Void

Nightlord #5

by Garon Whited

Eric knows it's not easy, being King. Fortunately, he has a Queen for that. Eric--or King Halar, or Vlad, or any number of aliases--doesn't want to be bothered. It's hard to pin down what he does want, if anything. He lives a quiet life, almost a solitary one, mourning in his own way for the loss of someone dear. His quiet solitude can't go on forever. Despite the empty places inside him, events and creatures move through the worlds and across the void between, forcing him into action, into fighting, into confronting Things perhaps better left alone... ...even forcing him into being a King. "Void" is the fifth book of the "Nightlord" series, following " Knightfall."

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Vampires, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Supernatural

1319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2018

About the author

Garon Whited was supposedly born in 1970, but the original birth certificate is suspiciously unavailable and other records do not agree. After spending some years in college playing role-playing games, he finally settled down into a steady job working with computers—and still plays role-playing games. He finally joined a radicalized group of jellyfish-herding nomads. Having fought zombie dolphins, quasi-corporeal wine and spirits, as well as brain-sucking mole rats, he is uniquely qualified to write fantastic fiction. His subsequent attempts at professional salsa repairman and ley line salesman met with similar success. An affinity for science fiction and fantasy has condemned him to write whenever he has a chance, despite therapy involving shocks and rubber hoses. He claims he lives on this planet, but impartial observers have expressed some doubt. He currently lives in Texarkana.

Reviews

[From first · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like all the other books i kept trudging through them because there is something that compels me to do so. Mostly the building, engineering and the spell work. But it takes me months to do so. Since i can't stand the main protagonist of the story. As in the first book he struggles with the decision of killing the main villain trying to bring himself to take a life, while killing droves of henchmen. While i see that this is just a way to keep the plot going. So that the book does not end after the first 100 pages it still builds on the type of character that he turnes into in the later books. He keeps doing stupid things like that, healing and releasing people who have kidnapped and tried to kill him. Or negotiating with people who stole his gear when they kidnapped. He does dapple in the idea of just killing or hurting them to get it back. But there is always some flimsy reason why he just does not do it. Oh he could just make a small portal to pump nerve gas inside to kill them all. But he does not have any because they had no need for it before . Like diagnosis could not whip some up in the time it takes him to resolve the issue any other way. Like using more time and energy making new gear for the people who stole his gear. Or of course the authors favorite shield to stop the protagonist from doing anything bad. Just plop a child in there and protagonist can do nothing. I understand that he venerates children over all else. But does he think that all other people he kills are without children just because he cannot see them at the time. Or does he do background checks on all the people he kills and it's just not written in the book? I can see that i am getting a bit contrived here. But it just grates at me...

There are of course other problems with the protagonist. His willingness to help other but never to commit to anything. Running away from everything he ever builds or helps establish. And i can see having it as a flaw in the first book even the second. But we are 5 books in and he still can't commit to anything. His first instinct is always to run away and if that fails is to try and bribe his way out of it or just flat out grovel or beg for others to take the responsibility away from him. And yes i know that he is a coward and even sees himself as one. But he does always rescue his friends when they get kidnapped (which is every other chapter) a long with every time he himself is kidnapped.

Will most likely add more when i have calmed down from this fit of disappointment of this book

[Lurble · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok.

I have enjoyed the previous books quite a bit. And this book had its moments but, I found the rapid jumping between various problems and plots killed any momentum my interest would gain. I also found the constant self analyzing and doubting sessions to be excessive. It was like watching a movie like Spawn or an anime with a weak character that whine like a b-...uh person who whines a lot.

I'll read the next book. There's plenty going for the series but I think Im starting to lose interest.

[Arnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nightlord sērijas ceturtā grāmata Knightfall aizsākas vien pēc 16 Ērikam gūstā pavadītām dienām, kad vairāk lapaspušu aizkulisēs viņam izdodas izbēgt un atgriezties nu jau par mājām sauktajā Karvelen/Rethven plakanajā pasaulē. Diemžēl atgriezties nākas ne mierā un klusumā, bet gan jau uzreiz jāiesaistas, lai censtos novērst karu starp Marijas tēlu, Ērika kompanjonu no citas modernākas pasaules, un Lizeti, fantāzijas pasaules sievu, kura par tādu reiz kļuvusi vairāk politisku iemeslu dēļ.

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Milan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightlord novels are always a fun read even if I didn't like the whole inner demon taking control in earlier books. This one on the other hand had all the best parts of these novels. Interesting and intriguing main character who is both brilliant and clueless about certain things and great supporting characters. Even Mary, who I didn't like much in earlier novels was great in this one. Of course I loved that Bronze got resurrected and I loved their reunion and subsequent interactions.

Now about the rest of the book... The main plot, or rather the main villain was interesting. We got enough information to keep me intrigued and yet to still leave a bit of mystery. Where do Boojum and other "angel" beings come from, who made them? I'm very much looking forward to finding out answers to those questions as well as the answers to other questions that this novel left me with.
Like - What will Eric/Halar do? Will he resort to the WMD option to get rid of Boojum's forces? Will he get Bob and other Elves to the moon? What will happen with Lunarites on Apocalyptica? What about the Faerie king he met at Apocalyptica? Will he wake up the Elven gods and their dragons? Will he return to that Shard world and the Boojum dragon? Not to mention all the questions about Erics/Halars relationship with his children/progeny/friends/wife and others. I need answers to those questions and a lot more!

To summarize, excellent addition to the series that is still going strong, a cliffhanger ending (sort of) but still good enough to keep a person intrigued and anxiously awaiting the sequel.

[Jay Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars is more for the series itself than the book but the book and all the books in this series are a easy 4 to 4.5 star books. I loved this series and can't wait for the next book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures continues in multiverse style

I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book after the fourth one and I was not disappointed. The thing I enjoy about these books is that they feel like a collection of stories cataloguing the adventures that Eric goes on. There is a time jump between this and the last book which shook me a little, but it allows for the belief that the characters have developed an excellent “stargate command” meets “holodeck” feel for exploring the multiverse. We travel to England at the start of WW2. Las Vegas in 1969. New magical worlds as well as the original from the first book. There is countless potential for more stories going forward. There’s lots of great humor and pop-culture references. My only negative complaint about the book is the storyline involving Lisette and why Eric stays away from all his kids. He admits to being cowardly???? It’s a BS excuse and conversation between him and Mary. Really it feels like the author didn’t want to drag Eric through his narrative with kids so he doesn’t and that’s just sad. It’s not how I would have the character behave and in my opinion clashes with the fact that Eric stressed chivalry and kindness and revers the Arthurian legends. Maybe when Tort returns things will be different. For now Mary is wonderful, the computer amazing. The best new character was Trixie. If the author will permit Eric to get over his bring crippled by fear - a scene where I really wanted Yoda to show up and slap Eric - then the stories going forward would be even better! The part where Eric was all “even if I helped them
have 1,000 years of golden age civilization it would still eventually fall and become a dark age, so I’m not going to do it” made me want to pull my hair out. Okay, even if the civilization did fall after 1,000 years of peace and happiness that’s STILL 1,000 years of millions of people!!!! That fucking means a ton of happiness!!! You need to focus on all the good you are doing in the here and now and near future. Don’t worry about the “what if’s”. Seriously, stop that!!!! And yes that’s just one scene in a very long book, which again overall I very much enjoyed. At times all the scientific explanation stuff to the magic and the research Eric is conduction can be too much for me, but it’s always fun to follow his train of thoughts. I’m really looking forward to the audiobook so I can hear how all the funny names are pronounced. Bottom line if you like the Nightlord series and enjoy time travel via a multiverse tool then you’ll love this book. And hopefully we get book 6 in a year and find out if Eric builds his space ship or what the Moon people are up to, and what happened to the dragon hunters, and see him work things out with Lisette so he can be a father to Liam and Hydyal and the other kids. I like that he promised to take Lisette to his home one day, he better do that and use his magic and technology to give her back her youth so they can have time together. She loves you, Eric!!!! Also we need to see how the crusade plays out and find out what the gift from the Elf King was at the school. So much to know!!!!!

Anyway, thank you so much for writing this series and please keep writing them. I shall be on the edge of my seat until the next book is published, hopefully next year.

[Cr Rider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aaaegh!!!!! I hate cliffhangers!

Book five was the pivotal save for this series. It had action, intrigue, emotive moments and drama. I especially enjoy the witty moments and mentions of American nostalgia. (References to the Lone Ranger, Batman, muscle cars, the 70's, and infomercials).There were some incomplete areas...what was the faery king's gift? What about the groups on Apocalyptica? The bliss from the Priests of Light sounds like the revamped tv show "V", with the same effects....There's something about Mary...I do not not know why I do not like her, but I miss Tamara. That seems like the best match for Halar, but their relationship was cut short. I sense a showdown coming with Mary when Tort returns. She may accept Lisette as she is mortal, but Tort can extend her life... It would be nice to know more about his children...there is almost no mention of them. Since he has such a strong rapport with kids, should he not at least acknowledge them? Why do the children not have his powers? Last but not least, can Halar stop being such a whingeing mess? It is not understood how he can be so wrathful about his near and dear being harmed or threatened, but does nothing to Sparky when she had his son sacrificed a few books ago...Editing issues still continue, but do not significantly detract from the reading enjoyment. These book are like addictive soap operas; you can shout at the screen and wring your hands but you come right back for more whilst biting your fingernails.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and broody book for the series. A lot happens in these, A LOT, some might accuse it of having a bit too much on its plate, but Nightlords are big eaters. If you are this far into the series and enjoy, Eric explaining things (Don't worry Mary is still there to stop him so it doesn't turn into a seminar), the plot branching off into as many little stories as there are leaves on a tree, an unhealthy amount of vampire brooding. Well this has all that, and more sweet bells, and whistles to go with.

I liked the time skip at the beginning of this one. Only we time skipped, even Eric had stuff going on in our absence. Other than his long sleeps, and that one time in the basement. Any explanation that went on in that time is kept to little fun references. Don't let it be said that Garon Whited lacks restraint in his story telling. Well at least here, if nothing else.

Much like the other books in the series it ends in a cliffhanger. This one has less of a conclusion to the current plot, not that some of the other leaves on that tree don't get wrapped up, but a good chunk of the book is dedicated to building up one of the more major conflicts for next time. Take that for what you will, it's a hazard in long fantasy series. I didn't mind it at this stage, there aren't many books left as far as I know. And the cliffhanger isn't as mean as some of the others have been.

[Kian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the storyline but I am disappointed at Eric's character, despite all the knowledge he has he's not smart and is insensitive to the feelings of people around him. He's like a PC hard drive with lots of information but doesn't know how to use it. He creates enemies then instead of ending them, he avoids it and lets them grow in power and He starts something good but then goes away leaving it unprotected then gets angry when his enemy attack/destroys it. I felt 80% of the words in this book are ramblings in Eric's head, he's thought, he's what-ifs. I expected more things to happen in this book, one was to mend his ties with his wife and sons. This story has so many facets and plots to grow in different directions and include many genres also I felt the Narrator did an excellent job that I could read the 40hr book once but won't do it again because it's mostly Eric's inner thoughts and shortcomings. I would've like to hear more of the other charters in depth but Eric is socially awkward and avoids them.

[Anndra Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

No kill like overkill!

I am a raving fan of Whited’s Nightlord epics. I adore his characters and world building, but the imagination put into his electro magical tech is a true work of literary art. I’ve read over 25k books, and stopped wasting time with usual fiction several years ago- but these are well worth the time and attention they demand of a reader. If you don’t like long descriptions, noble characters, witty comebacks and world jumping, move along. This series puts every other epic fantasy to shame in my opinion. The latest parley into Karvalen and through shift gates into extradimensional worlds is a rollicking good ride. Very few grammatical or spelling errors, which plague other Kindle reads these days. Garon, you’re my dark hero of the epic universe of the Nightlord. Please don’t stop with just one more!

[Matthew Mummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the series please continue to set the standard.

This is one of those books that cover so many topics. The book has philosophical tones, religion, government, sacrifice, pure evil over good intentions decisions,global warming, crime fighting, just such topics have their own weight, I admit the long explanation and description can be a put off but at the end of the book you understand that the reason was to help clarify the decisions of the nightlord. This is one of those books that are more than fantasy book. You have this character who is a basic demigod. Thus have all the time and power they want to smite their foes leaving reflection is all that is left.

[Yonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy successor

This book has more of what makes the series great. Long running and meticulous plans, immediate and violent improvisations, and characters and a story that continues to avoid falling into too many stale tropes.

That said Halar does continue to be a bit overly mopey, for example with how he handles fatherhood, but it's always written as an honest character flaw, not like a flaw the author actually thinks it's a virtue which you sometimes see with emotional problems.

It's also important to note that this does end on a big cliffhanger, but since the next book is out that's not really a big deal anymore.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing installment (spoiler-free)

Garon Whited had done it again, only better. The Nightlord series is one of the best series of books I've ever read, if not THE best. Every book seems to get better and better, and Void was no exception. From gripping action to lighthearted humor, the post-apocalyptic world to the medieval world and everything in between, Void keeps the reader guessing and thoroughly entertained from action-packed start to cliffhanger finish. Eagerly awaiting book six!

[Eric S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are a lot of fun. very interesting mix of current/futuristic/historical fiction and medieval enchanted realm settings, and yet it works out really well. Oh, and vampire sorcerers. Doesn't seem like it would work, but really really does. This 5th book did kind of let me down a bit, in that it ended but provided no resolution. Waiting for the next book for hopefully some plot threads to advance/resolve. Since I've loved the rest of the series, i'm absolutely willing to wait, but this book wasn't as good as the previous ones since it kinda left us hanging in limbo

[Bolajide Adeyoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This author is neat and also sometimes kind of mean. He builds these nifty interesting worlds, and likeable relatable characters, and sets them on interesting elseworld-esque what if tales....only to end on a cliff hanger....The and part is that I can't even get mad because the books he writes are always so delightfully long even if you feel cheated by the ending you can'y help but feel that the rest of the meal(story) left you full.

[Kamal Syed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy the series. I am also a bit frustrated by Eric/Hallar's lack of focus, but I think this is intentional and the author is aware of this and references this throughout the text. I think I understand the "necessity" of his distraction/depression. The book ended rather suddenly, so I hope that the next book is available soon!

As a fellow tinkerer, I completely understand his emotional withdrawal and need for distractions.

[Tressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cannot recommend.

I love Vampire stories but this is weird. The author goes on and on and on and on about spells and other things that are boring, mundane and not necessary. The only thing good about this book is the narrator, Sean Runnete. He is wonderful especially with how ridulously long the book is. I will never read this book again even though I spent $8 for the audio. But I will look for other audio books by Sean Runnete.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARRRRRGH!

This series is sooo good and frustrating too! I just want to keep reading and now I have to wait! Shame on you Garon for leaving such a cliffhanger at the end of book 5! You better find a Nightlord to turn you so there’s no danger of us readers being left without our favorite darkness!

[T8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wish we could have Halar keep on the straight and narrow path of having a good time. He must have the most tortured soul for all the wringers he's been through, with sleep, out of control body, losing part of his soul.

I'd love to see him just kick ass, study, invent, and be happy for a book. Interested to know how this queen thing is gonna go too. So much tension!

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book, more than the previous seems too contrived. an example of this is when the MC was fighting the angel and got captured. it seemed stupid that the mc suddenly got trigger happy whn it was evident that bullets do not work and he just before that was more inclined to use his sword. either way I will continue the series because I like it a lot.

[Andy Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

This series is an amazing work of brilliance. It has ready player one level of pop culture referencing. The story is well set up for the chance of anything and everything as a possible outcome. I cannot say when I was last impressed by a series like I am today. Holy... freaking.... crap. This guy is good.

[James W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable . It has some vary humerous old school references . Such as comparing theoretical explosions to an Iridium Q32 Space Modulator or something Eric is assembling to an Acme creation . Instead this book Eric has established himself on a post apocalyptic world and ends up battling Vampires and Vampire killers on a 1960's Earth . Then he is pulled back to Carvalen .

[Andrew Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many screenshots of pages to share!

I can relate with the main character to the extent that I've been sending screenshots to my Mary again and again, going "Didn't we have this conversation the other day?"

[Jeremy Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I love these books because they are SO detailed. And the Garon makes you fall in love and care about the characters he introduces. This book is another epic success in my opinion. If you havent started this series yet then you are missing out on an amazing adventure.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best So Far

This book was very well thought out. It was Emotional. It was addictive. And it was frustrating the closer I got to the end, because I didn't want it to end. This is a great series. One that I will re-read, again and again.

[Deoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still great

One of my favorite series continues to deliver. Strong character development, extremely well thought-out magic/supernatural world building. The books are also very long; great value for the cost,. My only negative comment is this book has a cliffhanger ending.

[Tom Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent book in a wonderful series by a talented author. Intense action, elaborate world building, inventive magical system, philosophical musings (but not too much), all delivered with a relaxed, playful tone. Highly recommend this entire series.

[Jessica Stueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I ha e loved this series from its inception. Just reading it one more time before tackling the newest book. Realized i failed to mention how much I love it and remedied that fact.

[Richard Crossan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic

A magnificent continuation of a great series. Interesting characters. The main character can be a bit maudlin at times but when he decides to take action I seriously pity whoever and whatever gets in his way

[Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and theraputic

This book in the series had the theme of loss, therapy, and general healing. It was really nice for Halar to start to be more introspective and confront himself. In a way.