The Dark Ability

By: D. K. Holmberg

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Exiled by his family. Claimed by thieves. Could his dark ability be the key to his salvation?

Rsiran is a disappointment to his family, gifted with the ability to Slide. It is a dark magic, one where he can transport himself wherever he wants, but using it will only turn him into the thief his father fears.

Forbidden from Sliding, he's apprenticed under his father as a blacksmith where lorcith, a rare, precious metal with arcane properties, calls to him, seducing him into forming forbidden blades. When discovered, he's banished, sentenced indefinitely to the mines of Ilphaesn Mountain.

Though Rsiran tries to serve obediently, to learn to control the call of lorcith as his father demands, when his life is threatened in the darkness of the mines, he finds himself Sliding back to Elaeavn, where he finds a black market for his blades - and a new family of thieves.

There someone far more powerful than him discovers what he can do and intends to use him. He doesn't want to be a pawn in anyone's ambitions; all he ever wanted was a family. But the darkness inside him cannot be ignored - and he's already embroiled in an ancient struggle that only he may be able to end.

©2015 D.K. Holmberg (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

So, so

Any additional comments?

Its an interesting idea for a story. The concept of sliding is not new, but I don't think it was well thought out before going into the book. I felt there was too much "god" power when the storyline needed it, and then no power when the storyline needed there to be conflict. The story is a bit interesting though. The intrigue does hold you to the story. The narrator was a little too monotone though. I think because of the narration style, the book felt more boring than it actually was.

You could do worse with a credit, you could do better.

great story

loved it! great characters & plot and interesting abilities. romance is pleasant but not overwhelming

Decent but had potential to be grand

The story had so much potential. The world and the supporting characters were interesting. The main problem for me with it was the main character. He constantly second guesses his choices and indulges himself in self pity. And with all the second guessing of his choices you would think he would have some better plans. He was far to meek and soft for me through most of the book. By the last sixth of the book he had a little bit more of a backbone but still had undercurrents of the nauseating self pity. If you can get past this the book is amazing. Also was a pretty good performance. I will continue listening to sequels in hope of the main character evolving into more of a hero and less of the wimpy crybaby he seemed to be for so much of this first book. Like I said, this series has potential.

great book

awesome book looking forward to the series. I. glad I picked it up. thank you

Gave it a chance; it was amazing

Where does The Dark Ability rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 3 in the category.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters were really interesting. This didn't turn into a "god vs mages" book like it could have -- and still might in subsequent sequals.

What does Vikas Adam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's an amazing narrator. This was not his best work. It was still incredible.

wonderful story!

Do you love adventure? If yes this book is for you! Clean fun with a sophisticated storyline that will leave you wanting more.

Wonderful story!

This was a great story to listen to as a change of pace that I’m used to. Got the whole series for a steal so excited to listen to the rest of the book but if they are anything like this one I’m going to have a great time!

Fantasy world

This book was really good! I enjoyed it so much that I am going to see if there is a book 2.

Entertaining to listen to

This book was a fun book, but it did drag on for s little but add the author wanted to enforce how insecure the character is.
While I was annoyed a bit my the character's "doing what he was supposed to" for people who are jerks. I got that he was also supposed to be 17.
There is a lot of potential in this author and I am grabbing the next book now to listen to on audible.

INTERESTING STORYLINE. HAS POTENTIAL.

I find the protagonist, Rsiran an interesting character. He defied his orders and was sent to the mines as punishment. He managed to escape and he joined a group of thieves. He has the power of "sliding" and made good use to help his friends. Not a bad start to a new series and worth continuing.