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Godswar Chronicles #1
Dark Communion
Ayla carries a death sentence in her womb.
Minotaurs have enslaved her people for generations, using women as breeding stock.
Ayla cries out to her long-dead mother to save her, but it is a dark Goddess who answers. Offered the power to free her people at the price of her soul, Ayla becomes the Goddess' first chosen in a century -- the Harbinger of the Dark Queen.
But when the slavers hear of her fomenting revolution, will her faith be enough? With only her Goddess and with the woman she loves by her side, she'll raise an army...or die trying.
In a world where good and evil are in the eyes of the beholder, discover what happens when the heroes of Light reign supreme, and those left behind are forced to turn to the darkness for freedom.
Will you take the Dark Communion?
Minotaurs have enslaved her people for generations, using women as breeding stock.
Ayla cries out to her long-dead mother to save her, but it is a dark Goddess who answers. Offered the power to free her people at the price of her soul, Ayla becomes the Goddess' first chosen in a century -- the Harbinger of the Dark Queen.
But when the slavers hear of her fomenting revolution, will her faith be enough? With only her Goddess and with the woman she loves by her side, she'll raise an army...or die trying.
In a world where good and evil are in the eyes of the beholder, discover what happens when the heroes of Light reign supreme, and those left behind are forced to turn to the darkness for freedom.
Will you take the Dark Communion?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2016
68 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2017
I loved this book! It was such a brilliant example of what I expect from a good, dark fancy read. It had depth, a brilliant array of characters, a detailed plot and many twists, turns and options for those who wish to do ill to try and turn the story.
Firstly, the overall story is excellent. The author clearly spent a lot of time planning and creating such a deeply woven storyline, as it really made this book one that you become completely engrossed in and don't want to put down. It also meant that I felt hugely invested in the read and was always wondering what was about to take place or how my favourite characters who react to what was about to or had happened.
The characters took this brilliant story and made it alive, something that was going to grow and evolve into a story that I actually felt a part of. They were given a lot of thought and each was unique and full of depth and life. This meant that I felt particularly connected to them and, again, I found it hard to put the book down.
The pace wa spot on. It wa written to create angst and fear, with faster paces, but carried forth mostly with a medium pace, giving plenty of time to take in all the detailed surroundings and happenings. However, I never felt that it drug on or was rushed. It always seemed to be perfectly timed and written to that pace.
The story itself was fantastic and one I truly enjoyed reading. I hope many more ya and adult fantasy readers enjoy this book.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
Firstly, the overall story is excellent. The author clearly spent a lot of time planning and creating such a deeply woven storyline, as it really made this book one that you become completely engrossed in and don't want to put down. It also meant that I felt hugely invested in the read and was always wondering what was about to take place or how my favourite characters who react to what was about to or had happened.
The characters took this brilliant story and made it alive, something that was going to grow and evolve into a story that I actually felt a part of. They were given a lot of thought and each was unique and full of depth and life. This meant that I felt particularly connected to them and, again, I found it hard to put the book down.
The pace wa spot on. It wa written to create angst and fear, with faster paces, but carried forth mostly with a medium pace, giving plenty of time to take in all the detailed surroundings and happenings. However, I never felt that it drug on or was rushed. It always seemed to be perfectly timed and written to that pace.
The story itself was fantastic and one I truly enjoyed reading. I hope many more ya and adult fantasy readers enjoy this book.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
February 5, 2017
3.5 stars
“Dark Communion” by CJ Perry is a dark fantasy that starts the ‘Godswar Chronicles’ series. It is a twist on the tales of the minotaur, giving the story of the origin of the half bull-half human creature and his descendants. Those with triggers should be warned that there is a dark and twisted connection between minotaurs and those forced to bear their offspring, and considerable violence accompanying the struggle to overthrow these cruel and oppressive beings. Although there is a certain degree of satisfying resolution, this story serves as the introduction to a series so there are dangling threads.
I thought there were interesting twists on the Greek myth but events got a little hectic and confusing for me at times, as events unfolded and more bits of the world were revealed. I wasn’t quite convinced of the deep and supposedly romantic connection that forms between two major characters and I was puzzled by the dichotomy between the powers that get conferred and the lack of protection that often accompanied them. I think it would be great if subsequent stories give a little more depth to the various characters and a clearer idea of the pantheon that governs this world. This story includes elements of loyalty and treachery, courage and cowardice, and mystical and pragmatic occurrences that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of epic fantasy.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Dark Communion” by CJ Perry is a dark fantasy that starts the ‘Godswar Chronicles’ series. It is a twist on the tales of the minotaur, giving the story of the origin of the half bull-half human creature and his descendants. Those with triggers should be warned that there is a dark and twisted connection between minotaurs and those forced to bear their offspring, and considerable violence accompanying the struggle to overthrow these cruel and oppressive beings. Although there is a certain degree of satisfying resolution, this story serves as the introduction to a series so there are dangling threads.
I thought there were interesting twists on the Greek myth but events got a little hectic and confusing for me at times, as events unfolded and more bits of the world were revealed. I wasn’t quite convinced of the deep and supposedly romantic connection that forms between two major characters and I was puzzled by the dichotomy between the powers that get conferred and the lack of protection that often accompanied them. I think it would be great if subsequent stories give a little more depth to the various characters and a clearer idea of the pantheon that governs this world. This story includes elements of loyalty and treachery, courage and cowardice, and mystical and pragmatic occurrences that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of epic fantasy.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
September 17, 2017
Minotaurs have enslaved the human race. They are stronger than humans, which allowed for them to easily overtake them. Now, they keep them living on large farms for their own personal gain, and control every aspect of their lives. The most despicable thing is that they cannot reproduce on their own because they are all males, so they must impregnate a human woman in order to continue their line. The women are too weak to survive birthing a minotaur, so the women do everything they can to not become pregnant with one. The minotaurs are allowed to do whatever they want to their slaves, so they often simply take women and rape them to have children. This has been the last straw for the human race as they constantly see their mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters being killed while giving birth to a minotaur, or dying from the abuse of the minotaur masters.
Ayla has already seen her mother killed by giving birth to a minotaur, and now that she knows that she faces the same fate, she has nothing left to live for. One time in her sleep, a woman speaks to her and says that she is her mother, and she is a goddess. Ayla trades her soul to this goddess in order to start her journey of breaking the curse of the Minotaur. She an a mixmatched group of humans, including her closest ally and fellow slave girl Deetra, must find a way to defeat the minotaurs themselves, with the help of the Goddess. Along the way, they must battle the unfaithful, the minotaurs, and the Furless or humans who are secretly working with Minotaurs.
This book was dark, this book was not a fairytale, and if this book was made into a movie it would be considered horror. But as a story itself, I read an amazing dark adventure story. I loved all the characters, especially Ayla. She was a strong survivor of unspeakable horrors, and she never faltered in her faith towards her Mother. This book has LGBT representation as well, something that is often forgotten in the medieval-esque adventure/dystopian stories.
The story's plot was fast paced, but not to the point where I felt as if I was missing something. Several plot twists occur but it felt quite linear, which I enjoy in a story. Even though it is the first book in a series, I felt satisfied after reading this story, not feeling as if I had to go and run to read the next book because so much had been left unfinished.
Overall, I loved this book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an in depth fantasy story, but who isn't squeamish about a bit of extra goriness or violence.
Ayla has already seen her mother killed by giving birth to a minotaur, and now that she knows that she faces the same fate, she has nothing left to live for. One time in her sleep, a woman speaks to her and says that she is her mother, and she is a goddess. Ayla trades her soul to this goddess in order to start her journey of breaking the curse of the Minotaur. She an a mixmatched group of humans, including her closest ally and fellow slave girl Deetra, must find a way to defeat the minotaurs themselves, with the help of the Goddess. Along the way, they must battle the unfaithful, the minotaurs, and the Furless or humans who are secretly working with Minotaurs.
This book was dark, this book was not a fairytale, and if this book was made into a movie it would be considered horror. But as a story itself, I read an amazing dark adventure story. I loved all the characters, especially Ayla. She was a strong survivor of unspeakable horrors, and she never faltered in her faith towards her Mother. This book has LGBT representation as well, something that is often forgotten in the medieval-esque adventure/dystopian stories.
The story's plot was fast paced, but not to the point where I felt as if I was missing something. Several plot twists occur but it felt quite linear, which I enjoy in a story. Even though it is the first book in a series, I felt satisfied after reading this story, not feeling as if I had to go and run to read the next book because so much had been left unfinished.
Overall, I loved this book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an in depth fantasy story, but who isn't squeamish about a bit of extra goriness or violence.
August 14, 2017
Ordinarily, I don't take anything I get for free off Amazon seriously; these are books that are frequently unedited and/or self-published, so I cut them a ridiculous amount of slack. So much, unfortunately (or fortunately, as you'll see), that I often don't even bother to review them, because what can I say that was within the author's control? I exactly can't rag on a self-published book for showing a few signs of improper editing. This book, though, has an editor listed right up there under the title - Perry clearly wants people to take him seriously, so what the hell! Why not. Here comes a very serious and very negative review.
This was poorly edited, sexist, surprisingly flat and boring for the amount of gore the author crammed in a la Game of Thrones, and the best I can say about the writing is that at the very least, it did not make the situation worse by being difficult or tedious. For the most part, at least - especially towards the end of the book, the scene would abruptly change with absolutely no indication, not even a larger paragraph break, and we would be yanked away from Ayla on one side of the city to Deetra without any warning, and then right back, for no apparent reason; there were also some grammatical errors that threw me off just a bit, which normally I can gloss over, but I was already annoyed.
Annoyed because despite Perry claiming to be liberal, and despite this book having two arguably "strong" female characters, including the protagonist, this was such a blatantly sexist book that it took me by surprise. Women are frequently stated - not implied, stated - to be weaker, physically and mentally, and vastly less courageous; towards the end, the girls are sent with Deetra (the implied "butch" one) because of course, they're weaker and need a stronger, more inspiring figure to fight alongside them! I could have mistaken this for something written by Piers Anthony if it were any good. The only thing I can say is that the rape in this book is never played up for titillation; it's always handled with appropriate horror.
Despite being a quick read, this was also so, so very boring. Over halfway into the book, very little had happened; a few deaths of characters who are quickly forgotten, especially since we're never given a reason to care about them the first place, lots of pointlessly detailed violence (and a strange focus on descriptions of foul odors, for some reason), all of which happens very quickly, and yet. And yet. Nothing important. The final fifth of this book is where everything happens. Character development is minimal. Character depth is nonexistent. Hey, remember Alex? I barely do! Deetra surely didn't within a few pages. Shock value deaths do very little if you don't bother to give your characters the depth required to make the deaths shocking.
And, okay, look. This is not the worst book I've ever read. Yes, I hated it; no, I will not read the rest of the series; but no, I don't think the author is without any talent. Perhaps he'll even improve, if he keeps at it with an eye towards developing a clearer and more consistent voice, works on his pacing, and rethinks why he needs to mention that girls are weak and cowardly every few chapters. I don't think he's the author for me, though.
This was poorly edited, sexist, surprisingly flat and boring for the amount of gore the author crammed in a la Game of Thrones, and the best I can say about the writing is that at the very least, it did not make the situation worse by being difficult or tedious. For the most part, at least - especially towards the end of the book, the scene would abruptly change with absolutely no indication, not even a larger paragraph break, and we would be yanked away from Ayla on one side of the city to Deetra without any warning, and then right back, for no apparent reason; there were also some grammatical errors that threw me off just a bit, which normally I can gloss over, but I was already annoyed.
Annoyed because despite Perry claiming to be liberal, and despite this book having two arguably "strong" female characters, including the protagonist, this was such a blatantly sexist book that it took me by surprise. Women are frequently stated - not implied, stated - to be weaker, physically and mentally, and vastly less courageous; towards the end, the girls are sent with Deetra (the implied "butch" one) because of course, they're weaker and need a stronger, more inspiring figure to fight alongside them! I could have mistaken this for something written by Piers Anthony if it were any good. The only thing I can say is that the rape in this book is never played up for titillation; it's always handled with appropriate horror.
Despite being a quick read, this was also so, so very boring. Over halfway into the book, very little had happened; a few deaths of characters who are quickly forgotten, especially since we're never given a reason to care about them the first place, lots of pointlessly detailed violence (and a strange focus on descriptions of foul odors, for some reason), all of which happens very quickly, and yet. And yet. Nothing important. The final fifth of this book is where everything happens. Character development is minimal. Character depth is nonexistent. Hey, remember Alex? I barely do! Deetra surely didn't within a few pages. Shock value deaths do very little if you don't bother to give your characters the depth required to make the deaths shocking.
And, okay, look. This is not the worst book I've ever read. Yes, I hated it; no, I will not read the rest of the series; but no, I don't think the author is without any talent. Perhaps he'll even improve, if he keeps at it with an eye towards developing a clearer and more consistent voice, works on his pacing, and rethinks why he needs to mention that girls are weak and cowardly every few chapters. I don't think he's the author for me, though.
February 6, 2017
---3.5 Stars---
This book is book one of the Godswar Chronicles Series. I enjoyed that this was the first book as I was able to start right off from the beginning and not worry about missing the details from any previous books in the series.
This book starts off with the end of Ayla’s rape. I have to be honest; I was a little off put by this very dark, gruesome, and graphic beginning. I finished the first chapter and didn’t come back to the book for a couple of days.
I was pretty set on not liking this book and wasn’t sure I was even going to finish reading it. But I hate not knowing how things end. So I picked my tablet back up and continued reading this book. I am glad that I did, because the story was interesting and had strong developed characters.
In this book, the main character, Ayla decides she is tired of being a slave to the Minotaurs and makes a deal with The Goddess of Darkness. In exchange for her soul The Goddess gives Ayla the strength and power to fight the Minotaurs. The Goddess also instructs Ayla to find the Freeman as they will help her battle against the Minotaurs. However, the Minotaurs are hot on her trail and Ayla has to move fast to avoid capture and progress with her goals. It will take everything Ayla has to break the curse and set her people free – but Ayla is willing to do whatever it takes for the good of her people.
This book is full of non-stop action and there are a few surprises along the way.
This story had incredible world-building which is very important in fantasy books. I was very impressed with the significant detail that Mr. Perry provided. It was very easy to picture. Also, sometimes the magic powers can come across so fanatical. This was not the case in this book. Mr. Perry did a terrific job making this book easy to understand whether you are a regular to fantasy books or somewhat of a newbie like me.
I liked Ayla as she was a fighter, no matter what the Minotaurs did to her. I felt connected and bonded with the characters. I was quickly caught up in their story and found myself rooting for Ayla and cringing whenever something bad was about to happen.
As this book is the first book in a series, there are a lot of background details to help create the storyline and overall plot. Usually this can be quite overwhelming; however, Mr. Perry did a great job creating an even-toned, steady pace, and flowing storyline.
This storyline is something everyone will be able to connect to – the fight for power and the fight for freedom.
This book is a true dark, epic fantasy book that is full of interesting, intriguing, and just down right whoa scenes. There were definitely some moments I was like, “Did that really just happen?!” Lol! But as always I try to keep these reviews without any spoilers.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a classic fantasy book. However, I would not recommend this book to a younger crowd as it is a very dark, gruesome, and graphic book. I think many people will enjoy stepping into this fascinating and thought-proving world
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is book one of the Godswar Chronicles Series. I enjoyed that this was the first book as I was able to start right off from the beginning and not worry about missing the details from any previous books in the series.
This book starts off with the end of Ayla’s rape. I have to be honest; I was a little off put by this very dark, gruesome, and graphic beginning. I finished the first chapter and didn’t come back to the book for a couple of days.
I was pretty set on not liking this book and wasn’t sure I was even going to finish reading it. But I hate not knowing how things end. So I picked my tablet back up and continued reading this book. I am glad that I did, because the story was interesting and had strong developed characters.
In this book, the main character, Ayla decides she is tired of being a slave to the Minotaurs and makes a deal with The Goddess of Darkness. In exchange for her soul The Goddess gives Ayla the strength and power to fight the Minotaurs. The Goddess also instructs Ayla to find the Freeman as they will help her battle against the Minotaurs. However, the Minotaurs are hot on her trail and Ayla has to move fast to avoid capture and progress with her goals. It will take everything Ayla has to break the curse and set her people free – but Ayla is willing to do whatever it takes for the good of her people.
This book is full of non-stop action and there are a few surprises along the way.
This story had incredible world-building which is very important in fantasy books. I was very impressed with the significant detail that Mr. Perry provided. It was very easy to picture. Also, sometimes the magic powers can come across so fanatical. This was not the case in this book. Mr. Perry did a terrific job making this book easy to understand whether you are a regular to fantasy books or somewhat of a newbie like me.
I liked Ayla as she was a fighter, no matter what the Minotaurs did to her. I felt connected and bonded with the characters. I was quickly caught up in their story and found myself rooting for Ayla and cringing whenever something bad was about to happen.
As this book is the first book in a series, there are a lot of background details to help create the storyline and overall plot. Usually this can be quite overwhelming; however, Mr. Perry did a great job creating an even-toned, steady pace, and flowing storyline.
This storyline is something everyone will be able to connect to – the fight for power and the fight for freedom.
This book is a true dark, epic fantasy book that is full of interesting, intriguing, and just down right whoa scenes. There were definitely some moments I was like, “Did that really just happen?!” Lol! But as always I try to keep these reviews without any spoilers.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a classic fantasy book. However, I would not recommend this book to a younger crowd as it is a very dark, gruesome, and graphic book. I think many people will enjoy stepping into this fascinating and thought-proving world
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
January 18, 2017
Humans have been slaves to the Minotaur’s for two hundred years or more. The women are used as nothing more than baby making machines. In Dark Communion Ayla is a young woman who is fed up with being a slave to the Minotaur’s so one night when a minotaur comes to her room which she shares with her lover, Deetra, she decides to fight back and she kills the Minotaur. She knows that when the body of the Minotaur is discovered then she will be punished.
She knows the only thing for her to do now is to leave, run as far as she can before morning and hope they don’t find her. So she tells her Deetra that they have to leave and leave now but Deetra won’t go. Deetra is due in the fields tomorrow morning and if she doesn’t show up then they will surely find them but if she stays and goes to the fields to work then it will be that much longer before they find the body of the Minotaur and that will give Ayla more of a chance to get away. Ayla gets away but her friend Deetra is left to take the blame for killing the Minotaur and is the one to be punished.
Ayla is determined to save her people and to break the curse that holds her people slaves. She has enlisted the help of The Goddess of Darkness. The Goddess has given Ayla the power she needs to defeat her enemies. The Goddess tells her to go find the Freeman and they will help her. She finds the Freeman but then the Minotaurs find them all. But they do escape with the help of her new powers. So now Ayla with the help of the Freeman must battle against the Minotaur to break the curse and save her people from slavery. Can they beat the Minotaur? Will the Minotaur always be the master? Who will win the battle? Will Ayla and her people ever be free?
Dark Communion is filled with action from the very beginning and doesn’t stop until the end. With all the twist and turns there is no way to get bored. Ayla takes you down more roads than you could ever imagine. I have truly enjoyed reading Dark Communion and following Ayla, Deetra, Alex and all the other characters on their journeys. If you have not read Dark Communion then let me suggest that you pick up your copy today and get started.
She knows the only thing for her to do now is to leave, run as far as she can before morning and hope they don’t find her. So she tells her Deetra that they have to leave and leave now but Deetra won’t go. Deetra is due in the fields tomorrow morning and if she doesn’t show up then they will surely find them but if she stays and goes to the fields to work then it will be that much longer before they find the body of the Minotaur and that will give Ayla more of a chance to get away. Ayla gets away but her friend Deetra is left to take the blame for killing the Minotaur and is the one to be punished.
Ayla is determined to save her people and to break the curse that holds her people slaves. She has enlisted the help of The Goddess of Darkness. The Goddess has given Ayla the power she needs to defeat her enemies. The Goddess tells her to go find the Freeman and they will help her. She finds the Freeman but then the Minotaurs find them all. But they do escape with the help of her new powers. So now Ayla with the help of the Freeman must battle against the Minotaur to break the curse and save her people from slavery. Can they beat the Minotaur? Will the Minotaur always be the master? Who will win the battle? Will Ayla and her people ever be free?
Dark Communion is filled with action from the very beginning and doesn’t stop until the end. With all the twist and turns there is no way to get bored. Ayla takes you down more roads than you could ever imagine. I have truly enjoyed reading Dark Communion and following Ayla, Deetra, Alex and all the other characters on their journeys. If you have not read Dark Communion then let me suggest that you pick up your copy today and get started.
March 9, 2018
Dark Communion is what happens if Spartacus was a strong female character and battled the monsters of mythology. The book starts out dark, exploring the depths of human indignity through slavery and rape. Yeah, I know. I like happy books, too. The scene is essential to the plot and tastefully done. The minotaur are a race of cursed half men. They propagate their brood through human women, and all the males progeny are born as cursed minotaur. It’s a process that kills every mother. So the ladies aren’t volunteering for the opportunity. Ayla suffers the indignity in chapter one, but spends the rest of the book getting revenge.
This is not erotica at all. I know when I read the blurb and got my free copy of this book with a subscription to Perry’s author newsletter, I half suspected something that would venture down those well-worn paths. I read adult stuff, prefer YA stuff, and pass on the book porn. This is a real fantasy adventure (with pants on). I still wouldn’t share it with the kids, though.
I found the magic system very interesting. Ayla’s goddess grants her powers to fight the evil minotaur and they are faith and prayer based. There is infighting among the pantheon of gods and this rift trickles down to the mortals and demi god minotaur.
If you are a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, Game of Thrones, or that movie Willow from the 80s you need to give Dark Communion a try.
This is not erotica at all. I know when I read the blurb and got my free copy of this book with a subscription to Perry’s author newsletter, I half suspected something that would venture down those well-worn paths. I read adult stuff, prefer YA stuff, and pass on the book porn. This is a real fantasy adventure (with pants on). I still wouldn’t share it with the kids, though.
I found the magic system very interesting. Ayla’s goddess grants her powers to fight the evil minotaur and they are faith and prayer based. There is infighting among the pantheon of gods and this rift trickles down to the mortals and demi god minotaur.
If you are a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, Game of Thrones, or that movie Willow from the 80s you need to give Dark Communion a try.
July 19, 2019
“You must surrender your soul to the will of your Goddess, in death, to the Abyss.”
[trigger warning: violence, abuse]
An attempt to change the future after two centuries of enslavement. This is the premise of this dark fantasy that has violent tendencies. I had a hard time with the power struggles as the timeline progresses. However, the characters are well crafted and intelligent as is the overall premise of the need for change rather than the expectation that things can never change.
The changes that Ayla and Deetra foment aren’t those of sweetness and wonder- they are down right abhorrent. But the story’s enthralling enough to keep you reading even during the evil parts.
I first read this book a few years back. The power and abuse are foci in this story. A re-read hasn’t changed that. Power over, Power with, Power of change. This is not an easy read, but try. I still give it 4 stars and am eager for the next book. Recommended 4/5
[trigger warning: violence, abuse]
An attempt to change the future after two centuries of enslavement. This is the premise of this dark fantasy that has violent tendencies. I had a hard time with the power struggles as the timeline progresses. However, the characters are well crafted and intelligent as is the overall premise of the need for change rather than the expectation that things can never change.
The changes that Ayla and Deetra foment aren’t those of sweetness and wonder- they are down right abhorrent. But the story’s enthralling enough to keep you reading even during the evil parts.
I first read this book a few years back. The power and abuse are foci in this story. A re-read hasn’t changed that. Power over, Power with, Power of change. This is not an easy read, but try. I still give it 4 stars and am eager for the next book. Recommended 4/5
June 21, 2017
Warning so much rape
Good story but so much rape
Good story but so much rape
December 3, 2017
Gasp!!! Epic!!! That’s all the review from me just now....
artofthearcane.com will get my first full review
artofthearcane.com will get my first full review
May 31, 2018
While not my usual type of book (I prefer romances) the world building and writing is strong.
July 13, 2019
An epic dark fantasy novel, the first book in the series the Godswar Chronicles, which really captivated me from the first page. Ayla a human slave girl living under the Minotaurs rule is to be the next woman to act as a breeding vessel and to be raped by her master. Ayla had already lost her mother to breeding with the Minotaurs and she wanted her freedom but this was to come at a great cost! Ayla called for her mother when she thought she was about to lose the little she had, and the Goddess of Darkness answered, she asked Ayla to give her soul up to her, and to accept the abyss and take on the mantle to represent her in the temple of darkness and Ayla did! She was the spark needed to set a rebellion going against Tor, the immortal son of the Dark Goddess herself, who had been cursed by the sun god and who in turn was the first Minotaur. Only one from his bloodline could kill him, and he came with a massive Minotaur army, but Ayla and her friend and beloved Deetra where prepared to risk everything to gain freedom from the cruel rule of their masters! Awesome, frightening and very dark, full of traitors but also loyalty, courage and love, the characters of Ayla, Deetra and Butch the Org are beautiful, as is the depiction of the children who gave their share during the war! I just love bad ass women to be cast as main characters and I know I will be following this series till its end as it has captivated my imagination big time.
December 27, 2017
Dark Communion by CJ Perry is set in a world where minotaurs have taken over, enslaving humans. In order to breed, the minotaurs have to use the enslaved human women, because all minotaurs and half-minotaurs are male. However few, if any, women survive the births. Two women, Ayla and Deetra, with the help of the Dark Goddess, start a slave rebellion. Many of the events that take place during the rebellion will shock and surprise you.
I found this book to be an interesting read. Ayla's character was quite well developed, and other main characters, such as Deetra, were moderately developed. However, some of the more prominent characters, such as Butch and Alex, were only minimally developed. The storyline was well thought out and kept my attention throughout. There were several very surprising twists, which were totally unexpected.
Overall, this book was a good read. The minor errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation were easily overlooked. I would recommend this book and series for those over 16, due to graphic violence and some sexual situations.
I found this book to be an interesting read. Ayla's character was quite well developed, and other main characters, such as Deetra, were moderately developed. However, some of the more prominent characters, such as Butch and Alex, were only minimally developed. The storyline was well thought out and kept my attention throughout. There were several very surprising twists, which were totally unexpected.
Overall, this book was a good read. The minor errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation were easily overlooked. I would recommend this book and series for those over 16, due to graphic violence and some sexual situations.
July 25, 2018
CJ Perry’s Dark Communion, the first book in his new Godswar Chronicles series, is a dark, powerful, imaginative novel. Humanity enslaved for over 200 years by minotaurs who uses their slaves as breeding stock. A rebellion against cursed minotaur legion, fueled by a dark goddess. A fantastic lead in Ayla back by a great cast of supporting characters, both the “good guys” and the opposition. Amazingly great world-building. This is great stuff and fantastically enjoyable. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 15, 2017
Slow Start
The book does not become interesting until the middle. I only decided on giving 4 stars because the second half of the book was pretty good. I would only recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading about slaves, rape, minotaurs, and death.
The book does not become interesting until the middle. I only decided on giving 4 stars because the second half of the book was pretty good. I would only recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading about slaves, rape, minotaurs, and death.
May 7, 2020
well written
This story takes place in a land ruled by extremely cruel minotaurs whose slaves are humans. It is a rather dark tale with much suffering, war and death. The dark goddesses' priestess helps to change things for the people.
This story takes place in a land ruled by extremely cruel minotaurs whose slaves are humans. It is a rather dark tale with much suffering, war and death. The dark goddesses' priestess helps to change things for the people.
January 10, 2018
An excellent account of slave girl Ayla finding faith in the Goddess of Darkness and trying to free her people from the minotaurs who have enslaved them for hundreds of years.
November 22, 2019
Loved it read it in one day couldn't put it down not for children but a great book for me
September 22, 2017
This is one of those that had an interesting description, but didn’t deliver. I quit reading it and deleted it from my Kindle after the first couple of pages described a rape scene in some detail. I would suggest you give this one a pass.
July 9, 2019
“You must surrender your soul to the will of your Goddess, in death, to the Abyss.”
This dark fantasy adventure starts off with Ayla exchanging her soul to the Goddess of the night. In exchange she gains power to help defeat the Minotaur’s and break the curse, but not all is as it seems. She is on the run and avoiding being captured. She’s fighting for her freedom and the freedom of the ones she loves no matter the cost.
This is suspenseful and action packed from the very beginning all the way to the end. There were several twists and turns making it intriguing and engaging. Well thought-out world building and storyline.
This dark fantasy adventure starts off with Ayla exchanging her soul to the Goddess of the night. In exchange she gains power to help defeat the Minotaur’s and break the curse, but not all is as it seems. She is on the run and avoiding being captured. She’s fighting for her freedom and the freedom of the ones she loves no matter the cost.
This is suspenseful and action packed from the very beginning all the way to the end. There were several twists and turns making it intriguing and engaging. Well thought-out world building and storyline.
July 9, 2019
Something is missing
A well written book. The story was good but rushed. The characters were not flushed out enough for me to get to know them and the story was bunched together. The side characters are flat and the main character's inconsistencies lead me to not understand her. But great job.
A well written book. The story was good but rushed. The characters were not flushed out enough for me to get to know them and the story was bunched together. The side characters are flat and the main character's inconsistencies lead me to not understand her. But great job.
November 3, 2019
Another good, fantasy, book.
Where are all these great authors coming from. So many I can't get enough. Apostate Prince is next on my list.
Where are all these great authors coming from. So many I can't get enough. Apostate Prince is next on my list.
April 30, 2017
Humans, gods, & minotaurs; the baddest of bad. This is probably one of the darkest stories I've read in a long time, if ever, and though dark fantasy isn't high on my list in the genre, I absolutely loved this work. The writing is superb and pulls you along at a fast pace. The characters are complex and enhance the unique storyline. One of the last chapters - the book's namesake - is brilliantly disgusting. Excellent stuff here. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!
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