Darknesses

Corean Chronicles, Book 2

By: L. E. Modesitt Jr.

Narrated by: Kyle McCarley

Corus is a world of humans, but also of strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a world of magical powers and of a few people who are Talented enough to use them. Alucius, the hero of the story, is one such person. In Legacies we saw how he grew from a Talented child on a lonely Nightsheep ranch in the Iron Valleys to a proficient soldier who used his wits and his Talent to become the first to escape military enslavement in the neighboring country of Madrien. Now captain of the Twenty-first Company, the youngest officer of his rank in the Militia, he must now face new challenges, both military and magical. Corus has been fragmented since the collapse of its ancient magic-powered civilization. A would-be conqueror has somehow revived sorcerous creatures of legend to assist in his crusade to reunite the continent under his rule. The Iron Valleys are forced into an alliance with the Lord-Protector of Lanachrona, and the Twenty-first is dispatched to stand against the invaders. Neither the officers above him nor the men under him know it, but Alucius's Talent is their only hope for victory, or even survival.

©2003 L. E. Modesitt, Jr. (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Convincing dialogue, exciting military action and a neat conclusion that leaves the door open for subsequent adventures will find fans satisfied." ( Publishers Weekly)

Poor narration

Listening to Kyle McCarley is painful for me. Names and the like in fantasy book can be odd, but the narrator's pronunciation and emphasis on syllables aren't intuitive if you have read the printed book. His "accents" only detract from story, which is sad, since this is one of my favorites series.

good if you liked book 1 or Modesitt's style

Nothing ground breaking, very similar style to his other fantasy book series but with rifles, but this unlike some of his series were each book stands alone this is a book 2 in a series you need to start with book 1

Unique

The twists in the story line kept my attention. Some of the military sections seem to repeat stuff already said and assumed which was a little annoying as those sections drag a bit. Overall, I loved it and can’t wait for the next book.

Great story

Another fantastic novel by an outstanding author. Modesitt dazles again. If you enjoy a good fantasy story you will love this one.

Another good book

Modesitt's books tend to be very formulaic like Terry Brooks'. But they are still very fun escapes and enjoyable to read or listen to. If you enjoyed his other books then you will enjoy these.