Philistine by Steven Shrewsbury

This story appears to be historically inspired by the biblical tales of Goliath, the champion of the Philistines.   It seems that the Philistines were often mercenaries for hire. Goliath was the NBA size warrior who was their champion.

I felt the story was someone disjointed.   I followed it but the action happened all over the place.  There was a lot of detailed mayhem.  This is not a book for the faint of heart.   Goliath was not a nice person but neither were the assorted ogres, monsters, godlings, demons or priest/priestess.

I see some similarities to Gorias from the previous Shrewsbury works but Goliath is not nearly as likeable.  Gorias LaGaul, a barbarian’s barbarian,  was in my review of Thrall and Overkill.  I liked those books better.

This book has action galore as well as gore to spare.

Web site: http://www.seventhstarpress.com/current_authors/steven_shrewsbury.html

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Blood and Steel, Legends of La Gaul by Steven Shrewsbury

 

Gorias LaGaul, a barbarian’s barbarian,  is back and as I said in my review of Thrall and Overkill , he would kick Conan’s butt.  If you are looking for traditional heroes you may want to look elsewhere.   This is a short series of short stories about Gorias’ escapades.

I repeat from previous reviews, Gorias is a protagonist that I can identify with in many aspects.   Pragmatic to a fault he is accepting of his age and doesn’t let it stop him from doing what he wants to do.   I’m not sure I can identify with his ruthlessness but it certainly is effective.  He has skewed soft spots that pop up with surprising frequency.   He is a much, much larger than life character.  That is what makes him so entertaining. 

One of the stories, provides a little background on how Gorias got to be who he is when you meet his father.  I'm not all that fond of short stories in general but these were close enough to being relative to the books that they were enjoyable.   Gorias’attitude is amusingly brutal. However I suspect that in a time similar to that in which the story is set, that type of brutality would have been common. Mr Shrewsbury does a great job of creating an environment where a barbarian as grisly  as Gorias can flourish.

Action runs amuck as well as libidos, the easily offended may want to pass on this book.  For the rest of us who enjoy rollicking good humor and raucous action this is a book for the must read shelf. 

 

I highly recommend the book.

Web site: http://www.seventhstarpress.com/current_authors/steven_shrewsbury.html

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Etched In Bone by Adrian Phoenix

This is the fourth book of Heather Wallace and her vampire lover series.

This is the fourth book of the series and the biggest fault I find with it is a lack of a clear back story.   It jumps right into the action and that is fine but you are left scratching your head over who is who and whether they are good or evil.  That isn’t really clear in the book.   It is another segment of the overworked vampire genre that seems well done but redundant considering the astounding number of vampire books currently on the market.

I liked Heather’s character but not Annie’s so much.   They had a rather bizarre relationship with their father.   Good action, typical far fetched vampire antics abound.  I guess how I differentiate between fantasy and vampire books are that vampire books are often set in contemporary society with the addition of the occult.   Fantasy is often set in a totally fictional environment.  I find the totally fictional environment easier to identify with, rather than vampires at the bus stop. 

I guess I’m just not enthralled overall with vampire books. 

I think if I had read the previous three books, I would have liked this book a great deal better.  

Body of work of Adrian Phoenix

Web site: http://www.adrianphoenix.com/

Crimson Wind by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Max a ShadowBlade Prime is still searching for self but in this second book she reaches out to her long lost biological family in the midst of a magical cataclysm. In her search she discovers she may already have a family. Magic, bondage, love and violence categorize this fast paced novel.

Frankly when I reviewed Bitter Night, the prequel to this book, I did it with skepticism. I wasn’t sure it was my cup of java. Once again I am glad I pushed aside my cynical bent and tried someone new. I am now a fan. I truly enjoyed the emotional interplay between the characters. Francis imbues realism into her fantasy world. Max’s self destructive urges are sublimated by her loyalty to those dependent on her strength. Honor and loyalty are sure fire captivators of my literary interest and Francis illustrates them quite graphically. I will do my best to follow up on this review by reviewing the next in the series. There is plenty of action and good solid character development. I heartily enjoyed Bitter Night.

Then I was sent Crimson Wind to review and it was worth the wait. Ms. Francis succeeded again in developing a complex relationship between two strong protagonists facing daunting odd. Max engenders loyalty and love while being totally mystified as to why. Once again action permeates every page and the pace is swift. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Diana Pharaoh Francis

Web Site: http://www.dianapfrancis.com/