Reviews

Y Vendra La Oscuridad by Katy Rose Pool

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a_chickletz's review against another edition

3.0

This book has a story but I do not want to wait it out.

Everyone is literally related to every one. Everyone is connected by friendships, relationships. Is it fate? Is there something else behind it? We don't know.

It's problematic for me because I got tired of the endless MacGuffins spread throughout the story. Nobody could literally be their own character without being linked to someone elses by ~ coincidence ~.

The villain literally shows up in the last couple chapters and even still you're like, that's it? As soon as he shows up he vanishes.

I give credit for the diversity, the LGBTQ references but the story just felt so weak and lacking.

There is just something missing and I wish I could tell you what. I just know that I'm not continuing the series and that's fine with me.

mininacl's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

burds's review against another edition

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adventurous

5.0

coceleste's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mgxwawa13's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

megsbookishtwins's review against another edition

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4.0

disclaimer: I received a copy free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Seven Prophets have guided civilisation for centuries with their prophecies – they ended wars and united nations using their gifts of foretelling. However, one day, they suddenly vanished. With lack of guidance, the world descends into fear and chaos and a new power rises. There was, however, one final secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new and final prophet. This prophecy mentions harbingers-who will either be the world’s salvation, or it’s destruction.

rep: gay m/c, brown m/c’s

content warnings: violence, death, childhood abuse, ptsd, depictions of drowning & being burned

I’ve been on such a roll with fantasy recently, i’ve read some excellent ones, such as The Midnight Lie, Queen of Coin and Whispers, and Girl, Serpent, Thorn. I had heard some mixed things about this so went into There Will Come a Darkness with lower expectations but, suprisingly, I really enjoyed it. In the UK, There Will Come a Darkness is being marketed as an adult fantasy novel, but I know in the US it is being marketed as a YA fantasy but it will definitely appeal to fans of both!

One of my favourite aspects of There Will Come a Darkness is the magic and the Prophets. After the Prophets dissapeared, the Witnesses grew in power, led by the Hierophant. The Witnesses despise the Graced-people who have magic- as they tend to be rulers and in the Witnesses eyes, opressors. I really enjoyed the complexities of the magic and the detail that went into the history of the world. World-building is incredibly important for a novel like this, but Katy Rose Pool definitely has a talent for it.

There Will Come a Darkness features an ensemble cast and I really love books that do this well. Our characters, who are connected by an apocalyptic prophecy, are as follows:

Hassan, a prince exiled from his kingdom.
Ephyra, a ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand
Jude, a paladin, a once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart
Anton, a reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone but he’s also running from his past
and finally, Beru, a dying girl filled with grief and guilt and on the verge of giving up

Each of these characters really do bring something special to this story and as the story goes on, you discover how each are linked to the propecy. I really enjoyed how each individual storyline sort of intertwines with each other. I absolutely adored the sibling relationship between Ephyra and Beru and I loved Ephyra’s moral ambiguity- she will do anything for her sister no matter the cost but Beru is struggling to shoulder the guilt she feels. I enjoyed their interactions with Anton too. Jude- a favourite of mine – is a holy warrior brought up with one single goal, to protect the final prophet. However, he struggles to put his duty before his heart. I really love paladins, especially paladins that will stop at nothing to protect those they care about. (It is also strongly implied Jude is also gay). Anton, a scared and soft boy!! I love him. My least favourite is Hassan, his chapters were the least compelling, it’s just such a shame he seemed to have the most!

There Will Come a Darkness is a compelling and immersive fantasy adventure featuring paladins, rogues, princes, and seers. Highly recommend for fans of the genre.