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King of the Forgotten Darkness: A Raven's Tale Fantasy
Twenty-four-year-old Liam is a traumatized warrior in a paradise free of war. He works his high-rise job. He is safe, comfortable, and free of suffering. For years, the portals to the brutal and magical world of Erentyr, where Liam came from, have been sealed, civilization protected. All that Liam wants is to live a normal life, to forget about his family's slaughter in Erentyr before he escaped. But soon he learns that one of his family members is still alive. Flush with terror but clinging to hope, Liam illegally returns to Erentyr's savage but Fairywild beauty. Once there, however, he finds that much more than fear and hope has awakened in him…Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award 2025.
- GenresFantasy
344 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Erik D. Goodwyn
8 books22 followersBy day, Erik Goodwyn is a practicing psychiatrist and a scholar published in anthropology, dream analysis, mythology, ritual, philosophy, and archetypal psychology. He has been invited to give lectures in Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, and all over the United States. But by night...his passion for the imagination in all its manifestations has led him to write award-winning fantasy fiction! He feels the symbolic and fantastical imagery of the imagination is the only way to depict some of the most important and mysterious truths of the human soul, as depicted in his Raven's Tale series. For more, visit his website at www.erikgoodwyn.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 22, 2025
King of the Forgotten Darkness swept me off my feet into a grim fantasy world full of characters I would die for.
Starting out, I knew I was in for a fantasy read. I was surprised when the book began in a futuristic, sci-fi-like city. I soon learned that King of the Forgotten Darkness features two worlds that deeply contrast with each other.
You have Midworld, which is exactly as it sounds. Though it is peaceful and full of routine, it is uneventful. People work and socialize (mostly through technology), they train, dine, and enjoy their hobbies. There are no conflicts or political tensions.
Then there is Erentyr: a world full of clans, dragons, monsters, and strange phenomena.
The main character, Liam, is from Erentyr but escaped there to spend 15 years in Midworld until being called to return. Erentyr has been struck by a blight that only he can diminish because of his mother’s powers. His previous girlfriend, and long-time friend, Mia, joins him.
The adventure that ensues is harrowing, providing scenes of raging battles, deep character introspection, and constant attempts to overthrow the evils that rule over Erentyr.
Liam is a deeply troubled character, often battling the traumas that followed him from his childhood in Erentyr. Mia, though she grew up in Midworld, was abandoned by her parents and met Liam in foster care. They instantly developed a close relationship, eventually dating and then calling it off when they found it difficult to communicate through their pain.
The side characters in this were delightful. Sea Breeze, the helpful yet mischievous crow, was hilarious, and every time she showed up, I knew we were in for a conversation riddled with mystery and humor. Maple, the gnome, spoke exactly as I figured a gnome would, though I haven’t met many myself—using silly made-up words and overly positive, I think even Mia and Liam got tired of it at times.
There were some deep themes I picked up on in this book, and I loved the way they were depicted. Forget the typical good vs evil trope. The bones of it were there, but what Goodwyn constructed was something more realistic. Once Mia and Liam arrived in Erentyr, they were determined to crush evil and save the day. Yet, the ancient power that resided there called to them. It seduced them. And the decisions they made were not always the right ones.
Something else I enjoyed about this tale involved Liam’s character arc most. When he arrived in Erentyr, he had this view of Midworld being good and Erentyr being bad. His mission was to rid Erentyr of its evils, then return to Midworld where he and Mia could continue living their lives. While he did come to find valued friends and love the righteous bits of the dark world, he came to find that both worlds were two sides of the same coin. The familiar adages of not being able to have light without darkness, or joy without pain, resonate strongly here.
The prose is exquisitely written, each sentence bearing importance without the use of repetitive descriptions or phrases. The pacing was lovely, just enough downtime between action for me to fall deeper for the characters. The banter and dialogue were unique, especially between characters. There was never a question as to who was speaking.
I entered King of the Forgotten Darkness not knowing what to expect, especially after arriving in Midworld, a city full of robots and AI. I left this book with an intense appreciation for the characters’ journeys, a love for who the characters transformed into after such grueling feats, and all around satisfied with the adventure I went on.
Goodwyn’s writing is top tier. Fantasy fans need this on their TBR yesterday.
A FanFi Addict review
Starting out, I knew I was in for a fantasy read. I was surprised when the book began in a futuristic, sci-fi-like city. I soon learned that King of the Forgotten Darkness features two worlds that deeply contrast with each other.
You have Midworld, which is exactly as it sounds. Though it is peaceful and full of routine, it is uneventful. People work and socialize (mostly through technology), they train, dine, and enjoy their hobbies. There are no conflicts or political tensions.
Then there is Erentyr: a world full of clans, dragons, monsters, and strange phenomena.
The main character, Liam, is from Erentyr but escaped there to spend 15 years in Midworld until being called to return. Erentyr has been struck by a blight that only he can diminish because of his mother’s powers. His previous girlfriend, and long-time friend, Mia, joins him.
The adventure that ensues is harrowing, providing scenes of raging battles, deep character introspection, and constant attempts to overthrow the evils that rule over Erentyr.
Liam is a deeply troubled character, often battling the traumas that followed him from his childhood in Erentyr. Mia, though she grew up in Midworld, was abandoned by her parents and met Liam in foster care. They instantly developed a close relationship, eventually dating and then calling it off when they found it difficult to communicate through their pain.
The side characters in this were delightful. Sea Breeze, the helpful yet mischievous crow, was hilarious, and every time she showed up, I knew we were in for a conversation riddled with mystery and humor. Maple, the gnome, spoke exactly as I figured a gnome would, though I haven’t met many myself—using silly made-up words and overly positive, I think even Mia and Liam got tired of it at times.
There were some deep themes I picked up on in this book, and I loved the way they were depicted. Forget the typical good vs evil trope. The bones of it were there, but what Goodwyn constructed was something more realistic. Once Mia and Liam arrived in Erentyr, they were determined to crush evil and save the day. Yet, the ancient power that resided there called to them. It seduced them. And the decisions they made were not always the right ones.
Something else I enjoyed about this tale involved Liam’s character arc most. When he arrived in Erentyr, he had this view of Midworld being good and Erentyr being bad. His mission was to rid Erentyr of its evils, then return to Midworld where he and Mia could continue living their lives. While he did come to find valued friends and love the righteous bits of the dark world, he came to find that both worlds were two sides of the same coin. The familiar adages of not being able to have light without darkness, or joy without pain, resonate strongly here.
The prose is exquisitely written, each sentence bearing importance without the use of repetitive descriptions or phrases. The pacing was lovely, just enough downtime between action for me to fall deeper for the characters. The banter and dialogue were unique, especially between characters. There was never a question as to who was speaking.
I entered King of the Forgotten Darkness not knowing what to expect, especially after arriving in Midworld, a city full of robots and AI. I left this book with an intense appreciation for the characters’ journeys, a love for who the characters transformed into after such grueling feats, and all around satisfied with the adventure I went on.
Goodwyn’s writing is top tier. Fantasy fans need this on their TBR yesterday.
A FanFi Addict review
May 5, 2025
Hiding from your demons only make them stronger.
King of the Forgotten Darkness is a deep, thoughtful character study layered on top of a YA portal fantasy with some really cool ideas. Due to Dr. Erik Goodwyn's background as a psychiatrist, I really, really appreciated the deep dive into trauma, finding one's purpose and sense of home, and the refreshing realness of the romantic relationship in the book. As far as the story, it's well paced Noblebright that feels very classic and modern at the same time. I was intrigued by the duality of the two worlds and I hope there's more of that explored in further books.
While I think some may be put off by the "YA" label, I'd say to give King of the Forgotten Darkness a shot. I really loved the deep character exploration that could only come from an expert like Dr. Goodwyn and the story was a lot of nostalgic fun.
7.42/10
4/5 ⭐️
King of the Forgotten Darkness is a deep, thoughtful character study layered on top of a YA portal fantasy with some really cool ideas. Due to Dr. Erik Goodwyn's background as a psychiatrist, I really, really appreciated the deep dive into trauma, finding one's purpose and sense of home, and the refreshing realness of the romantic relationship in the book. As far as the story, it's well paced Noblebright that feels very classic and modern at the same time. I was intrigued by the duality of the two worlds and I hope there's more of that explored in further books.
While I think some may be put off by the "YA" label, I'd say to give King of the Forgotten Darkness a shot. I really loved the deep character exploration that could only come from an expert like Dr. Goodwyn and the story was a lot of nostalgic fun.
7.42/10
4/5 ⭐️
September 23, 2024
Solid start to a new fantasy series. Overall, an entertaining tale, somewhat of a portal fantasy, with characters moving between a modern hi-tech world to a classic medieval fantasy place mixed with faerie.
Good pacing. The story moves along well. Very easy to read, but alas there lies a bit of a ding, moving it down to just four stars. The prose is fairly basic. While I'm no author, I felt that if I were to write a fantasy novel, this is the level I'd likely achieve. There's nothing wrong with it, but I could sense the prose didn't rise to the level of other works I've enjoyed. While there was the occasionally beautifully crafted phrase, the narrative was just a little too black and white. Mostly predictable.
That said, a strength of the series is how the characters work through current experiences in light of past trauma they've dealt with, stuff that travels with you. In this I sense the author leaning into knowledge from his full time occupation as a psychiatrist. He writes using what he knows. However, he certainly includes much more than that; his vivid imagination and some knowledge of history is clearly on display.
Interested in a the beginning of a new fantasy series that blends honor, magic, the fae, and two different worlds, along with some occasional snarky humor that may make you chuckle, you may want to explore this book!
Good pacing. The story moves along well. Very easy to read, but alas there lies a bit of a ding, moving it down to just four stars. The prose is fairly basic. While I'm no author, I felt that if I were to write a fantasy novel, this is the level I'd likely achieve. There's nothing wrong with it, but I could sense the prose didn't rise to the level of other works I've enjoyed. While there was the occasionally beautifully crafted phrase, the narrative was just a little too black and white. Mostly predictable.
That said, a strength of the series is how the characters work through current experiences in light of past trauma they've dealt with, stuff that travels with you. In this I sense the author leaning into knowledge from his full time occupation as a psychiatrist. He writes using what he knows. However, he certainly includes much more than that; his vivid imagination and some knowledge of history is clearly on display.
Interested in a the beginning of a new fantasy series that blends honor, magic, the fae, and two different worlds, along with some occasional snarky humor that may make you chuckle, you may want to explore this book!
October 22, 2024
Review: This starts with a lame-o whining red headed step-child wandering around, lamenting his past. Thankfully it picks up.
Where this story diverges from the masses is that character valuations are flexible. There is no determinate story line that excludes character development. Liam moves off his myopic pedestal when others are dependent upon his courage and clarity. Mia is a great character as she is fairly grounded and not deeply relegated to a vinegar princess whom wuvs her mwans. She flits around overt independence but is subtly influenced with a direct perspective. In short she compromises to great effect. She digs Liam but is reluctant to openly commit. No trope barf there.
I really loved the world building where we are thrust into Erentyr's bizarre-o land where giants, gnomes and other weird shjt coexist.
I had a good time reading this and you will too.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.6/5
Where this story diverges from the masses is that character valuations are flexible. There is no determinate story line that excludes character development. Liam moves off his myopic pedestal when others are dependent upon his courage and clarity. Mia is a great character as she is fairly grounded and not deeply relegated to a vinegar princess whom wuvs her mwans. She flits around overt independence but is subtly influenced with a direct perspective. In short she compromises to great effect. She digs Liam but is reluctant to openly commit. No trope barf there.
I really loved the world building where we are thrust into Erentyr's bizarre-o land where giants, gnomes and other weird shjt coexist.
I had a good time reading this and you will too.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
4.6/5
April 4, 2025
Dalle premesse mi aspettavo un fantasy epico per adulti con un focus psicologico sullo sviluppo dei personaggi. Sebbene abbia visto degli spunti in cui l'autore ha inserito e gestito alcuni degli aspetti psicologici, mi è sembrato un'accozzaglia di elementi gestiti in modo così superficiale e frettoloso che non sono riuscita a immergermi nella narrazione. lo stile, molto semplice, ha un tono da YA. anche gli eventi narrati sembrano molto affrettati e gestiti in modo superficiale. I personaggi sembrano essere su un treno veloce senza possibilità di scendere, e sono piuttosto immaturi e poco definiti. la costruzione del mondo mi è sembrata un mix di elementi che stonano tra loro: su un pianeta abbiamo una società basata sulla robotica e sull'intelligenza artificiale, mentre sull'altro ci sono fate e draghi. non sono riuscita a entrare in sintonia né con lo stile banale né con i personaggi, e in definitiva nemmeno con la loro storia.
Come lettrice di fantasy, avrei voluto una maggiore profondità e complessità in tutti gli aspetti di questo libro (costruzione del mondo, caratterizzazione e trama), che è risultato troppo superficiale.
___________________________________________________________
From the premise I expected an adult epic fantasy with a psychological focus on character development. Although I can see the insights where the author inserted and handled some of the psychological aspects, it seemed to me to be a mishmash of elements handled so superficially and hastily that I could not immerse myself in the narrative. the style, very simple, has a YA tone. the events narrated also seem very rushed and handled in a superficial manner. the characters seem to be on a fast train with no way to get off, and are rather immature and poorly defined. the world-building seemed to me to be a mix of elements that all clash: on one planet we have a society based on robotics and ai, while on the other there are fairies and dragons. i couldn't connect with either the sloppy style or the characters, and ultimately not even with their story. i would have liked more depth and complexity. As a fantasy reader, I would have liked to have seen more depth and complexity in all aspects of this book (worldbuilding, characterisation and plot), which came across as too superficial.
Come lettrice di fantasy, avrei voluto una maggiore profondità e complessità in tutti gli aspetti di questo libro (costruzione del mondo, caratterizzazione e trama), che è risultato troppo superficiale.
___________________________________________________________
From the premise I expected an adult epic fantasy with a psychological focus on character development. Although I can see the insights where the author inserted and handled some of the psychological aspects, it seemed to me to be a mishmash of elements handled so superficially and hastily that I could not immerse myself in the narrative. the style, very simple, has a YA tone. the events narrated also seem very rushed and handled in a superficial manner. the characters seem to be on a fast train with no way to get off, and are rather immature and poorly defined. the world-building seemed to me to be a mix of elements that all clash: on one planet we have a society based on robotics and ai, while on the other there are fairies and dragons. i couldn't connect with either the sloppy style or the characters, and ultimately not even with their story. i would have liked more depth and complexity. As a fantasy reader, I would have liked to have seen more depth and complexity in all aspects of this book (worldbuilding, characterisation and plot), which came across as too superficial.
September 4, 2025
A Journey Through Shadows: My Review of "King of the Forgotten Darkness: A Raven's Tale Fantasy"
Author: Erik D. Goodwyn
Rating: ★★★★★
Some stories drift through us like gentle rain, others blaze across our consciousness like meteors. Then there are the rare few that slip beneath our ribs like silver knives, finding the tender spaces between heartbeats and rewriting the very cadence of our souls. Erik D. Goodwyn's "King of the Forgotten Darkness" is such a story, one that left me hollow and full simultaneously, my emotional landscape forever altered by its haunting beauty.
When I first picked up this novel, I expected a straightforward fantasy adventure. What I discovered instead was a masterpiece of psychological depth wrapped in the cloak of epic fantasy. The story follows Liam, a twenty-four-year-old trauma survivor living in the sterile perfection of Midworld, who must return to the savage beauty of Erentyr to save a family member he thought was lost forever. But this simple premise becomes the foundation for something much more profound: an exploration of what it means to heal, to remember, and to find home in the spaces between light and darkness.
The emotional weight of this book hit me like a physical force. Goodwyn doesn't just write about trauma; he inhabits it, making Liam's pain so visceral and real that I found myself holding my breath during his flashbacks. As someone who has wrestled with my own ghosts, I felt seen in ways that literature rarely achieves. The author's background in psychology shines through without ever feeling clinical or detached. Instead, it adds layers of authenticity that make every emotional beat ring true.
What struck me most powerfully was Goodwyn's refusal to offer easy answers. This isn't a story where love conquers all or where facing your demons automatically leads to healing. Instead, it presents the messy, complicated reality of recovery, where progress isn't linear and where strength sometimes looks like surviving another day rather than slaying a dragon. The ancient power that calls to Liam and Mia in Erentyr doesn't just represent external evil; it mirrors the seductive pull of our own darkness, the way our trauma can become both our prison and our identity.
The dual-world structure serves as more than just a fantasy trope here. Midworld's sterile perfection and Erentyr's wild brutality represent the extremes we often force ourselves to choose between: the safety of numbness versus the chaos of feeling everything. Liam's journey taught me that perhaps the answer isn't choosing one over the other, but finding a way to hold both the light and the darkness within ourselves.
Goodwyn's prose is nothing short of exquisite. He has a poet's eye for beauty and a surgeon's precision with emotion. The scenes in Erentyr pulse with mythic weight and Celtic mystery, while Midworld feels uncomfortably familiar in its technological isolation. The dialogue crackles with personality, especially the banter with Sea Breeze the crow, whose mischievous wisdom provided much-needed moments of levity in an otherwise heavy narrative.
The supporting characters feel like real people rather than fantasy archetypes. Mia's own struggles with abandonment create a beautiful parallel to Liam's journey, and their relationship feels earned rather than convenient. Even minor characters like Maple the gnome serve important thematic purposes, representing the joy and wonder that trauma can steal from us and the work required to reclaim it.
What moves me most about this book is its fundamental message of hope. Not the shallow, everything-will-be-fine kind of hope, but the deeper recognition that we are more resilient than we know, that healing is possible even when it feels impossible, and that sometimes the very experiences that break us also teach us how to be whole. Liam's realization that both worlds are "two sides of the same coin" resonated deeply with my own understanding that we cannot have light without darkness, joy without sorrow.
The pacing is expertly crafted, allowing for moments of quiet introspection between bursts of heart-pounding action. The slow burn of the first half might test some readers' patience, but it's necessary groundwork for the emotional payoff that follows. When the action does explode, it feels earned and meaningful rather than gratuitous.
This book changed me. It reminded me that fantasy at its best doesn't just transport us to other worlds; it helps us see our own world more clearly. It doesn't just entertain; it heals. Goodwyn has created something special here, a work that honors both the beauty and the brutality of the human experience.
"King of the Forgotten Darkness" is essential reading for anyone who has ever felt lost, anyone who has struggled with their past, anyone who has wondered if they'll ever truly belong anywhere. It's for readers who want their fantasy served with substance, who aren't afraid of stories that ask difficult questions and sit with uncomfortable truths.
This is the kind of book that will stay with me for years to come, the kind I'll return to when I need reminding that even in our darkest moments, we carry within us the seeds of our own redemption. Erik D. Goodwyn hasn't just written a fantasy novel; he's crafted a love letter to the resilient human spirit.
Highly recommended for fans of: Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, Ursula K. Le Guin, and anyone seeking fantasy with psychological depth and emotional honesty.
Author: Erik D. Goodwyn
Rating: ★★★★★
Some stories drift through us like gentle rain, others blaze across our consciousness like meteors. Then there are the rare few that slip beneath our ribs like silver knives, finding the tender spaces between heartbeats and rewriting the very cadence of our souls. Erik D. Goodwyn's "King of the Forgotten Darkness" is such a story, one that left me hollow and full simultaneously, my emotional landscape forever altered by its haunting beauty.
When I first picked up this novel, I expected a straightforward fantasy adventure. What I discovered instead was a masterpiece of psychological depth wrapped in the cloak of epic fantasy. The story follows Liam, a twenty-four-year-old trauma survivor living in the sterile perfection of Midworld, who must return to the savage beauty of Erentyr to save a family member he thought was lost forever. But this simple premise becomes the foundation for something much more profound: an exploration of what it means to heal, to remember, and to find home in the spaces between light and darkness.
The emotional weight of this book hit me like a physical force. Goodwyn doesn't just write about trauma; he inhabits it, making Liam's pain so visceral and real that I found myself holding my breath during his flashbacks. As someone who has wrestled with my own ghosts, I felt seen in ways that literature rarely achieves. The author's background in psychology shines through without ever feeling clinical or detached. Instead, it adds layers of authenticity that make every emotional beat ring true.
What struck me most powerfully was Goodwyn's refusal to offer easy answers. This isn't a story where love conquers all or where facing your demons automatically leads to healing. Instead, it presents the messy, complicated reality of recovery, where progress isn't linear and where strength sometimes looks like surviving another day rather than slaying a dragon. The ancient power that calls to Liam and Mia in Erentyr doesn't just represent external evil; it mirrors the seductive pull of our own darkness, the way our trauma can become both our prison and our identity.
The dual-world structure serves as more than just a fantasy trope here. Midworld's sterile perfection and Erentyr's wild brutality represent the extremes we often force ourselves to choose between: the safety of numbness versus the chaos of feeling everything. Liam's journey taught me that perhaps the answer isn't choosing one over the other, but finding a way to hold both the light and the darkness within ourselves.
Goodwyn's prose is nothing short of exquisite. He has a poet's eye for beauty and a surgeon's precision with emotion. The scenes in Erentyr pulse with mythic weight and Celtic mystery, while Midworld feels uncomfortably familiar in its technological isolation. The dialogue crackles with personality, especially the banter with Sea Breeze the crow, whose mischievous wisdom provided much-needed moments of levity in an otherwise heavy narrative.
The supporting characters feel like real people rather than fantasy archetypes. Mia's own struggles with abandonment create a beautiful parallel to Liam's journey, and their relationship feels earned rather than convenient. Even minor characters like Maple the gnome serve important thematic purposes, representing the joy and wonder that trauma can steal from us and the work required to reclaim it.
What moves me most about this book is its fundamental message of hope. Not the shallow, everything-will-be-fine kind of hope, but the deeper recognition that we are more resilient than we know, that healing is possible even when it feels impossible, and that sometimes the very experiences that break us also teach us how to be whole. Liam's realization that both worlds are "two sides of the same coin" resonated deeply with my own understanding that we cannot have light without darkness, joy without sorrow.
The pacing is expertly crafted, allowing for moments of quiet introspection between bursts of heart-pounding action. The slow burn of the first half might test some readers' patience, but it's necessary groundwork for the emotional payoff that follows. When the action does explode, it feels earned and meaningful rather than gratuitous.
This book changed me. It reminded me that fantasy at its best doesn't just transport us to other worlds; it helps us see our own world more clearly. It doesn't just entertain; it heals. Goodwyn has created something special here, a work that honors both the beauty and the brutality of the human experience.
"King of the Forgotten Darkness" is essential reading for anyone who has ever felt lost, anyone who has struggled with their past, anyone who has wondered if they'll ever truly belong anywhere. It's for readers who want their fantasy served with substance, who aren't afraid of stories that ask difficult questions and sit with uncomfortable truths.
This is the kind of book that will stay with me for years to come, the kind I'll return to when I need reminding that even in our darkest moments, we carry within us the seeds of our own redemption. Erik D. Goodwyn hasn't just written a fantasy novel; he's crafted a love letter to the resilient human spirit.
Highly recommended for fans of: Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, Ursula K. Le Guin, and anyone seeking fantasy with psychological depth and emotional honesty.
November 11, 2024
I received this as an arc from NetGalley and Collective Ink Books. I really, really enjoyed this book! The story opens with the mmc Liam living in this paradise world called Midworld, where there is peace from war and suffering. Liam is not originally from Midworld, but from a world full of magic and chaos called Erentyr. He is one of the last survivors that entered into Midworld before all of the portals to Erentyr were sealed. The two main characters of this story are Liam and Mia. They met as children in the orphanage in Midworld and both struggle with how they ended up becoming orphans. The story really focuses in on Liam’s struggles with the traumatic memories of his last days in Erentyr, guilt from watching his family die, and terrifying dreams of the evils that he faced in that world. One day following the anniversary of his families’ deaths, he meets a man who reveals that Liam’s mother actually is still alive and needs for Liam to return to Erentyr to help her save the world from a curse that is slowly spreading across the land. This pushes Liam onto a journey to illegally return to Erentyr to find his mother. Throughout this journey both Liam and Mia have to face their own traumas and find a way to overcome them. I really felt like the story of Liam and Mia’s journey through Erentyr was really well written, and the magic system in this world was really cool! If you enjoy high fantasy with a fun magic system, you should definitely check out this book when it is released next year on April 1st!
October 7, 2024
I learned more about trauma and psychology from reading (and thoroughly enjoying) this story than I did by taking a college psychology course. Erik did a great job of weaving the lore, the characters I loved, and the terrifying villains all together to make for one heck of an adventure. I definitely recommend this!
October 19, 2024
This was a arc copy if the King of forgotten Darkeness.
Thanks to Netgellary for providing me with a copy of this book. I find the Erik D. Goodwyn wrote a really interesting story that me engross in the story from start to end. A part of me didn't want to put this book down. At the same time i wanted to dra this story out as i didn't want it to end.
Thanks to Netgellary for providing me with a copy of this book. I find the Erik D. Goodwyn wrote a really interesting story that me engross in the story from start to end. A part of me didn't want to put this book down. At the same time i wanted to dra this story out as i didn't want it to end.
December 4, 2024
YA fantasy with a Jungian twist.
King of the Forgotten Darkness blends classic fantasy, urban fantasy (with a dash of sci-fi) and portal fantasy very well. The world of Erentyr, rich in lore and mythological creatures, is an ideal background for a coming of age story where the protagonist must overcome his past traumas before becoming a hero.
At first glance, KOTFD is just another light-hearted, low stakes adventure in fairy land, but the inclusion of elements from Jungian Psychology to the characterization and plot really makes KOTFD stand out from others in the genre and adds a compelling layer to the narrative that will keep you turning the page.
Overall, KOTFD is perfect for young (and not so young) adults with an interest in psychology, the subconscious and faerie.
King of the Forgotten Darkness blends classic fantasy, urban fantasy (with a dash of sci-fi) and portal fantasy very well. The world of Erentyr, rich in lore and mythological creatures, is an ideal background for a coming of age story where the protagonist must overcome his past traumas before becoming a hero.
At first glance, KOTFD is just another light-hearted, low stakes adventure in fairy land, but the inclusion of elements from Jungian Psychology to the characterization and plot really makes KOTFD stand out from others in the genre and adds a compelling layer to the narrative that will keep you turning the page.
Overall, KOTFD is perfect for young (and not so young) adults with an interest in psychology, the subconscious and faerie.
May 30, 2025
Fantastic fantasy book. Does a wonderful job of setting up a lively and intriguing world that will certainly make you want to see more. This book also leaves the reader excited for future entries with the amazing characters and their struggles. If anything, this book will make you want to see more of what Erentyr has to offer.
September 25, 2024
I have always been interested in the idea of what it would be like to visit a fantasy world, as an adult or child, and what effect that would have on you years later. Paul Kearney wrote some excellent books like this such as Riding the Unicorn, and A Different Kingdom, and Mathew Stover also wrote his Cain books around this premise but there are not too many of them out there. I was delighted to stumble upon this book and get swept up in the adventures and trials of the main character who once lived in such a magical world in his youth and still feels its call despite how it haunts him. One of the first scenes is him hacking into a martial arts training dummy to illegally make it more of a challenge and then walking out to be tempted by an advertisement to take a pill to help him forget past trauma.I found him fascinating and would like to read more.
November 27, 2024
It was the blurb of this book which kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what would happen next. Liam was a very interesting and gripping character, and developed through the book. With how the writing style of this book kept me gripped to the book. With the way the story developed very nicely to a point I couldn't wait to find out the ending of the book. And I really enjoyed the ending.
May 25, 2025
King of the Forgotten Darkness is a great debut novel, and hopefully the first of many. A portal fantasy of two completely opposites worlds. One is a futuristic world of mindless entertainment and an utter lack of "negative" emotions, the other a medieval fantasy of pain, chaos, and meaning. It's got a cast of well-written and memorable characters (I'm particularly fond of Mia and Maple). Don't let the YA tag on this novel fool you, it is a nuanced, complex examination of trauma, pain and purpose that isn't afraid to ask hard questions.
July 29, 2025
This is not just a fantasy. King of the Forgotten is a powerful meditation on identity, survival, and the places we carry inside us. Liam’s struggle to feel, to forgive, and to face what haunts him makes for a character arc that is as emotionally intense as the battles he fights.This novel is a breathtaking blend of magic and memory. It’s about the cost of leaving, the pain of return, and the courage it takes to truly come home.
June 5, 2025
King of the Forgotten Darkness, by Erik Goodwyn, is a sweeping portal fantasy that follows Liam Panregon, a trauma-scarred man wrestling with his past in a polished, tech-obsessed society called Midworld. But Midworld isn’t the only world. Liam is from Erentyr, a dark, war-ravaged realm of magic and myth, which he fled as a child after a devastating family tragedy. Now, haunted by memories, tormented by dreams, and drifting in emotional limbo, Liam learns his mother may still be alive—and the only way to save her is to return to the very nightmare he escaped. What unfolds is a deeply personal tale of grief, recovery, and reckoning, layered with high fantasy lore, psychological nuance, and existential stakes.
Goodwyn’s prose walks that delicate line between poetic and punchy. Moments of vivid beauty flash alongside gut-wrenching internal monologues and bursts of raw action. The first half is a slow burn, and I mean that in the best way. We linger inside Liam’s trauma, his simmering anger, the mundanity of a life that doesn’t fit, and the emotional cost of “normalcy.” It felt brutally honest. I found myself really feeling for Liam—not because he’s noble or heroic, but because he’s lost, complicated, and relatable. The world-building, split between sterile sci-fi futurism and moss-drenched fantasy realms, is done with skillful contrasts. The tech-saturated Midworld is chillingly familiar, while Erentyr oozes mythic weight and danger.
What really stuck with me, though, was the emotional arc. This book doesn’t just dabble in trauma—it stares it down. The nightmare sequences are genuinely haunting. The tension between forgetting and remembering, between escape and confrontation, gives the story real soul. There were a few places where the dialogue dipped into exposition a bit too heavily, and some transitions between worlds felt slightly abrupt. But those are small bumps in a ride that’s otherwise immersive, meaningful, and heartfelt. Goodwyn’s background in psychology shines through, lending the story layers of metaphor without ever feeling clinical.
I’d recommend King of the Forgotten Darkness to readers who love fantasy that goes deeper than dragons and quests, though it has those too. If you’ve ever wrestled with ghosts of your own, or questioned where you belong, this one’s going to land. Fans of Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, or even Ursula Le Guin’s more introspective work will find a lot to chew on here. It’s for those who want their escapism laced with truth, and their heroes cracked but unbroken.
Goodwyn’s prose walks that delicate line between poetic and punchy. Moments of vivid beauty flash alongside gut-wrenching internal monologues and bursts of raw action. The first half is a slow burn, and I mean that in the best way. We linger inside Liam’s trauma, his simmering anger, the mundanity of a life that doesn’t fit, and the emotional cost of “normalcy.” It felt brutally honest. I found myself really feeling for Liam—not because he’s noble or heroic, but because he’s lost, complicated, and relatable. The world-building, split between sterile sci-fi futurism and moss-drenched fantasy realms, is done with skillful contrasts. The tech-saturated Midworld is chillingly familiar, while Erentyr oozes mythic weight and danger.
What really stuck with me, though, was the emotional arc. This book doesn’t just dabble in trauma—it stares it down. The nightmare sequences are genuinely haunting. The tension between forgetting and remembering, between escape and confrontation, gives the story real soul. There were a few places where the dialogue dipped into exposition a bit too heavily, and some transitions between worlds felt slightly abrupt. But those are small bumps in a ride that’s otherwise immersive, meaningful, and heartfelt. Goodwyn’s background in psychology shines through, lending the story layers of metaphor without ever feeling clinical.
I’d recommend King of the Forgotten Darkness to readers who love fantasy that goes deeper than dragons and quests, though it has those too. If you’ve ever wrestled with ghosts of your own, or questioned where you belong, this one’s going to land. Fans of Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, or even Ursula Le Guin’s more introspective work will find a lot to chew on here. It’s for those who want their escapism laced with truth, and their heroes cracked but unbroken.
December 18, 2024
Erik D. Goodwyn's King of the Forgotten Darkness: A Raven's Tale Fantasy has, without question, an intriguing premise: a traumatized warrior living in the peaceful Midworld, yearning to escape the shadows of his past in Erentyr, a terrifying parallel world filled with darkness and magical creatures.
The story begins with Liam, a twenty-four-year-old warrior who has managed to carve out a comfortable life in a futuristic world, free from the chaos of his homeland, Erentyr. For fifteen years, the portals to this brutal and magical realm have been sealed, allowing Liam to live a life devoid of suffering in Midworld. However, when he discovers that a family member may still be alive in Erentyr, he is compelled to return, driven by a mix of terror and hope. This journey back to his roots is where the story truly begins, but it also reveals some of the book's weaknesses.
Goodwyn's writing style is quite straightforward, which can be both a strength and a limitation. While it effortlessly describes the wonders and terrors of both worlds, I found myself longing for more depth and lyrical prose that could have elevated the emotional stakes. The world-building, although rooted in intriguing and classic concepts, felt somewhat superficial and left me wanting more detail and complexity in its magical elements, creatures and the cultures of Erentyr.
In terms of themes, the book touches on trauma, identity, and the quest for belonging, which are all compelling topics, and make clear the author's background as a psychiatrist.
One very positive aspect is the author's capacity to draw the main character's pain and struggle through the exploration of the remnants of his past. It was easy to connect with Liam on a visceral level and to root for his success. However, even though the dialogues had a constant touch of humour, most characters, especially Damien, were drawn in bold lines and were hard to connect with.
Ultimately, while it has a promising premise, a great start and some engaging moments, it didn't fully meet my expectations as a fantasy reader who enjoys complex world-building and deep character exploration. I would consider this to be a Young Adult fantasy book. If you're looking for a light fantasy read with a unique premise, this book is worth a try, and will be out in April 2025.
Thanks to Collective Ink Limited, Roundfire Books, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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The story begins with Liam, a twenty-four-year-old warrior who has managed to carve out a comfortable life in a futuristic world, free from the chaos of his homeland, Erentyr. For fifteen years, the portals to this brutal and magical realm have been sealed, allowing Liam to live a life devoid of suffering in Midworld. However, when he discovers that a family member may still be alive in Erentyr, he is compelled to return, driven by a mix of terror and hope. This journey back to his roots is where the story truly begins, but it also reveals some of the book's weaknesses.
Goodwyn's writing style is quite straightforward, which can be both a strength and a limitation. While it effortlessly describes the wonders and terrors of both worlds, I found myself longing for more depth and lyrical prose that could have elevated the emotional stakes. The world-building, although rooted in intriguing and classic concepts, felt somewhat superficial and left me wanting more detail and complexity in its magical elements, creatures and the cultures of Erentyr.
In terms of themes, the book touches on trauma, identity, and the quest for belonging, which are all compelling topics, and make clear the author's background as a psychiatrist.
One very positive aspect is the author's capacity to draw the main character's pain and struggle through the exploration of the remnants of his past. It was easy to connect with Liam on a visceral level and to root for his success. However, even though the dialogues had a constant touch of humour, most characters, especially Damien, were drawn in bold lines and were hard to connect with.
Ultimately, while it has a promising premise, a great start and some engaging moments, it didn't fully meet my expectations as a fantasy reader who enjoys complex world-building and deep character exploration. I would consider this to be a Young Adult fantasy book. If you're looking for a light fantasy read with a unique premise, this book is worth a try, and will be out in April 2025.
Thanks to Collective Ink Limited, Roundfire Books, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
BLOG | TWITTER | Follow me on Goodreads | HIRE ME
June 14, 2025
Took me over a month to finish! I picked it up to support the author which I watch at times his videos on YouTube. Though the book is sci-fi and fantasy, it’s not the exact type of book I would pick up for myself!
The beginning was interesting, mostly due to the world building and the modern technology elements from current society being transformed into this universe. However, once Liam entered Midworld with Mia, they both caught on to this medieval world a little too well. Though Liam grew up here for most of his childhood, a lot had changed and it was surprising seeing how well he adjusted to such drastic lifestyles. What I didn’t understand was Mia’s adjustment because it was her first time in this realm and yet she seemed to have everything under control! She’s a wizard in this realm and was able to conjure spells out if thin air and her only explanation was that it felt right?? I get having a natural nack for things specially if it’s genetic wise but how could she come up with the terminology to cast her spells? That wasn’t explained well and it honestly felt unnatural.
I wish Liam’s mother hadn’t died since it wasn’t fair for Liam to lose her after battling so hard to find her. Damien’s lore and backstory is needed more!! I don’t even know how old he’s supposed to be? The irony of him not wanting anything to do with Midworld and yet being influenced by a dragon to become its mentee was definitely a choice that I want more details on.
The book itself, I hate it so much when there are no chapter titles!! It’s so boring this way and chapter titles give the book character and lets the readers have an insight, even if the chapter title is illusive.
The beginning was interesting, mostly due to the world building and the modern technology elements from current society being transformed into this universe. However, once Liam entered Midworld with Mia, they both caught on to this medieval world a little too well. Though Liam grew up here for most of his childhood, a lot had changed and it was surprising seeing how well he adjusted to such drastic lifestyles. What I didn’t understand was Mia’s adjustment because it was her first time in this realm and yet she seemed to have everything under control! She’s a wizard in this realm and was able to conjure spells out if thin air and her only explanation was that it felt right?? I get having a natural nack for things specially if it’s genetic wise but how could she come up with the terminology to cast her spells? That wasn’t explained well and it honestly felt unnatural.
I wish Liam’s mother hadn’t died since it wasn’t fair for Liam to lose her after battling so hard to find her. Damien’s lore and backstory is needed more!! I don’t even know how old he’s supposed to be? The irony of him not wanting anything to do with Midworld and yet being influenced by a dragon to become its mentee was definitely a choice that I want more details on.
The book itself, I hate it so much when there are no chapter titles!! It’s so boring this way and chapter titles give the book character and lets the readers have an insight, even if the chapter title is illusive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
Dropping down is the review of a deeply emotional and beautiful book “King Of The Forgotten Darkness “ by author Erik Goodwyn.This book was an emotional roller coaster rider that surprised me in the best way and left me intrigued till the end.
The story follows Liam , a 24 year old warrior who is caught between two worlds - one peaceful and safe , the other brutal and full of dangerous magic .At first, it seems like Liam finally has what he always wanted—a safe, normal life away from the chaos of Erentyr. But underneath that comfort is a man who’s deeply scarred by his past , carrying the trauma of war and pain of losing his family
The story takes a turn when he learns that a family member might still be alive, everything he tried to bury comes rushing back, and suddenly the choice to return isn’t just about survival—it’s about love, grief, and unfinished stories.The journey back to Erentyr is where the story takes turn and the book comes alive.
What I loved most is how personal the journey feels. Liam isn’t descripted flawless fantasy hero. He’s vulnerable, he doubts himself yet decides to be powerful
The story is a balance between adventure and heart that kept me hooked all the way through.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about Liam’s struggle—I felt like I had walked through it with him. This is more than just a fantasy tale; it’s about facing trauma, holding onto hope, and learning that sometimes healing means going back to the very place that hurt you.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone out there , go and grab the copy of this book as soon as possible. You guys are going to enjoy every bit of it .
Thank you
Happy Reading
The story follows Liam , a 24 year old warrior who is caught between two worlds - one peaceful and safe , the other brutal and full of dangerous magic .At first, it seems like Liam finally has what he always wanted—a safe, normal life away from the chaos of Erentyr. But underneath that comfort is a man who’s deeply scarred by his past , carrying the trauma of war and pain of losing his family
The story takes a turn when he learns that a family member might still be alive, everything he tried to bury comes rushing back, and suddenly the choice to return isn’t just about survival—it’s about love, grief, and unfinished stories.The journey back to Erentyr is where the story takes turn and the book comes alive.
What I loved most is how personal the journey feels. Liam isn’t descripted flawless fantasy hero. He’s vulnerable, he doubts himself yet decides to be powerful
The story is a balance between adventure and heart that kept me hooked all the way through.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about Liam’s struggle—I felt like I had walked through it with him. This is more than just a fantasy tale; it’s about facing trauma, holding onto hope, and learning that sometimes healing means going back to the very place that hurt you.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone out there , go and grab the copy of this book as soon as possible. You guys are going to enjoy every bit of it .
Thank you
Happy Reading
July 10, 2025
In King of the Forgotten, the reader is swept into a tale of trauma, memory, and the unrelenting pull of the past. The author crafts a compelling story around Liam, a 24-year-old former warrior haunted by the brutal loss of his family in the magical realm of Erentyr—a world of raw beauty and relentless violence now sealed off from modern civilization. Though Liam has found a safe, sterile existence in a high-rise life free of pain, the discovery that one of his family members may still be alive reopens wounds he thought were closed.
Liam is a very disturbed person who frequently struggles with the traumas that followed him from his early years in Erentyr. Despite having grown up in Midworld, Mia met Liam in foster care after her parents abandoned her. They became close right away and later went on to date before ending it since they couldn't talk through their grief.
This novel is more than a fantasy adventure—it’s a meditation on trauma, identity, and the painful complexity of homecoming. Liam is a richly developed protagonist whose internal battles are just as gripping as the physical ones he faces. His emotional arc—from numb survivor to someone rediscovering what it means to feel—is deeply human and hauntingly real.
Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, this novel deserves every accolade. It’s an unforgettable journey into a beautifully imagined world—and a powerful story about the cost of healing, the pull of family, and the courage it takes to face the places we’ve run from.
Liam is a very disturbed person who frequently struggles with the traumas that followed him from his early years in Erentyr. Despite having grown up in Midworld, Mia met Liam in foster care after her parents abandoned her. They became close right away and later went on to date before ending it since they couldn't talk through their grief.
This novel is more than a fantasy adventure—it’s a meditation on trauma, identity, and the painful complexity of homecoming. Liam is a richly developed protagonist whose internal battles are just as gripping as the physical ones he faces. His emotional arc—from numb survivor to someone rediscovering what it means to feel—is deeply human and hauntingly real.
Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, this novel deserves every accolade. It’s an unforgettable journey into a beautifully imagined world—and a powerful story about the cost of healing, the pull of family, and the courage it takes to face the places we’ve run from.
December 10, 2024
Meld together what, at first, seems to be a light, low stakes fantasy adventure but is actually a deliciously satisfying epic fantasy with portals, living fae lands, found family, sword battles and magical beasts.
Welcome to a tale of two worlds, opposite in every way. As you learn more about each you struggle to decide which is utopia and which is hell. Follow Eric as he makes a mental and physical journey and adventure to his destiny, leaving a sterile easy world free of war, back to his home world full of savage fairywilds, brutality, magic and humanity. Where will he find his home and his people?
I was deeply invested and it surprised me in the best way. This book was amazingly different than the fantasies I’ve been reading lately and it’s a breath of fresh air with the unique plot, storyline and characters. World building was good - and I’m picky! The magic systems were intriguing and I loved the character development. I really felt a deep connection to them, they were realistic, vulnerable, yet strong. There is some romance but it’s is sub plot and necessary for the rich character development. It’s done very well, as was most of this book.
This is perfectly appropriate for YA and adult readers. I really could not put this down and I highly recommend it for any fantasy fans and I can’t wait to see what the next book holds!
Thank you to NetGalley for this fantastic ARC!
Welcome to a tale of two worlds, opposite in every way. As you learn more about each you struggle to decide which is utopia and which is hell. Follow Eric as he makes a mental and physical journey and adventure to his destiny, leaving a sterile easy world free of war, back to his home world full of savage fairywilds, brutality, magic and humanity. Where will he find his home and his people?
I was deeply invested and it surprised me in the best way. This book was amazingly different than the fantasies I’ve been reading lately and it’s a breath of fresh air with the unique plot, storyline and characters. World building was good - and I’m picky! The magic systems were intriguing and I loved the character development. I really felt a deep connection to them, they were realistic, vulnerable, yet strong. There is some romance but it’s is sub plot and necessary for the rich character development. It’s done very well, as was most of this book.
This is perfectly appropriate for YA and adult readers. I really could not put this down and I highly recommend it for any fantasy fans and I can’t wait to see what the next book holds!
Thank you to NetGalley for this fantastic ARC!
September 23, 2025
🥀King of the Forgotten Darkness immerses you in the core of what it is to struggle with fear, memory, and the burden of one's past, unlike other fantasy novels that only transport you to their fantastical worlds. I was engrossed in a universe that blended cutting-edge technology with the unadulterated edge of old magic from the very first chapter. It felt both futuristic and legendary. The atmosphere in the author's writing is what I admired most about it. His descriptions have an uncanny beauty glinting towns that seem too perfect to be true, magical wilderness that brims with invisible danger, & shadows that appear to whisper secrets that have been forgotten.
🥀It's the type of developing a world that makes you pull in because you know that wonder and peril are always present. The main character isn't your usual perfect hero. Rather, we pursue a character who is damaged, human, and raw someone who is frantically attempting to lead a normal existence but is always drawn toward something more significant, sinister, and unavoidable. The plot is so captivating because of that tension. The pages keep turning because you can never tell if he's fleeing toward salvation or further into the dark. The novel's refusal to consider imagination as mere escapism also caught my attention. An examination of tragedy, bravery, and resiliency can be found beneath the action along with the myth.
What would it take to go ahead when the past won't remain buried? is the question the book poses. This story is elevated above a standard quest because of its emotional depth.
🥀Then there is the enchantment. To avoid giving too much away, let's just say that it doesn't involve dazzling spells or spectacular battles. It is more ancient, unfamiliar, and ingrained in the planet itself. The story seems to be drawing from an ancient element that endures in our collective consciousness because of the Celtic and mythic influences that give it a timeless quality. The tempo strikes a mix between intense action and tense moments and introspection. You are thrown into situations that are riveting, visceral, and hard to turn away from just when you are getting comfortable with the character's inner conflicts.
🥀Every confrontation physical or psychological feels immediate and potent because of the writing's cinematic flair. Throughout, there are puzzles that raise doubts about what is true and who can be believed. Haunting figures hover on the border of perception, mentors might not be who they appear, and shadows assume shape. Fantasy readers will enjoy the wonderful sense of suspense created by this underlying ambiguity. By the moment I was done, my thoughts had expanded beyond the story itself to include its more profound implications. How do we deal with our inner demons? How much of who we are is defined by our past? And does remembering or forgetting lead to actual healing? Long after I put the book down, those questions continued to haunt me. This has multiple layers of profundity, is exquisitely worded, and is eerie. This is a fantasy book to add to your collection if you're searching for one that combines exciting worldbuilding with deep emotional depth. It's a voyage into the soul's shadows, where both dread and transformation await; it's not just a tale of light and gloom.
🥀It's the type of developing a world that makes you pull in because you know that wonder and peril are always present. The main character isn't your usual perfect hero. Rather, we pursue a character who is damaged, human, and raw someone who is frantically attempting to lead a normal existence but is always drawn toward something more significant, sinister, and unavoidable. The plot is so captivating because of that tension. The pages keep turning because you can never tell if he's fleeing toward salvation or further into the dark. The novel's refusal to consider imagination as mere escapism also caught my attention. An examination of tragedy, bravery, and resiliency can be found beneath the action along with the myth.
What would it take to go ahead when the past won't remain buried? is the question the book poses. This story is elevated above a standard quest because of its emotional depth.
🥀Then there is the enchantment. To avoid giving too much away, let's just say that it doesn't involve dazzling spells or spectacular battles. It is more ancient, unfamiliar, and ingrained in the planet itself. The story seems to be drawing from an ancient element that endures in our collective consciousness because of the Celtic and mythic influences that give it a timeless quality. The tempo strikes a mix between intense action and tense moments and introspection. You are thrown into situations that are riveting, visceral, and hard to turn away from just when you are getting comfortable with the character's inner conflicts.
🥀Every confrontation physical or psychological feels immediate and potent because of the writing's cinematic flair. Throughout, there are puzzles that raise doubts about what is true and who can be believed. Haunting figures hover on the border of perception, mentors might not be who they appear, and shadows assume shape. Fantasy readers will enjoy the wonderful sense of suspense created by this underlying ambiguity. By the moment I was done, my thoughts had expanded beyond the story itself to include its more profound implications. How do we deal with our inner demons? How much of who we are is defined by our past? And does remembering or forgetting lead to actual healing? Long after I put the book down, those questions continued to haunt me. This has multiple layers of profundity, is exquisitely worded, and is eerie. This is a fantasy book to add to your collection if you're searching for one that combines exciting worldbuilding with deep emotional depth. It's a voyage into the soul's shadows, where both dread and transformation await; it's not just a tale of light and gloom.
October 6, 2024
As a Jungian psychotherapist, I really enjoyed King of the Forgotten Darkness from multiple angles. Erik Goodwyn does a fantastic job of blending mythology and psychology in a way that offers something for everyone—whether you're just looking for a captivating story or you're keen on diving into deeper psychological themes.
From a professional standpoint, I appreciated how Goodwyn brings Jungian concepts like archetypes, shadow work, and the unconscious to life through the characters and their journeys. He explores those darker, forgotten parts of the psyche that we all encounter at some point, and he does it in a way that’s both relatable and insightful.
But even if you're not familiar with Jungian psychology, this book is still a great read. It has that mythic, adventurous feel, but with layers of meaning that make you stop and reflect. It’s a book you can enjoy from different perspectives—whether you’re reading it for personal insight, professional interest, or just a good, engaging story.
I highly recommend King of the Forgotten Darkness for anyone who wants a story that resonates on many levels, and for those of us interested in the deeper workings of the mind, it’s an especially rewarding read.
From a professional standpoint, I appreciated how Goodwyn brings Jungian concepts like archetypes, shadow work, and the unconscious to life through the characters and their journeys. He explores those darker, forgotten parts of the psyche that we all encounter at some point, and he does it in a way that’s both relatable and insightful.
But even if you're not familiar with Jungian psychology, this book is still a great read. It has that mythic, adventurous feel, but with layers of meaning that make you stop and reflect. It’s a book you can enjoy from different perspectives—whether you’re reading it for personal insight, professional interest, or just a good, engaging story.
I highly recommend King of the Forgotten Darkness for anyone who wants a story that resonates on many levels, and for those of us interested in the deeper workings of the mind, it’s an especially rewarding read.
October 6, 2024
Dr Goodwyn is a respected psychiatrist with an abundance of published scholarly works and a vast experience in the medical conference circuit.
With such background, he brings a unique take to the crowded fantasy genre with an inspired blend of near future dystopia and traditional fantasy that keeps the reader pondering at the blurry border between reality and fantasy, or is it between fantasy and reality?
In the current landscape of fantasy where magic simply exists as a quasi performace enhancing drug (I'm looking at you Brandon Sanderson!) and the mythical has given way to self serving morally gray characters it is almost refreshing to encounter a recognisably celtic infused world populated by talking beasts, honorable knights and, dare I say it? Dragons!
On the downside of it, due to editorial constraints, we are shamefully short of some character psychology which, unfortunately would have been Dr Goodwyn's strength for obvious reasons. Hopefully this will be addressed in future entries in the series.
We are due at least another book as, the way the book finishes, there is clearly more to come from Liam and the fantasy world of Erentyr. And will I be reading it? You can bet on it.
With such background, he brings a unique take to the crowded fantasy genre with an inspired blend of near future dystopia and traditional fantasy that keeps the reader pondering at the blurry border between reality and fantasy, or is it between fantasy and reality?
In the current landscape of fantasy where magic simply exists as a quasi performace enhancing drug (I'm looking at you Brandon Sanderson!) and the mythical has given way to self serving morally gray characters it is almost refreshing to encounter a recognisably celtic infused world populated by talking beasts, honorable knights and, dare I say it? Dragons!
On the downside of it, due to editorial constraints, we are shamefully short of some character psychology which, unfortunately would have been Dr Goodwyn's strength for obvious reasons. Hopefully this will be addressed in future entries in the series.
We are due at least another book as, the way the book finishes, there is clearly more to come from Liam and the fantasy world of Erentyr. And will I be reading it? You can bet on it.
March 27, 2025
I would have rated it a 4.5 if allowed but rounded up to 5. I was frustrated in the first few chapters because I thought I picked up a traditional fantasy novel and mid world was annoying not realizing that I was going to get into my true love fantasy soon enough. The characters made me laugh and I won't say who but they had such distinct personality and quirks that I fell in love with them. The story kept the romance to a minimum...which I appreciate because it's so easy to do poorly. I appreciated getting to watch the two main characters grow even though the pace sometimes felt rushed...publishers limiting word count I bet. Overall a very fun read with some unusual bonds created and unusual creatures encountered.
October 11, 2024
A perfect blend of fantasy and utopia, this tale offers comic relief, strong characters, concise world-building, and mythical creatures. The book's length was just right! Fantasy novels can often feel overwhelming, but this one proves that less is more—no need for a 600+ page epic.
I typically struggle to connect with side characters, but in this story, I appreciated each one. They had clear purpose and actively contributed to the plot while helping shape the main character's development.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and found myself rooting for Liam the entire way.
I typically struggle to connect with side characters, but in this story, I appreciated each one. They had clear purpose and actively contributed to the plot while helping shape the main character's development.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and found myself rooting for Liam the entire way.
October 7, 2024
King of the Forgotten Darkness is a revelation. Combining deep insight with a well textured visionary realms, the synthesis of mythology and psychology makes this a uniquely compelling read. The characters come alive and we care about their fates. There is action and surprise, beauty and darkness. I want more of this!
November 21, 2024
Dr. Erik Goodwyn successfully keeps the reader on the edge of their seat during this fast paced portal fantasy. This tale takes you on an adventure beginning in a modern utopia before transporting you into a fantastical world of terrifying villains, endearing sidekicks, and protagonists you can't help but root for. Well worth the read!
September 1, 2025
I really loved this book and am really looking forward to the next installment. The characters felt like flesh and bone people and most importantly, I really care what happens to them. The worlds the author created are also fully formed, rich, and complex. I can see them all in my mind's eye without any effort at all.
February 25, 2025
Remainds of old fairytales. Story is ok but for me writing completely lacks flow and makes irritating read.
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