Overview

Hundreds of years after the first, man-made spacecraft orbited the Earth, new technology has allowed for the colonization of the first of many new worlds. Kato started as a wonderful new world of opportunity, but more than 150 years since first settlement has seen many of the old sins return to the fore. Corruption and crime vie with mining for the most profitable lines of business....and business is booming. Here we find Darius Cade, perhaps the most successful, and most wanted, interstellar criminal and mercenary that has ever lived. This is his natural environment and the only place that he has ever called home. As comfortable as he is here, his line of work isn't for the faint hearted, and Darius isn't as young as he once was. After more than 30 years on the run, his body and mind aren't nearly as sharply honed as he needs them to be. Barely escaping a bounty hunter's attempt to collect the price on his head, was the last straw. He can't reverse the effect of time, but there is a way to enhance his prowess... not through technology, but religion. The burgeoning Earthdawn religion began on Earth and has gained an immense following across the inhabited worlds. Their Deity, the Light, is said to manifest blessings on followers that enhance their physical attributes, and ease disabilities. Most potent among those blessings, are tattoos, artfully crafted onto the skin and embodying a fragment of the Light. Despite rumors of some tattoos killing their recipients, Darius agrees to have one etched into his arm. Instead of bringing in the Earthdawn deity though, a completely different and much darker entity attaches to the artfully tattooed snake. They make for a very unhappy coupling, neither accepting the other at first and only seeing each other as a liability. Darius isn't the only one with issues...the Earthdawn faithful have been rocked by a series of macabre murders amongst their hierarchy. Giving up on the local police, they target Darius as the best criminal option to get answers. He gets the answers of course, but they aren't going to be the answers that anyone wanted, and there will be no shortage of casualties along the way. Cadence progresses through the interaction between these two main characters, Darius the wanted mercenary, and Lisha, the feminine entity bound to the tattoo, as he investigates the killings. In doing so he navigates a brutal criminal world to slowly piece together the answers. She needs to learn and understand just what she is capable of, while reveling in the depraved and violent world that Darius exists in. He needs to accept what she brings to their binding and make the most of the supernatural skills she brings to bear. In the end, there is no undoing the connection, so they will either learn to co-exist, or cease to exist at all.

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9781763564299

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Reviews

Cadence, by David Loermans, is a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where crime, corruption, and a peculiar religious order intertwine. The story follows Darius, a hardened criminal with a bounty on his head, as he navigates a city rife with chaos and decay. Paired with Lisha, an enigmatic and powerful entity bound to him through a mysterious tattoo, Darius takes on dangerous missions that bring him face-to-face with religious leaders, corrupt officials, and deadly adversaries. The book mixes high-stakes action, dark humor, and philosophical musings on power, faith, and human nature. Loermans' writing style is gritty and immersive, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of Sorel. The vivid descriptions of the decaying cityscape and the brutal reality of life within it are both compelling and haunting. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, adding depth to the characters and making their interactions authentic. The relationship between Darius and Lisha is particularly intriguing as it evolves from mere necessity to a complex partnership marked by mutual dependence and a shared thirst for mayhem. One of the standout aspects is its exploration of the Earthdawn religion and its influence on the city and its inhabitants. The Earthdawn, with its emphasis on light and purity, stands in stark contrast to the darkness and corruption that pervades the story. This juxtaposition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, power, and morality. The scenes involving the Earthdawn leadership, particularly the tense negotiations, and violent confrontations, are some of the most gripping in the book, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and protect their beliefs. Some chapters feel packed with action and intrigue, while others slow down significantly, delving into Darius's internal struggles and his complex relationship with Lisha. These introspective moments add depth to his character. Cadence is a captivating read for those who enjoy dark, dystopian thrillers with a philosophical edge. David Loermans crafts a vivid and unsettling world populated by complex characters and driven by a relentless, often brutal narrative. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction will find much to appreciate in this book, while those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature will be drawn in by its deeper questions. Rating: 5 Stars Literary Titan

Author Information

Award winning author David Loermans has made a seamless transition from poetry to fiction with his acclaimed novel, Cadence. A love of immersive, creative writing combined with a passion for sci-fi/fantasy to bring this action packed, original story to life. It is simply the start of the Pathways series, and the expression of a ground-breaking theme that has been aching for release, for nearly a decade.His creativity finds more relaxed outlets in digital photography, when other passions for tai chi, time at home with his beautiful partner, and the runes of the Elder Futhark, allow.Many of us have role played or delved into spiritual development, but we rarely explore beyond our own entertainment or growth. Sometimes, these ideas are too big to keep to ourselves, and David will continue to share the tale of Darius Cade as new Pathways are discovered.

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