Title: Free the Darkness
Author: Kel Kade
First published December 28, 2015
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
In the heart of the Kingdom of Arin, a young warrior named Kael is raised and trained in complete isolation from the outside world. His world is shattered when he embarks on a treacherous journey to find his true purpose.
Armed with masterful weapons and a burning desire for answers, Kael relentlessly pursues his only lead – a mysterious figure who may hold the key to his past. As he travels across the kingdom, Kael is forced to confront dangerous enemies and unexpected allies.
His journey leads him to a group of unlikely friends, each with their own struggles, and together they face new threats that could destroy the entire kingdom. With his dying mentor’s words ringing in his ears, Kael must learn to “Kill with conscience” and “Protect and honor your friends” if he is to survive in a world where he doesn’t belong.
About the Author
Kel Kade, a Texan writer and occasional adjunct college faculty member, shares a passion for inspiring and educating young minds about the wonders of geosciences. Kade’s King’s Dark Tidings series has gained a loyal following, allowing Kade to pursue a full-time career of creating intricate universes, forming criminal empires, and unraveling fantastical mysteries.
Kade’s childhood was spent in a military family, constantly moving to and experiencing new places. These unique cultural and geographical experiences instilled in Kade a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the vastness and beauty of the world.
Kade’s diverse interests in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality are reflected in the rich and varied cultures and locations depicted in Kade’s writing.
Editoral Review
Kel Kades debut novel, Free the Darkness, is a captivating and action-packed work of epic fantasy. Published on December 28, 2015, Kades book transports readers to a magical world where battles are fought with swords and sorcery, and where heroes and villains clash in a struggle for power.
Free the Darkness tells the story of Rezkin, a young man who has been trained since childhood in the art of combat, deception, and survival. Raised in isolation and secrecy, Rezkin is a skilled assassin and warrior with a mysterious past.
When he begins a quest to search for his identity, he is faced with unexpected challenges, internal struggles, and unpredictable alliances. The novel is set in a world of feudal kingdoms, where magic and natural forces coexist, and where political intrigue, betrayal, and violence are common.
The geography of the book encompasses varied landscapes, from dark forests to snowy mountains, from haunted ruins to lavish courts. The authors vivid descriptions of the scenery and the characters surroundings enhance the immersive experience of the book and provide a rich backdrop for the action.
Kades writing style is fluid and compelling, and his sense of pacing is impeccable. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, with numerous battle scenes and tense confrontations.
However, the author also knows when to slow down and explore the emotional depth of his characters, and his prose can be poetic and evocative. One of the strengths of Free the Darkness is the character development.
Rezkin is a complex and fascinating protagonist, with a moral code that is both rigid and flexible. His relationships with other characters, such as his loyal friend Frisha, the mysterious wizard Azura, and the noblewoman Kaylin, are nuanced and dynamic.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the conflicting emotions and motivations of his characters, and of exploring the consequences of their actions. The themes of the novel are universal and relevant, touching on issues such as identity, loyalty, power, and morality.
The book also raises questions about the nature of violence and its place in society, and about the role of fate and free will in shaping ones destiny. Despite its strengths, Free the Darkness is not without flaws.
Some readers may find the books violence and gore excessive, and some of the dialogue and exposition can be clunky or repetitive. Additionally, the novels cliffhanger ending may disappoint some readers who prefer a more conclusive resolution.
Overall, Free the Darkness is a highly enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of epic fantasy. It deserves to be compared to the works of genre greats such as Brandon Sanderson, George R.R. Martin, and Robert Jordan.
While it may not be a revolutionary or groundbreaking work, it is a well-crafted and entertaining adventure that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommended for fans of epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, and adventure fiction.
