And the desperate measures Darien and his allies take to attempt to save their world, and the people within, have a sense that they are just about clinging on but at any moment the thin thread will snap. Read more about the condition Very Good: A book that has been read and does not look new, but is in excellent condition.

Darkmage is a treat for grimdark fantasy fans who appreciate well-crafted characters and a heavy sense that ‘good’ is probably not going to win. Note: This stand-alone fantasy book follows the life of Cassandra, it takes place in the same world as the stand-alone book The Formerly Dark Mage, but happens three hundred years later, long after Silvia is gone, and some shocking changes have taken place in the world. I would have liked reasons why they would suddenly become so devoted to someone who was almost a stranger to them. In the name of duty, Darien Lauchlin will see oaths forsaken, crowns toppled, friends sacrificed and the land he loves desecrated.Enter Darien, one of the most promising acolytes back from his exile to Aerysius where the council of mages ruled. This is not a simple tale of revenge, more one of battling through bad situations and suffering the consequences of one's (and other people's) actions.

Do you feel weighed down by stress and pressure, held back by judgement and lack of opportunity, and critcised by everyone – including yourself? The Oath of Harmony has a direct parallel with the Aes Sedai's oaths in that it is extraordinarily questionable as anything other than a geas meant to reign in mages from ruling the world. Through desperation and Transference, with the ancient city falling apart around them, Darien is hoisted up into a Master's role, a Sentinel, absorbing enough power from the dying to become an unheard of Eighth Tier mage. Everyone despises him for his status as an abomination, he will be forced to die if he's going to stop the end of the world, and he's already suicidal due to the loss of his lover Meiran. The story kept me well entertained and there were so many things yet to be resolved without it feeling overwhelming or hard to follow, which is a big plus in my eyes.

Lauchlin, damaged in mind, body and soul, is the only one who can save the day…but he has trouble even saving himself.

Darien Lauchlin has everything: youth, position, a beautiful partner and the promise of becoming Grand Master of Aerysius, the mage’s capital, when he comes into his inheritance. Thaleon continues his studies in the Allesdale infirimary, while Dawyn finds himself in the Crown’s army. However, he has sworn an oath that he can only use his magic to heal, to maintain harmony and for things good.

The Greatest Secret, the long-awaited major work by Rhonda Byrne, lays out the next quantum leap in a journey that will take the listener beyond the material world and into the spiritual realm, where all possibilities exist. But what do you do when you are told you are the monster from the very stories used to frighten you? I’m looking forward to the newer books in the series and look forward to (and have predictions for) what’s next! But overall, Shape of Nightmares was a very solid second installment in the Ledgers of a Dark Mage series.