Dark Rise

Dark Rise, Book 1

By: C. S. Pacat

Narrated by: Christian Coulson

Instant New York Times Best Seller
Indie Best Seller

In this stunning new fantasy novel from international best-selling author C. S. Pacat, heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war are reborn and begin to draw new battle lines. This epic fantasy with high-stakes romance will sit perfectly on shelves next to beloved fantasy novels like the Infernal Devices series, the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and the Red Queen series.

Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother. Then an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, who have sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns. Will is thrust into a world of magic, where he starts training for a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark.

As London is threatened and old enmities are awakened, Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the fate that destroyed their world from returning to destroy his own.

Like V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic and Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove, Dark Rise is more than just high intrigue fantasy - it’s fast-paced, action-packed, and completely surprising. Listeners will love exploring the rich setting of 19th-century London. This thrilling story of friendship, deception, loyalty, and betrayal is sure to find a passionate audience of listeners.

©2021 C. S. Pacat (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Screamed the whole book

Holy hades Batman this was a RIDE! Oh my gosh I could touch the wood of the ship and the stone of the hall, everything described in glorious prose. GAH THE CHARACTERS!!! I would die for Violet and has anyone formed a Protect Will Kempen club because I desperately need to join. Bad Kitty - JAMES U MAGNIFICENT BASTARD my god I am. Obsessed. The entire plot turned on its head in the most wonderful way in the last few chapters and I was shrieking in a freezer remembering clues that I didn’t realize were clues and gods. This is a well written, brilliantly paced ode to classic fantasy along the lines of Tolkien and Lewis while remaining something Pacat’s own. Coulson’s narration is top notch (and he’s the cute Tom Riddle from hp 2?? Mind. Blown.) 10/10 want to buy more copies in the hope that somehow that will make book two come out faster.

Incredible Narration

The narrator was incredible, he really enhanced the story and transports you to the fantasy setting. 10/10

10/10

Definitely one of the best books I’ve read in quite some time. The ending really got me and I cannot wait for the next book.

I thought I had it all figured out.

I didnt. I read the reviews new there was gonna be a huge plot twist and thought I had it figured out, and then the last 1-2 hours happened and kept happening.

I was screaming the whole time. So good, loved every minute, I am devastated.

Great fantasy story with some great twists

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning started off kind of slow for me, but the pace quickly picked up after chapter 5. Couldn’t stop after that. Great fantasy story with great twists.

Fate vs Free Will…but Make it Epic

*cracks knuckles* Here we go!

Dark Rise is working to setup the foundations for the rest of the trilogy. The pacing started a little slow for me, but having read the Captive Prince series this was within expectations. I personally started to get jazzed and couldn’t stop listening around the mid-point. As far as Pacat’s trademark plot twists, they’re there but perhaps a little more obvious (maybe I just read too much dark fantasy lol.)

The multiple character POVs threw me off a little bit. I happen to be the kind of reader to prefer one POV, so that’s probably why the storyline was occasionally a little jerky for me. In any case, the characters are all pretty enticing and each have interesting backgrounds with the potential for badassery. I’m straight up living for the devious secrets and reveals forthcoming. 😈 Pacat did not disappoint in that category (Shocking absolutely no one.)

Shoutout to the narrator, Christian Coulson also! He was great and easy to listen to.

So. Real talk. I’m kind of hoping this someday leads to a final Narnia/LOTR-esque epic battle in some fantasy field somewhere because that’s the vibe I’m getting from this. And I could want for nothing more.

perfect

this is a other level of perfection
li o livro agora vou ouvir até cansar
tô completamente apaixonada

fantastic

The story is catching and riveting. The twists and turns and emotions it causes.... instantly a top favorite book. I screamed when it ended, screamed that it was not allowed to be over.

Compelling

A very visceral telling of a great story. I hope there is more to come.

The change of tone whenever a certain characters speak, makes the listening experience extra special.

I’ve been reading the book alongside the audiobook, and the experience has been great. Honestly, this might be my favorite read ever.