Sometimes there is very good reason to be afraid of the dark...
Eleven-year-old Arlen lives with his parents on their small farmstead, half a day's ride from the isolated hamlet of Tibbet's Brook.
As dusk falls upon Arlen's world, a strange mist rises from the ground; a mist that promises a violent death to any foolish enough to brave the coming darkness, for hungry corelings - demons that cannot be harmed by mortal weapons - materialize from the vapours to feed on the living. As the sun sets, people have no choice but to take shelter behind magical wards and pray that their protection holds until the creatures dissolve with the first signs of dawn.
When Arlen's life is shattered by the demon plague, he is forced to see that it is fear, rather than the demons, which truly cripples humanity. Believing that there is more to his world than to live in constant fear, he must risk leaving the safety of his wards to discover a different path.
In the small town of Cutter's Hollow, Leesha's perfect future is destroyed by betrayal and a simple lie. Publicly shamed, she is reduced to gathering herbs and tending an old woman more fearsome than the corelings. Yet in her disgrace, she becomes the guardian of dangerous ancient knowledge.
Orphaned and crippled in a demon attack, young Rojer takes solace in mastering the musical arts of a Jongleur, only to learn that his unique talent gives him unexpected power over the night.
Together, these three young people will offer humanity a last, fleeting chance of survival.
Untitled
One of the best fantasy books I've ever read, and a great first entry to an excellent series. A dark, gritty, violent tale that subverts the classic "chosen one" trope and gives the power to fight the inexhaustible demon hordes back to the people, this will whet your dark fantasy appetites. - Marc (QBD)
Guest, 16/01/2022
Untitled
The Demon Cycle introduces us to a world of darkness. Demons rise from the core of the Earth and terrorise what remains of mankind at every sunset as they cower behind ancient wards of protection. Follow Arlen Bales on an epic journey that will lead humanity back out of the shadows, and give them a chance to fight back after centuries of slaughter. - Darren (QBD)
Guest, 16/04/2020
Untitled
Enter a dark world full of demons that come for you at night, where the only way to win is not to fight but hide behind ancient runes of old.
The population of the world is slowly dwindling until one day when one man finds forgotten runes that can harm the demons.
Can the people finally fight back? Will they rally behind a man tattooed in runes? What will happen to the humans if they don't? - Joseph (QBD)
Guest, 10/02/2019
Untitled
In a world where demons rule the night, one will rise up to vanquish the threat. The Painted Man follows Arlen Bales, Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn on their journey to maturity in a world where the night belongs to horrible creatures. Arlen is the son of a farmer who finds his own way in the world as a warder and messenger. He travels far and wide, making friends and enemies as he goes. With the help of Leesha, a Herb Gatherer, and Rojer, a Jongeleur, Arlen will uncover the secrets that will lead to the eventual destruction of the threat of the demons. - Zoe (QBD)
Guest, 26/10/2018
Untitled
As a fairly new fantasy author, Peter V. Brett has already hit the nail on the head with his First series ''The Demon Cycle''. Book 1 ''The Painted Man'' is a fantastic, action-packed start to an exceptional fantasy saga. With intriguing concepts and some of the best character development I've ever read, this series gets better with each book. I would highly reccomend this to any fantasy lovers! - Mitchell (QBD)
Guest, 14/03/2017
