Of Dawn and Darkness

The Elder Empire: Sea, Book 2

By: Will Wight

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Calder has survived the battle on the Gray Island, and escaped the Heart of Nakothi with his sanity intact. The Empire is without a leader, and he's perfectly placed to take the reins himself.

But he is not Emperor yet. The world is divided between those who support Imperial tradition and those who believe no one can take the throne. Calder must do everything he can to hold the Empire together, even as the Elders lurk in the shadows, ready to devour mankind. Meanwhile, Shera and her Consultant's Guild are stronger than ever. If Calder doesn't stop them soon, he may never get another chance.

In the shadows, a woman seeks to divide mankind.

On the seas, a man fights to save it.

©2015 Hidden Gnome Publishing (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Flash-Backs Adds Context But Disrupts Flows

Will Wight's decision to add significant back-story elements using numerous flash-back side quests is a bit disrupting to the flow of the series. I'm pleased with the additional context that they provide to the MCs of the series but would have preferred them being provided in the traditional chronological ways rather than the distracting back and forth method.

This book still has the story focus on the primary MCs, Calder Martin and Shera with principal focus on Clader Martin's Imperial progress, perils, struggles and betrayals as he continues to grow more worthy of the emperor position he seeks.

While I enjoyed the encounters between the Anti-Imperialist and Imperialist guilds interesting and entertaining, oddly, I found Bliss, the Nightwatch Guild Head, more intriguing and beguiling; also while Petal still exudes an introvert and ever-fearful personality, I feel there's more to her than what we've thus seen. More time to these characters would be appreciated; especially Bliss since she seems to more about the multi-verse nature of their cosmos.

Travis Baldree performance continues to be stellar.

book 1-2

book 1-2.. I'm looking forward to book 3 the story line gets better and better..

There’s a new kid in town!!!!

I must admit as this book started drawing to a close it became equal parts interesting as well as a bore. Books always have ups and downs. Still a great continuation and sets up fantastically for the final book. 9/10

Great sequel!

There is a lot of good backstory in this book about how the crew came to be. It is interesting having read the other second book first. So I knew that some key moments were going to occur but the change of perspective is interesting. Baldree does a great job with his narration of this vast cast.

I didn’t want to stop

If you are familiar with series you’ll know that this book two of Culder’s story. Having got here after three books I was not let down. This is fantasy at it’s best. With Terry Brooks’ retirement, I’m glad to have discovered Will Wight. Seriously check out the Elder Empire if you like fantasy. I’m eagerly awaiting book 5.

Awesome

Audible requires fifteen words. This story is wonderfully fun and I can't​ wait to finish this review and start the wonderfully fun parallel book...

1 dilemma... which of the 2 do you start with?

"Welcome, Reader. Right now, you’re reading the second book in the Elder Empire series. But it’s not the ONLY second book! Of Dawn and Darkness was written in parallel with Of Darkness and Dawn, which takes place at the same time from a different perspective... Welcome to the Elder Empire."
So yeah, as you can see Will Wight's back at it with this uniquely told tale, and, I happily dove back into the books, facing only one dilemma... which of the two books do I start with? Decisions, decisions... ummmm... I ended up choosing this one first as I had just finished another book narrated by Emily Woo Zeller and figured I'd break things up a bit.
I loved jumping back into Calder Marten's life, and found myself right back where the last book (Of Sea and Shadow) ended. We also get a lot more back story of Jyrine (Calder's wife), and each of his crew members aboard the Testament. I found that I was very satisfied as I reached the conclusion of the story... it probably didn't hurt to know I've another book to go! So Yay... Go me!
Travis Baldree's narration never fails to satisfy. All of the dialogue is well nuanced, with just the right touch of emotion each character deserves! Altogether, this series of books is simply Top Notch!

Fantastic book!

Great story, fun characters, and amazing performance by Travis Baldree once again. Will Wight is able to deliver great book after great book, even between different series. I am now going to immediately start listening to Of Darkness and Dawn, the sister to this book. Once again, well done Will Wight!

baldree and wight do it again

it took a while for me to really like or relate to the characters in this prelude to Cradle but I'm still floored at the world building by Wight and the breathe of life spent by Baldree that make these characters shine.

An excellent follow up

The first book was a bit lack luster to me, good thing Will Wight has earned my trust through all his another wonderful boooks because this one far and away an improvement on the first installment