Reviews

LibraryThing Early Reviewers

This epic fantasy captivates with its rich narrative and immersive world-building, reminiscent of beloved classics like "The Hobbit." Fans of Tolkien's work will undoubtedly find themselves drawn into the enchanting realms of "The Tale Of Darkness & The Tale Of Light" series. Eagerly anticipating future installments, this book promises a journey of unparalleled adventure and intrigue.

By Librarian_Liz1  Mar 15, 2024

It takes a talented writer to compose new fantasy. Fantasy is a genre that is hard to break into, in my opinion, and creating new fantasy that isn't "overused" is even more difficult. This debut novel brings about a new fantasy world, one that draws you in immediately. With Zocerr's background and education it is evident that he wanted to create a fantasy world that could be believable, one that could be relatable, and one where you actually liked the characters. I am excited to see what the rest of this series brings.

Reademandsteeppod | Dec 29, 2023

 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 

12th November 2023

TITLE: THE TALE OF DARKNESS AND THE TALE OF LIGHT, LOST SOULS

AUTHOR: ZOCERR

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A complex, cleverly plotted fantasy novel perfect for fans of Tolken. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW

I must say, I very much enjoyed this fantasy epic from the pen of the oddly named Zocerr. It all adds to the mystery! It’s the story of Blanco - who I understand from the blurb is a dwarf – who is born in the village of Samika to the Agzam clan. In terms of setting, it is a time of war, an eternal conflict between light and darkness where good and evil do battle in a world of bravery and betrayal.

This is (what I’d call) a ‘quest’ novel and, in many ways, reminded me of The Hobbit by Tolken. Trust me when I say, this is complex stuff, from the vast array of characters (I particularly liked Kota, a scholar from the military academy) to the array of topics covered – the rhythm of life, divine rule, holy war to name just a few. This book is not for readers looking for a light, comical fantasy; it’s dark, grim and often even thought-provoking. And I thought it was a blast!

Admittedly, it’s not without a few small problems. The opening chapters are very slow with a lot of telling as the reader follows Blanco’s development from a rather lethargic fellow. Also, there are a large number of time/setting jumps that had me confused; but I got the hang of the author’s style in the end. And, it’s important to say, lovers of high fantasy love in depth character development (just look at Lord of the Rings), so I suspect the slow opening might go down well with the intended readership.

All in all, this is an excellent novel. The author is an accomplished writer who knows how to plan a complex plot and keep it moving all the way to the climatic, cliffhanger ending. So, if high fantasy is your thing, check this book out. And give it a chance; it gets better and better the more you read it.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review

www.thewsa.co.uk 

Readers' Favorite

10th of December 2023

TITLE: THE TALE OF DARKNESS AND THE TALE OF LIGHT, LOST SOULS

AUTHOR: ZOCERR

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review: Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Tale Of Darkness & The Tale Of Light: Lost Souls is a work of fiction in the fantasy, interpersonal drama, and psychological drama subgenres. Penned by author Zocerr, it is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its complex and occasionally dark themes. This inaugural installment of a new series unfolds a grand fantasy saga in the mystical realm of Alamet. The narrative follows Blanco, a courageous dwarf from the Agzam clan, renowned for their strength and unique ability to forge weapons from dreams. Readers are invited to enjoy a mesmerizing journey into a world where giants reign, and diverse inhabitants yearn for freedom beneath their colossal shadows. Blanco's odyssey transforms from a struggle for survival into a profound quest for truth, navigating through shifting alliances and emerging rebellions amid Alamet's power struggles.

Author Zocerr has crafted a narrative that goes beyond the ordinary conventions of fantasy, delving into the intricacies of moral ambiguity and the complexities of war and power with sharp observational skills and psychological prowess. The character of Blanco emerges not just as a hero but as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the capacity to redefine one's destiny. He is treated with an intensely close narrative skill that allows readers an intimate portrayal of his psyche and turmoil. As the tale unfolds, it becomes a compelling exploration of bravery and self-discovery, moving at a well-balanced pace that gives you bursts of action interspersed with emotive, reflective moments. Zocerr's storytelling prowess shines in creating a world that is both enchanting and complex, inviting readers to unravel Alamet's many secrets alongside Blanco. The darker moments are well-handled and never played for pure shock value. Overall, I would certainly recommend Lost Souls as a thought-provoking, exciting, and well-penned fantasy piece, and I can’t wait to see what more the series has instore for us.