You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

A review by not_another_ana
Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

When the past is forgotten, then it can return. Only those who remember have the chance to stave it off. For the dark is never truly gone; it only waits for the world to forget, so that it may rise again.

Will has been on the run since his mother was murdered right in front of him. Hiding and always looking over his shoulder, Will has managed to find himself in London working odd jobs until one day his past catches up to him. It's then that Will finds out that he comes from a very powerful bloodline and that he might be the only one able to defeat the growing ancient evil. Joining the Stewards, the only ones who remember the ancient world of magic and who know what's coming, Will must train and gain allies while uncovering what really happened and how does he fit in this long standing fight.

I had fun with this one, it's a little slow at first but I get it because there was a lot of worldbuilding to do. There are also a lot of clues in this first part to all the big reveals at the end, and since I enjoy unraveling plot and mysteries I liked this bit and was paying close attention. It's a book that deals in complex moralities for all factions and demands focus of the reader. I guessed almost all the big plot twists but there were some I never saw coming, even I you realize things before time the way they're constructed and the road the author takes to get there are such a delight.

Will is a fantastic protagonist, he's not ultra powerful or noble he's someone who relies on wit and cleverness. He's always paying attention, he's manipulative yet very charismatic and easily draws people in. Violet is another standout character, she's strong and moral, dedicated and a great friend. The two of them made sense as the main POVs, both had different things to do and places to be and together they connected the plot points naturally.
What made no sense to me were Katherine's POVs, I understand the author had to get her there somewhere since she had no other connection with the main characters but man was it shoed in and I did not care for her, weakest character. Same with Devon's POV, the book didn't need it.


I do think some events were a little bit too convenient, the plot hinges heavily on people assuming things and not double checking certain details. There are also some plot points that I'm still not too clear on,
like how did Will's "mother" have two kids without him noticing or remembering? How could she tell he was the dark king? Same with James, how did they know he was a reborn?
I'm assuming they'll be answered in the next books.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings