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witchylevy's review
5.0
Young adults and adults can enjoy
In the story Rsiren the main character has an ability that makes him untrusted. His family wants nothing to do with him. He's pulled into situations where he gains a stronger grasp of who he wants to be. There is a light beginning romance but nothing overt.
In the story Rsiren the main character has an ability that makes him untrusted. His family wants nothing to do with him. He's pulled into situations where he gains a stronger grasp of who he wants to be. There is a light beginning romance but nothing overt.
thelauramay's review
Boring, somewhat understructured YA with far too much 'telling' rather than 'showing'. An interesting magic system at least, if nothing ground-breaking.
1.5⭐, and I'll be avoiding this author in future.
1.5⭐, and I'll be avoiding this author in future.
thinde's review
3.0
This story had decent elements but most of the relationships felt forced, particularly the love interest. I also didn't like how Rsiran just accepted everything. I prefer a protagonist that knows what he wants and takes steps to achieve it.
The world-building, what we see of it, shows some promise as does the magic system. I like the idea of a magical metal with ambitions.
The world-building, what we see of it, shows some promise as does the magic system. I like the idea of a magical metal with ambitions.
majaingrid's review
3.0
Rating: 3,5 stars
So this is my eighth book by Holmberg, the others being The Cloud Warrior Saga. And i must say that I'm already enjoying this series much more. There is still some language but really minor and I have less problem with it than with the other series. The plot was really good and the characters were likable and i easily grew attached to them. I look forward to continue the series
So this is my eighth book by Holmberg, the others being The Cloud Warrior Saga. And i must say that I'm already enjoying this series much more. There is still some language but really minor and I have less problem with it than with the other series. The plot was really good and the characters were likable and i easily grew attached to them. I look forward to continue the series
jennyninnymuggins's review
3.0
Once I got past my annoyance over the author's awful and awkward choices for names of people and places, I found the book enjoyable. I'll read the next in the series.
its_justine's review
3.0
* SPFBO5 Read *
The Dark Ability was one of interest around the FBC circle for SPFBO5, as it already has over 2,000 varied ratings on GR, so I was pretty excited to give it a try. The notion of magical abilities determining a person's standing in society is an intriguing approach to viewing the many prevalent inequities in our own society. The whole "they only hate and fear it because they don't understand it" concept plays a huge role in this story, and tackling it sends out a positive message to readers. Additionally, I absolutely loved the blacksmithing aspect introduced, especially how lorcith, a magical and almost sentient metal, calls out to Mastersmiths to be shaped in a way it desires, usually in the form of weapons. These lorcith-forged weapons have been deemed illegal by those ruling - the reasoning unknown. I was also captivated by a supporting cast of complex characters with many unveiled secrets.
Having that said, while I adored Brusus, Jessa, and Haern, I just couldn't connect with Rsiran, the main character, whatsoever. His constant, repetitive introspection became overly distracting, consistently pulling me from the immersion of the story - if these repetitions had borne fruit, I'd not even mention it. The underlying story is truly fantastic, but I felt some aspects were overly simplified, while others felt too bogged down with superfluous details. Additionally, the corrupt ruling class dictating the lives of all was an interesting thread I wished has been explored in more detail - I know they're the bad guys, but not why. Despite my mixed reactions to this book, I'll most likely be continuing with the series, simply because I need to know what happens next.
The Dark Ability was one of interest around the FBC circle for SPFBO5, as it already has over 2,000 varied ratings on GR, so I was pretty excited to give it a try. The notion of magical abilities determining a person's standing in society is an intriguing approach to viewing the many prevalent inequities in our own society. The whole "they only hate and fear it because they don't understand it" concept plays a huge role in this story, and tackling it sends out a positive message to readers. Additionally, I absolutely loved the blacksmithing aspect introduced, especially how lorcith, a magical and almost sentient metal, calls out to Mastersmiths to be shaped in a way it desires, usually in the form of weapons. These lorcith-forged weapons have been deemed illegal by those ruling - the reasoning unknown. I was also captivated by a supporting cast of complex characters with many unveiled secrets.
Having that said, while I adored Brusus, Jessa, and Haern, I just couldn't connect with Rsiran, the main character, whatsoever. His constant, repetitive introspection became overly distracting, consistently pulling me from the immersion of the story - if these repetitions had borne fruit, I'd not even mention it. The underlying story is truly fantastic, but I felt some aspects were overly simplified, while others felt too bogged down with superfluous details. Additionally, the corrupt ruling class dictating the lives of all was an interesting thread I wished has been explored in more detail - I know they're the bad guys, but not why. Despite my mixed reactions to this book, I'll most likely be continuing with the series, simply because I need to know what happens next.
anatoli's review
4.0
Overall, a good story that moves along nicely. The first installment in the Dark Ability series sets up the main character and his compatriots, along with an initial look at the world he lives in. I found the story creative and detailed as it lays out the main character Rsiran’s potentially tragic life. He needs to change and that is the crux of this edition of the series. I thought that Rsiran had too much inner turmoil and the story spent too much time dwelling on his considerations. There is also a love interest that isn’t really explained. It almost seems like a loose end. I also found the antagonist to be a mystery other than how he was forcing a confrontation with the characters at some point. The story and writing are fairly solid, and I would consider continuing on with the series.
olmoss's review
5.0
Well written book
Author uses good characterization and fundamental themes to carry the story. Pacing is well done. Book will appeal to both adults and young people.
Author uses good characterization and fundamental themes to carry the story. Pacing is well done. Book will appeal to both adults and young people.
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