DREAMS establishing all of this stuff make sense without falling into the traps of other authors who end up trying too hard to borrow from other franchises or history. It's a weighty world that feels old.
The most interesting of the characters involved in the series was Dragnar Ralgon, a PTSD ridden soldier who discovers that he is suffering from far worse than the trauma of his dead wife's murder. By the fourth book in the series, he is struggling to get control over his curse that it would be a shame to spoil the specifics of. If you haven't read the previous volumes to SHATTERED WALLS, the fourth volume of the series, you're denying yourself a treat. It is a very well written series about the magic returning to a world and all the chaos that ensues.
This is a book I wouldn't quite classify as grimdark but definitely gritty low fantasy in its morality. There's supernatural forces of evil here but the majority of characters are motivated by their own personal desires as well as biases. The heroes want to save the world but they're just as likely to be thinking about their homeland being invaded by regular humans or their obligations to their organization.
Whether low or epic fantasy, Ulff Lehmann's world is one that is full of complicated relationships and multiple perspectives in the George R.R. Martin mold. While Dragnar is the protagonist, as much as such a character exists, this is a book with a large cast of POVs that stretch from a pair of lovers who are forbidden from having a relationship to their orders to the last of the elven wizards. Each of them have their own intricate plot arcs that make me think that each book is probably best re-read with the new rest.
If this sounds daunting? Well, it is. However, the depth and complexity of the world is its major selling point rather than something that should drive away readers. This is something that you should sit down and read from beginning to end and enjoy all of the interlocking elements thereof. It feels more like one like incredibly long novel versus a series of them. It's also a very well written giant novel too and I am eager to see where the climax finally arrives.
The most interesting of the characters involved in the series was Dragnar Ralgon, a PTSD ridden soldier who discovers that he is suffering from far worse than the trauma of his dead wife's murder. By the fourth book in the series, he is struggling to get control over his curse that it would be a shame to spoil the specifics of. If you haven't read the previous volumes to SHATTERED WALLS, the fourth volume of the series, you're denying yourself a treat. It is a very well written series about the magic returning to a world and all the chaos that ensues.
This is a book I wouldn't quite classify as grimdark but definitely gritty low fantasy in its morality. There's supernatural forces of evil here but the majority of characters are motivated by their own personal desires as well as biases. The heroes want to save the world but they're just as likely to be thinking about their homeland being invaded by regular humans or their obligations to their organization.
Whether low or epic fantasy, Ulff Lehmann's world is one that is full of complicated relationships and multiple perspectives in the George R.R. Martin mold. While Dragnar is the protagonist, as much as such a character exists, this is a book with a large cast of POVs that stretch from a pair of lovers who are forbidden from having a relationship to their orders to the last of the elven wizards. Each of them have their own intricate plot arcs that make me think that each book is probably best re-read with the new rest.
If this sounds daunting? Well, it is. However, the depth and complexity of the world is its major selling point rather than something that should drive away readers. This is something that you should sit down and read from beginning to end and enjoy all of the interlocking elements thereof. It feels more like one like incredibly long novel versus a series of them. It's also a very well written giant novel too and I am eager to see where the climax finally arrives.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews