C.P. said: *I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. a slave and taught to be an assassin he is stripped of his nation, his freedom and even his name. .. A promising first book in the Blood of Blood series. DARK LEGION (Blood of Blood #1) by Paul Kleynhans, 1, 9, Apr 18, 11AM.
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- Similar Recommendations
- Just Ride (Legion of Guardians MC, #1)
- The Dark Tower Series
- Legion (Xian Warriors, #1) by Regine Abel
Crafting alien species and giving them depth, complexity, and life is something Ms. The Kryptids managed to be gross, creepy-crawly, and sinister at the same time, and their interplay with the species around them was reminiscent of the bugs they were while also being honestly scary. The humans were…well, human, with all the imperfections, vices, etc. As for the plot and pace, the early chapters seemed to progress in lurches and starts interspersed with world-building and almost mundane activities.
Some of those less-active sections were long enough that I found myself getting bored. Things did, however, finally get going and once that happened, the overall pace was decent. The authors seemed to have paid as much attention to the technical details as they did the world-building, and I tip my metaphorical hat to them for it. Definitely not my favorite work by Regine Abel, and certainly not one I'd recommend readers unfamiliar with her should start with. When Earth came under threat from the Insectoid Kryptid invaders The Xian Warriors came to the rescue, together they formed a coalition..
Similar Recommendations
Ayana has been training for as long as she can remember to be able to join the vanguard, she has the skills but will never make it as a soul catch When Earth came under threat from the Insectoid Kryptid invaders Ayana has been training for as long as she can remember to be able to join the vanguard, she has the skills but will never make it as a soul catcher, no one of Black or Asian ethnicity has ever been a soul catcher Called to Ayana's brilliant aura, Legion..
So there was me I didn't know what to expect, I purposely read no blurb I was prepared to like the story because for me.. I was literally gripped from the first Page, The history and back story that was revealed was compelling, the story mind-bendingly original and action packed I wanted to know more about the genetics and creator of the vanguards, their Shells and the anomaly.. Ayana and Legion had fantastic chemistry. Their interaction and exchanges both funny and touching and filled with heat.
Both characters are a wonderful blend of sassiness, longing, confidence and emotion. Aug 31, Melanie rated it it was amazing Shelves: It centers on a Haitian-born Canadian heroine who finally outgrows her self-limiting racially-rooted POV. It seems that psionically gifted Ayana will "Nevertheless, she persisted" - and so should the reader Xian Warriors features a nail-bitingly suspenseful plot, a really beautiful - and hot - love story, succinct but marvelously detailed world-building, swoon-worthy genetically engineered males, and a hero whose strength, honesty, and steadfast devotion will melt your heart and your e-reader.
It seems that psionically gifted Ayana will not ever become a top-level Vanguard team member because she isn't a Soul-catcher. No black- or brown-skinned women are. Still, her formidable psychic power gives her top scores and she's admitted to the Vanguard training program. While in training, the Xian warriors flock to her powerful aura - none more than Legion, the legendary "face of the Vanguard" who recognizes her as his soul-mate.
- Mathematical Principles of Remote Sensing: Making Inferences from Noisy Data.
- Our Eternal Home?
- Dark Legion.
- On the Edges of Development: Cultural Interventions (Routledge Studies in Development and Society).
- Legion of Super Heroes (TV series) - Wikipedia.
The trainers and Legion all work to discover what the "void" in Ayana's psyche disguises - a hitherto unseen talent that could be a game-changer in the war against Kryptid conquest. As sensitive to racial issues as Americans are, this book is initially a tough read - i quit after the first chapter because I found the focus on human skin color and ethnicity very painful.
But my curiosity, and the otherwise appealing elements of the novel, won out. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and I'm damned glad I did. This isn't a story where racism limits opportunity. It's a story in which beings of all species, including the hybrids and the genetically engineered, demonstrate the power of open-mindedness, shared challenges met with cooperation and ingenuity, and seeing individuals for who they are.
This is the power that defeats racism, species-ism, and genocide.
Just Ride (Legion of Guardians MC, #1)
This is our heroine's legacy to her world, and ours. Jul 28, Kelly rated it it was amazing Shelves: Legion and Ayana have sparrrrrrks. The type that light up a universe and keep people on their toes. Not that other people are in their relationship or anything, but the two of them make waves just by being and being together makes those waves even bigger.
As the first black woman who qualified for the Vanguard, Ayana already has a lot of expectations to live up to. Having feelings for the Warrior who's the face of the Vanguard AND having those feelings returned complicates Hoo-boy. Having feelings for the Warrior who's the face of the Vanguard AND having those feelings returned complicates an already complicated issue. In the best way, of course. Because Ayana and Legion are definitely meant for one another. Throw in Ayana off-the-charts power and the peculiar spark she carries within her and you have the recipe for great things.
I'm seriously loving this world and the dangers the Xian Warriors are fighting to protect it from. It's complex and deadly and hopeful all at the same time. I can feel them. Aug 08, K. The idea of soul catchers is an intriguing one. This story was set up amazingly well, with such interesting forays into the mind, body and soul connection that is satisfied the inner sci-fi geek in this reader. I was pulled into the soul mate bond between our protagonists and I felt that the romance was pure and unrushed which made for a much more rewarding reading experience.
I am excited about continuing this series in the future. Aug 08, Kate rated it it was amazing. Regine Abel has shared her magical imaginings with us once again in an all new universe! Legion is a wonderful mix of humor, down to earth practicality don't mess with a black woman's shower cap no matter how sexy things are getting! The scifi story line is intriguing and the relationships have a sincerity that is very appealing. As usual, I could hardly bear to put this book down and it haunted me for days after.
Unique Universe Love the uniqueness of the aliens in the series. The Heroine wasn't overpowered and actually had some brains! I loved it when she actually worked things out and didn't jeopardize anything. I loved how she didn't allow jealousy to ruin what she had with Legion. Legion was kinda egotistical in the beginning but he grew on me. A great way to start a new series. Can't wait to read more. Jul 25, Mary S. Wow what a story this was just a perfect beginning to Xian Warriors series. Legion and Ayana are just the perfect couple I like the elements in the series.
I definitely need to know more of the xians and the hybirds too they seem interesting as well and the soulcatchers they are amazing. I just hope we get to read so many of the characters that we had in this book.
The Dark Tower Series
It was a great read I definitely enjoy the world build up the species we have here and so many things that the story brought us. For example, it takes him a year to achieve a certain part of the plan, but when I was reading it felt more like days? But then he made decisions, which he KNEW were horrible. But he went through with them anyway. I do have one question. Because of his heritage. Then there are other characters such as Marcus.
But just read this! I highly enjoyed this book. Like I said, the plot really captivated me. I liked the fact that the main character was neither a hero nor a villain. I do have some questions about the timeline of the story, and the world building. Aug 14, Charles Ray rated it really liked it. Prince Saul Baz Sharmin, an Ubrain, has been a slave assigned duties as an apprentice executioner for a decade, until he meets Marcus, a Prylean, leader of a group of revolutionaries against the evil empire of King Solas. When Saul kills his master, the chief executioner Angus, and he and Marcus escape, instead of freedom, they find their troubles only beginning.
In the port town of Sagemont, in search of the Crown of Ubrain that will help him restore his brother to the throne and free his people Prince Saul Baz Sharmin, an Ubrain, has been a slave assigned duties as an apprentice executioner for a decade, until he meets Marcus, a Prylean, leader of a group of revolutionaries against the evil empire of King Solas. To further complicate his life, he gets caught up with an enigmatic and angry young magician and ensnared by the demi-god, Malakai, who has his own agenda. As complication piles atop complication, Saul finds himself fighting as much just to stay alive as to free his people.
I received a free copy of Dark Legion, book one in the Blood of Blood series by Paul Kleynhans, in exchange for my review. The author masterfully keeps the action moving at an almost breakneck pace, while interspersing bits of rip-roaring humor. While the use of modern slang and profanity in the book is a bit strange at first, as you get to know the characters, it seems to be.
This left me looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Oct 06, Shymsal rated it really liked it Shelves: The story of the youngest Ubraian prince, enslaved as a boy and forced to become the plaything of the Emperor's Head Torturer is unlikely to start well. It starts with an act of bloody revenge as Saul, the prince, who has managed to work his way up to his "Master"'s apprentice, slaughters the torturer and manages to slip out of the Palace and make good his escape.
He is working with Marcus, the leader of a rebellion who himself had been captured and sent to the dungeon for 3. He is working with Marcus, the leader of a rebellion who himself had been captured and sent to the dungeon for torture and execution. The two men's friendship is difficult, but one that Saul treasures.
Saul has set himself the rather gargantuan tasks of finding the Royal Regalia of his conquered kingdom by long-standing tradition necessary to legitimize any ruler , freeing his equally enslaved people, and finding his older brother, the rightful King and a great fighter -- which Saul is not. Afterwards, he and his brother will fight to reclaim their land. He has no intention of sitting on Ubraian's throne as he sees himself as blood drenched monster and assassin. Though he is trying not to be one anymore. Naturally there's a girl, adventure, possible old gods, secrets to be uncovered and strange magic and critters.
An interesting and powerful read, that sometimes wanders into swashbuckling and even a bit of social commentary. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. How to free a nation? When Prince Saul is made a slave and taught to be an assassin he is stripped of his nation, his freedom and even his name.
But after years of searching he has finally located an object that can help him restore his lost brother to the throne and nothing and no one will stop him. This was a fun read that was full of adventure and ale-making. The world is different enough from everything else I've read to make it satisfying and the characterization was engaging.
It was a worl How to free a nation? It was a world full of people with faults that seem to keep their objectives just out of reach while also spurring them on to greater achievements. I received this book from a first-read giveaway. Though I had to put this book down at the very beginning for work reasons, I finished the bulk of it in one sitting. Paul's writing is immersive and compelling, and you really feel for the characters as the story progresses.
At times, due to the complexity of some scenes, it can be hard to follow what everyone is doing I had to go back and reread a few passages to make sure I was following it correctly , but overall it was a smooth read Disclaimer: At times, due to the complexity of some scenes, it can be hard to follow what everyone is doing I had to go back and reread a few passages to make sure I was following it correctly , but overall it was a smooth read.
Apr 24, Jonathan rated it really liked it Shelves: I received a free copy from Story Cartel. To be honest this year I have not been as active in reading as others. I really loved this book and all of its characters. A bit darker than I am used to but still enjoyable. I always love to find new authors and I hope to read more from Paul in future.
I do agree that parts of the book are slow paced. An entertaining and amusing story that draws you in then makes you want to keep on reading. Good characters and plot. On the whole the story gets straight to the point and there is not a whole lot of excess fluff to pad it out.
Liked how the authors obvious like of beer and coffee shine through in the story line. Aug 03, Teri rated it really liked it. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and watching the struggles and the fight to overcome slavery and reuniting a kingdom which had been destroyed.
I loved the characters and storyline and felt drawn into the story. I can't wait to read book 2. This book was amazing! It drew me right in from the start and kept me there until the last page and then left me wanting for so much more! My favorite kind of book! Jul 05, Doug Cookson rated it really liked it.
Can't wait for the next in the series. Feb 23, Rob Cooke rated it really liked it. The characters develop slowly but it is worth the wait as the story unfolds. The main characters become full bodied and you find yourself torn as to how to feel about them overall. The performance is fantastic and the narrator gives gravitas to the situation and helps you connect further "A dark gripping story! The performance is fantastic and the narrator gives gravitas to the situation and helps you connect further with the story. In summation this is a great fantasy book with elements of magic and political intrigue.
I look forward to seeing the next instalment of this series. This book was given to me free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. Feb 21, Jamie Pancake rated it it was amazing. This book is set in what seems like medieval times, Saul is a slave who used to be a part of the royalty in his city. He was kidnapped and tortured and made to be a slave. While he suffers, he plots his revenge on those who stand in the way between him and the riches of his city.
He wants to unite his people and bring back the glory of his city, but first he has to escape and get back to his city. This story was very fascinating, and I liked that it was told from Saul's point of view, it gave me This book is set in what seems like medieval times, Saul is a slave who used to be a part of the royalty in his city. This story was very fascinating, and I liked that it was told from Saul's point of view, it gave me a better point of view of his pain and how he has suffered.
It also gives insight on his feelings of anger and getting revenge on those responsible for the suffering of his people. A good read with a not so good hero Excellent read well worth the time to set down and read the series word word word word word word word. For full disclosure, I was give this book for free in return for an honest review. Unfortunately while the novel has a lot of potential it ultimately underwhelms. This book reads like the textbook definition of a rushed work. To drop an overused cooking metaphor: It all just feels under-cooked. Hopefully I can provide some constructive criticism instead of just pure abuse.
This no For full disclosure, I was give this book for free in return for an honest review. This novel has two major problems as I see it. I'm going to list them and describe why Paul the Author falls short in these areas and perhaps on how he could improve. I'm going to pretend that Dark Legion is a film for a moment. Hopefully this helps to illustrate my point. Editing wise this book feels like if this were a film, each and every scene would have been edited with a decent level of skill by the director. However the whole work as a complete entity wasn't edited well.
A good 60 percent of this book feels like complete filler, and not good filler at that. Once the main characters get to the village any urgency in plot immediately dies while our two heroes look for menial jobs at the local job board. It work's in that medium, but it's not to successful in this one. However this shouldn't be the end of the line for this story. I have read plenty of books and enjoyed a good few where the plot took the back seat to character interaction.
Unfortunately that leads in to the biggest shortcoming that this novel has, and that is: Characterization The characterization in this book is just not interesting for me. Saul never pops off the page. Now granted I don't think he is a shallowly drawn character. Quite the opposite, the book provides just enough information to make me curious about his past without revealing to much.
There is an almost gross amount of details of the mercenary way of life: Court life and the historical cities are quite vividly depicted as well — providing a nice breather from all the dreary day-to-day life among soldiers. The mercenary way of life, camping, battles, cities and courts are vividly described. Fans of military fantasy, strong females the protagonist is a female , military tactics, and alternate history should jump right on this one. Tears of a Heart marks the tale of a young man, Aeden, who unwittingly shapes the world. The writing is beautiful, layered, and timely.
Chase Blackwood weaves an intricate tale that hints at so much more. And that may be its greatest challenge. Tears of a Heart, the first book in the series, was beautifully written, and interesting. It shows us an amazing world filled with detail and depth, but for a portion of it, just a touch slow. The writing, such beautiful writing, overshadows this, as does the ending. Tower of the Arkein , the next book in the series, is where the story truly begins to unfold, and where Chase Blackwood shines as an author. It is fast paced, full of action, adventure, and love.
A very strong entry in the fantasy genre, and if the next book is equally as good, expect it to make quite a splash. You can buy on Amazon now.
Legion (Xian Warriors, #1) by Regine Abel
Not your typical military fantasy fare, but a compelling if different read. The war is over and the soldiers find they are no longer comfortable living the civilian life. They set off to form their own sanctuary on an island in the middle of nowhere. This is their story. The DragonCrown War Cycle. Lots and lots of gore and fighting — too much.
But there are plenty of battle scenes and military planning. I would describe this as military epic fantasy.
If you are looking for epic fantasy with a lot of blood, battles, and gore, this series is definitely worth a read. I personally much prefer the prequel novel, The Dark Glory War better than the sequel series. Also check out his other book, Talon: Revenent which is some pretty good heroic fantasy.
- The Killing Room.
- The Gingerbread Man!
- Just Ride (Legion of Guardians MC, #1) by Xyla Turner.
- Loving (Bailey Flanigan Series).
- The Dark Tower Series.
- Escape From Freedom.
- Did Eve Really Have An Extra Rib?.
First couple of books in the series are gold, then it declines. Two words describe this series: A flawed work as a whole, but certainly an exciting, ambitious one, and the flaws are in many ways compensated by the sheer cracking intensity of the whole thing. The books combine a heady mix of sword and sorcery, passion and sex — yes there are plenty of detailed, almost soft-porn sex scenes sprinkled through every book. The author is as passionate about writing battle as he is about writing the sex scenes. The author takes the view that if you are going to enjoy fantasy battles, you might as well enjoy the fantasy sex as well.
For fantasy with a different taste, you might want to give E. These are military pulp fantasy. However, instead of fighting against human powers, the resistance is fighting against vampires who have taken over the entire earth. The first few books are pretty exciting with non-stop action on pretty much every page; quality declines in the later books, however. Still, well worth reading the first few.. We generate a very small commision if you buy an amazon product linked to from this site.
These comissions help us keep the BestFantasyBooks running and funds site improvements. Best Military Fantasy Books. Comments 9 Award Nominations: Comments 5 Award Nominations: The Axe and the Throne M. A Secret History Mary Gentle. Comments 1 Awards Won: Tears of a Heart Chase Blackwood. Comments 0 Award Nominations: Crowd Ranked Version of the List - Vote on it!