Helpful Score: 4
I've read Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake series, but was in the mood for something a little different. I picked this one up and wasn't sure if I was going to like it. The plot is a little slow and the ending wasn't quite what I expected. Not one of her best works, but if your lookinf for a Hamilton book that is a little out of the norm, the characters are developed rather well. But the story could have used a little more at the end.
Helpful Score: 4
this book was not at all what i had expected from Hamilton...while interesting, it was pretty gruesome, was NOT a romance like her others, and didnt have a satisfying ending. it is more of a YA book than an adult book also. Still, maybe that's just me.
Helpful Score: 4
I really loved this book ... for the first 280 pages or so. Then it became very disturbing. Normally I like disturbing (why else would you read LKH?), but the last few chapters raise tons of questions that are never answered, and the ending is very abrupt. I finished this book with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, and was very disappointed.
Also be aware that this is *not* a new LKH series. It's not even a new book - the original version was published in 1995. "Ravenloft" is a campaign in "Dungeons and Dragons" and back in the 80s/90s several authors wrote books that take place within that universe. I've only read a few of them, but my understanding is that they are stand alone books that take place within the larger context of the Ravenloft world (the Demiplane of Dread).
If you're a fan of LKH it may be worth the read, but I wouldn't suggest spending money on it.
Also be aware that this is *not* a new LKH series. It's not even a new book - the original version was published in 1995. "Ravenloft" is a campaign in "Dungeons and Dragons" and back in the 80s/90s several authors wrote books that take place within that universe. I've only read a few of them, but my understanding is that they are stand alone books that take place within the larger context of the Ravenloft world (the Demiplane of Dread).
If you're a fan of LKH it may be worth the read, but I wouldn't suggest spending money on it.
Nymphadora T. (nymphadora) reviewed Death of a Darklord (Ravenloft Covenant 1) on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Okay, just so you know I'm not crazy, my boyfriend read this book as well and he agrees that the story concept started out promising but the ending absolutely sucks. LKH really is not that great of a writer when taken out of her Anita Blake element, so she tries to compensate with a grotesque turn of events and an ending that will just make you mad. I would never recommend this book, but I do hope someone wants to challenge me on my opinion so I can get it off of my shelf.
Helpful Score: 2
Laurell K. Hamilton is a great writer, her stories draw you in. This one included. However, it is dark. The majority of the book is captivating, but it does go very dark. If you are a true fan, it's worth the read.
By the best-selling author of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series and the Merry Gentry, Princess of the Fey series.
In this Ravenloft book, a young woman discovers the beginnings of magical talent in herself . . . The only catch is that in her society ALL magic is suspect and feared as potentially the work of Evil.
In this Ravenloft book, a young woman discovers the beginnings of magical talent in herself . . . The only catch is that in her society ALL magic is suspect and feared as potentially the work of Evil.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Death of a Darklord (Ravenloft Covenant 1) on + 724 more book reviews
I was expecting a vamp story or the like. I was disappointed. I finshed it,but didn't care for it.
Tracy R. (tracylovestoread) reviewed Death of a Darklord (Ravenloft Covenant 1) on + 80 more book reviews
Not anything like her other books. A little too many characters to keep straight and a little convoluted. over all so so.
A little too out there, even for Hamilton. An okay read, but not a keeper.
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed Death of a Darklord (Ravenloft Covenant 1) on + 300 more book reviews
I am a huge Merry fan and this story is alot different. It was an interesting read but it did leave you hanging in regards to the characters. I'm not sure if there are other books involving this book or not but I would recommend reading it.
This is a book that should be read by those who are fans of and understand the Ravenloft world that's popular for Dungeons & Dragons fans. It's not a typical world Hamilton created on her own as the world was created by the D&D creators and Hamilton wrote a story based on that premise. It may be one of her earlier novels, but was still originally published the same year that the 3rd Anita Blake book came out, so it definitely is NOT lack-of-experience that makes this a read that's different to her two popular series. It's due to a strange and different world all-together. This definitely adds to the Ravenloft world, in that such an amazing author has contributed to it. I was impressed how LKH managed to pull a different writing style out for this one so that it blended well with other Ravenloft stories that I've read.
The story itself is well-written and has that gloomy aura that you expect from a land set in the planes of Ravenloft. This story takes place in the land of Kartakass. The domain lord here is Harken Lukas, a wolf-were (not to be confused with a werewolf!) bard who is evil to the core. He loves to manipulate others to further his own gains.
As Elaine struggles to understand the magic within her, the group she travels with encounters Lukas, who is hoping to possess one of them in order to attempt to escape the domain he has been trapped in.
The end of this is classic for Ravenloft fans who will appreciate its darkness. A well-written story!
The story itself is well-written and has that gloomy aura that you expect from a land set in the planes of Ravenloft. This story takes place in the land of Kartakass. The domain lord here is Harken Lukas, a wolf-were (not to be confused with a werewolf!) bard who is evil to the core. He loves to manipulate others to further his own gains.
As Elaine struggles to understand the magic within her, the group she travels with encounters Lukas, who is hoping to possess one of them in order to attempt to escape the domain he has been trapped in.
The end of this is classic for Ravenloft fans who will appreciate its darkness. A well-written story!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Disappointing from Laurell Hamilton
Disappointing from Laurell Hamilton
Chrisenda H. (dmpgirl08) reviewed Death of a Darklord (Ravenloft Covenant 1) on + 22 more book reviews
This is a great read. A little different from Laurell's Anita series
I was not impressed.
This is the newest release of Laurell K Hamilton. A new series.
