Dark Justice is an intriguing first novel by author Donnie Light that has some struggles but is ultimately emotionally engaging.
The novel blends together two stories about a murderous sphere called the Eater of Hearts. One tale is an origin story set 200 years ago. It tells of a runaway slave named Tobias whose quest for vengeance leads to the creation of the Eater of Hearts. The Eater of Hearts reaches into the spirits of its victims and shows them their greatest fear before granting them a grizzly physical death. We experience his journey, his sacrifices, and the reason behind his desire to punish the slave owner, Master Richards.
This is melded with a modern story of an EMT named Galen Morris who becomes an accidental present day target of the Eater of Hearts. He, like Tobias, must run for his life. But he is aided by a friend and coworker, Audra Winters, as he searches for answers.
We are taken back and forth in time between the creation story of the Eater of Hearts and Galen’s search to figure out what the object is and why it is after him. This keeps the reader learning information nearly in parallel with Galen’s revelations. Light does a skillful job of realistically laying out how Galen and Audra respond to the threat.
Galen and Audra turn to Professor John Paxton for help and answers. This encounter brings out themes of addiction and the promise within us all that too often waits to manifest another day. Paxton is like many who tell themselves that greatness is just around the corner and then fail to take the first step toward it.
The book has its faults and strengths as is expected with a first novel. The prose and structure could have been aided by a good editor. Further research into African religious practices and other magical religious traditions could have added a more authentic feel to the origin story. The lack of specificity of the faith, the magical practice made the leap of belief required to buy into the Eater of Hearts creation difficult. He may have burdened himself by taking a realistic tack with the novel instead of straight fantasy.
However, the premise is engaging and the primary characters are very likeable despite some patches of roughly composed dialogue. The reader does care about the struggle of Tobias, Galen, and their loved ones. One understands why Tobias is driven to seek revenge. Galen’s emotional journey reminds the reader that in connecting with others and demonstrating vulnerability, we find strength.
The characters must ultimately face the consequences of being paralyzed by their fears and solitary natures. They find the key to success in facing the Eaters of Heart (and life in general) is partnering with and caring for others.
Though Light might not have demonstrated the most polished ear for prose, he does succeed in engaging the reader at the most important level – the heart.
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