The Dark Citadel (book #1)

This is a complex and intriguing story. It is a fantasy realm set in an ancient desert world. There are khalifs, khaliffas, wizards, wights, slaves, warriors, barbarians, spirits, unusual beasts, and so on. The chapters jump between time periods and perspectives. While I could follow the basic thread, I found it confusing. In addition, while many of the characters were interesting enough, none of them caught my imagination such that I became invested in them or the story. At the halfway point, I was curious about what happened next, but I didn't really care, so I abandoned the book. It is not a bad book. I just don't think I am the right audience or perhaps had I read it at a different time in my life, I would have had the patience to follow the unfolding of the story.

I gather that it's been out for over a year, and the next book is out. So why the slim number of readers that reviewed? This was a great epic fantasy, and I was very impressed. The characters were well developed, the action-filled plot moved right along, the writing was professional, and it was never boring. Sorcerers, Wizards, Griffins, Wights (ghosts)---it had it all and more and I can't wait to read the next book. It was such a breath of fresh air to read this well-written story, since some of the books I've read lately have left a lot to be desired in regard to writing style, proofreading, and actual content. I give it 4 stars, it kind of reminds me of some of the old time Forgotten Realms and Dragon Lance type series, only better.

I became a fan of Michael Wallace in his Rightous Series which covers the polygamist religious sect which separated itself from mainstream LDS. Since I enjoyed that series so much and waiting until February for the next book I decided to check out Wallace's Fantasy series which is not my usual fare.Wallace's style of story telling stays strong and entertaining in The Dark Citadel. Darick the son of a rich merchant finds himself along with his father and baby sister sold into slavery due to his father's weakness and foolishness in handling money. Darick manages to serve as a slave and keep an eye on his baby sister at the same time.As the City where Darick has always known falls under the control of the Dark Wizard who means nothing but evil to those poor souls under his control, Darick and two other slaves escape to travel to Sanctuary for their freedom.The characters in this series are skillfully tailored and are finely fused together in the defense of the homeland against formidable odds. Although vastly outnumbered in both physical numbers and magic the trio travel through desolation to warn others of the coming of the Dark Wizard and to enlist their help in the coming battle.The story is continued in Book Two The Free Kingdoms.

Really good story that could have been so much more. A young adult would find it satisfying, but as an adult I wanted to read more about the characters and the land they live in. I wanted to immerse myself in the story and it didn't happen. I finished it quickly and if that was the authors intention, congratulations!I want to read the series, but am afraid of becoming frustrated. Think I'll wait for the series to reach a conclusion before reading more.

This book has too many characters; and the beginning introduces a king about to be killed by a dark wizard. The dark wizard seems to be every where in each chapter, and except for knowing he wants to " take over the world" we have no character development. Many of the places all the characters go to have been detailed so much you keep getting lost when other characters arrive and you get the same details, again. Serious editing needed.

Thus far this is a very decent Fantasy series. I have gone through the first two books and started the third in less than a week, so it is a little difficult to put down for extended periods.The concept is good versus evil. Young man taken under the wing(s) of older experienced men, one a warrior the other a wizard. There are family values thrown in as well as a little romance.Some sex innuendo but nothing for parents to be too concerned about these days.All in all, I bought all five books at once through the Kindle Ebooks , no discounts other then not having to pay shipping costs, and am reading on my PC.

As with any "hack and slash" books following in the footsteps of Dungeons and Dragons, the plot is very in depth, and there's not a lot of action unless there's a battle going on. However, when it is in the slower parts of the book, you gain more knowledge of the characters, and learn what their purposes are in the series. Good read.

The author builds a solid world and interesting characters some are dark and clearly evil. I enjoyed the story and thought the violence fit the setting. The dialogue among characters felt real and pushed the story forward well. We have a dark wizard rising in power and an number of forces of good trying to resist his influence. You get magic, monsters, heroic leaders and misguide decisions that all mix together to create an epic tale. No spoilers from me.It just did not suck me in enough to care for the players, except the villain who was first rate bad.

In contrast to many of the books I get free from kindle this book has everything I want in a fantasy fiction story. The characters come alive on the page, the narrative flows well and things happen in a rational manner. The heroes have character flaws. The dark side is not all powerful. People's mistakes come back and bite them. In other words, this is a well thought out book.The magic as described in this book isn't particularly different to other stories (unlike what another reviewer said) and the product description is too limited to give you a proper picture of the story. There are four major protagonists, Darik, a boy from a good home who becomes a slave early in the book; Whelan, essentially a knight with a chequered past; Markal, a wizard, not particularly powerful but old and knowledgeable and Kallia, essentially a princess whose father is dying slowly at the start of the book. Against them is an evil wizard whose ultimate purpose is unknown.There are Griffins (with riders) but there are no dragons as such (dragon wasps feature).I have purchased the next two books, reviews to follow.

ok read

bought on kindle for next to nothing intend to purchase all five books in the series as is very good reading matter

If you love the supernatural, then this is for you. I love Michael Wallace's books, but this is my least favourite.

A good story if you like fantasy you will enjoy this story looking forward to the next book hope tis as good