In D.J. Molles' The Coming Dark, Liam Avione's dream of becoming a Deathbringer—an elite warrior sworn to protect the universe—is shattered by a hidden genetic defect. Expelled from his rigorous training, he's relegated to a mundane life among the Lifebringers. A rare Trial offers a glimmer of hope: a seven-day contest against Deathbringers for a chance at redemption. But the abandoned jungle planet holds a far greater threat than his former comrades. A malevolent ancient evil is breaching reality, and Liam, along with a handful of unprepared Lifebringers, must face this cosmic horror. Their survival hangs in the balance as they battle not only the Deathbringers but an invasion that threatens to consume everything.
Review The Coming Dark
I dove headfirst into D.J. Molles' The Coming Dark with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As a fan of his previous works, I was eager to see what he'd conjure in this new sci-fi adventure, but also slightly hesitant – would it live up to the high bar he’s set? My feelings are a bit mixed, but ultimately positive.
Initially, the story felt a tad slow to ignite. The character development, while eventually compelling, started a bit dry, less engaging than the immediate connection I often feel with Molles' characters in other novels. Liam, our protagonist, is a compelling character; his internal struggles and the weight of his secret genetic defect are palpable. However, the early chapters lacked the punchy dialogue and swift action that usually hook me instantly. It took a little while for the story to grab hold and refuse to let go.
Once the plot truly kicked into gear, though, The Coming Dark became utterly captivating. The pacing picked up dramatically, the tension ratcheting tighter with every page. The descriptions of the alien landscapes, the terrifying creatures, and the gritty battle sequences were vividly rendered; I could almost feel the humid jungle air and hear the metallic clang of combat. Molles’ signature blend of intense action and graphic (but not gratuitous) violence is in full effect here. This is not a story for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate a thrilling, hard-hitting narrative, it's a real treat.
The central themes – self-sacrifice, unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming odds, and the agonizing conflict between the necessity of violence and the desire for peace – resonated deeply. Molles doesn't shy away from exploring these complex moral dilemmas, adding significant depth to the already exciting plot. The slow burn of character development in the first few chapters pays off handsomely as Liam and the other characters face unimaginable horrors. Their growth, both individually and as a team, is incredibly satisfying to witness.
The connection to Molles' God Breaker series, while present, didn't feel forced. The cameo appearance of a familiar character was a delightful surprise for fans, but the story works perfectly well as a standalone. The world-building is superb; Molles creates a believable and immersive universe with distinct cultures and a compelling social structure. While the Lifebringers and Deathbringers are clearly defined, their relationship is nuanced and complex, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of peace and the cost of protection.
Overall, The Coming Dark is a gripping and ultimately rewarding read. While the slightly slower start might deter some, the explosive action, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes more than make up for it. It's a fantastic addition to Molles' body of work, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising new series. The ending left me on the edge of my seat, desperate for more. Highly recommended for fans of space opera and gritty sci-fi adventures.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.48 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 591
- Publication date: 2025
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