• Paperback: 392 pages
• List Price: $20.95
• Publisher: iUniverse (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1450200303
• ISBN-13: 978-1450200301
• William H. Johnson’s Website

Buy The Dark Province at:

• Amazon

Sitting in the honored stalls of the Crystal Sanctuary, Calvin Gooding should be rejoicing in the message he receives from the Holy King of Duprin. But his heart is heavy. He awaits the carriage in which he must ride to deliver the fated news to his family. Time has run out.

In the midst of this sorrow, exhaustion, and uncertainty, a sorceress from the Dark Province appears to Calvin. She promises to make his terminally ill twin sister, Marilyn, well again. As twins, Calvin and Mari share a special bond, and Calvin will do almost anything to save his sister’s life. But in order to free Mari from death’s grip, the sorceress claims that Calvin must travel to the Dark Province-a land where souls and flesh are devoured by the lawless and the spirit of man is bound in shackles. It’s a reckless land dominated by morally corrupt warlords and open sexuality.

Wrapped tightly in his religion, Calvin must make a life-altering decision. He can choose to follow the sorceress into the sinful abyss to save his sister, or he can accept a life of guilt and certain torment over Mari’s death. Sitting in the honored stalls of the Crystal Sanctuary, Calvin Gooding should be rejoicing in the message he receives from the Holy King of Duprin. But his heart is heavy. He awaits the carriage in which he must ride to deliver the fated news to his family. Time has run out.

Usually I would reiterate the premise of the novel, but William H. Johnson gives you everything you need to know right in the blurb.

Favorite Quote:

“Let me first say that I apologize for nothing – not an action, not even a thought. “

The Dark Province isn’t something I normally would have chosen to read, but I am happy I did. It was complex & totally threw me out of my normal comfort zone, as I tend not to read anything with religious undertones.

This book really is an adventure, through caves, cellars & Provinces. With all sorts of magical elements, it truly does have a little something for everyone.

The detailing was amazing, as was the world building. I can totally see the two Provinces in my minds eye. I’m still on the fence as to if I liked Calvin or I just tolerated him. The quest to save his sisters life made it tip the balance ever so slightly. It shows how strong family bounds are, among other things.

The Dark Province has all sorts of elements, from romance to spirituality to morality. And it’s all told brilliantly, kudos to Mr. Johnson on his debut.

But the way the story ended left this reader wanting more.