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The Dark Defiles

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The Dark Defiles

By: Richard Morgan
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

Compared to Michael Moorcock and Joe Abercrombie alike, Richard Morgan's fast-moving and brutal science fantasy reaches its final volume as Ringil comes to his final reckoning and sees the world tipping into another war with the dragon folk. And, most terrifying of all, the prophecy of a dark lord come to rule may be coming true very close to home....

The Dark Defiles is a supremely fast-moving 240,000 word epic. A massive-yet-tight story that both shines a light on some mysteries from earlier volumes and reveals deeper mysteries yet. We encounter the artifacts of an ancient race, learn the true story of the ghostly Dwenda and follow three old friends as they face their greatest test yet.

©2014 Richard Morgan (P)2014 Tantor Media Classics Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Dragons

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All stars
Most relevant  
This was my favourite of the trilogy. Not sure that's a common opinion but for me I just enjoyed the development of the trio. (Oh Egar - I'll say no more).

Keeping it brief, there's more swords, Mage play, dragons and Gods! All wrapped up in what I thought was some strong writing. The overall story arch is not vast but I think it's plenty rich.

Boy do I love the warrior dark mage angle! It's not perfect but it's definitely up there with my great reads (listen).

Enjoyed it!

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excellent narrator, complex story, good strong characters, gritty. would be hard to read as a stand alone book. overall very enjoyable.

good read

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A nice conclusion to a great trilogy. If you love the first two this won't disappoint. Also Best narrator ever.

Bad tempered gods and bloody-minded heroes

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Worthy finish of the saga. I could listen these kind of books in any quantity.

It should continue in a 4th book

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Loved this series, but if I am honest I am left slightly confused by this book. It feels unfinished, there are threads left hanging that need to be tied off and random, unnecessary revelations that leave me thinking "eh!!!!!" And not always in a good way.

This is a great read, well written, characters that live and breath and are not always easy to love. Ringil may be the hero, but there are times when he is cold bloodedly dispatching people that are difficult to read. In this series war makes monsters on every side. The world too is richly drawn though this is one place I really wouldn't want to wake up and find myself in.

My only problem is that the ending feels rushed. Revelation on revelation. Key players in the plot of the entire series that are only mentioned in the final pages, hidden secrets and unanswered questions. Ok, I am a fan of not always being given the answers, of making the reader work for some of them, but the defeat of the Dwenda leaves me feeling a little cheated.

This doesn't feel like the end...

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Great trilogy, well narrated with an ambiguous ending.

If you want a definitive resolution, Google "dark defiles ending", check out Richard Morgan's blog, Lauren's comment and Richard's confirmation.

Makes it a good conclusion for me.

Good story and an answer on the ending

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I very rarely re-read/listen to any titles. And I have several hundreds in my library.
But Mr Morgan's unique style has drawn me back THREE times to his entire bibliography!
And this series (land fit for heroes) is where his outstanding work was debuted. And just gathered strenght as he went along.

(Edit: After FIVE repeats of all his works, this series has been moved to my favourite, above the Altered Carbon series!
Perfect balance of complexity without an overall arch that leaves you lost in the world.
RKM always ties up all the loose ends and delivers a massively fulfilling experience)

Yes, some reviews critisize graphic and gratuitous content.
That is RKM style, and he executes it masterfully!
Yes, it's dark, violent, explicit, disturbing, raw.
No, don't let your kids listen to it.
It's genius and intricate work meant for adults.
Enjoy it as such!
And to boot another masterful performance from Simon Vance!
Worthy 5 stars!

RKM delivers with devastating style!

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Just as good the second time round... Mabee I'll try it a third time soon

Great!

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rich characters ; driving narrative ; a sinuously complex Tale very competently told by writer and teller alike

Outstandingly Epic

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Any additional comments?

Really enjoyed the book and thought it was left hanging for a 2nd. However after reading peoples reviews I now realise this is actually the last.

Thought this was the first book not the last !!

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