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The Dark Path (The Legacy Chronicles) Kindle Edition

by Luke Romyn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 396 ratings

"Rivaling both Stephen King and Thomas Harris, without doubt, the edgy and provocative Luke Romyn is destined to emerge as the 21st century's newest Master-of-Horror."-- Dee Marie - Award-winning author of the Sons Of Avalon saga.

New York’s underworld trembles at the mention of his name, evil courses through his veins like blood, and his conscience has lain dormant for over a decade while he slashed and burned his way to the top of the food chain.

Vain.

In the world of killers, he reigns supreme, and yet, he is chosen for a task of utmost compassion. Why would this assassin save a young boy from a horde of enemies, both mortal and demonic?

Because he is the only one who can.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have arisen from Hell’s pits, and now the hunter becomes the hunted. If the boy is slain, Sordarrah will rise up and destroy the Earth, a feat even Lucifer never managed.

Armageddon sits upon the horizon, and all that stands in its way is a man whose path has always been dark.


"If you are a lover of this genre, then The Dark Path would be an excellent book to read."-- 4.4 Stars - Anthony Wessel, reviewer for The Kindle Book Review and founder of DigitalBookToday[dot]com

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  1. Print length
    290 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 27, 2013
  4. File size
    3.0 MB
  5. Page Flip
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  6. Word Wise
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From the Publisher

Horror, thriller, fantasy, paranormal, ebook, paperback, hardcover
Horror, thriller, kindle, paperback, paranormal, adventure

The Dark Path by Luke Romyn

fantasy, horror, thriller, paranormal, adventure
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.

horror, thriller, killer, fantasy, paranormal, adventure, action
Author Luke Romyn

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you like a fast moving, thrilling fantasy that keeps you thinking, then The Dark Path by Luke Romyn belongs on your bookshelf." --Clifford Bye - The Deepening

"Will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the page in a relentless quest to find out more." --5 stars - Nicole Morgan - Books I Review

"One of the very best horror stories I've read in a long time." --4 Tombstones - Bitten By Books

"The storyline is so unique that readers will not find anything remotely similar." --5 stars - Strictly Reviews

"I would definitely recommend The Dark Path." --4 Stars - The Book Huntress Review

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Luke Romyn was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1975. His life since reads like something out of his novels: heavily entrenched in personal trauma, action, thrills, and adventure.

For over two decades, Luke has worked in the security industry; from bouncing in some of Australia's roughest pubs and nightclubs to protecting Mickey Mouse and the Disney crew from the overzealous jaws of tenacious toddlers. He's been bodyguard for celebrities internationally and chased feral pigs and snakes from jungle sets on Steven Spielberg productions. Luke has traveled the globe and spent time in some of the most amazing locations the world has to offer.
This experience fuels the Australian writer's ever-expansive imagination, and he pours it into his novels, combining fact with fiction, history with fantasy, delivering engrossing action-thrillers which leave fans gasping for more. Luke's quick wit has seen his social media following explode, and he is currently one of the most prolific social media celebrities in Australia, with several hundred thousand followers across the internet.

Publishing his first book, The Dark Path, in 2009 saw it voted in the top 10 horror novels of that year, even though Luke denies ever intending the novel to be classed as horror. Luke Romyn is now one of the most popular indie authors in the ever-growing eBook market and personally completes everything from cover art to final formatting, working tirelessly with editors so as to refine the best stories possible for his readers. The results are international bestsellers you're certain to love diving into. Hundreds of thousands of readers can't be wrong.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006SBUDNE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 27, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 27, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 396 ratings

About the author

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Luke Romyn

Luke Romyn

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Luke Romyn is a USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author whose books have sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. With a background in international security, Luke’s books are high-octane fantasies, stretching the limits of human imagination from apocalyptic thrillers to psychic suspense to mythical adventure. Luke lives in Northern Queensland, Australia, with his wife, Sarah, and various animals he calls family.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
396 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a captivating tale with great twists and turns, describing it as a fast-paced, entertaining read with wonderful characters. They appreciate its dark tone and thought-provoking nature, with one review noting how the author crafts a world resplendent with religiosity. The writing quality receives mixed feedback, with some praising the writing while others criticize the terrible dialogue.

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116 customers mention "Story quality"90 positive26 negative

Customers enjoy the captivating tale of the book, which features great twists and turns and quickly grabs the reader's attention.

"If you are looking for an fun, original, and scary ride, look no further! The Dark Path by Luke Romyn is the book for you...." Read more

"...off...but Luke Romyn brilliantly continues to pull you into this fascinating story...He made me WANT to keep going...to find out who VAIN really was..." Read more

"...First, I want to point out that this book is classified as a horror novel. I have read horror and I don't feel this is classified properly...." Read more

"...It is a fast paced book with almost no scene that bored me. I never found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the good parts...." Read more

82 customers mention "Readability"82 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and fun read, with one customer noting it's particularly enjoyable on a stormy night.

"(This review is also posted at goodreads.) It's an intense read...." Read more

"...Anyway, in the final analysis, who cares! This is a great book." Read more

"...For a Thriller, this book is so much more...I highly recommend this thought provoking read, you will NOT be disappointed...." Read more

"...If asked, I'd say give the book a try. It's not bad, it just didn't appeal to me." Read more

52 customers mention "Thought provoking"50 positive2 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, describing it as a compelling story that draws readers in from the first chapter, with one customer noting how it crafts a world rich with religiosity.

"...ANGEL GABRIEL: The meaning of life is to live...." Read more

"...The characters, while not overly complex, are interesting and authentic, but it is their story that makes this book as enjoyable as it is...." Read more

"...Thriller, this book is so much more...I highly recommend this thought provoking read, you will NOT be disappointed...." Read more

"...Also, it was good to read a book that was about good vs evil and not making you feel guilty at the end...." Read more

44 customers mention "Character development"38 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the great take on the villain turned hero concept.

"...All are dramatic characters that make an explosive story of triumph of good over evil, hope against desolation...." Read more

"...The book is brilliantly written...bringing such vivid life to his characters..and mind provoking predicaments... It has been a very long time since..." Read more

"...It makes the character more likable, but takes away from the fear factor...." Read more

"...The world Vain inhabits is as vivid as it is dark, it's cast of characters larger than life and well crafted...." Read more

21 customers mention "Dark tone"15 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book, with one noting its vivid and well-written narrative.

"...The world Vain inhabits is as vivid as it is dark, it's cast of characters larger than life and well crafted...." Read more

"...But, as I said, I don't like horror. But I loved The Dark Path. I was quickly drawn into the story and couldn't put it down...." Read more

"...For me, THE DARK PATH was indeed--dark. I almost quit reading several times because of the jarring nature of some of the scenes...." Read more

"...I have to say, I am still not into horror but I did enjoy reading The Dark Path...." Read more

20 customers mention "Humor"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, finding it entertaining, with one customer specifically praising the hilarious dialogue.

"If you are looking for an fun, original, and scary ride, look no further! The Dark Path by Luke Romyn is the book for you...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the sarcastic humor that was laced throughout the book. I know that some would be offended by the cursing. I however, was not bothered...." Read more

"...made out to be a bad person, I really liked his personality and his sense of humor...." Read more

"...The humor is dry and well-placed within the context of the primary protagonist, Vain, and the setting, a parallel world in which there isn't only..." Read more

20 customers mention "Pacing"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced and quick read, with one customer noting there are no boring bits in between.

"...Also, Vain kicks ass! He is irreverent, obnoxious, and acts with complete disregard for any social niceties...." Read more

"...It is a fast paced book with almost no scene that bored me. I never found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the good parts...." Read more

"...This is a rocking thriller that moves fast and hard, where the main character is put through tests of his characters and will...." Read more

"...truly heartwrenching and Mr. Romyn excels at not only fleshing out the character of Vain, but all of the characters...." Read more

53 customers mention "Writing quality"36 positive17 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some praising it as superb while others find it poorly written and criticize the terrible dialogue.

"...The book is brilliantly written...bringing such vivid life to his characters..and mind provoking predicaments... It has been a very long time since..." Read more

"...Overall, I enjoyed the novel and recommend it. It is well written and blessedly free of errors and typos that other self-published books contain...." Read more

"...is set in the U.S. and the characters are American, the English is primarily British...." Read more

"...There is a cinematic style to Romyn's writing that qualifies this novel as perfect fodder for a big budget Hollywood production in the Marvel..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • PetRead
    5.0 out of 5 stars PetRead
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    (This review is also posted at goodreads.) It's an intense read. This book packs a battery of heinous crimes that are sometimes too much to take in, but actually supports the case of the anti-hero Vain. I did not enjoy reading the violence but find it was necessary to perceive the big picture.

    Vain hasn't always been a vicious assassin. The Dark Man that he became is born from the depths of a horrific nightmare on the night Police Officer Martin Roberts' wife and daughter were brutally violated and murdered. I really don't think anyone could come out of that evil ordeal with their sanity still intact. Something inside Roberts snaps, call it survival mechanism, if you like. He walked out of the burning house barely alive and devoid of emotion, but for an unfathomable pain and a burning desire for vengeance. Officer Martin Roberts ceases to exist, and in his place became Vain, the legendary assassin-- the Dark Man of the complex underworld of syndicated crime.

    This is a story of a righteous man's fall to the dark path, yes, but definitely more of his difficult path to redemption. Vain is fated to protect a child of rebirth, a boy named Sebastian, the Avun-Riah. Vain feels compelled to help Sebastian from the Souls of Sordarrah, a cult that will use this boy of pure goodness to raise Sordarrah-a fallen angel and Lucifer's lieutenant. As the Avun-Riah's guardian, Vain is thrown in the midst of a supernatural and ancient war between Lucifer and Sordarrah, and between Heaven and Hell. With the help of the messenger angel Gabriel, Vain faces the armies of hell to save Sebastian at all costs, and he dares hope, save his own soul too.

    I love the strong conviction in this book. The stance each character takes to defend their actions...be it Sebastian, Vain, Priest, Sekiel, and Gabriel. All are dramatic characters that make an explosive story of triumph of good over evil, hope against desolation. Below are some timeless perspectives from the book that is worth reflecting upon:

    VAIN: For every individual I've killed, there is also one less person to visit evil upon others.
    THE ABBOT: In your killings, you have increased the capacity for evil in this world. When you do evil deeds, they not only affect the ones who you hurt intentionally but also those others attached to the people you hurt.... it upsets and angers them and eventually they may also perform deeds of evil... justifying it by saying "I will do this deed to avenge my lost one."
    ANGEL GABRIEL: The meaning of life is to live. To suck the very marrow out of every moment that you exist in this dimension or any other...to give everything you have to live the best life that you can, not through selfishness, but through thoughtfulness and generosity......Look upon every breath you take and every vision that greets your eyes with joy.... and impart some small piece of this joy to others.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jennifer Corsun
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you like 'em dark, you'll love this...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for an fun, original, and scary ride, look no further! The Dark Path by Luke Romyn is the book for you. The characters, while not overly complex, are interesting and authentic, but it is their story that makes this book as enjoyable as it is.

    Weaving together dark fantasy with elements of Christian mythology, Romyn creates a recognizable, but totally new world. Vain, our protagonist, is born out of unspeakable tragedy and works his way through evil towards possible salvation. On the way, he meets the savior of mankind, an archangel, and even the devil himself.

    The story is dark and very violent, yet at the same time the underlying ideology is one of hope and light. The imagery is rich without being overbearing and through it Romyn is able to show us a world where darkness and light really do coexist. The choice of one or the other is completely ours to make. In the end, I may love this book so much because the philosophy of life it espouses is essentially the same as mine.

    Also, Vain kicks ass! He is irreverent, obnoxious, and acts with complete disregard for any social niceties. And yet, although he does occasionally fall into the trap of unintentional gay-bashing common to tough guys both in literature and in life, which I don't care for, I found myself not only rooting for his mission to succeed, but torn over whether or not I actually wanted him to find redemption. Sure redemption is good for the soul and he would obviously be much happier, but it would mean the death of Vain as he currently exists, and that, fellow readers, is giving up a lot of gory, twisted fun.

    One caveat, although it is hardly worth mentioning, is that although the story is set in the U.S. and the characters are American, the English is primarily British. This isn't really a failing, but it does lead to some confusing moments mostly related to torches and nappies. Anyway, in the final analysis, who cares! This is a great book.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Shane KP O'Neill
    5.0 out of 5 stars As dark as it gets!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The Dark Man, born of torment into an existence of death. In the underworld of killers he reigns supreme. And yet he is chosen for a task of supreme benevolence. Why would he be selected to save a young boy, the Avun-Riah, and then protect him against a horde of enemies, both mortal and demonic?

    Because he is the only one with any hope of success.

    The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have risen from the pits of Hell and, along with a fanatical army of cultists, are ranged against Vain. If the boy is slain then Sordarrah will be raised to destroy the Earth, a feat even Lucifer never managed.

    That's what I read before I picked up the book. Doesn't it sound great? Well I can promise you it is. The blurb for this book is spot on. Vain is the epitome of evil: dark, mysterious, silent, cold and deadly. I thought he was reminiscent of Stephen King's George Stark in The Dark Half, but in truth he is a much darker, and scarier, character. Everything about him is perfect if you're a lover of the horror genre, even the shred of humanity that survives deep within him. Mr Romyn is clearly affluent with the dynamics of abuse and grief, which are quite prevalent within Vain's makeup, and these struck a chord with me.

    This book has a great opening and a great finish, the two aspects most significant to me in enjoying a book.. and it is just as good in between too. It is clever and subtle on many levels. I love Romyn's vision of Hell contained within and Vain's interactions in that domain. It adds body and depth to the spectre of the book. The concept and premise is great and had especial appeal to me. Vain is the ultimate anti-hero and with so many great supporting characters such as Priest, Gabriel, Empeth and, of course, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

    I love a book that moves with pace. If anything this book was too fast for me at times, but is it fair to criticise an excellent work for such a reason? I think not. In truth, there is nothing to complain about. This is a really exciting read, with plenty of thrills, great characters, a great premise which is delivered on in full and a great climax to top it off. I have recommended this book to many and will continue to do so. Luke Romyn is fast becoming one of my favourite writers and I like some of the very best. The new generation of horror writers is here. Keep your eyes open folks; there is more to come.
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  • Karina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely loved the story about Vain
    Reviewed in Australia on December 10, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loved the story about Vain. One book I never wanted to end.
    Luke Romyn's story telling is very seductive.
    A book that I wished could go on and on.
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  • Angela
    4.0 out of 5 stars Action all the way.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Good story line with a very fast action sequence to follow. The hero is never shown a s totally invincible yet a hidden strength inside that is believable. Quick read that I would definitely recommend.
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  • markaaronc
    5.0 out of 5 stars At last. something awesome to read...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Authors are like Photographers.

    Everyone who has a camera thinks they take amazing photos, many books available here are by those who are trying to write amazing books but do not achieve their aim.

    Luke is an author in a very different category. This book is awesome.

    He writes beautifully with insightful build up in his characters which leads you to actually CARE what happens and leaves you wanting more. Much more.

    It took me some time to find Luke as an author due to the amount of material I go through.
    Testimony indeed that I feel the need to devote my time to a review of his work.

    The story is a well structured, supernatural theme which I thoroughly enjoy but it is the characters are the main body of the story.

    Like a skilled artist, they are painted as beautifully as the scenes in which they are placed.
    As I dislike others spoiling a storyline for others so I will not divulge other details.
    Sufficient to say the story is well paced and more than captivating throughout.

    On the strength of this one title, I have now purchased ALL of Lukes other works and I am currently enthralled by 'Blacklisted'

    To summarise. ignore any negatives you read, do yourself justice and make your own mind up by clicking the purchase button.

    It's well worth the asking price!
    Report
  • Claire Atherton
    3.0 out of 5 stars The Dark Man
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I have to say that I am on the fence with this book. I can't say that I don't like it, but, similarly, I can't say that I really enjoyed it either. Sadly it is a book that I quickly forgot until I took it upon myself to re-read it.

    I do like the basis to the story, however, I felt that it lacked "padding"..this is of course only my opinion.

    There is an element of learning associated with The Dark Man, however, I think I would like a little more outside influence from other characters in their own right.
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