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Darkangel Trilogy #1-3
The Darkangel Trilogy
3 novels in 1 The Darkangel; A Gathering of Gargoyles; The Pearl of the Soul of the World.
471 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
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503 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Ann Pierce
19 books641 followersMeredith Ann Pierce is a fantasy writer and librarian. Her books deal in fantasy worlds with mythic settings and yet overturn standard expectations, frequently featuring young women who first wish only to love and be loved, yet who must face hazard and danger to save their way of life, their world, and so on, usually without being respected for their efforts until the end of the story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 28, 2009
Vampires are the newest big thing these days, thanks to Twilight. It is a horrible literary tragedy that Twilight could overshadow the Darkangel Trilogy. Nowhere in this world can Twilight begin to compare. I'll say here what I say to everyone who gets teary-eyed over Twilight: the Darkangel Trilogy will astound you. It blows Twilight away. While not about a traditional vampire, the story centers around a very similar but far more engaging creature. The world that Pierce has created is breathtaking, as creative and vivid as Tolkien's Middle Earth. You haven’t met Mr. “tall, dark, and handsome” until you meet Irrylath, or the perfect, believable epitome of a heroine until you witness Ariel’s transformation throughout the trilogy. Fantasy fans everywhere, you can find no better read. Yes it was written in the ‘80s, but this masterpiece should rightfully be on today’s pedestal that Twilight has acquired. Dig it out of the archives in your library or the forgotten shelves of your used book stores, buy it online, it’s a gem well worth the search.
April 26, 2013
I read these book many many years ago as a pre-teen, and bits of it stayed with me all these years (enough I was able to find the book through google). I have to say that the very thing about the end of the final book that everyone here hates so much was actually what I loved about it. Reminds me of the end of one of my absolute favorite books The Last Unicorn as well. Some times, we don't get exactly what we want. That's what it means to have power, responsibility, and purpose.
If the first book turned you off because the end seemed too "fairytale" or co-dependent, I would stick with the next two books to see the full evolution of the tale. This is not your Twilight love story, but an actual hero story with a unique bittersweet end.
If the first book turned you off because the end seemed too "fairytale" or co-dependent, I would stick with the next two books to see the full evolution of the tale. This is not your Twilight love story, but an actual hero story with a unique bittersweet end.
January 6, 2010
This is what Twilight wishes it was.
October 6, 2020
Loved this series. It's like this Gothic fairy tale, a love story, not traditional. A beloved book that I will reread until I die.
June 6, 2017
I soooo enjoyed the strong female characters in this trilogy. Strong, but not invincible. Not perfect. But also, not weak in a "damsel-in-distress" kind of way. They are beset by human weakness (for example, the desire to love and to be loved), but we see how this informs their choices and actions rather than wallowing in the weakness itself. They learn. They grow. They make bad choices. There are consequences.
A sampling:
Aeriel: Our Sacrificial Heroine. She displays heroic virtue in many moments throughout the three books, but we also get to see what this growth in virtue costs her. At the end of the first book, the image of her self-sacrificing love is one that has stayed with me over many years. And while the end left me somewhat dissatisfied as a teen, I had a new appreciation for her choices this time around. (Kudos to the author for being willing to go there!)
Eoduin (and the wraiths): How love transforms. Aeriel is pressed into serving the wraiths (the so-called "brides" of the Darkangel in the first book) when her companion, Eoduin is kidnapped to be a bride. There is absolutely nothing "attractive" about them, but Aeriel learns how to love them, and in so doing brings out their humanity. (And they never forget this kindness!)
Erin: The Faithful Friend. A slave from a young age, Aeriel's intervention to save her from one of the Darkangels earns her loyalty and friendship. It's the absolute trust that they have in one another (even when unable to explain fully) that enables good to triumph.
Maruha: Courage. Maruha plays a relatively small part in the last book, but in the face of others who would abandon Aeriel in her time of need, she goes out of her way to help her, despite not knowing who she is and what her intentions are.
Ravenna: Redeeming Mercy. This Ancient One, who helped create this world, is the last one left at the time the story takes place. She alone stayed behind, unwillingly to leave until she knew that the world would not be destroyed. She is willing to risk everything in order to reach out a hand in mercy to her estranged daughter. And reaches out once more when the plan must change.
Oriencor: The Anti-Hero. Here we see what happens to the human heart when bitterness and resentment take over. She could have been a great lady, but she was unwilling for it to happen on anyone's terms but her own. There are so many endings that could occur, but her choices make the path clear.
This is the first time I picked this trilogy up since I was a teenager and I started with the vague impression that I really liked it (and a couple vivid memories of certain scenes). After reading the it again, I now know why I liked it so much then. I would totally recommend these books to any person who loves a good fantasy read.
A sampling:
Aeriel: Our Sacrificial Heroine. She displays heroic virtue in many moments throughout the three books, but we also get to see what this growth in virtue costs her. At the end of the first book, the image of her self-sacrificing love is one that has stayed with me over many years. And while the end left me somewhat dissatisfied as a teen, I had a new appreciation for her choices this time around. (Kudos to the author for being willing to go there!)
Eoduin (and the wraiths): How love transforms. Aeriel is pressed into serving the wraiths (the so-called "brides" of the Darkangel in the first book) when her companion, Eoduin is kidnapped to be a bride. There is absolutely nothing "attractive" about them, but Aeriel learns how to love them, and in so doing brings out their humanity. (And they never forget this kindness!)
Erin: The Faithful Friend. A slave from a young age, Aeriel's intervention to save her from one of the Darkangels earns her loyalty and friendship. It's the absolute trust that they have in one another (even when unable to explain fully) that enables good to triumph.
Maruha: Courage. Maruha plays a relatively small part in the last book, but in the face of others who would abandon Aeriel in her time of need, she goes out of her way to help her, despite not knowing who she is and what her intentions are.
Ravenna: Redeeming Mercy. This Ancient One, who helped create this world, is the last one left at the time the story takes place. She alone stayed behind, unwillingly to leave until she knew that the world would not be destroyed. She is willing to risk everything in order to reach out a hand in mercy to her estranged daughter. And reaches out once more when the plan must change.
Oriencor: The Anti-Hero. Here we see what happens to the human heart when bitterness and resentment take over. She could have been a great lady, but she was unwilling for it to happen on anyone's terms but her own. There are so many endings that could occur, but her choices make the path clear.
This is the first time I picked this trilogy up since I was a teenager and I started with the vague impression that I really liked it (and a couple vivid memories of certain scenes). After reading the it again, I now know why I liked it so much then. I would totally recommend these books to any person who loves a good fantasy read.
December 7, 2021
I don't remember much of the names, what happened, or how it started, just the very fine details and how it ended. I remember liking it at the time, but must admit I don't think it holds to today's standards, even with a good twist ending.
October 25, 2013
Above all, this is a high fantasy adventure. In all three books, the heroine, Aerial, is traveling across an extremely fantastical landscape, collecting magical objects that will help her accomplish her goal.
The bulk of the books is spent on world-building and describing the landscape, and strange creatures and characters Aerial comes across. It is extremely descriptive and spends a lot of time using old-fashioned English that is hard to understand. Call me spoiled, but I much prefer the way YA books are written today--spending a large portion of the book in internal monologue, exploring characters and their motives, and expanding the story. But if you love the strange new worlds of high fantasy, this definitely has that in abundance.
I didnt feel that I really knew Aerial or Irrylath, or what was really going on in the story. And I did not find the relationship between them believable.
The bulk of the books is spent on world-building and describing the landscape, and strange creatures and characters Aerial comes across. It is extremely descriptive and spends a lot of time using old-fashioned English that is hard to understand. Call me spoiled, but I much prefer the way YA books are written today--spending a large portion of the book in internal monologue, exploring characters and their motives, and expanding the story. But if you love the strange new worlds of high fantasy, this definitely has that in abundance.
I didnt feel that I really knew Aerial or Irrylath, or what was really going on in the story. And I did not find the relationship between them believable.
March 6, 2011
A favorite from junior high and high school, but haven't read in a while. Aeriel is in some ways a wonderful heroine because she doesn't set out to be one, but rather grows into it. As a personality though, she is extremely morose and flat. But luckily she is the only one. All the other characters are quite vivid. I especially like the heron...I always remember the bird on a stick crack. One of few silly moments in a fantasy that takes itself too seriously. The alternate spellings also gets a little old. But those are about the only knocks I have. The story is engaging and unique, the world it takes place in is vivid and tangible. I like the science fiction twist that develops throughout the trilogy. Pierce seems to have an interest in socialogy because her books contain a variety of cultures unique unto themselves and quite rich in customs, hierarchy, tradition, etc. It really makes the world she created more tangible as we can all relate to a world of multiple unique cultures. Like most people, I was disappointed with the ending, but not enough so that the journey isn't worth revisiting.
June 15, 2008
Until I read Mieville, this book topped my list of odd, intricate, full-of-random-otherworldly-details, dark and disturbing in a lovely way, favorite books. (Though Zelazny's "Jack of Shadows" gave it a good run for its money.) It remains one my favorite trilogies...even though the ending INFURIATED me. Not kidding, I HATED the ending. So they must be some pretty darn good books if I can spend DAYS ranting with my sister on how unFAIR the ending was..and still count it in my list of favorite books.
June 15, 2011
I liked this trilogy I think because it reminded me less of vampires and more of Beauty and the Beast or the Greco-Roman myth of Cupid and Psyche, especially the part where Cupid visits her every night to sleep with her, but demands that she never light any lamps, since he does not want her to know who he is until the time is right.
All reminders aside, the whole series is creative with some interesting lands and enemies. The whole series is a quick read. This might be one of those series that I would like less as an adult than as a kid but I'm not sure...
All reminders aside, the whole series is creative with some interesting lands and enemies. The whole series is a quick read. This might be one of those series that I would like less as an adult than as a kid but I'm not sure...
February 20, 2009
It's good, but it's not a vampire story, so don't let the newly remarketed edition fool you. It's a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid set on the moon. The trilogy, like most trilogies, gets a bit too arcane by the end, but it's got a few good moments and some interesting concepts. The lead character grows progressively less able to notice glaringly obvious "mysteries" by the end, and the latest edition has far too many typos for a commercial release, but it's fun.
October 20, 2011
I was so obsessed with these books in 8th grade (1991) I started to write my own version starting where the third book left so many readers hanging. The characters in this storyline and their fate is never defined and I remember being extremely disappointed the series had concluded. Great read and love the idea of "moon people" in an implied futuristic setting filled with historic rituals & images.
December 6, 2009
I finally bought this damn book, this damn all-in-one hardcover trilogy with the misleading 80's (or 90's?) coverart. God yes. I've reviewed the three novels individually, but together they form a lovely and much more complete package~ I wish Ms. Pierce would write again. Please.
January 10, 2011
One of my top 5 fave series. Anyone who loves a blend of gothic romance mixed with fantasy and angst, this is the series for you. ;P Loved it just as much as a kid (when it was first published) as I do now.
May 30, 2010
Very creative and exciting! This is one of my favorite series of all time!
January 26, 2019
This book/trilogy is incredibly hard for me, personally, to rate and review with an unbiased mind because it's been my favorite since grade school. I don't even have the dust jacket cover anymore, and the book itself is falling apart--but it still has my "this book belongs to ____" written in sharpie (wince!) in huge third-grade block caps in the back cover. It's really that old to me. Then again this 3-in-1 book was published in 1990, and the first novel of the trilogy in 1982.
But I've finally given it enough time to read it that I didn't know every single event (and word! -- I remember writing down every single word I didn't know to look it up). I'm not let down, but I am a bit more critical, at least.
Book content warnings :
- sexual/emotional abuse in mention and one scene (brief) - in the third book, I believe?
This is the entire Darkangel Trilogy: The Darkangel, A Gathering of Gargoyles, and The Pearl of the Soul of the World in one novel.
When Aeriel's mistress gets taken by the Darkangel (a vampyre who drinks souls, not blood), she has no choice but to follow and try to kill him. Instead, she becomes the weaver for the Darkangel's wives, nothing more than wraiths now and who need special clothing. During her stay at the Darkangel's castle, she learns he's not a complete vampyre, and that he can be killed. She needs to journey across the desert to find the exiled guardian of the land, the "lon", and bring back his Starhoof, and then slay the Darkangel. Easy, right? It's especially harder when Aeriel starts to feel for the Darkangel after her stories bring him nightmares: proof he's not completely evil.
No, the true power behind him (and the other six vampyres of the world--moon, actually, this entire trilogy takes place on the moon! knowing that the more interesting this story becomes) is the White Witch, who steals babes and gilds their hearts with lead. If Aeriel can't gather the other six lons of the world before the Witch creates another Darkangel, everything is lost.
As you can see so far, this story is pretty unique, and has a very poetic, fairytale-ish style. It's not for everyone, but it's like nothing else out there. If you want something fresh and new, this is about as fresh as you can get.
It's not without its flaws, though. The prose is sometimes really strange, even for me, who grew up adoring it. And Aeriel, our main character, is way more passive than anything, and lets the plot carry her along wherever it needs to. It never bothered me as a kid, but it's something I wish now was different.
There's also some unpleasant racial coding, especially regarding Erin, the very dark-skinned friend (skin color is strange in this book, but she's read as black) of Aeriel, who at the end is referred to as Aeriel's "shadow", even though it's said lovingly. That as an author isn't a very wise choice to make. Especially since, as a character, she's usually the one doing all the work in the background getting no credit, the one everyone else thinks is always lying, the one everyone else thinks has done Aeriel harm when anything happens, etc. As a white author there's just some things you could think of ... not to do with a very dark-skinned character, you know? Especially when the main character is Very White.
Speaking of, I really disliked the beauty ideals: pale was beautiful, unmarred was beautiful ("you would be beautiful without those scars, etc."), things like that. There was also the matter of "odskins" <-- aka people whose skin color was purple, blue, green, etc. taken as slaves by people whose skin color was ""normal"", that maybe wasn't a good idea. Like if you're going to write a fantasy novel, that could be the part of reality taken out! (Especially """oddskins""")
But all in all, I still really love this book, and I'll probably keep reading it over and over.
But I've finally given it enough time to read it that I didn't know every single event (and word! -- I remember writing down every single word I didn't know to look it up). I'm not let down, but I am a bit more critical, at least.
Book content warnings :
- sexual/emotional abuse in mention and one scene (brief) - in the third book, I believe?
This is the entire Darkangel Trilogy: The Darkangel, A Gathering of Gargoyles, and The Pearl of the Soul of the World in one novel.
When Aeriel's mistress gets taken by the Darkangel (a vampyre who drinks souls, not blood), she has no choice but to follow and try to kill him. Instead, she becomes the weaver for the Darkangel's wives, nothing more than wraiths now and who need special clothing. During her stay at the Darkangel's castle, she learns he's not a complete vampyre, and that he can be killed. She needs to journey across the desert to find the exiled guardian of the land, the "lon", and bring back his Starhoof, and then slay the Darkangel. Easy, right? It's especially harder when Aeriel starts to feel for the Darkangel after her stories bring him nightmares: proof he's not completely evil.
No, the true power behind him (and the other six vampyres of the world--moon, actually, this entire trilogy takes place on the moon! knowing that the more interesting this story becomes) is the White Witch, who steals babes and gilds their hearts with lead. If Aeriel can't gather the other six lons of the world before the Witch creates another Darkangel, everything is lost.
As you can see so far, this story is pretty unique, and has a very poetic, fairytale-ish style. It's not for everyone, but it's like nothing else out there. If you want something fresh and new, this is about as fresh as you can get.
It's not without its flaws, though. The prose is sometimes really strange, even for me, who grew up adoring it. And Aeriel, our main character, is way more passive than anything, and lets the plot carry her along wherever it needs to. It never bothered me as a kid, but it's something I wish now was different.
There's also some unpleasant racial coding, especially regarding Erin, the very dark-skinned friend (skin color is strange in this book, but she's read as black) of Aeriel, who at the end is referred to as Aeriel's "shadow", even though it's said lovingly. That as an author isn't a very wise choice to make. Especially since, as a character, she's usually the one doing all the work in the background getting no credit, the one everyone else thinks is always lying, the one everyone else thinks has done Aeriel harm when anything happens, etc. As a white author there's just some things you could think of ... not to do with a very dark-skinned character, you know? Especially when the main character is Very White.
Speaking of, I really disliked the beauty ideals: pale was beautiful, unmarred was beautiful ("you would be beautiful without those scars, etc."), things like that. There was also the matter of "odskins" <-- aka people whose skin color was purple, blue, green, etc. taken as slaves by people whose skin color was ""normal"", that maybe wasn't a good idea. Like if you're going to write a fantasy novel, that could be the part of reality taken out! (Especially """oddskins""")
But all in all, I still really love this book, and I'll probably keep reading it over and over.
May 29, 2017
I read and reviewed the books in this trilogy separately, so this is really just for my own records. I LOVE this series. I loved it as a kid and I love it as an adult. Darkangel, my favourite of the three as a child, got five stars from me for the creepy central relationship with an absolutely sane protagonist who understands both justice and mercy. A Gathering of Gargoyles, also five stars, is I think my favourite as an adult, because of the depth of imagery in it, the colour and wonder and beauty and sheer weight of marvellous imagination. The Pearl of the Soul of the World earned four stars - it's not quite as good as its predecessors but there's still a lot about it to love, and I really enjoyed how it ended.
Overall, it averages out to five stars for the series. Only LOTR has ever earned that from me series-wise (probably no real surprise, given that what ultimately triumphs over evil in both is compassion: Frodo's for Gollum, and Aeriel's for the darkangel).
Overall, it averages out to five stars for the series. Only LOTR has ever earned that from me series-wise (probably no real surprise, given that what ultimately triumphs over evil in both is compassion: Frodo's for Gollum, and Aeriel's for the darkangel).
May 5, 2022
3.5 stars.
I read this trilogy when I was in my early 20s, remembered liking it but the only details I recalled were the initial scenes. Saw it at the library and decided to reread it. It's a weird combo of fantasy and science fiction - the series is set on the moon, which was terraformed by earthlings centuries ago and then abandoned, and full of fantasy creatures - dragons, vampires, lorelei, dwarves. Magic definitely exists. This is not explained. But it's a vivid, interesting setting that draws you in. I really enjoyed the first two books, but the third book really lost me. The romance falls completely flat and the chemistry between the characters is lacking. Then the gathering together for a great battle fantasy trope, yawn, I just struggled to keep reading. The ending was rather unexpected and different from the stereotypical fantasy ending (and it still surprised me, despite having read this book before). I know it was supposed to be ambiguous, but it does feel unfinished.
I read this trilogy when I was in my early 20s, remembered liking it but the only details I recalled were the initial scenes. Saw it at the library and decided to reread it. It's a weird combo of fantasy and science fiction - the series is set on the moon, which was terraformed by earthlings centuries ago and then abandoned, and full of fantasy creatures - dragons, vampires, lorelei, dwarves. Magic definitely exists. This is not explained. But it's a vivid, interesting setting that draws you in. I really enjoyed the first two books, but the third book really lost me. The romance falls completely flat and the chemistry between the characters is lacking. Then the gathering together for a great battle fantasy trope, yawn, I just struggled to keep reading. The ending was rather unexpected and different from the stereotypical fantasy ending (and it still surprised me, despite having read this book before). I know it was supposed to be ambiguous, but it does feel unfinished.
December 8, 2022
I read these books as a young teenager, and for some reason, they had enough of an impact on me that I tried to read them again as an adult, didn't succeed the first time, then tried just now to read them a third time. I made it all the way through the first two books but found myself mired down by a too-long ending in the last third of the third. I can't honestly say I finished it as I skimmed the last 20 pages or so. It just dragged on too much. That said, I think I will always enjoy the plot and characters, and the beautiful images the author evokes in her writing, which, when not bogged down with extensive lore and drawn-out descriptions, can be quite lovely.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Aeriel and her "shadow," Erin, and the complex dynamic between Aeriel and Irrylath.
Science fiction is so hit-and-miss with me. That might be why I kept coming back to this series. There's something about it I have always loved.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Aeriel and her "shadow," Erin, and the complex dynamic between Aeriel and Irrylath.
Science fiction is so hit-and-miss with me. That might be why I kept coming back to this series. There's something about it I have always loved.
November 15, 2024
A high fantasy trilogy that follows a girl named Aeriel.
Initially introduced as a humble slave girl; as with many elements in this world, Aeriel is not who she seems.
When her mistress (read: Owner) is snatched up by a vampire, the events of the first novel truly kick off.
I originally read this some time ago. It does not hold up on reread…to the point where I actually wish I’d never picked these books up again. Pierce’s narrative style is simultaneously overly complicated and alarmingly simplistic.
This is one of those series that has a very promising beginning, but just continues to devolve. The flow of the writing is nonexistent. Choppy and heavy-handed. And the conclusion is ludicrous and heart-breaking. Full circle, indeed.
When compared to GOT and the plethora of other high fantasy options out there…well, there really is no comparison at all.
Book One: The Darkangel
Book Two: A Gathering of Gargoyles
Book Three: The Pearl of the Soul of the World
Initially introduced as a humble slave girl; as with many elements in this world, Aeriel is not who she seems.
When her mistress (read: Owner) is snatched up by a vampire, the events of the first novel truly kick off.
I originally read this some time ago. It does not hold up on reread…to the point where I actually wish I’d never picked these books up again. Pierce’s narrative style is simultaneously overly complicated and alarmingly simplistic.
This is one of those series that has a very promising beginning, but just continues to devolve. The flow of the writing is nonexistent. Choppy and heavy-handed. And the conclusion is ludicrous and heart-breaking. Full circle, indeed.
When compared to GOT and the plethora of other high fantasy options out there…well, there really is no comparison at all.
Book One: The Darkangel
Book Two: A Gathering of Gargoyles
Book Three: The Pearl of the Soul of the World
May 23, 2019
I first read these years ago as a teenager. For a year or two, I was constantly checking the books out of the library and rereading them. Then I sort of forgot them, I suppose. I remembered snatches of the rime that threads the books together, and the covers...and that was it.
When I found an omnibus copy at a local used bookstore, I decided to revisit my past. And wow.
There are elements of science fiction in the history of the planet. Elements of fantasy in the setting. Elements of horror in the way the darkangel and his kin are presented.
Sure, there are familiar tropes here for a coming-of-age/hero's journey story. But everything is woven together well.
And the end...well, "bittersweet" is perhaps the best way to describe it. Oof.
When I found an omnibus copy at a local used bookstore, I decided to revisit my past. And wow.
There are elements of science fiction in the history of the planet. Elements of fantasy in the setting. Elements of horror in the way the darkangel and his kin are presented.
Sure, there are familiar tropes here for a coming-of-age/hero's journey story. But everything is woven together well.
And the end...well, "bittersweet" is perhaps the best way to describe it. Oof.
May 5, 2020
Of the trilogy, I liked the first book (The Darkangel) the best. I think I would have liked it more if I'd read it when I was younger. I did appreciate the fantasy world with the clear sci-fi background (there is magic, but they are on the moon).
I didn't like the ending of the third book. It was very unsatisfying that
I didn't like the ending of the third book. It was very unsatisfying that
June 4, 2019
This is my favorite story of all time. I've read this book upwards of 20 times. Its an easy read, you can't put it down-and it reels you in where you feel you're there with her. I'm a huge Stephen king fan and this book is still my favorite for 30 years.
June 14, 2024
I LOVE this series! The writing has a modern fairytale quality, beautiful descriptions. Read these as a teen and just bought newer used copies since mine are falling apart after repeat readings. I named my first daughter Aeriel after these books, not joking. ♥️📖♥️
June 14, 2019
made fanart, pre-teen me was so obsessed with this! 30 years later and can still recall bits so will leave at 5 stars
January 12, 2022
I enjoyed the story however I wished it had more action with some off the characters especially the gargoyles.
August 22, 2022
One of my favorites
And I've read alot
And I've read alot
Read
January 31, 2023Dnf
July 28, 2024
Completed book 3:
The Pearl at the End of the World. 4.25
My favorite of the trilogy if bittersweet.
The Pearl at the End of the World. 4.25
My favorite of the trilogy if bittersweet.
October 15, 2025
Hab das Buch vor 10 Jahren gelesen und mich grad daran erinnert 😂
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