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Darkstar #2
The Return of the Whalefleet
Is the price for survival worth paying?
Through quick thinking, calm resolve, and just sheer guts, First Officer Choi Minjung has helped her crew survive their first months lost within the improbable Darkstar Dimension, avoiding disasters in the form of parasitic magical items, amorphous oozes that pursue their ship over the waves, and hungry horizon-spanning dragons.
However, Min’s crew are not the only beings stranded in the Darkstar Dimension.
When the peaceful Whalefleet – a race of dimensional travellers who sail across the night sky on the backs of massive, luminous creatures – are attacked, Min and her crew race to their aid, but in doing so draw the attention of a faceless, ancient foe that may hold the secrets to this land.
Min faces a choice: stand down and keep her people safe while the innocent Whalefleet suffers, or confront an impossible foe, risking all she has sworn to protect.
The Return of the Whalefleet is the second novel in the Darkstar series, an action-packed fantasy adventure set in a wonderfully strange and dangerous world.
Grab your copy today, to set sail on an impossible adventure!
Through quick thinking, calm resolve, and just sheer guts, First Officer Choi Minjung has helped her crew survive their first months lost within the improbable Darkstar Dimension, avoiding disasters in the form of parasitic magical items, amorphous oozes that pursue their ship over the waves, and hungry horizon-spanning dragons.
However, Min’s crew are not the only beings stranded in the Darkstar Dimension.
When the peaceful Whalefleet – a race of dimensional travellers who sail across the night sky on the backs of massive, luminous creatures – are attacked, Min and her crew race to their aid, but in doing so draw the attention of a faceless, ancient foe that may hold the secrets to this land.
Min faces a choice: stand down and keep her people safe while the innocent Whalefleet suffers, or confront an impossible foe, risking all she has sworn to protect.
The Return of the Whalefleet is the second novel in the Darkstar series, an action-packed fantasy adventure set in a wonderfully strange and dangerous world.
Grab your copy today, to set sail on an impossible adventure!
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2022
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Benedict Patrick
20 books382 followersBenedict Patrick is from a small town in Northern Ireland called Banbridge, but has been living and working in Scotland since he moved there at the age of eighteen. Tragically, that was quite a while ago.
He has been writing for most of his life, and has been reading for pretty much all of it (with help from mum and dad at the beginning). Benedict's life changed when a substitute primary school teacher read his class part of The Hobbit and later loaned him the book – he fell in love with the fantasy genre and never looked back.
They Mostly Come Out At Night is his debut novel, and is the first novel in The Yarnsworld series.
Try out some free Yarnsworld stories by signing up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b4UNHj
He has been writing for most of his life, and has been reading for pretty much all of it (with help from mum and dad at the beginning). Benedict's life changed when a substitute primary school teacher read his class part of The Hobbit and later loaned him the book – he fell in love with the fantasy genre and never looked back.
They Mostly Come Out At Night is his debut novel, and is the first novel in The Yarnsworld series.
Try out some free Yarnsworld stories by signing up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b4UNHj
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April 28, 2021As with previous novels, as I'm the author I will not be writing a review here, but will use this space to update progress of 'Whalefleet's' production.
6th April 2021 - The cover for The Return of the Whalefleet was revealled today, along with news of a Kickstarter coming later in April in bring both of the Darkstar novels out in hardback editions; head to this link to be notified as soon as the campaign goes live: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
28th April 2021 - The Kickstarter for the hardback editions of both Darkstar novels (including the forthcoming 'The Return of the Whalefleet') is now live, and doing very well!
6th April 2021 - The cover for The Return of the Whalefleet was revealled today, along with news of a Kickstarter coming later in April in bring both of the Darkstar novels out in hardback editions; head to this link to be notified as soon as the campaign goes live: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
28th April 2021 - The Kickstarter for the hardback editions of both Darkstar novels (including the forthcoming 'The Return of the Whalefleet') is now live, and doing very well!
March 23, 2022
Review of an ARC sent by the author.
Reviewing The Return of the Whalefleet could be one of the easiest things to do or the hardest.
I could talk about great the world-building is, the characters, the writing etc and leave it at that. Every Benedick Patrick book has been like that. And no, that is not fan gushing because I get the ARCs. I genuinely love these books.
But then, that kind of easy review will not touch on the one thing that makes this book stand out in a sea of fantasy. This is the hard part. How do I transmit my feelings on reading this story without inadvertently revealing spoilers. How do I communicate the brilliance of this author with my words (like watching a 4K video on an old analog TV). So please bear with me and scroll down to read my poor perspective on why this book absolutely slayed me when I finished reading it.
------------------warning. Maybe spoiler ish--------------
The brilliant portion of this book is when it starts to deconstruct what make a hero. What if you lose your self-confidence? What if you feel you are an impostor and that someone has been doing all the work and taking all the decisions. How would affect you and the people around you. Would this not be the worst kind of punishment to inflict on a person?
The sheer mind-fuckery of the moment when this revelation happens, is one par with the reveals in Memento, KOTOR, Shutter Island, 10 Little Indians etc. And it is not just the author's sheer audacity and courage to basically neuter his main character. It is also that his ending note reveals how much of himself, he has put in Min. Kudos.
Reviewing The Return of the Whalefleet could be one of the easiest things to do or the hardest.
I could talk about great the world-building is, the characters, the writing etc and leave it at that. Every Benedick Patrick book has been like that. And no, that is not fan gushing because I get the ARCs. I genuinely love these books.
But then, that kind of easy review will not touch on the one thing that makes this book stand out in a sea of fantasy. This is the hard part. How do I transmit my feelings on reading this story without inadvertently revealing spoilers. How do I communicate the brilliance of this author with my words (like watching a 4K video on an old analog TV). So please bear with me and scroll down to read my poor perspective on why this book absolutely slayed me when I finished reading it.
------------------warning. Maybe spoiler ish--------------
The brilliant portion of this book is when it starts to deconstruct what make a hero. What if you lose your self-confidence? What if you feel you are an impostor and that someone has been doing all the work and taking all the decisions. How would affect you and the people around you. Would this not be the worst kind of punishment to inflict on a person?
The sheer mind-fuckery of the moment when this revelation happens, is one par with the reveals in Memento, KOTOR, Shutter Island, 10 Little Indians etc. And it is not just the author's sheer audacity and courage to basically neuter his main character. It is also that his ending note reveals how much of himself, he has put in Min. Kudos.
March 19, 2022
Another amazing book, cannot wait for the final one in this trilogy!
March 2, 2022
*** This review was collected as part of a promotion ***
I delayed sitting down and writing this review – there was something too final about summarizing and setting my thoughts to the page; whilst my review was unwritten, I could languish in the world of might have been instead of processing my grief for things undone.
I went into The Return of the Whalefleet with high hopes. The stage had been set, the characters introduced and Benedict Patrick could now take full advantage of the setting he’d created in the Darkstar Dimension. Add the beautifully-timed appearance of the Whale Fleet at the end of the previous book had imbued me with a childlike anticipation that the series might finally find its footing.
Alas, it was not to be.
The Return of the Whalefleet suffers full of ideas, lacking capacity to do any of them justice. Crammed into its 75000 word count, Min and her crew are introduced then attacked by a world of blob people, a bizarre alien mating, introduction to the members of the Whale Fleet, a betrayal, introduction of the main villains Troika and the subsequent confrontation with bonus backstory, an attempted redemption for the first outing’s villain, a major plot twist two books in the building and the spiritual death of a main character.
It’s no surprise then that there is no word count leftover to add emotional depth to proceedings – the Troika are the strongest element of the plot by far and Benedict Patrick excels in portraying the shifting fortress, imbuing a real sense of danger to the characters as they attempt to breach its walls but even they are short-changed in the end. You have a real sense that had Benedict Patrick cut out unnecessary subplots, he would have found a larger stage upon which to showcase his villains.
Perhaps, if this was as far as his folly went – I might have ended my review there, bemoaning the superficiality of the piece and the execution of ideas, which I would have loved to see in the hands of other authors.
I wish it were so.
But when Benedict Patrick first set out writing about the Darkstar Dimension, he had set a loaded gun on his lap. It was item of subtle beauty. He would gaze upon it, a secret smile on his face as he wrote, and from time to time, lift it to reassure himself of its comforting weight, the way it would feel the moment he pointed it into the Darkstar Dimension to illuminate a secret void two books in the making.
At least that’s how it was meant to go.
What he achieved instead was a senseless character assassination. He threw away two most fleshed out characters and their relationship away without purpose and annihilated any excitement I might have for the third and final instalment; despite the allure of the Darkstar Dimension, I’m just not sure there’s enough here to stick around for.
I delayed sitting down and writing this review – there was something too final about summarizing and setting my thoughts to the page; whilst my review was unwritten, I could languish in the world of might have been instead of processing my grief for things undone.
I went into The Return of the Whalefleet with high hopes. The stage had been set, the characters introduced and Benedict Patrick could now take full advantage of the setting he’d created in the Darkstar Dimension. Add the beautifully-timed appearance of the Whale Fleet at the end of the previous book had imbued me with a childlike anticipation that the series might finally find its footing.
Alas, it was not to be.
The Return of the Whalefleet suffers full of ideas, lacking capacity to do any of them justice. Crammed into its 75000 word count, Min and her crew are introduced then attacked by a world of blob people, a bizarre alien mating, introduction to the members of the Whale Fleet, a betrayal, introduction of the main villains Troika and the subsequent confrontation with bonus backstory, an attempted redemption for the first outing’s villain, a major plot twist two books in the building and the spiritual death of a main character.
It’s no surprise then that there is no word count leftover to add emotional depth to proceedings – the Troika are the strongest element of the plot by far and Benedict Patrick excels in portraying the shifting fortress, imbuing a real sense of danger to the characters as they attempt to breach its walls but even they are short-changed in the end. You have a real sense that had Benedict Patrick cut out unnecessary subplots, he would have found a larger stage upon which to showcase his villains.
Perhaps, if this was as far as his folly went – I might have ended my review there, bemoaning the superficiality of the piece and the execution of ideas, which I would have loved to see in the hands of other authors.
I wish it were so.
But when Benedict Patrick first set out writing about the Darkstar Dimension, he had set a loaded gun on his lap. It was item of subtle beauty. He would gaze upon it, a secret smile on his face as he wrote, and from time to time, lift it to reassure himself of its comforting weight, the way it would feel the moment he pointed it into the Darkstar Dimension to illuminate a secret void two books in the making.
At least that’s how it was meant to go.
What he achieved instead was a senseless character assassination. He threw away two most fleshed out characters and their relationship away without purpose and annihilated any excitement I might have for the third and final instalment; despite the allure of the Darkstar Dimension, I’m just not sure there’s enough here to stick around for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
The Darkstar story continues with more adventures. While the first book had a more whimsical and hopeful tone, the second book gets a little darker and more serious. With high stakes and plot twists, it's a great sequel and an intriguing setup for the next book in the series.
February 26, 2022
4.0 / 5 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Just what is the price of survival?
This is the very question First Officer Choi Minjun and her crew have been trying to answer. For months they’ve been trapped in the mysterious Darkstar dimension, with its violet oceans and glowing fish, floating rocks and peculiar gravity, turtlemoths and gigantic dragon alone for company. They’ve made a kind of home for themselves with the rift’s only other human resident—Brightest, an old man who was been living in the dimension for decades—but it is a far cry from New Windward.
Although… they’re not technically “trapped”. Min and the crew of the Melodious Narwhal can leave whenever they want. In fact, they’ve been doing it for months—traveling to and from the Darkstar dimension via the numerous rifts that orbit the star itself. Unfortunately, while these rifts visit upon untold worlds, none of them will return the crew to their home.That can only be reached through a particular rift, one that only comes once every few years. And until it does, the Narwhal will be staying put.
But Min and the crew have been busy.
There’s not enough to live on in the Darkstar dimension. Other than a few tiny islets and oceans full of tasteless, glowing fish, the place is fairly sparse. Thus the crew have been busy scavenging from other dimensions—while chronicling their experiences within.
While traversing the rifts is rife with danger, it is also myriad in wonders. The best example of this is the Whalefleet: a race of interdimensional travelers sailing across the sky upon the backs of massive, luminous whales. Their passage has continued for months; a constant and aloof, untouchable by the crew despite their best efforts.
But it turns out Min and her crew weren’t alone in the dimension after all. When a mysterious force reaches out and attacks the Whalefleet, the crew is faced with an impossible choice: stand-by as these peaceful travelers are wiped out, or intervene and risk the attention of the ancient horror that haunts the Darkstar—one not even the dragon is willing to face.
—
“He?” Min said, looking at Loom again, unable to find any… features that would suggest a particular gender. “Loom is a ‘he’?” She lowered her voice, feeling the colour rush to her cheeks. “How can you tell?”
“Silly. He’s glowing green, isn’t he? Clearly a boy.”
—
If you haven’t read any of Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld before, know that his novels often have an eerie, unsettling feel, complete with dark overtones and a story that doesn’t always work out too well for anyone. It’s often not bleak enough to be grimdark, but it’s certainly not your classic “and they lived happily ever after” fantasy. It’s dark fantasy-horror, pure and simple. When Flight of the Darkstar Dragon released, it seemed as though the author might be graduating to something else. This book featured a perilous but triumphant story, with themes of hope and perseverance playing a major role. But if you took that as a sign the author was turning over a new leaf, Return of the Whalefleet has just adequately dashed these hopes.
But while Book #1 seemed to be presenting the Darkstar as a temporary prison, it was one with limitless potential for adventure, exploration, and discovery. Sure, there would be danger, but also thrills, boons, and maybe even a new way home within the rifts. And if everything else failed, the crew could always escape to the (relative) safety of the Darkstar.
Only the Darkstar isn’t the haven that it appeared. Sure, there’s the dragon the size of a small moon to consider, but it turns out the real horrors have always been there, lurking just out of sight the entire time. There’s definitely more of a horror vibe to Flight of the that seemed to be absent from Return of the. But again, if you’ve read the author before this series, this shouldn’t surprise you. And shouldn’t disappoint either.
It’s not a huge leap, and one that returning fans should take in stride. I found that this darker overtone made the place seem like more of a challenge, more a test of survival than the adventure its predecessor depicted. It’s a little like the jump from Lord of the Flies to Pincher Martin. If you loved one, you probably loved the other; but which did you enjoy more? Both are about survival, but one has much more to distract the reader from this—and the other is much darker. But even if I were challenged, I’m not sure I could say which I enjoyed more. Yes, I know they’re unrelated story-wise, but both books are in the same vein and by the same author. Plus they relate really well to the question at hand. That being: Flight of the was inauspicious but ultimately hopeful while Return of the is much more morose albeit with the same adventure and thrill—but which is better?
While I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I did its predecessor, it wasn’t down to the darker twist to the tale. Instead, it’s how the story seems to get sidetracked from the main event, particularly by exploring the rifts themselves. And this shouldn’t be the case, particularly because there’s no reason this should be a problem. If the plot to this was simply “explore and survive” á la William Golding—I’d be down with it. But the main setup at the end of Flight of the Darkstar Dragon really implied that the Whalefleet would take center stage—something that the title itself all but confirmed. And yet, we’re too distracted to notice it for way too long.
The beginning and the end focus on side issues, details that—while interesting—don’t directly connect to the tale Return of the is trying to tell. That being the return of the Whalefleet. Also I think the buildup in the previous book about the Whalefleet’s majesty and awe was a bit of a letdown, as this just didn’t wow with its description of the travelers’ procession. That said, had Flight of the not built my expectations quite so much, and the title of Return of the made me anticipate these more—I don’t think it would’ve let me down quite like it did. Just like I doubt I’d’ve noticed the off-topic distraction but for the book’s size. Yet there’s more than enough to love about Return of the Whalefleet: new allies, new enemies, new adventures, history and development of our returning cast and crew. The ancient horrors themselves were a particular favorite of mine; the entire buildup was amazing, but when they were described in detail it cast a noticeable chill up my spine. The haunting descriptions of these will stick with me, I think, more than so many one-offs in other books. Not that these are a one-off—that remains to be seen.
TL;DR
If you’d never read Benedict Patrick before, you might be forgiven in thinking that the Darkstar series took an abrupt 180 from its start in Flight of the Darkstar Dragon. If you had, on the other hand, the creepier, darker tone to Return of the Whalefleet shouldn’t surprise you. In fact, it might even come as a relief; a sign that the author still has it, can still tell a spine-tingling tale. Either way, this entry certainly marks a turning point for the series. But just where it’s headed exactly… I don’t know. Despite the change of tone (or perhaps because of it) this is still a great read. While held back by a slightly longer detour from the main plot than you might see in other books of its length, when the author does focus on the Whalefleet and the story surrounding it, I had no problem becoming immersed in it. The setting continues to be vibrant (albeit a wee bit more shadowy than before), the plot intriguing, and the overall adventure a thrill. While it’s not quite as good as its predecessor, I have no problem at all recommending Return of the Whalefleet! If you’re new to the series, I would definitely start with Book #1, but returning fans should be able to dive right in. Look out for Book #3—The Game of Many Worlds—hopefully releasing sometime in the next year. Can’t wait!
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Just what is the price of survival?
This is the very question First Officer Choi Minjun and her crew have been trying to answer. For months they’ve been trapped in the mysterious Darkstar dimension, with its violet oceans and glowing fish, floating rocks and peculiar gravity, turtlemoths and gigantic dragon alone for company. They’ve made a kind of home for themselves with the rift’s only other human resident—Brightest, an old man who was been living in the dimension for decades—but it is a far cry from New Windward.
Although… they’re not technically “trapped”. Min and the crew of the Melodious Narwhal can leave whenever they want. In fact, they’ve been doing it for months—traveling to and from the Darkstar dimension via the numerous rifts that orbit the star itself. Unfortunately, while these rifts visit upon untold worlds, none of them will return the crew to their home.That can only be reached through a particular rift, one that only comes once every few years. And until it does, the Narwhal will be staying put.
But Min and the crew have been busy.
There’s not enough to live on in the Darkstar dimension. Other than a few tiny islets and oceans full of tasteless, glowing fish, the place is fairly sparse. Thus the crew have been busy scavenging from other dimensions—while chronicling their experiences within.
While traversing the rifts is rife with danger, it is also myriad in wonders. The best example of this is the Whalefleet: a race of interdimensional travelers sailing across the sky upon the backs of massive, luminous whales. Their passage has continued for months; a constant and aloof, untouchable by the crew despite their best efforts.
But it turns out Min and her crew weren’t alone in the dimension after all. When a mysterious force reaches out and attacks the Whalefleet, the crew is faced with an impossible choice: stand-by as these peaceful travelers are wiped out, or intervene and risk the attention of the ancient horror that haunts the Darkstar—one not even the dragon is willing to face.
—
“He?” Min said, looking at Loom again, unable to find any… features that would suggest a particular gender. “Loom is a ‘he’?” She lowered her voice, feeling the colour rush to her cheeks. “How can you tell?”
“Silly. He’s glowing green, isn’t he? Clearly a boy.”
—
If you haven’t read any of Benedict Patrick’s Yarnsworld before, know that his novels often have an eerie, unsettling feel, complete with dark overtones and a story that doesn’t always work out too well for anyone. It’s often not bleak enough to be grimdark, but it’s certainly not your classic “and they lived happily ever after” fantasy. It’s dark fantasy-horror, pure and simple. When Flight of the Darkstar Dragon released, it seemed as though the author might be graduating to something else. This book featured a perilous but triumphant story, with themes of hope and perseverance playing a major role. But if you took that as a sign the author was turning over a new leaf, Return of the Whalefleet has just adequately dashed these hopes.
But while Book #1 seemed to be presenting the Darkstar as a temporary prison, it was one with limitless potential for adventure, exploration, and discovery. Sure, there would be danger, but also thrills, boons, and maybe even a new way home within the rifts. And if everything else failed, the crew could always escape to the (relative) safety of the Darkstar.
Only the Darkstar isn’t the haven that it appeared. Sure, there’s the dragon the size of a small moon to consider, but it turns out the real horrors have always been there, lurking just out of sight the entire time. There’s definitely more of a horror vibe to Flight of the that seemed to be absent from Return of the. But again, if you’ve read the author before this series, this shouldn’t surprise you. And shouldn’t disappoint either.
It’s not a huge leap, and one that returning fans should take in stride. I found that this darker overtone made the place seem like more of a challenge, more a test of survival than the adventure its predecessor depicted. It’s a little like the jump from Lord of the Flies to Pincher Martin. If you loved one, you probably loved the other; but which did you enjoy more? Both are about survival, but one has much more to distract the reader from this—and the other is much darker. But even if I were challenged, I’m not sure I could say which I enjoyed more. Yes, I know they’re unrelated story-wise, but both books are in the same vein and by the same author. Plus they relate really well to the question at hand. That being: Flight of the was inauspicious but ultimately hopeful while Return of the is much more morose albeit with the same adventure and thrill—but which is better?
While I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I did its predecessor, it wasn’t down to the darker twist to the tale. Instead, it’s how the story seems to get sidetracked from the main event, particularly by exploring the rifts themselves. And this shouldn’t be the case, particularly because there’s no reason this should be a problem. If the plot to this was simply “explore and survive” á la William Golding—I’d be down with it. But the main setup at the end of Flight of the Darkstar Dragon really implied that the Whalefleet would take center stage—something that the title itself all but confirmed. And yet, we’re too distracted to notice it for way too long.
The beginning and the end focus on side issues, details that—while interesting—don’t directly connect to the tale Return of the is trying to tell. That being the return of the Whalefleet. Also I think the buildup in the previous book about the Whalefleet’s majesty and awe was a bit of a letdown, as this just didn’t wow with its description of the travelers’ procession. That said, had Flight of the not built my expectations quite so much, and the title of Return of the made me anticipate these more—I don’t think it would’ve let me down quite like it did. Just like I doubt I’d’ve noticed the off-topic distraction but for the book’s size. Yet there’s more than enough to love about Return of the Whalefleet: new allies, new enemies, new adventures, history and development of our returning cast and crew. The ancient horrors themselves were a particular favorite of mine; the entire buildup was amazing, but when they were described in detail it cast a noticeable chill up my spine. The haunting descriptions of these will stick with me, I think, more than so many one-offs in other books. Not that these are a one-off—that remains to be seen.
TL;DR
If you’d never read Benedict Patrick before, you might be forgiven in thinking that the Darkstar series took an abrupt 180 from its start in Flight of the Darkstar Dragon. If you had, on the other hand, the creepier, darker tone to Return of the Whalefleet shouldn’t surprise you. In fact, it might even come as a relief; a sign that the author still has it, can still tell a spine-tingling tale. Either way, this entry certainly marks a turning point for the series. But just where it’s headed exactly… I don’t know. Despite the change of tone (or perhaps because of it) this is still a great read. While held back by a slightly longer detour from the main plot than you might see in other books of its length, when the author does focus on the Whalefleet and the story surrounding it, I had no problem becoming immersed in it. The setting continues to be vibrant (albeit a wee bit more shadowy than before), the plot intriguing, and the overall adventure a thrill. While it’s not quite as good as its predecessor, I have no problem at all recommending Return of the Whalefleet! If you’re new to the series, I would definitely start with Book #1, but returning fans should be able to dive right in. Look out for Book #3—The Game of Many Worlds—hopefully releasing sometime in the next year. Can’t wait!
January 15, 2022
More glimpses into the strange rifts of the Darkstar Waters as Min and her crew continue to struggle to stay alive until they can get back home.
The Whalefleet return to Brightest's delight but there is something dark and dangerous looming behind the fleet and Min's sanity is tested.
The Whalefleet return to Brightest's delight but there is something dark and dangerous looming behind the fleet and Min's sanity is tested.
Read
August 19, 2021Psssst. You--yes, you. I had the chance to beta read this and, y'know what?
It's good.
Like, really, really good.
No, no. Really, Really Good!
Keep an eye out for it when it comes out. I'm not giving it any stars yet, but I suspect it'll get lots of stars. Lots and lots and lots of stars.
It's good.
Like, really, really good.
No, no. Really, Really Good!
Keep an eye out for it when it comes out. I'm not giving it any stars yet, but I suspect it'll get lots of stars. Lots and lots and lots of stars.
January 25, 2022
Preamble
Well, here we are… just a scant few days since I devoured The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon by Benedict Patrick. And I’ve got the next book in the series completed.
Full disclosure: I’m on Patrick’s e-mail list and he has given me a pre-release copy of this novel, The Return of the Whalefleet, to read and review. That has no bearing on this: it’s my unbiased opinion of the book.
A note about my reviews: I consider myself an appreciator, not a critic. I know first-hand what goes into the creation of art – the blood, the sweat, the tears, the risk. I also know that art appreciation is subjective and lernt good what mama tell’t me – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I’m not a school marm grading a spelling test – I’m a reader who enjoys reading. If a book is entertaining, well-written, and I get absorbed into it, five out of five. I have gone as low as three stars – anything less than that and I will not review a book (chances are I DNFed anyway). Regardless, I wouldn’t even put a star rating system on my reviews but for the reality of storefronts like Amazon.
Take from that what you will.
Review – 5/5
Slow clap for Benedict Patrick. He’s managed one of those rare feats known only to a select few in the world of serial entertainment: our man in Ireland created a sequel that blows the first book out of the water. I’m kind of chuckling now at the sole nitpick I offered in the first book, something about the believability of certain aspects of protagonist Min’s leadership and the climax. Not only was this concern addressed in The Return of the Whale Fleet, the way it’s addressed is actually an integral plot point.
And a well done plot point, at that.
The end of The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon was an open end – that is, there wasn’t really much to go on in terms of unresolved material, except for the one massive floating cetacean in the room: the Melodious Narwhal and its crew remained stuck in the Darkstar Dimension. Patrick mentioned DuckTales as an influence in the afterword, that his plan was to create a series where new vistas could be explored and adventures could be had.
In truth, The Return of the Whalefleet feels like more than that. There are some tropes - I mean, Min loses an eye and gets a bum leg, turning her into an interdimensional pirate captain cliché. All she needs now is to bond with a space parrot which gives her magical powers to complete ‘the look.’ But on the whole the story is so original and seething with twists and unexpected turns that I was on the edge of my seat for most of it.
I really like Benedict Patrick’s style. His books are easy to read and he knows how to get you to root for characters and to draw out emotional reactions. There are some other familiarities that I can see – I wonder to what extent he played the same video games as me, for one. The whole of the Darkstar Dimension feels like Zangarmarsh from World of Warcraft. And there is some sort of bit part recurring merchant who sounds a bit like that ‘what are you buyin’?’ fella from Resident Evil 4, albeit with less intelligible speech.
Put aside all of the interesting imagery he infests your skull with (and believe me, there is plenty). The plot is exciting and tense, with each chapter broken up with tension-relieving notes from the arsehole scholar character who was the main antagonist from the first book. It’s not even clear who the antagonist is going to be for the first several chapters of The Return of the Whalefleet, and that mystery is part of the whole shtick. A shtick that could have gone woefully wrong, and yet goes wonderfully well.
I haven’t read all of the Yarnsworld books at this point, but I remember thinking as I read Flight Of The Darkstar Dragon that Patrick’s writing had matured. The blemishes that were far more frequent in They Mostly Come Out At Night are absent in that book. This one is even better than Flight in terms of quality. The writing is extremely tight and the story is just *chef’s kiss* in The Return of the Whalefleet, if a little melancholy. I am actually sad that I have to wait to read the next in the series, because where the first book left you wondering where it was going next, this one demands a sequel.
Incredible ride. Absolutely incredible.
Addendum
As poignant as the plot was, there was something in the afterword of The Return of the Whalefleet that made me think ‘I feel ya, bro. After discussing how his Yarnsworld books were a decent commercial success, Patrick felt he had created something very special with The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon and spent a fair bit of coin on promoting it, putting a whole bunch of mental eggs into the success basket. And its launch was (in his mind) a bit of a flop – he literally said ‘No other book broke my heart like The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon.’ He stopped writing for a long time after that, according to him.
Like I said in the preamble, I was given a pre-release copy of this book because I happened to be on Patrick’s e-mail list and see that he was looking for people to read and review his stuff for launch. I admit I don’t always read his e-mails, nor do I know Benedict Patrick from ye olde proverbial Adam, aside from the fact that we’re kindred spirits in the arena of tears and triumph that is self-published fantasy writing. In a market that is inundated with talent, who the hell knows what to read or why? But I sped through both of these books in less than seven days. Seven days. To illustrate: I wake up at 5:00 AM, try to get a couple of thousand words in, work a periodically stressful full-time job, get my steps in (can you tell I'm in my mid-thirties?), spend half my free time with my daughter, try to keep a decently clean house, cook food, maintain whatever relationships I can in this lockdown hell. And I loved these books so much I read them far more quickly than anything I have since I can remember. My pace of late is usually a book a month, if that. And reading these has inspired me to get more regular about reading. They are that good.
Do yourself a favour, while you’re waiting for this one when it drops in March (and you should wait for it): check out The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon.
Well, here we are… just a scant few days since I devoured The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon by Benedict Patrick. And I’ve got the next book in the series completed.
Full disclosure: I’m on Patrick’s e-mail list and he has given me a pre-release copy of this novel, The Return of the Whalefleet, to read and review. That has no bearing on this: it’s my unbiased opinion of the book.
A note about my reviews: I consider myself an appreciator, not a critic. I know first-hand what goes into the creation of art – the blood, the sweat, the tears, the risk. I also know that art appreciation is subjective and lernt good what mama tell’t me – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I’m not a school marm grading a spelling test – I’m a reader who enjoys reading. If a book is entertaining, well-written, and I get absorbed into it, five out of five. I have gone as low as three stars – anything less than that and I will not review a book (chances are I DNFed anyway). Regardless, I wouldn’t even put a star rating system on my reviews but for the reality of storefronts like Amazon.
Take from that what you will.
Review – 5/5
Slow clap for Benedict Patrick. He’s managed one of those rare feats known only to a select few in the world of serial entertainment: our man in Ireland created a sequel that blows the first book out of the water. I’m kind of chuckling now at the sole nitpick I offered in the first book, something about the believability of certain aspects of protagonist Min’s leadership and the climax. Not only was this concern addressed in The Return of the Whale Fleet, the way it’s addressed is actually an integral plot point.
And a well done plot point, at that.
The end of The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon was an open end – that is, there wasn’t really much to go on in terms of unresolved material, except for the one massive floating cetacean in the room: the Melodious Narwhal and its crew remained stuck in the Darkstar Dimension. Patrick mentioned DuckTales as an influence in the afterword, that his plan was to create a series where new vistas could be explored and adventures could be had.
In truth, The Return of the Whalefleet feels like more than that. There are some tropes - I mean, Min loses an eye and gets a bum leg, turning her into an interdimensional pirate captain cliché. All she needs now is to bond with a space parrot which gives her magical powers to complete ‘the look.’ But on the whole the story is so original and seething with twists and unexpected turns that I was on the edge of my seat for most of it.
I really like Benedict Patrick’s style. His books are easy to read and he knows how to get you to root for characters and to draw out emotional reactions. There are some other familiarities that I can see – I wonder to what extent he played the same video games as me, for one. The whole of the Darkstar Dimension feels like Zangarmarsh from World of Warcraft. And there is some sort of bit part recurring merchant who sounds a bit like that ‘what are you buyin’?’ fella from Resident Evil 4, albeit with less intelligible speech.
Put aside all of the interesting imagery he infests your skull with (and believe me, there is plenty). The plot is exciting and tense, with each chapter broken up with tension-relieving notes from the arsehole scholar character who was the main antagonist from the first book. It’s not even clear who the antagonist is going to be for the first several chapters of The Return of the Whalefleet, and that mystery is part of the whole shtick. A shtick that could have gone woefully wrong, and yet goes wonderfully well.
I haven’t read all of the Yarnsworld books at this point, but I remember thinking as I read Flight Of The Darkstar Dragon that Patrick’s writing had matured. The blemishes that were far more frequent in They Mostly Come Out At Night are absent in that book. This one is even better than Flight in terms of quality. The writing is extremely tight and the story is just *chef’s kiss* in The Return of the Whalefleet, if a little melancholy. I am actually sad that I have to wait to read the next in the series, because where the first book left you wondering where it was going next, this one demands a sequel.
Incredible ride. Absolutely incredible.
Addendum
As poignant as the plot was, there was something in the afterword of The Return of the Whalefleet that made me think ‘I feel ya, bro. After discussing how his Yarnsworld books were a decent commercial success, Patrick felt he had created something very special with The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon and spent a fair bit of coin on promoting it, putting a whole bunch of mental eggs into the success basket. And its launch was (in his mind) a bit of a flop – he literally said ‘No other book broke my heart like The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon.’ He stopped writing for a long time after that, according to him.
Like I said in the preamble, I was given a pre-release copy of this book because I happened to be on Patrick’s e-mail list and see that he was looking for people to read and review his stuff for launch. I admit I don’t always read his e-mails, nor do I know Benedict Patrick from ye olde proverbial Adam, aside from the fact that we’re kindred spirits in the arena of tears and triumph that is self-published fantasy writing. In a market that is inundated with talent, who the hell knows what to read or why? But I sped through both of these books in less than seven days. Seven days. To illustrate: I wake up at 5:00 AM, try to get a couple of thousand words in, work a periodically stressful full-time job, get my steps in (can you tell I'm in my mid-thirties?), spend half my free time with my daughter, try to keep a decently clean house, cook food, maintain whatever relationships I can in this lockdown hell. And I loved these books so much I read them far more quickly than anything I have since I can remember. My pace of late is usually a book a month, if that. And reading these has inspired me to get more regular about reading. They are that good.
Do yourself a favour, while you’re waiting for this one when it drops in March (and you should wait for it): check out The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon.
September 4, 2022
More adventures of the Melodious Narwhal and her ragged crew, with First Officer Min to the fore.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I liked this instalment, but don't like cliffhanger endings. That's not the only risk this author takes in the work, and some readers won't want to accept that the author can steer the story as they wish. We still see that Min is working hard and using her wits and good fellowship, so changes don't alter her saga completely. The wizard is a lot too miserable and whiny, and I don't know why others put up with him, as he is fairly useless. All hands are needed on deck. Cast off and set a course for the Darkstar Dimension, it's good fun.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and the author. This is an unbiased review.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I liked this instalment, but don't like cliffhanger endings. That's not the only risk this author takes in the work, and some readers won't want to accept that the author can steer the story as they wish. We still see that Min is working hard and using her wits and good fellowship, so changes don't alter her saga completely. The wizard is a lot too miserable and whiny, and I don't know why others put up with him, as he is fairly useless. All hands are needed on deck. Cast off and set a course for the Darkstar Dimension, it's good fun.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and the author. This is an unbiased review.
May 4, 2022
Disclaimer: I'm on the ARC review list, and I finished reading this a little while ago and forgot about reviewing, sorry!
I haven't been reading much at all for a long time, but when I noticed the email (well ok, it was the reminder email because of course I forgot the first time...) about the next Darkstar book, I picked it up straight away. The first book stirred my imagination with its surreal beauty, the promise of infinite potential for adventure... plus the looming sense of foreboding that tainted every wonderful thing with dread. I loved it. I think it's hard to follow up on that. The sense of wonder wasn't quite as strong for this one - the thrill of embarking on a new journey isn't so thrilling once it's not new anymore - but I think Patrick did a good job of trying to keep showing the beautiful mysteries of the Darkstar dimension, while also moving the plot along and dropping hints of lore (like the Eshak stuff... definitely something interesting going on there). The description of the villain's palace is excellent stuff, and overall it was a great read.
However... (spoilers ahead!)
I have... feelings about this book. Which is good, I mean, it's better than being bored by it. But I'm conflicted in a way I haven't been since the end of a certain Danganronpa game. At first I thought, I kind of hate this plot twist, you ruined Min! Who even is she? Then I wanted to deny it, maybe it's all a trick... But it's not like the twist wasn't foreshadowed. I don't know whether I like the way things are going, but maybe that's a good thing. Feeling upset about the plot doesn't mean it's a bad plot, it just shows I'm emotionally invested in the characters. Also, I think it's sad that some people were so upset by this they might not read the next book. I get why they're angry, but we don't know the full story yet. There are things that don't add up, and it would be sad not to discover the truth, for better or worse.
I debated about what star to give this. I considered a 4, because I still kinda hate the plot twist, but also, that's my personal problem and not the book being bad. So 5 stars, because this series is the only one that could bring me out of my reading slump in ages, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
I haven't been reading much at all for a long time, but when I noticed the email (well ok, it was the reminder email because of course I forgot the first time...) about the next Darkstar book, I picked it up straight away. The first book stirred my imagination with its surreal beauty, the promise of infinite potential for adventure... plus the looming sense of foreboding that tainted every wonderful thing with dread. I loved it. I think it's hard to follow up on that. The sense of wonder wasn't quite as strong for this one - the thrill of embarking on a new journey isn't so thrilling once it's not new anymore - but I think Patrick did a good job of trying to keep showing the beautiful mysteries of the Darkstar dimension, while also moving the plot along and dropping hints of lore (like the Eshak stuff... definitely something interesting going on there). The description of the villain's palace is excellent stuff, and overall it was a great read.
However... (spoilers ahead!)
I have... feelings about this book. Which is good, I mean, it's better than being bored by it. But I'm conflicted in a way I haven't been since the end of a certain Danganronpa game. At first I thought, I kind of hate this plot twist, you ruined Min! Who even is she? Then I wanted to deny it, maybe it's all a trick... But it's not like the twist wasn't foreshadowed. I don't know whether I like the way things are going, but maybe that's a good thing. Feeling upset about the plot doesn't mean it's a bad plot, it just shows I'm emotionally invested in the characters. Also, I think it's sad that some people were so upset by this they might not read the next book. I get why they're angry, but we don't know the full story yet. There are things that don't add up, and it would be sad not to discover the truth, for better or worse.
I debated about what star to give this. I considered a 4, because I still kinda hate the plot twist, but also, that's my personal problem and not the book being bad. So 5 stars, because this series is the only one that could bring me out of my reading slump in ages, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
This is the second in the Darkstar series, and it just keeps getting better and better. Stranded in what might be described as the Grand Central Station of portals, Min and the crew of the Melodious Narwhal, along with Brightest - a castaway cross between Einstein and Crusoe, are working at surviving the long stretch until the portal to their home world re-aligns, while all the time labouring under the threat of the enormous dragon that fills the sky.
The writing style brings to mind Jules Verne and C.S. Lewis. It has the Verneian characteristics of Speculative rather than Science Fiction, e.g. the worlds revealed through the portals are, like Verne's Moon, very much a product of the imagination rather than of an extrapolated science. The many worlds accessed through holes in "reality" is reminiscent of Lewis's "wood between the worlds."
While the exploration and trading with the different portals imposes a degree of episodic structure on the novel, there is also a story arc relating to a mystery that only starts to become clear towards the end - but throwing up as many questions as it answers, and paving the way for the next instalment.
The characters are interesting, well fleshed-out, and Min, left with a command she never asked for, is particularly sympathetic.
Having read his Yarnsworld series, I was already familiar with the breadth and originality of Benedict Patrick's writing, and, once again, he has shown himself to be a master of original plotting. This is definitely NOT another Yarnsworld book, but it is just as novel, exciting, and strange. Highly recommended.
The writing style brings to mind Jules Verne and C.S. Lewis. It has the Verneian characteristics of Speculative rather than Science Fiction, e.g. the worlds revealed through the portals are, like Verne's Moon, very much a product of the imagination rather than of an extrapolated science. The many worlds accessed through holes in "reality" is reminiscent of Lewis's "wood between the worlds."
While the exploration and trading with the different portals imposes a degree of episodic structure on the novel, there is also a story arc relating to a mystery that only starts to become clear towards the end - but throwing up as many questions as it answers, and paving the way for the next instalment.
The characters are interesting, well fleshed-out, and Min, left with a command she never asked for, is particularly sympathetic.
Having read his Yarnsworld series, I was already familiar with the breadth and originality of Benedict Patrick's writing, and, once again, he has shown himself to be a master of original plotting. This is definitely NOT another Yarnsworld book, but it is just as novel, exciting, and strange. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2023
After reading the Flight of the Darkstar Dragon in late March, I couldn't wait to jump into The Return of the Whale Fleet. It was a world that I wanted to explore further, and read this is very little time. Unfortunately, the follow-up to a promising fantasy novel has come up a little short for me.
I was hoping to experience more of the Darkstar Rifts and see how Min's response to the Whale Fleet would be. This aspect of the novel came up short as the Whale Fleet is barely touched on despite Loom being a pivotal part of the story's plot. With that said, the biggest reason why this book fell flat for me was the ending of the story. Benedict has not shied away from plot twists or unhappy endings before (see his debut novel They Mostly Come Out At Night, one of my personal favourite novels), but the revelation that the Troika placed on Min with Captain Gwon was - to put it lightly - infuriating. The twist reads like a lazy way to introduce doubt onto the main character and generate a personal quarrel leading into the final novel, something that did not need to be done. The first book was so good because it was less about the characters and more about the fascinating world itself, whereas the second book loses that charm for the sake of making a more "compelling" story-arc.
I will definitely buy the third book because Benedict has earned my trust as an author, but this book was a miss for me. I hope the third book recaptures the charm and whimsy that I loved so much from Darkstar Book 1.
I was hoping to experience more of the Darkstar Rifts and see how Min's response to the Whale Fleet would be. This aspect of the novel came up short as the Whale Fleet is barely touched on despite Loom being a pivotal part of the story's plot. With that said, the biggest reason why this book fell flat for me was the ending of the story. Benedict has not shied away from plot twists or unhappy endings before (see his debut novel They Mostly Come Out At Night, one of my personal favourite novels), but the revelation that the Troika placed on Min with Captain Gwon was - to put it lightly - infuriating. The twist reads like a lazy way to introduce doubt onto the main character and generate a personal quarrel leading into the final novel, something that did not need to be done. The first book was so good because it was less about the characters and more about the fascinating world itself, whereas the second book loses that charm for the sake of making a more "compelling" story-arc.
I will definitely buy the third book because Benedict has earned my trust as an author, but this book was a miss for me. I hope the third book recaptures the charm and whimsy that I loved so much from Darkstar Book 1.
December 23, 2021
Another dive into the Darkstar waters in Return of the Whalefleet leads Min's crew into yet more danger, and what a ride it was!
Taking place only a few months from the first book, Whalefleet sees Min still firmly in charge of the Narwhal crew, trying to navigate the sheer mystery and dangers of the Darkstar Dimension, but this time she has discovered something new. I loved the story and, as is the case in all Benedict's books, it never goes the way you think it will.
In between chapters there are little glimpses into the weird and wonderful rift worlds that the crew has ventured into, and it does an incredible job of highlighting just how out of the norm things are for the crew.
The characters themselves are never black or white, which I appreciate. They have flaws and there were times I was incredibly wary of who Min's true friends were and who she really should deem trustworthy.
No spoilers here but the ending excites me greatly for the future of the Darkstar series. As I thought after reading the first book, the possibilities are endless because of the world they are in. I hope to see the Darkstar again soon!
Taking place only a few months from the first book, Whalefleet sees Min still firmly in charge of the Narwhal crew, trying to navigate the sheer mystery and dangers of the Darkstar Dimension, but this time she has discovered something new. I loved the story and, as is the case in all Benedict's books, it never goes the way you think it will.
In between chapters there are little glimpses into the weird and wonderful rift worlds that the crew has ventured into, and it does an incredible job of highlighting just how out of the norm things are for the crew.
The characters themselves are never black or white, which I appreciate. They have flaws and there were times I was incredibly wary of who Min's true friends were and who she really should deem trustworthy.
No spoilers here but the ending excites me greatly for the future of the Darkstar series. As I thought after reading the first book, the possibilities are endless because of the world they are in. I hope to see the Darkstar again soon!
April 3, 2022
I was a bit concerned about stepping back into the Darkstar Dimension, as it’s been quite some time since I read the first book. Luckily this one starts with a recap of the previous tale, which helped me remember exactly who was who.
The story really hit its stride in this book and I was really invested in what the crew were going through.
The big plot twist really shocked me - the book laid down enough clues that I was sure I knew what was going on, but it turns out I’d got some of the details way off and the reveal was a bit of a mindfuck that got me thinking about so many details from this and the first book in a different way. I’m excited to see how the twist affects our characters going forward.
I can’t wait for the next (final?) book in the series, and I’m particularly intrigued to see what role eshak is going to have in the finale.
The story really hit its stride in this book and I was really invested in what the crew were going through.
The big plot twist really shocked me - the book laid down enough clues that I was sure I knew what was going on, but it turns out I’d got some of the details way off and the reveal was a bit of a mindfuck that got me thinking about so many details from this and the first book in a different way. I’m excited to see how the twist affects our characters going forward.
I can’t wait for the next (final?) book in the series, and I’m particularly intrigued to see what role eshak is going to have in the finale.
April 6, 2022
Patrick keeps up the pacing and the weirdness in Darkstar's sequel.
This book is definitely the middle of a series, beginning mid-action and ending on a character arc, but it is full of the same wildly imaginative elements that make Darkstar Dragon so much fun to read. Many of the threads woven through the first novel are pulled together into Min's story and, without spoiling too much, the twists are both clearly well-laid yet still compelling.
Definitely a series I plan to follow to the end.
This book is definitely the middle of a series, beginning mid-action and ending on a character arc, but it is full of the same wildly imaginative elements that make Darkstar Dragon so much fun to read. Many of the threads woven through the first novel are pulled together into Min's story and, without spoiling too much, the twists are both clearly well-laid yet still compelling.
Definitely a series I plan to follow to the end.
December 31, 2022
Like his other books, Benedict Patrick delights us with a gripping story with beautiful prose set in a world both familiar and strange. His characters are true to themselves when they face the life-or-death stakes put forth. This is the second in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading the third, which hopefully will be out in the New Year. These books are not part of his Yarnsworld stories.
January 8, 2022
I am actually more of a fan of the Yarnworld novels, but the world that Benedict Patrick has created here is simply magnificent and extremely interesting. At the beginning I was afraid that the theme of the mutiny would be repeated, but this did not happen and it became a completely new story. What turned out in the end is very sad. But Min will manage somehow.
June 8, 2022
A very enjoyable sequel. More imaginative world-hopping adventures. I am less enthused about the apparent direction of some character arcs compared to the previous book, but I suspect there is much still in store for them and I look forward to reading future installments in the series.
July 21, 2023
Since I have discovered Yarnsworld last year, I have consumed cover to cover everything Benedict Patrick has written, and I can say wholeheartedly he has become my favourite author.
The Darkstar dimension is a fascinating place and I am looking forward to see the direction the series is going.
The Darkstar dimension is a fascinating place and I am looking forward to see the direction the series is going.
April 30, 2022
Incredible WOW factor like classic space opera. Great characters. Amazing and surprising twists. Off-the-charts creativity.
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