Assassin: A Dark Epic Fantasy Novel (Darkblade) Paperback – 9 Aug. 2021

I picked up this rather chunky tome with quite high expectations and I am pleased to say it did not disappoint. The opening scene is action-packed and the story doesn’t much let up from there because it sets off a house of cards type chain of events that takes not just the Hunter of Voramis on a ride but the reader as well.If you like your dark fantasy… well…dark. And, if you love Diehard’esc none stop action only harder with more blood, more deaths than Attila the Hun and more twists than a curly whirly then this might just be the book you are looking for.The story is set entirely within the city of Voramis whose underworld is ruled by the Bloody Hand, and they’re not even the worst crooks (okay, they are the worst but the nobility is not far behind). The city is well-imagined and the descriptive narrative paints it in all its glorious filth, squalor and splendour. You can almost smell it. In fact, smell is often used to expand on each location and, most intriguingly is one of the protagonist’s most used senses. I liked the scent profile the Hunter had for literally everyone he came across, wonderful and imaginative. So many books of all genres talk to the eyes and ears but not many to the nose.So what is it all about I hear you say? Enter stage right, The Hunter of Voramis.The Hunter does not know what he is and lives with so many faces it is hard to get a read on him except to say that it is clear, pretty much early doors, he is not entirely human. He does not know his name, how long he has lived or where he is from, just that he came to Voramis many decades ago. Oh, and he is kind of immortal maybe, possibly. I say kind of because he heals from wounds that would kill any ordinary person, and quickly. Though that said, he is not without his kryptonite and in The Hunter’s case, his kryptonite is much more readily available than Superman’s bane. I could argue, justifiably, that it is right up there with vampires and sunlight. I found this to be a massive flaw and one that could be easily exploited which is great because it creates tension the story would otherwise have lacked. After all, an indestructible superhuman is not much fun now, is it?But that is not all. Very cleverly (in my mind at least), it could be said the Hunter has another weakness only you’ll have to read the book to figure it out for yourself. But I liked this ‘frailty’ because it could also be argued it gave him his strength. I mean comeon, if you’re not intrigued by now why are you still reading this…yeah, I know, I have a point, that’s why I said it.I dither, so, back to Voramis and our story’s beginning where the Hunter has forged a name for himself as the ultimate assassin. He fears no one and nothing. Until that is he takes a commission for a job that sets him against the Bloody Hand.I will say that despite the action sequences that play out early on I did get a feeling of, so what? It felt like wacko-mole. Bad dudes popped their heads up and the Hunter would lop them off but then, there was a change and little twists and turns started to wriggle and worm into the story until the undercurrent subtly swept me under and the narrative became so much more.Overall a remorseless, brooding and menacing tale. The Hunter is pretty hardcore but tantalisingly not always. As ever, if you like the sound of all this or if you are still not sure, then have a read of Amazon’s ‘Look Inside’ feature and read the first chapter. That will give you a real feel for what is to come.

Seems to be a good read, I am unsure of the content, enjoying the first quarter of the book.I will reserve my judgement until fully read.

Assassin is the first instalment of the Darkblade series. This book strikes you from picking it up as it has THICC boy status, with a nice page count that promises death and depth it hits on both accounts.This book starts off with a bang. A full blown atomic explosion of action which picks you up by the collar and drags you right into it. With a white-knuckled grip it then continues to guide you through the carnage and destruction that follows the Hunter.The Hunter reminds me mostly of Etzio Auditore. With a grand arsenals of weapons and an enjoyment for rooftops the character was easy to imagine from the get go. Just like Assassins creed the enjoyment and the fights are enjoyable all around. Scenes of this book would not be out of place reenacted by Micheal Fasbender on the big screen. What gives the Hunter depth, and changes him from a 2 dimensional killing machine, is the humanity Andy Peloquin is able to infuse into the very core of the character. A moral assassin, with inconceivable skill can only mean a bad time for the underworld of Voramis.Yet what if his moral compass is destroyed? If his moral north no longer guides him. What will the Hunter find himself contemplating with his morals in chaos?I followed this book up by reading the 0.5 Novella Life for a Life. With nice insights into some main series relationships it would be a perfect start to anyone thinking about Darkblade but wanting to test the waters before commiting to the 8 book series of awesomness that I’m now enveloped in wanting to complete.Both Life for a Life and Assassin were hands down 5 Stars and an incredible time from the first page.

This story is a mixed bag. You have a hero who is flawed and isn’t quite powerful enough. His story flip flops from him being incredibly powerful to constantly falling at the last hurdle. The author chests by revealing things not revealed before by the narrative. This story is ok but could have been so much better, shame really.

5 stars for me. I don't read epic fantasy normally but trying a few more lately. This book is definitely making me wonder what I've been missing out on. Not gonna give spoilers but it's a great storyline with a great cast of characters. It is a long book, but from what I've seen fantasy books tend to be on the big side but don't let that put you off its a great storyline. Found out that their will be a second book can't wait.well done Andy Peloquin !

Interesting antihero, doing what he can for the wretched and broken. Fighting his own demons and avoiding outright war with the criminals who actually run his city, until they kill those dearest to him, then the gloves are off and the blood flows copiously.

What these 3 books encompassed,had covered every base for fantasy,mystery thrill seekers everywhere. So much depth,so much action. Superbly written. I have read exceedingly great books but this I do think goes beyond. Its almost an ancient believable history wrapped around some great characters. I am so glad this trilogy is not the end for The Hunter.

Intriguing tale of the hunters journey. Can be a bit graphic, so maybe not for all. However I really enjoyed the book and am going straight on to the next in the series

Assassin: A Dark Blade Ignites a World of ShadowsEric Peloquin's Assassin: A Dark Epic Dark Blade 1 plunges readers into a gritty, unforgiving world where morality is a luxury and survival is a brutal art. The novel introduces us to a nameless assassin, a phantom in the night, haunted by a past he cannot remember.Peloquin's prose is a sharp blade itself, carving vivid images of a city steeped in corruption and violence. The world-building is masterful, creating a tangible atmosphere of decay and despair. Voramis, the novel's setting, is a character in its own right, a festering wound on the face of the world.The unnamed assassin is a complex and compelling protagonist. His journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is one of revenge. Peloquin deftly balances the character's brutal efficiency with moments of introspection, revealing a man grappling with the monster he's become.The plot is a relentless juggernaut, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The pacing is masterful, with heart-pounding action sequences interspersed with quieter moments of character development. Peloquin's skill in crafting intricate plots and unforgettable characters is evident from the first page.While the novel is undoubtedly dark, it’s not without its moments of hope. The glimmer of humanity in the most unexpected places adds depth and complexity to the story. Peloquin's ability to blend darkness with light creates a truly unforgettable reading experience.Assassin: A Dark Epic Dark Blade 1 is a gripping, atmospheric tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. This is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and those who crave a story that is both brutal and beautiful.Highly recommended.

Great book. Loved the story.

Love the well written characters and the backstory they all have. The Hunter with his lost memories and his dagger Soulblade is a great anti-hero and I quite enjoyed finding out more about his past and his secrets.The world building is excellent and full of details, same goes to the history of said world.The battle scenes are brutal and bloody, and grimdark fans will enjoy them a lot.Also there's quite a few twists and turns, some really unexpected, which makes this book a real page turner.

I loved the book.. liked the hunter. It was a grisly ride through and through and yet as refreshing as a fresh breath of air.

80s action movie, revenge story, dark fantasy, action packed, easy to read, gripping, I will definitely be continuing this series