From the plasteel towers of New Hope to the mist-shrouded jungle of the Core, from the dizzy heights of Mons Drop to the horror infested depths of the deadfalls, Darthanil 'Dart' Black faces enemies at every turn. He has to find a way to end the three hundred years war between Formers and Sylth--and prevent a group of super intelligent machines from taking over the planet while he's at it. Not too tough an assignment for the undefeated First Blade of Sylas’s World--but there are complications...
His old worst enemy has kidnapped the woman Dart loves. His new best friend is a symbiotic plant. Time is running out for the settlers frozen in the Mother Ship’s cryobanks. Ultimate power and the lives of thousands are at stake. Somebody has to do something.
Dart could be just the man for the job--if it wasn’t for the poison.
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: Fast-paced, extremely well-plotted, and loaded with fun and surprises, Renton has created a story that keep readers right in step with the colorful characters and well-crafted settings. Not a boring moment in this storyline.
Prose/Style: Great prose and description brings this novel to life. Lovely descriptions that don't try too hard to impress are appreciated, and the writing is very realistic.
Originality: From the syl to Lisa, the AI librarian, “DART” is a fresh and original story in a very crowded genre.
Character Development: Renton's characters are fully-drawn and come alive on the page. The wisecracking protagonist, Dart, never loses his grit or smart mouth throughout the book. Amarth is complex and sexy without being stereotypical, and Analine, the antagonist, is also developed emotionally well.
Date Submitted: June 13, 2019
At first sight this sci-fi action fantasy hybrid seems to be similar to many others, but in reality it is quite a distance better than the average... “Dart” has not only the very current cautionary messages about the environment and the fears of mass migration, it also handles, rather intelligently, the growing concerns about potential dangers of A.I. in future...
...an intelligent and clever storyline; his writing is fantastic. The book looks good, and its proofing is spot on...
“Dart” is gripping and interesting, and I found it very difficult to put down; although not the world’s biggest sci-fi or fantasy fan, I read the whole thing in two sittings. I like Dale Renton’s writing a lot.
"...a refreshing new hero for the 21st century. I highly recommend Dart" - Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
"I thoroughly enjoyed this witty, clever, and action-packed science fiction romance and can highly recommend it." - Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
"As well as plenty of action and adventure, this book has its fair share of humor, some laugh-out-loud one-liners and is a fun read." - Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite
This high-octane, highly entertaining sci-fi novel is best read in one go… “Keep your friends close, your enemies closer–and the ones you’re not too sure about closer still.”
The razor-sharp dialogues, wry humor ( “When you’re drowning in a river full of razorfins, do you hold your breath?”), and unpredictable twists that not only thicken the plot but also proliferate it build the foundation of this speedy, fun sci-fi novel by Dale Renton...
There are plenty of characters, but it is Dart who shines through and through. He is sharp, funny, and genuinely charming. Renton’s sketching of Dart makes him an intriguing and sympathetic character who enthrals the reader with his wit and charm while pushing the boundaries of his own resilience...
Dart’s humorous one-liners throughout the book are too funny for words...
Renton expertly mixes humor with science fiction and delivers a thrilling book.
