The Light and the Dark

The Corin Chronicles #1

by Marvin Amazon

"As the universe basked in all its glory, it inevitably turned on itself."

The war between Auphora, the Creator of all things, and his son Baran spans-and almost destroys-the galaxy. Their epic battles cost millions of lives, but peace comes with its own bloody repercussions. Gods and demi-gods plot to rule again. One planet stops turning, leaving its people trapped in eternal daylight, while another develops to the modern day, unaware that someone walks its streets carrying a secret that could bring an end to it all.

A mythic novel like no other, The Corin Chronicles, Volume 1 looks beyond the cosmic power struggle to a place where lines between good and evil blur within individual stories of loss and bravery, faith and fury. A warrior. A mother. A mercenary. A prince. A child. A hunter.
Their universe is hurtling toward a confrontation, and no one knows which side will win.

And so it begins...

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

354 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2012

About the author

Marvin Amazon is a Nigerian-born, British author who currently lives in Essex, England. Marvin stretches his imagination with movies, video games, comics, and, of course, novels. He credits the library across the street from his childhood home in Battersea, southwest London, with opening his eyes to the engrossing worlds of fantasy and crime fiction.

Reviews

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this as part of a Goodreads giveaway many years ago, that has not impacted on my ability to write an honest review.

2/6 - I tried to find any hint of enthusiasm for this book for three days, but after reading forty-two pages I just couldn't go on. The editing wasn't horrendous (hence the two stars, instead of one), but the writing and over-complicated plot just ruined it for me. Within a chapter all I could think was that the author had bitten off more than they could chew, they were attempting too much for their first foray into publishing. The front cover is just hilariously horrific - I think it's meant to show two of the demon-type characters fighting during one of the early scenes, but one of the characters has been drawn as some kind of unicorn/Pegasus/muscular-human chimera wielding a broad sword and it's just too funny (and also a little bit sad considering the praise Amazon heaped on the cover artist).

This is going to my local charity store in the hopes that someone like one of the five star reviewers on here will find it and love it.

[Amy Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and again a novel comes along that really manages to challenge the way that you think."The Corin Chronicles, Volume 1" is such a book.

Mythic fiction and fantasy often combine stock characters and plot devices such as the reluctant hero, a traditional coming of age story, epic tales and adventures and of course the essential features of a bygone, mythical and magical time.

Whilst Amazon does use the features of the genre that he is writing within, he employs these features in a way that I have not yet seen in another novel. The story spans across our known and unknown universe, and through time itself.

The novel beings by throwing you into a Battle of the Gods five thousand years in our past. An author throwing their readers straight into the deep-end, in a metaphorical sense, can be a dangerous move. However, whilst the beginning did feel like I was picked up by a whirlwind, I quickly fell into the 'eye of the storm' where suddenly the new world of Corin made sense. I was immediately acquainted with Amazon's characters; and you quickly find yourself forming strong moral allegiances with the Gods and the mortals they represent.

After this immense battle scene we are introduced to the character of Siroco. Siroco is arguably the protagonist of this introductory book to the Corin series. However, like many of the other features in this novel, the protagonist's journey is flipped on its head, and he is not a protagonist in the traditional sense. In contrast to the beginning of the novel, where the reader has formed strong moral allegiances with the Gods. The character of Siroco, is claimed to be their enemy, who they will destroy at any costs. Thus, Siroco, should seemingly be the antagonist of this story. However this is where the beauty of "The Light and the Dark" lies.

Amazon throughout the novel, is questioning the very important question of what is right and what is wrong. Amazon challenges the reader to see his story through the lens of different characters. And to see the differing perspectives held by each of them. The amazing feat of this book, is to remove the typecast of good and evil, and to continuously be able to transform the protagonist into antagonist and back. So that the reader has no clear idea of the heroes and villains. This is a very true lesson to be learnt throughout life, and Amazon makes us question this in his novel, and left me thinking about it well into the night.

This novel is like no other I have read before and is certainly not a fantasy in the traditional sense. Through the five parts of the novel, you travel from mysterious other worlds, and end up in our own modern day society. Before being transported back to vivid, beautiful and dangerous other planets.

There are monsters, and mythical creatures, some new and some old. Historical references, religious features, but most importantly, a cast of unique, and well written characters.

Whilst I can see some flaws in the structure of the novel, this might fall to personal taste. The issue of action, versus the time it is described to have taken, is something that made me question the integrity of this novel. However, with all the twists and turns throughout, I can only hope that more is explained and revealed in "Volume 2"

I would thoroughly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fantasy, mythical fiction, modern crime, or for those who just enjoy a riveting read. Marvin Amazon's debut novel, really is a literary delight from start to finish.

[Lyle Appleyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as a GoodReads Giveaway.

What an adventure. We have gods fighting gods. Mortals fighting mortals. Mortals fighting immortals. Mortals fighting many different creatures that strike terror in mortals. A secret that has lasted thousands of years and curse to be lifted. These all make for a good story.

I was a little lost is the first few chapters trying to figure out who was who and from what planet. I was little challenged to figure what was going on. I found the dialogue and writing a little heavy and hard to follow. When the story jumped to other planets and involved only mortals, I was able to follow the story much better. The struggle between the two sides is interesting as we can't really say for certain who is good and who is evil. Both sides are cursed and had done something bad. Trying to figure out the sides and following the double dealings makes this astory worth following.

One thing I would recommend for future editions and the volumes 2, 3 and how many books there will be, is a glossary of characters, places, planets, gods and objects. With such a diverse cast of characters, places and times. This might me necessary for some to help the keep up to what is going on.

The first volume has set the bar high. I look forward to future volumes in this story. I am hooked.

[Mike Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there was ever a book that shouted out "Don't judge a book by it's cover", this is it. I was not impressed with the long title of this book or the artwork on the cover (although it is growing on me). The summary on the back of the book sounded interesting, so I dove in and I'm certainly glad I did. I've never read a book quite like the one that Marvin Amazon has inked out here. A crazy mix of Greek Mythology, Star Wars, modern day detective mystery, and a Lord of the Rings type mission all rolled into one incredible book. By the time I got to the end I was searching my library and the internet for Volume Two.

Marvin Amazon takes you on a journey through the Universe, starting with a epic Battle of the Gods, then briefly following the savior of the universe as a child before stopping off at Modern day Earth where you meet a government agent hell-bent on revenge and then back across the Universe to follow a journey that will save the planet Corin. (I realize that is probably a run-on sentence).

The question you have to ask yourself while reading The Corin Chronicles is "Who's good and Who's bad?" Don't try to figure out who is the Light and who is the Dark to early. You might be surprised by the end of the book.

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

I wanted to get into The Corin Chronicles: Volume 1: The Light and the Dark by author Marvin Amazon. However I struggled throughout the whole book. I thought I'd like the fantasy, mythic, heroes aspects of this book since I've become increasingly interested in fantasy. But I couldn't get into the story, the characters, the time jumps, and really couldn't get into the cover! Too much happened at the beginning of the book and I was having trouble keeping track of story-lines and characters. And by the time I had them all down it was too late for me, I had already lost interest. If anyone likes myths and fantasy this a book to try but I doubt I will be reading more from Marvin Amazon.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really interesting and I couldn't put it down, but sometimes I felt I was reading three separate books in one. Even though the storylines were linked I kept wondering what was happening to the other characters. But on the whole, the characters were really interesting, the description of the lands and animals was amazing. I could picture everything in my head really clear and I could see myself standing on the edges of each scene. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity not only to enter the giveaway but to actually win the book. It was a great book and I would read it again.

[Kattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

As soon as I got this book I did not think I would like it, because the cover art seemed very poorly rendered. I just thought it looked very cheesy. I did not want to judge the book by its cover, so I decided to read it anyway, and I really couldn't even get through it. I really thought I would be interested in the book from the blurb on the back of it, but it was very slow, and introduced a ton of characters, and I just couldn't get into it.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recieved this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. I am a huge fan of paranormal/fantasy books. I am not sure why but I just really was not into this book. Sure it was not the worst book I have ever read but I guess I just expected more. What threw me off was that at the beginning of the book the story was too slow and introduced too many characters at one time. A lot of other people gave this book stellar reviews. I guess this book just wasn't for me.

[Nola-lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so lucky to receive a copy from goodreads, and I was not disappointed! A page turner from start to finish....I picked it up from the post office and had finished it by the next morning...bring on volume 2! Thank you so much goodreads and Marvin Amazon,I am sooo grateful <3 xxx

[Brian Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really impressed by how Amazon manages to switch between two such thoroughly different environments. He seem equally comfortable creating complex believable characters in a contemporary setting as he is in the Alien environment of Corin. A great achievement.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Light and the Dark, the first book in The Corin Chronicles, is a gripping dive into an epic fantasy world that hooks you from page one. The story weaves a rich tapestry of gods, mortals, and cosmic battles, with Corin, a reluctant hero, at its heart. What sets it apart is its bold mix of mythological grandeur and raw emotional stakes, think Lord of the Rings with a darker, more personal edge. The pacing stumbles slightly in the middle, but the vivid characters and shocking twists keep you invested. A stellar debut that left me eager for more!

[Echo · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Light and the Dark,” which is the first book in the “Corin Chronicles,” is what I like to call a setup book. Think “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.” Sure, it was an okay movie but it was all a build-up to the next movie, which needed a setup to be as mind-blowing as it was. In my eyes, this is essentially what the first book of the “Corin Chronicles” is; a setup to what has the potential to be a mind-blowing series.

It starts off pretty fast paced—a war between gods and demigods, and you think you know who the good guys and bad guys are. Lightning-paced battle sequences that aren’t so descriptive you want to cry because you don’t understand—really, it was a well-done, albeit straightforward (but lots of people hate battle strategy anyway so that’s okay) battle. Then you have the repercussions and a five thousand year skip. Thing is, the viewpoint we have five thousand years later is from the opposite side of the war and we hear a whole different story. Now it isn’t really clear who the good guys and bad guys are because both sides of the story are so biased. Which was interesting, original, and brilliant.

So why the low rating? I can tell you it wasn’t writing style—the writing was average and though I wished for a little more description but it didn’t both me too much. I can tell you it wasn’t the cover because I’m not rating the book for its cover, as much as this one annoyed me. I can tell you it wasn’t the characters… but I’d be lying. The characters. It wasn’t that I hated them but it was that I didn’t really care about them. Because this book had so many and they were dying left and right, main characters and minor. This wouldn’t be too much of a problem (“Game of Thrones” comes to mind) but the problem was that they were in the book for so little time that I didn’t really get attached to any of them. Just as I was starting to like a character, they’d die and then my attention would drift. Because the points of view kept switching and you never really stayed with the same character for long, there wasn’t really any development.

Which brings me back to my original point—setup book. Because the few characters that were alive will most likely make appearances in the next book (I will cry tears of frustration if they don’t), I can see that there will definitely be some developments and then maybe I’ll start liking some of them. The plot was also like this—just as things started getting really interesting, you get cut off and switched to another plot. And another setting. With different characters. And different points of view of the original battle! It was all over the place and nothing really connected in the end at all so the reader is left hopelessly confused and wondering why you even had to know about one plot. Things haven’t even started to come together, really.

The real thing that saved this book and has made me at least consider getting the next one is the last one hundred pages or so. They’re a quest and they all stay with the same group of characters (finally!). Although they do keep introducing new characters and I keep tearing at my hair and wondering why I need to know who “insert any name of a character in the last 100 pages here” is.

So, for just this novel, I’m going to have go with a lower rating. This is the reason I normally choose to rate a whole series; because I know if this series settles on one plot and starts connecting the dots—that really just look like a bunch of dots right now and have no real big picture—it will end up going to mind-blowing proportions. Because it has the potential to, it really does. It’s very original, as I’ve said before (I mean, historical fantasy mixing with urban fantasy? It’s brilliant!) and that’s something that’s so hard to find in the fantasy genre these days. But for now, I’ll hold off on further judgement. Until I read the next few books… which I probably will.

*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*

[Jojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that is told through the viewpoints of a fair amount of characters. There is an overarching plot of the war between Gods and then there are individual stories connected by a certain something.

I enjoyed the many characters and how they weren't defined by whose side they were on. As the book summary said, the lines of good and evil are blurred. For example, I feel very sympathetic towards Charles/Sean despite the prophecy about him. He's lived for a very long time and spent most of it running away.

However, I wasn't thrilled with the lack of descriptions and setting. There were details about the physical appearances of characters that didn't matter or few details of those that do. The only consistent one was the appearance of the scar. Although I more or less understood the story, it was simply harder to invest to this one.

Overall, the book was enjoyable (though it did throw me for a loop every now and then). I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short but sweet fantasy book. The action scenes are quite nice but they don't really come up all that often. As the first novel, this book seems to set up the background and the characters more than actually furthering the plot. So expect some questions to remain unanswered.

Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a first-reads giveaway. If I hadn't gotten this book from Goodreads I honestly would never have picked it off the shelves because the cover is hideous. There's so much wrong with it I don't even know where to start. But you know what they say, never judge a book by its cover. When I first started reading this book I was so confused. I didn't know if I'd be able to finish it. But the amazing battle scenes had me hooked. The universe the author (Amazon), has created is so complex. When you start the book you think some characters are good, but as you read on and are introduced to different points of view you see that nobody is good or bad! Everyone has different reasons for what they do. The lines between good and evil are blurred. One confusing thing was that it doesn't really flow like a normal novel, it seems like more of a collection of short stories. It sucks getting introduced to characters for just one chapter, who then are killed off/never heard of again. Some characters I really liked, like Siroco, Prince Ramon, the team of mercenaries trying to kill Siroco, and of course the gods. The quest into the dark side of Corin was amazingly written. I loved all the monsters they had to face! Amazon describes things so well! This series has A LOT of potential. I can't wait to read the next books!

[Athena Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. With a name like mine, I have always had a huge interest in greek mythology. This book reads as mythological adventures would. The Corin Chronicles deal with gods and demi-gods, battles, heroes, and more but on a Universe level. I felt as though I were in a world with Star Wars, Narnia, and more. The bad guys may actually be good guys and vice versa. The story travels through time from 5,000 years ago to modern times. There is definitely no shortage of action, drama, and entertainment in the Corin Chronicles. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in fantasy, mystery, mythology or history. There is something in this book to draw in just about anyone.

I received this book directly from the author via Bostick Communications. All opinions, good or bad, are my own.

[Annamarie Redding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first volume in what is to be an epic chronicle of five books (I believe).

I like mythology and fantasy, amongst many other genres, so this book really appealed to me. It is a story of war in a fantasy grand-scale adventure.

The story is at first a little hard to get into but bear with it, as in a couple of chapters you will be hooked. The characters are interesting and have depth and the world is well written.

I enjoyed this book and will be obtaining the others in the series to read.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOTE: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM GOODREADS FIRST READS IN RETURN FOR A HONEST REVIEW.
I didn't think this book would be as good as it was. At first it took me awhile to get my head around the war between the different characters but with the change over to the present world, it became quite interesting and to me that's where the book really took off. I am not normally a reader of this sort of fiction but I got quite into it and couldn't pit it down. Pity it was volume one of a few books because I would have liked to see the ending which makes me now want to read the other books in the series

[Dilys Myhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of action & mythical creatures, gods & brave warriors. This is written in several sections & all the stories connect to a conclusion. I was sure if I should like or dislike the anointed one was he good or bad. The cover of this book was so hand friendly it was a pleasure to hold. Looking forward to the next novel in the series. WON THIS ON GOODREADS GIVE-AWAYS.

[Barbara Beauchamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

i received this book for free on goodreads. I thought the book was okay

[Erdahs]

Won as part of the Goodreads first reads program. Review to come.