The Darkling’s Kiss: Part One: The Quest by Charlie Richards

Charlie Richards - The Darklings Kiss The Quest CoverTitle: The Darkling’s Kiss: Part One: The Quest

Series: The Daemon’s Descendents 01

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (118pgs)

Publisher: Gargoyle Expressions, Inc. (January 7, 2019)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: For decades Philippe has lived the life of a thief, keeping apart from society. He steals items for customers…for a fee, of course, which has earned him wealth enough for several lifetimes. Due to his mixed heritage, a volatile mixture of human, angel, and daemon blood—a creature called a darkling—his job is his solace. After a disastrous encounter with a wizard, Philippe has a choice to make—live the rest of his life on the run or commit to a single task to gain a clean slate. Either way, his thieving days are over. Philippe accepts the Council of Wizard’s terms.

He finds himself traveling with Kalylle, a wizard of the second order. Their task is to clear up a disagreement between the dwarf and elven nations, as a war between their peoples would tear Fidelia apart. To Philippe’s surprise, he discovers an unexpected kinship with Kalylle—an attraction that offers both danger to their mission and hope for a future. Except as they run up against one obstacle after another, it becomes clear that a third party is involved, someone with powerful magical resources. Can Philippe overcome the urges of his daemonic heritage so he can complete his quest with Kalylle, or will the machinations of rogue wizards cause him to lose himself to the daemon living inside him?

Reader Advisory: The Prologue of this tale was offered as a free read in 2014 during the GRNW Conference. Finally available, here’s the rest of the story…

Warnings: This is part one of a three-part epic fantasy adventure. This story includes wizards, magic, men learning to have a sense of humor while overcoming dark elements, and a HFN ending. There are erotic m/m scenes suitable for adults only. .

ISBN: B07MJBVSDS

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I loved this story about Philippe and Kalylle. Philippe is a Darkling, part angel, daemon and human. He struggles to control his daemon urges on a daily basis. To satisfy the daemon part he turns to stealing. This is where he is caught by wizards and tasked to help stop a war between elves and dwarves.

Kalylle is the wizard tasked with finding a way to stop the war on the horizon with Philippe’s help. They start their investigation with the dwarves and find the reason for the threat of war is a sacred blade being taken when the elves last visited them.

Though this story is not complete it was good beginning. However I would like to know exactly what the wizards told Philippe as we are never told this. Other than it was a fantastic read with two men slowly getting to know one another while danger lurks around every corner and several attempts are made on their lives.