Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ARC!

Excellent worldbuilding and use of politics in addition to fantasy elements. I was so intrigued from start to finish, and thought the pacing build was well done too.

I’ll look to read this author’s other books now

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I think the strongest part of this story was the world-building and characterizations. There was a lot of politics but also a good amount of action, enough so that, even if the book felt slow in the beginning, it definitely picked up toward the end. Kat's character was very well-written, so much so that both her and Damant's chapters kept me equally intrigued, a trait I prize in multiple POV books.

Overall, I'd say that this was a solid read and I'd be interested in picking up more stories in this world in the future.

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king. Kat doesn’t care about any of that. A talented thief, she’s pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She’ll need every advantage she can get. Kat’s not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad’s future begins, everyone – Kat included – will have to pick a side.


This was a little meh for me. I wanted more Six of Crows and less politics. I also found everyone insufferable. Furthermore, the deaths that we saw I felt like were a bit pointless - we didn’t get to know the characters well enough before they died for them to feel super meaningful for me. I did like that kat finally stood up for herself but it was a little too late imo.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with the eARC for this book.


I thoroughly enjoyed the world building and writing styles. I'm excited to get more of this world and characters in the future. I felt fully immersed in this book and by the end was sad that this book had ended. I usually struggle with full fantasy politics type books but I didn't have an issue with this book and actually opened me to more of this specific genre in the future. I thoroughly look forward to more of this in the future!

The Darkness Before Them is an epic fantasy that stars Kat who lives in the Kingdom of Khalad. Kat is no hero though, she is really a thief who is trying to relinquish the debt of her family. The Kingdom of Khalad has some pretty strong spirits keen on keeping the treasures in their treasury. However Kat has a special power, one in which she can not only speak to but also command the spirits. Pointedly she uses her power for the upper hand. Kat will have to pick a side for the future of her country but she also has to fight for her and her family’s freedom.

An immortal king, mystical mist and souls that are power sources for magic? Yes please. Right up my alley. I was so excited when I was granted this ebook. The book was a little slow at first but it soon picked up.
I loved this book, I was so entertained while reading it. The worldbuilding was incredible. Kat had so much personality and was ambitious. She was determined to take care of those she loved.

A huge thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit, and Matthew Ward for giving me an eARC of The Darkness Before Us in exchange for my honest review.

The Darkness Before Us is the first book in Ward's new series The Soulfire Saga. This book follows Kat, who is a fabulous thief that only cares about settling her families debt. However, Khalad is a corrupt place and Kat seems to unexpectedly find herself in the heart of the rebellion.

Personally, I loved the character development in this book. The journey that Kat and the others take is a hard one, but as the reader you are able to see how much they have grown from it, while still retaining the core of who they have always been. I really appreciated how Ward was able to include such great representation in a way that felt natural. The one thing that I struggled with was all of the unanswered questions about the worldbuilding and the structure of society as a whole. We got a good feel for where Kat is at the moment, following another viewpoint that is in the heart of that portion of the government, but there is still so much I want to know about how the society formed and about the immortal king as a whole. Beyond wanting to know what happens next, the reason I cannot wait for book two is because I want to know more about the world. Ward tells you just enough to understand what is going on while also leaving room for so much more to be added.

Personally, I really enjoyed reading this book. In the future, I hope there is an audiobook I can listen to because I feel as though that would make the experience all the better if I am being honest. That is more of a personal preference however, I highly recommend that everyone read this book, if not physically than at least try out the audiobook (assuming there will be one!)

This book was so atmospheric. The world building was really great and unique. The magic system was really cool as well. I will say, I’m not the biggest fan of fantasy politics (which is in basically every fantasy book so I’m not knocking any points off for it) but I thought this book did it very well.

Interesting world building, unique magic system, politic intrigue. This was a first great introduction to the world of the Darkness Before Them. While somewhat of a slow start, the plot does pick up its pace and you are able to watch things unfold from the two differing perspectives on the opposite sides of conflict. My one critique is that Kat’s character feels less complex than Damant, and while her povs should arguable the more “exciting” chapters, Damant’s chapters shine more. All in all, good first installment, excited to see more.

The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward is fantasy, following Kat, a thief trying to free herself from her father’s debt and where that leads her–all the way to rebellion and beyond. Of the other characters, we also spend some time following Damant, a head of security for House Bascari, one of the ruling families.

To start, I liked the characters and thought each had a strong voice. I particularly loved Kat’s growth throughout the book and her chosen family. I do hope to see more of them in future installments.

I also enjoyed the world as I always love a world based on middle eastern mythology, but the world building was a little complex at times. There were a few terms that threw me early on and others I still didn’t quite grasp at the end. There’s a glossary at the end that sadly didn’t answer my one burning terminology question mark.

It took me at least 25% of the book to actually get into it, but once I did I enjoyed it quite a bit. I saw pieces of the plot twist coming, but Ward executed it beautifully. It felt so satisfying when all the pieces of the antagonist fell into place and I particularly enjoyed seeing the different perspectives of that happening, from both Kat and Damant.

Favorite quote: “But we all leave things behind in the mists. I left you, and everything you were to me.”

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Pros:
- Always love a world based on middle eastern mythology.
- Despite the slow start, the plot did get interesting/hard to put down around 25%.
- Love Kat’s growth throughout the book and her chosen family.

Cons:
- Whimsical writing style is a little too over the top for my taste. For example, this line from the second chapter in my uncorrected proof copy: “Nose wrinkling at air sour with revels gone too long, Kat collapsed at a table in her favourite perch – a decaying pulpit from which archons had once harangued tavern-goers – and let the music of drum and lyre carry her away.”
- A lot of proper names in the world building, which makes following along difficult at times, especially earlier on, and at least one term I never understood.

Thanks to Matthew Ward and Netgalley for the opportunity to review the darkness before them.

The Darkness Before Them" is a enthrallimg start to this new fantasy trilogy. Matthew Ward's storytelling mastery shines through in his world-building, character development, and the complex interplay of magic and politics. Fans of immersive and action-packed fantasy novels will find much to enjoy in this compelling tale of rebellion and resilience, through adversity.

Wonderful new book in the the fantasy genre.

"The Darkness Before Them" by Matthew Ward is a gripping and action-packed fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world filled with magic, peril, and political scheming. With its captivating characters, detailed world-building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book lays the foundation for an exciting trilogy.

Taking place in the Kingdom of Khalad, a realm ruled by a tyrannical immortal king and plagued by the ominous Veil, the story follows Kat, a skilled thief with a unique talent for communicating with and controlling spirits. Kat's pursuit of a life-altering heist leads her into a society divided by powerful noble houses and a growing rebellion against the oppressive ruler.

The author excels in creating a vibrant and immersive world, vividly depicting a land teetering on the brink of chaos. The concept of the Veil and its connection to magic adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, and the presence of spirits and the supernatural elements intensify the overall sense of mystery and tension.

Kat emerges as a resilient and relatable protagonist. Her unwavering determination to break free from her past and her family's debts propels the story, and her ability to command spirits adds a distinctive dimension to her character. As the plot unfolds, Kat's motivations and choices are explored, revealing layers of complexity that make her a truly compelling lead.

The narrative's pacing is masterfully executed, with a well-balanced mix of action sequences, character development, and political intrigue. The escalating tension, fueled by the brewing rebellion and shifting alliances, propels the story forward and keeps readers fully engaged.

The supporting cast of characters is diverse and intricately developed, each harboring their own motives and secrets. The dynamic interactions between characters, whether forming alliances or rivalries, contribute significantly to the narrative's depth.

Beyond being an adventure-filled tale of magic, "The Darkness Before Them" delves into themes of power, oppression, and the choices individuals make when confronted with adversity. As the stakes rise and loyalties are put to the test, the characters navigate a complex landscape of loyalty and betrayal.

In summary, "The Darkness Before Them" serves as an enthralling start to an exciting new fantasy trilogy. Matthew Ward's storytelling prowess shines through in his meticulous world-building, nuanced character development, and the intricate interplay of magic and politics. Readers who crave immersive and action-packed fantasy novels will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this compelling narrative of rebellion and resilience.

Right from the start you are thrown into Kat’s world of thievery and adventure. Matthew Ward’s prose is rich and sometimes I had to reread a few paragraphs to make sure I read them right. His world building is something that should draw you in on its own and then you find yourself cheering on our FMC and wishing you were there to help her!
I want this on my bookshelf as the trophy it deserves to be displayed as! I look forward to more adventure in this series!

Thank you Orbit books, Netgalley, and Matthew Ward for allowing me to read this arc!

This book is captivating from the start! Excellent world building and you can visualize the land and it being in the brink of chaos.

The FMC is one that is complex and relatable.

Would like to thank NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

Set within the Kingdom of Khalad, a realm overshadowed by the rule of an immortal tyrant and plagued by the encroaching Veil, the narrative traces the journey of Kat. A proficient thief, Kat possesses the rare ability to commune with and manipulate spirits. Her pursuit of a transformative heist leads her deep into a society fractured by potent noble dynasties and an imminent uprising against the despotic sovereign.

The author masterfully constructs a vibrant and all-encompassing realm, skillfully illustrating a nation teetering on the edge of disorder. The notion of the Veil and its interplay with magic introduces a captivating stratum to the tale, while the inclusion of spirits and the supernatural intensifies the aura of enigma and suspense.

"The Darkness Before Them" by Matthew Ward is an enthralling and action-packed fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of magic, danger, and political intrigue. With its compelling characters, rich world-building, and fast-paced plot, this book sets the stage for an exciting trilogy.

Set in the Kingdom of Khalad, where a tyrannical immortal king rules over a land plagued by the encroaching Veil, the story follows Kat, a skilled thief with a unique ability to communicate with and control spirits. Kat's quest for a life-changing heist takes her into the heart of a society divided by powerful noble houses and a looming rebellion against the oppressive ruler.

The author does an excellent job of crafting a vivid and immersive world, painting a picture of a land on the brink of chaos. The concept of the Veil and its connection to magic adds an intriguing layer to the story, and the presence of spirits and the supernatural enhances the sense of mystery and tension.

Kat is a strong and relatable protagonist. Her determination to free herself from her past and the weight of her family's debt drives the narrative, and her ability to command spirits adds a unique dimension to her character. As the story unfolds, Kat's motivations and choices are explored, revealing layers of complexity that make her a compelling lead.

The pacing of the plot is well-executed, with a balance between action sequences, character development, and political intrigue. The tension escalates as rebellion brews and alliances shift, driving the story forward and keeping the reader engaged.

The supporting cast of characters is diverse and well-developed, each with their own motives and secrets. The interactions between characters are dynamic, and the relationships that form, whether alliances or rivalries, contribute to the depth of the narrative.

"The Darkness Before Them" is not just a tale of adventure and magic; it also touches on themes of power, oppression, and the choices individuals make in the face of adversity. As the stakes rise and allegiances are tested, the characters must navigate a complex landscape of loyalty and betrayal.

In conclusion, "The Darkness Before Them" is a captivating start to a new fantasy trilogy. Matthew Ward's storytelling prowess shines through in his world-building, character development, and the intricate interplay of magic and politics. Fans of immersive and action-packed fantasy novels will find much to enjoy in this compelling tale of rebellion and resilience.

The prose is top-notch. The writing flows well. The characters are interesting. It "feels" like a fantasy. Definitely one for my fantasy book club.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.