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Halcyon #2
The Broken Sword
For fans of swashbuckling adventures such as The Princess Bride and The Three
When they tried to conquer the New World, the Espani lost soldiers, ships, wealth, and even their faith. But Don Lorenzo Quesada believes an ancient holy relic will restore his country to prosperity and honor, unless the military finds it first. Accompanied by his best fencing students, his Incan wife, and her sabre-toothed cat, Lorenzo races across his wintry homeland through a gauntlet of blood-thirsty assassins, undead demons, and giant beasts to recover the sacred skyfire stone.
But when the stone is stolen and a massive Espani warship sets sail for Marrakesh, Lorenzo must stop a war that could destroy all the nations of the Middle Sea, even if it costs him both the holy stone and his life.
Readers return to The Other Earth in this stunning vision of an alternate world where fantastical machines sail the seas and the skies, enormous prehistoric beasts still roam the earth, and the restless dead walk among the living.
action/adventure | historical fantasy | swashbuckler | steampunk | Morocco | Spain
364 pages | 91,000 words
A note about the text
This is a work of historical fantasy. Some of this world may be familiar to you.
But in this world, Europe never emerged from the last Ice Age and only the southern areas are habitable. North Africa is cool, wet, and fertile. Ancient nations such as the Persian Empire have persisted, though others, such as the Romans, never rose to power. Some of the countries in this world reflect the cultures and attitudes of the Renaissance while others reflect the Industrial Age. Historical figures appear, though they too may be different from the ones you have known.
Don't expect this world to conform to the history that you know. The people and places are different. The climate and wildlife are different.
Even death is different here.
When they tried to conquer the New World, the Espani lost soldiers, ships, wealth, and even their faith. But Don Lorenzo Quesada believes an ancient holy relic will restore his country to prosperity and honor, unless the military finds it first. Accompanied by his best fencing students, his Incan wife, and her sabre-toothed cat, Lorenzo races across his wintry homeland through a gauntlet of blood-thirsty assassins, undead demons, and giant beasts to recover the sacred skyfire stone.
But when the stone is stolen and a massive Espani warship sets sail for Marrakesh, Lorenzo must stop a war that could destroy all the nations of the Middle Sea, even if it costs him both the holy stone and his life.
Readers return to The Other Earth in this stunning vision of an alternate world where fantastical machines sail the seas and the skies, enormous prehistoric beasts still roam the earth, and the restless dead walk among the living.
action/adventure | historical fantasy | swashbuckler | steampunk | Morocco | Spain
364 pages | 91,000 words
A note about the text
This is a work of historical fantasy. Some of this world may be familiar to you.
But in this world, Europe never emerged from the last Ice Age and only the southern areas are habitable. North Africa is cool, wet, and fertile. Ancient nations such as the Persian Empire have persisted, though others, such as the Romans, never rose to power. Some of the countries in this world reflect the cultures and attitudes of the Renaissance while others reflect the Industrial Age. Historical figures appear, though they too may be different from the ones you have known.
Don't expect this world to conform to the history that you know. The people and places are different. The climate and wildlife are different.
Even death is different here.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2011
1 person is currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Robert Lewis
68 books96 followersJoseph R. Lewis enjoys creating worlds in which history, mythology, and fantasy collide in unpredictable ways. He also likes writing about heroines that his daughters can respect and admire. Joe was born in Annapolis and went to the University of Maryland to study ancient novels, morality plays, and Viking poetry.
www.josephrlewis.com
www.josephrlewis.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 12, 2011
JOSEPH ROBERT LEWIS' "HALCYON 1 & 2" (REVIEW)
Joseph Robert Lewis has taken the best part of living in a Steampunk age and written two extraordinary novels full of excitement and imagination. Taziri Ohana is one of the best airship pilots around, struggling with home life and her job. When almost the entire fleet of ships as well as their crew is wiped out by an attack, it is up to her to find the ones responsible, discover the conspiracy at a higher level and save the day.
The second book continues the epic saga of Taziri and her friends. Definitely a must-read for anyone that loves Steampunk novels and enjoys works written by a writer that knows his stuff. I definitely enjoyed them and I know you will too! "Halcyon 1: The Burning Sky" & "Halcyon 2: The Broken Sword" don't miss out!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Joseph Robert Lewis has taken the best part of living in a Steampunk age and written two extraordinary novels full of excitement and imagination. Taziri Ohana is one of the best airship pilots around, struggling with home life and her job. When almost the entire fleet of ships as well as their crew is wiped out by an attack, it is up to her to find the ones responsible, discover the conspiracy at a higher level and save the day.
The second book continues the epic saga of Taziri and her friends. Definitely a must-read for anyone that loves Steampunk novels and enjoys works written by a writer that knows his stuff. I definitely enjoyed them and I know you will too! "Halcyon 1: The Burning Sky" & "Halcyon 2: The Broken Sword" don't miss out!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
September 2, 2011
Loved this book. The story that Lewis began in The Burning Sky continues in The Broken Sword. Some time has passed and not all of the heroes from the first story have returned, however some of the villains have. Lorenzo and Qhora are back to guide us through Lorenzo's homeland Espani. Taziri has returned as well, although now she is the captain of the Halcyon Two. Syfax is also back although after the incidents in The Burning Sky he has been transferred to being a sky marshall to help protect the airships and their crew. Then there is Shifrah, the deadly assassin, she is no longer working for Lady Sade, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have her own agenda. Espani is a country with nothing left, but Magellan has plans to change all that and cement his place in history in the process. Taziri, unfortunately. stumbles into the middle of those plans, and to protect herself, her passengers and her new plane must call on Lorenzo and his wife for aide.
May I repeat myself in saying I loved this book. Much like the first book in the series, The Broken Sword can work as a stand alone novel. So if you haven't read the book one don't worry too much. You won't be lost, but you probably want to pick up a copy of book one just so you don't miss out on the adventures that lead to up to book two. Once again Lewis tells his story through multiple points of view. Each chapter is a separate character, and each chapter moves the story forward. Unlike the first book the chapters aren't separated into the consecutive days that they occur in, however I don't think that takes away from the story any. And it really doesn't seem to make any difference in the authors writing style. The story is still fast paced, yet easy to follow. The characters again are well rounded as well as interesting. If you are looking for a new series to read may I definitely recommend The Halcyon Trilogy.(the third book has recently come out so it's not like you have to wait for ever to finish it either) Lewis's writing is strong through out all three books, and whether you read them together or as separate stand alone novels you won't be disappointed.
May I repeat myself in saying I loved this book. Much like the first book in the series, The Broken Sword can work as a stand alone novel. So if you haven't read the book one don't worry too much. You won't be lost, but you probably want to pick up a copy of book one just so you don't miss out on the adventures that lead to up to book two. Once again Lewis tells his story through multiple points of view. Each chapter is a separate character, and each chapter moves the story forward. Unlike the first book the chapters aren't separated into the consecutive days that they occur in, however I don't think that takes away from the story any. And it really doesn't seem to make any difference in the authors writing style. The story is still fast paced, yet easy to follow. The characters again are well rounded as well as interesting. If you are looking for a new series to read may I definitely recommend The Halcyon Trilogy.(the third book has recently come out so it's not like you have to wait for ever to finish it either) Lewis's writing is strong through out all three books, and whether you read them together or as separate stand alone novels you won't be disappointed.
June 9, 2011
I was a lucky winner of this book in a LibraryThing giveaway.
Firstly, Joseph Robert Lewis is certainly a talented writer! This piece is incredibly imaginative and fascinating. I particularly love the way the historical and factual is interwoven with the fantastical and fictional—a favorite mixture of mine. There was just enough of the real world—marital issues, wars, intricate machines—combined with the supernatural—ghosts, demons, magical relics.
Each character is wonderfully developed and complex. There are so many side-stories that could be developed into other books! Taziri is one of my favorite characters (the main character of the first book of the series). As the pilot of the Halcyon, she is an intelligent, strong, confident woman who leaves her husband and child at home in order to carry out her duties. Lorenzo and the others are required to place a lot of trust in her in order to succeed.
My only complaint with the book is that there were times that it moved somewhat slowly. Since I usually read late at night before bed, I would find myself easily putting it aside and going to sleep—something that doesn’t happen very often. It isn’t that the story wasn’t stimulating, just that there were times that I wasn’t so involved that I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I think partially it could be attributed to the sheer density of the storyline. As I mentioned before, there was a lot of substance behind the characters and a few different subplots going on at once. While this was all magnificently written and interesting, I found I needed a break every now and then.
I actually rate this book at 3.5 stars, only because of the slightly slow pace. I did enjoy it and was intrigued enough to purchase the first of the series, The Burning Sky (Halcyon 1)! If you enjoy stories like The Three Musketeers and Treasure Island, this is right up your alley. I urge you to give this series a try!
Firstly, Joseph Robert Lewis is certainly a talented writer! This piece is incredibly imaginative and fascinating. I particularly love the way the historical and factual is interwoven with the fantastical and fictional—a favorite mixture of mine. There was just enough of the real world—marital issues, wars, intricate machines—combined with the supernatural—ghosts, demons, magical relics.
Each character is wonderfully developed and complex. There are so many side-stories that could be developed into other books! Taziri is one of my favorite characters (the main character of the first book of the series). As the pilot of the Halcyon, she is an intelligent, strong, confident woman who leaves her husband and child at home in order to carry out her duties. Lorenzo and the others are required to place a lot of trust in her in order to succeed.
My only complaint with the book is that there were times that it moved somewhat slowly. Since I usually read late at night before bed, I would find myself easily putting it aside and going to sleep—something that doesn’t happen very often. It isn’t that the story wasn’t stimulating, just that there were times that I wasn’t so involved that I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I think partially it could be attributed to the sheer density of the storyline. As I mentioned before, there was a lot of substance behind the characters and a few different subplots going on at once. While this was all magnificently written and interesting, I found I needed a break every now and then.
I actually rate this book at 3.5 stars, only because of the slightly slow pace. I did enjoy it and was intrigued enough to purchase the first of the series, The Burning Sky (Halcyon 1)! If you enjoy stories like The Three Musketeers and Treasure Island, this is right up your alley. I urge you to give this series a try!
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June 27, 2011I enjoyed this book and I will be reading more by this author. The book moved quickly, and I found I cared about the characters and engaged in the story, so much so that I've bought the first book. You don't need to read the first book to enjoy the second.
The world in this series is not like our world, more like our world on an alternative track. It takes place on the Other Earth. The northern lands are still in the Ice Age, and the majority of story takes place in Espana. a very cool Espana. Espana is religious and not very advanced technology wise. Marrakesh is much more advanced, flying machines and all. There are even historical figures as characters in the book, although not necessarily the people they were in our history.
The main characters of this book include: Lorenzo from Espana, religious, married, practical, a born leader and warrior; Qhora, Lorenzo's Incan wife, helpmate, warrior, lady; Taziri from Marrakesh, a pilot, engineer, mother, and leader. There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters and animals. There are legends, assassins, and ghosts.
All together this book is a feast for the imagination, filled with adventure and it leaves you wanting more.
The world in this series is not like our world, more like our world on an alternative track. It takes place on the Other Earth. The northern lands are still in the Ice Age, and the majority of story takes place in Espana. a very cool Espana. Espana is religious and not very advanced technology wise. Marrakesh is much more advanced, flying machines and all. There are even historical figures as characters in the book, although not necessarily the people they were in our history.
The main characters of this book include: Lorenzo from Espana, religious, married, practical, a born leader and warrior; Qhora, Lorenzo's Incan wife, helpmate, warrior, lady; Taziri from Marrakesh, a pilot, engineer, mother, and leader. There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters and animals. There are legends, assassins, and ghosts.
All together this book is a feast for the imagination, filled with adventure and it leaves you wanting more.
May 31, 2011
The Broken Sword (Halcyon #2)
by Joseph Robert Lewis
A highly entertaining steam punk fantasy set in an alternate universe, The Broken Sword, moves quickly and is filled with interesting and engaging characters. Opening the book I soon found myself shivering through an Ice Age winter in Espana, with Don Lorenzo Quesada de Gadir, fencing master who specializes in the Sword of Life technique. Revolutionary and a pacifist, Don Lorenzo, his Incan wife Qhora, and his fencing pupils find themselves in the midst of a dilemma that could mean the end of peace and perhaps even the end of the world! Along with with a rag tag band of plane crash survivors including a whiny Dante Alighieri and a stalwart Shahera Zade, Don Lorenzo and his group face dangers and overcome obstacles in the best questing tradition. While that may sound simply put any loyal reader of fantasy knows its not the destination, its the journey. In this case the journey is worthwhile when tagging along with this group of characters. I would recommend this if you like fantasy, it was a fast, fun reading experience.
by Joseph Robert Lewis
A highly entertaining steam punk fantasy set in an alternate universe, The Broken Sword, moves quickly and is filled with interesting and engaging characters. Opening the book I soon found myself shivering through an Ice Age winter in Espana, with Don Lorenzo Quesada de Gadir, fencing master who specializes in the Sword of Life technique. Revolutionary and a pacifist, Don Lorenzo, his Incan wife Qhora, and his fencing pupils find themselves in the midst of a dilemma that could mean the end of peace and perhaps even the end of the world! Along with with a rag tag band of plane crash survivors including a whiny Dante Alighieri and a stalwart Shahera Zade, Don Lorenzo and his group face dangers and overcome obstacles in the best questing tradition. While that may sound simply put any loyal reader of fantasy knows its not the destination, its the journey. In this case the journey is worthwhile when tagging along with this group of characters. I would recommend this if you like fantasy, it was a fast, fun reading experience.
June 7, 2011
This is the second book in the Halcyon series, I have read the first book as well. This book continues with the same characters as in the first one, but the previously seperate plot lines get merged as the main characters meet and interact with each other in this book. The airship Halcyon is not central to this book, but it was still important.
The central characters, Tahiri, Lorenzo, Kenan, and Qhora all undergo some development in this book. They have depth and feelings and help draw the reader into the plot. I enjoyed the change of geography, the alternate reality Spain is interesting: Espani, a cold snowy land, full of ghosts, and completely lacking in technology. Lorenzo's struggle with being an expert sword user, and instructor, with being a deeply religious man are highlighted in this book. Lewis has created a good cast of characters in an alternate steampunk Mediterranean world. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more by Lewis.
The central characters, Tahiri, Lorenzo, Kenan, and Qhora all undergo some development in this book. They have depth and feelings and help draw the reader into the plot. I enjoyed the change of geography, the alternate reality Spain is interesting: Espani, a cold snowy land, full of ghosts, and completely lacking in technology. Lorenzo's struggle with being an expert sword user, and instructor, with being a deeply religious man are highlighted in this book. Lewis has created a good cast of characters in an alternate steampunk Mediterranean world. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more by Lewis.
July 3, 2011
This is the second book in a series and I didn't read the first book. This didn't prevent me from understanding and enjoying the story. But the fact that this book was enjoyable makes me want to go back and read the first book.
The story focuses on Don Lorenzo who is an Spanish ex-soldier who now runs a fencing school with his Incan wife. The story reads at a good pace and has just enough adventure to keep your attention. You find yourself drawn to the characters and wanting everything to turn out right for Don Lorenzo and his friends.
The genre is the Steampunk with a twist of an alternative earth. I wasn't aware of this when I started reading the book so it took a couple of chapters to realize that all the characters where from the same time.
If you are looking for a well written book that has adventure, fantasy, romance, and even a little humor; then read The Broken Sword. This is the second book by Joseph Lewis that I have read and look forward to the next one.
The story focuses on Don Lorenzo who is an Spanish ex-soldier who now runs a fencing school with his Incan wife. The story reads at a good pace and has just enough adventure to keep your attention. You find yourself drawn to the characters and wanting everything to turn out right for Don Lorenzo and his friends.
The genre is the Steampunk with a twist of an alternative earth. I wasn't aware of this when I started reading the book so it took a couple of chapters to realize that all the characters where from the same time.
If you are looking for a well written book that has adventure, fantasy, romance, and even a little humor; then read The Broken Sword. This is the second book by Joseph Lewis that I have read and look forward to the next one.
January 15, 2012
Having read the first book in this series, I was happy to return to the world that Lewis has created. This world, similar to ours but caught in an Ice Age that never ended, is strongly developed and very real. I felt that the pacing in The Broken Sword was a little more even than in the previous adventure, The Burning Sky. Lewis writes a good mixture of adventure, romance and humor about very solidly developed characters. I enjoy the contrast of technology and mythology that winds through this book, and I certainly look forward to more from this author.
I received a free electronic copy of this book through a LibraryThing giveaway.
I received a free electronic copy of this book through a LibraryThing giveaway.
May 20, 2012
Mister Lewis you have done it again. The key players from the Burning Sky are back and having issues yet again. This time, the story is focused on Enzo and Qhora and based in their homeland of España. These are the most amazing stories, and I love them even more since I myself have a daughter named Cora! On to the third!
June 14, 2012
Quick and entertaining read. Further characterization and development of the alternate world.
July 29, 2012
I liked the first book but this one was even better. Still an outside the box read for me but enjoyable.
October 27, 2012
Excellent Book! My new favorite author!
June 9, 2011
This is Book 2 in the Halcyon Trilogy, I did not read Book 1. I did feel a little like I was missing things when reading this book. There were references to things that obviously happened in the first book and I didn't always understand what was going on.
Fantasy is my favorite genre, but I had a hard time getting into this novel. There was so much of the same thing going on, travelling here, getting into a fight. Travelling there, getting into a fight. It was usually the same person they were fighting. A lot of the characters were flat and uninteresting. Lorenzo and his wife didn't start feeling real and engaging to me until almost the end.
I loved the huge bird for riding and the pet tiger, I wish they had been used more. I enjoyed the bits of humor that came through here and there throughout the story, if only it had been used more as well.
I see from other reviews that some people did really enjoy this book, so if you enjoy fantasy and steampunk, give this one a look.
Fantasy is my favorite genre, but I had a hard time getting into this novel. There was so much of the same thing going on, travelling here, getting into a fight. Travelling there, getting into a fight. It was usually the same person they were fighting. A lot of the characters were flat and uninteresting. Lorenzo and his wife didn't start feeling real and engaging to me until almost the end.
I loved the huge bird for riding and the pet tiger, I wish they had been used more. I enjoyed the bits of humor that came through here and there throughout the story, if only it had been used more as well.
I see from other reviews that some people did really enjoy this book, so if you enjoy fantasy and steampunk, give this one a look.
August 12, 2016
This was a great read with a story set in a fascinating world where history developed differently to our own. Joseph Robert Lewis has put together some well developed characters in this steam punk fantasy novel.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews