Review: The Darkness Before Them

 

Title: The Darkness Before Them

Series: Soulfire Saga

Author: Matthew Ward

Publisher: Orbit

Publication Date: November 7, 2023

Genre: Adult, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy

Reading Source: Kindle

Length: 544 pages

Format: e-book

  Cover Art: 5/5

 Overall: 4/5

 

The first in an exciting, action-packed new trilogy from epic fantasy author Matthew Ward, The Darkness Before Them introduces readers to a world ruled by a dangerous immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land.

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn’t care about any of that. A talented thief, she’s pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. And she has no qualms using her power to her advantage.

Kat’s not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad’s future begins, everyone—Kat included—will have to pick a side.

Review:

The Darkness Before Them is an epic fantasy that stars Kat who lives in the Kingdom of Khalad. Kat is no hero though; she is really a thief who is trying to relinquish the debt of her family. The Kingdom of Khalad has some pretty strong spirits keen on keeping the treasures in their treasury. However, Kat has a special power, one in which she can not only speak to but also command the spirits. Pointedly she uses her power for the upper hand. Kat will have to pick a side for the future of her country, but she also has to fight for her and her family’s freedom.  

An immortal king, mystical mist and souls that are power sources for magic? Yes please. Right up my alley. I was so excited when I was granted this ebook. The book was a little slow at first, but it soon picked up.

 I loved this book; I was so entertained while reading it. The worldbuilding was incredible. Kat had so much personality and was ambitious. She was determined to take care of those she loved. 

A huge thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.