Title: When Darkness Falls
Author: Mercedes Lackey
First published January 1, 2006
608 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765341433 (ISBN10: 0765341433)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
In the third installment of The Obsidian Trilogy by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory, When Darkness Falls, the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a few brave individuals. The Demon Queen’s army grows stronger with each passing day, and the Golden City of the Bells is falling under her control.
Without the High Magicians and their allies, the end seems inevitable. However, there is still hope.
The Light’s young mages are becoming more powerful with each battle, and High Mage Cilarnen has discovered an ancient secret that could make him the greatest mage in the world. Elf-Mage Jermayan has linked with the dragon Ancaladar, rediscovering the swift powers of Elven magic.
Knight-Mage Kellen has trained his troops and the Unicorn Knights into a lethal fighting force. Now, it is time for the final battle between the Elves, humans, and Demons.
Will they be able to stand against the Demon Queen’s army and save the world from darkness?
About the Author
Mercedes was born in Chicago on June 24, 1950, and had a typical childhood. She graduated from Purdue University in 1972 and worked as an artist’s model in the late 70s before transitioning to computer programming.
Eventually, she joined American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to writing fantasy novels, Mercedes has written lyrics for and recorded almost fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
Mercedes sees herself as a storyteller, and her stories revolve around her characters’ reactions to various situations. Her writing style has garnered a diverse readership, ranging from young teens to older adults.
She writes song lyrics because she views songs as a condensed version of a story, capturing its essence in just a few lines. Additionally, her fantasy novels take place in a medieval-inspired world, and music plays a significant role in that culture.
When Mercedes writes the “folk music” for her fictional world, she adds a layer of depth to the story.
Mercedes began writing out of boredom, but it quickly became an addiction, leaving her with no social life. She writes fantasy novels because she loves them and puts as much effort into creating her worlds as a science fiction writer would.
She applies the concept of TANSTAAFL to magic, meaning that there is always a cost to using it. Her stories include realistic details, such as malfunctioning equipment and relationship troubles, along with invading armies and evil magicians.
Even her villains are more than one-dimensional characters; they have their own personalities and quirks.
Mercedes’s philosophy is reflected in the creed she gave her character Diana Tregarde: “There’s no such thing as ‘one, true way’; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good — they’re the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren’t willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race.”
Editoral Review
Mercedes Lackeys When Darkness Falls is a stunning addition to the genre of urban fantasy. Published on January 1, 2006, this novel invites readers into an alternate world where magic is real and dangerous creatures lurk in the shadows.
Lackey is a prolific science fiction and fantasy author, and her experience is evident in the skillful storytelling of When Darkness Falls. The novel follows Eric Banyon, a modern-day bard struggling to make a living playing music in New York City.
When he unwittingly draws the attention of mystical beings, Eric is forced to confront the reality of magic and the danger that it poses to him and everyone he cares about. Lackeys world-building ability is unparalleled, and her descriptions of the different creatures, magical realms, and otherworldly beings are beautifully detailed.
Eric is a relatable and likable hero, and readers will root for him as he navigates this unfamiliar world. The tension between the human and supernatural realms creates a rich and exciting conflict, and the resolution is both satisfying and unexpected.
One of the most impressive aspects of When Darkness Falls is the way in which Lackey seamlessly weaves together real-world mythology with elements of the supernatural. Her knowledge of folklore and fairy tales is evident, and she uses this background to create a rich tapestry of magical creatures and spells.
But the novel is also grounded in reality, with well-developed characters and a believable portrayal of the modern world. Despite its many strengths, When Darkness Falls does have a few minor flaws.
The pacing could be improved in certain sections, and some of the dialogue feels a bit stilted. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, When Darkness Falls is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and anyone who loves a gripping adventure story. With its lush world-building, relatable characters, and thrilling plot, this novel is sure to leave readers breathless.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
