| The Daylight War | |
| Author: | Peter V. Brett |
| Cover Artist: | Larry Rostant |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
| Series: | The Demon Cycle |
| Genre: | Fantasy, Horror |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins (UK) Del Rey Books (US) |
| Pub Date: | February 12, 2013 |
| Media Type: | Print (hardback) |
| Pages: | 704 |
| Isbn: | 978-0-34-552415-7 |
| Preceded By: | The Desert Spear |
| Followed By: | The Skull Throne |
The Daylight War is a fantasy novel written by American writer Peter V. Brett. It is the third book in the Demon Cycle series. It was released on February 12, 2013.[1]
In the wake of the cataclysmic events that transformed the world, the realm remains in turmoil as the battle against the malevolent forces of darkness rages on. Arlen Bales, the legendary Painted Man, and Jardir, the enigmatic warrior prince of the Lakelands, find themselves at an impasse, their ideologies clashing like thunderbolts in a tempestuous sky. As the struggle intensifies, they emerge as towering figures, each representing a distinct path forward for humanity. Amidst this maelstrom, Leesha Paper, the reluctant queen, grapples with the daunting challenges of leadership. The weight of her newfound fame as the Painted Man's paramour and the weight of the crown press heavily upon her shoulders. Yet, beneath the façade of stoicism, her heart harbors a tempest of conflicting emotions, torn between her duty to her people and her burgeoning feelings for Jardir. Inevera stands poised on the cusp of an uncertain fate, its inhabitants caught in the tempestuous crosswinds of destiny. Amidst the treachery, alliances shift like the sands of time, and shadows lurk, threatening to consume all in their path. The very fabric of reality seems to unravel as the struggle between good and evil reaches its zenith, promising a cataclysmic bleeds that will forever alter the course of history.
As the demonic hordes lay siege to the realm, the battle for humanity's survival intensifies. Amidst the chaos, key figures find themselves grappling with their own personal demons. Arlen, the once-reluctant hero, continues his relentless fight against the relentless darkness. However, his inner demons linger, casting shadows over his resolve. He grapples with his unrequited love for Leesha, the enigmatic woman who holds a piece of his heart but remains elusive. The treachery of his former mentor weighs heavily on his conscience, plunging him into a maelstrom of doubt. And as the battle rages on, Arlen must confront the destiny that has been thrust upon him, a destiny intertwined with both his hopes and his darkest fears. Each decision he makes will ripple through the conflict, shaping the fate of humanity and his own tormented soul. With the pressure mounting and the lines between good and evil blurring, Arlen and his fellow warriors must summon both their physical strength and inner fortitude to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
In the tempestuous realm where relationships are put to the ultimate test, old alliances crumble and new bonds emerge, weaving an intricate web of courage, betrayals, and sacrifices essential for survival. Jardir, an ambitious warlord, embarks on a quest for conquest, facing formidable challenges from within his own ranks, where loyalty and ambition clash. Simultaneously, the demonic horde threatens to engulf the realm, forcing him to balance his aspirations with the need to unify his forces. Amidst the chaos, Jardir yearns for Leesha's affections, adding another layer of complexity to his perilous journey. Renna, torn between her half-demon heritage and her newfound love for Jardir, grapples with her identity and the immense power she possesses. Her loyalty to Arlen, her former ally, is tested as her heart yearns for Jardir. As the conflict rages, the boundaries between friend and foe blur, and the price of survival becomes increasingly dear. The web of relationships, both forged and broken, serves as a testament to the resilience and fragility of human connections in the face of adversity.
In the tumultuous realm of Jardir, where an unrelenting war rages, startling revelations emerge, shedding light on the world's enigmatic past and the sinister essence of the demons. Hidden secrets unravel, threatening to alter the destiny of the conflict. Leesha, an enigmatic figure, finds herself at the heart of this unfolding drama. Her manipulative machinations come to the surface as she embarks on a perilous path to safeguard her family and secure her own power. Amidst the chaos, Renna, a formidable sorceress, joins forces with Leesha, their alliance forged in deception and a shared thirst for control. Inevera's schemes intertwine with their own, adding a layer of intrigue and uncertainty to the unfolding events. Arlen, a skilled swordsman, sacrifices himself for a noble cause, leaving behind an emotional void in Leesha's heart. Rojer, a jongleur and demon slayer, grapples with his great battles, torn between his desire to entertain and his duty to vanquish the forces of darkness. As he confronts his own fears and aspirations, he embarks on a soul-searching journey to discover his true purpose in this war-torn world.
As the demonic threat escalates, Arlen races against time to find a way to vanquish the demonic hordes for eternity. Along his perilous journey, he encounters Leesha, Rojer, and Jardir, each bearing unique strengths and burdens. Amidst the intensifying conflict, sacrifices are made, and unexpected alliances are forged in the desperate fight for survival. The fates of all collide as they confront the demonic dominion, their destinies intertwining in an epic battle that will determine humanity's future. Arlen, driven by his unwavering determination, faces his greatest challenge yet, while Leesha wields her newfound power with both trepidation and resolve. Rojer's cunning and Jardir's wisdom prove invaluable as they navigate the treacherous path ahead. The continue delves into the complexities of human emotion, the choices we make in the face of adversity, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness that shapes our world.
Starburst Alister Davison praised Brett's character development and noted that "there's never a dull moment" in the novel.[2] SF Site Dominic Cilli noted the series was filled with "fantasy clichés and borrowed ideas", but still found the book highly enjoyable.[3] Tor.com Robert H. Bedford "enjoyed the novel immensely", and only had a few quibbles with the writing such as the abrupt ending.[4] It has been nominated for the David Gemmell Awards for Fantasy.