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The Godblind Trilogy #2
Darksoul
Evil gods walk the land as armies prepare for war in the thrilling grimdark sequel to the fantasy debut Godblind.
In the besieged city of Rilporin, Commander Durdil Koridam is crowned a reluctant king, and orders that the city’s people must fight to the last rather than surrender to the surrounding armies of the Mireces and their evil Red Gods.
Outside Rilporin, the uneasy truce between King Corvus’s Mireces and the traitorous Prince Rivil’s forces holds, but the two armies are growing desperate to force a breach of the walls before the city’s reinforcements arrive.
Meanwhile, prophet Dom Templeson reaches Rilporin: the Red Gods have tortured and broken his mind, and he ends up in Corvus’s hands, forced to tell all his secrets. And what he knows could win the war for the Mireces.
Elsewhere, in Yew Cove, only a few survivors remain from a Rank of thousands of Rilporian warriors. Dom foresees the important role one of those survivors, Crys Tailorson, will take on as the events to come unfold. As Crys grows into his position as a leader, that role becomes clearer—and far darker. Will he be willing to pay the price to fulfill his destiny?
In the besieged city of Rilporin, Commander Durdil Koridam is crowned a reluctant king, and orders that the city’s people must fight to the last rather than surrender to the surrounding armies of the Mireces and their evil Red Gods.
Outside Rilporin, the uneasy truce between King Corvus’s Mireces and the traitorous Prince Rivil’s forces holds, but the two armies are growing desperate to force a breach of the walls before the city’s reinforcements arrive.
Meanwhile, prophet Dom Templeson reaches Rilporin: the Red Gods have tortured and broken his mind, and he ends up in Corvus’s hands, forced to tell all his secrets. And what he knows could win the war for the Mireces.
Elsewhere, in Yew Cove, only a few survivors remain from a Rank of thousands of Rilporian warriors. Dom foresees the important role one of those survivors, Crys Tailorson, will take on as the events to come unfold. As Crys grows into his position as a leader, that role becomes clearer—and far darker. Will he be willing to pay the price to fulfill his destiny?
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2018
44 people are currently reading
1638 people want to read
About the author
Anna Stephens
30 books695 followersAnna Stephens is the UK-based author of the Godblind trilogy - Goblind, Darksoul, Bloodchild - and The Songs of the Drowned trilogy - The Stone Knife, The Jaguar Path, The Dark Feather. Anna also writes for Black Library and Marvel Comics.
You can sign up to Anna's newsletter here: https://anna-stephens.com/get-in-touch/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
October 5, 2018
First off:
*69,542 stars for the freaking cover!! Gahhhh! And I got my signed/numbered edition with blue sprayed edges. Oh yeah! See pic below!
I loved both books pretty much the same! It's all gruesome (well, not all gruesome), and evil people out the wazoooo!! I'm looking forward to the next book already. Lol.
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐺🐾
*69,542 stars for the freaking cover!! Gahhhh! And I got my signed/numbered edition with blue sprayed edges. Oh yeah! See pic below!
I loved both books pretty much the same! It's all gruesome (well, not all gruesome), and evil people out the wazoooo!! I'm looking forward to the next book already. Lol.
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐺🐾
February 12, 2020
2020 reread
3,5....maybe even 4 stars (because blood was flowing and that makes me happy)
This book starts shortly after Godblind ended. The whole book is basically about the siege of Rilpor so it's battles galore. And death galore, as well as torture, blood and gore galore. If you all thought Janis getting a nail hammered through his balls to his asshole in Godblind was bad? Hon, you only just seen the beginning. Though that particular scene was just so *chef's kiss*
Lol, okay, back to the plot. It's the siege of Rilporin. As stated in my first review, it feels like it dragged a little.
I also still feel it's too many characters. The short chapters and constant POV changes makes it jumpy and drags you out of the character's story. It's especially annoying when you get a chunk of chapters from characters you enjoy following and you in there deep and feeling. Then you get thrown into a chunk of chapters from characters you don't enjoy following and you can't care less about their story. It takes you out of the book. Dom and Crys are still my faves. And I gotta add Tara and Gilda too. Should have done that already in my review for Godblind. Tara is badass and won't take anyone's bullshit and will chop off your dick. And my brave, precious, will-sass-dark-high-priestesses-any day.
Also quite a few characters died that I had completely forgot died in this book. Some made me sad, some made me happy. Though there's a slight issue of bringing back the dead to life at one point, and I don't fucking care how sad and heartbroken a character death makes me. LET THE DEAD STAY DEAD.
-
2018
Actual rating 3,5 stars.
I thought that, due to my issues with the first book, I would struggle a lot with this one. But it actually went really easy. I still had some issues getting into it, should have reread the first book to freshen up my memory on the plot and all. the. characters. Had lot of problems remembering who everyone was at first. But this one was less "fragmenty" as I remember the first book being. The book is basically the siege of Rilporin, which made it feel like the plot dragged a little. On the other side, it was never not anything happening.
This book could have been a solid 4 star if it was either longer - as it is, it's 10 characters fighting go get page time on less than 400 pages, or if it was half the amount of character PoVs. That would have helped giving the book more depth if we followed fewer characters but each got more space in the book.
For book three I'll have to remember to reread the two first books because I can for real not remember much at all from Godblind.
3,5....maybe even 4 stars (because blood was flowing and that makes me happy)
This book starts shortly after Godblind ended. The whole book is basically about the siege of Rilpor so it's battles galore. And death galore, as well as torture, blood and gore galore. If you all thought Janis getting a nail hammered through his balls to his asshole in Godblind was bad? Hon, you only just seen the beginning. Though that particular scene was just so *chef's kiss*
Lol, okay, back to the plot. It's the siege of Rilporin. As stated in my first review, it feels like it dragged a little.
I also still feel it's too many characters. The short chapters and constant POV changes makes it jumpy and drags you out of the character's story. It's especially annoying when you get a chunk of chapters from characters you enjoy following and you in there deep and feeling. Then you get thrown into a chunk of chapters from characters you don't enjoy following and you can't care less about their story. It takes you out of the book. Dom and Crys are still my faves. And I gotta add Tara and Gilda too. Should have done that already in my review for Godblind. Tara is badass and won't take anyone's bullshit and will chop off your dick. And my brave, precious, will-sass-dark-high-priestesses-any day.
Also quite a few characters died that I had completely forgot died in this book. Some made me sad, some made me happy. Though there's a slight issue of bringing back the dead to life at one point, and I don't fucking care how sad and heartbroken a character death makes me. LET THE DEAD STAY DEAD.
-
2018
Actual rating 3,5 stars.
I thought that, due to my issues with the first book, I would struggle a lot with this one. But it actually went really easy. I still had some issues getting into it, should have reread the first book to freshen up my memory on the plot and all. the. characters. Had lot of problems remembering who everyone was at first. But this one was less "fragmenty" as I remember the first book being. The book is basically the siege of Rilporin, which made it feel like the plot dragged a little. On the other side, it was never not anything happening.
This book could have been a solid 4 star if it was either longer - as it is, it's 10 characters fighting go get page time on less than 400 pages, or if it was half the amount of character PoVs. That would have helped giving the book more depth if we followed fewer characters but each got more space in the book.
For book three I'll have to remember to reread the two first books because I can for real not remember much at all from Godblind.
September 28, 2018
'Darksoul' is the compelling and eagerly anticipated sequel to 'Godblind', and as this begins exactly where the previous book concluded, I recommend reading it before you start this one, it will leave you rather perplexed otherwise as it doesn't work as a standalone. If you thought 'Godblind' was a fantastic read, then let me tell you - this is even better! This is an action-packed journey that will stay with me a long time.
The brutal, gory and evocative battle scenes continue in this novel, as do the plentiful twisty and turns and the unpredictability of the plot. Stephens is adept at creating amazing characters that you really care about and are invested in, but not all of them will escape the story alive so be preparared as the conclusion is bittersweet. There is so much to love here that I found I couldn't put it down. The author has expertly crafted every aspect of the plot creating a wonderfully immersive reading experience. As with a lot of books in the genre, there are good guys and bad guys facing off against each other, so you not only have characters to cheer for but also ones that you'll love to hate! The narrative seems to flow much better in this book as opposed to the previous one, leading to the reader becoming properly engaged in the story much earlier on. The worldbuilding deserves a special mention as it is simply spectacular, and I was actually really sad to leave it. I look forward to returning to the kingdom of Rilpor in the concluding book, 'Bloodchild', set to be released in August 2019.
Many thanks to HarperVoyager for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The brutal, gory and evocative battle scenes continue in this novel, as do the plentiful twisty and turns and the unpredictability of the plot. Stephens is adept at creating amazing characters that you really care about and are invested in, but not all of them will escape the story alive so be preparared as the conclusion is bittersweet. There is so much to love here that I found I couldn't put it down. The author has expertly crafted every aspect of the plot creating a wonderfully immersive reading experience. As with a lot of books in the genre, there are good guys and bad guys facing off against each other, so you not only have characters to cheer for but also ones that you'll love to hate! The narrative seems to flow much better in this book as opposed to the previous one, leading to the reader becoming properly engaged in the story much earlier on. The worldbuilding deserves a special mention as it is simply spectacular, and I was actually really sad to leave it. I look forward to returning to the kingdom of Rilpor in the concluding book, 'Bloodchild', set to be released in August 2019.
Many thanks to HarperVoyager for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 7, 2019
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2019/01/07/...
So, Anna Stephen’s debut Godblind was a book I had mixed feelings about. I wasn’t even sure I was going to be continuing with the series, but when the publisher unexpectedly sent me the sequel Darksoul, I decided to go for it. After all, despite my issues with the first book, I also felt it was solidly written and the trilogy showed immense potential to develop into something more. I didn’t want to write it off completely.
And well, now that I’ve come out on the other side of this book, I’m really I glad I didn’t. I enjoyed Darksoul much more than I expected, and not only because it improved upon many of the weaknesses I found with its predecessor. I also felt more invested in the story this time around, which might seem a little strange, considering how most of it takes place during a siege—and a long and drawn-out one at that. But perhaps it was because we got to concentrate all the action in one place that we were also able to better explore the intricacies of the characters’ lives. In the middle of this intense conflict, the real human emotions finally emerged, and thus these new developments enabled us to truly grasp just how much everyone has at stake.
The story catches us up with many of the characters from Godblind—or at least the ones that have managed to survive the bloodbath that was the first book. Now the capital of Rilpor is surrounded on all sides by the invading army of Mireces. Spurred on by the Dark Lady, whose boundless influence now lies unchecked thanks to the shattered veil that used to keep the enemy’s bloodthirsty Red Gods at bay, the Mireces forces have already killed most of the Wolves along with many of Rilpor’s soldiers. Rillirin is on the run, heartsick at what has become of her lover Dom, whose seer abilities had made him vulnerable to the corrupting powers of the Red Gods. Now he stands by the Dark Lady, his will broken and completely under her control. Meanwhile, Commander Durdil orders the city to keep fighting, and a captain named Crys also falls into an unexpected role as fate apparently has bigger plans for him.
Like the first book, Darksoul is extremely heavy on the brutality and gore, even by the grimmest of grimdark standards. But unlike the first book, the violence seemed less gratuitous somehow, and less tacked on. This was just one of the many improvements over Godblind. Part of this is due to the deeper characterizations I mentioned before. In this area, the sequel surpassed the original by leaps and bounds. Because the scope of the plot is much smaller this time, focused around the siege, all the different character perspectives were also less spread out. This made for a more streamlined narrative, with fewer POVs and less frequent transitions between them. I think this was why I felt more engaged with the characters this time, as I found their voices also more memorable and their plot arcs more interesting to read about.
Darksoul was also much better paced, and I was impressed at the way Stephens kept up momentum and interest, despite the limitations of a siege story. Covering it across multiple fronts, she managed to convey the full horror of the situation, as well as the desperation and despair. The twists and turns in the plot had more impact because I cared more about what happened, whereas I didn’t feel the same with Godblind because in a way that book felt like it was more shock factor than substance. In contrast, Darksoul was better at bringing out the emotion that I expect from a good story, and it was also an overall more immersive experience.
Bottom line, I was really glad I decided to give this series another chance. While I had my issues with Godblind, I felt Anna Stephens delivered a rock-solid sequel in Darksoul, fixing a lot of the flaws from the first book. She also appears to have learned from some of the missteps she made in her debut, and as a reader, nothing makes me more excited than to watch an author’s skills develop over time. I look forward to what the conclusion of this trilogy will bring.
So, Anna Stephen’s debut Godblind was a book I had mixed feelings about. I wasn’t even sure I was going to be continuing with the series, but when the publisher unexpectedly sent me the sequel Darksoul, I decided to go for it. After all, despite my issues with the first book, I also felt it was solidly written and the trilogy showed immense potential to develop into something more. I didn’t want to write it off completely.
And well, now that I’ve come out on the other side of this book, I’m really I glad I didn’t. I enjoyed Darksoul much more than I expected, and not only because it improved upon many of the weaknesses I found with its predecessor. I also felt more invested in the story this time around, which might seem a little strange, considering how most of it takes place during a siege—and a long and drawn-out one at that. But perhaps it was because we got to concentrate all the action in one place that we were also able to better explore the intricacies of the characters’ lives. In the middle of this intense conflict, the real human emotions finally emerged, and thus these new developments enabled us to truly grasp just how much everyone has at stake.
The story catches us up with many of the characters from Godblind—or at least the ones that have managed to survive the bloodbath that was the first book. Now the capital of Rilpor is surrounded on all sides by the invading army of Mireces. Spurred on by the Dark Lady, whose boundless influence now lies unchecked thanks to the shattered veil that used to keep the enemy’s bloodthirsty Red Gods at bay, the Mireces forces have already killed most of the Wolves along with many of Rilpor’s soldiers. Rillirin is on the run, heartsick at what has become of her lover Dom, whose seer abilities had made him vulnerable to the corrupting powers of the Red Gods. Now he stands by the Dark Lady, his will broken and completely under her control. Meanwhile, Commander Durdil orders the city to keep fighting, and a captain named Crys also falls into an unexpected role as fate apparently has bigger plans for him.
Like the first book, Darksoul is extremely heavy on the brutality and gore, even by the grimmest of grimdark standards. But unlike the first book, the violence seemed less gratuitous somehow, and less tacked on. This was just one of the many improvements over Godblind. Part of this is due to the deeper characterizations I mentioned before. In this area, the sequel surpassed the original by leaps and bounds. Because the scope of the plot is much smaller this time, focused around the siege, all the different character perspectives were also less spread out. This made for a more streamlined narrative, with fewer POVs and less frequent transitions between them. I think this was why I felt more engaged with the characters this time, as I found their voices also more memorable and their plot arcs more interesting to read about.
Darksoul was also much better paced, and I was impressed at the way Stephens kept up momentum and interest, despite the limitations of a siege story. Covering it across multiple fronts, she managed to convey the full horror of the situation, as well as the desperation and despair. The twists and turns in the plot had more impact because I cared more about what happened, whereas I didn’t feel the same with Godblind because in a way that book felt like it was more shock factor than substance. In contrast, Darksoul was better at bringing out the emotion that I expect from a good story, and it was also an overall more immersive experience.
Bottom line, I was really glad I decided to give this series another chance. While I had my issues with Godblind, I felt Anna Stephens delivered a rock-solid sequel in Darksoul, fixing a lot of the flaws from the first book. She also appears to have learned from some of the missteps she made in her debut, and as a reader, nothing makes me more excited than to watch an author’s skills develop over time. I look forward to what the conclusion of this trilogy will bring.
September 16, 2018
The cards have been spread the chariot rides towards the fool as the tower falls & Hierophant looks down upon Death the ten of swords cutting back the soldiers unto the Darksoul.
The king is dead the war goes on everybody loses.
The biggest problem with this book is it is exactly the same as Godbind I am not saying it's not brilliant because it is, its violent, savage,brutal but War is. This well written & dark ghostly with the religions of evil as the Gods are in control over this fantasy.
Then the Godblind arrives to make the war so So evil .Bound to the Lady the Gods work through Dom. Here the Gods are real & not just pray but Take active part. Not good one. The Gods glory War lovely war & the Fox God is back. This book that uses modern things but in fantasy world such as gay love
The king is dead the war goes on everybody loses.
The biggest problem with this book is it is exactly the same as Godbind I am not saying it's not brilliant because it is, its violent, savage,brutal but War is. This well written & dark ghostly with the religions of evil as the Gods are in control over this fantasy.
Then the Godblind arrives to make the war so So evil .Bound to the Lady the Gods work through Dom. Here the Gods are real & not just pray but Take active part. Not good one. The Gods glory War lovely war & the Fox God is back. This book that uses modern things but in fantasy world such as gay love
November 29, 2019
Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one!
December 17, 2023
Excellent sequel to Godblind! If you like dark fantasy filled with lots of action, and peopled with characters you really want to get behind, this is a good one. I'm totally invested and need to know how this is going to come to resolution in book 3. 4.0/5.0 stars for me here.
June 28, 2019
Full review to come - but I will say that Darksoul is one of those books that will stay with me forever. Amazing.
August 19, 2018
originally posted on Grimdark Magazine.
Darksoul is Anna Stephens’s taut follow-up to Godblind and the second volume in the Godblind Trilogy. With a desperate siege and angry gods, this installment shrinks the geography and increases the tension. The characters are really put through the ringer, and not all of them make it out alive.
The ruthless Mireces have joined forces with Prince Rivil and the newly converted East Rank of Rilpor’s army to lay siege to the city of Rilporin. King Rastoth is slowly succumbing to the mortal wound inflicted by his treacherous son. The Palace Guard is reinforced by part of the South Rank, and the remnants of the West Rank are on their way, but they are far outnumbered by the besieging forces. Commander Durdil Korridam must fight a defensive battle on the walls and a political battle in the council chamber to keep the city from falling.
This novel focuses on the siege of Rilporin. The tone is bleaker than in the previous book. The Mireces and their allies have the initiative, and they intend to make Rilpor into a playground for their cruel Red Gods. Any hints of bucolic life in the country are gone.
Although the book still has its enormous cast of point-of-view characters, the focus changes a little from the previous book. Rillirin, the escaped slave of the Mireces, does not get as much attention. She has some tense scenes but mostly stays away from the main action. Rillirin fans should not worry; she still has an important role to play.
Crys Tailorson continues his arc of self-discovery. Crys has many ups and downs in this volume, and the nature of his “splitsoul” is revealed in epic fashion. He has grown much from the carousing scoundrel we first met in a tavern at the beginning of Godblind, now embracing and rising to the responsibilities of command and even settling into a bit of domesticity. But he still has many trials—both physical and emotional—to go through.
Dom Templeson, the calestar of the Watchers, has gone through the most change. At the beginning of the novel we find that he has fully embraced the Dark Path and is driven mad by his almost constant communion with the Dark Lady. He is driven to run to the siege on foot with little food or sleep for weeks. Consequently, he has become an emaciated Gollum-like figure. The Mireces treat him both with disgust at his pathetic appearance and awe at his chosen place with the Dark Lady. For all his wretched glory, Dom still plays a pivotal role in the story. He is both the Godblind for which the previous book and the trilogy are named, and the Darksoul for which this book is named. It is likely that he has a further crucial role to play in this series.
Both Durdil Korridam and Mace Korridam gain more prominence in this volume. As commanders in the siege, they have great importance to the story, and we spend more time with each of them. They are both in the mold of the “honourable commander” archetype and tend to put themselves at risk more than they should. Mace is basically a younger version of his father, and we see him learn and come to grips with the responsibilities of his command much the same way that his father did.
Once again, the fight scenes are outstanding and savage. However, in this volume they ratchet up the narrative tension rather than relieve it. They still have the ferocious and immersive nature that the fights in Godblind had, but we now get a taste of the desperate emotions. Particularly in the large battles of the siege, we feel the defenders’ desperation and weariness. It is constantly suggested that the defenders are making superhuman efforts in a doomed situation.
In Darksoul Stephens continues the use of third-person limited point-of-view with an abundance of short chapters and a multitude of POV characters. This structure controls not only the pacing, but also the tension levels. This was probably the case in Godblind, as well, but I didn’t realize it because I was so focused on the fight scenes. In Darksoul the viewpoint changes before the emotion spills over into melodrama. We get a taste of the desperation of the defenders before switching to political machinations within the siege camp. We see a little of Crys’s intense romance juxtaposed with Dom’s intense madness. We stay with each character long enough to feel the intensity of their thoughts and feelings, but not long enough to become wearisome for the reader.
Darksoul has some big set-piece scenes sprinkled throughout that also aid the pacing. Some of the fights have large implications for the overall story of the series, and we get to see those regularly throughout the book. We also see more of the divinities: the Red Gods and the Gods of Light both make appearances in this volume in ways both spectacular and subtle. Although spectacular, the divine intervention is never a deus ex machina. I was quite satisfied by the level of plot action, reveals, and character growth.
Once again there are some savage scenes in this volume. I didn’t have quite the visceral reaction to those scenes in Darksoul as I did in Godblind. This may be because I was expecting them this time. It is probably also because they are set against the backdrop of a siege where brutal slaughter is the norm. However, we do get to see how far Dom has fallen into depravity in several scenes; and Gosfath, the God of Blood, makes even that look tame.
I was expecting some subversion of the “Good versus Evil” trope to show up in this book, but that didn’t happen. The good guys are still the honourable ones, fighting to defend the defenseless, and sacrificing themselves for their compatriots. The bad guys are still bloodthirsty, reveling in pain and death. We do get POVs from some bad guys, but there are no doubts about which is the right side to root for. It’s still possible that another reveal could change things in the third book.
Grimdark fans will like the darker tone of this siege novel. The pacing and regular addition of major events and plot points kept me engaged throughout. Fans will also like the POVs that show the motivations of both protagonists and antagonists. There are believable characters, real consequences, and plenty of action and wonder. Don’t get too attached to any one character—they may not make to the end of the book!
Darksoul is another thrilling entry in the Godblind series. The desperate tone gives way to breathtaking action. With Godblind and Darksoul, Anna Stephens firmly establishes her name in the genre.
Darksoul is Anna Stephens’s taut follow-up to Godblind and the second volume in the Godblind Trilogy. With a desperate siege and angry gods, this installment shrinks the geography and increases the tension. The characters are really put through the ringer, and not all of them make it out alive.
The ruthless Mireces have joined forces with Prince Rivil and the newly converted East Rank of Rilpor’s army to lay siege to the city of Rilporin. King Rastoth is slowly succumbing to the mortal wound inflicted by his treacherous son. The Palace Guard is reinforced by part of the South Rank, and the remnants of the West Rank are on their way, but they are far outnumbered by the besieging forces. Commander Durdil Korridam must fight a defensive battle on the walls and a political battle in the council chamber to keep the city from falling.
This novel focuses on the siege of Rilporin. The tone is bleaker than in the previous book. The Mireces and their allies have the initiative, and they intend to make Rilpor into a playground for their cruel Red Gods. Any hints of bucolic life in the country are gone.
Although the book still has its enormous cast of point-of-view characters, the focus changes a little from the previous book. Rillirin, the escaped slave of the Mireces, does not get as much attention. She has some tense scenes but mostly stays away from the main action. Rillirin fans should not worry; she still has an important role to play.
Crys Tailorson continues his arc of self-discovery. Crys has many ups and downs in this volume, and the nature of his “splitsoul” is revealed in epic fashion. He has grown much from the carousing scoundrel we first met in a tavern at the beginning of Godblind, now embracing and rising to the responsibilities of command and even settling into a bit of domesticity. But he still has many trials—both physical and emotional—to go through.
Dom Templeson, the calestar of the Watchers, has gone through the most change. At the beginning of the novel we find that he has fully embraced the Dark Path and is driven mad by his almost constant communion with the Dark Lady. He is driven to run to the siege on foot with little food or sleep for weeks. Consequently, he has become an emaciated Gollum-like figure. The Mireces treat him both with disgust at his pathetic appearance and awe at his chosen place with the Dark Lady. For all his wretched glory, Dom still plays a pivotal role in the story. He is both the Godblind for which the previous book and the trilogy are named, and the Darksoul for which this book is named. It is likely that he has a further crucial role to play in this series.
Both Durdil Korridam and Mace Korridam gain more prominence in this volume. As commanders in the siege, they have great importance to the story, and we spend more time with each of them. They are both in the mold of the “honourable commander” archetype and tend to put themselves at risk more than they should. Mace is basically a younger version of his father, and we see him learn and come to grips with the responsibilities of his command much the same way that his father did.
Once again, the fight scenes are outstanding and savage. However, in this volume they ratchet up the narrative tension rather than relieve it. They still have the ferocious and immersive nature that the fights in Godblind had, but we now get a taste of the desperate emotions. Particularly in the large battles of the siege, we feel the defenders’ desperation and weariness. It is constantly suggested that the defenders are making superhuman efforts in a doomed situation.
In Darksoul Stephens continues the use of third-person limited point-of-view with an abundance of short chapters and a multitude of POV characters. This structure controls not only the pacing, but also the tension levels. This was probably the case in Godblind, as well, but I didn’t realize it because I was so focused on the fight scenes. In Darksoul the viewpoint changes before the emotion spills over into melodrama. We get a taste of the desperation of the defenders before switching to political machinations within the siege camp. We see a little of Crys’s intense romance juxtaposed with Dom’s intense madness. We stay with each character long enough to feel the intensity of their thoughts and feelings, but not long enough to become wearisome for the reader.
Darksoul has some big set-piece scenes sprinkled throughout that also aid the pacing. Some of the fights have large implications for the overall story of the series, and we get to see those regularly throughout the book. We also see more of the divinities: the Red Gods and the Gods of Light both make appearances in this volume in ways both spectacular and subtle. Although spectacular, the divine intervention is never a deus ex machina. I was quite satisfied by the level of plot action, reveals, and character growth.
Once again there are some savage scenes in this volume. I didn’t have quite the visceral reaction to those scenes in Darksoul as I did in Godblind. This may be because I was expecting them this time. It is probably also because they are set against the backdrop of a siege where brutal slaughter is the norm. However, we do get to see how far Dom has fallen into depravity in several scenes; and Gosfath, the God of Blood, makes even that look tame.
I was expecting some subversion of the “Good versus Evil” trope to show up in this book, but that didn’t happen. The good guys are still the honourable ones, fighting to defend the defenseless, and sacrificing themselves for their compatriots. The bad guys are still bloodthirsty, reveling in pain and death. We do get POVs from some bad guys, but there are no doubts about which is the right side to root for. It’s still possible that another reveal could change things in the third book.
Grimdark fans will like the darker tone of this siege novel. The pacing and regular addition of major events and plot points kept me engaged throughout. Fans will also like the POVs that show the motivations of both protagonists and antagonists. There are believable characters, real consequences, and plenty of action and wonder. Don’t get too attached to any one character—they may not make to the end of the book!
Darksoul is another thrilling entry in the Godblind series. The desperate tone gives way to breathtaking action. With Godblind and Darksoul, Anna Stephens firmly establishes her name in the genre.
April 25, 2020
Oh she's done it to me again. My Dark Lady has taken me, guided my feet upon this path, nurtured my love for these people, my deep-seated care for them; and shredded it all into tattered ribbons... it's exquisite agony and I didn't expect anything less.
After falling madly deeply in love with Godblind earlier this year, Darksoul was certainly my most anticipated book for 2018.
I can categorically state: it did not let me down.
I suppose you want to actually know something about the book?
It willdestroy consume ...
It's emotionally engaging.
Rilporin is under siege. Whereas with Godblind we roamed quite freely across the land of Rilpor, following each character as the threads inevitably drew them in; Darksoul is a much more claustrophobic affair. We are ensconced in the camp of the Mireces, trapped behind the walls of the defenders, driven street-by-street by each new betrayal and heart break.
In this regard, Darksoul could have been a very different monster to her sister, but it's like I never left. Stephens' writing style is perfectly consistent, which made for such a smooth transition I felt immediately immersed in this world once more. I was drawn back into the story, and Stephens really doesn't give you time to find your feet before she's knocking you off them.
I suppose before we go much further we should address the Grimdark Elephant in the room; can you see her lurking there in the shadows? Now there are many differing opinions on the true meaning of Grimdark - Darksoul gleefully stabs each one. Her characters are morally ambiguous and she makes you consider the darkest recesses of the human condition under pressure. To visit the other Grimdark School of Thought; it's gory AF. I never felt it was gratuitous, get-a-shock-out-of-you gory, but rather utterly completely lost in depravity kind of gory. The true meaning of blood-lust kind of gory. The Following Contains Images That Some Viewers May Find Upsetting kind of gory.
But please don't let this put you off. Because more than anything, Darksoul is still about the characters. There were so many of them I missed, so many of them I cried for; but so many of them I hoped for. And as bleak as the story sometimes gets, as deep as you feel you've fallen, there is still a glimmer. A yellow glow of hope. It's this which drove me on when I had no idea what else to expect.
As this was something that truly struck me about Darksoul: I couldn't tell what side the narrator was on. I don't think I have ever come across a more objective narrative voice. You generally get a sense in a book that the good guys are the good guys, the bad guys are the bad guys, and the good guys will triumph because what they are doing is just and true and... Nope. I genuinely couldn't tell what was going to happen, because at no point did I feel Stephens had a preference for one side over the other. To be able to create this objectivity in such an emotionally fuelled piece of work is astounding.
There were so many moments during this book where I caught myself holding my breath, I had to remind myself to breath. My heart was racing; it's visceral I felt I could feel every pounding of every heart beat. How can simple words on a page have this effect on you? Have this complete mastery over your senses until you're utterly lost and you resurface dazed and torn asunder. At one point, she did it with three words. Three. "He didn't run". I had to put the book down.
Just with Godblind, there is no release once you reach the end; I'm left once more bereft and unknowing of what's left in store for the characters. I am left once more in awe of Anna Stephens' story telling genius. I am left in the belief that this is a trilogy which will forever haunt me and draw me back in.
I have a long wait for Book Three, but at least I can look forward to the re-read... gods what is wrong with me...
After falling madly deeply in love with Godblind earlier this year, Darksoul was certainly my most anticipated book for 2018.
I can categorically state: it did not let me down.
I suppose you want to actually know something about the book?
It will
It's emotionally engaging.
Rilporin is under siege. Whereas with Godblind we roamed quite freely across the land of Rilpor, following each character as the threads inevitably drew them in; Darksoul is a much more claustrophobic affair. We are ensconced in the camp of the Mireces, trapped behind the walls of the defenders, driven street-by-street by each new betrayal and heart break.
In this regard, Darksoul could have been a very different monster to her sister, but it's like I never left. Stephens' writing style is perfectly consistent, which made for such a smooth transition I felt immediately immersed in this world once more. I was drawn back into the story, and Stephens really doesn't give you time to find your feet before she's knocking you off them.
I suppose before we go much further we should address the Grimdark Elephant in the room; can you see her lurking there in the shadows? Now there are many differing opinions on the true meaning of Grimdark - Darksoul gleefully stabs each one. Her characters are morally ambiguous and she makes you consider the darkest recesses of the human condition under pressure. To visit the other Grimdark School of Thought; it's gory AF. I never felt it was gratuitous, get-a-shock-out-of-you gory, but rather utterly completely lost in depravity kind of gory. The true meaning of blood-lust kind of gory. The Following Contains Images That Some Viewers May Find Upsetting kind of gory.
But please don't let this put you off. Because more than anything, Darksoul is still about the characters. There were so many of them I missed, so many of them I cried for; but so many of them I hoped for. And as bleak as the story sometimes gets, as deep as you feel you've fallen, there is still a glimmer. A yellow glow of hope. It's this which drove me on when I had no idea what else to expect.
As this was something that truly struck me about Darksoul: I couldn't tell what side the narrator was on. I don't think I have ever come across a more objective narrative voice. You generally get a sense in a book that the good guys are the good guys, the bad guys are the bad guys, and the good guys will triumph because what they are doing is just and true and... Nope. I genuinely couldn't tell what was going to happen, because at no point did I feel Stephens had a preference for one side over the other. To be able to create this objectivity in such an emotionally fuelled piece of work is astounding.
There were so many moments during this book where I caught myself holding my breath, I had to remind myself to breath. My heart was racing; it's visceral I felt I could feel every pounding of every heart beat. How can simple words on a page have this effect on you? Have this complete mastery over your senses until you're utterly lost and you resurface dazed and torn asunder. At one point, she did it with three words. Three. "He didn't run". I had to put the book down.
Just with Godblind, there is no release once you reach the end; I'm left once more bereft and unknowing of what's left in store for the characters. I am left once more in awe of Anna Stephens' story telling genius. I am left in the belief that this is a trilogy which will forever haunt me and draw me back in.
I have a long wait for Book Three, but at least I can look forward to the re-read... gods what is wrong with me...
March 6, 2022
Chilling.
Solid 4.
Solid 4.
September 6, 2018
Wow. I'm almost speechless...
I already loved Godblind - but Darksoul is even better!
This one is a rollercoaster of a ride. Anna Stephens manages to balance just enough hope to keep you invested with utter bleakness and many deaths and unexpected turns and twists. Nobody is save in this series - and yet not everyone gets killed off and there's still always a glimmer of hope. It just HAS TO work out in the end - doesn't it? At least you are glued to the pages waiting to see and hoping. Always hoping...
I devoured it. I love the characters - the good as much as the bad! They are all well fleshed out full personalities, not cardboard cutouts. Some I wish would die, others I don't want to lose! They are definitely one of the authors specialities!
There's plenty of action mixed with politics, friendships, war, religion, betrayals and lots of character growth. It has everything I want in a book - and more.
Darksoul is still brand new - and already I can't wait for the sequel! This definitely is becoming one of my all-time favourite series!
I already loved Godblind - but Darksoul is even better!
This one is a rollercoaster of a ride. Anna Stephens manages to balance just enough hope to keep you invested with utter bleakness and many deaths and unexpected turns and twists. Nobody is save in this series - and yet not everyone gets killed off and there's still always a glimmer of hope. It just HAS TO work out in the end - doesn't it? At least you are glued to the pages waiting to see and hoping. Always hoping...
I devoured it. I love the characters - the good as much as the bad! They are all well fleshed out full personalities, not cardboard cutouts. Some I wish would die, others I don't want to lose! They are definitely one of the authors specialities!
There's plenty of action mixed with politics, friendships, war, religion, betrayals and lots of character growth. It has everything I want in a book - and more.
Darksoul is still brand new - and already I can't wait for the sequel! This definitely is becoming one of my all-time favourite series!
February 1, 2020
Middle books are tricky, as are second books. This one did much to lose my goodwill in the first half, but Anna Stephens once again left me more or less okay by the end.
Not a book for those who dislike violence, swearing, festering wounds, sieges, betrayals and widespread murderdeathkilling. And in the end, I think this series _is_ too grimdark for me and I’m still no closer to (although also no further away from) being ready to make the case that yes, but at least its feminist grimdark.
Full review
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Not a book for those who dislike violence, swearing, festering wounds, sieges, betrayals and widespread murderdeathkilling. And in the end, I think this series _is_ too grimdark for me and I’m still no closer to (although also no further away from) being ready to make the case that yes, but at least its feminist grimdark.
Full review
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2020
Non stop action and adrenaline from start to finish! I do not exagerrate. Darksoul covers the siege and battle for Rilporin. And no-one is safe. I have run the gamut of emotions from shock and awe to anger and heartbreak. Throw in some astonishing moments of exhilaration and I can tell you I am absolutely exhausted! What a ride!
Go and read this I dare you!
EDIT: I just finished my re-read and I 100% stand by my review. Absolutely bloody brilliant! I'm finally going to start the last book in the trilogy tomorrow and I can't wait! I'd start it now if it wasn't 1.30 in the morning!!!
Go and read this I dare you!
EDIT: I just finished my re-read and I 100% stand by my review. Absolutely bloody brilliant! I'm finally going to start the last book in the trilogy tomorrow and I can't wait! I'd start it now if it wasn't 1.30 in the morning!!!
April 25, 2019
This is a leaner book than its predecessor, and I think it's the better for it. Stephens has pared down the scope to a single city and a single battle, a fantasy Siege of Stalingrad that is every bit as bloody and visceral as it sounds. It has more of a mythic feel than Godblind for all that, with actual living gods of death stalking the battlefield and laying waste around them.
This is what I think of as Extreme Grimdark, the Death Metal of fantasy literature. It's not going to be to everyone's taste for that very reason, but I absolutely loved every blood-drenched minute of it.
This is what I think of as Extreme Grimdark, the Death Metal of fantasy literature. It's not going to be to everyone's taste for that very reason, but I absolutely loved every blood-drenched minute of it.
October 18, 2018
Yes this is my book - I'm awarding the stars to the excellent narrator Maggie Ollerenshaw, who has once again done a spectacular job in bringing my characters, settings and worlds to life. Her narration as the Dark Lady is simply sublime - and terrifying.
She also teased out the humour in the bleakest setting and the love among the hatred, and I'm so thankful she's narrating this series.
She also teased out the humour in the bleakest setting and the love among the hatred, and I'm so thankful she's narrating this series.
September 8, 2022
I'm assuming that the people who disliked Godblind because of the gore, language, and rape didn't continue the series, and maybe I shouldn't have either, but I found the Gods, the characters, and the plot intriguing enough to keep reading.
Here the pacing was too slow for me, and since the entire book is one long siege/battle, I quickly grew bored of the fighting. I do, however, love quite a few of these characters, and am now irrevocably attached and so will have to read the third book too.
Here the pacing was too slow for me, and since the entire book is one long siege/battle, I quickly grew bored of the fighting. I do, however, love quite a few of these characters, and am now irrevocably attached and so will have to read the third book too.
June 11, 2019
After ruminating for months I have come to this conclusion:
- I hate magical babies
- I hate magical babies
- I HATE MAGICAL GOD DAMN BITCHASS BABIES
- how dare you disrespect Rilirin, an escaped sex slave, by reducing her importance to the baby incubator of the chosen one. It’s honestly really gross to start off a series by giving a character agency after such a brutal life and claiming she’s the one that will change the war only to reveal it’s because of her uterus. I have no time for that disgusting shit fuck right off please and thank you.
- I hate magical babies
- I hate magical babies
- I HATE MAGICAL GOD DAMN BITCHASS BABIES
- how dare you disrespect Rilirin, an escaped sex slave, by reducing her importance to the baby incubator of the chosen one. It’s honestly really gross to start off a series by giving a character agency after such a brutal life and claiming she’s the one that will change the war only to reveal it’s because of her uterus. I have no time for that disgusting shit fuck right off please and thank you.
September 19, 2018
Review to follow...
November 3, 2018
Phew, wipes blood & gore from face. That was a blood-fest!
August 8, 2018
An unrelenting, heart-hammering, merciless thrill ride!
Darksoul is the second book in the Godblind Trilogy, and what a book it is!
It picks up Godblind’s bloodied reins and digs its spurs in, sending us galloping down a dark road and testing the strength of our resolve (as well as the strength of our stomachs…). But don’t be put off by that, because there is so much more to Darksoul’s pages than its dark tone. Anna Stephens injects so much emotion into the story and its characters, she makes you care, makes you fear every described stroke of a blade, for that could be the stroke that ends the person you have grown to care for. It can be exhausting, but in the best way possible, with levels of threat I haven’t seen since Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series (meaning you can’t bet on ANYONE making it through to the end) and for me that is one of the most exciting aspects of grimdark, and even more impressive to me as I believe it is a difficult thing to execute well.
The focus of the story is on the siege of Rilporin, and the level of research really shines through (unless Anna has been in a siege, and based on this book if she told me she had I wouldn’t disbelieve her). The execution of that research is what impresses the most. It would be so easy to paint the pages in dull tones of exposition, drowning readers in realism, as can sometimes be the case in HisFic, or even Fantasy for that matter, but the siege unfolds organically, through the characters thoughts, feelings and dialogue. Anna covers all aspects: Fighting, logistics, maintenance, food and drink, rotation of soldiers, and safety of the non-combatants. It is so much more than attackers v defenders, with the tiniest details playing vital roles on both sides of the fight. And then of course there are the details pertinent to Anna’s created world. People are trying to bring gods back to earth after all…
The action itself is definitely worth a mention. Here is a woman that understands combat, both on the small scale and in larger battles. Fight scenes are visceral, real, and frantic. And the story itself is chock full of spectacular set pieces. I’m still catching my breath!
The writing was something else I took note of. Not to say the writing in Godblind was poor, quite the contrary, but I have been following Anna’s writing career, her short stories featuring Syl Stoneheart, and Crys Tailorson, as well as her novels, and in Darksoul I can see her maturing as a writer, refining her craft through leaner prose, wonderfully dynamic dialogue, and some lovely sensory descriptions.
My only criticism (more of an observation really) is there are a couple of chapters that bring the pace down, which I suppose is unavoidable when you consider the bulk of what happens is a battle. I won’t mark the book down for it because I have no idea how you could remedy it without putting those chapters somewhere even more cumbersome or in a different book altogether (and for the sake of the chronology, that would be a really poor choice) those chapters where this does occur need to happen where they do, and on reflection, it probably gave me a much needed rest from the breakneck pace.
So! In conclusion:
I loved this book! Godblind was one of the best books I read in 2017 and Darksoul carried that tradition on into 2018. The finest siege I’ve read since the late legend David Gemmell wrote… Legend!
Be ready to buy this on the 23rd, you will not regret it!
Darksoul is the second book in the Godblind Trilogy, and what a book it is!
It picks up Godblind’s bloodied reins and digs its spurs in, sending us galloping down a dark road and testing the strength of our resolve (as well as the strength of our stomachs…). But don’t be put off by that, because there is so much more to Darksoul’s pages than its dark tone. Anna Stephens injects so much emotion into the story and its characters, she makes you care, makes you fear every described stroke of a blade, for that could be the stroke that ends the person you have grown to care for. It can be exhausting, but in the best way possible, with levels of threat I haven’t seen since Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series (meaning you can’t bet on ANYONE making it through to the end) and for me that is one of the most exciting aspects of grimdark, and even more impressive to me as I believe it is a difficult thing to execute well.
The focus of the story is on the siege of Rilporin, and the level of research really shines through (unless Anna has been in a siege, and based on this book if she told me she had I wouldn’t disbelieve her). The execution of that research is what impresses the most. It would be so easy to paint the pages in dull tones of exposition, drowning readers in realism, as can sometimes be the case in HisFic, or even Fantasy for that matter, but the siege unfolds organically, through the characters thoughts, feelings and dialogue. Anna covers all aspects: Fighting, logistics, maintenance, food and drink, rotation of soldiers, and safety of the non-combatants. It is so much more than attackers v defenders, with the tiniest details playing vital roles on both sides of the fight. And then of course there are the details pertinent to Anna’s created world. People are trying to bring gods back to earth after all…
The action itself is definitely worth a mention. Here is a woman that understands combat, both on the small scale and in larger battles. Fight scenes are visceral, real, and frantic. And the story itself is chock full of spectacular set pieces. I’m still catching my breath!
The writing was something else I took note of. Not to say the writing in Godblind was poor, quite the contrary, but I have been following Anna’s writing career, her short stories featuring Syl Stoneheart, and Crys Tailorson, as well as her novels, and in Darksoul I can see her maturing as a writer, refining her craft through leaner prose, wonderfully dynamic dialogue, and some lovely sensory descriptions.
My only criticism (more of an observation really) is there are a couple of chapters that bring the pace down, which I suppose is unavoidable when you consider the bulk of what happens is a battle. I won’t mark the book down for it because I have no idea how you could remedy it without putting those chapters somewhere even more cumbersome or in a different book altogether (and for the sake of the chronology, that would be a really poor choice) those chapters where this does occur need to happen where they do, and on reflection, it probably gave me a much needed rest from the breakneck pace.
So! In conclusion:
I loved this book! Godblind was one of the best books I read in 2017 and Darksoul carried that tradition on into 2018. The finest siege I’ve read since the late legend David Gemmell wrote… Legend!
Be ready to buy this on the 23rd, you will not regret it!
September 30, 2019
The second book in the Godblind trilogy, Darksoul focuses on the war between the Mireces and Rilpor. Now, normally I hate war scenes in books and endless descriptions of fighting. I prefer the political fighting and backstabbing. BUT THIS BOOK THOUGH!
It was as gory and violent and fucked-up as the first book and I loved every second of it! Despite the fact that the majority of this book is the fighting and battling, there was still enough plot for me to power through it, and the plot points and twists did not disappoint. .
Going into the last book, my favourite characters have to be Crys, Ash and Tara. I think their characters are the best and have the best development over the two books so far, and they're all badass fighting machines and they're my precious little cinnamon buns. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing Tara kick some more butt in the next book and
Really loved this book and cannot wait to get my hands on Bloodchild!!
It was as gory and violent and fucked-up as the first book and I loved every second of it! Despite the fact that the majority of this book is the fighting and battling, there was still enough plot for me to power through it, and the plot points and twists did not disappoint. .
Going into the last book, my favourite characters have to be Crys, Ash and Tara. I think their characters are the best and have the best development over the two books so far, and they're all badass fighting machines and they're my precious little cinnamon buns. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing Tara kick some more butt in the next book and
Really loved this book and cannot wait to get my hands on Bloodchild!!
September 6, 2018
Darksoul, my review.
If possible Darksoul is even bleaker than its predecessor Godblind.... With the action centering on the seige of Rilporin. As the Red God worshipping Mireces and the forces of the traitor prince Rivil try desperately to force their way in using both guile and muscle, it's left to commander Durdil to keep them out at all costs.
With the story told from multiple points of view there was a danger that pacing might have suffered, but this is not the case... If anything the tension is wracked up to almost unbearable levels... As the battle sways first one way then the other ... With many heroic acts and some despicable going unnoticed. The fight scenes are a thing of horrific beauty to read and there is a sense of mania from both sides as both Durdil and his son Mace use every trick in the book to keep the attackers at bay... But with the vale to the other side tearing the gods start to make an appearance for both sides and as the body count rises and last acts of desperation are made it's time for the Red Gods to walk the earth and for the Trickster god of light to try and stop them...
If you haven't read Godblind then do yourself a favour read that then this, if you like Grimdark then you won't be disappointed.
If possible Darksoul is even bleaker than its predecessor Godblind.... With the action centering on the seige of Rilporin. As the Red God worshipping Mireces and the forces of the traitor prince Rivil try desperately to force their way in using both guile and muscle, it's left to commander Durdil to keep them out at all costs.
With the story told from multiple points of view there was a danger that pacing might have suffered, but this is not the case... If anything the tension is wracked up to almost unbearable levels... As the battle sways first one way then the other ... With many heroic acts and some despicable going unnoticed. The fight scenes are a thing of horrific beauty to read and there is a sense of mania from both sides as both Durdil and his son Mace use every trick in the book to keep the attackers at bay... But with the vale to the other side tearing the gods start to make an appearance for both sides and as the body count rises and last acts of desperation are made it's time for the Red Gods to walk the earth and for the Trickster god of light to try and stop them...
If you haven't read Godblind then do yourself a favour read that then this, if you like Grimdark then you won't be disappointed.
January 18, 2023
I thought that Anna's debut book, Godblind, was excellent, but Darksoul blows it out of the water. Whereas the first book happened over a large expanse of territory, the second book takes place in a single city under siege.
This book is essentially one large battle, and it's fantastic. Well-written, exciting, brutal, but above all, the characters are people you want to read about. Even the bad guys, who are suitably awful and any comeuppance that comes their way will make you smile.
This is a book that pulls on your heart-strings one moment, and makes you wonder how Anna is ever going to top an action scene the next. The story flies by, and by the end of it you're left as exhausted as the characters doing the fighting.
I can't recommend this enough.
This book is essentially one large battle, and it's fantastic. Well-written, exciting, brutal, but above all, the characters are people you want to read about. Even the bad guys, who are suitably awful and any comeuppance that comes their way will make you smile.
This is a book that pulls on your heart-strings one moment, and makes you wonder how Anna is ever going to top an action scene the next. The story flies by, and by the end of it you're left as exhausted as the characters doing the fighting.
I can't recommend this enough.
October 31, 2018
Second books in trilogies can either make or break a series. With Darksoul, it definitely makes. The writing is evocative, the imagery superb, and the storytelling top class. Emotions? I felt them all. Cannot wait for the final in the series. Special shout-out to Tara's epic lesson in truth right at the end.
August 7, 2018
This book is incredible, I loved every traumatic second of it.
I know I don't have the vocabulary to convey how good this book is but I'll try...
Anna Stephens has done a phenomenal job of making the reader feel invested in each and every character. I cried at the death of minor characters, I cried at the sacrifice of unnamed soldiers and I cried at every heart wrenching, impossible thing that Mace had to endure. In short - I cried throughout most of the book. I also cheered, wailed and winced so thankfully I wasn't reading it on public transport!
The pace of this book is relentless and demanding which suits the story perfectly.
The settings are described vividly and the plot is well put together with nothing that takes you out the story but the real triumph is the characters.
I gave Godblind 5 stars and I thought that was flawless - Darksoul is better and I want to know when I can pre-order book 3.
ARC via Netgalley.
I know I don't have the vocabulary to convey how good this book is but I'll try...
Anna Stephens has done a phenomenal job of making the reader feel invested in each and every character. I cried at the death of minor characters, I cried at the sacrifice of unnamed soldiers and I cried at every heart wrenching, impossible thing that Mace had to endure. In short - I cried throughout most of the book. I also cheered, wailed and winced so thankfully I wasn't reading it on public transport!
The pace of this book is relentless and demanding which suits the story perfectly.
The settings are described vividly and the plot is well put together with nothing that takes you out the story but the real triumph is the characters.
I gave Godblind 5 stars and I thought that was flawless - Darksoul is better and I want to know when I can pre-order book 3.
ARC via Netgalley.
October 13, 2018
Anna Stephens pulls no punches in this spectacular sequel to Godblind. The action focusses on Rilporin, where the forces of the Red Gods hold the city under siege. My favourite characters were in a fairly sorry state at the end of the first tome (those still alive, at least) and there was an anxious wait to see how the cliffhangers would resolve. It’s not much of a spoiler to say that this, like Godblind, is not a particularly happy tale for all concerned. It’s barbarous, bloody, heart rending and heart stopping.
It is, however, a complete joy to read. The pace is relentless; the plot remains intricate, unexpected, and at times wracking with its twists and turns. There were so many moments silently screaming, ‘Why, Anna, WHHHHYYYY???’ But have faith, she knows where she’s going, there is a tremendous pressure built up to a cracking finale. Hugely satisfying and I cannot wait for the next one!
It is, however, a complete joy to read. The pace is relentless; the plot remains intricate, unexpected, and at times wracking with its twists and turns. There were so many moments silently screaming, ‘Why, Anna, WHHHHYYYY???’ But have faith, she knows where she’s going, there is a tremendous pressure built up to a cracking finale. Hugely satisfying and I cannot wait for the next one!
September 24, 2018
The short version of this review: OMFG! Where's the next one? I need it now!
Okay, calm. Take a breath.
Whew.
I'd started reading this slowly. Not because of anything to do with the book, but just because lots of travelling and work made it hard to get in the frame of mind to read. But I'm glad I forced myself to, as once I got over halfway through I found I needed to keep going until I was done.
Just like the first book in the series, Godblind, this story barrels forward at a mile a minute. You wouldn't think that possible for an entire book centred around a siege, notoriously the most boring and protracted form of warfare, but it definitely is. There's so much going on behind the scenes that it's almost hard to keep up.
Luckily, Anna Stephens has a no-nonsense writing style that makes it easier. You won't have to flip back and forth to remember who characters are, and the plot threads are never left to dangle. The set ups pay off, and you spend half the time with your heart in your throat.
The climax is unique, particularly for the middle book of a trilogy. You have to wonder how it can be topped, but of course it perfectly sets up book three and the stakes have been raised considerably. Which in turn leads us back to the question at the start of this review: when can we expect the next one?
It's a cracking read, and if you're not already into this series I suggest you bump it up so it's next on your reading list.
Okay, calm. Take a breath.
Whew.
I'd started reading this slowly. Not because of anything to do with the book, but just because lots of travelling and work made it hard to get in the frame of mind to read. But I'm glad I forced myself to, as once I got over halfway through I found I needed to keep going until I was done.
Just like the first book in the series, Godblind, this story barrels forward at a mile a minute. You wouldn't think that possible for an entire book centred around a siege, notoriously the most boring and protracted form of warfare, but it definitely is. There's so much going on behind the scenes that it's almost hard to keep up.
Luckily, Anna Stephens has a no-nonsense writing style that makes it easier. You won't have to flip back and forth to remember who characters are, and the plot threads are never left to dangle. The set ups pay off, and you spend half the time with your heart in your throat.
The climax is unique, particularly for the middle book of a trilogy. You have to wonder how it can be topped, but of course it perfectly sets up book three and the stakes have been raised considerably. Which in turn leads us back to the question at the start of this review: when can we expect the next one?
It's a cracking read, and if you're not already into this series I suggest you bump it up so it's next on your reading list.
April 3, 2023
"Darksoul" by Anna Stephens is a captivating second installment in her "Godblind" trilogy. This epic fantasy novel continues the story from "Godblind" with even more intense battles, intriguing political machinations, and complex characters that I fell in love with in the first book.
Stephens' world-building is masterful, and the stakes are even higher in "Darksoul" than in the previous book. The story is dark, gritty, and intense, and the pacing is perfect, with non-stop action and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-crafted and multi-dimensional, with distinct personalities and motivations that make them feel real and relatable. The main character, Heloise, continues to grow and develop in this second installment, and I found myself rooting for her even more as she navigated the dangerous world around her.
Overall, "Darksoul" is a fantastic second book in the "Godblind" trilogy, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves epic fantasy. Anna Stephens' writing is top-notch, and she has created a world that is both immersive and unforgettable. I cannot wait to see how the trilogy concludes in the final book, and I am sure it will be just as epic and thrilling as the first two books.
Stephens' world-building is masterful, and the stakes are even higher in "Darksoul" than in the previous book. The story is dark, gritty, and intense, and the pacing is perfect, with non-stop action and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-crafted and multi-dimensional, with distinct personalities and motivations that make them feel real and relatable. The main character, Heloise, continues to grow and develop in this second installment, and I found myself rooting for her even more as she navigated the dangerous world around her.
Overall, "Darksoul" is a fantastic second book in the "Godblind" trilogy, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves epic fantasy. Anna Stephens' writing is top-notch, and she has created a world that is both immersive and unforgettable. I cannot wait to see how the trilogy concludes in the final book, and I am sure it will be just as epic and thrilling as the first two books.
August 24, 2019
This perfection of brutally shocking Grimdark makes Joe Abercrombie novels looks like a Gilligan's Island rerun in comparison. And it is certainly one of the finest Fantasy novels I've read. An impossible to put down, thrilling adventure. Zoomed through it in a day. Cannot wait for the final novel which I should have in hand by next month. This one, like the first, I have added to my all-time-favorites shelf. Cannot recommend this one highly enough. This is the Fantasy series you should be reading this year.
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