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The Sylvan Chronicles #8
The Fight Against the Dark
Time is running out for the Kingdoms.
Their only hope for defeating the Shadow Lord falls to one man.
Will he accept his fate and pay the ultimate price?
The Fight Against the Dark, Book 8 of the thrilling, action-packed fantasy series The Sylvan Chronicles, transports you to new heights with every page as Thomas Kestrel and his Marchers battle the Shadow Lord’s army of Ogren and Shades as well as the minions of the High King. With the aid of the Sylvan Warriors, the Highlanders finally exact their revenge on those who enslaved them.
But even with these victories, Thomas, Oso, and Kaylie know that time favors their enemy. The war parties of Ogren, Shades and other dark creatures are increasing in number, foreshadowing what lies in store for the Kingdoms if they fail to hold at the Breaker. They must find a way to defeat the Shadow Lord before he sets loose his Dark Horde and unleashes an unending reign of darkness and terror upon the land.
Their only hope for defeating the Shadow Lord falls to one man.
Will he accept his fate and pay the ultimate price?
The Fight Against the Dark, Book 8 of the thrilling, action-packed fantasy series The Sylvan Chronicles, transports you to new heights with every page as Thomas Kestrel and his Marchers battle the Shadow Lord’s army of Ogren and Shades as well as the minions of the High King. With the aid of the Sylvan Warriors, the Highlanders finally exact their revenge on those who enslaved them.
But even with these victories, Thomas, Oso, and Kaylie know that time favors their enemy. The war parties of Ogren, Shades and other dark creatures are increasing in number, foreshadowing what lies in store for the Kingdoms if they fail to hold at the Breaker. They must find a way to defeat the Shadow Lord before he sets loose his Dark Horde and unleashes an unending reign of darkness and terror upon the land.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2021
581 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Peter Wacht
41 books141 followersGrowing up in New York when I was a kid, I used to haunt the science fiction and fantasy bookstore in Yonkers, searching for the epic fantasy stories that I loved to read. When I exhausted all my options, I started writing my own stories, never realizing that one day I would publish them.
As you read my stories, you’ll notice certain themes and I like to carry them over from one book to the next. I always include adventure, humor, a few twists, a bunch of fights (magic and steel), and a little romance, along with a few good monsters. But for me it always starts with engaging characters. Because without characters who grow and change as they seek to overcome the challenges placed before them, as they seek to move forward, the story can’t move forward.
In particular, I like to focus on the reluctant hero, a man or a woman not seeking glory, but rather seeking to help others and challenge the evil plaguing the world – a world that I’ve created, The Realms of the Talent and the Curse. They need to learn how to believe in themselves before they can do what’s demanded of them. A personal journey that all of us experience, often more than once in our lifetimes, from lack of belief to belief in the self.
To learn more, check out the Amazon series pages for my current epic fantasy series -- The Sylvan Chronicles, The Tales of Caledonia, and The Tales of the Territories -- and my first foray into urban fantasy, The Fallen Knight Series. (Many of the books in these series have been or are Amazon #1 Bestsellers in various categories as well as #1 New Releases.)
And to download a free story, or join my newsletter for the latest news and releases, visit https://peterwachtbooks.com
As you read my stories, you’ll notice certain themes and I like to carry them over from one book to the next. I always include adventure, humor, a few twists, a bunch of fights (magic and steel), and a little romance, along with a few good monsters. But for me it always starts with engaging characters. Because without characters who grow and change as they seek to overcome the challenges placed before them, as they seek to move forward, the story can’t move forward.
In particular, I like to focus on the reluctant hero, a man or a woman not seeking glory, but rather seeking to help others and challenge the evil plaguing the world – a world that I’ve created, The Realms of the Talent and the Curse. They need to learn how to believe in themselves before they can do what’s demanded of them. A personal journey that all of us experience, often more than once in our lifetimes, from lack of belief to belief in the self.
To learn more, check out the Amazon series pages for my current epic fantasy series -- The Sylvan Chronicles, The Tales of Caledonia, and The Tales of the Territories -- and my first foray into urban fantasy, The Fallen Knight Series. (Many of the books in these series have been or are Amazon #1 Bestsellers in various categories as well as #1 New Releases.)
And to download a free story, or join my newsletter for the latest news and releases, visit https://peterwachtbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 8, 2021
Peter Wacht has constructed a captivating story that echoes familiar themes of a young determined boy, Thomas, who must save everyone from an encroaching evil that will take over except for the prophesy that talks of a final battle between light and dark. I adore his character, his eyes, and his determination. The prophecy does not predict the outcome of the fight, so I guess anything could happen, but after 8 books, it would seem that the only satisfying outcome would be that dark is vanquished in some way or another. It is not the conclusion that keeps us reading, it is the journey toward the conclusion.
This installment, as with other installments, repeats the themes of battles between the terrifying dark creatures and the forces that Thomas has organized and has been leading. The battles are now fought with the foregone conclusion that they will be won so they are not providing the action that was so very good in the first few installments. We don't see or feel their fear, their brushes with death, their injuries, their losses.
The repetitiveness of explaining the backstory takes away from the intrigue of the story. While I understand with each book some backstory is necessary, the author takes away from the story by rehashing things over and over. (Perhaps a prologue reviewing the history in the beginning of the book would be sufficient to help a new reader catch up, eliminating the necessity to add explanations throughout the book that are repetitive to the readers who have read from the first.)
Thomas's power continues to progress along with his relationship with Kalie--his love interest. The reader wonders whether she will be used against him as leverage. The evil forces do not seem to learn from experience the strategies that the boy has employed many times and so the evil forces continue to be dominated by his battle methods. The evil forces are very flat characters without imagination or strategic creativity. They simply believe they are too powerful to be vanquished. This feature does not add to the story or add any intrigue.
While this saga is written for teens, the lack of character development, repetitive passages, and predictable actions lead to a mediocre story in this installment. By keeping Thomas's growing power secretive, and then have other characters to simply say they are continued to be "surprised" by his power when he uses it, is lack luster. It just seems "matter of fact." Where is the emotion, the "edge of your seat" action, the intrigue, such as when Thomas threw himself off the tower?
I am hoping that the conclusion is exciting, unpredictable, and includes emotional passages that leads to a wonderful conclusion.
This installment, as with other installments, repeats the themes of battles between the terrifying dark creatures and the forces that Thomas has organized and has been leading. The battles are now fought with the foregone conclusion that they will be won so they are not providing the action that was so very good in the first few installments. We don't see or feel their fear, their brushes with death, their injuries, their losses.
The repetitiveness of explaining the backstory takes away from the intrigue of the story. While I understand with each book some backstory is necessary, the author takes away from the story by rehashing things over and over. (Perhaps a prologue reviewing the history in the beginning of the book would be sufficient to help a new reader catch up, eliminating the necessity to add explanations throughout the book that are repetitive to the readers who have read from the first.)
Thomas's power continues to progress along with his relationship with Kalie--his love interest. The reader wonders whether she will be used against him as leverage. The evil forces do not seem to learn from experience the strategies that the boy has employed many times and so the evil forces continue to be dominated by his battle methods. The evil forces are very flat characters without imagination or strategic creativity. They simply believe they are too powerful to be vanquished. This feature does not add to the story or add any intrigue.
While this saga is written for teens, the lack of character development, repetitive passages, and predictable actions lead to a mediocre story in this installment. By keeping Thomas's growing power secretive, and then have other characters to simply say they are continued to be "surprised" by his power when he uses it, is lack luster. It just seems "matter of fact." Where is the emotion, the "edge of your seat" action, the intrigue, such as when Thomas threw himself off the tower?
I am hoping that the conclusion is exciting, unpredictable, and includes emotional passages that leads to a wonderful conclusion.
July 4, 2021
Hugely disappointing!
Thus far, this series has progressively lost the brightness that promised great things. The story has become repetitive, as if despite the journeying, the take has stalled.
The excitement of the earlier books has paled. This is not Hugh fantasy, as it purports to be, but a rather limited author trying, and failing, to present a solid work. There are far too many, disparate themes that are not cohesive my drawn, nor all that coherent. Without a truly grand vision, Wacht has to rely on unimaginative contrivance to try to refocus.
The major difficulty is in the stretching of the central theme: had he (or his editor) insisted on a shorter series, it would have maintained a good narration. Unfortunately, the resemblance to a Saturday afternoon serial has appeared.
The most telling grievance: I had the sense of reading a watered down Robert Jordan. Jordan achieved a good measure of quality, sustained over his work (though it, too, ultimately failed because of the incredible obtuseness of the characters in the realism of relationships. That stiffness would have fared better if resolved, than the compulsive insistence of dwelling upon it. Here, too, the relationship between Thomas and Kaylie doesn't speak of romance and maturity, but deeply flawed understanding. I suspect that a lot of Wacht's unexplored & unresolved "issues" (much like Jordan) have dominated. This flaw really does detract from the initial great possibility of decent entry into the genre.
Despite the flaws in Jordan's work, it was almost magisterial in presentation, because Jordan was a master of writing. Wacht is much like a high school wannabe: much promise, but ultimately incapable of the follow through (because he chose not to learn his craft).
There is another entry about to be released; one hopes that Wacht is gifted with a bit of magic, to redeem the series...and himself. Better if he took his time, rather than churning out the next episode.
Thus far, this series has progressively lost the brightness that promised great things. The story has become repetitive, as if despite the journeying, the take has stalled.
The excitement of the earlier books has paled. This is not Hugh fantasy, as it purports to be, but a rather limited author trying, and failing, to present a solid work. There are far too many, disparate themes that are not cohesive my drawn, nor all that coherent. Without a truly grand vision, Wacht has to rely on unimaginative contrivance to try to refocus.
The major difficulty is in the stretching of the central theme: had he (or his editor) insisted on a shorter series, it would have maintained a good narration. Unfortunately, the resemblance to a Saturday afternoon serial has appeared.
The most telling grievance: I had the sense of reading a watered down Robert Jordan. Jordan achieved a good measure of quality, sustained over his work (though it, too, ultimately failed because of the incredible obtuseness of the characters in the realism of relationships. That stiffness would have fared better if resolved, than the compulsive insistence of dwelling upon it. Here, too, the relationship between Thomas and Kaylie doesn't speak of romance and maturity, but deeply flawed understanding. I suspect that a lot of Wacht's unexplored & unresolved "issues" (much like Jordan) have dominated. This flaw really does detract from the initial great possibility of decent entry into the genre.
Despite the flaws in Jordan's work, it was almost magisterial in presentation, because Jordan was a master of writing. Wacht is much like a high school wannabe: much promise, but ultimately incapable of the follow through (because he chose not to learn his craft).
There is another entry about to be released; one hopes that Wacht is gifted with a bit of magic, to redeem the series...and himself. Better if he took his time, rather than churning out the next episode.
June 17, 2024
Better than last 2 but still a book too far
By this point you are just slogging through to get to the end! To be honest if you take out the constant repeating of various storylines, then this might have been a 6 or 7 book series. Finally a baddie dies, I mean it’s only taken 8 books! Even then others escape for the 4th or 5th time. There’s nothing new here, it’s basically a device to move Thomas to where I needs to be for book 9 & tbh by this point im only continuing to finish the tale. Having read David Eddings I see a lot of similarities to the Belgariad in as far as plot devices just not as well told, & being critical being a YA has effected what could have been a really good story. I don’t mean sex & violence more that it’s all a bit simplistic.
By this point you are just slogging through to get to the end! To be honest if you take out the constant repeating of various storylines, then this might have been a 6 or 7 book series. Finally a baddie dies, I mean it’s only taken 8 books! Even then others escape for the 4th or 5th time. There’s nothing new here, it’s basically a device to move Thomas to where I needs to be for book 9 & tbh by this point im only continuing to finish the tale. Having read David Eddings I see a lot of similarities to the Belgariad in as far as plot devices just not as well told, & being critical being a YA has effected what could have been a really good story. I don’t mean sex & violence more that it’s all a bit simplistic.
June 13, 2021
Top notch storytelling
The story flows well, rarely losing a decent pace with the progression of the plot. Could do with more in-depth character building, but that’s satisfactory as well.
I do hope the book finishes with the next one; we need to reach that conclusion.
If I have a complaint (I guess I do) the editor could have removed the word “that” in almost every occurrence. I read this out loud to my wife, and I skip that word almost every time.
Still, one of the better fantasy reads out there.
You’ll like it.
The story flows well, rarely losing a decent pace with the progression of the plot. Could do with more in-depth character building, but that’s satisfactory as well.
I do hope the book finishes with the next one; we need to reach that conclusion.
If I have a complaint (I guess I do) the editor could have removed the word “that” in almost every occurrence. I read this out loud to my wife, and I skip that word almost every time.
Still, one of the better fantasy reads out there.
You’ll like it.
June 19, 2021
Trying to stretch the story to sell more books
I love the writing, I love the storyline. However something that could have been well told in 4 books has now stretched on and on until I have to listen to half the book retelling the story to catch people up. It appears that the publisher wants to make more money on a smaller story. This is not the wheel of time with 40 characters, And 50 subplots. I would have given it more stars if it weren't so tedious skipping the pages that retail the story over and over again.
I love the writing, I love the storyline. However something that could have been well told in 4 books has now stretched on and on until I have to listen to half the book retelling the story to catch people up. It appears that the publisher wants to make more money on a smaller story. This is not the wheel of time with 40 characters, And 50 subplots. I would have given it more stars if it weren't so tedious skipping the pages that retail the story over and over again.
July 20, 2021
This book is winding toward the end of the series (or the fight against the great evil) and makes me look forward to the final culmination with this edition. The series overall tends to have a lot of repetition, which makes for an incredibly easy read, but there's still development. The characters are incredibly powerful but get into a lot of bad situations where their powers are just barely enough - avoiding a Mary Sue situation. So far, this offering is the best in series.
May 12, 2021
One of the best in the series so far
This episode is one of the best yet, much more action and focus on the endgame. There’s still a bit of the petty pitter patter between the protagonist and his love interest, but I guess that’s to be expected in a YA fantasy series. Still a good read though.
This episode is one of the best yet, much more action and focus on the endgame. There’s still a bit of the petty pitter patter between the protagonist and his love interest, but I guess that’s to be expected in a YA fantasy series. Still a good read though.
May 15, 2021
At the beginning
I have been reading this story since the beginning. It was a slow start at first and grew on you as time went by. The character development is great and you watch a boy grow into a man! The storyline is flowing and continues to bring excitement, consternation, and satisfaction. This is the best book yet, and I can't wait until the next one is available!
Cyn
I have been reading this story since the beginning. It was a slow start at first and grew on you as time went by. The character development is great and you watch a boy grow into a man! The storyline is flowing and continues to bring excitement, consternation, and satisfaction. This is the best book yet, and I can't wait until the next one is available!
Cyn
May 26, 2021
Compelling but needs better editing
This story grabs your attention and keeps you wanting more. The characters are well thought out and engaging. My only dislike of the series comes from the use of repetitive descriptions that are obviously copy+paste. Not sure where the editor is, but reading the exact same descriptions from book to book creates an annoyance.
This story grabs your attention and keeps you wanting more. The characters are well thought out and engaging. My only dislike of the series comes from the use of repetitive descriptions that are obviously copy+paste. Not sure where the editor is, but reading the exact same descriptions from book to book creates an annoyance.
May 28, 2021
Improving with each book in this series
There is better development of the characters as the series goes forward. Less caricatures more characters. The maternal grandparents early on were shallow and they were incomplete. There continues to be repetitious “explanations” but decreased in number. Still at times the plot development has a flavor of “the perils of Pauline”.
There is better development of the characters as the series goes forward. Less caricatures more characters. The maternal grandparents early on were shallow and they were incomplete. There continues to be repetitious “explanations” but decreased in number. Still at times the plot development has a flavor of “the perils of Pauline”.
July 1, 2021
We have built up to an exciting conclusion. My only 2 things...a map, and quite re-telling chunks of the story contained in previous books. I am waiting for the next one...I have been "binge reading" the series and may take a break and then come back for the next one. Start with the first one in the series, and proceed accordingly.
July 28, 2021
As the late Al Capp used to say about his comic strip "L'il Abner" when he'd start a new story line which would consume a few weeks in the paper, "to be drug out!" This story line has been "drug out". The story lines themselves are not bad but they are repetitious and formulaic....enough already! It is past time for a conclusion.
September 25, 2023
Really?
Whoever designed the cover art did not go through you! Belilil hasn't been that size since the boy was 12. And he's a man now, this teenage girl/boy sexual tension is getting old. The story is great just some sad over and overkill. Makes it feel like you just need to pump out books to pay for the Bentley. I still really like the story though.
Whoever designed the cover art did not go through you! Belilil hasn't been that size since the boy was 12. And he's a man now, this teenage girl/boy sexual tension is getting old. The story is great just some sad over and overkill. Makes it feel like you just need to pump out books to pay for the Bentley. I still really like the story though.
August 19, 2025
A great continuation to this series
This is the 8th book in this series and it has been a joy reading it as it was for the other 7 books.
The story and the characters kept me turning the pages to the point that I hadn't even realized that I was at the end of the book.
The only bad thing about this series is that I only have 1 more book left before it is all over.
This is the 8th book in this series and it has been a joy reading it as it was for the other 7 books.
The story and the characters kept me turning the pages to the point that I hadn't even realized that I was at the end of the book.
The only bad thing about this series is that I only have 1 more book left before it is all over.
April 21, 2021
Great story.
The saga continues . I recommend this series (and this author) as I find the characters to be believable and authentic . Can't wait till the next installment is issued.
The saga continues . I recommend this series (and this author) as I find the characters to be believable and authentic . Can't wait till the next installment is issued.
April 25, 2021
The fight against good and evil never gets old
I have been following this series for a while. I have enjoyed the action, the descriptions and detail throughout. I have given a five star rating after each book. Each one has been exciting! Can't wait for more!
I have been following this series for a while. I have enjoyed the action, the descriptions and detail throughout. I have given a five star rating after each book. Each one has been exciting! Can't wait for more!
May 4, 2021
One step closer to finding the Key to the Dark Lord's w world.
Time to take the final battle to the Dark Lord before his evil army overruns the entire knowing kingdom. Good is gaining on evil t h is time. Time to attack.
Time to take the final battle to the Dark Lord before his evil army overruns the entire knowing kingdom. Good is gaining on evil t h is time. Time to attack.
May 11, 2021
Great story fast paced good series
I liked the story and characters
It was an easy read fun to sit down and escape
I'm this book though he seemed to make the main character all of a sudden know everyone in power
I liked the story and characters
It was an easy read fun to sit down and escape
I'm this book though he seemed to make the main character all of a sudden know everyone in power
Read
May 18, 2021Epic Journey
Following Thomas throughout this series, watching him grow and mature has been an astounding adventure! I really think when this series comes to a end, I will really miss him.
Following Thomas throughout this series, watching him grow and mature has been an astounding adventure! I really think when this series comes to a end, I will really miss him.
May 22, 2021
Another great read
I know I sound redundant but this is another great book that kept me involved the whole time. I loved the advancement of the story and can not wait for the next one.
I know I sound redundant but this is another great book that kept me involved the whole time. I loved the advancement of the story and can not wait for the next one.
June 4, 2021
Lazy self plagerism
Full of repeated, exact copies of phrases from previous books in the series. Very lazy. 8 books that should have been just 1 or 2, just to be able to charge more.
Full of repeated, exact copies of phrases from previous books in the series. Very lazy. 8 books that should have been just 1 or 2, just to be able to charge more.
June 7, 2021
Great Epic. Greatly recommend
Very well constructed narrative. Rates right up there with the classic epic sword and stories. I very much enjoyed this series. I can’t wait until the next installment. Very well done Peter
Very well constructed narrative. Rates right up there with the classic epic sword and stories. I very much enjoyed this series. I can’t wait until the next installment. Very well done Peter
July 21, 2021
One of the best series I have had the privilege of reading
Truly captivating, just the right amount of drama, intrigue and suspense. Worthy of anyone's time and certain to please. Characters and plots are remarkable
Truly captivating, just the right amount of drama, intrigue and suspense. Worthy of anyone's time and certain to please. Characters and plots are remarkable
October 6, 2021
In search of the key
Thomas and his Marchers go cross country and ocean in search of the Key needed to fight the Shadow lord. Descriptive battles, narrow escapes, budding love. It's all there in this skillfully written installment of the saga.
Thomas and his Marchers go cross country and ocean in search of the Key needed to fight the Shadow lord. Descriptive battles, narrow escapes, budding love. It's all there in this skillfully written installment of the saga.
December 13, 2021
Love it when good wins!
Very interesting and gory! However, I loved it . I had five sons in the Been reading it ever thanks 1980's who hounded me into reading Dritz. Been hooked ever since. Thanks.
Very interesting and gory! However, I loved it . I had five sons in the Been reading it ever thanks 1980's who hounded me into reading Dritz. Been hooked ever since. Thanks.
February 18, 2022
Well written travelogue
Between intense fighting to keep the evil at bay the heroes travel across their world racing to achieve their goals. The evil one tracks them and sends his creatures against them, to no avail.
Between intense fighting to keep the evil at bay the heroes travel across their world racing to achieve their goals. The evil one tracks them and sends his creatures against them, to no avail.
April 20, 2021
Just keeps getting better
If you are looking for a new series, I highly recommend the Sylvan Chronicles. Eight books in and there has not been a slow or disappointing one yet.
If you are looking for a new series, I highly recommend the Sylvan Chronicles. Eight books in and there has not been a slow or disappointing one yet.
April 21, 2021
I've never cared about fantasy. I started reading these during the pandemic, and they're quite good! It's like the comfort food of reading for me. Looking forward to the 9th in the series!
April 23, 2021
Great read very entertaining
I really liked this book. And this author is a good writer. The story moves along with no slow spots.
I really liked this book. And this author is a good writer. The story moves along with no slow spots.
April 26, 2021
Worth every page
I have loved following Thomas’ adventures since book one and I’m looking forward to more. The Highland Lord is one of my favorite characters
I have loved following Thomas’ adventures since book one and I’m looking forward to more. The Highland Lord is one of my favorite characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews