On a Darkling Plain

Classic World of Darkness Fiction

by Richard Lee Byers

Grief-stricken over the mysterious death of his beloved wife, the vampire known as Elliott Sinclair is sinking into lethargy and despair.

When a mysterious enemy assails his people, he rouses himself to command the defence, only to discover that he and his clan are merely pawns in a deadly game between two ancient undead. It is a duel that has raged since the dawn of civilization. And the unseen puppet master who has secretly guided the destiny of Elliott and his friends is willing to sacrifice every piece on the chessboard in order to checkmate her opponent.

On A Darkling Plain is a paperback World of Darkness novel and a tale of the Jyhad, the age-old clandestine war among vampires that has shaped the course of human and vampire history. Richard Lee Byers is the author of numerous short stories and ten previously published novels, and has contributed to several White Wolf Publishing anthologies as well as writing the recent World of Darkness novel Caravan of Shadows.

Genres: Horror, Vampires, World Of Darkness, Fiction, Fantasy

395 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

A resident of the Tampa Bay area, Richard spends much of his leisure time fencing, playing poker, shooting pool and is a frequent guest at Florida science-fiction conventions. His current projects include new novels set in the Forgotten Realms universe and the eBook post-apocalyptic superhero series The Impostor.

Reviews

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was shockingly good. I only have a passing familiarity with Vampire: The Masquerade, the role playing game this novel was based on, but prior knowledge really isn't needed. All of the different vampire clans have their own ways and powers, but this novel reveals all of that as it goes along.

This is a complex plot that never really got confusing, which is hard to pull off. There's a war going on that the vampires aren't even aware of, and they're being used as pawns. The mystery slowly unravels. Plenty of action, interesting characters, good writing.

Even if you're not a Vampire: The Masquerade fan, if you like vampire novels, you'll probably like this one.

[Juan Sanmiguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vampire novel set in south and central Florida. This uses the background of White Wolf's Masquerade game. Two ancient vampires fight each other, using their respective clans as players in a chess match. A fun read. Gives you everything you expect from a gothic/vampire novel.

[Claire Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guys understands clan Toreador. Understands how to write a good Caitiff. Respects the WOD universe. Awesome 10/10 read, especially for V20 fans.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy