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Trinity (Dark Legacy #1)

by Domenico Italo Composto-Hart (Goodreads Author)

4.7 of 5 stars 4.70 · rating details · 47 ratings · 17 reviews

Book I - Trinity of the Dark Legacy Cycle details the violent end of the Kai Order - an ancient, spiritual guild of warrior guardians and priestesses who have sworn their lives to protect the Oracle Queen of Atlantis - at the hands of Maniok, the being referred to as the "Great Evil" in the age-old Song of the Oracle King.

It is a chronicle of Arkan, the last Kai guardian,...more

Paperback, First Edition, 638 pages

Published January 21st 2011 by Dragon Bone Books

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Trinity (Dark Legacy, #1)
by Domenico Italo Composto-Hart (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Jan 21, 2013

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Dec 17, 2012 Peter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dark Legacy is a beautifully written but haunting tale of the struggles of an adolescent outsider who confronts both his inner and outer demons through the guidance of his Ki sword master as an oppressive, technologically advanced Atlantean civilization looms on the horizon. This is a character driven book that I would recommend to fans of any genre.

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Sep 04, 2012 Derek Donais rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dark Legacy is a sweeping blend of epic fantasy and science fiction written in a 'high fantasy' style. It begins with the destruction of the Kai Order, and the society they are tasked to defend, by the evil Maniok and his devastating armies. The mix of magic and technology by the author is compelling and effective as he describes in chilling detail the final stand of the Atlantean forces against their ambitious and ruthless foes.

In a faraway land, the son of the last Kai guardian is growing to m...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Frank rated it 5 of 5 stars

My eldest son is an avid reader and read through this book in two days. He insisted that I read it because he knew that I was going to appreciate the deep Eastern philosophy that permeated the story (I was stationed at the Royal Navy's base in Hong Kong back in the late 70's and became immersed in Chinese philosophy).

While on holiday in August I took my son's copy and read through the book in three days. I found it nearly impossible to put down, which my wife did not appreciate. The beginning of...more My eldest son is an avid reader and read through this book in two days. He insisted that I read it because he knew that I was going to appreciate the deep Eastern philosophy that permeated the story (I was stationed at the Royal Navy's base in Hong Kong back in the late 70's and became immersed in Chinese philosophy).

While on holiday in August I took my son's copy and read through the book in three days. I found it nearly impossible to put down, which my wife did not appreciate. The beginning of the story, entitled The End of the Kai, provided an intriguing introduction where the point of view flows wonderfully from that of a dove to an impoverished child to a black crow to characters in peril. This was the first time that I had ever come across such a unique writing technique. Although The End of the Kai was dense with characters, background, history, and detail I found it a fascinating portrait of an Atlantean civilization that was completely distinct.

But as I was to discover The End of the Kai was really a prologue leading to the story of Kieko in Book I-Trinity. Kieko is an adolescent caught between two worlds: the Atlantean world of his deceased father and the Lemurian world he lives in with his mother. Atlantis is an oppressive empire eating away at the lands of the planet to soon reach the village of Ikishi in Lemuria where Kieko and his people reside. Kieko is treated as an outsider and only has a small group of people to look up to for guidance. He is eventually taken into his master's temple to learn not how to fight (although Ki sword is a part of his training), but how to heal, cook, plant, clean, write, and meditate as a means to cut down his anger and his ego. This is the part of the book that I found absolutely incredible. The detail of the book here is accurate in its portrayal of what living in a Buddhist temple is like - I know, I lived in one for a time. The Zen ethos here is wonderful and I found myself wanting to begin meditating again.

This all aside the book is so rich with so many wonderful, three-dimensional characters that I simply could not put this book down as I raced toward an ending that really reflected the harsh realities of our world as one technologically sophisticated civilization invaded, conquered, and destroyed a weaker society. There is a lot being said in this book. Perhaps the author's own commentary on the Cold War . . . I don't know, but as one who lived through the Cold War I found a lot of parallels between this story and what I experienced in the 60's, 70's, 80's, and today when I think of how still First World nations continue to invade an occupy Third World ones.

In the end, Dark Legacy is a first class read!(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 John rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Science fiction and fantasy fans

Recommended to John by: My daughter

Dark Legacy is a real page turner, reminiscent of "Dune" by Frank Herbert which is one of my all time science fiction favorites! The characters are well delineated, the culture is believable and the relationships are three dimensional . . . a rarity in a book that's full of adventure and suspense.

like 17 likes · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Yvonne Stegall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thanks first reads. Very intriguing tale, well written! (received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)

like 7 likes · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Mitchell rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was one of the most unique books I've read in a long time; in style if not always in content. As I read it, I definitely came to the conclusion I was reading some European author, as the style was so different from anything I had read in a long time (he's not :) ). The story is being told to the reader by a unknown, non-human source, speaking to us in this age of our own history and the lost continent of Atlantis. Often, the story's POV is a bird or a tree, or some minor character, sometime...more This was one of the most unique books I've read in a long time; in style if not always in content. As I read it, I definitely came to the conclusion I was reading some European author, as the style was so different from anything I had read in a long time (he's not :) ). The story is being told to the reader by a unknown, non-human source, speaking to us in this age of our own history and the lost continent of Atlantis. Often, the story's POV is a bird or a tree, or some minor character, sometimes never to be seen again. The book starts, unabashedly, with the fall of the ruling class of Atlantis, the Kai, and abruptly shifts gears to a village on another, less technologically advanced continent (Europe? Africa?). The book has some strong Star Wars overtones; the more spiritual, less advanced civilization menaced by an overwhelming dark force (Empire vs everyone else); the competing martial arts of the Ki and Kai (Jedi and Sith?); a young man of prophesy who could be savior or tyrant (Luke). There is also, seemingly, a commentary on Eastern and Western philosophy. What I found so unique was the author's patience in moving the story along. The book moves at a snail's pace throughout almost all of the book, sandwiched by two periods of insane, confusing action. Where I would have expected a montage or break to allow for months or years of training and experience to pass by, the book plods along in a very realistic way. People do not change with the turn of a page, and wisdom and knowledge are not gained by the start of the next chapter. Instead, we have stubborn, flawed protagonists, who could just as easily become antagonists in the next book. Any changes in the characters occur, for the most part, so imperceptibly, while we are so close, that I could hardly see it. The same lesson is repeated over and over again, as most lessons must be in reality, but is rarely seen in books. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing, as we tend to use books to escape the tedium of our lives for something more fantastic. Yet, the author certainly kept me guessing enough that I don't trust myself to predict what will be in the next books, and I am looking forward to reading what happens next. (less)

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Apr 29, 2013 Manu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Not only does this book offer a beginning to what could become a new epic story worthy of endless numbers of fans, it exposes humanity at multiple levels. As readers, we can identify with most of the characters at one point or another, thus creating an opportunity to explore our own dark, rejected, and neglected facets coming to terms with ourselves as a whole unit. On a less personal note; it is a story that surprises the reader at every turn. Entertaining, different, NEW. Totally worth it! Can...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Ivan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who loves Eastern philosophy with a heavy dose of science fiction and fantasy

Dark Legacy: Trinity is the the first foray into the world of SF by Domenico Composto. To describe the book with a single word: staggering.

Detailing the clash of two civilizations, one technogenic and the other spiritual, this book is told from the perspective of a child thrust into the rural world of Lemuria, grappling with his Atlantean past.

The book details the coming of age of Kieko (the child), as the two nations clash. The characters are believable, the setting is seamlessly integrating f...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Timur rated it 5 of 5 stars

On January 21st, 2011 after ten years of rigorous work, Domenico Italo Composto-Hart, finally released his first book, Trinity, the first book of the Dark Legacy Cycle.
The book is heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy and religion, as Mr. Composto himself spent sixteen months studying and then living in the Shim Gwang Sa, a Zen Buddhist temple in Boston where he learned the ways of Shim Gum Do (the Mind Sword Path) under the strict supervision of Zen Master, Chang Sik Kim. While living in the...more On January 21st, 2011 after ten years of rigorous work, Domenico Italo Composto-Hart, finally released his first book, Trinity, the first book of the Dark Legacy Cycle.
The book is heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy and religion, as Mr. Composto himself spent sixteen months studying and then living in the Shim Gwang Sa, a Zen Buddhist temple in Boston where he learned the ways of Shim Gum Do (the Mind Sword Path) under the strict supervision of Zen Master, Chang Sik Kim. While living in the temple he had to wake up as early as 6 a.m. to chant, meditate, and train in the art of Zen sword. This as well as having to clean, garden, and cook for the other residents of the temple gave him much experience and insight into Buddhist and Eastern culture.
Dark Legacy: Book I - Trinity is a pleasant read, with a fascinating science fiction story full of adventure and humor. However, the book is not just fun and games the whole way through; it is a moving tale filled with pain, sadness and sorrow, accompanied by episodes of deep thought and philosophy. The mixture of such deep emotions and vivid images makes it almost impossible to stop reading, and as the story evolves, it just gets better and better.
The protagonist of the book, Kieko, is an angry boy, who is despised by all the villagers for being of mixed blood (half Atlantean and half Lemurian). However he does have a few close friends that see past the prejudices and support him through his struggles. Although Kieko is not from any race that the reader can acknowledge it is easy to identify with the character’s feelings of not fitting in and being emotionally torn.
Kieko dreams of learning the art of Ki Sword and becoming a great warrior and eventually the village priest, Shinsei, takes him to the Kadek Temple where he begins his training. Under the guidance of the priest Kieko learns how to control his temper through his studies of medicinal and culinary arts, calligraphy, meditation, and ultimately, the art of Ki Sword. After a few months of living in the temple Kieko evolves into a young man who is ready to leave and face the armies of the Atlantean Empire and begin his adventure.
Mr. Composto intends to write five more books to complete the Dark Legacy Cycle; three books for the next series entitled, Legacy of Light, and a single book, Legacy of One, to complete this epic story. By buying Mr. Composto’s book you will not only support and encourage him to keep writing but you will also get to experience a truly great novel.(less)

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Jul 14, 2011 S.J. Wist rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-cookie-read, faves, favorite-covers

Dark Legacy: Trinity, is a fantasy novel with a blend of science fiction that will appeal to both preferences in readers. It is a coming of age story of Kieko, son of the last Kai guardian of Atlantis. He is trained by the priest, Shinsei, as the relentless force that took Atlantis draws closer to his peaceful home of Ikishi.

The oldest mystics of the Orient against the pinnacle of human kind--Atlantis, fused together seamlessly. When the technology of science fiction clashes with a primitive cul...more

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Aug 29, 2012 2112 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I saw the link to this book on another author's page. As I am always looking for new material to read in this genre I thought I would check it out . . . I was not disappointed! At first I thought it would be hard to follow, being very long and full of characters and history, but as I started reading, I found it easier to follow and became engrossed in the story of Kieko. The Japanese influence was quite interesting and enjoyable. Overall a good book . . . looking forward to the next one in the s...more

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Apr 11, 2013 George rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: giveaways-won

Dark Legacy: Book I - Trinity includes both a short novella (The End of the Kai) plus the first book of the Legacy series (additional books are still being written). Because I could read it on my ereader for free I also downloaded The End of the Kai and read (and reviewed) that. The End of the Kai includes the novella plus the first three chapters of Trinity.

The End of the Kai is an interesting story and well written, however it leaves you wanting to know more about what will happen (or had happ...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Peter rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What I read originally was a sample, rather than the entire book, not realizing the author's download offer was not the whole enchilada. Composto-Hart provided me the rest of the book, which I have tried to finish, but will not, as I found it lacking from the want of a good editor.

It's not that the writing is bad or there are a lot of typos. Neither is true, but the lack of editing is reflected in the pace of the story and the plotting.

The begining of the actual story is compelling, but it quic...more

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Frank Why do inattentive readers such as Peter Pollak provide a review for a book that they did not even bother to finish? He claims that the pacing and plo...more
Sep 14, 2012 12:08pm

Peter Frank: Thanks for the feedback. Your facts are correct and my comments were not precise. However, isn't it the author's responsibility to draw the rea...more
Sep 14, 2012 01:07pm

Lucia Mr Pollak, "science fiction and fantasy" even though there is so much realities of our world, civilization and society in this book, I can see is not...more
Oct 31, 2012 06:01am

Mar 05, 2013 Mike Pearce rated it 5 of 5 stars

I originally started out with the intro book: Dark Legacy: The End of the Kai, which is basically the first 1/4 of this book. After reading through the incredible blend of fantasy and sci-fi, mixed with Eastern philosophies, I had to buy the full book and finish it.

Without getting into details of the story, the book starts out with a flowing, poetic writing style which allows the reader to gain a lot of understanding about the world the author is envisioning, and draws the reader into the story....more

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Dec 21, 2012 Iva "Zoe" Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Picked up The End of the Kai for free on Kobo and enjoyed it ... got Book I: Trinity - an epic and absorbing read with an Asian twist. Liked Kieko's relationship with Kira, Aiko, and his teacher, Shinsei.

like 7 likes · see review

Dec 01, 2011 Renher marked it as to-read

I won this book from First Reads. Looks like a good book. Thank you. I will read soon.

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Jan 16, 2013 Justin Yan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, fantasy

Well it took me long enough to read this, due to extracurricular things and school, but I managed to finish it after months of clawing at it. In short it was an excellent book; a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy. I haven't checked to see if the other books in the series are released yet, but its something worth checking out if you are done with cliche books like the Divergent series, the Hunger Games series, etc.

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Dark Legacy: Trinity, July 30, 2011, Book Presentation Part I

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About Domenico Italo Composto-Hart

Domenico Italo Compost-Hart is the author of Dark Legacy: Book I - Trinity of The Legacy Cycle series. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Boston University and lived in Tokyo, Japan for over three years pursuing a career as a freelance musician. He currently teaches American and modern European history, geography, and economics at an internation...more

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Trinity (Dark Legacy #1)

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