Groovy. 🙂
Baen Reviews –LJ September 15, 2015
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Correia, Larry. Son of the Black Sword.Baen. (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, Bk. 1). Oct. 2015. 464p. ISBN 9781476780863. $25. FANTASY
Correia is best known for his action-packed urban fantasies (“Monster Hunter Nation” series) so this non-European–set epic fantasy is a pleasant surprise. Hundreds of years ago, the demons arrived and nearly drove humanity to extinction. Saved by a hero named Ramrowan, the survivors formed a strict caste system, with laws enforced by elite warriors like Ashok. When events cause Ashok to learn that his entire life has been based on a lie, he turns his immense power, skill, and his legendary sword toward creating a new world. ÂVERDICT Fans who like Correia’s fast-moving style will be pleased with the plethora of action scenes, and epic fantasy readers interested in delving into a new universe should be equally satisfied.
A solid choice for admirers of Brent Weeks and Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series.
[See Eric Norton’s sf/fantasy spotlight feature, “A Genre Takes Flight,” LJ 8/15.]—JM
—Library Journal
Mr. Correia,
This review short changes your work.
I started reading your stories with the original Monster Hunters. To be honest, I didn’t really like the first book (the second was HILARIOUS, the third a 1st class movie opportunity.) What kept me engaged was the ENDING of the first book, where the central character is revealed to be a ‘figure of heroic destiny.’ The way you wrote it was
E P I C . If I could see more of that style, even at the sacrifice of some action, I’d be happy as a clam. 🙂
I felt exactly like VF. Thought MHI was just ok, but the ending kept me interested. I’ll usually keep reading as most authors tend to get better. Read through all 5 in just a couple of weeks, and have to say the hugo nomination for nemesis would have been well deserved. I would suggest all fans point out this review in library journal to suggest a purchase to their local library.
I remember driving back from Phoenix back in 2010, when you first described for me a scene that eventually made it into Son of the Black Sword.
Sometimes good ideas just need a little while to percolate.
Was that the trip where Lizard People and Lap Dancing were the other hot discussion items?
My family has been looking forward to this book since Larry first started talking about the draft, and now it’s so close we can taste it. Best of luck on a huge hit, Larry.
It still feels very weird to have an Indian based caste system without Gods. With LAW and bureaucracy taking its place. Kind of what would happen when SJW takes over our world.
Soon. Soon . . .
But it doesn’t talk about any scenes where the hero guilt-shames the Christians into saving the whales! How can it be any good?!
I guess we’ll have to make do with interesting characters, good action and strong world-building. Oh well.
I know I’m disappointed that I’m not going to get to hear about the sorrows of gay polar bears due to the evil oppression of Christianity, but I suppose with the aid of my lavender crying pillow and a few kick-ass action scenes, I’ll get by.
I want to say congratulations. That is some mighty fine company you’re keeping in the last paragraph!
“A solid choice for admirers of Brent Weeks and Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series.”
Dang – to me that’s a huge, huge compliment. I’m betting Larry’s pretty pleased with that recommendation as well – although I rank the Monster Hunter and Grimnoir books over Weeks (I’m biased!)
I’m really enjoying Lightbringer. On the other hand, I read Way of Shadows but wasn’t enthused enough to get the next book.
I guess I should be reading Brent Weeks, then.
No Kindle edition yet or I’d preorder.