The Year of the Dark Spring by Lewis A. D’Ambra is a collection of stories about a historical fantastical event seen through the eyes of multiple different characters. Each character gives a distinct and diverse perspective contributing to the plot in various entertaining ways depending on the history and culture of their societies. The stories revolve around the mysterious occurrence of a comet across the sky, hundreds of years after the fall of a great city, bringing darkness and turmoil in its wake. The people of Kolgennon are all growing tense with the occurrence of the comet and the emergence of the old gods and lost knowledge of the past, struggling to interpret the meaning behind the sky’s red streak in their own different ways.

The Year of the Dark Spring is complex and detailed, with fantastic storytelling. It takes the reader on a journey through the lives of many different characters whose lives and perspectives are tied to the same geological event. The author does a phenomenal job establishing the historical elements. Even through each short story, the history is laid out in a complex, understandable, and enticing way. I enjoyed how the book walked the reader through the different myths, legends, and even beliefs of each people and society, accompanied by the depth put into each culture. It was extremely creative and original how the author used this significant event, a comet, to connect all the characters’ stories.

The Year of the Dark Spring is a great and interactive read for fans of epic fantasy. I particularly appreciated how each character was different in their lifestyles to how they saw the world. The way each character provided a unique perspective on the past and present they were in and what the comet meant. The significance of the comet and how it tied the stories created a mysterious and intriguing element, further making this a great read.

Pages: 234 | ASIN : B0BPP8L8BG