I'm not typically a fan of the "Horror Genre". The Dark Path is in no sense typical, nor does any of the violence seem to be gratuitous or illogical. To term this novel "A Psychological Thriller" would, IMO, misrepresent its sensitivity and power. The Dark Path is a book that seems to defy categorization, which is an amazing accomplishment.
'Vain' is not an amoral, psychopathic man. He has, like many humans who begin to inhabit an existence most would consider absolutely evil, experienced trauma so devastating that his mind cannot contain it. Anyone who has had a father, brother, friend who has been in the front lines of a war who "survived" physically but were haunted all their lives by the memories of watching buddies die just feet away may recognize how a human being can become torn apart and often irreparably changed by these terrible events when they are unable to intervene.
When the rage of killing becomes a reflex in a world that ceases to make sense, where there seems to be no justice to deliver but your own, human beings sometimes appear to become monsters. Luke Romyn understands and is able to communicate with uncanny fluency what can happen when a human mind is overwhelmed by agonizing pain.
For too many people, no matter how much time passes the memories are as fresh and the wounds so raw that a decade or many decades pass and yet the feeling and vision remains as potent as it might have happened yesterday or is happening here and now.
'Vain' is extreme in his response to trauma, but so are people who become violent and brutal alcoholics attempting to drown their sorrows only to find their sorrows growing deeper with time as they alienate even the most loving and courageous persons in their lives. Individuals react differently to Post-Traumatic Stress. Humans who cannot make peace with the pain within their hearts and minds very often become destructive and dangerous.
I immediately felt empathy for this man some reviewers called an "anti-hero". When Priest looks into eyes perceived as utterly dark and evil by all others and sees Pain, this is the reality. Pain is felt by all within this spiritual place, because everyone there has lived it, acted upon it, committed acts that they regret having done and cannot undo. Yet, for some, life must go on. How?
The spirituality in The Dark Path is extraordinary, magical in a way I can only compare to extremely powerful spiritual leaders who have lived and died a hundred times in the span of one existence seeking nothing more than to perfect genuine compassion within themselves for the sake of themselves and therefore all others. Like Shaman, who choose paths of fire rather than walks in the park and know that to fear demons is the surest way to die, but to show genuine respect and understanding means the demon will do them no harm ~ this is the spirituality that quiets the angry beast within us and reveals to us what we are capable of doing, of becoming, when our hearts seem broken beyond all hope of repair.
This is a truly unique book. Luke Romyn's understanding of "what makes people tick" causes me to wonder if he has undergone great trauma, gotten lost for awhile and found reason to turn his life around. He writes as though he's inhabited the skin of these various characters, if only in his intense imagination. I agree with the other reviewers who've written that once you begin reading, The Dark Path compels you to continue reading. This book casts a spell that is, for me, more beautiful than horrifying.
OR
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From the Publisher
The Dark Path by Luke Romyn
Sixteen books published with more to come!
- Shade
- The Last Hunter
- Walking with Shadows
- Trinity
- The Prometheus Wars
- The Legacy Chronicles
- Blacklisted
- The Dark Path
"Hell is empty, and all the devils are here." William Shakespeare
Who is Vain?
An assassin. A hunter. A murderer.
Vain is all these things, but he is also more. The dreams won't let him forget his past, a history filled with a life he refuses to recall. His world is now empty... or at least it is until he meets the boy he is destined to protect from Hell's perfect hunters.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Luke Romyn
USA Today bestselling author
Luke Romyn is a full-time author with a background in international security. He lives in Northern Queensland, Australia, with his wife, Sarah, and various animals he calls family.
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2011
Top reviews from other countries
- Shane KP O'NeillReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2013
As dark as it gets!
- KarinaReviewed in Australia on December 10, 2014
Absolutely loved the story about Vain
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - AngelaReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2013
Action all the way.
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - markaaroncReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2012
At last. something awesome to read...
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Claire AthertonReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2012
The Dark Man
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
