Customer Reviews

*OP Dark Kingdoms (World of Darkness (White Wolf Paperback))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This trilogy is a tie-in to the "Wraith" role playing game from White Wolf Publishing but I found that it made no difference that I had no knowledge of that game. You don't need it to enjoy this epic adventure. There are so many interesting settings, events, and characters that you can't help but keep reading to find out how they all come together--and they do, in the end. I liked the mixture of historic characters and modern day folks. I was also fond of a rather whimsical (in a dark fantasy way of being whimsical) fellow named Antoine. I won't describe him so as not to spoil the surprise. He's very cool though.

If you like a big, fat book full of chills, derring-do (yes, there are even flashing swords), and romance too, this is the book for you.

I consider Wraith to be the best of old WoD line up with its complex themes and amazing world and this set of books captures it perfectly. Wraith is world were each spirit must battle constantly between their existence and oblivion which is fought outside and inside themselves as well. Another unique aspect of the wraith world is that most things from mundane items and currency to weapons and buildings are made from the souls of other spirits who live out this new existence in agony and suffering. This brings up huge moral questions about using such items and transforming others into them. The characters in the trilogy are very engaging as they explore themes of inner struggle, loyalty, and love in ways that are impossible outside of a fantasy setting. The story is far reaching within the regular and spirit world and explores most aspects of the Wraith universe from a newly formed wraith to the ruling class and their struggle against Oblivion. I recommend this series to fans of the game and WoD but also to general fantasy and horror fans as well.

I picked up this book because I always hunger for more material dealing with the surreal, real and fantastic. This book had them all with a great story and decently developed characters.
There are a few problems that made my reading journey not as enjoyable as it could be. The first, Byers introduces many ideas, characters and names without fully explaining the origin or meaning behind them? At first, I thought this book was a total hodge podge and getting into it was hard. After the first book (there are three), I was able to understand almost everyting and I was engaged. I think some sort of prelude may have helped, for my girlfriend and best friend felt the same way.
On to the most annoying part, the editing is absolutley horrible!
There are spelling and grammatical errors in almost every 20 pages. One such error is so bad here is a non-verbatim example. There are two characters talking, one a reptile and another a human. When the human is talking, there is a reference to a reptilian tail and teeth; referring to the reptile. So, when you read this, you are like, "what the Heck?"
This is just a quick example, but the numerous amount of errors are just ridiculous. Byers also needs to develop on his skills as a writer and the fluidity of his work. His ideas are iintersting, but they are sometimes ruined by his style.
Overall, this book is great, downgraded to good due to the above problems.

I read heaps of fantasy books and have problems keeping myself sourced with good books. I am quite critical (well, I believe so anyway) and would not hesitate to recommend this book. Its good to read a decently detailed series in one go without having to wait years from the first book to the last book. (eg How long is The Wheel Of Time going to drag on!!!)