Luke Scull

I don't give out a lot of 5 star reviews, but often when I do it's for the last book in a series. That's probably because if they're good books I'm probably really connected to the characters by then and if the ending's good then that seals the deal.

This is "grimdark" without the pretense. This isn't the guy who just went to Hot Topic for the first time and stepped out a punk rawker. This is the real deal. Dark, gritty, bloody, and downright mean to some of the characters that you really want to succeed, but not emo. Demons, giants, dragons, magic and in this final book some technology. The tech kinda threw me at first, but I got used to it quick.

Congrats Mr. Scull. I know we talked years ago when I read the first book, you've got a satisfied customer. What's next?… (altro)

My first toe-dip into Grim-Dark Fantasy and I was surprised at how much I liked it. Of all the definitions of Grimdark that I found I like this one the best: described as fiction "where nobody is honorable and Might is Right"

That about sums it up.

L. Scull takes us into a world where god-like mage lords rule, maim and kill their loyal subjects without second thought. And, those said subjects in turn plot to kill off the mage lords. This is a universe set in a medieval environment, made up of various races, abominations created from past wars, and several levels of magic.

There are some great characters. Two of my favorites being 2 curmudgeonly old guys, who actually turn out to be the heroes. Loved them.

Not for those who want happy endings.… (altro)

Didn't like this one as much as the first one, but it was still fun.

That was test. Grimdark it's not supposed to be fun, so if you thought it was "cool" that it was fun, YOU FAILED! It was dark and bloody and... dark ... and stuff. Really though, I dig the horrific aspects and there are some memorable original characters. Last time it was Cole who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a hero, this time it was Sir Meredith who I loved to hate and thought was a really cool concept for a villain. The good guys suffer a LOT in this one and it doesn't get a little depressing because they win so rarely.

This book ends with the Four Kingdoms in trouble from multiple angles, so I'm definitely curious about what happens next and will be checking out the 3rd book.… (altro)