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Dark Arts #3
The Shadow Commission
The wizards of the Cold War must uncover a secret cabal responsible for the Kennedy assassination in The Shadow Commission, New York Times bestselling author David Mack's globe-spanning historical fantasy sequel to
The Iron Codex.
November 1963. Cade and Anja have lived in hiding for a decade, training new mages. Then the assassination of President Kennedy trigger a series of murders whose victims are all magicians—with Cade, Anja, and their allies as its prime targets. Their only hope of learning how to fight back against the sinister cabal known as the Shadow Commission.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
November 1963. Cade and Anja have lived in hiding for a decade, training new mages. Then the assassination of President Kennedy trigger a series of murders whose victims are all magicians—with Cade, Anja, and their allies as its prime targets. Their only hope of learning how to fight back against the sinister cabal known as the Shadow Commission.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
19 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
David Mack
116 books668 followersDavid Mack is the New York Times bestselling author of 39 novels of science-fiction, fantasy, and adventure, including the Star Trek Destiny and Cold Equations trilogies.
Beyond novels, Mack's writing credits span several media, including television (for produced episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), games, and comic books.
Follow him on Twitter @davidalanmack or like his Facebook page.
Beyond novels, Mack's writing credits span several media, including television (for produced episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), games, and comic books.
Follow him on Twitter @davidalanmack or like his Facebook page.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 12, 2020
I am too ashamed to tell you how little I read before I decided I couldn't read any more of this book.
First, and in my defence, this is book three in a series, and not really the start of a spin-off series as NetGalley led me to believe. Consequently, the narrative bounced between (I kid you not) monks in Nepal, four elderly oligarchs plotting in London, two magicians running a magic school in Greece, talk of Nazi magicians and some sort of FBI style magical agent in the US. There's a supernatural murder and an rumour of an attempted assassination of President Kennedy. I'm sure if I had read the two preceding books some of this would have made sense or at least I might have recognised some of the characters.
Second, mixing recent history with magic and a murder mystery plot seemed like at least one element too many.
Finally, I found the writing style to be laboured, the Sam Spade style of speaking, the downloading of all the backstory which is just lobbed at the reader in indigestible dollops. I don't care about what musician's music is playing in the background, or what flavour icing someone is putting on the cake, or minute details of the inner workings of a character's mind.
I must have started and given up on this book six or seven times and given up after a few pages. Eventually I decided it just wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
First, and in my defence, this is book three in a series, and not really the start of a spin-off series as NetGalley led me to believe. Consequently, the narrative bounced between (I kid you not) monks in Nepal, four elderly oligarchs plotting in London, two magicians running a magic school in Greece, talk of Nazi magicians and some sort of FBI style magical agent in the US. There's a supernatural murder and an rumour of an attempted assassination of President Kennedy. I'm sure if I had read the two preceding books some of this would have made sense or at least I might have recognised some of the characters.
Second, mixing recent history with magic and a murder mystery plot seemed like at least one element too many.
Finally, I found the writing style to be laboured, the Sam Spade style of speaking, the downloading of all the backstory which is just lobbed at the reader in indigestible dollops. I don't care about what musician's music is playing in the background, or what flavour icing someone is putting on the cake, or minute details of the inner workings of a character's mind.
I must have started and given up on this book six or seven times and given up after a few pages. Eventually I decided it just wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 8, 2020
Star Trek literature introduced my to David Mack's writing about a decade and a half ago, and I've yet to be disappointed in any of his works. The Star Trek Destiny trilogy and Star Trek Vanguard series cemented Mr. Mack as one of my all-time favorite Trek authors, and when his original fiction began to see the light of day, starting with The Calling, I was sure to follow it just as I do his (not nearly enough) Trek work.
The Dark Arts series has been a very enjoyable experience, from its original concepts to execution (pun intended, in Mack's case), with engaging characters and wonderful prose. The Shadow Commission follows in the footsteps of its two immediate predecessors (The Midnight Front and The Iron Codex) and earlier "cousin" (The Calling), offering a riveting, fast and exciting reading experience.
One thing that's been on my mind, though, is the conclusion. For several years, The Dark Arts series had been referred to as a "trilogy", but in that aspect, The Shadow Commission doesn't *feel* like a 'true' conclusion, with some elements (relating to the larger fictional world Mack created, and for me were one of the highlights of these books) left dangling.
While I hope for more Dark Arts novels to explore this world's secret history and bring those elements to the center of the plot, I still wish this had been a more 'set in stone' conclusion for the narratives presented in the series (there's no problem in creating new series/narratives in this world a-la The Calling).
All in all, and even with the (too) open-ended conclusion, I very much enjoyed the novel and recommend it to readers of urban fantasy, historical thrillers, and fans of Mr. Mack's writing.
The Dark Arts series has been a very enjoyable experience, from its original concepts to execution (pun intended, in Mack's case), with engaging characters and wonderful prose. The Shadow Commission follows in the footsteps of its two immediate predecessors (The Midnight Front and The Iron Codex) and earlier "cousin" (The Calling), offering a riveting, fast and exciting reading experience.
One thing that's been on my mind, though, is the conclusion. For several years, The Dark Arts series had been referred to as a "trilogy", but in that aspect, The Shadow Commission doesn't *feel* like a 'true' conclusion, with some elements (relating to the larger fictional world Mack created, and for me were one of the highlights of these books) left dangling.
While I hope for more Dark Arts novels to explore this world's secret history and bring those elements to the center of the plot, I still wish this had been a more 'set in stone' conclusion for the narratives presented in the series (there's no problem in creating new series/narratives in this world a-la The Calling).
All in all, and even with the (too) open-ended conclusion, I very much enjoyed the novel and recommend it to readers of urban fantasy, historical thrillers, and fans of Mr. Mack's writing.
June 15, 2020
What a great discovery! It's a gripping, action packed and fast paced story that kept me hooked till the last page.
I loved the plot, the excellent world building and the great cast of characters.
It's strongly recommended.
I received this arc from the publisher in exchenge for a honest review.
I loved the plot, the excellent world building and the great cast of characters.
It's strongly recommended.
I received this arc from the publisher in exchenge for a honest review.
August 13, 2020
These books are really something else! Humans harnessing the powers of demons and angels, spy craft, conspiracies, and all during different decades of time. I really enjoyed it and hope the author can write more of them. The author posted awhile back and it’s iffy if Tor will contract him for more books so please tell your friends out and support quality authors. I believe Tor has already dropped at least two A+ series (Marc Turner’s Chronicles of the Exile and Glen Cook’s Instrumentalities of the Night) because they were not happy with sales.
Although there are several series that I think are “better” these are so much fun and the pages fly by. I would easily recommend them to people not used to reading books, but loves action movies and wants to give the fantasy genre a try as long as there are no elves, dwarfs etc. Although the fantasy genre is my jam and I obviously enjoy them too. There is definitely a ending but leaves room for more installments in this world.
Although there are several series that I think are “better” these are so much fun and the pages fly by. I would easily recommend them to people not used to reading books, but loves action movies and wants to give the fantasy genre a try as long as there are no elves, dwarfs etc. Although the fantasy genre is my jam and I obviously enjoy them too. There is definitely a ending but leaves room for more installments in this world.
March 30, 2020
Wow. Note to self: don't read any more of this series. It's well written, well edited, well told, but the body count is really brutal. Not just in nameless mooks (though certainly that), but in people who matter very much to the main characters. Many, many people. So many.
The main characters, though flawed, are deeply principled, which is why instead of trying to buy them off, a reclusive billionaire who's trying to get a monopoly on magick orders them killed. That... doesn't work out well for anyone.
The series is gradually making its way through the decades; the first (which I haven't read) was in World War II, the second in the 1950s, and this one is in the 1960s, and involves a secret history of the Kennedy assassination. The historical side seems well handled, as far as I can tell, being no expert; no glaring anachronisms leaped out at me. The ceremonial/goetic magic(k) has a bit more colour and heft than the usual invented-out-of-nothing urban fantasy magic. The main characters' background as spies is well used. There's a heist, albeit a brief one. There are many, many desperate fights (with the aforesaid high body count), which are well described.
Even though it's much more violent than I prefer (with a large helping of swearing and some drug use), I never seriously considered stopping, because it's extremely well done. Just not the kind of thing I really like to read, sadly. I'm giving it four stars anyway, for quality.
I received a copy via Netgalley for review.
The main characters, though flawed, are deeply principled, which is why instead of trying to buy them off, a reclusive billionaire who's trying to get a monopoly on magick orders them killed. That... doesn't work out well for anyone.
The series is gradually making its way through the decades; the first (which I haven't read) was in World War II, the second in the 1950s, and this one is in the 1960s, and involves a secret history of the Kennedy assassination. The historical side seems well handled, as far as I can tell, being no expert; no glaring anachronisms leaped out at me. The ceremonial/goetic magic(k) has a bit more colour and heft than the usual invented-out-of-nothing urban fantasy magic. The main characters' background as spies is well used. There's a heist, albeit a brief one. There are many, many desperate fights (with the aforesaid high body count), which are well described.
Even though it's much more violent than I prefer (with a large helping of swearing and some drug use), I never seriously considered stopping, because it's extremely well done. Just not the kind of thing I really like to read, sadly. I'm giving it four stars anyway, for quality.
I received a copy via Netgalley for review.
August 4, 2020
Entertaining and action-packed. A very plot focused novel, and hence there's little space to reflect on the deeper aspects of characterisation. As a sequel it works quite well in carrying further the premise of a world caught betwixt magic and science, and monopolising them. It wasn't that dark or grim, rather it has a certain oppressive tension in the narrative.
I liked the story. The pacing was fast, and the writing was smooth. Mack does a good job in portraying the political scenario after the cold war. There's a subtle dig at capitalism, and the author tries to show how the world order is controled by a elite few, fueled by ambition, wealth, and power.
The characters were pretty much the same. Anja is more stoic and calm in the face of disastrous events. Briet also adapts to her new role, and her interactions with Anja and Cade are pretty much compelled by necessity. Cade has grown, yet we don't get to see much of his resourcefulness. He walks into traps set by the enemy without planning for contingencies. And, in my opinion, as an experienced and powerful magician he appears to be infuriatingly naive. The antagonist was pretty much the rookie villain with dreams of world domination.
The action is explosive when it comes. And, there is a high level of body count in this novel. Most of the people die horribly. As for the ending, I'm not sure where the author is heading. I hope we get to see more of heaven and hell, apart from the uses mortals turn to them in their own convenience. I'm definitely interested to know of what happens to Cade's work, and the Devil's plan to ressurect the dead god.
I liked the story. The pacing was fast, and the writing was smooth. Mack does a good job in portraying the political scenario after the cold war. There's a subtle dig at capitalism, and the author tries to show how the world order is controled by a elite few, fueled by ambition, wealth, and power.
The characters were pretty much the same. Anja is more stoic and calm in the face of disastrous events. Briet also adapts to her new role, and her interactions with Anja and Cade are pretty much compelled by necessity. Cade has grown, yet we don't get to see much of his resourcefulness. He walks into traps set by the enemy without planning for contingencies. And, in my opinion, as an experienced and powerful magician he appears to be infuriatingly naive. The antagonist was pretty much the rookie villain with dreams of world domination.
The action is explosive when it comes. And, there is a high level of body count in this novel. Most of the people die horribly. As for the ending, I'm not sure where the author is heading. I hope we get to see more of heaven and hell, apart from the uses mortals turn to them in their own convenience. I'm definitely interested to know of what happens to Cade's work, and the Devil's plan to ressurect the dead god.
August 29, 2020
Dave is a long-time friend so I am biased in his favor. That out of the way, I found the concluding chapter of the Dark Arts trilogy to be strong and powerful, the kind of devastation one expects from the "Angel fo Death" of authors.
We are now in 1963 and we're dealing with the JFK assassination and someone wiping out the karcists around the world. Cade, Anja, and Briet uneasily reunite to protect those that are left and find the culprit. We globetrot, fight all many of beasties, and build to an exciting climax in the European mountains.
I wish the Old Man and the Shadow Commission were more interesting antagonists, and feel they underdeveloped to feel like the threat they are meant to be.
I'm also sorry the series ends here (for now I hope) because watching the developments over the decades has been one of the most interesting aspects of the trilogy.
If you like dark, urban fantasy with an interesting magic system, this remains recommended.
We are now in 1963 and we're dealing with the JFK assassination and someone wiping out the karcists around the world. Cade, Anja, and Briet uneasily reunite to protect those that are left and find the culprit. We globetrot, fight all many of beasties, and build to an exciting climax in the European mountains.
I wish the Old Man and the Shadow Commission were more interesting antagonists, and feel they underdeveloped to feel like the threat they are meant to be.
I'm also sorry the series ends here (for now I hope) because watching the developments over the decades has been one of the most interesting aspects of the trilogy.
If you like dark, urban fantasy with an interesting magic system, this remains recommended.
August 17, 2020
Enjoyable, but ultimately leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
This is a fun story - you probably could even read it without needing the previous two - but I felt ultimately disappointed by the end.
I also found the way the LGBT characters fared to be problematic, though kudos to Mack for showing a loving and stable polyamorous relationship.
This is a fun story - you probably could even read it without needing the previous two - but I felt ultimately disappointed by the end.
I also found the way the LGBT characters fared to be problematic, though kudos to Mack for showing a loving and stable polyamorous relationship.
October 13, 2020
David Mack tells of the hidden Magickal past. Lee Harvey Oswald’s bullet were magickally designed to break the wards protecting John Kennedy. The Shadow Commission (hard from Tor) behind the assassination is also attacking other mages including Cade and Anja who have worked together since World War II. Soon their friends and students are dying. Magick works by invoking demons to give super powers, and the tale is filled with super fights in which our heroes barely survive. Lots of light fun.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
August 14, 2020
The end for now (?) for the most enjoyable magical using characters I’ve encountered. I like the setting and the fast pace as everything gets upended. A rousing adventure to the end. I’ll miss some characters and hope that some day we see them again past the 1960s.
September 8, 2022
Interesting plot, abrupt ending
It's another fast paced story, but the ending was rather abrupt. I'm curious to read the continuation of this series, but I'm disappointed by the random turns of events.
It's another fast paced story, but the ending was rather abrupt. I'm curious to read the continuation of this series, but I'm disappointed by the random turns of events.
October 11, 2020
Wow. What an ending. Really good book and good trilogy.
January 12, 2021
Entertaining conclusion to a unique series. Very much enjoyed the mechanics of the world, the period settings, and the stakes involved.
March 10, 2021
4.5 Stars. More enjoyable than Book 2, so if you fell off the series, it's worth picking it back up.
February 7, 2023
Excellent addition to the series, lots of action and a great story of magic during the time of the Kennedy assassination.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series.
February 5, 2021
To be the finally book in a trilogy is not an easy job. And to write one must be even harder. But this book does this job with ease. Dragging me right back into the this amazing world, only to deliver a gut punch with the end. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews