Are you ready for an epic continuation of high fantasy adventure? Of Darkness and Light is the second installment in Ryan Cahill’s The Bound and the Broken series, and it’s packed with dragons, elves, dwarves, and enough magical chaos to keep any fantasy enthusiast glued to the pages. If you loved the first book, you’ll find this one takes everything up a notch, diving deeper into the war-torn world and expanding on its sprawling lore.
In this spoiler-free review, we’ll journey through the pages of Of Darkness and Light and explore why this sequel is a triumphant return to classic fantasy roots, while still managing to feel fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer in fantasy novels or someone looking for their next great read, let’s dive into this realm of Epheria!
A Fantasy Nostalgia Trip for Modern Readers
There’s something incredibly comforting about classic fantasy tropes done well. Don’t get me wrong, I love the nuanced, morally grey characters that dominate modern fantasy, with authors like Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive) and Joe Abercrombie (The First Law) really pushing the boundaries of the genre. But every now and then, you just want a tale of good versus evil, where heroes rise to the challenge and villains are, well, villainous.
Ryan Cahill seems to understand this craving perfectly. With Of Darkness and Light, he takes us back to the simpler, but no less thrilling, style of epic fantasy. There’s a clear distinction between heroes and the big bad emperor, and yet, Cahill doesn’t shy away from complexity. His world is layered, full of factions vying for power, dragons soaring through the sky, and deep magic running through the veins of his characters.
It’s like comfort food for the fantasy reader’s soul. You get your hero’s journey, a grand war, and the inevitable clash of dark forces. But Cahill ensures that his characters are more than just archetypes. They feel fleshed out, with motivations that make them relatable—even when they’re wielding magic or riding mythical creatures.
World-Building and Pacing Perfected
One of the strongest elements of Of Darkness and Light is its world-building. In my review of the first book, Of Blood and Fire (which I gave a solid 6/10), I praised Cahill’s ability to create a vibrant, complex world, but noted a few shortcomings. I’m happy to report that many of those issues have been addressed in the sequel. If you enjoy getting lost in a fantasy realm with different factions, races, and cultures, then buckle up—you’re in for a treat.
Cahill’s world is rich, and you can tell he’s spent a lot of time crafting it. From the warriors of Valtra to the mysterious mages of the north, every faction and culture feels distinct, without falling into tired clichés. The pacing is also vastly improved from the first book. The action scenes are tense, but not overwhelming, and Cahill balances quiet character moments with big, sweeping battles.
A standout moment for me was the introduction of Dayne Atriedes and his return to his homeland. Initially, I wanted to spend more time with the original cast, but it didn’t take long for these new characters and cultures to win me over. That’s a testament to Cahill’s skill as a storyteller—he knows how to build anticipation and keep readers engaged, even as the scope of the story widens.
A Familiar Struggle with Endings
Now, let’s talk about endings. One of my biggest criticisms of Of Blood and Fire was the way the book wrapped up—or, more accurately, didn’t wrap up. It felt like it was cut off halfway through the climax, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.
Thankfully, Of Darkness and Light picks up right where the action left off, giving a solid conclusion to that initial conflict. However, Cahill once again struggles with sticking the landing.
While the journey through this book is fantastic, the ending left me wanting more. It’s predictable and lacks the kind of “wow” moment that I was hoping for.
There’s a big reveal at the end, but it’s something I saw coming from miles away, which took some of the excitement out of it. That said, it’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, and I’ve heard from fellow readers that the third book delivers some emotional gut punches, so I’m eager to keep going.
The Verdict – A Must-Read for Fantasy Fans
Despite some minor shortcomings, Of Darkness and Light is a sequel that far exceeds its predecessor. Where Of Blood and Fire laid the groundwork, this book builds upon it, creating a vibrant and magical world full of characters you’ll care about. The pacing, world-building, and classic fantasy vibe are all spot-on. If you’re a fan of high fantasy with a modern twist, this series should definitely be on your radar.
Ryan Cahill has taken what he did well in the first book and refined it into something truly special in Of Darkness and Light. If he can tighten up his endings, this series could easily become one of my all-time favorites. For now, though, I’m giving this book a solid 8/10, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s in the mood for an adventure full of magic, dragons, and epic battles.
I’m already deep into Cahill’s novella, The Exile, and can’t wait to see where this story goes next in the third book. So, if you’re like me and can’t stay away from this world, grab your copy of Of Darkness and Light and get ready to lose yourself in the war between darkness and light.