Like the original Pillars of Peace trilogy, A Dagger in the Dark is a fast, bingeable read that showcases Dumbrell's talent for storytelling. This novella came as a total surprise when it was first announced, and I was even more eager for the release upon hearing that it was a pirate focused story. 

The final book of the original trilogy showcased Dumbrell's growth as a writer, and this novella was no different. The writing felt tighter, more sophisticated, but it still read as easily the main trilogy. I do wish it was longer, though it is just a minor complaint. 

The pacing and the plot were exciting, comprising of a fun twist while providing great background on some characters from the main trilogy. One aspect that I loved about this novella is that it could be picked and enjoyed by anyone, whether you have read Pillars of Peace or not. I find myself frustrated when authors release prequel novellas that require tons of context and require the reader to have read the series prior, and that is not the case here. 

It's a perfect novella for a reader who may be interested in the series, and it is also a fun read for those who have already made their way through the main series.