4 out of 4 stars
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Black Mirrors of the Soul is the second novel in a series by Charles McDonald. McDonald brings you to the brink of logic while simultaneously weaving an unforgettable story. I had the privilege of reviewing the first book in the series, A Kingdom Forgotten. Both books are written in a style that jumps through time and space at a near-dizzying rate. Had I not already read the first book, I feel I would have been lost while reading Black Mirrors of the Soul. However, having said that, I feel that the second book in the series is much more accessible than the first.
In order to fully appreciate Black Mirrors of the Soul, one must first know a little from A Kingdom Forgotten. The first of seven seals has been broken by Radin who felt he was “the one” mentioned in prophecy. The seven seals are destined to bring about the end of all times, the undoing of creation itself—possibly not on just one world, but all the worlds. The first broken seal has brought about severe devastation, jeopardizing at least one entire planet.
Damon has set himself up as a mastermind determined to create a new reality that will allow the survival of civilization after all seven seals are broken.
Radin was defeated by evil personified and is being held and tortured in Hades. Can Radin be rescued, and if so, will he ever recover?
Royvan Miral (famed discoverer who found the first seal) is on a quest to find the second seal, only to be presented with perhaps the greatest quandary that humanity has ever seen.
Talemar (famed lamean or magic person) is currently crowned with the crystal crown won in A Kingdom Forgotten. Talemar quite literally holds down the fort, attempting to keep the army supplied and happy with little to no information.
While following the threads of the above-mentioned characters, Black Mirrors of the Soul also provides some critical back story, particularly concerning Damon. What happened in Damon’s past that destroyed seemingly all goodness in his soul? Everyone who meets Damon agrees that he is not a good person. However, he is such a complex character that nearly all are drawn to him either in fear, hate, or love.
Black Mirrors of the Soul will take you through all the emotions. Just as in A Kingdom Forgotten, good and evil are not the simple concepts you assume they should be. In Black Mirrors of the Soul, the relationship of father to son is explored. The book also includes power struggles, manipulative relationships, pure love, lust, vengeance, and redemption.
McDonald’s writing style includes a happy mix of description and narrative. Rarely have I found a book that includes such amazing synergy between foreknowledge and mystery. Information is doled out in a way that compels you to read more and leaves you breathless when you reach the end. McDonald keeps up a thrilling pace while he continues to develop the characters. Consequently, I understood increasingly more of each character while reading the second book in this series. I am glad to give this 4 out of 4 stars; however, due to sultry scenes, I would not recommend this to anyone under the age of 18.
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Black Mirrors of the Soul
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