Reviews - Of Darkness and Light

632 reviews for:

Of Darkness and Light

Ryan Cahill

4.35 AVERAGE

tgpannell92's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark 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

ioanah's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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: Complicated

Of Darkness and Light is a stunning continuation of the Bound and the Broken series, elevating the narrative to new heights. From the very first page, it’s clear that Cahill has crafted a story that not only builds on the foundation laid in the first book but also intensifies the stakes and emotions. The pacing is expertly handled, weaving together thrilling action sequences with moments of profound character reflection, creating a balanced and immersive experience.

The world-building in this installment is nothing short of fantastic. Cahill paints a vivid landscape filled with intricate lore, diverse cultures, and political intrigue that draws readers deeper into the narrative. Each setting feels alive, and the attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience.

Character development is a standout feature; the growth of both familiar and new characters feels organic and authentic. Readers are treated to complex relationships that evolve under pressure, revealing their strengths and vulnerabilities in ways that resonate deeply. The emotional depth adds layers to the plot, making every triumph and setback feel significant.

Cahill’s writing style is beautifully crafted, his ability to convey emotion through description is particularly noteworthy, making scenes both vivid and impactful. The intensity of the story keeps you eagerly turning pages, as you become invested in the fates of the characters.

Overall, "Of Darkness and Light" is an exceptional sequel that successfully captures the magic of the first book while propelling the story forward. It’s a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for the next installment. Highly recommended!

darthmaulius's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Chapter 15, 34%

_grace_c_'s review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging dark sad tense slow-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: No

brittney_tyler's review against another edition

5.0

Star Rating: 5 stars
Date: 7/19/24 – 7/26/24

Note: This is the 3rd book in the Bound and the Broken series so this will not be an in-depth review.

Since I had about 2 weeks before my next set of new releases comes out, I decided to pick up some of the books off my never-ending cycling TBR, and I decided to go with Of Darkness and Light by Ryan Cahill, book 3 of the Bound and the Broken series as I don’t want too much time to pass before I pick up the next one to avoid forgetting things and I was really intrigued to see where he was going to take the story. For a recap, this series tells the story of Calen Bryer and his friends as they get wrapped up in a world-spanning conflict and the end of an age.

Although Cahill wears his inspirations on his sleeve, with this book, he has started to show his diversity and uniqueness, starting with the world-building as he really blew his world up in this book, introducing us to new places, characters, creatures, and magic systems. He also broadened his narrative, focusing on several different groups of people and plots, instead of just the one that we saw for most, if not all, of the first book. He made his world feel alive and made me forget that I was reading a book, which for someone who reads for escapism from a “real” world that can be scary and overwhelming, this was great for me. I have to say he hooked me with this installment, and I am now fully invested in the series, which I wasn’t after I read book 1 Of Blood and Fire.

One of the things that Cahill has been good at from the start and continues to excel at is his exploration of themes, whether it be the visceral nature of war, the fact that the world is not black and white, but grey, the hero’s journey, or the complex responsibility and weight that being a leader or “chosen” has on a person. He uses multiple different characters to do this which allows him to explore his themes from as many angles as possible, giving his story and world the richness and fullness that I was searching for when I decided to read his series.

Another thing that Cahill has always exceled is his character work. His characters are complex and layered, dealing with PTSD and grief and learning that the world and the people in it don’t necessarily all hold themselves up to the same standard that they themselves do, such as Rist learning that empire is censoring and, in some cases, outright changing the historical narrative. This makes them feel more real which, again, is what I like in a book.

All in all, Cahill came into his own like I was hoping that he would when I finished book 1. I am fully invested and can’t wait to read more, and he did something that only my all-time favorite books can do, gave me a book hangover. 5 stars and a new favorite author!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.: I know that Cahill really wants to write books that provide others with the comfort and solace that he found in the books he read growing up and continues to read, and I just want to say in the case of me, he succeeded. I have been recommending this series to everyone and I will continue to. Keep writing, I, for one, will keep reading!!!!!!