When True Night Falls is the second book in C.S. Friedman’s Coldfire series. In this extraordinarily well-crafted world of Erna, True Night refers to a period when the sun is completely absent and the world is thrust into complete darkness. In this darkness, the planet’s native supernatural energy, known as the fae, becomes stronger and more volatile. These living energies respond to and manipulate human emotions, thoughts, and fears, often bringing them to life with lethal consequences. This magic source can be used by certain individuals, such as sorcerers and adepts, but even a fleeting moment of fear can corrupt a Working and result in a terrifying catastrophe.
The story resumes a few months after the events of Black Sun Rising, carrying on with Damien Vryce, a devout priest of the One God, Gerald Tarrant, a Draculine entity, and Hesseth, a feline native of Erna. The trio embarks on a perilous voyage across the ocean, venturing eastward in search of the source of the malevolence that triggered the events of the first book. Their quest proves both physically and emotionally grueling, forcing them to confront their faith, morality, and trust in one another. Even Damien, steadfast in his beliefs, grapples with how far he is willing to go to complete their mission.
Night. The core reflected brightly in the sea’s mirrored surface, turning the water to gold beneath their bow.
Upon reaching a distant continent in the east, the group discovers a flourishing civilization with a faith so deeply entrenched in the One God—Damien’s God—that even the fae seem to have no power in their domain. But things are not always as they seem, and the entire continent, including the church, is secretly being controlled by an immortal prince in the south whose ultimate goal is to bring about a global confrontation between the native Rakh and the men of Earth, one that will result in the destruction of their entire civilization.
Friedman masterfully blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and even horror as the group travels through this fae- and demon-infested land, teeming with grotesque childlike monstrosities and bloodthirsty vegetation. Yet these external threats pale in comparison to the deeper inner turmoil of their journey and an exquisite unraveling of trust, particularly in their enigmatic companion Tarrant, whose true loyalties remain an unsettling mystery.
Friedman’s writing is nothing short of poetic. It is moving, eloquent, thought-provoking, and unbearably suspenseful. I can assure you—you have never read anything quite like it.
“Perhaps I should explain the circumstances.” His voice uncoiled like a serpent, slick and venomous.
Blending science fiction and fantasy, the second book of the Coldfire Trilogy continues a dark tale of an alien world where nightmares are made manifest.
Two men, absolute enemies, must unite to conquer an evil greater than anything their world has ever known. One is a warrior priest ready to sacrifice anything and everything for the cause of humanity’s progress; the other, a sorcerer who has survived for countless centuries by a total submission to evil. In their joint quest, both will be irrevocably changed.
When True Night Falls is the sequel to C. S. Friedman’s acclaimed Black Sun Rising.
