With the world locked in the iron-clad grip of a sociopathic, power-hungry, megalomaniac, there’s only one person who can stop him.
Duke Calgary has the world on his shoulders, trying to stand up and fight against his oppressive overlords. But Duke is barely a boy, with no confidence in himself. And when his father’s taken from him, what’s left for the scrappy band of rebels behind the border wall?
With the help of Atticus Cornwall, the aging shunned detective, there might be hope yet. And with a new addition to the rebellion, a fiery redhead with the drive to succeed, will it be enough to stop Indigo White’s plotting and scheming?
“Dark Elements: Unguarded” is the second instalment in the “Dark Elements” series by Luke Davids. A dystopian thriller series evolving around Detective Atticus Cornwall and his world, that offers an inciting look into a dystopian society, in which people are strictly divided into those who have been chipped and those who have remained unchipped. The chipped run the place and enjoyed all privileges, while the unchipped survive at the will of the former. A premise that that feels all the more thrilling with the realization that, at the core, this world is not that different from our very own.
Atticus Cornwall, the formed chipped detective, might be an aging man, but he hasn’t lost hope. Now is seems as his wish to return behind the wall, has some chance of success. Duke Calgary has just lost his father, and become the new leader, but his inexperience is hard to oversee. Nevertheless, hope comes by in the addition of a new member to the team, a female driven to success, with a temperament as volatile and fiery as her red hair. The addition of a main female character to the team offers a new perspective on the world of Atticus Cornwall. But make not mistakes, female doesn’t equals ‘romance’, this is first and foremost a gritty futuristic dark dystopian tale.
An inciting look into a dystopian society, in which people are strictly divided into those who have been chipped and those who have remained unchipped. The chipped run the place and enjoyed all privileges, while the unchipped survive at the will of the former. A premise that that feels all the more thrilling with the realization that, at the core, this world is not that different from our very own.
This is an intended six parts serialized story, each book (part) has a length of about 70 pages, and is a fast-paced, action-packed read. The books are been released in a short time span, which helps to highlight the serialized element of the narrative, comparable with a good Netflix dystopian series, but instead of ‘chilling and Netflix’, ‘thrilling while reading’ would be a much more accurate description for “Dark Elements”.
Firstly, I'd like to let you know that I received a copy of the arc before the publication date in exchange for an honest review.
The 2nd in the Dark Elements series definitely follows on perfectly from the first book! However overall it feels a lot more intense, action-packed and dark. The fast pacing of the 2nd book is similar to the 1st and still feels like an episode of a TV show. I also think the pacing of both books would work well as a video game.
You really get that gritty feeling in this book, which I loved as we are properly getting into the meat of the story. The author isn't afraid to describe gorey action and interrogation scenes. Also there are some great twist moments that you're not expecting! We are introduced to Hope, who is a great addition to the main ensemble. We also get an even further understanding and development of the characters in the first book.
Really excited to read the next book!
I would recommend everyone read the first book before this one. Otherwise you won't feel the same impact as a lot of the characters back stories are in the 1st book so you won't be able to connect with them as much.
This was offered to me to read and "Would I review" It was the first one I have read from Luke although I have now read the prequal (book 0). I enjoyed the journey and now need to read book 1. I like Sci-Fi and this fits nicely in a stay on earth, future world. (I am no expert!) It was quite short and I ran through it quite quickly, I will need to re-read as I will have missed some nuances. Was it too short, well it covered off quite a bit and moves t story on so it does what it needs to. Thanks for the chance to read this, I look forward to seeing where you take me.
The rebel leadership is being cut down by Indigo White’s Goon Squad and a master assassin. Hamish Calgary is a prime target and his son, Duke Calgary, must gather the reins but he is proving ineffective. Atticus Cornwall is recovering from his wounds and immobile. Can the rebels hold together to overcome the chipped world and Indigo White’s plan to take over the world governments. What is the Neptune Plan and the new world for the elites? The tension builds as the two worlds collide. Note: The author provided me this book as an ARC and I am freely providing this unbiased review.
I read this first, it was a gift from Luke as I agreed to read and review for free. I liked it a lot and since I have read the first two books now I find it follows well. All three books are quite short but have enough to move the story on without dragging, I found I read it too fast which I do with stories that capture me. As a bonus I get to read it again, yay!
With the world locked in the iron-clad grip of a sociopathic, power-hungry, megalomaniac, there’s only one person who can stop him. The extended rebellion carry on the fight will they succeed or will it end it tragedy. Great battles many twist and turns and better than the last book. What more could you ask for, buy the book now?
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Received as ARC, Duke Calgary is forced to head the rebellion, after his father is killed by Indigo White's goon squad. With the help of Atticus Cornwall, Duke tries to grow into this role that was thrust upon him. Great characters and story lines.
Yet another great read in this series, its turning into a right page turner. Characters are developing really well and as for the story line its unputdownable. Straight to book 3 I think.