Darkfall: Crimson Dawn
Darkfall: Crimson Dawn
Lee Mountford
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
The prolog opens on Vern as a young man going to see his father. He ends up walking into an empty mansion and a legacy that he will become obsessed with. It seems that he did not start out as a self-important dick but I suppose it was inevitable. Hubris runs in the family it seems.
Moving forward sees Jack a year older from the end of the last book. He has since learned to read with Gus’s help (although Gus is still not himself) and has essentially been the Warden’s number 2 since Len was killed. Edwin and Jack seem to be doing better although Edwin is still a slimy booger. The first few chapters is Jack, Max, Gus and a couple others fighting a Wraith and when they get back to headquarters they don’t even have time to sit down. Jack is a character that you want to see win. Despite the fact that there a little mishap near the end but I have to say I’m not sorry that he kills Sebastian. Dude was an asshole. Speaking of assholes…
Echidna
Theodore is back in this one. As self-involved as ever. This guy is never gonna truly achieve his fortune and glory if he does not manage to pull his head out of his own ass. He still has punishing Jack on his mind but really there are bigger issues at play than his butt-hurt behind. Honestly I’m surprised that Jack and he find a common ground. Jack apologizes (grudgingly) and Theodore accepts it (grudgingly).
The cult itself, while there is no way in hell I would ever join, they are somewhat reasonable. At least the leader is. It’s an interesting difference between him as a leader (appreciating the contribution and sacrifice that those under him made) and Theodore who respects no one, including his mentor and trainer Alfred. Who seems like a decent man. I’m not sure why two of his students turned into such shitheads. It’s a shame. So despite all the horrible shit that happens I’m not mad at the cult. I’m mad at the right person and that person is Gus…
Traitor Gus who allows his obsession with the knowledge he got when touching the monolith to be more important then the men he has fought beside. It’s pathetic. I am super disappointed the direction he has taken. It makes me extremely sad and pretty angry. I hope the fucker get skewered… Oh and even though Edwin is not a traitor he is a blackmailer and he can be skewered right next to the traitor as far as I am concerned. Blackmailers always get what’s coming to them and this dude is well overdue for a good thrashing.
You thought loosing Gus was bad there is another loss that I just did not see coming. During the final battle we lose Max. I just could not believe it. I was in disbelief as I read it, thinking that at any moment he was going to be saved or his injuries were not that bad but this was not the case. I hate that this happens. Jack is devastated. Even Theodore is not happy about his passing. I really liked Max. Really as much as I like Jack and, in the beginning, Gus. To essentially loose them both was crushing.
In the end Jack does get recruited to be a Shadowhand (there’s a vacancy that needs filling, I’m crying) and travels with Max’s mentor to London. This is how the book ends. Something that I think everyone who reads this book wants to happen but there are some circumstances that surround this promotion that are sad and some that may damage it. I’m just hoping that the obstacles and secrets don’t rear their ugly head but I’m not sure I’m gonna be that lucky.
Wraith
Closing thoughts:
This one moves pretty quickly as it starts right from the beginning with action and death. There is a constant movement with the story that helps keep it’s momentum. Even the slower parts move quickly because it is information that Most would have been curious about from earlier on in the series.
There are some interesting monsters in this book. There’s a Wraith, Seer (wytch), and an Echidna (monster from greek mythology. There are pictures included in this book just like the others which I enjoy. I think it adds a lot to the visualization. On to book 4. Hears to hoping that all goes well for Jack!
