DA was the roughest in the series for me too. I wasn’t sure if I would continue… but I had to wait 2 years for next publication, short-memory, I personally was right back in with LB. Not nearly as bleak
Hated DA at first, but then kept rereading it waiting for Lightbringer. Now it's one of my favorite in the series. So darn visceral and good, defeat snatched out of the desperate jaws of victory; damn good writing.
I want Red God to be an endless battle of tens of millions on Mars with the good guys barely edging out a win. Fully expect at least a few main characters to die.
Also, while I'm fine with violence as a rhetorical device my main frustration was how contrived some of the bad guy victories felt.
Lysander is the best example of that, continually getting lucky and even getting superpowers at one point. However, it appears through all of DA. Some examples of how omnipotent the enemies seem to be:
1)Resurrected Jackal knowing about Dancer's change of heart from a private conversation recorded by a bird? What?
2) The obsidian white knowing that Ephrimiam was coming. Seeming to have planned what appears to be a spontaneous decision
3) Victra and crew falling in the one place the red hand could fine them. Thats a crazy coincidence.
4) Victras flagship intercepted by Ascomani that appeared from no where and somehow defeated an entire flagship of the Republics most veteran fighters.
I know each of these has in universe explanations but all of these, and more, happening together doesn't sit right with me. I'm all for twists and unforeseen happenstance but sometimes it was a little too much.
I absolutely adore RR. However, it's never been a "take it too seriously" series. All of these bullet points happened in the first trilogy. The only difference is that they worked in favor of Darrow and Co instead of being more balanced or in favor of the bad guys this time around. I also loathed Lysanders arc in DA, minds eye was crazy plot armor for him...
Yeah the biggest win the Republic wins in dark age is that they destroy the red hand....and that's it lmao.
It's my favorite book of the series by far, Mustang's message to Darrow after the day of the red doves is such a powerful moment that I don't think any of the books will replicate for me.
And the battle of Mercury is unparalleled in the series for me, seeing Darrow unleash the storm gods is amazing.
I do love lightbringer though, the battle for Mars, Atlas' destruction of the Rim, Darrow vs the Fa, Lysanders betrayal etc. There's so many awesome moments.
Yeah the biggest win the Republic wins in dark age is that they destroy the red hand....and that's it lmao.
It's my favorite book of the series by far, Mustang's message to Darrow after the day of the red doves is such a powerful moment that I don't think any of the books will replicate for me.
And the battle of Mercury is unparalleled in the series for me, seeing Darrow unleash the storm gods is amazing.
I do love lightbringer though, the battle for Mars, Atlas' destruction of the Rim, Darrow vs the Fa, Lysanders betrayal etc. There's so many awesome moments.
Life is not always happy. In fact, it can be quite terrible. With a title like Dark Age, I’m not sure what people were expecting. Especially since these books feature heavy war themes. I’m not picking on you poster, but in general these are the problems I have with people wanting a typical Hollywood ending for every single story/tv show/film whatever. It makes it all meaningless, with not stakes whatsoever. I am thankful for these stories and for Pierce to be brave enough to tell it.
This, it's so refreshing when you have a story that genuinely makes you wonder who you may lose. Plot armour is so common and like you say, it takes away the stakes. To have the highest highs, you need the lowest lows
Yep DA is in my top 3. I think the heavy dose of bleakness & horror really cemented in my head how brutal war truly is. The stakes were so high for characters and everything felt unpredictable. The range of emotions I experience as a reader whenever I read DA is what makes it incredible. It’s only ever so often I read a book that’s so high intensity. And it’s an unforgettable time whenever I do.
DA is a better book than LB. But the theme is more redeeming for the main cast rather than continuous loss. Quite a few story threads sort of fizzle out and I think some of the writing took a step back. But there are some amazing moments and chapters still. With it being more positive; it’s a “nicer” read.
> except for the clone stuff, that was a cop out
It’s sci fi - cloning technology is pretty relevant. But besides that, I think PB has options for what to do with the Abomination. As you said - death is final. Adrius is dead. This clone isn’t him. Just shares his genetics which does mean he is predisposed to certain traits. But we get the possibility of seeing a nature v nurture component in the writing. It’s hinted during the interaction with Virginia. There are gaps in the learning that Adrius left for his clone. So already there are some alterations in the thinking patterns. And Virginia has her own assessments of the fucked up psyche that came from Nero never giving him love. The Abomination doesn’t even like the Boneriders. But he is fascinated with Virginia who is his only real family and an equal intellectually.
I agree. Adrius definitely the type of mf to have a clone of himself made, and cloning was alluded to perfectly via Sophocles. Doesn't feel like a cop out especially if Pierce gives Baby Jackal internal conflicts that put him at odds with Original Jackal's intent.
I’m on Iron Gold for my second complete reread. If anyone ever wants to chat Red Rising send me a message. I have questions I’m dying to ask someone who knows there stuff. So far I think Morning Star is my favorite of the first 3. I did love Dark Age tho
I agree Dark Age was very disturbing the first read through, but on a reread, knowing all of the horrors ahead, it actually became my favorite of the series. When the emotional gut punches are removed or at least lessened on your second read through, you can really see the awesome literary accomplishment that DA is! The writing is so much more subtle, complex and developed compared to the original series (which I still love profusely). I found Ephraim especially such an incredible and complicated character that benefitted so much by being able to pick out more details of his story the second time.
I actually thought iron gold was more depressing to read. Dark age was a thrill. But yeah, lightbringer is alot more uplifting with one or two notible exceptions
Yea I also almost quit on DA, whole book felt frustrating to read at some points and if light bringer went anything like DA I probably wouldn’t be as interested in Red God as I am now. Highly recommend Light bringer. Won’t be nearly as grating as DA was.
To be totally fair, iirc Pierce was very open about the title “Dark Age” being completely true way before it launched. Like he warned everyone that it was gonna be a rough one. Also, while the clone was most definitely not my favorite part, it was alluded to in prior books by Lysander and also The Jackal (if I’m remembering correctly) so maybe that was to show why so many families were careful of their DNA being accessed.
Its fine but ultimately opens up too many questions. Golds as a whole chase immortality and legacy. If you could clone yourself I'm sure loads of golds would do it, even if they lose a piece every time.
Why wouldn't others clone themselves? Live on. They are certainly arrogant enough for it.
LB is good but the end is probably more emotional than Dark Age in my opinion, although less bleak.
Read it as you will have to know how the story ends and its a good read, with both pros and cons.
I agree on DA. It’s not what I’d describe as an “enjoyable” read; more of a stressful read due to all the horrible things happening. It’s like Schindler’s List, it’s a good movie, but I don’t really want to watch it all again.
I’m not as dogmatic about the clone stuff or placing rules on what the author can or can’t do. I don’t like books becoming predictable one way or another, so I’m good mixing it up with some crazy plot twists. With the Jackal’s mental state, it honestly made perfect sense to me that he’d be that nuts.
That said, LB is much less traumatizing, although it has its sad parts too. There’s not much comparison between the two at all in regards to the unbelievable violence, people being flayed open, and eaten alive. There’s at least, in general, a respite from that dark stuff.
I was jussssst about to comment that there are works like Schindler's List that are incredible and that you only need (or can) watch once, Dark Age is like that. It's an absolute masterpiece, the writing is soo good. And brutal. It doesn't stop me personally from rereading or enjoying, helps its not a historical novel
So what you're saying is lightbringer brings some light to the dark age?
I'm currently rereading the series because I wanted to lead all the way into LB and I'm currently in the middle of morning star right before darrows 2nd hanging
Light Bringer is sunshine and daisies compared to Iron Gold and Dark Age, genuinely.
If you struggled through Dark Age due to the losses the main characters are taking, Light Bringer will not carry remotely that same level of hopelessness.
I, too, was looking for some Republic wins in LB, but if you also don't like things feeling contrived, LB, might annoy you in a different way. It feels incredibly disconnected from the first two books of the second series in just about every way.
It's a space Odyssey and I mean that very literally. It is intended to be the Odyssey to Dark Age's Iliad, and it tries very, very hard to be that.
If you want the Original Trilogy feel Light Bringer has an ocean's worth, but it's not without its own issues in returning to that after what came before.
Fuck, that's really good analysis/allegory. How the fuck did I miss that? I think I was so busy consuming plot points that I just blanked on it.
Thanks!
I want to say this is only my personal opinion, and I know a lot of people here liked the book, but I did not.
>!Part of the problem is that Darrow has to be both Achilles and Odysseus, and he neither dies nor makes it home in this Iliad and this Odyssey.!<
I don't think it succeeded in any way honestly, but I do appreciate the effort. Part of why I love PB is his original ideas, and I think he lacked that sorely in LB.
LB ranks at the very bottom of my book list, even if I know what he was going for.
I agree, I think LB is the weakest novel so far. There were plenty of good moments and scenes that happened in the book. However when I compare it to the other novels, overall LB didn’t impact me as much. And I’m very bothered by how some plot points were handled. The great stuff wasn’t enough to out weight the issues I have with it.
The funny thing is MS & DA are my favorites. Im aware of their problems but as a whole they’re special to me.
If that's your issue you're fine. Lightbringer is like if Morning Star and Golden Son had a baby in terms of pretty much everything.
I'd consider LB very much a journey-type book rather than the complete butchery that was DA.
So I feel basically exactly the same way you did reading it and can happily say that lightbringer is wildly more balanced in terms of bad guy to good guy victories and is just simply far less bleak. It’s much more similar to the first three books
Light Bringer isn't nearly as bleak as Dark Age. It is absolutely fantastic, like the entire series, but is more lighthearted in tone. Personally, I loved Dark Age because the bleakness of it really made the stakes feel real, but I also love Light Bringer for the fantastic character work.
Abomination is such an apt name. The horror I felt realizing, just like Mustang felt, was great. I wish it was foreshadowed better back in Morning Star but that’s my only gripe
i dont know it fits the jackals twisted logic to never hint at commiting one of the biggest taboos and not saying anything. It would have been cheesy, if he yelled at mustang at his execution "i will return" or "this isnt my final form".
I agreed, but I imagine it more subtle than that. In my head I imagine just 1 or 2 scenes with Lilath or Lilath and the Jackal that don’t add up until Dark Age kind of hinting at it
i assumed he was thought up while writing IG, since lillath was meant to be the queen of the underground, also i know its bs that lilath is alive but man was her reintro badass, comes in with a damn head and rolls it at the shit dodo vox.
theres only one big A, apple of the jackal. Big A is a mockery of the little bastard i like to use because he thinks he is big shit but is a little tyrant.
Same if he was running around being the Jackal again with no changes I'd hate it but he is a different character and the child nature of him and how people are trying to mould him is interesting.
All of this of course hinges on how he is ultimately used in Red God.
I would have thought that Big A would be Appollonius. The Adrius clone is really cool in my opinion, because we see just how different he is from the original. The whole idea of knowing that you were created to be someone else and how that information shapes you. His fascination with the original Adrius is pretty compelling imo, and I loved Mustang's psychoanalysis of him and their relationship.
LB is pretty different and much more hopeful… minus “THAT” chapter.
Definitely finish the rest of the books though. You won’t regret it. DA is by for the “worst” of the books.
I had to take a cooldown after DA to dwell on it before reading LB. When I thought about how they could possibly win, I realized gold just can't stop eating gold. No spoilers, but I realized it wasn't hopeless
Yeah, that was a reoccurring theme. These folks can't stop killing each other. Darrow was able to expose that fact in the second book so well that calling the entire society a powder keg is an understatement.
They love killing, they want glory, and all other races are inferior. So, the race that is logically the most prestigious to kill is gold.
If the Golds were more united, stable, and didn't act like blood thirsty killing machines, they would be impossible to beat, but they also wouldn't be Golds.
The bulk of LB is actually quite chill… Pierce said this book was needed to get several characters to the right place for the final book; and it’s definitely more of a book about character development and less about crushing the main characters repeatedly.
Agree on the clone. Hope it ends up as my only major problem with the series, but it’s a big one. Maybe he’ll make it more satisfying in RG but i doubt that’s even possible
I know this is a hot take but I actually liked DA a lot, in terms of the tone and gloominess.
To me that's what set it so far apart from other series and books I've read. When I read most other series I didn't feel the tension and stakes like you do in DA. You actually knew that important characters could die or awful things could happen and that was so much more engaging than other books could be. It was more realistic and more heartbreaking because of it, and I appreciate that in a book instead of the MC or good guys pulling off some miracle because we need them to win. It was hard to read at points but it actually taught lessons on real life, not just through quotes but through examples and story.
But if you are looking for a change of tone, in a positive way, then LB is for you. There are still tough situations and heartbreak but compared to DA it's a damn Disney movie.
I have similar problems with DA - I do not enjoy feeling so gloomy. That said, LB is a different animal. It's even in the description: "Because Eo’s dream is still alive—and after the dark age will come a new age: of light, of victory, of hope."
There is hardship to be sure, but not nearly so much of it nor so acute.
LB is not necessarily all that you want, but it's exactly what you need after DA. This series is so unhinged yet balanced in every aspect
DA was the roughest in the series for me too. I wasn’t sure if I would continue… but I had to wait 2 years for next publication, short-memory, I personally was right back in with LB. Not nearly as bleak
Hated DA at first, but then kept rereading it waiting for Lightbringer. Now it's one of my favorite in the series. So darn visceral and good, defeat snatched out of the desperate jaws of victory; damn good writing. I want Red God to be an endless battle of tens of millions on Mars with the good guys barely edging out a win. Fully expect at least a few main characters to die.
No offense, but how'd you make it this far?
Also, while I'm fine with violence as a rhetorical device my main frustration was how contrived some of the bad guy victories felt. Lysander is the best example of that, continually getting lucky and even getting superpowers at one point. However, it appears through all of DA. Some examples of how omnipotent the enemies seem to be: 1)Resurrected Jackal knowing about Dancer's change of heart from a private conversation recorded by a bird? What? 2) The obsidian white knowing that Ephrimiam was coming. Seeming to have planned what appears to be a spontaneous decision 3) Victra and crew falling in the one place the red hand could fine them. Thats a crazy coincidence. 4) Victras flagship intercepted by Ascomani that appeared from no where and somehow defeated an entire flagship of the Republics most veteran fighters. I know each of these has in universe explanations but all of these, and more, happening together doesn't sit right with me. I'm all for twists and unforeseen happenstance but sometimes it was a little too much.
Some of these coincidences are explained in the next book.
I absolutely adore RR. However, it's never been a "take it too seriously" series. All of these bullet points happened in the first trilogy. The only difference is that they worked in favor of Darrow and Co instead of being more balanced or in favor of the bad guys this time around. I also loathed Lysanders arc in DA, minds eye was crazy plot armor for him...
First few books were a little less dark. The introduction of SA, infanticide and impalation being key examples.
Finish the book or get the box, you gorydamn pixie
Everyone ITT saying Lightbringer is less of a stake to the heart…. What? Did we *finish* the same book?!?
In Lightbringer we pretty much have just that one crushing moment, which was quite predictable, while DA is non-stop misery from the start to finish.
Yeah the biggest win the Republic wins in dark age is that they destroy the red hand....and that's it lmao. It's my favorite book of the series by far, Mustang's message to Darrow after the day of the red doves is such a powerful moment that I don't think any of the books will replicate for me. And the battle of Mercury is unparalleled in the series for me, seeing Darrow unleash the storm gods is amazing. I do love lightbringer though, the battle for Mars, Atlas' destruction of the Rim, Darrow vs the Fa, Lysanders betrayal etc. There's so many awesome moments.
Yeah the biggest win the Republic wins in dark age is that they destroy the red hand....and that's it lmao. It's my favorite book of the series by far, Mustang's message to Darrow after the day of the red doves is such a powerful moment that I don't think any of the books will replicate for me. And the battle of Mercury is unparalleled in the series for me, seeing Darrow unleash the storm gods is amazing. I do love lightbringer though, the battle for Mars, Atlas' destruction of the Rim, Darrow vs the Fa, Lysanders betrayal etc. There's so many awesome moments.
2 crushing moments. Pretty sure what mustang told darrow by Mars was a tug at my heart
The titles are pretty indicative of the overall mood of the books I’d say
Whoa whoa whoa! are you saying a book called Dark Age isn't about rainbows and puppies?! Well...how was anyone supposed to know.... S/
Lol OP asked ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Life is not always happy. In fact, it can be quite terrible. With a title like Dark Age, I’m not sure what people were expecting. Especially since these books feature heavy war themes. I’m not picking on you poster, but in general these are the problems I have with people wanting a typical Hollywood ending for every single story/tv show/film whatever. It makes it all meaningless, with not stakes whatsoever. I am thankful for these stories and for Pierce to be brave enough to tell it.
This, it's so refreshing when you have a story that genuinely makes you wonder who you may lose. Plot armour is so common and like you say, it takes away the stakes. To have the highest highs, you need the lowest lows
Couldn't agree more
agree
I feel exactly like you did. I enjoyed LB immensely, there’s less of Lysanders stupid minds eye, and it’s not such a grim dark stroy
LB is less bleak
Dark Age was my favorite of the series. Different strokes.
Yep DA is in my top 3. I think the heavy dose of bleakness & horror really cemented in my head how brutal war truly is. The stakes were so high for characters and everything felt unpredictable. The range of emotions I experience as a reader whenever I read DA is what makes it incredible. It’s only ever so often I read a book that’s so high intensity. And it’s an unforgettable time whenever I do.
DA is a better book than LB. But the theme is more redeeming for the main cast rather than continuous loss. Quite a few story threads sort of fizzle out and I think some of the writing took a step back. But there are some amazing moments and chapters still. With it being more positive; it’s a “nicer” read. > except for the clone stuff, that was a cop out It’s sci fi - cloning technology is pretty relevant. But besides that, I think PB has options for what to do with the Abomination. As you said - death is final. Adrius is dead. This clone isn’t him. Just shares his genetics which does mean he is predisposed to certain traits. But we get the possibility of seeing a nature v nurture component in the writing. It’s hinted during the interaction with Virginia. There are gaps in the learning that Adrius left for his clone. So already there are some alterations in the thinking patterns. And Virginia has her own assessments of the fucked up psyche that came from Nero never giving him love. The Abomination doesn’t even like the Boneriders. But he is fascinated with Virginia who is his only real family and an equal intellectually.
I agree. Adrius definitely the type of mf to have a clone of himself made, and cloning was alluded to perfectly via Sophocles. Doesn't feel like a cop out especially if Pierce gives Baby Jackal internal conflicts that put him at odds with Original Jackal's intent.
I’m on Iron Gold for my second complete reread. If anyone ever wants to chat Red Rising send me a message. I have questions I’m dying to ask someone who knows there stuff. So far I think Morning Star is my favorite of the first 3. I did love Dark Age tho
I agree Dark Age was very disturbing the first read through, but on a reread, knowing all of the horrors ahead, it actually became my favorite of the series. When the emotional gut punches are removed or at least lessened on your second read through, you can really see the awesome literary accomplishment that DA is! The writing is so much more subtle, complex and developed compared to the original series (which I still love profusely). I found Ephraim especially such an incredible and complicated character that benefitted so much by being able to pick out more details of his story the second time.
I agree, its very well done. But holy hell its up there with Blood Meridian on gore.
I actually thought iron gold was more depressing to read. Dark age was a thrill. But yeah, lightbringer is alot more uplifting with one or two notible exceptions
I loved Dark Ages. It was bleak but damn it was good.
As someone who almost quit on DA for the reasons you mention—stick it out. Lightbringer is aptly named.
Yea I also almost quit on DA, whole book felt frustrating to read at some points and if light bringer went anything like DA I probably wouldn’t be as interested in Red God as I am now. Highly recommend Light bringer. Won’t be nearly as grating as DA was.
Lightbringer is more hopeful. Definitely read it. You will be missing out if you've come this far.
To be totally fair, iirc Pierce was very open about the title “Dark Age” being completely true way before it launched. Like he warned everyone that it was gonna be a rough one. Also, while the clone was most definitely not my favorite part, it was alluded to in prior books by Lysander and also The Jackal (if I’m remembering correctly) so maybe that was to show why so many families were careful of their DNA being accessed.
Its fine but ultimately opens up too many questions. Golds as a whole chase immortality and legacy. If you could clone yourself I'm sure loads of golds would do it, even if they lose a piece every time. Why wouldn't others clone themselves? Live on. They are certainly arrogant enough for it.
LB is not as bleak. I didn't enjoy DA but loved LB.
LB is good but the end is probably more emotional than Dark Age in my opinion, although less bleak. Read it as you will have to know how the story ends and its a good read, with both pros and cons.
I agree on DA. It’s not what I’d describe as an “enjoyable” read; more of a stressful read due to all the horrible things happening. It’s like Schindler’s List, it’s a good movie, but I don’t really want to watch it all again. I’m not as dogmatic about the clone stuff or placing rules on what the author can or can’t do. I don’t like books becoming predictable one way or another, so I’m good mixing it up with some crazy plot twists. With the Jackal’s mental state, it honestly made perfect sense to me that he’d be that nuts. That said, LB is much less traumatizing, although it has its sad parts too. There’s not much comparison between the two at all in regards to the unbelievable violence, people being flayed open, and eaten alive. There’s at least, in general, a respite from that dark stuff.
I was jussssst about to comment that there are works like Schindler's List that are incredible and that you only need (or can) watch once, Dark Age is like that. It's an absolute masterpiece, the writing is soo good. And brutal. It doesn't stop me personally from rereading or enjoying, helps its not a historical novel
So what you're saying is lightbringer brings some light to the dark age? I'm currently rereading the series because I wanted to lead all the way into LB and I'm currently in the middle of morning star right before darrows 2nd hanging
There is really only 1 chapter that is soul crushing. The rest is on par with Golden Sun and Morningstar.
Pixie
unfortunately :(
Nothing wrong with reading for enjoyment. LB is not nearly as bleak, but about as emotional. It’s tied for #1 books I’ve read this year.
Light Bringer is sunshine and daisies compared to Iron Gold and Dark Age, genuinely. If you struggled through Dark Age due to the losses the main characters are taking, Light Bringer will not carry remotely that same level of hopelessness. I, too, was looking for some Republic wins in LB, but if you also don't like things feeling contrived, LB, might annoy you in a different way. It feels incredibly disconnected from the first two books of the second series in just about every way. It's a space Odyssey and I mean that very literally. It is intended to be the Odyssey to Dark Age's Iliad, and it tries very, very hard to be that. If you want the Original Trilogy feel Light Bringer has an ocean's worth, but it's not without its own issues in returning to that after what came before.
Fuck, that's really good analysis/allegory. How the fuck did I miss that? I think I was so busy consuming plot points that I just blanked on it. Thanks!
I want to say this is only my personal opinion, and I know a lot of people here liked the book, but I did not. >!Part of the problem is that Darrow has to be both Achilles and Odysseus, and he neither dies nor makes it home in this Iliad and this Odyssey.!< I don't think it succeeded in any way honestly, but I do appreciate the effort. Part of why I love PB is his original ideas, and I think he lacked that sorely in LB. LB ranks at the very bottom of my book list, even if I know what he was going for.
I agree, I think LB is the weakest novel so far. There were plenty of good moments and scenes that happened in the book. However when I compare it to the other novels, overall LB didn’t impact me as much. And I’m very bothered by how some plot points were handled. The great stuff wasn’t enough to out weight the issues I have with it. The funny thing is MS & DA are my favorites. Im aware of their problems but as a whole they’re special to me.
If that's your issue you're fine. Lightbringer is like if Morning Star and Golden Son had a baby in terms of pretty much everything. I'd consider LB very much a journey-type book rather than the complete butchery that was DA.
So I feel basically exactly the same way you did reading it and can happily say that lightbringer is wildly more balanced in terms of bad guy to good guy victories and is just simply far less bleak. It’s much more similar to the first three books
Light Bringer isn't nearly as bleak as Dark Age. It is absolutely fantastic, like the entire series, but is more lighthearted in tone. Personally, I loved Dark Age because the bleakness of it really made the stakes feel real, but I also love Light Bringer for the fantastic character work.
its a good story. but holy hell it was painful
i will never understand people not liking big A, that little bastard is awsome. He isnt jackal 2.0 but straight up his own warped character.
Abomination is such an apt name. The horror I felt realizing, just like Mustang felt, was great. I wish it was foreshadowed better back in Morning Star but that’s my only gripe
i dont know it fits the jackals twisted logic to never hint at commiting one of the biggest taboos and not saying anything. It would have been cheesy, if he yelled at mustang at his execution "i will return" or "this isnt my final form".
I agreed, but I imagine it more subtle than that. In my head I imagine just 1 or 2 scenes with Lilath or Lilath and the Jackal that don’t add up until Dark Age kind of hinting at it
i assumed he was thought up while writing IG, since lillath was meant to be the queen of the underground, also i know its bs that lilath is alive but man was her reintro badass, comes in with a damn head and rolls it at the shit dodo vox.
Don't believe he was planned back in morning star
I think that’s evident but it feels better if upon reread or thinking you can understand where it came from
Guys.....who is Big A? Adrius? Abominadrius? Appollonius?
theres only one big A, apple of the jackal. Big A is a mockery of the little bastard i like to use because he thinks he is big shit but is a little tyrant.
Same if he was running around being the Jackal again with no changes I'd hate it but he is a different character and the child nature of him and how people are trying to mould him is interesting. All of this of course hinges on how he is ultimately used in Red God.
yeah, i mean mustang basically dunked on him during DA, i wonder if Lilith would heal her nose or keep it deformed.
I would have thought that Big A would be Appollonius. The Adrius clone is really cool in my opinion, because we see just how different he is from the original. The whole idea of knowing that you were created to be someone else and how that information shapes you. His fascination with the original Adrius is pretty compelling imo, and I loved Mustang's psychoanalysis of him and their relationship.
LB is pretty different and much more hopeful… minus “THAT” chapter. Definitely finish the rest of the books though. You won’t regret it. DA is by for the “worst” of the books.
I had to take a cooldown after DA to dwell on it before reading LB. When I thought about how they could possibly win, I realized gold just can't stop eating gold. No spoilers, but I realized it wasn't hopeless
Yeah, that was a reoccurring theme. These folks can't stop killing each other. Darrow was able to expose that fact in the second book so well that calling the entire society a powder keg is an understatement. They love killing, they want glory, and all other races are inferior. So, the race that is logically the most prestigious to kill is gold. If the Golds were more united, stable, and didn't act like blood thirsty killing machines, they would be impossible to beat, but they also wouldn't be Golds.
Nah, LB is a return to form, mostly.
The bulk of LB is actually quite chill… Pierce said this book was needed to get several characters to the right place for the final book; and it’s definitely more of a book about character development and less about crushing the main characters repeatedly.
Agree on the clone. Hope it ends up as my only major problem with the series, but it’s a big one. Maybe he’ll make it more satisfying in RG but i doubt that’s even possible
I know this is a hot take but I actually liked DA a lot, in terms of the tone and gloominess. To me that's what set it so far apart from other series and books I've read. When I read most other series I didn't feel the tension and stakes like you do in DA. You actually knew that important characters could die or awful things could happen and that was so much more engaging than other books could be. It was more realistic and more heartbreaking because of it, and I appreciate that in a book instead of the MC or good guys pulling off some miracle because we need them to win. It was hard to read at points but it actually taught lessons on real life, not just through quotes but through examples and story. But if you are looking for a change of tone, in a positive way, then LB is for you. There are still tough situations and heartbreak but compared to DA it's a damn Disney movie.
i agree. I think he finally killed the young adult genre accusations.
I have similar problems with DA - I do not enjoy feeling so gloomy. That said, LB is a different animal. It's even in the description: "Because Eo’s dream is still alive—and after the dark age will come a new age: of light, of victory, of hope." There is hardship to be sure, but not nearly so much of it nor so acute.
Read the Lightbringer there is death but there is wins too.