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Blood Skies #2
Black Scars
Something ancient has awoken. Primordial and wholly evil, a living shadow emerges from a prison made weak by the magical cataclysm called The Black. Now the Sleeper stalks the land in search of its old enemies, leaving a trail of madness and destruction in its wake. Eric Cross, a Southern Claw warlock, has been sent to find the Woman in the Ice, the only known means to stopping this evil. Aided by a grizzled ranger and a band of wardens and inmates from a sadistic prison, Cross’ mission will bring him into conflict with an array of the barbaric Gorgoloth, vampire shock troops out of the Ebon Cities, and a cadre of mercenary nihilists called the Black Circle. On a mission that will take him from a lost temple once ruled by insidious wolf sorcerers to the vicious gladiator games of the vampire city-state of Krul to the deadly ruins of an ice city, Cross will play a pivotal role in an ancient conflict whose outcome will determine the future of the world. Return to the world of Blood Skies in this exciting military fantasy adventure!
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2011
11 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 17, 2011
Honestly, I'm thrilled by the way BLACK SCARS came together. I feel like I grew quite a bit as a writer between my first and second books, and I hope to only improve. My experience writing the book equals my estimation of the books quality.
That being said, they say no one else will like your book if you don't like it yourself. Well...I love it.
That being said, they say no one else will like your book if you don't like it yourself. Well...I love it.
February 15, 2013
After reading Blood Skies, I have to say I was thoroughly enthralled with the brutal, post-apocalyptic world that Steve Montano has created. An event called The Black has decimated the world beyond recognition, resulting in a melding of dimensions or realities. The landscape is a diseased wasteland and a myriad of creatures now roam the earth.
The story opens with the escape of a creature called the sleeper from a liquid grave within a mountain, a powerful entity a Dra'aalthakmar that brings destruction with it.
Once again we follow Eric Cross a young Southern Claw warlock who after losing the rest of his team in the first novel now works alone and we join Cross in the snowy wastelands of the Reach, joined by his guide Dillion and their allies the silent and mysterious Lith nomads.
Cross's mission is from High Command and that means from the White Mother herself, the enigmatic leader of the Southern Claw alliance and he has been sent to learn something from the witch mother Sajai, the leader of the Lith tribe. In the distance they see smoke from a wreck and Sajai finally tells him to 'follow and you will find' and this it seems is what they have waited weeks for to happen.
The smoke is from a wrecked airship called the dreadnaught and the occupants are mercenaries, Revengers from the Black Scar a vast and secure prison complex, and with prisoners in tow. The story kicks off here along with the action up and we have the introduction of some prominent new characters as Cross's mission to find the woman in the ice becomes ever more crucial.
The undead vampires are much more prominent in Black Scars and we get a true feel for just how brutal and destructive life is as we see for the first time inside the Ebon cities, home of the undead and the prison city of Krul. This was the stand out part of the book for me as there seems to be no escape from the prison city and the despair is evident at the cruel treatment.
Cross is still learning to live with his new spirit and her reckless tendencies, the only warlock or witch ever to lose a spirit and be granted another after the events of the first book. His physical and mental journey evolve as he is forced to step up from warlock to prisoner and gladiator and finally to a true leader and a saviour.
I gave the first book 5 stars but this is even better, we have the same descriptive prowess, the world is expanded with the introduction of the Vampire city Krul but the biggest improvement was the new characters that look to have a future in the series and the skilfully described action sequences of which there are many. The book feels more polished and complete, as the world is given more depth, the characters are bigger and the pace faster as the story effortlessly flows from vivid descriptive chapters to all out brutal action.
The story opens with the escape of a creature called the sleeper from a liquid grave within a mountain, a powerful entity a Dra'aalthakmar that brings destruction with it.
Once again we follow Eric Cross a young Southern Claw warlock who after losing the rest of his team in the first novel now works alone and we join Cross in the snowy wastelands of the Reach, joined by his guide Dillion and their allies the silent and mysterious Lith nomads.
Cross's mission is from High Command and that means from the White Mother herself, the enigmatic leader of the Southern Claw alliance and he has been sent to learn something from the witch mother Sajai, the leader of the Lith tribe. In the distance they see smoke from a wreck and Sajai finally tells him to 'follow and you will find' and this it seems is what they have waited weeks for to happen.
The smoke is from a wrecked airship called the dreadnaught and the occupants are mercenaries, Revengers from the Black Scar a vast and secure prison complex, and with prisoners in tow. The story kicks off here along with the action up and we have the introduction of some prominent new characters as Cross's mission to find the woman in the ice becomes ever more crucial.
The undead vampires are much more prominent in Black Scars and we get a true feel for just how brutal and destructive life is as we see for the first time inside the Ebon cities, home of the undead and the prison city of Krul. This was the stand out part of the book for me as there seems to be no escape from the prison city and the despair is evident at the cruel treatment.
Cross is still learning to live with his new spirit and her reckless tendencies, the only warlock or witch ever to lose a spirit and be granted another after the events of the first book. His physical and mental journey evolve as he is forced to step up from warlock to prisoner and gladiator and finally to a true leader and a saviour.
I gave the first book 5 stars but this is even better, we have the same descriptive prowess, the world is expanded with the introduction of the Vampire city Krul but the biggest improvement was the new characters that look to have a future in the series and the skilfully described action sequences of which there are many. The book feels more polished and complete, as the world is given more depth, the characters are bigger and the pace faster as the story effortlessly flows from vivid descriptive chapters to all out brutal action.
August 9, 2012
Full Review originally at Fantasy Book Critic
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: After reading Blood Skies, Steven Montano’s debut, I was very much intrigued by his post-apocalyptic, horror tinged, thriller style. The first book titled the same as the series was definitely something that I enjoyed and so I was very much looking forward to Black Scars and the continuation of Eric Cross's story. The story begins is its usual confusing fashion where a myriad series of events occur and seem to have no connection with each other. The story opens with a creature escaping from its prison not knowing entirely where it is and what it’s supposed to do.
We find Eric Cross along with a new team trying to fit in after the events of the past and still trying to gel with his new magical spirit. Eric is a young veteran who has faced horrors beyond the human imagination in the preceding title, he also has become the first mage to lose his spirit but also gain a new one as well. These events however cannot prepare the reader for the mayhem that is yet to come and the author does his absolute best to outdo the first book in the gore factor as well as the plot twists.
The book’s biggest strength is the author’s prose, it is stylistic like John Connolly when it comes to descriptions of the world and its inhabitants, however while John does it in a bit of a restrained manner, Steven Montano goes out blazing on all his cylinders. His prose and descriptions paint a bleak and brutal picture but its beauty is no less stark. The pace and plot twists are ratcheted up further if that was even possible. The author’s imagination has to be lauded for the world he has created as well as the horrors that inhabit it. This is his trademark, his vivid imagination and to use it to fuel his high-octane stories that mix more genres than possible as well give the readers a story unlike they have read before.
There are a few niggles to this tale as well, firstly the action sequences sometimes overwhelm the storyline. The action events are definitely long drawn out and sometimes detract from the happenings of the story. This might not be such a big point for the action lovers among the readers however for those looking for a little less action, this might not be the book for you. Secondly the world is still not revealed in its entirety, the events called the Black are explained to a certain extent but not to its entirety. I’m hoping we get more reveals in the next book.
Black Scars is a visible improvement on its predecessor and sets up the next book SoulRazor quite emphatically. Black Scars is an eclectic mix of horror, SF, Military fantasy as well as dark fantasy genres. With such a mix, it becomes more than the sum of its components, it’s a Steven Montano book that manages to give the readers a read that will surprise, thrill and scare them. Dive into the world of the Black and be prepared to read a tale quite unlike you have read anything so far.
October 24, 2011
I just finished book two in the Blood Skies Series and feel like I ate my supper...twice! Don't kid yourselves, guys, this is a main entree, no appetizer or dessert served here! Montano really understands how to deliver dark fantasy and make no mistake, it's dark.
In this adventure, Southern Claw Solider, Eric Cross, takes on more than he can handle and becomes a prisoner and gladiator-of-sorts for vampires. Wanting nothing more than to survive, save his comrades and find the Woman in the Ice/Lake he does just that...with the single-minded focus only Cross possesses. I am not a big high fantasy fan but what saves the genre for me is Montano's descriptive prowess. It may not be for all, but a less adept writer could never have managed the weighty material. Look at the following example:
~The undead exploded. Pale animated bodies and jagged skeletal weapons, razor vapors and icy claws, maggot hearts and grave dust, soiled black fire and cursed souls: all of it immolated within the onslaught of primal spirit matter like paper put to the flame~
The entire work is a scene-scape of words. In some parts I desperately wished to escape the vividness of his writing, especially in battles, my heart raced! But there is no escape. You are IN the battle, while the melee swirls around the reader. This is a heavily descriptive work with great pacing and action throughout. Fans of high, dark fantasy are going to love this second installment in the Blood Skies Series.
In this adventure, Southern Claw Solider, Eric Cross, takes on more than he can handle and becomes a prisoner and gladiator-of-sorts for vampires. Wanting nothing more than to survive, save his comrades and find the Woman in the Ice/Lake he does just that...with the single-minded focus only Cross possesses. I am not a big high fantasy fan but what saves the genre for me is Montano's descriptive prowess. It may not be for all, but a less adept writer could never have managed the weighty material. Look at the following example:
~The undead exploded. Pale animated bodies and jagged skeletal weapons, razor vapors and icy claws, maggot hearts and grave dust, soiled black fire and cursed souls: all of it immolated within the onslaught of primal spirit matter like paper put to the flame~
The entire work is a scene-scape of words. In some parts I desperately wished to escape the vividness of his writing, especially in battles, my heart raced! But there is no escape. You are IN the battle, while the melee swirls around the reader. This is a heavily descriptive work with great pacing and action throughout. Fans of high, dark fantasy are going to love this second installment in the Blood Skies Series.
January 3, 2012
The first Blood Skies book was a breath of fresh air - a truly original melding of science fiction, vampire mythology and dark fantasy. It was quite unlike any other book I have read in both narrative tone and theme. In fact, I gave it five stars.
Black Scars is, simply, even better. If you read the first one, then you know roughly what to expect. But this time around, it really feels as if Steven Montano has produced a much tighter and more polished piece of work. Somehow, this feels like a more complete book. Blood Skies was unique and skilfully-made, but Black Scars just fits together that bit more precisely. The deep, descriptive passages melt into the sudden, brutal action sequences just a little more effortlessly. This book is a true evolution of the series.
One thing I loved about the first book was the dreamy-dark, poetic language that lulled the reader gently into a nightmare world. The formula returns here, but this time the prose is more varied and the pace is faster. The author’s ruined earth is given extra depth; the characters are bigger than ever; the shadows are darker than before. Blood Skies was brilliant, but Black Scars represents a step up in the author’s game. I can't wait for the next one. The only question is whether it can achieve another such evolutionary leap.
Black Scars is, simply, even better. If you read the first one, then you know roughly what to expect. But this time around, it really feels as if Steven Montano has produced a much tighter and more polished piece of work. Somehow, this feels like a more complete book. Blood Skies was unique and skilfully-made, but Black Scars just fits together that bit more precisely. The deep, descriptive passages melt into the sudden, brutal action sequences just a little more effortlessly. This book is a true evolution of the series.
One thing I loved about the first book was the dreamy-dark, poetic language that lulled the reader gently into a nightmare world. The formula returns here, but this time the prose is more varied and the pace is faster. The author’s ruined earth is given extra depth; the characters are bigger than ever; the shadows are darker than before. Blood Skies was brilliant, but Black Scars represents a step up in the author’s game. I can't wait for the next one. The only question is whether it can achieve another such evolutionary leap.
August 3, 2013
This author can write! I was sucked into this story and couldn't put it down! A very dark and very detailed story, I could feel the freezing, the heat, all of it!
April 13, 2012
"Black Scars" is the second book in the Blood Skies series from Steven Montano (@Daezarkian). Much like its predecessor, "Blood Skies," this book is rich in vivid imagery, exciting and often-times brutal action and a setting that is — to put it as simply as I can — pretty damn cool.
In "Black Scars," Cross, a human with magical abilities, has been sent on a mission critical to human survival. He must find The Woman In The Ice because she holds the key to defending against a hugely powerful and unknown force which can destroy the remnants of humanity. To get to the Woman, though, he will have to overcome both human and undead enemies who are also searching for her.
This is a somewhat bare-bones plot summary, but to give much more would spoil a rollicking adventure told with rich descriptive prose. Mr. Montano paints a scene with words in a way that is lyrical and vivid. You will know and feel the bitter cold of The Reach, and the awful fear of facing a vampire's razor-sharp claws and black soul-less eyes.
Previous post-apocalyptic stories I've read have used nuclear holocaust, alien invasion, climate change, pestilence, zombies, vampires, etc., as the backdrop for a shattered, lawless society or ravaged Earth. Mr. Montano's construct is refreshingly unique and one that gives him a great deal of freedom to let his obviously fertile imagination run free.
Over 20 years ago The Black — a cataclysmic event that no one truly understands the origins of — fused Earth with countless other worlds. The Black added species, continents, cities, and — most important for the survival of humans — magic to our planet while wiping out or altering our previous existence.
Mr. Montano's Earth contains all manner of nasty and dangerous beasties, including vampires, Blood Wolves, and giants of terrifying strength and viciousness — to name but a few. Most of the humans have cobbled together a defensive group called the Southern Claw Alliance, and are locked in mortal battle with the vampires of the Ebon Cities.
Cross is the protagonist of the first two Blood Skies books, a human warlock working for the Claw. As mentioned, discovering humans capable of magic was key to the species' survival after The Black. In another construct I find refreshing and interesting, all magic wielders are fused with a unique spirit that is always of the opposite sex.
By employing his spirit, Cross battles other humans and creatures, magical or not, and reconnoiter the ground ahead. Spirits are afraid and hostile when faced with another, and when a witch and warlock are in proximity the tension can sap their strength as they must rein in the aggressive nature of their spirits.
I highly recommend starting with "Blood Skies" and then moving on to "Black Scars." Each book stands alone as an installment in the series, but to fully appreciate Mr. Montano's work read them in sequence. The third book in the series, "Soulrazor" is also out, and is on my To-Read list. I can't wait.
In "Black Scars," Cross, a human with magical abilities, has been sent on a mission critical to human survival. He must find The Woman In The Ice because she holds the key to defending against a hugely powerful and unknown force which can destroy the remnants of humanity. To get to the Woman, though, he will have to overcome both human and undead enemies who are also searching for her.
This is a somewhat bare-bones plot summary, but to give much more would spoil a rollicking adventure told with rich descriptive prose. Mr. Montano paints a scene with words in a way that is lyrical and vivid. You will know and feel the bitter cold of The Reach, and the awful fear of facing a vampire's razor-sharp claws and black soul-less eyes.
Previous post-apocalyptic stories I've read have used nuclear holocaust, alien invasion, climate change, pestilence, zombies, vampires, etc., as the backdrop for a shattered, lawless society or ravaged Earth. Mr. Montano's construct is refreshingly unique and one that gives him a great deal of freedom to let his obviously fertile imagination run free.
Over 20 years ago The Black — a cataclysmic event that no one truly understands the origins of — fused Earth with countless other worlds. The Black added species, continents, cities, and — most important for the survival of humans — magic to our planet while wiping out or altering our previous existence.
Mr. Montano's Earth contains all manner of nasty and dangerous beasties, including vampires, Blood Wolves, and giants of terrifying strength and viciousness — to name but a few. Most of the humans have cobbled together a defensive group called the Southern Claw Alliance, and are locked in mortal battle with the vampires of the Ebon Cities.
Cross is the protagonist of the first two Blood Skies books, a human warlock working for the Claw. As mentioned, discovering humans capable of magic was key to the species' survival after The Black. In another construct I find refreshing and interesting, all magic wielders are fused with a unique spirit that is always of the opposite sex.
By employing his spirit, Cross battles other humans and creatures, magical or not, and reconnoiter the ground ahead. Spirits are afraid and hostile when faced with another, and when a witch and warlock are in proximity the tension can sap their strength as they must rein in the aggressive nature of their spirits.
I highly recommend starting with "Blood Skies" and then moving on to "Black Scars." Each book stands alone as an installment in the series, but to fully appreciate Mr. Montano's work read them in sequence. The third book in the series, "Soulrazor" is also out, and is on my To-Read list. I can't wait.
February 16, 2013
The world is still at war and Eric Cross is directly in the middle of it. Eric is in search of the one thing that can stop the new evil that has awoken, the Sleeper. But while on his search he becomes the target of this ancient evil. Now in a race against time, Eric and his group of mismatched miscreants have to beat the evil to the Ice ruins that hold the secret to saving them all, the Woman in the Ice. And he will be forced to do things he never thought he could and go places he never wanted to go as Eric's skill as a warlock and Southern Claw soldier are put to the ultimate test.
I have to say that I love the hero in this story, Eric Cross. He is definitely not your typical hero. He's not the biggest, strongest, most powerful, the best fighter or best looking. All in all he is pretty average, but it is the way he handles himself when put into seemingly impossible situations that amazes me. This is where he becomes the true hero, this is where he shines, where his smarts and tenacity pay off. When most would back down or run for the hills, Eric takes charge, hardens himself and is the first on the line. Always willing to risk his life before anyone else's. In Black Scars Eric is no longer the timid warrior we saw in Blood Skies. Hardened by battle and loss Cross becomes just the hero the Southern Claw needs.
And I loved the characters that surrounded Eric in Black Scars, especially the mismatched band of miscreants he relies on to find the Woman in the Ice. With my favorite being Kane, the fierce warrior and often funny inmate whose fate got tied to Cross. I loved to hate Danica and often wished that I could jump in the book and choke her, but she proved to be a warrior that I didn't mind seeing by Eric's side. I think Danica and Eric balance each other out and could make a pretty unstoppable team. And as usual Steven Montano does not fail to deliver amazing dark creatures. Of course bringing back his incredibly dark and haunting vampires that remind us of to be afraid of creatures that go bump in the night.
Black Scars, in true Steven Montano fashion was a dark fantasy where the heroes were put up against impossible odds, great loss and evil so dark even the vampires shudder. The story is so well written that you don't even realize when it has sucked you in, delivering you to that dark place you never knew you hungered for, and brings forth monsters and creatures that would haunt the minds of the innocent.
I have to say that I love the hero in this story, Eric Cross. He is definitely not your typical hero. He's not the biggest, strongest, most powerful, the best fighter or best looking. All in all he is pretty average, but it is the way he handles himself when put into seemingly impossible situations that amazes me. This is where he becomes the true hero, this is where he shines, where his smarts and tenacity pay off. When most would back down or run for the hills, Eric takes charge, hardens himself and is the first on the line. Always willing to risk his life before anyone else's. In Black Scars Eric is no longer the timid warrior we saw in Blood Skies. Hardened by battle and loss Cross becomes just the hero the Southern Claw needs.
And I loved the characters that surrounded Eric in Black Scars, especially the mismatched band of miscreants he relies on to find the Woman in the Ice. With my favorite being Kane, the fierce warrior and often funny inmate whose fate got tied to Cross. I loved to hate Danica and often wished that I could jump in the book and choke her, but she proved to be a warrior that I didn't mind seeing by Eric's side. I think Danica and Eric balance each other out and could make a pretty unstoppable team. And as usual Steven Montano does not fail to deliver amazing dark creatures. Of course bringing back his incredibly dark and haunting vampires that remind us of to be afraid of creatures that go bump in the night.
Black Scars, in true Steven Montano fashion was a dark fantasy where the heroes were put up against impossible odds, great loss and evil so dark even the vampires shudder. The story is so well written that you don't even realize when it has sucked you in, delivering you to that dark place you never knew you hungered for, and brings forth monsters and creatures that would haunt the minds of the innocent.
October 21, 2011
Black Scars, Steve Montano’s second entry in the Blood Skies Series is an in depth look into the heart and soul of a warrior, albeit a reluctant one. Eric Cross, the young Southern Claw warlock who does not expect to grow old, is thrust into another mission in a world driven mad by demons seen and unseen. Haunted by his own personal demons, Cross senses the futility of his current mission to save the world. Will he turn his back on humanity? From page one, you get the sense this guy will succeed or die trying.
Mr. Montano’s descriptive prose is so painstakingly beautiful you are in the moment with his characters at every turn. The sights, sounds, and even the smells almost sent me into sensory over load on more than one occasion. Cross’ characterization is breathlessly crafted to the point where I could fall in love with his commitment and sensitivity and abhor his carnal cruelty in the same sentence. From the Vampire Gladiator Pit of Krul, to the tunnels under the deadly Ice City, Eric Cross is stripped of his humanity and left to face the enemy as a raw and ruthless machine powered by arcane magic. Bound on an ethereal level to those he neither likes nor trusts, Cross steps into the jaws of hell itself.
Military fantasy is normally not my first choice for an entertaining read. However, if high adventure in a military ‘blood and guts’ sort of way is your thing Black Scars won’t disappoint. If, like me, you enjoy fantasy that draws you into each scene, creates a character that you want to take home to heal, and thrives in a world where despair is the norm yet hope is offered by the warriors who willingly sacrifice themselves, you not only will not be disappointed, you might find yourself craving more.
I really liked this story. I loved Eric Cross. The world after The Black is a frightening one made bearable by the Warriors devoted to their craft. Consider this a woman’s view of a genre usually dominated by the guys. Mr. Montano is an author who speaks to the soul, not just your gender.
Mr. Montano’s descriptive prose is so painstakingly beautiful you are in the moment with his characters at every turn. The sights, sounds, and even the smells almost sent me into sensory over load on more than one occasion. Cross’ characterization is breathlessly crafted to the point where I could fall in love with his commitment and sensitivity and abhor his carnal cruelty in the same sentence. From the Vampire Gladiator Pit of Krul, to the tunnels under the deadly Ice City, Eric Cross is stripped of his humanity and left to face the enemy as a raw and ruthless machine powered by arcane magic. Bound on an ethereal level to those he neither likes nor trusts, Cross steps into the jaws of hell itself.
Military fantasy is normally not my first choice for an entertaining read. However, if high adventure in a military ‘blood and guts’ sort of way is your thing Black Scars won’t disappoint. If, like me, you enjoy fantasy that draws you into each scene, creates a character that you want to take home to heal, and thrives in a world where despair is the norm yet hope is offered by the warriors who willingly sacrifice themselves, you not only will not be disappointed, you might find yourself craving more.
I really liked this story. I loved Eric Cross. The world after The Black is a frightening one made bearable by the Warriors devoted to their craft. Consider this a woman’s view of a genre usually dominated by the guys. Mr. Montano is an author who speaks to the soul, not just your gender.
October 3, 2013
I read this book as part of the Blood Skies Omnibus Volume 1. Which was a gift from Steven Montano.
My Review:
I'm giving Black Scars a Strong 6 out of 5. Thats how much I like it. I've continued to start on book 3 Soulrazor before I'd even written this review!
Once again the world is still at war and Cross is still caught in the thick of it.With a new but ancient evil; The Sleeper; threatening to awake, Cross and a group of mismatched mercenaries are in a race against time to get to the Ice Ruins to find the one thing that can stop this newly awoken ancient evil. However, Cross soon finds that he has become the new target for The Sleeper. Will they find the Woman in the Ice before The Sleeper finds them? Cross is one again forced to go places and do things that He never thought he would. His skills as a warlock and a warrior are once again put to the test and his limits are pushed even further.
Mr Montano' writing style is once again amazing, as I found myself drawn in from the start. The descriptions are detailed enough that I can imagine myself being there in the story seeing and feeling everything! The setting and the characters have grown and progressed; ruined earth has been given extra depth, characters are bigger than ever, and the shadows are darker than before!
I definitely recommend reading The Blood Skies books and would highly recommend reading them in order too.
Favourite Quotes:
"There was a body on the ground in front of them, and it was still moving. Greasy innards dangled from the waist where the legs had been torn away from the torso. Thick chains still attached to the bulkhead, held the severed limbs a few yards away."
Loc 4973 Kindle.
"Cross looked at the vampires in the crowd, and they were as stoic and as still as wax statues. They had deep eyes like pits and moon-pale faces. Lips drew back to reveal grey fangs dripping dark venoms."
Loc 6948 Kindle
My Review:
I'm giving Black Scars a Strong 6 out of 5. Thats how much I like it. I've continued to start on book 3 Soulrazor before I'd even written this review!
Once again the world is still at war and Cross is still caught in the thick of it.With a new but ancient evil; The Sleeper; threatening to awake, Cross and a group of mismatched mercenaries are in a race against time to get to the Ice Ruins to find the one thing that can stop this newly awoken ancient evil. However, Cross soon finds that he has become the new target for The Sleeper. Will they find the Woman in the Ice before The Sleeper finds them? Cross is one again forced to go places and do things that He never thought he would. His skills as a warlock and a warrior are once again put to the test and his limits are pushed even further.
Mr Montano' writing style is once again amazing, as I found myself drawn in from the start. The descriptions are detailed enough that I can imagine myself being there in the story seeing and feeling everything! The setting and the characters have grown and progressed; ruined earth has been given extra depth, characters are bigger than ever, and the shadows are darker than before!
I definitely recommend reading The Blood Skies books and would highly recommend reading them in order too.
Favourite Quotes:
"There was a body on the ground in front of them, and it was still moving. Greasy innards dangled from the waist where the legs had been torn away from the torso. Thick chains still attached to the bulkhead, held the severed limbs a few yards away."
Loc 4973 Kindle.
"Cross looked at the vampires in the crowd, and they were as stoic and as still as wax statues. They had deep eyes like pits and moon-pale faces. Lips drew back to reveal grey fangs dripping dark venoms."
Loc 6948 Kindle
October 26, 2011
I was so hooked on this series with "Blood Skies" that I immediately dove into "Blood Scars." Steven Montano takes a no-holds-barred approach to the second book in the series. While seducing the reader into the deep intimate personal bonds between friends, Cross and his new mercenary crew fight their fiercest battles against the vampires, themselves, and their own impending madness. The imagery drives you through Cross's eyes to fully experience the pain and suffering The Black has caused. Inside the darkest recesses, you feel the frightening affects of the larger than life entity that is determined to destroy all creatures living and undead, the vampire prison which possesses sheer madness inside the cells and outside with shape-shifting walls, the vampires' gladiator arena which pushes them all beyond their limits, and the bloodiest battle Cross has ever faced against the vampires. The warlock hero and his ethereal spirit wage war against evil not only to avenge the deaths of family and friends but to bring a sense of goodness back into his life as well as others. Always humble, Cross is a true hero who knows his purpose and sets out on his quest without hesitation. "Black Scars" is deliciously horrific yet well-rounded with an intensely delicate twist, a fine line between madness and understanding.
June 13, 2012
This book, the 2nd in the series, has Montano expanding on his previous Apocalyptic universe of Earth post The Black, and of course, the main characters including Cross, a human/warlock, sent off to find The Woman In The Ice because she can do 'something' that his supervisors say will save the human race. He's not given the answers. If I were him, I'd fire my supervisors!
As I mentioned in my review of book one, Montano excels at visual descriptions and world building, so much so that although I dislike military fantasy, I dig his work because I like high fantasy and horror. The tapestry he sets is so deep and so vivid, I'm drawn in and wrapped up in his cocoon. Now, there were times I wondered if a segment needed as much detail as he'd poured into it, but then he'd jump into a fight scene or five chapters later there was a tie in that rocked those details and I was flipping back and re-reading to make sure I had every little item just right in my brain-thing. Truly, he's got these layers of intensity going on with his characters and plot, it's clear he's spent so much time building them up and caring for them. I often can't fathom the hell he puts them through.
Again, an awesome, wild ride. I'm definitely on board for the next one. More likely the entire series.
As I mentioned in my review of book one, Montano excels at visual descriptions and world building, so much so that although I dislike military fantasy, I dig his work because I like high fantasy and horror. The tapestry he sets is so deep and so vivid, I'm drawn in and wrapped up in his cocoon. Now, there were times I wondered if a segment needed as much detail as he'd poured into it, but then he'd jump into a fight scene or five chapters later there was a tie in that rocked those details and I was flipping back and re-reading to make sure I had every little item just right in my brain-thing. Truly, he's got these layers of intensity going on with his characters and plot, it's clear he's spent so much time building them up and caring for them. I often can't fathom the hell he puts them through.
Again, an awesome, wild ride. I'm definitely on board for the next one. More likely the entire series.
May 1, 2013
Loved the first book in the series, but this second one just didn't work for me. Sloppy editing (a lot of excess 'that's and 'off of', a point where "the metal shuttered" instead of "shuddered", etc) doesn't help. Montano's writing is very descriptive, and while there are some moments this pays off in beautiful passages (Needle-thin bridges connected the delicate structures like misplaced horizontal icicles), there are more where it bogs the pace down and simply becomes tiresome to read - especially his penchant for layering on the metaphors and similes (The air is sluggish and thick. He moves as if through deep snow. The light fades. Shadows spill across his vision like dark wine. Leaves crash and shatter on the ground like glass and stone.).
As per the first book, combat here is well-written and easy to read. The last few chapters of this book are excellent, with an engaging pace that carried me through the satisfying climax and denouement.
All told, while I think the plot points in this book are critical to the protagonist's character development and I'm intrigued to see where Montano goes from here, this just isn't a great book. My fingers are crossed that the series looks up, and I'm looking forward to starting the third book soon.
As per the first book, combat here is well-written and easy to read. The last few chapters of this book are excellent, with an engaging pace that carried me through the satisfying climax and denouement.
All told, while I think the plot points in this book are critical to the protagonist's character development and I'm intrigued to see where Montano goes from here, this just isn't a great book. My fingers are crossed that the series looks up, and I'm looking forward to starting the third book soon.
April 9, 2012
I am really enjoying this series. As a fantasy reader, it's well-known that anything can happen in the fantasy world. But the "anything can happen" doesn't always make sense and isn't always portrayed in a logical way. In this series it is. Everything is well-thought out, and if any new element is added it's described in a way that makes it fit right in with everything else. In this second book, Eric Cross is trying to find a way to save mankind from an ancient evil that has awoken. Unfortunately, nothing ever goes easily for Eric and the hunt turns into a desperate attempt to survive...which is just highly enjoyable and a heart-pounding ride for the rest of us! ...and as I write this review, I've already started book 3 and can't wait to see what happens next!
Content rating: R-V ... (V) bloody, sword-fighting, vampire-slaying violence. I'm not going to mark an (L) on this for language because it's minimal, perhaps a handful of times in the whole book. The same goes for (S) for sexual content because there's only a small paragraph with any kind of sexual content in it, and that's mostly in broken flashbacks.
Content rating: R-V ... (V) bloody, sword-fighting, vampire-slaying violence. I'm not going to mark an (L) on this for language because it's minimal, perhaps a handful of times in the whole book. The same goes for (S) for sexual content because there's only a small paragraph with any kind of sexual content in it, and that's mostly in broken flashbacks.
February 12, 2013
After reading the first book I could not wait to get to the next one. Ofcourse, having read many a series now, I expect that there will be a drop in quality as you progress in to the series (Connor Grey being a prime example). Black scars delivers exactly that. The writing style that was so fresh in the first book becomes overwhelming in the second. The wafer thin plot also does not help and puts and even more emphasis on the detailed descriptions which at times start bordering on the senseless. Too many characters come and go and while we get a lose background for most of them they never really make an impact for themselves or are discarded without leaving a compelling memory. I will try the third book in the series in the home that the author recovers some of the mix that made the first book so awesome. Dresden Files is always going to be the benchmark!
September 9, 2012
Just finished reading Black Scars, book 2 of the Blood Skies series.
Yet another ride on an amazing roller coaster of thrills, some chills, and some majorly exciting reading. Cross is back, and better than ever, when he finds himself on a "fact finding" mission. When has any mission that Cross has been on gone according to plan? His new, I want to say "allies" but that really does not describe the group that is thrown together more out of necessity than camaraderie. Did I mention Psychic Vampirism?
Well paced story, good character development, and a knack for making the unreal become real make this a must read for thrill seeking fans. It seemed as the pages were turning themselves.
Now on to book 3!
Yet another ride on an amazing roller coaster of thrills, some chills, and some majorly exciting reading. Cross is back, and better than ever, when he finds himself on a "fact finding" mission. When has any mission that Cross has been on gone according to plan? His new, I want to say "allies" but that really does not describe the group that is thrown together more out of necessity than camaraderie. Did I mention Psychic Vampirism?
Well paced story, good character development, and a knack for making the unreal become real make this a must read for thrill seeking fans. It seemed as the pages were turning themselves.
Now on to book 3!
December 23, 2011
Whereas I felt that Blood Skies started slowly, this time the story sets up the main conflict straight away and Cross is soon on the Sleeper's trail. There's plenty of action along the way with battles against hordes of undead and gladiatorial fights where the lives of Cross' comrades are the prize. As with Blood Skies, I felt that Black Scars is on the verge of being great but didn't quite get there.
See the in-depth review at Sift: http://www.siftreviews.com/2011/12/bl...
Review by: Edward of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
See the in-depth review at Sift: http://www.siftreviews.com/2011/12/bl...
Review by: Edward of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
September 6, 2012
After hectic mess that is the first book in the series, I approached Black Scars with caution. It didn't disappoint! The plot was still fast-paced, full of characters and beautifully described places - but it flowed much, much smoother. The characters are much better outlined *SPOILER* (I almost cried when Ekko died) */SPOILER* and actually have a say in events that are happening to them (unlike in the first book). I didn't care about main character in the first book - he was too passive and Werther-like for my liking - so I'm glad that he grew in an interesting (although still complicated) way.
August 31, 2012
This book was pretty cool. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I had a few moments of "huh?", but those were few and far in between. The way this book is written, I had no problem visualizing this entire book in my head and I felt like I was there. Eric Cross is just the type of hero I like to root for. Twists and turns abound in this fast-paced novel and now I'm wondering when book 3 will be out because I'll have to read it!
I reveived a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I reveived a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 17, 2012
Another fine book in the life of Eric Cross. He's not an impervious bad ass and not a wimpy little whiner. He's somewhere in the middle and gets in and gets the job done. I like the world; less world-building in this one but it's good. The ending was very cliffhangery(?). I have Soulrazor downloaded and ready to go. The new characters will provide good support and conflict here-out. I'm very glad that characters die. You can't make a believable post-apocalyptic/dystopian vampire military fantasy novel without someone dying. Glad the major characters aren't bulletproof and off limits.
September 7, 2012
I loved the first Blood Skies and Black Scars blew it away! Awesome action sequences that keep you turning pages!!! The new interpretation of the vampire is a awesome monster far removed from any other romanticized vampire. Throw a plethora of other insane creatures into the mix and you get a action packed monster story that is a thrill ride from beginning to end. aAling with that add the mysterious origin of The Black. Excellent story for an avid reader!
May 28, 2012
This book might even be better than the first one in the series. The two books are completely different. Cross is the only character who moves over into this book. I've said this before, but Montano is an axing story teller. Dialogue is second to showing what is going. The world he has created is horrific and every paragraph adds to the horror. I am excited to read the third book in the series.
July 19, 2012
After completing the first blood skies book, I was really excited to find out what happens to Eric Cross in this next instalment...the outcome was brilliant!! Another great read that has left me eager to start the 3rd book!! If you want a sci-fi/fantasy series that rewrites the way vampires/ghouls and all foul beings ever created then this is it!!
October 25, 2012
Another great entry into the Blood Skies series, with great characters, great writing, and well-thought scenes and FANTASTIC world-building! I'm starting right into book 3, Soulrazor. This series has me hooked!
February 15, 2013
Great follow-up to Blood Skies. Steve Montano has created a fascinating world and populated it w/ fearsome inhabitants and great characters. Eric Cross is a very relatable protagonist.
June 12, 2012
Continuation of the Blood Skies Trilogy. Read it and #3 in one day. 'Nuff said.
May 14, 2014
And thus I return to the world of The Black.
The first book of Steve Montano's Blood Skies series was good enough that I came back for more. In my review of Blood Skies, I stated how much I loved the vivid descriptions of this world, a world devastated after an event known as the Black has merged earth with nightmarish worlds filled with monsters stemmed from our darkest nightmares. Forefront of these monsters are the vampires of the Ebon Cities, non-shiny creatures that are as likely to perform horrific experiments on their human cattle as they are to eat or "Turn" them.
In that novel, we were introduced to Eric Cross, a warlock of the human Southern Claw Alliance of city-states fighting to stave off the vampiric horde from wiping out what's left of humanity. Cross was part of an elite group of soldiers, Viper Squad, sent on a mission to track down an infamous traitor, the witch known as Red, who planned to divulge crucial Southern Claw secrets to the Ebon Cities, ensuring humanity's defeat. After a long and dangerous journey, and with many loses to the team, Cross manages to avert disaster, stop Red, and deal a critical blow to the Ebon Cities.
Black Scars picks up where we last left Cross, no longer a soldier of the Southern Claw, now assigned to the inhospitable Reach alongside ranger Dillon on a mission to find the enigmatic Woman in the Ice, believed to be the only thing capable of stopping an ancient evil known as the Sleeper from destroying the world.
Steve Montano loses no flair for his creation. The world of the Black is just as realistic to me as it was when I first downloaded this series on my kindle. What keeps drawing me back is the world itself. While it's not the sort of world I'd like to live in, it's definitely something I'd like to see played out as a TV series on HBO or Showtime. It combines steampunk with dark fantasy, supernatural horror with just a dash of the paranormal, all wrapped up to create an original post-apocalyptic world.
While Black Scars lacks the road-trip aspect of Blood Skies, where Cross and his team trekked across a dozen different landscapes, it focuses more on the internal journey of the protagonist. Still haunted by the loss of his loved ones, Eric Cross must come face to face with his greatest enemy: his doubts. He comes across a dangerous new rival/enemy in the form of sexy and seductive witch, Danica Black (cool name, huh?) a Revenger from the most dreaded prison on the planet, Black Scar. What begins as a botched rescue attempt to save Black's lover turns into a nightmare as the team becomes prisoners to the vampires, taken to the heart of darkness itself, their capital, Krul, the City of Chains.
I won't go into too much detail with how crazy cool Krul was. Steve makes it sound exactly the kind of city vampires would build if they were real. Speaking of which, the previous book only had vampires appearing in minor fashion, never in the sheer numbers and overwhelming presence they did in this installment. We finally get to see what all the hoopla is about with the Ebon Cities and learn just how dangerous a threat they pose to humanity. Sure vampires are evil, but here they are a "Smart" evil. They can build weapons and ships, use advanced technology, and turn prisoners of war into willing slaves to their cause. In short, if Krul is any indication of what the Ebon Cities have going for them, the Southern Cross is screwed.
"Everyone has scars. And yet here I sit, scarred and beaten and coming back for more."
This line, I believe, perfectly summaries the theme of this book. It's less about the physical scarring and more about the mental and spiritual marks left on the soul. Everyone carries with them wounds that will never heal, scars on their psyche that will remain until the end of their days.
"Everything is wounded...every place I go, every person or creature I meet. We've all been stitched back together, and now we're nothing like we used to be. The Black made everything as car, healed but imperfect. And as we heal we change, and not always for the better." ~ Alex Cross
Now I have to state the two issues I had with this book. This first is only a minor complaint and to be honest, it's an improvement from the first book. I wasn't too crazy about the characters in Blood Skies mainly because they were too underdeveloped. They were limited, background machinations meant to serve as meat for the grinder, and the one character I really wanted to learn more about, Christena, didn't last long enough.
This time around, Steve adds variety to the team surrounding Cross. Whereas Viper Squad was made up of Southern Claw soldiers, his new team is a mishmash of vagabonds from around the world. Aside from Dillon the ranger, there is Danica Black, my few favorite witch, there's Kane, the foul-mouthed ex-convict; Ekko, Kane's lover-turned bloodsucker; Cole, a woman with very close ties to Black; and Ramsey a dwarf-like creature who knows more than he lets on. This variety of personas breaks up the monotony of stoic "get-er-done" soldiers that made up Viper Squad. The best news is that most of the people that Cross meets actually makes it to the finale this time, leaving time to develop these characters even more.
One thing that DID get on my nerves, however, were the constant, CONSTANT visions that Cross had along the way. I guess I didn't notice it much during the first book, but here it's like every third or fourth page Cross was having a vision about an apocalypse or seeing images of the Sleeper or an epic battle between good and evil. Normally that would make for some good reading and a nice break from the main story....but it just happened too often for my taste. It became more of a distraction than a break, a way to fill up pages rather than advance the story along. I felt that less time could have been put into these repetitive visions and more into developing the relationship between the characters.
I've just downloaded the third book in the series, Soulrazor, and am looking forward to more horrific adventures across the world of the Black. I just hope for Steve Montano's sake that nothing happens to the camel (that's an inside joke. You'll have to read the books to get it.)
The first book of Steve Montano's Blood Skies series was good enough that I came back for more. In my review of Blood Skies, I stated how much I loved the vivid descriptions of this world, a world devastated after an event known as the Black has merged earth with nightmarish worlds filled with monsters stemmed from our darkest nightmares. Forefront of these monsters are the vampires of the Ebon Cities, non-shiny creatures that are as likely to perform horrific experiments on their human cattle as they are to eat or "Turn" them.
In that novel, we were introduced to Eric Cross, a warlock of the human Southern Claw Alliance of city-states fighting to stave off the vampiric horde from wiping out what's left of humanity. Cross was part of an elite group of soldiers, Viper Squad, sent on a mission to track down an infamous traitor, the witch known as Red, who planned to divulge crucial Southern Claw secrets to the Ebon Cities, ensuring humanity's defeat. After a long and dangerous journey, and with many loses to the team, Cross manages to avert disaster, stop Red, and deal a critical blow to the Ebon Cities.
Black Scars picks up where we last left Cross, no longer a soldier of the Southern Claw, now assigned to the inhospitable Reach alongside ranger Dillon on a mission to find the enigmatic Woman in the Ice, believed to be the only thing capable of stopping an ancient evil known as the Sleeper from destroying the world.
Steve Montano loses no flair for his creation. The world of the Black is just as realistic to me as it was when I first downloaded this series on my kindle. What keeps drawing me back is the world itself. While it's not the sort of world I'd like to live in, it's definitely something I'd like to see played out as a TV series on HBO or Showtime. It combines steampunk with dark fantasy, supernatural horror with just a dash of the paranormal, all wrapped up to create an original post-apocalyptic world.
While Black Scars lacks the road-trip aspect of Blood Skies, where Cross and his team trekked across a dozen different landscapes, it focuses more on the internal journey of the protagonist. Still haunted by the loss of his loved ones, Eric Cross must come face to face with his greatest enemy: his doubts. He comes across a dangerous new rival/enemy in the form of sexy and seductive witch, Danica Black (cool name, huh?) a Revenger from the most dreaded prison on the planet, Black Scar. What begins as a botched rescue attempt to save Black's lover turns into a nightmare as the team becomes prisoners to the vampires, taken to the heart of darkness itself, their capital, Krul, the City of Chains.
I won't go into too much detail with how crazy cool Krul was. Steve makes it sound exactly the kind of city vampires would build if they were real. Speaking of which, the previous book only had vampires appearing in minor fashion, never in the sheer numbers and overwhelming presence they did in this installment. We finally get to see what all the hoopla is about with the Ebon Cities and learn just how dangerous a threat they pose to humanity. Sure vampires are evil, but here they are a "Smart" evil. They can build weapons and ships, use advanced technology, and turn prisoners of war into willing slaves to their cause. In short, if Krul is any indication of what the Ebon Cities have going for them, the Southern Cross is screwed.
"Everyone has scars. And yet here I sit, scarred and beaten and coming back for more."
This line, I believe, perfectly summaries the theme of this book. It's less about the physical scarring and more about the mental and spiritual marks left on the soul. Everyone carries with them wounds that will never heal, scars on their psyche that will remain until the end of their days.
"Everything is wounded...every place I go, every person or creature I meet. We've all been stitched back together, and now we're nothing like we used to be. The Black made everything as car, healed but imperfect. And as we heal we change, and not always for the better." ~ Alex Cross
Now I have to state the two issues I had with this book. This first is only a minor complaint and to be honest, it's an improvement from the first book. I wasn't too crazy about the characters in Blood Skies mainly because they were too underdeveloped. They were limited, background machinations meant to serve as meat for the grinder, and the one character I really wanted to learn more about, Christena, didn't last long enough.
This time around, Steve adds variety to the team surrounding Cross. Whereas Viper Squad was made up of Southern Claw soldiers, his new team is a mishmash of vagabonds from around the world. Aside from Dillon the ranger, there is Danica Black, my few favorite witch, there's Kane, the foul-mouthed ex-convict; Ekko, Kane's lover-turned bloodsucker; Cole, a woman with very close ties to Black; and Ramsey a dwarf-like creature who knows more than he lets on. This variety of personas breaks up the monotony of stoic "get-er-done" soldiers that made up Viper Squad. The best news is that most of the people that Cross meets actually makes it to the finale this time, leaving time to develop these characters even more.
One thing that DID get on my nerves, however, were the constant, CONSTANT visions that Cross had along the way. I guess I didn't notice it much during the first book, but here it's like every third or fourth page Cross was having a vision about an apocalypse or seeing images of the Sleeper or an epic battle between good and evil. Normally that would make for some good reading and a nice break from the main story....but it just happened too often for my taste. It became more of a distraction than a break, a way to fill up pages rather than advance the story along. I felt that less time could have been put into these repetitive visions and more into developing the relationship between the characters.
I've just downloaded the third book in the series, Soulrazor, and am looking forward to more horrific adventures across the world of the Black. I just hope for Steve Montano's sake that nothing happens to the camel (that's an inside joke. You'll have to read the books to get it.)
February 9, 2020
3.75 stars....I didn't "really like" the entire book but I was entertained for the week. Pacing could have been a bit better; seemed to bog down during middle third and then rushed through boss battle.
July 20, 2015
A better book than the first in the series. Love the dark imagery of a world ripped apart and pieced back together by the uncaring hand of the Black. Cross seems to be gaining in his abilities... Looking forward to seeing where this series takes me.
The only negative aspect of this book is the fact that there are quite a few grammatical errors to be found in it that detract from the otherwise awesome writing style of the author.
The only negative aspect of this book is the fact that there are quite a few grammatical errors to be found in it that detract from the otherwise awesome writing style of the author.
August 18, 2022
Excellent book!!!
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