Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 27/12/2024
Published by: Podium Audio
ISBN: B09W3XB82Z
‘Of Darkness and Light’ launched the solid foundation laid in the previous book to epic heights and offered a compelling read with a fantastic cast of well-developed characters.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
Picking up right where Of Blood and Fire ended, this sequel plunges readers into a whirlwind of action that paves the way for the action-packed storyline. Vivid descriptions not only bring the story to life but also smoothly expand the lore and complexity of the world, delivering a rich tapestry of various creatures, climates, cultures, and a progressive magic system. Equally impressive are the intricate political tensions and forces at play across the Lorian Empire, which are explored through multiple points of view and give the story a massive scope. That said, I initially struggled with the numerous perspectives and plot threads as it was a bit overwhelming. However, about halfway through the book, the pieces began to click into place, allowing me to fully appreciate and become invested in the elaborate dynamics set in motion.
Stories were beautiful. They were words that painted a canvas in your mind.
Calen’s journey is nothing short of captivating as he grapples with heavy responsibilities while navigating brutal challenges and losses that fuel his character growth. His genuine kindness and resilience shine through it all, making his character easy to root for. Besides Calen, a strong cast of familiar and new secondary characters helps showcase the vicious political landscape across the empire. In particular, characters like Ella, Farda, Rist, Valerys, Kallinvar, and Dayne stood out due to their distinct personalities, backstories, motives, and personal struggles. There is also a touch of romance that adds some cute moments and avoids clichéd tropes. Unlike the fleeting romance in the previous book, these connections seem like they will continue in the next book, so I’m excited to see how they develop and impact future events.
there is nothing more important in the darkness than a ray of light.
Regarding the audio, Derek Perkins again did not disappoint with a natural, emotive delivery and slight character voices that enhanced the listening experience.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Which of the secondary characters’ perspectives did you enjoy most?
I was completely invested in Ella’s journey, especially given the looming danger she faced from being around Farda. The moment they were separated, I felt relieved that she had survived unscathed—although she had lost a friend. It was also worrying to glimpse a blossoming connection between Ella and Farda, as that could only be a ticking time bomb destined to bring more tragedy.
Q: Which character did you sympathise with most?
Unsurprisingly, it’s Calen for me as his character is really put through it in this book. In particular, the torture he endured at the hands of Artim Valdock and its marked impact on his character was heart-wrenching. Valerys also deserves a mention, as his claustrophobia and feelings of loss tugged at my heartstrings and added unexpected layers of depth to his character.
Q: How many points of view are too much for you?
It really depends on the story. I’m all for exploring different perspectives as long as each one enriches the story and character dynamics. When the viewpoints start feeling like filler or complicate things unnecessarily, that’s when it becomes too much. Ryan Cahill got the balance perfect in this book, although I’ll admit it initially felt a little overwhelming.
Q: Do you have a similar recommendation for those who enjoyed this book?
For something similar, check out The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson. It’s another epic fantasy filled with richly developed characters. The storyline is also packed with schemes, betrayals, and unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down!
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
To read other book related posts, click here or check out the tag cloud for more options.