Review

Thanks so much for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

First of all, the cover is to die for. Literally gorgeous and one of the best I’ve seen recently. The artwork is absolutely stunning and definitely one that jumps off the shelf.

This book is quite long, it’s definitely an investment if your time to read it. However, it’s intriguing and driven enough to keep you interested and drawn into the world. The world-building is especially strong in this work, as others in the genre sometimes go too far to the point of being redundant or too little to the point of being confusing. This book found a sweet spot where you are immersed but also understanding what’s happening.

If you like more politically based fantasies, this is a good one for you. It’s reminiscent of Game of Thrones with each character facing individual struggles and stories. The multiple POVs allow for extra exploration into this and different perspectives on issues.

Overall, this book is incredibly well written. It might not be for people just trying out the fantasy genre due to its length and dynamics, but for a seasoned fantasy reader it’s definitely an ideal mix of the things that make fantasies so epic.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early!

I want to start off by saying that I absolutely loved this book; it is the perfect new political fantasy that can fill the Game of Thrones holes in our hearts (and in my opinion is even better because it's not a medieval European inspired world).

Even as someone who has never read the Mahabharata, the Hindu epic, I thought this was an incredible book that draws you into its world inspired by ancient India and introduces its complex characters in a style wholly reminiscent of an epic classic. It's definitely a doorstopper of a book but please don't let that be a barrier to you, because after all aren't all epic fantasy series (see: ASOIAF and Wheel of Time)? This book is clearly only the first installment of what is sure to be a series of immense scale and complexity traversing worlds and thousands of years. While I might have wished more of the daeva storyline was included, I understand that this book was dedicated to introducing us to the complex world and the cast of characters who, after the devastating climax, will soon face something even worse. It just means I'm more excited for the next installment.

As with any epic fantasy series, be prepared for the far-ranging locations and cast of characters that, at times, may be difficult to keep track of (I did like how each part focussed on only a few characters at a time, but then I did have to remember what happened in previous parts when characters were reintroduced). In addition, while compelling in its political machinations in its own right, this book is very clearly just the overture preparing us for a much more intricate storyline. And it is one that I honestly cannot wait for.

If you are a lover of intricate political fantasy and characters who are neither good or bad, but every shade of morally grey, do yourselves a favour a pick this one up.

There are no surprises in this book. If you like Game of Thrones and modern high fantasy, you'll probably like this. Highly recommend to fans of the genre. I liked it but wasn't overwhelmed by any particular opinions.

First and foremost, I would like to say how much I loved Satyabhama's character. Seriously, she was the highlight of this book for me. The Silver Wolves, too. Alright, on another note, I absolutely enjoyed this book. The prose, the political intrigue, and the grimdark quality certainly molds this story into something really entertaining to read. There's a lot of interesting narrative techniques, too, and the rate at which (as well as how) information is unveiled makes way for a lot of clever and fun revelations. While I was reading, each chapter played out like a high-budget fantasy TV show reminiscent of Game of Thrones. If political machinations interest you, I would definitely recommend reading this.

Also, Mohanty's character work is definitely to be applauded. Most, if not all, perspectives were interesting to follow, and I can't wait to see how the sequel plays out. At first, getting really engrossed with the story took a bit, especially after being separated from Muchuk Und so quickly. The prologue was so strong, and it really caught my attention. After that, it was definitely a little slow-moving as we were introduced to the central characters, however, it was still really enjoyable. In the end, things certainly picked up speed, and everything wove together in the Battle of Mathura. Incredible war sequences. Incredible everything. I would be remiss, also, not to mention Satyabhama's duel. It was so good. Though, I did want a little more from Mati's character. She seeps into the background towards the end, and I was expecting more from her arc considering she is mentioned in the synopsis.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC!

DNF AT 50%

This was a most highly anticipated release for me but it really just didn't work. I typically give a short summary as an introduction to my reviews but in this case, I truly don't know what it's about. There was way too much going on and too many people introduced with nothing and no one that seemed central or focused. I couldn't find an underlying narrative to latch onto to guide me along for the ride and I think 10 hours of my time reading and rereading, struggling for purchase was long enough.

I think this novel tried very hard to slot itself into the ranks of epic high fantasies like GRRM, Tolkien, and Sanderson but unfortunately, I felt apathetic to all the events and all the characters and instead felt bombarded by a barrage of information and names that never seemed relevant or important.

However, the highlight to me was the prose. It was beautiful and I enjoyed reading the prose enough to get close to page 400. I would not recommend this to everyone, but I would recommend that epic fantasy lovers give this as try because while it might not work for me, it just might work for you.

Thank you to Bloomsbury USA and Head of Zeus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Sons of Darkness in exchange for my honest review!

I thought I had reviewed this one a while back when I read it but it must have missed my radar! I don’t think this was really for me, it had a lot of great elements but I found myself dragging my feet through it.

First of all, THE COVER?? Are you kidding me? I need to buy the physical copy so I can have this on my shelf. I'm typically not one for dark fantasy or ones that lean into political structures (I like fun books because I use them to escape from the dark politics of the real world), but every once in a while I will pick one up, because that is where you can find some amazing writing. I was not disappointed here. This book was very well written and very clear. Another reason I struggle with this genre is that it is often confusing. It is very difficult to build a whole new world and political structure and explain that clearly to the reader, especially in a way that isn't just outright stating the facts. However, this book did that very well. It was immersive and exciting and accessible. I highly recommend this whether it is a genre you typically reach for or not.

Prepare yourself for an extended read, but it's well worth it! This book is exceptionally well-written, featuring robust and witty prose that is sure to captivate a broad audience.

It can be likened to an "Indian Game of Thrones" in many ways. The characters are predominantly self-interested, with some willing to perform horrific deeds to achieve their goals. The narrative offers various perspectives, ranging from child acolytes to mature statesmen in roles reminiscent of "grand viziers." This story uniquely contributes to Eastern and Western fantasy, leaving an indelible mark on the global SFF landscape.

What sets this book apart is, firstly, its world-building-. While combining Indian mythology in a secondary fantasy world isn't entirely novel, the author accomplishes it in a way that makes the world of Aea feel incredibly immersive. The narrative delves deep into Aea, exploring its vastness and complexity. Unlike his mentor, George R.R. Martin, the author weaves a rich tapestry of geopolitics and integrates magic seamlessly into this world. Furthermore, the inclusion of science fiction elements, while not surprising to Indian mythology enthusiasts, may pleasantly astonish Western fantasy readers, as it fits seamlessly within the story's universe.

Secondly, the rich characterization elevates the narrative to greater heights. The diverse cast of point-of-view characters, many drawn from the epic Mahabharata, are presented in new and intriguing ways. The author's bold reinterpretation of their histories and personalities lays a brilliant foundation for the overarching narrative. With over 200,000 words, the book devotes 30% to meticulous world-building and scenario setting.

What truly shines in this book is how the author explores class and geopolitical tensions through the characters' personal lives. Whether it's Karna's rage against classist issues in Aryavrat, Shishupal's constant struggle to maintain honor amid war, or the strategic rivalry between Shakuni and Krishna, each character contributes to the multifaceted exploration of these themes. Satyabhama emerges as an enthralling warrior and leader, reminiscent of a Gemmellian hero. Nala and Masha offer glimpses into the world's past and future, while the author's interpretation of Eklavya adds a delightful twist. The story also introduces numerous side characters likely to play more prominent roles in the sequels, provided they survive. It's worth noting that while the Pandavas make cameo appearances, they are not the central focus and do not receive POV treatment.

Furthermore, the book boasts thrilling action sequences that will leave readers stunned. Without delving into spoilers, the Swayamvar incident from the Mahabharata receives a surprising twist, delivering a chaotic and mesmerizing battle. As expected in epic fantasy tales, the climax revolves around a brutal and massively destructive siege.

In conclusion, this genuinely epic and stunning fantasy wears its influences proudly. While it draws inspiration from other works, it is a unique and individual creation. The characters are multi-dimensional, hailing from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the marvelous world-building. The action is intense and complements the story, while the dialogue is sharp and witty. The pacing aligns perfectly with the expectations of an epic fantasy masterpiece.

1/5 Stars (DNF @ 5%)

TL;DR - Bland and amateur at best, anachronistic and laughably cringe-inducing at worst. It was a struggle from page one and was downhill from there. Thanks, I hate it.

Big thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!

‘Sons of Darkness’ by Gourav Mohanty is a grimdark retelling/re-imagining of the Mahabharata. I can’t tell you a damn thing about the plot or most of the characters, though, because I only got 5% of the way in before it became apparent that this book is just awful.

First, on one of the first pages, we have a stunning example of Men Writing Women, as follows: “Under her armor, her hunched muscular shoulders looked all the more ungainly without a bosom to balance her form. It was a miracle she did not slide off her horse.” Sir. SIR. How are YOU still on your horse with no tiddies then??? Like, what? Laughing so I don’t cry.

And it gets no better from there, and in fact, only gets worse. The dialog is boring and amateur, the “war heroes” talk and act like teenagers, and even the gods themselves do. Description? Never met her. Might as well take place in a shapeless void that occasionally has some topiaries floating past.

Anachronisms abound. I can excuse one or two, because a lot of words that seem modern have much older origins, but this is just silly. I kid you not, less than 5% in, is the line, verbatim, “In my defense, Ushas, I was left unsupervised.” IN A GRIMDARK HIGH FANTASY.

The last straw was a character unironically screaming “Die, motherfucker!”.

I’m done.

(There’s also what I’m pretty sure is a Hitler joke, so, that’s…a choice.)

Final Thoughts:

I’m so disappointed. Gorgeous cover, amazing premise…terrible, laughable execution. There’s bound to be people out there who can look past this stuff and enjoy the book, but I am assuredly not one of them. No thank you.

Going to go scrub my Kindle out with bleach now.

(Posted to Goodreads)

The political manoeuvring in this had me hooked in interested the whole way through. The world is atmospheric and visceral, and you feel every blow that comes along with the characters. It's rich and epic and clever. I'm definitely reading the sequel.

4.5 Stars - I really loved this book.

As a character driven reader, I found it difficult to get settled into this book once I realized we were switching POV’s but the consistent action and political maneuvering kept me turning the page. I also ended up really loving how we’d ‘heard’ of these characters before actually being introduced to their POV, it was a really unique way to develop characters.

By the end of the book, I was thoroughly invested in some of the characters and I felt like I truly had no idea what was coming next. I think this book was an amazing set up and can’t wait to see where book 2 goes. I really enjoyed the narrative choice to jump around between random POV’s for the battle scenes, it made for a visceral experience.

Again, as a character driven reader, my disconnect with this book near the end came from feeling like we had been introduced to so many characters and I was invested in their outcomes and then they seemingly disappeared. I would also say the continued references to the Wolves being assaulted near the very end felt unnecessary.

The cover got me intrigued and I unfortunately didn’t enjoy this one. It was a bit confusing at times but the writing isn’t the worst I’ve read. Definitely see the potential. Grim dark fantasy is a sub genre of fantasy that isn’t really for me. I tried, I wanted to read it and I hoped it would be good but I just can’t get past the gore and child torture.

I'll be honest: if I'd realized this book was nearly 800 pages long I would not have requested a review copy. I don't read many epics of that length, so I was a bit dismayed by the size of this book.

That said, it has a really cool premise and I love the Mahabharata, so I was still excited to give this one a try. Unfortunately, the writing style of this one just didn't work for me. I would definitely still put "Sons of Darkness" on people's radar as a book to check out, but given that I didn't jive with the writing style in combination with the book's length, I put this one aside after a couple chapters. This is an entirely personal taste DNF rather than any fault of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Leadstart for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Oddly enough I got this book after it was published through netgalley, weird but I'm not one to complain about free good books. To me, this book shined with its characters and how you saw the world through their eyes. Often times books with heavy worldbuilding and politics and beat you over the head with it, but Mohanty showed us these things through his characters instead of boring us with explanations. It was refreshing.

What a phenomenal story. I cannot recommend this exciting beautiful book enough. I'll absolutely be looking out for Gourav Mohanty's future books. Go pick up a copy of Sons of Darkness asap.

4*

This was a richly crafted fantasy, drawing influence from GRRM's Game of Thrones and the Indian epic Mahabharata. It's not for the faint of heart, though I will advise TW: of gore, r*pe, etc.

It is wonderfully dark and gritty, a little slow in the beginning but it quickly picked up and the ending made it all worth it.

Sons of Darkness… was an epic, that is for sure. It was long and complex and AMAZING!

This is a book you have to just jump in and TRUST, as it will take you (probably) several chapters before things start to click, and then several more chapters after that for those things to make sense. It's genius, and I am so glad I gave this usually 'not-my-type' book a chance… I knew after the authors note that this would be a gem.

For anyone wondering if Sons of Darkness is for you… it is if you like complex worlds, complex morally grey characters, conflicted characters, magic, and a story that takes it time for the big reveal, instead of an instant release.

The child torture was a turn off but I powered through because the tone of this book reminded me a lot of empire of the vampire. I love mythology but I found this really hard to get into. I think if I had a better base for these gods then I would have been able to connect better. It is well written but I did not find it personally engaging so I can’t rate above a three.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available January 9,2024!

This book was pure Indian magic, intrigue and epic high fantasy. It lagged at times but the depth of the story and the Indian folklore and culture was steeped so strongly that I did not mind. It transported me to a place I as a white woman had never been to and I wanted to stay. Dang near perfection. Highly highly recommend it

Gourav Mohanty's Sons of Darkness takes fantasy storytelling in a fresh direction. The author has mentioned drawing inspiration from well-known sources like the Mahabharata, Ramayan, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Malazan. Despite these influences, the book manages to establish its own voice. I didn’t know anything about the Mahabharata or Ramayan when starting this novel, but I don’t feel like that took away from the reading experience.

The story is told from various viewpoints, adding depth to the narrative. However, I must warn you that keeping track of all the characters can be a bit tricky and was one aspect of the novel I struggled with. The gradual introduction of two characters at a time, given the extensive cast, was a clever approach. Though challenging for me to follow at times, Mohanty skillfully weaves together the different storylines, which satisfyingly converge by the end.

Sons of Darkness offers a fresh take on fantasy. While it starts slowly, it concludes with a bang and lays the groundwork for the next book. The blending of Yoga-based magic, multiple perspectives, and intriguing characters like Satyabhama makes for an exceptional story. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with mythical elements, just be prepared to keep track of a plethora of characters along the way.

4 / 5 stars

My sincerest gratitude to Netgalley, Gourav Mohanty, and Head of Zeus for the ARC received in exchange for an honest review.