Author: James Wood
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Year Published: 2023
Nerdection Rating:
“Nerdection Must Read”
Action! Adventure! Furies, friends, and foes! Get prepared to indulge in the fantastic world of The Ebon Knight Chronicles with the release of book 2 of this urban fantasy trilogy, The Dark Witch. The stakes become higher and the plot thickens in this one, as Kelso and Ava plan to resolve the conflict between the Light and the Dark. However, this time, the enemies will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Brace yourselves! Let’s dive into the spoiler free plot of The Dark Witch.
No Spoiler Plot of The Dark Witch
Kelso, the Ebon Knight and the bearer of Argenta, is severely injured in the recent attack by some Furies. Angry and heartbroken, the Dark Princess, Ava Pentran must bargain with allies and enemies to save her knight from the verge of death.
Meanwhile, her sister Jesslyn, the Spider, is regrouping her ranks for another brutal attack. Backed by the king of the Dark, she has every intention of overpowering Ava and taking the knight for her vile self.
As the group of powerful female warriors, the Furies, defect to join the Dark Princess and the Other becomes stronger and more prepared for a battle, Ava and Kelso must do whatever it takes to resolve the conflict between the Light and the Dark, and rid the world of their enemies, once and for all.
What does the Other want in the Conflict? And what would be the cost of winning for Ava and Kelso?
My take on The Dark Witch
In The Dark Witch, James Wood takes the readers into the world of The Ebon Knight Chronicles just after the events of the first book in this soon-to-become urban fantasy trilogy. And dare I say, what a comeback it was. The Dark Witch keeps you at the edge of your seat (and sanity) throughout the fast-paced combat scenes – which also happens to be my favorite part of the book.
“Between us lies only death—no alliance, no quarter,” he announced to the multitude of attackers all around him.
Marcus, the Paladin.
The pacing takes some time to build up, and to catch up on the previous events from The Ebon Knight. After that, dear reader, you get plot twists and gut-punching action which were undeniably the best parts of the book and very thorough, very much like your favorite action movie. Wood is indeed a master of writing thrilling action that leaves you anticipating for more.
The Dark Witch is unique in a sense that the characters really push the traditional concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’. As a result, you get three-dimensional characters from the fated-to-be-evil, ‘Dark’ faction who instead set out to make the world a better place (that would be Ava, the Dark Princess), and characters from the ‘Light’ who despite playing the white knight can become mindless killers if they choose to.
“Who are you?”
“I am death,” she replied and turned towards the horde. Ava’s face had transformed somewhat, her beauty becoming almost cruel, her shadowed crown wicked.
Ava as The Dark Witch
The second book elaborates on the world building, and the Conflict of the Dark, the Light, and the Other. It also expands on the relationship between Kelso and Ava. The humor was spontaneous and natural, the kind that makes you laugh right away.
“We are a couple, right?”
“Until the day I die,” Kelso answered solemnly, “or until the day you get your eyesight fixed and dump me. Whichever comes first.”
Ava and Kelso in a friendly banter
Plus, I loved to read the story from the POVs of Jesslyn, a scary antagonist, and Cassandra, a reluctant protagonist, due to their unique, dynamic roles.
And can I admire the mysterious Cass? Cassandra St. Augustine, the true Arch Mage of the Light, was my favorite protagonist in this book. I wouldn’t expand on her much for fear of spoiling it to you, but suffice it to say, she was the driving force for the events of this book – the sun around which all the characters’ fates revolved.
“Well, I am the Arch Mage, you know. Being super smart and mysterious is kind of in my job description.”
Cassandra bragging (though not untruthfully)
One aspect that I think needs to be explored in the epic world of The Ebon Knight further is a commoner’s view of the world. How does a magic-less person see the conflict? It’s definitely something that readers would like to know in the next, and final, book of the series, The Arch Mage.
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy books ridden with action, adventure and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then The Dark Witch is definitely your cup of tea. Have a go.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic violence, hints of intimacy, mentions of nudity. No cursing or language concerns. The Dark Witch is best suited for adults (18+) due to the nature of content, though a younger audience can also enjoy it.
About The Author Of The Dark Witch
James Wood, born in Detroit, Michigan but raised in rural Nevada, found the transition from city to countryside to be whiplash-inducing. He prefers to characterize his formative years as a kind of “boot camp” that primed him for life’s challenges after his move to California, where he eventually met his wife. Two decades, four kids, three dogs, one cat, and one fish later, James came to the realization that he wasn’t as prepared as he once believed.
A writer of urban fantasy with a touch of humor and perhaps more than a smidge of romance, James firmly holds the belief that evil is evil and good is good. However, he promptly set out to challenge his convictions by crafting a series that defies these notions—because that’s just how he rolls.
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