A quick hitting fan tribute to Robert E. Howard's CONAN THE BARBARIAN by Robert M. Price who has been expanding his reach across many of the favorite A quick hitting fan tribute to Robert E. Howard's CONAN THE BARBARIAN by Robert M. Price who has been expanding his reach across many of the favorite characters and books from the past. From editing over 30 anthologies dedicated to the worlds of Lovecraft and Lin Carter along with those dedicated to the Sword & Sorcery genres, and writing new books and new entries in Carter's THONGOR series, and expanding upon Carter's fan favorite landmark FLASHING SWORDS collection with, to date 2 new anthologies. Price now turns his hand to the world's most famous barbarian in an acknowledged fan homage with the TEMPLE OF THE BLACK ONE that turns on many of the original Howard Conan tropes and in 44 pages gives a quick read adventure that will give many long time readers a new journey alongside their favorite Cimmerian....more
Savage Realms Monthly #16 - Cover Dated November 2022. Having purchased this smart little magazine from its inception, I continue to read and review iSavage Realms Monthly #16 - Cover Dated November 2022. Having purchased this smart little magazine from its inception, I continue to read and review in order so that I can give an assessment of it as it progresses and grows. To date, my reviews have regularly been 4-star rated but that is mostly due to a lack of copy editing that could be easily addressed (though, being a small house publication, this may be a one or two person production and time may be priceless), while the stories themselves have happily consistently ranged from above average to excellent. This edition, in particular, had an amazing anthology of the standard three stories, and, while 78 pages in length, with 62 of those pages actually story content (the rest are the standard post story writer interviews), the three were perhaps the strongest entry to date (individual stories from other issues not withstanding).
RAGNAR'S BANE by Garrett Boatman - A vikings lust and greed draws him into a plan for freedom. But the true plan is more sinister than could be imagined.
TO OUTLAST THE MOON by Jared Kerr - The rewards of service are beyond any dreams, but loyal service comes with its own sacrifices. For General Jalan Hazim that sacrifice has been called for payment, but the method of that payment may be terrible beyond imagining.
CITY OF THE FORGOTTEN KINGS by H. E. Johnston - The bragging of one thief, may lead to the pay day for another. Still, you must earn that pay day, and its not called the city of the FORGOTTEN KINGS for nothing and Tanet and Ghede must find what was forgotten.
Personally, I must say that Jared Kerr's TO OUTLAST THE MOON was a personal favorite and perhaps one of the more emotionally impactful (at least for me) stories I have read in quite some time.
The cycle turns and renews, and with each death and rebirth the world sees new peoples...new conflicts...and new gods. Yet, those "new" gods are simplThe cycle turns and renews, and with each death and rebirth the world sees new peoples...new conflicts...and new gods. Yet, those "new" gods are simply the reimaginings of the shadows of those gods and those powers who came before them. And as the Eschaton Cycle once again is rushing toward the end of of these times and these people, the stages are being set for the next turn. The final battle is approaching and the players are aligned and FATE has woven the tapestry that will define the end of this cycle - and the beginning of the next.
Author Matt Larkin has become a major player in the genre of mythic legend and epic fantasy. In 2012, Matt started crafting his first major epic with what would eventually become called the SKYFALL ERA, and, while it was the beginning it soon became the past as Matt reimagined his concepts and sprung the GODS OF THE RAGNAROK ERA on a reader base who had been primed and thirsty for heroes of myth and legend. Sixteen books later, GotRE became an incredible work and mashup of multiple cultures from Northern European legends and tales...Norse, Germanic, and others the gave the readers gods who were powerful, vain, narcassistic, paranoid, and so many other emotional strengths and weaknesses that reflected those same traits in the people that worshipped them. From there Larkin dove into the stories of the Worldsea and the HEIRS OF MANA, merging and reworking stories and adventures from the island cultures of the pacific rim. Here were Maui...Pele...Mermaids and Mermen...ocean spanning battles...spirits and gods merging their souls with humanity. The cycle spun again and Larkin launched his latest based on the cultures of the middle east and the mediteranean. Pandora, Prometheus, Athene, Artemis, Zeus, Theseus, Herakles, and all those gods and demi-gods who children have been reading about for centuries and who have inspired such stories as Percy Jackson and others.
What is perhaps one of the most fun and unique parts of Larkins books are the facts that the gods never truly die. They pass and are reborn. New bodies...New Names...and yet the same battles and demands pull them to the end of the world that they find themselves in. Maui...Prometheus...Loki... Different names...different cultures...and yet the cycle will always bring them to the same end...and the same rebirth.
As a fan and reader of various and many cultureal myths and legends from around the world, Larkin's story-telling and ability to take tales from the past and reimagine them in new ways with new stories and new adventures.
Also...Matt isn't limited to writing about legends of the past. He has co-written two series of books with J.S. (Jeff) Morin that are straight SF at its best.
Finally, as this is the last of the TAPESTRY OF FATE series, Matt is currently at work on the NEXT cycle set in... Well, that would be telling....more
The September 2022 Issue (#15) of Savage Realms Monthly brings three new stories and a considerably smaller page count than previous issues.
RULERS ANThe September 2022 Issue (#15) of Savage Realms Monthly brings three new stories and a considerably smaller page count than previous issues.
RULERS AND REAVERS by Mario Caric - The last minutes of Glain's life are slipping away from his mutilated and savaged body. But the will to live still burns strong and strange words by a fellow prisoner soon find the mercenary with a second chance.
SHARDS IN THE SAND by Joshua Nagle - A warrior's long journey questing for an almost impossible goal finds its ending in the temple of a Priest of the Dead who suffers pilgrims to his temple only for the knowledge he may steal. Buthe soon finds that the seeker isn't willing to give up his most precious gift.
THE OUBLIETTE by Caroline Misner - The Cauls while brutal and of limited intelligence seemed an unstoppable force. And that force had rolled over Jakob casting him into the darkest pit to be welcomed among the decaying remains of others who had lost to the Cauls. But determination - along with those same remains - and the willingness to subject himself to whatever he must, may be the only way out of the dark.
While Savage Realms Monthly has been a welcome medium to help bring rebirth to the stories of swords, sorceries, strange worlds, and stranger women, it has been a slightly smaller magazine in page count usually ranging between 70 to 90 pages. THIS entry though sees that page count drop down to 62 pages of which 0nly 40 pages of that is actual story, the rest being Author interviews and a few blank spacer pages between sections. And while the stories still tend to be entertaining the retail cost of $9.99 works out to about 25 cents per page. Not a terrible cost but I would like to see maybe a little cutting back on the Author Interview questions and maybe expand to FOUR stories if they are of the short length that was in this issue. STILL...I'll keep buying as the magazine keeps entertaining....more
August 2022 sees the 14th Volume of this fun magazine whose goal is to return S&S to the popularity and attention that it saw in the 60s and 70s. ThisAugust 2022 sees the 14th Volume of this fun magazine whose goal is to return S&S to the popularity and attention that it saw in the 60s and 70s. This small page count magazine typically sees 3 short stories that come in at a total page count of 75 to 90 pages. (Note: part of ths page count is 4 to 5 pages of author interviews after each story which does drop the story page count down but doesn't impact the magazine too dramatically. Overall, the magazine has continued to mature and has changed formatting and appearance as its continued success sees more issues available. As in most magazines of this type, the roll of authors chages from month-to-month, though there have been several repeat entries by some, and in one instance a very good continuing series. As a result, this continues to be a good buy for the cost of admission.
In this month's issue:
A HUNGRY SEASON by Simon Waltho A friend is taken and Aelfrith's battle to bring him back place's her in the crosshairs of evil.
A WALK IN THE GARDEN by Alexander Hay Ashford must find his way to his goal in hopes of stopping the corruption and death that threatens everyone.
BELLICO AND THE BRAIN PREDATOR by Richard Toogood Hired by an adventurer to chronicle his journeys, the historian finds that other's stories puts Bellico's to shame...at least, until he hears the TRUE facts about those others.
This issue is a little up and down in quality, but overall a fairly good entry in the series. The lack of thorough proofreading that presents itself with many typos, which is my consistent issue with SRM to this point (mostly because I'm an editor) seems to be handled well with this volume. ...more
The mad emperor's reign has sent to death many of his citizens and brought to life many more who are willing to sacrifice their lives and their existeThe mad emperor's reign has sent to death many of his citizens and brought to life many more who are willing to sacrifice their lives and their existence to ensure that Strabonus sees an end to his depradations. Prince Xathomidas is one of those, and with his army of the rebellion is determined to march upon the empire and take it for himself. But rebellions are never as easy as simply knocking down a door and seizing the throne. The towering Black Citadel of Tanas K'rith may be the most obdurate of obstacles as its physical location and construction may make it virtually invulnerable to attack...or at least present such a one that any attacking force will fall under the swords of forces sent to reinforce the keep. Upon this scene comes Conan the CImmerian, now mercenary fighting alongside a company of rogues and barbarians much like himself. And Tanas K'rith was never prepared for the simple primal force that is Conan. Soon, secrets are revealed, sorceries are miscast, lives are forfeited, and treasures are lost and found and lost again.
Over the years since the passing of Robert Howard, there have MANY new stories of arguably the most well-known of sword weilding barbarians, Conan. Now, after a span of several years, new stories once again are being created to entertain and enthrall followers in what had been a dying genre but now seems to be seeing a resurgence in both popularity and visibility. Chuck Dixon, a creator of many varied and exciting stories in the more visual medium of comics, has delivered a fun and fantastic new adventure of everyone's favorite Cimmerian. Set in the Mercenary years of Conan's time-line, Dixon has crafted a story that has much of the feel and atmosphere of Howard's writings, but has added a touch and flair of his own that blends some of the story-telling skills that he uses in the more colorful medium that he is most famous for. Wonderfully, that gives us a newer, fresher Conan with the old thrills and themes.
If there are any knocks on the book, it would be the several handfuls of typos and errors that could have been caught and corrected through a more rigorous copy edit. But, while those errors can be a little off-putting and take the reader out of the story temporarily, it doesn't mean that this wasn't a good story. And...coming in at just under 120 pages is a good read for the first in a promised new series of stories. As of this writing, book 2 has been released and is stiing on my TBR. Enjoy......more
SAVAGE REALMS MONTHLY May 2023 continues its exciting and adventurous goal in bringing back tales of Sword & Sorcery to the mainstream and offering auSAVAGE REALMS MONTHLY May 2023 continues its exciting and adventurous goal in bringing back tales of Sword & Sorcery to the mainstream and offering authors new and old a place to present their voices. In this the 20th issue, SRM continues to give readers three stories that cover a wide swath of S&S imaginings.
1 - CRYPT OF THE NIGHT QUEEN by Remy Morgeson - Fex was a daring thief and would do most things for the right price, but he wasn't quite prepared for the evil he would face in acquiring Eogan's ring for his client.
2 - THE SPIRIT OF THE STEPPE by Carl Brown - A Human body for a host and the horns of a bull to channel his soul. Radu would rule the Grand Steppe once more, even after death.
3 - HAG OF BONES by W. E. Wertenberger - Vineland held the promise of land and plenty for and riches in resources, but all that was worthless if the laden ships never arrived. Kol and his mercenaries were available and promised results. Skraelings were one thing but, how could they have been prepared for the Hag?
One of the best pieces to SRM is their continuing open call for submissions. In each volume of the magazine they provide prospective authors with the way and means in which to provide stories for consideration. The good side of this is that new writers will find a venue to perhaps make their first sale and see their first published work. The also good, but in a different way, because they are continuing to expand their audience and their popularity submissions are increasing meaning a much more competitive process as well as an increase in time between submission, acceptance, and possible publication. But...success means more exposure so don't let timing dissuade you. Write, Write, Write. ...more
Savage Realms Monthly returns with the July 2022 release, the 13th of this ongoing magazine. Literary Rebel continues to give Sword & Sorcery readers,Savage Realms Monthly returns with the July 2022 release, the 13th of this ongoing magazine. Literary Rebel continues to give Sword & Sorcery readers, old and new, cool and fun new stories in a neatly packaged and presented publication. Their covers are fairly unique and easily identifiable to readers and tie directly into one of the stories contained between the covers of that month's issue. And while the covers are straight forward and attractive, the actual adventures inside will appeal to a broad range of readers. From classic S&S to futuristic post-apocalyptic fallen cultures and onward to displaced main characters that find themselves in a world they didn't create, SRM has something for every reader.
In this issue: A PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP by Matt Spencer - The Blades of Bathshire are the ultimate goal of all true fighters, but even the greatest may be hiding secrets. GOOD FOR THE GANDER by David Wesley Hill - A displaced lawman must travel to Hell to find a way home. Luckily, Hell is just on the other side of the hill. BLOOD VENGEANCE by Zach Ellenberger - In the lands of Midgard, a single warrior may be the only one to bring an end to a conquered people. But one can become many if the blood rises.
Another cool issue. And the perfect read for when you need a quick fantasy fix....more
May 2022 Brings Issue number 12 of one of the coolest ongoing monthly (well...mostly) anthology books for readers who are looking for new and fun SworMay 2022 Brings Issue number 12 of one of the coolest ongoing monthly (well...mostly) anthology books for readers who are looking for new and fun Sword and Sorcery/Sword and Planet stories.
While the tales themselves range from Dark Fantasy to good old, run-of-the-mill Barbarian and Damsel adventures...with the ubiquitous Wizard and Sorcerer thrown in for good measure, SRM continues to present an exciting and well-done forum to satisfy almost ALL S&S fantasy fans.
Typically running from 70 to 90 pages, with three stories the average, it's a great late night read that you can sit down and not have to worry about staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish. Most readers can rip through the stories and enjoy action and fantasy flavored dreams until the reality of the world intrudes once more in the morning.
In this issue, SRM gives us the following:
SWORD IN THE TOMB by Remy Morgeson - A seeker of power, hopes to uncover a potentially powerful artifact at the cost of seemingly meaningless lives, but even the most lowly among those have schemes as well.
THE CARPETMAKER OF ARANA by David A Riley - Desperation can make anyone unknowingly be lead down a dark path, and, as with anything in the darkness, you don't always see the destination until it sees you.
THE JADE TOWER by Shephard W McIlveen - Being a sword-for-hire has its benefits...and its drawbacks. But there are times when the latter disappears in the fortunes of the former...if you're only willing to take a leap.
A dozen issues in, and the journey is worth price......more
The Gryphon had been torn away from everything and everyone he had known and loved. But now the opportunity to return had come, but nothing is ever eaThe Gryphon had been torn away from everything and everyone he had known and loved. But now the opportunity to return had come, but nothing is ever easy in the Dragonrealm as his return awakens a long-sleeping power that soon escalates the battle for the Gryphon's home.
Meanwhile, the plans of Orril D'Marr begin to bear fruit as the Library in the City of Knowledge begins to give up its secrets. Old friends and old foes begin to gather as the Lords of the Dead's plans are revealed.
In Part II of the DRAGON OF THE DEPTHS, author Richard Knaak proves once again why he has been one of the masters of fantasy. The creation of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur may have been his most well-known early creations, but his stories set in the Land of his DRAGONREALM Universe are truly his abiding legacy and masterworks. His characters have depth and emotional being. Knaak has been living with his creations for over 33 years since the first book, FIREDRAKE. kicked off the long running series.
New readers and old will find everything that they love about fantasy in these books...wizards...dragons...ancient powers...evil incarnate...magical weapons...it's all here!!!...more
Savage Realms Monthly (SRM) returns with its April 2022 issue featuring two stories by new authors to the magazine and the return of BROCK OF FALSEA fSavage Realms Monthly (SRM) returns with its April 2022 issue featuring two stories by new authors to the magazine and the return of BROCK OF FALSEA from author Chad A.B. Wilson.
SRM continues to publish some of the newest and freshest takes on Sword & Sorcery adventures and tales from writers fairly new to readers as well as others that have been fan favorites over the years.
One of the most fun features of SRM is that stories can be told of Barbarians and Wizards from the distant past of the world to future civilizations and alternate planes where you'll find the same struggles of good vs evil being fought, won and lost.
In this issue: THE SPIDER'S EYES by Jeff Shelnutt - A robbery gone wrong as two hired thieves find themselves contending for the same prize. A GENTLEMAN OF BLADES by Matthew Gomez - A response to a desperate plea triggers the start of a war of monstrous beings. STONE FIGURES by Chad A.B. Wilson - The return of Brock, Guardian of Falsea, Killer of the Dragon, Defender against the Dead Lord, as he and a compliment of imperial soldiers discover their destination populated only by Stone Statues...Ohhhh...and the statue maker itself.
Another fun month in the books...keep reading and supporting!!!...more
The March 2022 issues of Savage Realms Monthly continues the series of new and fun adventures and stories in the re-emerging Sword & Sorcery genre. ThThe March 2022 issues of Savage Realms Monthly continues the series of new and fun adventures and stories in the re-emerging Sword & Sorcery genre. The magazine presents 3 short stories every month from a ever growing and changing group of authors, some of who you will discover for the first time here, while others have been in the field for years and are contributing new stories and characters to SRM.
While there are still a few minor copy editing issues, those, for the most part, are becoming fewer and fewer as the quality of the short stories becomes better with each issue.
In this issue:
- BLACK SUNSET IN THE VALLEY OF DEATH by Steve Dilks. Dilks brings the readers and new BOHUN story as the warrior faces the ultimate end in a long dead city. His freedom - and his very life - depends on the help of a people whose own existence teeters on the edge.
- THE VAMPIRE TREE by Joe Bonadonna. The author crafts a story of predatory villains, strange monstrous creatures, undead slaves, and a hero, of sorts, who will do what it takes to stop it all...if he can only survive to find and destroy the cursed cause.
- THE WIZARD OF KON by Michael A. Wexler. An unequal wizard's dual, urged on by the hope of recovering a lost love and a shared torment, brings the ending of it all. Whether it's the fall of an entire world, or the end to the growing horrors, only an unexpected visit from a source of mystery and stories can sway the outcome.
Three new stories...three new adventures...still the same fun....more
Savage Realms Monthly returns with the January 2022 issue. The 9th release continues the great effort of William Miller and the rest of the SRM crew. Savage Realms Monthly returns with the January 2022 issue. The 9th release continues the great effort of William Miller and the rest of the SRM crew. This small - 84 pages - publication has been a nice little venue to find new stories and new authors (some, not so new), providing readers a one-stop-shop for sword & sorcery, sword & planet, mythic fantasy, and other fantastical genres that have seen a waning of material over the past 25 years.
The quality of the stories themselves range from fair to fantastic with one of MY favorites being the ongoing serialized adventures of REDGAR - a Barbarian and Mercenary, hired to protect and deliver NATALI - a one-time Rhajii Priestess to safety from pursuing hunters and assassins. Their stories have taken them across arid deserts, into lost and haunted cities, small villages that offer nothing but horror, as well as other journeys that take them through many of the standard S&S tropes. Author Williard Black has continued to maintain the fun and excitement through the continuing story.
In this issue, SRM presents three adventures that will keep the readers entertained. The magazine itself varies in length from 70 to almost 100 pages, but the shortness of the magazine lends itself to readers being able to sit and absorb the entire book in a single reading. The format typically contains an introductory leading into the stories which are all typically followed by a short 3 to 4 page interview with the authors of the piece.
With the Magazine seemingly on a stable footing, I'm looking forward to more stories and flights of fantasy and fancy coming in the future.
This issued included the following:
1 ) THE FORBIDDEN BASIN - by Willard Black. Another entry in the ongoing REDGAR and NATALI saga. After traveling several days, the two find their travels through an arid wilderness thankfully interrupted by discovering a hidden watering hole. As is their fate, their good fortune is quickly followed by its obverse sister and the two have to fight prevent Natali facing a future worse than death.
2 ) THE GLASS CRYPT - by Tim Gerstmar. The death of a King and Queen provide an opportunity for theft and a quick profit. Rosnick's chance meeting thrusts him into a partnership that soon places the wander on the edge of a death and a horror unthought of.
3 ) EXILES - by Morgan Kane. A jealous word casts a one-time courtesan naked and unarmed, into a ravaged wilderness where her fate may be one of a terrible lingering death...or a future undreamed of that may change the course of an entire kingdom. First in a continuing adventure....more
The eighth book in the ongoing SAVAGE REALMS MONTHLY magazine continues to bring stories from authors old and new as it presents three new short storiThe eighth book in the ongoing SAVAGE REALMS MONTHLY magazine continues to bring stories from authors old and new as it presents three new short stories in the issue dated November 2021. The "monthly" continues to entertain and provide a source for fun and quick adventures that are a broad mixture of straight S&S stories as well as others that would seem to be outside of the outlined nature of the book, in general, but seem to work anyway.
1 - VICTORY FOR THE HAWK by Toni V. Sweeney - A battle across flaming sands soons escalate as the last desperate call of the Dragon Priest calls forth a terror from the waters.
2 - KIMROTATH'S CURSE by Ciaran Laverty - A lone warrior must face the horror and rage that is the wizard Kimrotath and the creatures at his call.
3 - CAPTAIN BLACK AND THE SENATOR by Kell Myers - The Krun invasion could be the end of the republic, but those who still fight will not see that end come soon. But a politician's secret becomes more deadly than the potential downfall of mankind.
Also...editor and publisher William Miller includes a short article title FIVE INDESPENSABLE TIPS TO FINISH YOUR FIRST DRAFT as well as the standard interviews with the contributing writers.
One of my pet peeves with the first few issues was the seeming lack of content and copy editing of the stories. Happily, that seems to have been recognized and addressed by the publishing crew and, with this issue, that looks to be happily left in the past...at least for this issue....more
I have previously reviewed each of the four stories contained in TALES FROM THE KINGS WATCH.
The stories interweave with the main story line of novels I have previously reviewed each of the four stories contained in TALES FROM THE KINGS WATCH.
The stories interweave with the main story line of novels with each taking place during over directly after, book 4 (TENFOLD) through book 7 (THE SEVENTH STAR). Each short fills in some critical background and endings to some of the previous storylines. You can buy the stories either individually as eBooks or in this, the collection of the four.
1) Phantom Stag - Vicky takes the reins for the first time and finds herself alone in a Fae wood, in search of a killer. (Takes place during the events of TENFOLD)
2) Wings over Water - Conrad is summoned to help the Peculier Necromancer deal with a haunted airfield. Before long, he finds himself facing a ghost from his own past. (takes place during the events of NINE OF WANDS)
3) Ring of Troth - No one was surprised when Conrad proposed to Mina. Conrad was very surprised when Mina insisted on dealing with an Indian snake woman on her own. Mina tells the story of how she and Vicky went about recovering the lost life-source of a deadly serpent. (takes place during the events of EIGHT KINGS)
4) French Leave - When the Dragon conspiracy ended in flames, one of them escaped. Adaryn ap Owain is on the run in France and isn't a top priority until another of Conrad's old enemies begs for help. Keira Faulkner nearly ended Conrad's magickal career before it started, but is it wise to set a thief to catch a thief? (takes place before and after the events of THE SEVENTH STAR)...more
1940 - Laura Wright - also known as Nightveil finds herself torn through time and cast into a time - and a body - not her own. Powers diminished; she 1940 - Laura Wright - also known as Nightveil finds herself torn through time and cast into a time - and a body - not her own. Powers diminished; she has teamed up with Charity Grace who has survived her time of redemption as the supernaturally powered Gravedigger. After their latest battle, they have begun the travel home when serendipity brings them into the company of Lazarus Gray, returning from a mission performed at the behest of the French Government. But, as is the world's wont, no good deeds go unpunished and soon the three heroes find themselves fighting against a demon from Nightveil's world...one who magically restores a long thought dead enemy of Gray and Co. Soon, the friends become enemies and a new group of heroes is thrown into the conflict...the only hope to destroy the evil before it destroys them all.
Here is a great new entry in Pro Se Productions publishing the expanding universe of REESE UNLIMITED, created and populated by the fertile mind and storytelling of Barry Reese. Combining his iconic hero, Lazarus Gray, with the Gravedigger - another hero populating his world - and teaming them up with Nightveil - perhaps the strongest and long-lived of AC Comics FemForce, Reese delivers another fun and exciting story that readers of his books and one of comic fandoms' favorite comic book run.
If you're looking for great New Pulp adventures and fan-hoped for genre crossovers, this is the one....more
The event of the year may be the Bollywood extravaganza hosted at Elvenham. The King's Watch is well represented...as it should be as it was the home The event of the year may be the Bollywood extravaganza hosted at Elvenham. The King's Watch is well represented...as it should be as it was the home of Watch Captain Conrad Clarke and his fiancée Mina Desai. It was the "unexpected" visitor that turned the celebration from a simple party into the next mission for Clarke and company.
The death of any Fae is remarkable, but that death may mean the beginning of a war...a war that may touch the lives of everyone that Conrad holds dear. And, with new missions comes new responsibilities. The unexpected promotion is almost the death of Clarke, and it soon drops him into the middle of a political nightmare. The one plus side is that Conrad and Mina are reunited with a certain Deputy Chief Inspector that will have his life changed unexpectedly and forever.
This series of books has quickly become my favorite ongoing series in world that combines, the Supernatural, Magyck, Mythological beings, Military Maneuvers, and the best of Urban Fantasy. Author Mark Hayden continues to expand on his amazingly deep and robust world of the King's Watch. His ever-expanding coterie of characters, rather than confusing the many story threads, adds flavors and shadings that only enhance Hayden's storytelling and universe. Each new entry in the series becomes a new treasure and a new favorite read.
Enhancing the main storyline are the multiple short stories that Hayden and sometimes co-contributor Lucy Campbell drop that interweave directly with each story. Tales From the King's Watch collect the first 4 which are also available in ebook format with the next four soon to be collected in a new volume that will move through the next four of the main books in the series.
DEATH IN DARKNESS by Willard Black - Another entry in the ongoing adventures of Redgar the Hathor and NataliIssue SEVEN brings three more fun stories.
DEATH IN DARKNESS by Willard Black - Another entry in the ongoing adventures of Redgar the Hathor and Natali the Rhaji Priestess. An encounter in the wilderness thrusts the pair into a battle to survive against the creatures of darkness and light.
DUEL AT DRAGONSPOINT VALLEY by Richard L. Rubin - The dwindling members of a mercenary force may only survive by defeating an undefeatable legend.
ROYALLY SCREWED by Morgan Kane - Raising pigs had never been the life that Scar had wished for so, when an old "friend" brings an offer of gold and adventure Scar's hesitation soon gives way and the old fighting pair are reunited against an ancient evil...and a tavern wench who has his number.
Another fun issue of a magazine that keeps delivering fun stories from month to month....more
Grigori Nicolau's nights were not good ones. Sleep was always a luxury...when he could find it. For he was afraid. His moments of troubled sleep couldGrigori Nicolau's nights were not good ones. Sleep was always a luxury...when he could find it. For he was afraid. His moments of troubled sleep could be torn apart by the visitation of a reoccurring nightmare...a nightmare in the form of a creature from hell. A creature named FROSTWING. A gargoyle who would come and steal away his most precious memories leaving him with nothing from his past...a past that had already stretched over 600 years. He knew that running during his waking moments never seemed to take him away from those nightmares, but when his running eventually brings him to the Windy City, answers...and hope...could be waiting for him. The first in a house of horrors, and the latter in the eyes of a certain real estate agent who could help him end the curse.
Richard Knaak is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has made his mark in the world of publishing with epic tales of fantasy creating such books as THE LEGEND OF HUMA as well as his famous monster-hero KAZ THE MONOTAUR for Wizards of the Coast Dragonlance books. HIs most reoccurring series of books are his LEGENDS OF THE DRAGONREALM and most recently the REX DRACONIS universe of books. But fantasy aside, Knaak has written some outstanding books in other genres. His BLACK CITY SAINT series is straight 1930s urban fantasy with three books in print and a 4th soon to arrive. FROSTWING is an early entry into that world of contemporary settings and fantastical horrors and creatures. The influences that this early writing can be seen in his later forays into the UF vein of books.
Knaak has always been a superb weaver of stories and adventures, providing his readers and fans with heroes you can cheer for and villains you can boo. But he also has the gifted ability to create characters that can be a little...or a LOT of each...and make the readers love them and hate them individually. His story telling and world building is always on point as he creates realistic settings and plausible conditions that keep the fans wrapped up in his stories...and FROSTWING is one of those. As Knaak drives the story from scene to scene he weaves threads of the story intricately creating a marvelous tapestry by the end that makes you sit back with the joy of the story...and the sadness of its being done.
Little did John Rast realize that his favorite pass time and obsession would become a reality that would change his whole universe. But, that's exactlLittle did John Rast realize that his favorite pass time and obsession would become a reality that would change his whole universe. But, that's exactly what happened the day that he took down a dragon. Amazingly, it wasn't his sword fighting skills that did the deed (he was the runner up in his local LARPing and anachronistic society for three years in a row after all). He DID manage to find a rather useful vehicle that he used to put an end to the creature. Well...needs must, and soon John found himself recruited into a very elite organization. So elite, that they didn't even really exist in the "mundane" world. The Knight Watch was created in an effort to fight and control all things from the Unreal world that found their ways into a world of humans that had no idea that they even existed. And so, John and his erstwhile girlfriend Chesa Lozaro and others, answer the call when the Unreal touches the Real.
Today, though, the totally unexpected happens and John and his friends are called to fight a Necromancer whose single touch with a blade can kill and bring those who die into his army of undead zombies. To complicate things, the new guy also seems to have his own squadron of Valkyries at his beck and call who are just as determined as he is to resurrect the undead of the past and create a "new" world of their own.
Most new books, when they reach my front porch and then find their way into my substantial TBR pile, must wait their time in the rotation until they percolate to the top. A few though...very few...become immediate "I gotta read this!" books and keep calling to me until I open that cover and begin the journey. Tim Akers KNIGHT WATCH books are most definitely one of those.
Akers continues his amazingly fun and entertaining journey through the universe of the KNIGHT WATCH with this, the second book in the series - VALHELLIONS. In case you're wondering the origin of the word, Akers has taken the maidens of the battlefields who seek out and bring heroic souls to Valhalla, and turned them upside down as they side with a villain whose only goal, apparently, is to create as many undead as possible to bring his world to fruition.
Akers heroes from his first book are here: John the Warder, Chesa the Elf Queen Archer, Tembo the ancient Mage, Matthew the Sainted Healer, and Bethany the Shadow Assassin. Joining the team... much to the seemingly jealous resentment of his main hero...is Gregory Chastain de Beuregard d'Haute - Warrior and true Paladin (and Chesa's apparent new eye candy).
Akers blends the world of contemporary blind to Unreality humans, with his heroes of classic epic fantasy, and mixes in a substantial amount of dry wit and sarcastic humor that strikes the exact right tone as he pits his creations up against villains of the most evil sort.
Oh...and don't miss the Volleyball scene...you'll laugh so hard your head will roll off!!!
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