Good Tidings of Darkness

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book worth blogging about, but “King’s Dark Tidings:  Free the Darkness,” by Kel Kade, actually caught my attention.

Since my last post, I discovered some common factors to my favorite books.  I’ve previously mentioned my analysis of well-written story elements (such as Character, Setting, and Plot) and how engaging they are.
I’ve also noticed that my favorite books include three genre elements:
Action/Intrigue, Romance, and Comedy.
If it’s well-written two out of three, I’ll say it’s a good book, but if it only does one (no matter how well it’s written), I’m bored.

“King’s Dark Tidings” entertained me with all three story and genre elements.  Not to mention, the syntax, sentence structure, and descriptions are very well done.  Good job, Kel Kade.

Story

In a fantasy world of kings and thieves guilds, Rezkin is trained to be the perfect infiltrator assassin.  But he doesn’t know why.  When he’s mistakenly told to protect his “friends,” he explores the open world to find said friends and his purpose.  He might have every “Skill” and “Rule” mastered, but when it comes to the nuances of relationships, he’s completely lost.

It does bother me that all the women (and even a couple men) swoon and vie for Rezkin’s attention.  (Contrary to popular belief, not all women are turned on by overly muscled men).
Normally, it frustrates me to see both perspectives of romantic interests – especially when they conflict, or they simply. don’t. get. it. (I deeply despise dramatic irony–where the reader knows something the main characters don’t). However, Rezkin’s obliviousness is due to cultural misunderstandings rather than stupidity or denial, and it’s hilarious!

Writing Style

Speaking of multiple perspectives, Mr. Kade writes in Omniscient Third Person, meaning you read the mind of every character. Normally, this bugs me (did I mention how much dramatic irony annoys me?).
This is, again, one of the few instances where it didn’t bother me because the story is mostly from Rezkin’s perspective, and Mr. Kade switches between characters smoothly enough that you can follow along.  Usually.
Also, there’s only one tidbit of information that two characters allude to without explaining.  So, it’s only a minor case of irritation where we get into their heads, but we don’t know what they’re actually thinking.

Vulgarity

Warning:  Rezkin’s been trained to kill people without emotion . . . so . . . lots of people die in graphic ways.  Think Assassin’s Creed or Jason Bourne. Along those same lines, it’s analytical violence, not slash and mash gore.
Personally, I’m more bothered by sexual content, of which there are some innuendos and references, but that’s about it. There’s a nude scene, but it’s not detailed and starts a conversation that defends honor and honorable traits. 🙂

Over All

I stayed up reading till my husband’s alarm clock went off.  Then I slept for two hours before finishing.  I’ve already started book 2, and my biggest disappointment is that the series isn’t finished.

All in all:  *****4.8 stars*****

UPDATE:  check my comments below for my quick thoughts on books 2&3, then read my review for book 4 here.