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David McK (3233 KP) rated The Rage of Dragons in Books
May 15, 2022
I picked this one up during the summer for a holiday read, but have only just got around to reading it now.
And, I have to say, I was really impressed with it.
Telling the story of Tau Solarin, this probably falls somewhere between high fantasy (yes, there are dragons but no elves or dwarves or such like) and heroic fantasy (none of the characters are really what you would call conventional heroes!), but nor is it what I would call Dark fantasy (you can understand why they are doing what they are doing, with none of the characters really anti-heroes).
I'm looking forward to finding out more about the background, culture, beliefs and (in general) the world in future instalments: just what was The Cull, for instance, and why did the Omehi have to flee from it?
At that, how did the caste system come about? Will it be overthrown ... ?
And, I have to say, I was really impressed with it.
Telling the story of Tau Solarin, this probably falls somewhere between high fantasy (yes, there are dragons but no elves or dwarves or such like) and heroic fantasy (none of the characters are really what you would call conventional heroes!), but nor is it what I would call Dark fantasy (you can understand why they are doing what they are doing, with none of the characters really anti-heroes).
I'm looking forward to finding out more about the background, culture, beliefs and (in general) the world in future instalments: just what was The Cull, for instance, and why did the Omehi have to flee from it?
At that, how did the caste system come about? Will it be overthrown ... ?
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Crimes by Moonlight: Mysteries from the Dark Side in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I should have written the review as soon as I finished the book. All I remember now is that this anthology tended to be much, much darker than most of the ones I read! I'd classify this volume as horror rather than dark fantasy, and paranormal romance fans should probably just skip it altogether even if they do see familiar authors' names. I should have skipped it, and I wasn't reading for any romance. I'm still shivering!
Chloe (514 KP) rated The Darkest Minds in Books
Jan 26, 2019
Even though the books so dark it is seen through the eyes of someone who at least compared to the other characters in the book is so innocent as a result readers are left in a state of shock with the main character as they experience this roller coaster (1 more)
With her. The book really has anything you could ask for romance adventure and fantasy and the author does such a good job at displaying these elements appropriately.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Krampus (2015) in Movies
Dec 18, 2019 (Updated Dec 18, 2019)
A Dark Twisted Fantasy Tale
Krampus- is based on the eponymous character from Austro-Bavarian folklore adds more of a dark and twisted tale to it. The one only problem that this movie was PG-13, but remember Gemlins was PG and that came out in 1984 and that movie was dark and twisted. So the PG-13 was good, but could of done more with it.
The Plot: While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.
You Better Watch out for Krampus.
The Plot: While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.
You Better Watch out for Krampus.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I really don't know what to say about this book. I loved Zarek, Astrid was wonderful (I love that name!), the story was perfect. The End.
Okay, so maybe I have a bit more to say...
I believe Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing has gotten better as the series has progressed. [b:Fantasy Lover|84136|Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, #0.5 Prequel)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255575870s/84136.jpg|2384] was great but a bit choppy, [b:Night Pleasures|84150|Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279586240s/84150.jpg|4112814] was nice but the weakest so far and still somewhat choppy (not to mention it's the only one I've given away), [b:Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2)|84140|Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2) (Were-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255923065s/84140.jpg|81269] was nice and enjoyable but needed the romance developed more in the first half, but <u><b>Dance with the Devil</b></u> was wonderful all the way through.
This one felt different to me from the two previous Dark-Hunter novels; it rather had the same feeling as <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u>. This book was more isolated from the rest of the series because it was set in Alaska and there weren't as many characters or as much action (in the first half that is). Zarek was the perfect tortured hero and Sherrilyn Kenyon captured that...well, perfectly. I felt for all he suffered because he was more than a character in a book to me. Astrid was terrific as the nymph who is believable at helping him heal and love. Ash was, of course, wonderful, and the welcome addition of Simi added some much needed humor to a tense plot. I can't say I enjoyed Artie the Bitch; I really can't wait until she gets hers. I know Ash is getting his own book (or books, rather), and I sincerely hope he gets his freedom from her (and naturally she suffers horribly). He deserves so much better, and though he sees himself in Zarek, he also reminds me of Julian from <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u> with his storyline. This is my perfect book and it's staying on my keeper shelf for a very long time.
Okay, so maybe I have a bit more to say...
I believe Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing has gotten better as the series has progressed. [b:Fantasy Lover|84136|Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter, #0.5 Prequel)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255575870s/84136.jpg|2384] was great but a bit choppy, [b:Night Pleasures|84150|Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279586240s/84150.jpg|4112814] was nice but the weakest so far and still somewhat choppy (not to mention it's the only one I've given away), [b:Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2)|84140|Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2) (Were-Hunter, #1)|Sherrilyn Kenyon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255923065s/84140.jpg|81269] was nice and enjoyable but needed the romance developed more in the first half, but <u><b>Dance with the Devil</b></u> was wonderful all the way through.
This one felt different to me from the two previous Dark-Hunter novels; it rather had the same feeling as <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u>. This book was more isolated from the rest of the series because it was set in Alaska and there weren't as many characters or as much action (in the first half that is). Zarek was the perfect tortured hero and Sherrilyn Kenyon captured that...well, perfectly. I felt for all he suffered because he was more than a character in a book to me. Astrid was terrific as the nymph who is believable at helping him heal and love. Ash was, of course, wonderful, and the welcome addition of Simi added some much needed humor to a tense plot. I can't say I enjoyed Artie the Bitch; I really can't wait until she gets hers. I know Ash is getting his own book (or books, rather), and I sincerely hope he gets his freedom from her (and naturally she suffers horribly). He deserves so much better, and though he sees himself in Zarek, he also reminds me of Julian from <u><b>Fantasy Lover</b></u> with his storyline. This is my perfect book and it's staying on my keeper shelf for a very long time.
Merissa (11794 KP) rated Motherland: Fort Salem - Season 1 in TV
Jan 7, 2021 (Updated Jan 7, 2021)
Motherland: Fort Salem is a dark fantasy full of twists and turns to keep you glued to each episode. No one is as they seem and the characters change as the season progresses. It is funny and sad, loving and full of sorrow. Each episode leaves you wanting more ESPECIALLY the last one which keeps you on the edge of your seat!
An absolutely fantastic series I am so happy to have found and I can't wait for season two!
An absolutely fantastic series I am so happy to have found and I can't wait for season two!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Bear and the Nightingale in Books
Oct 29, 2017
A dark epic fairytale
This captivating fantasy is set in the frozen north of Russia in the 13th century, and used Russian myths and fairy tales as inspiration.
At the centre of the novel is the family of a local Lord, in particular the headstrong youngest daughter Vasya who is gifted with 'second sight'. The existence of the community is threatened when a dark power in the forests begins to wake up, just as the villagers start to turn away from the household spirits who've protected them, in favour of a charismatic new priest.
The Russian setting adds interest and mystique and the protagonist Vasya is fantastically outspoken and scrappy. The plot is easy to follow despite the odd Russian word. It truly is a compelling read.
At the centre of the novel is the family of a local Lord, in particular the headstrong youngest daughter Vasya who is gifted with 'second sight'. The existence of the community is threatened when a dark power in the forests begins to wake up, just as the villagers start to turn away from the household spirits who've protected them, in favour of a charismatic new priest.
The Russian setting adds interest and mystique and the protagonist Vasya is fantastically outspoken and scrappy. The plot is easy to follow despite the odd Russian word. It truly is a compelling read.
Auburn (57 KP) rated We Own the Sky (The Muse Chronicles #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
What would happen if you could see muses? If a muse came into your life and wanted to help you become the artist you could only dream of. This is the story of Sylvia and her muse Vincent.
I must say I was not expecting any of this story when I started and was surprised at how dark it seemed. The plot had light moments but a lot of it concentrated on the dark side of music and how feeling too much could affect a person if they couldn't get the music out.
I did enjoy the slight romance but it definitely was understated. Note: the book ended on a cliff hanger.
For fans of darker fantasy and those who know a lot about music and artists.
I must say I was not expecting any of this story when I started and was surprised at how dark it seemed. The plot had light moments but a lot of it concentrated on the dark side of music and how feeling too much could affect a person if they couldn't get the music out.
I did enjoy the slight romance but it definitely was understated. Note: the book ended on a cliff hanger.
For fans of darker fantasy and those who know a lot about music and artists.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated A Plague of Shadows (Harbingers of Light, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[A Plague of Shadows] by [Travis Simmons] was a very quick read. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I see it is called "A New Adult Dark Fantasy" but I do not see what makes it 'adult'. I usually equate that with content that I can't put in my classroom. I did not find any of that in this book. To me it was a simple battle of good vs. evil. I hope to read the next installment in [The Harbingers of Light Series].
Mekkin B. (122 KP) rated The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms in Books
Sep 9, 2017
Worldbuilding (1 more)
Thoughtful and Engaging Characters
Tight, compelling story set in an amazing fantasy world
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms has the kind of engaging plot and clear prose that makes it easy to get lost in. Jemisin's debut novel crafts a complex world that fans of traditional fantasy will love, while still being incredibly fresh and thoughtful. The worldbuilding engages in the complexities of colonialism and cultural difference in a way that makes the world feel alive and thrumming with conflict.
Yeine is a compelling protagonist and Nahadoth, her romantic interest, is sexy, dark, and tortured (like all good love interests should be.) It's 410 pages of pure fantasy fun.
The only nitpick I have is that I wish there was more of it. Seriously. The advice to writers is to start as late in the story as possible, but I wish more time had been spent building up Yeine's world and her relationship with her mother (who's death is pivotal to the plot), and with her own Kingdom of Darre. Instead the reader enters the story with Yeine already making her way to the city of Sky. This, for me, lessened the emotional impact of later reveals.
Yeine is a compelling protagonist and Nahadoth, her romantic interest, is sexy, dark, and tortured (like all good love interests should be.) It's 410 pages of pure fantasy fun.
The only nitpick I have is that I wish there was more of it. Seriously. The advice to writers is to start as late in the story as possible, but I wish more time had been spent building up Yeine's world and her relationship with her mother (who's death is pivotal to the plot), and with her own Kingdom of Darre. Instead the reader enters the story with Yeine already making her way to the city of Sky. This, for me, lessened the emotional impact of later reveals.