“Nerdection Worth to Read”
Spoiler-Free Plot
Eight hundred and thirty-two years after the fall of the once-great city of Kolbos and the civilization-ending event known as the Dusk, a burning red streak slashes the sky above the world of Kolgennon. This flaming tail darkens the sky for weeks, transforming spring from a time of rebirth and renewal into a period of desperation and turmoil.
Ancient myths and forgotten gods resurface as the magic and knowledge lost during the Dusk begin to return. The comet pushes societies to their breaking points, struggling under the weight of perpetual darkness. As tensions escalate, the drumbeat of war draws nearer. Each culture and people of Kolgennon interpret and react to the sky’s omens in their distinct ways.
My Take on The Year of the Dark Spring
Short stories seem to be somewhat neglected in the mainstream literary world. This may be due to various factors: novels generally receive more exposure than short stories, new writers tend to gravitate towards longer works, and fiction magazines aren’t as prevalent as they once were.
These factors certainly influence the dynamics of short stories in today’s market. However, the ability of a writer to craft a short yet captivating story remains a unique art form. Lewis A. D’Ambra exemplifies this with his work in “The Year of the Dark Spring.”
This book assembles nine short stories, each unfolding the events and repercussions of the red comet. What’s most striking is the individuality of each story, with its unique cast and plot, offering a rich selection for readers.
Without revealing any spoilers, D’Ambra excels in a critical aspect: establishing a world that matters. Many writers mistakenly believe world-building is about cramming in numerous irrelevant details. In contrast, these stories integrate key elements in a manner that feels fresh and invigorating. The care invested in the story is evident, and the series warrants greater recognition for this reason alone.
Linking every story with the concept of the Dusk is also compelling, rewarding the reader with a unified narrative thread. This approach is one of the most enchanting aspects of world-building, and D’Ambra executes it brilliantly, deserving special mention.
The characters are charismatic and relatable, a testament to the author’s skill. Engaging characters can significantly enhance a story, even one with minor flaws, which, fortunately, isn’t an issue here as the stories are well-crafted.
The only minor critique is the pacing in a couple of stories. While not detrimental, some plots progress too rapidly at times, slightly impacting the narrative flow but not the overall quality.
Overall, this collection is highly enjoyable. “The Year of the Dark Spring” is a commendable fantasy anthology that merits more attention and serves as a celebration of the short story format.
About The Author Of The Year of the Dark Spring
Lewis A. D’Ambra is an author from South Wales and comes from a mixed Welsh and Italian background. Studying History at university, he went on to join the British army, whilst also studying for a Master’s degree in International Security and Development. Moving on from the army, Lewis moved into the political world working in the UK Parliament. In this role he honed his skills as a writer having to produce everything from reports, policy documents, through to political speeches.
Lewis then went to work for various Government bodies in senior communications roles, work that included writing newspaper articles, hosting round-tables and giving presentations to large and diverse audiences.
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