The Darkness Before Them, Matthew Ward
The Darkness Before Them, Matthew Ward
List: $38.99 | Sale: $27.30
Club: $19.49

The Darkness Before Them

Author: Matthew Ward

Narrator: Sara Novak

Unabridged: 18 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 11/07/2023


Synopsis

The first in an exciting, action-packed new trilogy from epic fantasy author Matthew Ward, The Darkness Before Them introduces readers to a world ruled by a dangerous immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land.  These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king. Kat doesn’t care about any of that. A talented thief, she’s pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She’ll need every advantage she can get. Kat’s not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad’s future begins, everyone – Kat included – will have to pick a side.

About Matthew Ward

Matthew Ward has frequently been accused of living in worlds of his own imagination, though really he lives near Nottingham with his extremely patient wife and several attention-seeking cats.


Reviews

Goodreads review by LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" on November 10, 2023

My thanks to Orbit books, Matthew Ward and Netgalley. Well...I wish I could stop my review right there! Just say, well and move on. My main issue with this book isn't the story or really much at all...unless you consider character development an issue. I do. Great start of a tale. What is lacking for m......more

Goodreads review by Jade on January 21, 2024

6.43 on CAWPILE......more

Goodreads review by Nick on November 08, 2023

Matthew Ward has always written incredibly deep and well thought out epic fantasy. Much like George RR Martin and Steven Erikson his cast of characters is vast and there are many factions vying for supremacy. It's a big reason why I love his books, I know he's going to deliver an incredible story th......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on May 09, 2024

2.5 Stars There is always the excitement that comes with the start of a new series by a new-to-me author. I hoped this epic fantasy series could be a new favourite, but that doesn't appear to be on the cards. This one had decent writing and characters, but I found it incredible generic with nothing t......more

Goodreads review by Jamedi on November 04, 2023

Review originally on JamReads The Darkness Before Them is the initial novel in the epic fantasy The Soulfire Saga series, written by Matthew Ward. From the start, Ward proposes an overly complex worldbuilding, woven together with political intrigues, epic action and a plot that doesn't stop surpr......more


Quotes

"Expertly wrought . . . a vigorous, bravura saga."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Light

"Hugely entertaining."—John Gwynne on Legacy of Ash

"Magnificent and epic."—Grimdark Magazine on Legacy of Ash

"Epic fantasy as it should be: big, bold and very addictive."—Starburst on Legacy of Ash

"Packed with big battles, shadowy intrigue and a large cast of characters, Legacy of Ash is an absorbing debut."—James Islington on Legacy of Ash

"Ward sends out the mammoth and extremely rewarding trilogy that began with Legacy of Ash with this expertly wrought epic ... Ward breathes new life into familiar tropes while convincingly maneuvering his huge cast to universally satisfying conclusions. The result is a vigorous, bravura saga." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Light

"Expertly interspersing vivid action sequences with quiet, introspective stretches, Ward guides readers and characters alike through this winding, well-crafted saga. The result is an impressive series opener."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Ash

"As intricate as a precision-engineered watch; as surprising as a precision-engineered watch with a concealed face-stabbing mechanism."—Gareth Hanrahan on Legacy of Ash

"Epic fantasy as it should be: big, bold and very addictive."—Starburst on Legacy of Ash

"An incredibly impressive piece of fantasy fiction."—The Fantasy Inn on Legacy of Ash