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The Chronicles of Hanuvar #1
Lord of a Shattered Land
A VAST EMPIRE'S GREATEST FOE. A CONQUERED PEOPLE'S LAST HOPE. HIS NAME IS HANUVAR, AND HE WILL SET HIS PEOPLE FREE! The Dervan Empire has at last triumphed over Volanus, putting the great city to the torch, its treasures looted, temples defiled, and fields sown with salt. What little remains of Volanus is scattered across the empire, its wealth plundered and its survivors sold into slavery. It is an absolute victory for the Dervans in every way but one. Hanuvar, last and greatest general of Volanus, still lives. He now travels the length of the Dervan Empire that conquered his homeland, driven by a singular purpose—to find what remains of his people who were carried into slavery across the empire, and free them from subjugation by any means necessary. Against the might of a vast empire, he had only an aging sword arm, a lifetime of hard-won wisdom, and the greatest military mind in the world, set upon a single goal. No matter what the empire musters against him, no matter what man or monster stands in his way, from the empire’s festering capital to its furthest outposts, Hanuvar would find his people, every last one of them. And he would set them free. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). Advance Praise for Lord of a Shattered Land : “This wonderful work put me in mind of the stories I read when I was editing Baen’s Robert E. Howard library.” —David Drake, best-selling author of the Hammer’s Slammers series, Redliners, Vettius and His Friends , and the RCN series. “Howard Andrew Jones is the leading Sword & Sorcery author of the 21st century . . . His Lord of a Shattered Land is his best work yet, a heroic fantasy retelling of one of the great tales of antiquity, the fall of Carthage and its legendary general Hannibal . . . It's a magnificent achievement, destined to become a modern classic.” —John O’Neill, World Fantasy Award Winning Publisher of Black Gate “The book is a riveting portrait of a hero trying to keep his civilization alive in the wake of a devastating military defeat; it’s a series of ripping yarns that collectively add up to a greater story with a deeper impact than any of its parts; it’s another triumph for Howard Andrew Jones, premier wielder of the new edge in sword-and-sorcery.” —James Enge, World Fantasy Award nominated author of Blood of Ambrose Praise for Howard Andrew “Howard Jones writes not-to-be-missed epic fantasy with immersive world building and the highest stakes for the characters, fighting for personal survival and the survival of their world.” —Martha Wells, Hugo, Nebula and Locus award-winning author of the Murderbot series “Howard Andrew Jones is a scholar and a gentleman, a deft multi-genre wordsmith . . . a living link between the right action-adventure narratives of old and the sprawling epic fantasies of today.” —Scott Lynch, author of The Republic of Thieves Howard Andrew Jones is the author of the critically acclaimed Ring-Sworn trilogy, and two historical Arabian fantasy novels. He was the driving force behind the rebirth of interest in Harold Lamb’s historical fiction, and he assembled and edited eight collections of Lamb’s work for the University of Nebraska Press. He edits the sword-and-sorcery magazine Tales From the Magician’s Skull and served as Managing Editor of Black Gate magazine. He holds a third degree black belt in Shatokan karate and is studying for his fourth. He blogs about writing craft, gaming, fantasy and adventure fiction, and assorted nerdery.
615 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
119 people are currently reading
2757 people want to read
About the author
Howard Andrew Jones
68 books370 followersHoward Andrew Jones was an American speculative fiction and fantasy author and editor, known for The Chronicles of Hanuvar series, The Chronicles of Sword and Sand series and The Ring-Sworn trilogy. He had also written Pathfinder Tales, tie-in fiction novels in the world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, published by Paizo. He was the editor of Tales from the Magician's Skull and had served as a Managing Editor at Black Gate since 2004. He assembled and edited a series of eight volumes of the short fiction of Harold Lamb for publication by Bison Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 13, 2024
Howard sent me the ebook (book 1) last year before publication and sadly I didn't get around to reading it.
On the heels of his terminal cancer diagnosis, I've got a paper copy and will put it to the front of my list.
+++++++++++
So, having spent the last 10 days going back and forth to the hospital on the bus to spend the days with/close to my daughter, I've had the chance to catch up on some reading! (I no longer have to stay with my daughter at night since she's an adult and her level of disablity qualifies her for dedicated night carers at the hospital - the same ladies who look after her at our home.)
And on these trips (2 hours on the way back today because of the flooding) I've finished this fair-sized book.
Everything about this book screams "Conan" to me - from the cover art that seems to hail from quite a few decades back, to the swords and sorcery travelogue format, to the aging hero who is still a mighty warrior. This is not a bad thing. I had many Conan books as a youth (still do), and only with regret recently turned down the chance to write for the franchise that is now into its 100th book or so.
The book feels like a collection of linked short stories, with each chapter starting in a new place, rather like that old Kung-Fu series. Although I never felt strongly emotionally engaged with the main character, despite his tragic backstory, I did really enjoy reading about his adventures.
The short story format means that each chapter has a beginning, middle, and decisive end, with a new and interesting problem/challenge delivered, puzzled over, and solved. Ideal for bus journeys, but a refreshing change under any circumstances given decades of reading more "modern" fantasy.
I'll note that while almost everything about the book is old school, it does have a more enlightened take on sexual politics. On the cover, after all, despite its Conan-esque vibe, the woman is the standing, more heavily clothed figure, and it's the nearly naked man crouching.
Our man, Hanuvar, is the fabled general of a glorious city-state that was destroyed in his absence by Romans-by-another-name, and Hanuvar could be considered as Hannibal-by-another-name. He's on a quest to free the remnants of his people from captivity within the notRoman empire.
I draw these parallells not to make fun, just to give the vibe - which appealed to me, and I hope a bunch of you will enjoy too.
I had a lot of fun with the book, and in a time when there's a great deal of interest in more traditional epic fantasy, particularly in the self-published domain, I'm sure there's a larger readership for this work out there.
Jones, in addition to being a fine fellow, is a skilled writer and excellent storyteller.
If this sounds even vaguely like your sort of book ... give it a go!
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January 31, 2024
My review is published at Before We Go Blog.
“He’s the lord of a shattered land. The Dervans destroyed Volanus.”
Lord of a Shattered Land is a virtuosic sword and sorcery fantasy by Howard Andrew Jones inspired by the Punic Wars. The novel’s lead protagonist, Hanuvar, is a classic good-guy hero, a legendary general committed to freeing his people from slavery after the enemy Dervans overran and obliterated his beloved city of Volanus. Hanuvar is evidently inspired by Hannibal, the famed general and statesmen who led the North African empire of Carthage against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War (218-204 BC).
Lord of a Shattered Land parallels the Punic Wars in both its basic exposition and worldbuilding: Derva is the stand-in for Rome, and across the sea, Volanus is the surrogate for Carthage. Just as the real Carthage was mercilessly destroyed by Rome during the Third Punic War, with all its inhabitants either killed or sold into slavery, Lord of a Shattered Land begins in the aftermath of utter defeat, with Volanus razed and its people killed or enslaved.
Howard Andrew Jones tells Hanuvar’s story in an episodic format. The fourteen chapters of Lord of a Shattered Land act as interconnected short stories that each provide a vignette of our hero’s adventures while working together to build the overarching narrative. The structure of Lord of a Shattered Land has a definite literary feel reminiscent of David Mitchell or Yoko Ogawa. Like Mitchell, Jones leverages this episodic format to flex his narrative style, including one chapter that is told like a folktale.
Howard Andrew Jones writes with precision and gravitas, giving Lord of a Shattered Land a classic historical feel. Jones makes effective use of three in-book narrators: the corpus of the novel is chronicled by Sasilos, with edits from a distant nephew and helpful footnotes by the renowned historian Silenus. Beyond the gravity of its prose, there are also plenty of touching moments:
“When his vision cleared the woman was gone. All that remained was her scarf, blowing free down the mountain side.”
Despite its roots in classical antiquity, Lord of a Shattered Land is an unabashed sword and sorcery novel, full of fantastical beasts. Our hero encounters terrible nocturnal avian predators known as gatzi and large dinosaur-like carnivores called tarifen. My favorite fauna are the winged serpents known as asalda. While normally humans and asalda are enemies or have a neutral relationship, the people of Volanus developed a healthy symbiotic relationship with the asalda.
Altogether, Howard Andrew Jones has created the next great classic fantasy hero with Hanuvar. I especially appreciated how the stories favored Hanuvar flexing his mind over his muscles, outwitting his opponents. Lord of a Shattered Land is sword and sorcery par excellence, leveraging a literary style to build a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The Chronicles of Hanuvar continues with The City of Marble and Blood, the second book of the series.
“He’s the lord of a shattered land. The Dervans destroyed Volanus.”
Lord of a Shattered Land is a virtuosic sword and sorcery fantasy by Howard Andrew Jones inspired by the Punic Wars. The novel’s lead protagonist, Hanuvar, is a classic good-guy hero, a legendary general committed to freeing his people from slavery after the enemy Dervans overran and obliterated his beloved city of Volanus. Hanuvar is evidently inspired by Hannibal, the famed general and statesmen who led the North African empire of Carthage against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War (218-204 BC).
Lord of a Shattered Land parallels the Punic Wars in both its basic exposition and worldbuilding: Derva is the stand-in for Rome, and across the sea, Volanus is the surrogate for Carthage. Just as the real Carthage was mercilessly destroyed by Rome during the Third Punic War, with all its inhabitants either killed or sold into slavery, Lord of a Shattered Land begins in the aftermath of utter defeat, with Volanus razed and its people killed or enslaved.
Howard Andrew Jones tells Hanuvar’s story in an episodic format. The fourteen chapters of Lord of a Shattered Land act as interconnected short stories that each provide a vignette of our hero’s adventures while working together to build the overarching narrative. The structure of Lord of a Shattered Land has a definite literary feel reminiscent of David Mitchell or Yoko Ogawa. Like Mitchell, Jones leverages this episodic format to flex his narrative style, including one chapter that is told like a folktale.
Howard Andrew Jones writes with precision and gravitas, giving Lord of a Shattered Land a classic historical feel. Jones makes effective use of three in-book narrators: the corpus of the novel is chronicled by Sasilos, with edits from a distant nephew and helpful footnotes by the renowned historian Silenus. Beyond the gravity of its prose, there are also plenty of touching moments:
“When his vision cleared the woman was gone. All that remained was her scarf, blowing free down the mountain side.”
Despite its roots in classical antiquity, Lord of a Shattered Land is an unabashed sword and sorcery novel, full of fantastical beasts. Our hero encounters terrible nocturnal avian predators known as gatzi and large dinosaur-like carnivores called tarifen. My favorite fauna are the winged serpents known as asalda. While normally humans and asalda are enemies or have a neutral relationship, the people of Volanus developed a healthy symbiotic relationship with the asalda.
Altogether, Howard Andrew Jones has created the next great classic fantasy hero with Hanuvar. I especially appreciated how the stories favored Hanuvar flexing his mind over his muscles, outwitting his opponents. Lord of a Shattered Land is sword and sorcery par excellence, leveraging a literary style to build a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The Chronicles of Hanuvar continues with The City of Marble and Blood, the second book of the series.
September 28, 2023
With every chapter I liked this more and more. There's an overarching story arc at play and each chapter presents a compelling episodic adventure that ties into this main arc through various strands as well as some meta narration between chapters. It's a very gratifying structure, lending itself equally well to either binge or more sporadic reading.
The emphasis here is really on adventure, with Hanuvar and his playwright/actor companion Antires using cunning, wits, bravery, deception and yes, combat skills to best all manner of evil men and a myriad of chilling monsters, dark gods and spirits. It's not a short book, yet never did I find it repetitive nor derivative, and overall the storytelling proved inventive and well balanced, consistently pushing forward at an unwavering pace that kept me engaged and wanting more. I'm eagerly looking forward to book two!
The emphasis here is really on adventure, with Hanuvar and his playwright/actor companion Antires using cunning, wits, bravery, deception and yes, combat skills to best all manner of evil men and a myriad of chilling monsters, dark gods and spirits. It's not a short book, yet never did I find it repetitive nor derivative, and overall the storytelling proved inventive and well balanced, consistently pushing forward at an unwavering pace that kept me engaged and wanting more. I'm eagerly looking forward to book two!
June 21, 2024
This is an underrated masterpiece. In a word, this book is simply breathtaking. My simple advice is this BUY THIS BOOK NOW
For my full thoughts check out my video review on my YouTube channel here Lord of a Shattered Land Book Review
For my full thoughts check out my video review on my YouTube channel here Lord of a Shattered Land Book Review
March 29, 2024
I've been a fan of Howard Andrew Jones I think since first encountering one of his Asim and Dabir stories in Black Gate Magazine longer ago than I care to think about. (Quick plug: If you haven't read The Desert of Souls and The Bones of the Old Ones, do so at your earliest opportunity.) And I'm inestimably grateful for his work in collecting and editing Harold Lamb's magnificent adventure fiction for Bison Press.
And while what he's written before has been very good, Lord of a Shattered Land is the best book of his that I've read, and the start of what I hope will be a long-running series. (The second book, The City of Marble and Blood is already scheduled for an October release.)
In classic sword & sorcery style, this is a fix-up novel: Most or all of the individual chapters had previously appeared as short stories in Tales from the Magician's Skull and suchlike venues, and they've now been assembled, lightly edited & polished, and given a bit of connective tissue so that they lead one into the other, although by its nature it remains more of an episodic book rather than a single narrative.
Hanuvar, our hero (loosely modeled on Hannibal (the elephants-across-the-Alps guy, not the fava-beans-and-a-nice-chianti guy)), was once general of the city of Volanus, which, before the beginning of this story, has been utterly destroyed, its people mostly killed, the few survivors captured and sold into slavery by the victorious Dervan [not-Roman] Empire. While everybody thought Hanuvar had died during the destruction of the city (unsurprising as he went over the side of a galley into the water), he did, in fact, survive, and is now a fugitive on twin, intertwined quests to get vengeance for his people and, more importantly, to free the few surviving Volani slaves and help them get out of the reach of the Dervan Empire so that they can begin building a new Volanus. Oh, and also to discover the final fate of his daughter, who might not be quite as dead as he had assumed her to be.
In the courses of his wanderings, he'll encounter all manner of monsters, revenants, gods and vengeful Dervans (especially once word starts to get out that Hanuvar might not be quite as dead they assumed him to be). But he'll also make friends and acquire allies, including but not limited to a traveling circus that happens to include an elephant of his acquaintance, other Volani refugees, and Antires of Sosilos, who will become his traveling companion and amanuensis.
Stirring adventure, carefully crafted -- highly recommended, this one.
And while what he's written before has been very good, Lord of a Shattered Land is the best book of his that I've read, and the start of what I hope will be a long-running series. (The second book, The City of Marble and Blood is already scheduled for an October release.)
In classic sword & sorcery style, this is a fix-up novel: Most or all of the individual chapters had previously appeared as short stories in Tales from the Magician's Skull and suchlike venues, and they've now been assembled, lightly edited & polished, and given a bit of connective tissue so that they lead one into the other, although by its nature it remains more of an episodic book rather than a single narrative.
Hanuvar, our hero (loosely modeled on Hannibal (the elephants-across-the-Alps guy, not the fava-beans-and-a-nice-chianti guy)), was once general of the city of Volanus, which, before the beginning of this story, has been utterly destroyed, its people mostly killed, the few survivors captured and sold into slavery by the victorious Dervan [not-Roman] Empire. While everybody thought Hanuvar had died during the destruction of the city (unsurprising as he went over the side of a galley into the water), he did, in fact, survive, and is now a fugitive on twin, intertwined quests to get vengeance for his people and, more importantly, to free the few surviving Volani slaves and help them get out of the reach of the Dervan Empire so that they can begin building a new Volanus. Oh, and also to discover the final fate of his daughter, who might not be quite as dead as he had assumed her to be.
In the courses of his wanderings, he'll encounter all manner of monsters, revenants, gods and vengeful Dervans (especially once word starts to get out that Hanuvar might not be quite as dead they assumed him to be). But he'll also make friends and acquire allies, including but not limited to a traveling circus that happens to include an elephant of his acquaintance, other Volani refugees, and Antires of Sosilos, who will become his traveling companion and amanuensis.
Stirring adventure, carefully crafted -- highly recommended, this one.
July 28, 2023
Note: I was sent an ARC copy of this book ahead of its publication by the publisher Baen books in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________________________________
I have been interested in books from Baen for a while, particularly in their Science Fiction department. However, recently, I have tried out some of their Fantasy novels and series. Of those, this one by far is the best and strongest introduction to a new fantasy world from Baen.
The first and most interesting part of this book is the design. This book basically has 3 unique designs that help it stand out in a crowded Fantasy literature field. First, this book borrows heavily from History, particularly the Rome/Carthage conflicts. Hanuvar, the main character of this book, is obviously a stand in for Hannibal (its even referenced in the dedication of the book), and the worldbuilding, history, and lands of the book even mirror the Mediterranean area...with a few twists. This makes the book grounded in historical ideas that are familiar while being in a fantasy world that is new.
The second part of the design that I loved was the nature of the book. The book is very "episodic". In fact, you could argue that each chapter should be retitled a "Short Story". Each chapter advances the plot and moves the character closer to his goal, and has some connection to previous chapters. However, the overall plot of an individual chapter and the characters used generally are unique and interesting! The episodic nature of the book, coupled with the classic looking cover, really reminded me of the "Conan the Barbarian" stories from Robert E. Howard.
The third part of the design that stands out is the classic feeling that it has. When reading the book, it has a tone and a feeling that feels classic and not-modern. That might throw off or even turn off some readers, but I would argue that the book is actually enhanced by this. The themes of the book really feel "old school", and thus might be fun for new readers unused to older styled books, while also nostalgic for older readers. Again, for some books this approach might be risky, but I think it absolutely works here!
From all appearances at the beginning, you would expect this to be a classic revenge story. In some ways, it kind of is. However, Howard Andrew Jones brings such nuance and depth to the story that it becomes much more than that. One of the stories has a fantastic "forgiveness" plotline that really shocks the reader. There is also a sequence where Hanuvar has to save the gladitators from an arena that absolutely had me hooked from the beginning! (Side note: This chapter really reminded me of the old "Storykeepers" animated series from the 90s).
Hanuvar has some interesting encounters in the book, particularly with potential romantic partners. It is odd that an older man with scars and bruises from war seems to be so appealing to younger women, but apparantly there is something about Hanuavar in this book. However, I did appreciate Howard Andrew Jones' restraint and appropriateness in the narrative. This is something some authors in fantasy would hone in on (cough, Martin, cough), but Jones deftly handles this well. (Don't let the cover with its more risque artwork fool you, the book is generally very appropriate).
When it comes to characters, there are only really two standout-throughline characters in the book. Hanuvar obviously is the main character and while he is fairly interesting, he is sometimes quiet and reserved. What compliments him well is his travelling companion Antires. Antires could have been written really outlandish to try to contrast with Hanuvar, but Jones takes a more subtle approach, which feels really natural to the story. There are some characters from individual chapters that I loved, but to talk about why I loved them would spoil the surprise.
A few minor criticisms. The discussion about who is the narrator of the book and who is writing the notes in the margins and who is writing the afterward is a little confusing. Jones should have limited it to 1 writer, or perhaps 2 at the most, but certainly not 3. (But this was a minor issue). Also some of the stories in the book are weaker than others, and there are 1 or 2 I think could have been removed, but the overall experience is still fantastic!
Overall, I really loved this book! Howard Andrew Jones really nailed each and every one of the elements. It is unique yet classic; refreshing yet follows formula when necessary. And the themes of the book are on point. I'll give this book a 9.2 out of 10! Excellent work Howard Andrew Jones.
(Book 2 comes out in only 2 months on October 3rd, and I am really excited to see where Jones takes the story!).
___________________________________________________________
I have been interested in books from Baen for a while, particularly in their Science Fiction department. However, recently, I have tried out some of their Fantasy novels and series. Of those, this one by far is the best and strongest introduction to a new fantasy world from Baen.
The first and most interesting part of this book is the design. This book basically has 3 unique designs that help it stand out in a crowded Fantasy literature field. First, this book borrows heavily from History, particularly the Rome/Carthage conflicts. Hanuvar, the main character of this book, is obviously a stand in for Hannibal (its even referenced in the dedication of the book), and the worldbuilding, history, and lands of the book even mirror the Mediterranean area...with a few twists. This makes the book grounded in historical ideas that are familiar while being in a fantasy world that is new.
The second part of the design that I loved was the nature of the book. The book is very "episodic". In fact, you could argue that each chapter should be retitled a "Short Story". Each chapter advances the plot and moves the character closer to his goal, and has some connection to previous chapters. However, the overall plot of an individual chapter and the characters used generally are unique and interesting! The episodic nature of the book, coupled with the classic looking cover, really reminded me of the "Conan the Barbarian" stories from Robert E. Howard.
The third part of the design that stands out is the classic feeling that it has. When reading the book, it has a tone and a feeling that feels classic and not-modern. That might throw off or even turn off some readers, but I would argue that the book is actually enhanced by this. The themes of the book really feel "old school", and thus might be fun for new readers unused to older styled books, while also nostalgic for older readers. Again, for some books this approach might be risky, but I think it absolutely works here!
From all appearances at the beginning, you would expect this to be a classic revenge story. In some ways, it kind of is. However, Howard Andrew Jones brings such nuance and depth to the story that it becomes much more than that. One of the stories has a fantastic "forgiveness" plotline that really shocks the reader. There is also a sequence where Hanuvar has to save the gladitators from an arena that absolutely had me hooked from the beginning! (Side note: This chapter really reminded me of the old "Storykeepers" animated series from the 90s).
Hanuvar has some interesting encounters in the book, particularly with potential romantic partners. It is odd that an older man with scars and bruises from war seems to be so appealing to younger women, but apparantly there is something about Hanuavar in this book. However, I did appreciate Howard Andrew Jones' restraint and appropriateness in the narrative. This is something some authors in fantasy would hone in on (cough, Martin, cough), but Jones deftly handles this well. (Don't let the cover with its more risque artwork fool you, the book is generally very appropriate).
When it comes to characters, there are only really two standout-throughline characters in the book. Hanuvar obviously is the main character and while he is fairly interesting, he is sometimes quiet and reserved. What compliments him well is his travelling companion Antires. Antires could have been written really outlandish to try to contrast with Hanuvar, but Jones takes a more subtle approach, which feels really natural to the story. There are some characters from individual chapters that I loved, but to talk about why I loved them would spoil the surprise.
A few minor criticisms. The discussion about who is the narrator of the book and who is writing the notes in the margins and who is writing the afterward is a little confusing. Jones should have limited it to 1 writer, or perhaps 2 at the most, but certainly not 3. (But this was a minor issue). Also some of the stories in the book are weaker than others, and there are 1 or 2 I think could have been removed, but the overall experience is still fantastic!
Overall, I really loved this book! Howard Andrew Jones really nailed each and every one of the elements. It is unique yet classic; refreshing yet follows formula when necessary. And the themes of the book are on point. I'll give this book a 9.2 out of 10! Excellent work Howard Andrew Jones.
(Book 2 comes out in only 2 months on October 3rd, and I am really excited to see where Jones takes the story!).
January 8, 2024
I accepted a hardback copy of this book from the author in consideration of a review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
This is one of - if not THE best - sword and sorcery fantasy tales I have ever read. I prolonged finishing for as long as I possibly could, so as to savor this fascinating tale of one man's mission to free his people from slavery. A mission that begins with one man and results in alighting a land with renewed hope and passion for freedom.
The first characteristic of this book that sets it apart is that it's written in a serial storytelling format. This simply means that it's generally published in small, sequential installments. What we have here with LORD OF A SHATTERED LAND is the larger narrative fiction all together in one bind up. It took me 3 chapters to get adjusted to this style, which I did end up really enjoying. It's like watching an ongoing TV series, it cuts out all the minute stuff that occurs between the really good parts!
I, like the people in many of these stories, grew to have such respect for Hanuvar Cabera. A single man whose sole purpose is to find every single Volani and free them from the yoke of slavery forced upon them by the Dervan Empire. His motives are pure and inspirational. Even when he would take jobs in order to disguise himself when traveling the different lands, he still managed to be a memorable example to those he met. A few of Hanuvar's greatest enemies treated him with utmost respect. Truly a remarkable character.
While Hanuvar's mission never wavered or changed, I loved the variety of people/gods/magical beings encountered - sometimes this led to being able to free some of his people, sometimes it didn't - or at least not immediately. The relationships Hanuvar forms in these stories were nothing short of amazing.
Howard Andrew Jones just knocked it out of the park on this one: large scale world building, magic that was mysterious and unique, characters I would die for, a legendary story arc - I was left wanting for nothing except more. Thank goodness I already have The Chronicles of Hanuvar II here, ready and waiting!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
"This story isn't about me. It's about my people. Without them, I'm nothing."
This is one of - if not THE best - sword and sorcery fantasy tales I have ever read. I prolonged finishing for as long as I possibly could, so as to savor this fascinating tale of one man's mission to free his people from slavery. A mission that begins with one man and results in alighting a land with renewed hope and passion for freedom.
"Monsters and dark gods and Dervan soldiers and revenants and spirits could not stop him. The Dervans fear him like they fear no other. They burned his city and razed its fields and dragged its survivors off to slavery and still they fear him, even when they think he has nothing. They will fear him even after he dies, but they will fear him more if he lives."
The first characteristic of this book that sets it apart is that it's written in a serial storytelling format. This simply means that it's generally published in small, sequential installments. What we have here with LORD OF A SHATTERED LAND is the larger narrative fiction all together in one bind up. It took me 3 chapters to get adjusted to this style, which I did end up really enjoying. It's like watching an ongoing TV series, it cuts out all the minute stuff that occurs between the really good parts!
I, like the people in many of these stories, grew to have such respect for Hanuvar Cabera. A single man whose sole purpose is to find every single Volani and free them from the yoke of slavery forced upon them by the Dervan Empire. His motives are pure and inspirational. Even when he would take jobs in order to disguise himself when traveling the different lands, he still managed to be a memorable example to those he met. A few of Hanuvar's greatest enemies treated him with utmost respect. Truly a remarkable character.
While Hanuvar's mission never wavered or changed, I loved the variety of people/gods/magical beings encountered - sometimes this led to being able to free some of his people, sometimes it didn't - or at least not immediately. The relationships Hanuvar forms in these stories were nothing short of amazing.
Howard Andrew Jones just knocked it out of the park on this one: large scale world building, magic that was mysterious and unique, characters I would die for, a legendary story arc - I was left wanting for nothing except more. Thank goodness I already have The Chronicles of Hanuvar II here, ready and waiting!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
August 7, 2023
This is an intriguing new novel by Howard Andrew Jones that focuses on the hero Hanuvar. It is set in a fantasy world based on the Roman/Greek world just after the second Punic War (after Carthage was conquered). The main character is unique for sword and sorcery. Hanuvar's people, the Volani, have been defeated, and how Hanuvar comports himself in light of this hopeless situation is the basis of many of the stories. This is not just good fantasy and sword and sorcery, it's just good fiction. Hanuvar is an aspirational character, always acting in realistic ways that surprise, inspire, and move the reader. He is not a wooden superhero at all but an enigma, a compelling psychological and even spiritual study (think Marcus Aurelius and his *Meditations,* or the various other Stoic philosophers). This novel will not only entertain you with great characters, excellent worldbuilding, adventures, sorcerers, monsters, fantasy battle, and eldritch horrors. It might do more. Hanging out with Hanuvar, witnessing his example, just might make you a better human being too.
December 8, 2022
Thanks to Baen Books for an advanced reader copy.
If you love sword and sorcery, be it modern or classical, this book is destined to become a modern classic, and will quickly earn a beloved spot on your shelves.
It is not hyperbole when I say years from now, modern sword and sorcery will be judged as such: before Hanuvar, and after Hanuvar.
Snag a copy of this as soon as you can, and fall in love with this hero and his world as quickly as I did.
If you love sword and sorcery, be it modern or classical, this book is destined to become a modern classic, and will quickly earn a beloved spot on your shelves.
It is not hyperbole when I say years from now, modern sword and sorcery will be judged as such: before Hanuvar, and after Hanuvar.
Snag a copy of this as soon as you can, and fall in love with this hero and his world as quickly as I did.
May 23, 2024
This was a fascinating book written more like a connected collection of short stories than chapters. The hero, Hanuvar, is a breath of fresh air in that he recalls older styles of "hero." He arrives, fully formed, and without need for an origin story. He is confident and capable. He isn't riddled with self-doubt or angst or a lot of the other crap many modern heroes seem to be saddled with. We don't get inside Hanuvar's mind, and I like that. We can see he figures and calculates things, but we see the effects of his actions, not the twists and turns as he considers options, weighs them, alters them, regrets choices, etc. The man is defined by his actions and results, not his thinking processes - but he is every bit a philosopher at heart.
I liked how the story purported to be a rewrite of an older work, and with footnotes (an amazing stroke of verisimilitude). I don't usually tackle reviews of a novel chapter-by-chapter, but this one really felt like a collection of short stories (I love short stories, BTW), so I am going to review it like it is one. These stories do not have the head-long rush of a Robert E. Howard story, but take their time in a Howard Andrew Jones manner, letting you know the characters and savor the world a bit. Each story builds onto the world in a palpable manner.
"The Way of the Serpents" was perhaps the weakest of the bunch, but it sets up things nicely. It establishes the winged serpents and Hanuvar's relationship to them, especially one named Eldeva. It also established Hanuvar's intense connection to his family, his people, and his mission. I liked Lalasa.
"The Warrior's Way" showcased more of Hanuvar's character and how he chooses to interact with other people. I liked Takava and how she became a hero in Hanuvar's estimation. This story was okay, but it really gave some good insight into Hanovar's character, which was wonderful. I liked it better than the last one, but it wasn't as weird as some of the later stories would get, and I like the weird factor in my Sword & Sorcery. (Absolutely am not saying it is not a good story... it is a GREAT story... it just pales when compared to what is to come...)
"The Crypt of Stars" has Hanuvar bringing his brother's ashes to his family tomb, an expansive affair with quicksilver lakes and ghostly wraiths. This is more my speed. I like the weird in my Sword & Sorcery. But to be honest, the book still hasn't really grabbed me yet - but it's still in the first 100 pages. It took a full hundred pages for me to get into Game of Thrones. He learns that his daughter is still alive, but a slave. It's connective stuff like this that make it a novel and not just a collection of short stories.
"The Second Death of Hanuvar" introduced Caiax, who will come back again later. I liked Jerissa. I really like how Howard A. Jones writes these characters so we get to know them quickly. We are also introduced to the goddess Ariteen. It also introduced Antires, an actor, and a major character for the rest of the novel. This story really builds on what has come before. There was a wonderful fight at a well... and it was at this point the book grabbed me. Hanuvar and his world really came to life for me in that scene. And then there was the weird... a goddess taking form and... wow. I LOVED THIS STORY/CHAPTER. Spot on with what I like in S&S.
"The Shroud of Feathers" didn't let up on the momentum that the last chapter had built up. A magic bird for the weirdness, a swamp (which I always like), and human monsters. Excellent chapter. Plus, a spirit offers guidance and Hanuvar accepts it, acting accordingly. This chapter's end result resonates throughout the rest of the novel.
"The Eyes of the Reaper" had one of the best monsters in the book. Certainly it was memorable to me. The scenes in this chapter remain with me. Very visceral writing. This is one of my favorite chapters in the book.
"The Voice of the Forest God" introduces the goddess Diara in a gripping scene at the end of the chapter. Hanuvar is warned that he needs to travel differently, and he takes heed of this warning.
"An Accident of Blood" was an excellent chapter regarding an elephant and a change in how Hanuvar travels. Several great characters are introduced in this chapter. Plus it had ghosts! Ghosts thrill me, so I am happy to have them in a story. Sorcery and swords... I really liked this chapter.
"The Autumn Horse" was a great chapter. I actually took a long hiatus from this book to review another book for a friend, and then a few other books that I needed to return to other friends had to be read, and Christmas happened... anyway, Hanuvar helped train a young man for a horse race and each gained an ally in the other. Great chapter for a return to this world. I really found myself liking the characters. This was a fun chapter, and oddly memorable, even though it doesn't really have a lot of what I like about S&S in it.
"The Missing Man" introduces the Order of the Revenants. Oh, I love them. This chapter was EXCELLENT. Very dark and very wonderful. This had almost everything I love about S&S in it. I loved the locked room scenario, the characters, the situation, the monster, the sorcerer.
"Shadow Play" was interesting. I liked Hanuvar's "nemesis" general friend. I felt like this chapter really cemented Hanuvar's reputation for me.
"Snare of the Hunter" had more of the Order of the Revenants, and I liked that. I also liked how the witch turned the tables and went an unexpected route, and I liked the seeming homage to the Frost Giant's Daughter at the end. Don't know if that was intentional or not, but I suspect it was.
"The Light of the Lovely One" was an interesting take on a sanctuary. I really enjoyed this chapter. Very weird. I loved the sorcery in this one, and the Lovely Ones were scary.
"Thread from a Golden Lion" was satisfyingly weird. Caiax returned and is all messed up - and extends his body horror to his men. Really, I loved how the body horror was handled in this story. Genuinely creepy and horrifying. The ending was fantastic.
I liked the episodic nature of the book. It kept to a overarching theme and overall plot, yet each chapter was distinct. I could see this being a mini-series, except the cast would mostly be different each week, like the old adventure TV shows from the 70s and 80s. Fair or unfair, I tend to compare S&S that I read to Robert E. Howard, who is my benchmark in the genre. Unlike a lot of Sword & Sorcery, this didn't feel like a pastiche of Robert E. Howard, or a retread of his themes. It had a completely different pacing than an REH story. This book felt unique to Howard Andrew Jones. Unlike a lot of modern fantasy, it had a hero who didn't need to start out a zero and go to hero. He was already a notable hero in the world, and now he was on a mission. The book was wisely done as a journey, which allowed the hero to explore the world and do a lot of world building, with all the exposition handled as footnotes as from a historian. Well done. I applaud everything in the book and how it was handled.
I liked how the story purported to be a rewrite of an older work, and with footnotes (an amazing stroke of verisimilitude). I don't usually tackle reviews of a novel chapter-by-chapter, but this one really felt like a collection of short stories (I love short stories, BTW), so I am going to review it like it is one. These stories do not have the head-long rush of a Robert E. Howard story, but take their time in a Howard Andrew Jones manner, letting you know the characters and savor the world a bit. Each story builds onto the world in a palpable manner.
"The Way of the Serpents" was perhaps the weakest of the bunch, but it sets up things nicely. It establishes the winged serpents and Hanuvar's relationship to them, especially one named Eldeva. It also established Hanuvar's intense connection to his family, his people, and his mission. I liked Lalasa.
"The Warrior's Way" showcased more of Hanuvar's character and how he chooses to interact with other people. I liked Takava and how she became a hero in Hanuvar's estimation. This story was okay, but it really gave some good insight into Hanovar's character, which was wonderful. I liked it better than the last one, but it wasn't as weird as some of the later stories would get, and I like the weird factor in my Sword & Sorcery. (Absolutely am not saying it is not a good story... it is a GREAT story... it just pales when compared to what is to come...)
"The Crypt of Stars" has Hanuvar bringing his brother's ashes to his family tomb, an expansive affair with quicksilver lakes and ghostly wraiths. This is more my speed. I like the weird in my Sword & Sorcery. But to be honest, the book still hasn't really grabbed me yet - but it's still in the first 100 pages. It took a full hundred pages for me to get into Game of Thrones. He learns that his daughter is still alive, but a slave. It's connective stuff like this that make it a novel and not just a collection of short stories.
"The Second Death of Hanuvar" introduced Caiax, who will come back again later. I liked Jerissa. I really like how Howard A. Jones writes these characters so we get to know them quickly. We are also introduced to the goddess Ariteen. It also introduced Antires, an actor, and a major character for the rest of the novel. This story really builds on what has come before. There was a wonderful fight at a well... and it was at this point the book grabbed me. Hanuvar and his world really came to life for me in that scene. And then there was the weird... a goddess taking form and... wow. I LOVED THIS STORY/CHAPTER. Spot on with what I like in S&S.
"The Shroud of Feathers" didn't let up on the momentum that the last chapter had built up. A magic bird for the weirdness, a swamp (which I always like), and human monsters. Excellent chapter. Plus, a spirit offers guidance and Hanuvar accepts it, acting accordingly. This chapter's end result resonates throughout the rest of the novel.
"The Eyes of the Reaper" had one of the best monsters in the book. Certainly it was memorable to me. The scenes in this chapter remain with me. Very visceral writing. This is one of my favorite chapters in the book.
"The Voice of the Forest God" introduces the goddess Diara in a gripping scene at the end of the chapter. Hanuvar is warned that he needs to travel differently, and he takes heed of this warning.
"An Accident of Blood" was an excellent chapter regarding an elephant and a change in how Hanuvar travels. Several great characters are introduced in this chapter. Plus it had ghosts! Ghosts thrill me, so I am happy to have them in a story. Sorcery and swords... I really liked this chapter.
"The Autumn Horse" was a great chapter. I actually took a long hiatus from this book to review another book for a friend, and then a few other books that I needed to return to other friends had to be read, and Christmas happened... anyway, Hanuvar helped train a young man for a horse race and each gained an ally in the other. Great chapter for a return to this world. I really found myself liking the characters. This was a fun chapter, and oddly memorable, even though it doesn't really have a lot of what I like about S&S in it.
"The Missing Man" introduces the Order of the Revenants. Oh, I love them. This chapter was EXCELLENT. Very dark and very wonderful. This had almost everything I love about S&S in it. I loved the locked room scenario, the characters, the situation, the monster, the sorcerer.
"Shadow Play" was interesting. I liked Hanuvar's "nemesis" general friend. I felt like this chapter really cemented Hanuvar's reputation for me.
"Snare of the Hunter" had more of the Order of the Revenants, and I liked that. I also liked how the witch turned the tables and went an unexpected route, and I liked the seeming homage to the Frost Giant's Daughter at the end. Don't know if that was intentional or not, but I suspect it was.
"The Light of the Lovely One" was an interesting take on a sanctuary. I really enjoyed this chapter. Very weird. I loved the sorcery in this one, and the Lovely Ones were scary.
"Thread from a Golden Lion" was satisfyingly weird. Caiax returned and is all messed up - and extends his body horror to his men. Really, I loved how the body horror was handled in this story. Genuinely creepy and horrifying. The ending was fantastic.
I liked the episodic nature of the book. It kept to a overarching theme and overall plot, yet each chapter was distinct. I could see this being a mini-series, except the cast would mostly be different each week, like the old adventure TV shows from the 70s and 80s. Fair or unfair, I tend to compare S&S that I read to Robert E. Howard, who is my benchmark in the genre. Unlike a lot of Sword & Sorcery, this didn't feel like a pastiche of Robert E. Howard, or a retread of his themes. It had a completely different pacing than an REH story. This book felt unique to Howard Andrew Jones. Unlike a lot of modern fantasy, it had a hero who didn't need to start out a zero and go to hero. He was already a notable hero in the world, and now he was on a mission. The book was wisely done as a journey, which allowed the hero to explore the world and do a lot of world building, with all the exposition handled as footnotes as from a historian. Well done. I applaud everything in the book and how it was handled.
August 26, 2025
This book was written in a serial style which has similarities to reading a comic series, where each chapter is a self contained adventure. lt brings back memories of Conan, after he was a general.
September 2, 2023
While readers who prefer significantly flawed or morally ambiguous protagonists may be left cold by Hanuvar’s righteous certitude, Lord of a Shattered Land is ideal for fans of intensely driven, hyper-competent heroes. The episodic nature of the storytelling makes it an ideal book for brief reading sessions, and the individual chapters span a wide range of story types. The pseudo-Mediterranean setting and Roman trappings are also a nice change of pace from Northern European-inspired fantasy.
Read my full review at Grimdark Magazine!
Read my full review at Grimdark Magazine!
September 18, 2023
Howard Andrew Jones has crafted a spectacularly entertaining saga of heroic proportions with his Chronicles of Hanuvar. The titular character displays the brilliantly tactical mind of the historical Hannibal of Carthage, the consistently courageous mind of Captain Kirk of the Enterprise, the stupendously intelligent mind of The Batman of Gotham, and the practically ruthless mind of Conan of Cimmeria. Hanuvar also demonstrates all of those character's strength of mind, willingness to risk, commitment to being at their best, loyalty slowly earned then fiercely defended, and pursuit of a specific goal. As a matter of fact, he is pretty damn indomitable. I love that he does not hesitate. I love that he calculates and acts and we the readers only see the acts and figure out the calculations after the fact or not at all - we don't have to read about him weighing choices. He is a man who knows his ultimate goal and while he chaffs at anything that interferes with that goal's accomplishment he does not shy from accepting more responsibility and doing more deeds on behalf of others whilst en route to his destination. Like The Batman, Hanuvar is a studier of humans and he never forgets. Like Kirk, he is daring and empathetic. Like Hannibal, he is about his people and not about himself or domination or expansion or even revenge. And like Conan, Hanuvar can put a weapon of any kind - sword, spear, table leg, birds - through an opponent and be on to the next without batting an eye.
While I do not feel the pell-mell rush of many Sword & Sorcery stories in these tales, I do feel the full scope of heroic adventure pulling me alongside Hanuvar through each chapter. The stories "The Second Death of Hanuvar" and "The Crypt of the Stars" are quite enjoyable tales that showcase important aspects of our hero. The final story, "Thread from a Golden Loom" (possibly the longest), shares the stage among a full set of characters and nicely sets the stage for what lies ahead in the following books (the next of which will be in my hands in mere weeks!). I really, really like "The Warrior's Way" - it is quite possibly my favorite - comes early and gives the readers great insight into Hanuvar. "The Eyes of the Reaper" and "The Missing Man" are two of the darkest tales in this Chronicle, with my two other favorites right behind, "An Accident of Blood" and "Snare of the Hunter." The story that makes the most impact on me, however, and I think also changes the tone of Hanuvar, at least for me, and adds a depth to the man far beyond those he already possesses of Hannibal, Kirk, and Conan, is "The Autumn Horse."
In this story, which on its surface could be considered the most humorous of the tales, Jones deftly tells a tongue-in-cheek caper that entirely entertains and that quite well. But readers should not dismiss this story as just or only that. While Jones has previously shown us Hanuvar's honorable character and refusal to NOT not render aid when he sees it is necessary despite his determined intentions, there is an important nuance here that for me distinctly elevates the character. Hanuvar mentors in this story.
Not only does he do so against his better judgment, against his will, and against his imagination -- he is tempted by the chance to continue mentoring. He reluctantly turns away, returns to his goal. He's pondered what happiness could be for him and rued his loneliness and losses before, but this is the only moment in the entire book he physically pauses in his pursuit. At that moment I determined there is no other character that can be substituted for Hanuvar. He is his own being. He is Howard Andrew Jones' man and there is none other like him. And he is a good man. Thank you Howard.
While I do not feel the pell-mell rush of many Sword & Sorcery stories in these tales, I do feel the full scope of heroic adventure pulling me alongside Hanuvar through each chapter. The stories "The Second Death of Hanuvar" and "The Crypt of the Stars" are quite enjoyable tales that showcase important aspects of our hero. The final story, "Thread from a Golden Loom" (possibly the longest), shares the stage among a full set of characters and nicely sets the stage for what lies ahead in the following books (the next of which will be in my hands in mere weeks!). I really, really like "The Warrior's Way" - it is quite possibly my favorite - comes early and gives the readers great insight into Hanuvar. "The Eyes of the Reaper" and "The Missing Man" are two of the darkest tales in this Chronicle, with my two other favorites right behind, "An Accident of Blood" and "Snare of the Hunter." The story that makes the most impact on me, however, and I think also changes the tone of Hanuvar, at least for me, and adds a depth to the man far beyond those he already possesses of Hannibal, Kirk, and Conan, is "The Autumn Horse."
In this story, which on its surface could be considered the most humorous of the tales, Jones deftly tells a tongue-in-cheek caper that entirely entertains and that quite well. But readers should not dismiss this story as just or only that. While Jones has previously shown us Hanuvar's honorable character and refusal to NOT not render aid when he sees it is necessary despite his determined intentions, there is an important nuance here that for me distinctly elevates the character. Hanuvar mentors in this story.
Not only does he do so against his better judgment, against his will, and against his imagination -- he is tempted by the chance to continue mentoring. He reluctantly turns away, returns to his goal. He's pondered what happiness could be for him and rued his loneliness and losses before, but this is the only moment in the entire book he physically pauses in his pursuit. At that moment I determined there is no other character that can be substituted for Hanuvar. He is his own being. He is Howard Andrew Jones' man and there is none other like him. And he is a good man. Thank you Howard.
August 26, 2023
I have to say a big thank you to Howard Andrew Jones for reaching out and sending me this book. It is absolutely ages since I read a book like this and I forgot how much I enjoy sword and sorcery books, especially when they are done right.
I was pitched this book with the premise that the lead character is an older character that is at the height of his powers and whilst we get to know his back story, there is not a major origin story to get through first, and I must say that this worked so well for me.
In essence, the story is pretty familiar in that the land of Volanis is defeated by the Dervan Empire. Not only defeated, they have cursed the land, sowed salt on their fields and taken the people into slavery. In the midst of this, Hanuvar, the decorated general of Volanis is supposedly killed, along with his famous Dragon. However, we soon learn that he isn't and when we initially meet Hanuvar, we meet him as a slave who is sent on a mission to talk to the island of Narata's resident Dragon in order to save them from Dervan's who are heading towards them. As the book progresses we follow Hanuvar as he attempts to find his people.
I have to admit I loved this book, and whilst it reminded me of classic sword and sorcery authors like Howard and Lieber, the book has a a modern contemporaryness to it. The book is very episodic, made up of individual contained stories that are split into sub chapters, but it reads like a modern television series with an overall thematic arc.
Hanuvar himself is a strikingly good modern day hero, in that whilst he is good at everything he does, brilliant tactician, exceptional general, brilliant warrior etc , he is not in any way big headed about his his skills. The other to like about him is that he is a man of older years beset by the aches and pains of a man of his years.
The world itself, based on the Roman empire is steadily built throughout the stories, and as we move through the variety of episodes the blanks are filled in about both the Dervan society and the country of Volanis.
Lord of a Shattered Land has something for both seasoned readers of Sword and Sorcery stories and is also a really good introduction if you have not ventured into this type of fantasy before.
I was pitched this book with the premise that the lead character is an older character that is at the height of his powers and whilst we get to know his back story, there is not a major origin story to get through first, and I must say that this worked so well for me.
In essence, the story is pretty familiar in that the land of Volanis is defeated by the Dervan Empire. Not only defeated, they have cursed the land, sowed salt on their fields and taken the people into slavery. In the midst of this, Hanuvar, the decorated general of Volanis is supposedly killed, along with his famous Dragon. However, we soon learn that he isn't and when we initially meet Hanuvar, we meet him as a slave who is sent on a mission to talk to the island of Narata's resident Dragon in order to save them from Dervan's who are heading towards them. As the book progresses we follow Hanuvar as he attempts to find his people.
I have to admit I loved this book, and whilst it reminded me of classic sword and sorcery authors like Howard and Lieber, the book has a a modern contemporaryness to it. The book is very episodic, made up of individual contained stories that are split into sub chapters, but it reads like a modern television series with an overall thematic arc.
Hanuvar himself is a strikingly good modern day hero, in that whilst he is good at everything he does, brilliant tactician, exceptional general, brilliant warrior etc , he is not in any way big headed about his his skills. The other to like about him is that he is a man of older years beset by the aches and pains of a man of his years.
The world itself, based on the Roman empire is steadily built throughout the stories, and as we move through the variety of episodes the blanks are filled in about both the Dervan society and the country of Volanis.
Lord of a Shattered Land has something for both seasoned readers of Sword and Sorcery stories and is also a really good introduction if you have not ventured into this type of fantasy before.
September 23, 2023
“He is the lord of a wealthy land.”
Antires corrected her. “He’s the lord of a shattered land. The Dervans destroyed Volanus.”
The Dervans thought that Hanuvar perished during the siege of Volanus, but he survived and in these fourteen tales he fights to reunite his people. He faces Dervan soldiers, monsters, sorcerers, and spirits. As Hanuvar has his adventures we learn more about his world, its history, and its people. As exciting as the adventures are, the characters are a big reason why I like this book so much, characters on all sides of the conflict.
There’s an interesting variety of stories and although each one is a separate tale, they also move a larger narrative forward. The final story does a great job of bringing threads from previous episodes together and sets up the next book well.
When I read that the author said Hanuvar was inspired by Hannibal and the Punic Wars, I listened to some podcast episodes about the history of Hannibal and the destruction of Carthage. While you can enjoy this book without knowing Hannibal’s history, listening to those episodes really added to my enjoyment of the book as I was spotting some of the parallels.
The map that’s included, the “historical” notes between chapters, and the “historical” footnotes all added to the impression that I was reading the chronicles of a great hero. I’m looking forward to reading Hanuvar’s further adventures.
Antires corrected her. “He’s the lord of a shattered land. The Dervans destroyed Volanus.”
The Dervans thought that Hanuvar perished during the siege of Volanus, but he survived and in these fourteen tales he fights to reunite his people. He faces Dervan soldiers, monsters, sorcerers, and spirits. As Hanuvar has his adventures we learn more about his world, its history, and its people. As exciting as the adventures are, the characters are a big reason why I like this book so much, characters on all sides of the conflict.
There’s an interesting variety of stories and although each one is a separate tale, they also move a larger narrative forward. The final story does a great job of bringing threads from previous episodes together and sets up the next book well.
When I read that the author said Hanuvar was inspired by Hannibal and the Punic Wars, I listened to some podcast episodes about the history of Hannibal and the destruction of Carthage. While you can enjoy this book without knowing Hannibal’s history, listening to those episodes really added to my enjoyment of the book as I was spotting some of the parallels.
The map that’s included, the “historical” notes between chapters, and the “historical” footnotes all added to the impression that I was reading the chronicles of a great hero. I’m looking forward to reading Hanuvar’s further adventures.
August 8, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. The dialogue and the character of Hanuvar coming together piece by piece was extremely intriguing. The episodic storytelling device used reminded me completely of old 80s and 90s fantasy/sci fi shows. It was just a good, fun time. Super looking forward to the rest of the series!
August 8, 2023
Howard Andrew Jones is the leading Sword & Sorcery author of the 21st Century, and Lord of a Shattered Land is the beginning of his masterwork. The first in a quintology of interlocking tales, this is also a bold book of ‘firsts;’ marking a triumphant return to a style of heroic adventure of earlier decades, while being excitingly contemporary and new.
LORD is the story of Hanuvar, the aging, last general of Volanus. Once a great city-state and naval power, Volanus has fallen to the legions and sorcery or the aggressive Dervan Empire. Determined to make Volanus an object lesson to other nations, Derva leveled the city, scattered its stones, and carried its remaining survivors away in chains. But Derva has not reckoned with Hanuvar. Believed dead, left with nothing besides decades of practical military lore and a grim determination, the greatest war-leader of the era slips into the empire alone and friendless, determined to free every last one of his people and bring them to a new home. Along the way, Hanuvar will deal with a dragon, confront otherworld horrors that would make H.P. Lovecraft shudder, become a member of a traveling carnival, match wits and blows with a twisted Dervan general, and cross much of the Empire to lead a tribe of northern barbarians in a desperate and terrifying battle against a magically transformed legion. And that is only volume one.
This is the stuff of epics, and students of history will immediately recognize that they are reading a kind of alternate history in which Hannibal of Carthage lived to see his beloved city fall and returns to rescue his people from Rome. THAT would be a tale worth telling all on its own, but Jones, as both a lover of history and of the pulse-pounding, blood-and-thunder sword & sorcery of the pulp era has gone much further. His Volanus and Derva are NOT just Carthage and Rome; they are richly developed lands, and each time the reader believes they know just how these analog societies work, there is a twist or turn to catch them (pleasantly) off-guard.
While this is the sort of blood-and-thunder, fast-paced sword & sorcery not seen from a major publisher in DECADES, LORD is also a carefully, chronologically consistent tale painted with an epic and deliberate brush. The style is reminiscent of the current trends in long-form, serial television, and like a good Netflix show, the reader can ‘binge read’ the collection, or more leisurely ‘visit’ Hanuvar for one or two adventures and then return.
Lord of a Shattered Land is filled with action, but it is married to themes that are far more adult, more ambitious and thought-provoking, than sword & sorcery is usually credited with. Hanuvar is a man of deep feeling and thought; an aging man who has grown children and a lifetime of allies and enemies spread across his world. We are meeting him at the twilight of his career, and yet his determination burns like the fires of the lighthouse of Alexandria. This first volume is a roller-coaster of wildly different adventures that leaves Hanuvar on the cusp of a major decision, and we the readers clamoring for more.
Fans of weird fiction speak of ‘HPL’, ‘REH,’ ‘CAS’ or ‘KEW’. ‘HAJ’ will soon be—and rightly so—a piece of common parlance in those circles.
LORD is the story of Hanuvar, the aging, last general of Volanus. Once a great city-state and naval power, Volanus has fallen to the legions and sorcery or the aggressive Dervan Empire. Determined to make Volanus an object lesson to other nations, Derva leveled the city, scattered its stones, and carried its remaining survivors away in chains. But Derva has not reckoned with Hanuvar. Believed dead, left with nothing besides decades of practical military lore and a grim determination, the greatest war-leader of the era slips into the empire alone and friendless, determined to free every last one of his people and bring them to a new home. Along the way, Hanuvar will deal with a dragon, confront otherworld horrors that would make H.P. Lovecraft shudder, become a member of a traveling carnival, match wits and blows with a twisted Dervan general, and cross much of the Empire to lead a tribe of northern barbarians in a desperate and terrifying battle against a magically transformed legion. And that is only volume one.
This is the stuff of epics, and students of history will immediately recognize that they are reading a kind of alternate history in which Hannibal of Carthage lived to see his beloved city fall and returns to rescue his people from Rome. THAT would be a tale worth telling all on its own, but Jones, as both a lover of history and of the pulse-pounding, blood-and-thunder sword & sorcery of the pulp era has gone much further. His Volanus and Derva are NOT just Carthage and Rome; they are richly developed lands, and each time the reader believes they know just how these analog societies work, there is a twist or turn to catch them (pleasantly) off-guard.
While this is the sort of blood-and-thunder, fast-paced sword & sorcery not seen from a major publisher in DECADES, LORD is also a carefully, chronologically consistent tale painted with an epic and deliberate brush. The style is reminiscent of the current trends in long-form, serial television, and like a good Netflix show, the reader can ‘binge read’ the collection, or more leisurely ‘visit’ Hanuvar for one or two adventures and then return.
Lord of a Shattered Land is filled with action, but it is married to themes that are far more adult, more ambitious and thought-provoking, than sword & sorcery is usually credited with. Hanuvar is a man of deep feeling and thought; an aging man who has grown children and a lifetime of allies and enemies spread across his world. We are meeting him at the twilight of his career, and yet his determination burns like the fires of the lighthouse of Alexandria. This first volume is a roller-coaster of wildly different adventures that leaves Hanuvar on the cusp of a major decision, and we the readers clamoring for more.
Fans of weird fiction speak of ‘HPL’, ‘REH,’ ‘CAS’ or ‘KEW’. ‘HAJ’ will soon be—and rightly so—a piece of common parlance in those circles.
February 20, 2024
Lord of a Shattered Land is a mighty swing at the sword and sorcery genre from a contemporary perspective. The hero, Hanuvar, is something of a ghost, haunting the trail of a his scattered people through hostile lands to reunite them after a ruinous war, and seizing opportunities for revenge as fate presents them.
This book simply sidesteps so many traps of modern fantasy to present a final product that is both a classic heroic fantasy and a modern page turner. Punctuated with fun historical foot notes and "authorial" context, each chapter is told as an episode of a notable encounter on Hanuvar's quest across his enemy's lands. There are no snoozers. No fillers. It's all gas, no brakes. I would certainly love to slow down and live with Hanuvar a little, but the brief peaks we get into his downtime do enough to satisfy that itch.
And Hanuvar is no barbarian or magical sword-swinging champion of fate. Instead, we find an aging man who's lost everything. He's deep, emotional, well-organized, worldly, and philosophical. He's a husband, a father, a good friend, and kind to animals. But he's also decisive, practical, and will absolutely use his sword arm to deadly effect when the need arises.
In another notable departure from the conventions of sword and sorcery, Hanuvar respects women and despises slavery.
I wish I had the sequel on hand the moment I closed this.
This book simply sidesteps so many traps of modern fantasy to present a final product that is both a classic heroic fantasy and a modern page turner. Punctuated with fun historical foot notes and "authorial" context, each chapter is told as an episode of a notable encounter on Hanuvar's quest across his enemy's lands. There are no snoozers. No fillers. It's all gas, no brakes. I would certainly love to slow down and live with Hanuvar a little, but the brief peaks we get into his downtime do enough to satisfy that itch.
And Hanuvar is no barbarian or magical sword-swinging champion of fate. Instead, we find an aging man who's lost everything. He's deep, emotional, well-organized, worldly, and philosophical. He's a husband, a father, a good friend, and kind to animals. But he's also decisive, practical, and will absolutely use his sword arm to deadly effect when the need arises.
In another notable departure from the conventions of sword and sorcery, Hanuvar respects women and despises slavery.
I wish I had the sequel on hand the moment I closed this.
August 21, 2023
I just finished Lord of a Shattered Land by Howard Andrew Jones. It is the first time in a long time that I've read something from the Sword & Sorcery genre that gave me such pure, unadulterated joy.
The book is comprised of fourteen episodic stories that make up 476 pages. I use the word episodic because the narrative is divided into 14 interconnected scenes with an overarching quest driving the narrative. Each story stands alone and whatever conflict our hero encounters is satisfyingly resolved. Each story stands on its own but they are also so deftly and tightly interwoven that the reader may not even realize the episodic format, choosing instead to consider it as a very entertaining novel. What is so amazing about each of these stories are the diverse situations and conflicts Hanuvar, our hero, finds himself in. This is one of the novel's great strengths and allows both the author and the reader to explore a myriad of antagonists - ranging from fantastical creatures to the evil machinations of humanity. I generally find the latter more terrifying. The settings and situations are also quite diverse. A couple of these stories are mindful of the political intrigue reminiscent of Game of Thrones while others are filled with terrifying creature encounters.
Where this novel really shines in my opinion is with the main character. Many of the protagonists in the sword & sorcery genre are dark heroes. They are dangerous and violent and skirt the boundaries of morality. Hanuvar can certainly be dangerous and violent but out of necessity. Violence and death is never his first choice but when forced to he deals it with calculated and methodical precision. His dialogue and compassion are his sword and dirk. Racked with survivors guilt, having lost his friends and family, he seeks to end conflict through compassion and humanity rather than through violence and revenge.
This is what makes Hanuvar such a lodestone: he serves to remind us that family and friends and shared experiences are more important than conflict or revenge. No matter how riveting, fantastical, or terrifying each story was, Hanuvar's interactions with others served to highlight poignant glimpses of humanity which serves to ground the reader.
It is in my humble opinion that this book may very well represent Howard's magnus opus. He has, through his craft, avoided sword & sorcery tropes and infused the genre with new life. Here he presents not a girdled barbarian armed with greatsword but a compassionate hero armed with wisdom and compassion and racked with survivor's guilt. This is not a story of vengeance but of a man looking to free his people from bondage. He finds success and is driven further ahead because of the right and good choices that he makes. He earns his accomplishments because he chooses to help people even when it may cost him time and resource. I hope that Hanuvar can maintain this nobility and moral code in future tales. It is, in my opinion in this genre, the harder story to write and get right.
Howard Andrew Jones also breaks convention with his episodic story format. This is not a "fix up" novel but a deliberate attempt to hone and revolutionize this format. I will not be surprised if we suddenly see a proliferation of this as he crafts it to perfection. I see others copying this style in the future. This is an author on top of his game.
I am a bit "Hanuvar drunk" after having finished this epic volume and will sadly have to wait until October for the sequel: The City of Marble and Blood. Asking me which of the stories are my favorite is akin to arguing which M&M color tastes better. Reading through the chronicles of Hanuvar is akin to binging an addicting TV show; at the end of each chapter you silently shout; 'NEXT!' Move over Conan, Elric, Drizzt, Elak, Brak, and others. Hanuvar is now my favorite protagonist in a crowded field of giants.
The book is comprised of fourteen episodic stories that make up 476 pages. I use the word episodic because the narrative is divided into 14 interconnected scenes with an overarching quest driving the narrative. Each story stands alone and whatever conflict our hero encounters is satisfyingly resolved. Each story stands on its own but they are also so deftly and tightly interwoven that the reader may not even realize the episodic format, choosing instead to consider it as a very entertaining novel. What is so amazing about each of these stories are the diverse situations and conflicts Hanuvar, our hero, finds himself in. This is one of the novel's great strengths and allows both the author and the reader to explore a myriad of antagonists - ranging from fantastical creatures to the evil machinations of humanity. I generally find the latter more terrifying. The settings and situations are also quite diverse. A couple of these stories are mindful of the political intrigue reminiscent of Game of Thrones while others are filled with terrifying creature encounters.
Where this novel really shines in my opinion is with the main character. Many of the protagonists in the sword & sorcery genre are dark heroes. They are dangerous and violent and skirt the boundaries of morality. Hanuvar can certainly be dangerous and violent but out of necessity. Violence and death is never his first choice but when forced to he deals it with calculated and methodical precision. His dialogue and compassion are his sword and dirk. Racked with survivors guilt, having lost his friends and family, he seeks to end conflict through compassion and humanity rather than through violence and revenge.
This is what makes Hanuvar such a lodestone: he serves to remind us that family and friends and shared experiences are more important than conflict or revenge. No matter how riveting, fantastical, or terrifying each story was, Hanuvar's interactions with others served to highlight poignant glimpses of humanity which serves to ground the reader.
It is in my humble opinion that this book may very well represent Howard's magnus opus. He has, through his craft, avoided sword & sorcery tropes and infused the genre with new life. Here he presents not a girdled barbarian armed with greatsword but a compassionate hero armed with wisdom and compassion and racked with survivor's guilt. This is not a story of vengeance but of a man looking to free his people from bondage. He finds success and is driven further ahead because of the right and good choices that he makes. He earns his accomplishments because he chooses to help people even when it may cost him time and resource. I hope that Hanuvar can maintain this nobility and moral code in future tales. It is, in my opinion in this genre, the harder story to write and get right.
Howard Andrew Jones also breaks convention with his episodic story format. This is not a "fix up" novel but a deliberate attempt to hone and revolutionize this format. I will not be surprised if we suddenly see a proliferation of this as he crafts it to perfection. I see others copying this style in the future. This is an author on top of his game.
I am a bit "Hanuvar drunk" after having finished this epic volume and will sadly have to wait until October for the sequel: The City of Marble and Blood. Asking me which of the stories are my favorite is akin to arguing which M&M color tastes better. Reading through the chronicles of Hanuvar is akin to binging an addicting TV show; at the end of each chapter you silently shout; 'NEXT!' Move over Conan, Elric, Drizzt, Elak, Brak, and others. Hanuvar is now my favorite protagonist in a crowded field of giants.
April 24, 2024
I'm a history teacher and lifelong sword and sorcery fanatic. The Punic Wars are a favorite topic every year and the story of Carthage and the Barca family always captures the imagination of my students. I found a used copy of Lord of a Shattered Land at my local bookstore and snatched it up immediately after previously hearing just a bit of Howard Andrew Jones's appearance on the Rogues in the House podcast.
The stories are stand alone, but sequenced in a way that builds throughout the novel. You could totally walk away after 20 minutes of reading if that is the time you had to offer and be satisfied. But you won't! Each tale leaves you wanting more and more.
Jones's writing is powerful, evocative, and compelling. It is economical and never feels bogged down, but still conjures a feeling of immersion.
Hanuvar is an intriguing character who constantly reveals more layers and hints at a rich past that you know exists even without having read it. His isn't a coming of age tale, but rather the adventures of a man on a mission who lives by a code. You root for him at every step of his journey, you believe in his prowess, yet victory never feels assured.
Magic is dangerous, monsters are mysterious, and Hanuvar's companions are just as well formed as the man himself. Mr. Jones - keep them coming!
The stories are stand alone, but sequenced in a way that builds throughout the novel. You could totally walk away after 20 minutes of reading if that is the time you had to offer and be satisfied. But you won't! Each tale leaves you wanting more and more.
Jones's writing is powerful, evocative, and compelling. It is economical and never feels bogged down, but still conjures a feeling of immersion.
Hanuvar is an intriguing character who constantly reveals more layers and hints at a rich past that you know exists even without having read it. His isn't a coming of age tale, but rather the adventures of a man on a mission who lives by a code. You root for him at every step of his journey, you believe in his prowess, yet victory never feels assured.
Magic is dangerous, monsters are mysterious, and Hanuvar's companions are just as well formed as the man himself. Mr. Jones - keep them coming!
September 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I first encountered Hanuvar in Savage Scrolls, and then later in other small press publications. I was excited to seen BAEN pick up the series. The first book delivers a fun collection of episodic adventures that feels like you've discovered some lost TV show from the 90s. Its got a monster of the week vibe and concludes with a more epic 'season finale.'
The feel is great. It really does feel like you've discovered some lost Sword and Sandal show or classic cartoon that's been forgotten. This would make an excellent TV show if it even got optioned.
At it's core it is a Sword and Sandal narrative inspired by the real world history of the Mediterranean. The Sword and Sorcery elements are there for spice but it does feel very much like an alternate history story.
This book does a couple of things very well. One, the titular character of Hanuvar is wonderful. He's deeply heroic, earnest, and a nice antidote to modern fiction overladen with anti-heroes. He is not your typical S&S protagonist. He's a bit older, he has no lust for vengeance, and he's very wise. Think king Conan but the temperance of a Marcus Arillius. That description hardly does him justice, but will point you in the right direction.
Additionally, the stories have a variety of flavors to them. Some are straight sword and sorcery, some feel more like contemporary court drama, one of them felt like a classic whodunit with a magical twist, and one story even felt like what if Jeeves and Wooster took place in ancient Rome. This really reinforces that feeling of watching a classic episodic TV show. You never know quite what you're in for.
The Dervans are compelling villians as well. HAJ does a great job at making them unique and very human. There's shades of grey here, not in a grimdark 'everyone is terrible' sense but in a genuine sense of everyone being human. I really enjoyed the supporting cast.
Overall, it's just very readable and a good time. I hope this style of storytelling takes off in a world where long epic narratives and contrived trilogies seem to be all that sell. I could use a book that's episodic and doesn't require endless hours of devotion. Just pick up and read a story here and there and at the end it all comes together for the finale. I just find that tempo so relaxing and enjoyable.
It gets a heavy recommend from me. I have some minor quibbles with it, which I'll outline below, and you can see if any of that might be issues for your taste, but honestly, they are minor and it's a fantastic starting point to what I think will be a great series.
All that being said the couple items below are why for me, though I really liked it, it didn't quite hit that 5 star experience, but I think all these critiques just come down to my particular tastes with genre fiction.
As someone who adores Sword and Sorcery for me Sword and Sandal and Historical Fiction have always felt like someone cooked my favorite meal and forgot to add seasoning. That seasoning is the magic and capital W weirdness. I think the world of Hanuvar (at least as seen in volume 1) is a bit too subdued in this aspect. It's just not quite as weird and wild as I would want, and sometimes the monsters and magic feel too much like something from a game, and not enough like something from a nightmare or the wildest reaches of our imaginations.
The prose is extremely readable, which helps with the episodic nature, but for me I do like something a bit more purple to really bring out that otherworldly vibe in fantasy. There is great use of olfactory senses here and it does paint an excellent picture. I'm just a sucker for being a bit overly poetic, whereas this is very clean and contemporary.
Finally, I do think it runs on a bit too long. Some of the stories take a bit too long to get going and the action can feel a bit underwhelming compared to the setup. I think most contemporary fantasy fans will probably love this pacing as it's more inline with modern tastes, but I really prefer shot fiction and even some of my favorite stories, like Shadow Play, felt like they had too much at the beginning, the action was a bit too quick, then the end dragged a bit too much. That's a great story, regardless of my minor critiques of the pacing. It really underlines this books wholesome vibes, and genuine earnest heroism and lack of cynicism.
This is a great book. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to watch the series play out. It boldly goes against modern trends by being episodic, earnestly heroic, and wearing it's pulp influences on it's sleeves. That being said, it doesn't slavish devote itself to the past, but instead takes the best of what came before, and encourages readers to chart a new courses on waters that might have once been tread, but are worth returning too, and Howard Andrew Jones shows us there's still new sites to be seen in these familiar places.
The feel is great. It really does feel like you've discovered some lost Sword and Sandal show or classic cartoon that's been forgotten. This would make an excellent TV show if it even got optioned.
At it's core it is a Sword and Sandal narrative inspired by the real world history of the Mediterranean. The Sword and Sorcery elements are there for spice but it does feel very much like an alternate history story.
This book does a couple of things very well. One, the titular character of Hanuvar is wonderful. He's deeply heroic, earnest, and a nice antidote to modern fiction overladen with anti-heroes. He is not your typical S&S protagonist. He's a bit older, he has no lust for vengeance, and he's very wise. Think king Conan but the temperance of a Marcus Arillius. That description hardly does him justice, but will point you in the right direction.
Additionally, the stories have a variety of flavors to them. Some are straight sword and sorcery, some feel more like contemporary court drama, one of them felt like a classic whodunit with a magical twist, and one story even felt like what if Jeeves and Wooster took place in ancient Rome. This really reinforces that feeling of watching a classic episodic TV show. You never know quite what you're in for.
The Dervans are compelling villians as well. HAJ does a great job at making them unique and very human. There's shades of grey here, not in a grimdark 'everyone is terrible' sense but in a genuine sense of everyone being human. I really enjoyed the supporting cast.
Overall, it's just very readable and a good time. I hope this style of storytelling takes off in a world where long epic narratives and contrived trilogies seem to be all that sell. I could use a book that's episodic and doesn't require endless hours of devotion. Just pick up and read a story here and there and at the end it all comes together for the finale. I just find that tempo so relaxing and enjoyable.
It gets a heavy recommend from me. I have some minor quibbles with it, which I'll outline below, and you can see if any of that might be issues for your taste, but honestly, they are minor and it's a fantastic starting point to what I think will be a great series.
All that being said the couple items below are why for me, though I really liked it, it didn't quite hit that 5 star experience, but I think all these critiques just come down to my particular tastes with genre fiction.
As someone who adores Sword and Sorcery for me Sword and Sandal and Historical Fiction have always felt like someone cooked my favorite meal and forgot to add seasoning. That seasoning is the magic and capital W weirdness. I think the world of Hanuvar (at least as seen in volume 1) is a bit too subdued in this aspect. It's just not quite as weird and wild as I would want, and sometimes the monsters and magic feel too much like something from a game, and not enough like something from a nightmare or the wildest reaches of our imaginations.
The prose is extremely readable, which helps with the episodic nature, but for me I do like something a bit more purple to really bring out that otherworldly vibe in fantasy. There is great use of olfactory senses here and it does paint an excellent picture. I'm just a sucker for being a bit overly poetic, whereas this is very clean and contemporary.
Finally, I do think it runs on a bit too long. Some of the stories take a bit too long to get going and the action can feel a bit underwhelming compared to the setup. I think most contemporary fantasy fans will probably love this pacing as it's more inline with modern tastes, but I really prefer shot fiction and even some of my favorite stories, like Shadow Play, felt like they had too much at the beginning, the action was a bit too quick, then the end dragged a bit too much. That's a great story, regardless of my minor critiques of the pacing. It really underlines this books wholesome vibes, and genuine earnest heroism and lack of cynicism.
This is a great book. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to watch the series play out. It boldly goes against modern trends by being episodic, earnestly heroic, and wearing it's pulp influences on it's sleeves. That being said, it doesn't slavish devote itself to the past, but instead takes the best of what came before, and encourages readers to chart a new courses on waters that might have once been tread, but are worth returning too, and Howard Andrew Jones shows us there's still new sites to be seen in these familiar places.
July 15, 2023
There is a real lack of sword and sandals fantasy put to paper anymore. However, Howard Andrew Jones delivers on that lack with the story of Hanuvar. After his beloved city is destroyed by the Dervan Empire, Hanuvar must journey back from a long exile, from the graves of his ancestors themselves, in order to try and free the remnants of his people enslaved by the empire. Along the way he meets allies, faces old foes, and fights not just evil men, but dark gods and spirits. In doing so he creates a great epic for his unlikely ally Antires to write! A gem of a fantasy novel with excellent stories within.
August 1, 2023
The genre of Sword & Sorcery is in kind of a weird place right now. There is a relatively sudden bloom of new publications and outlets that support and produce genre material. There are conscious efforts from numerous directions to make something happen with this strange melding of heroic fantasy and weird horror. The caveat is that they all remain small; independent, if you will. Print-on-Demand has also done wonders for the passionate author or publisher, giving access to tools and a platform that wasn't available even a decade ago. However, since before I was born, there has been a glaring gap in the market, that is: Sword & Sorcery being almost completely ignored by mainstream publishers. No one is arguing that it didn't exist, but that it didn't exist MUCH. Speaking from experience, after having devoured most of what I consider "Classic S&S" in the early 2000's, there was very little NEW Sword & Sorcery for me to pick up from the bookstore. In fact, I can't think of a single S&S book that wasn't mined from the moldering shelves of a used bookstore until about 2011, when I discovered "Desert of Souls" by Howard Andrew Jones.
Howard was my first foray into a Sword & Sorcery author that was still alive and still writing. The lead characters of his historical fantasy adventure, Dabir and Asim, quickly rose to prominence in both heart and mind. They were quick, witty, and endearing, robed in a world cut from the cloth of Sinbad and Aladdin.
There is still very little in the way of Sword & Sorcery sitting on the bookshelf of Barnes & Noble. A crying shame, of course.
But I think that is about to change. Whether it be but a fleeting moment or lasting impression, only time will tell.
Regardless, who is at the center of this momentous occasion?
Howard Andrew Jones.
Howard is a vocal Sword and Sorcery Community member, having been preaching from his modest pulpit for decades. He's been on the podcast several times and we have conversed through email even more than that. Jones has a distinctive voice and outlook that sets his fiction apart from many other authors. His prose is evocative, yet brief. Descriptive, but never lingers too long. His characters are fully realized, charming, and realistic. However, the quality that most attracted me to Howard's writing is that he creates heroes.
I said it.
Real, honest to Crom, heroes.
Sword and Sorcery as a niche subgenre often includes morally grey characters, even melding into villains at times. Mercenaries, thieves, and red-handed barbarians abound. That is not so with Howard or the lead character of his newest book "Lord of the Shattered Land". Hanuvar, a fantastical depiction of the legendary Hannibal of Carthage, is a good, earnest man who is a breath of fresh air to me. That is not to say that Hanuvar doesn't have his moments. He is, after all, a haggard general with greying hair and a city in ruins. It is not revenge that drives him though, but a desire, nay duty, to reunite his scattered people beneath a sundered banner. Hanuvar is not necessarily a white knight, something so often invoked when hearing the word "hero", but seems to always choose the right, good, honest thing to do.
The book itself toes the line between anthology and novel in perhaps an innovative new formula. A quick look at the table of contents will show a collection of short stories, something that Sword & Sorcery revels in. The catch is, at about the halfway mark, the stories become interwoven, creating a novel-length narrative. Howard himself has likened this approach to a serial television show, each story representing an episode of a season that wraps up a large arc by the climactic finale. Philosophically speaking, this novel (heh heh) approach to storytelling should appeal to a wide variety of people, including those with shorter attention spans, more than one reading interest, and even fans of epic doorstop fantasies. In a world where authors are cutting page counts due to high printing costs and brains have become one with the TikTok hive-mind, this style may strike a chord. In addition, each story has what are essentially footnotes that go into more depth on the lore and history of Hanuvar's world. These fit well with the framing device at the beginning of the book.
Howard has no qualms about wearing his influences on his sleeve, even going so far as to dedicate this book to Harold Lamb. While the stories themselves progress in a very Lamb-like fashion, I think that the influence is most apparent in the use of historical references. This is not to say the novel takes place in a pseudo-history of Earth like Conan's Hyborian Age or even a historical setting with sorcerous inclusions like the works of Scott Oden. Hanuvar's world is very much secondary but is written and described in such a way that evokes a sense of time and research. It is an ancient world that eschew the many well-tread trappings of the vaguely medieval. Howard's use of setting and language evokes a colorful age Roman expansion across a wine-dark sea. The weight of history is again bolstered by the framing device and footnotes. I am vocal about my desire to see and feel history in my Sword & Sorcery, which is why I prefer the likes of Conan and Imaro to Elric and Fafhrd. While Howard doesn't go as hard as the aforementioned Oden, the implications are still felt.
As I mentioned before, Howard has a distinctive writing style that feels more modern than classic examples of Sword & Sorcery. It is brisk and trim. I have heard it described as YA adjacent in conversation, which I don't necessarily think is a bad thing. It is worth noting that I believe this particular style, alongside Hanuvar's personality, makes his novel feel more PG-13 than almost any other S&S fair. There is definitely violence within the narrative, but it is not as graphic or detailed as one might encounter in other fiction. It is also light on the horror element that thrives within the link between Conan and Cthulhu. The tales of Hanuvar feel more like reading an authors interpretation of a Greek myth than the adventures of a barbarian thief, pirate, or king. Again, that is not to say there isn't a multitude of weird monsters and interesting creatures, or that magic doesn't have its consequences. That is all true. But you won't find as much of the mind-blasting bizarre that exists throughout the genre. As a caveat, I will readily admit these things might be colored by my own reading history, so mileage may vary.
Ultimately, this volume is packed with adventure and heart set within the confines of a colorful ancient world. While Howard himself has expressed disdain for re-hashed definitions, If I had to put a label on it, this leans more toward Heroic Fantasy than Sword & Sorcery in its most classic of definitions. Regardless of titles and niches, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular adventure and look forward to the upcoming releases. Hanuvar and "Lord of the Shattered Land" may not hit every fan the same way, but it hit me just right.
Review originally posted on www.roguesinthehousepresents.com
This review is based off an ARC copy of the novel
To learn more about Howard Andrew Jones, check out Rogues in the House Podcast on Spotify or wherever podcasts are found.
Howard was my first foray into a Sword & Sorcery author that was still alive and still writing. The lead characters of his historical fantasy adventure, Dabir and Asim, quickly rose to prominence in both heart and mind. They were quick, witty, and endearing, robed in a world cut from the cloth of Sinbad and Aladdin.
There is still very little in the way of Sword & Sorcery sitting on the bookshelf of Barnes & Noble. A crying shame, of course.
But I think that is about to change. Whether it be but a fleeting moment or lasting impression, only time will tell.
Regardless, who is at the center of this momentous occasion?
Howard Andrew Jones.
Howard is a vocal Sword and Sorcery Community member, having been preaching from his modest pulpit for decades. He's been on the podcast several times and we have conversed through email even more than that. Jones has a distinctive voice and outlook that sets his fiction apart from many other authors. His prose is evocative, yet brief. Descriptive, but never lingers too long. His characters are fully realized, charming, and realistic. However, the quality that most attracted me to Howard's writing is that he creates heroes.
I said it.
Real, honest to Crom, heroes.
Sword and Sorcery as a niche subgenre often includes morally grey characters, even melding into villains at times. Mercenaries, thieves, and red-handed barbarians abound. That is not so with Howard or the lead character of his newest book "Lord of the Shattered Land". Hanuvar, a fantastical depiction of the legendary Hannibal of Carthage, is a good, earnest man who is a breath of fresh air to me. That is not to say that Hanuvar doesn't have his moments. He is, after all, a haggard general with greying hair and a city in ruins. It is not revenge that drives him though, but a desire, nay duty, to reunite his scattered people beneath a sundered banner. Hanuvar is not necessarily a white knight, something so often invoked when hearing the word "hero", but seems to always choose the right, good, honest thing to do.
The book itself toes the line between anthology and novel in perhaps an innovative new formula. A quick look at the table of contents will show a collection of short stories, something that Sword & Sorcery revels in. The catch is, at about the halfway mark, the stories become interwoven, creating a novel-length narrative. Howard himself has likened this approach to a serial television show, each story representing an episode of a season that wraps up a large arc by the climactic finale. Philosophically speaking, this novel (heh heh) approach to storytelling should appeal to a wide variety of people, including those with shorter attention spans, more than one reading interest, and even fans of epic doorstop fantasies. In a world where authors are cutting page counts due to high printing costs and brains have become one with the TikTok hive-mind, this style may strike a chord. In addition, each story has what are essentially footnotes that go into more depth on the lore and history of Hanuvar's world. These fit well with the framing device at the beginning of the book.
Howard has no qualms about wearing his influences on his sleeve, even going so far as to dedicate this book to Harold Lamb. While the stories themselves progress in a very Lamb-like fashion, I think that the influence is most apparent in the use of historical references. This is not to say the novel takes place in a pseudo-history of Earth like Conan's Hyborian Age or even a historical setting with sorcerous inclusions like the works of Scott Oden. Hanuvar's world is very much secondary but is written and described in such a way that evokes a sense of time and research. It is an ancient world that eschew the many well-tread trappings of the vaguely medieval. Howard's use of setting and language evokes a colorful age Roman expansion across a wine-dark sea. The weight of history is again bolstered by the framing device and footnotes. I am vocal about my desire to see and feel history in my Sword & Sorcery, which is why I prefer the likes of Conan and Imaro to Elric and Fafhrd. While Howard doesn't go as hard as the aforementioned Oden, the implications are still felt.
As I mentioned before, Howard has a distinctive writing style that feels more modern than classic examples of Sword & Sorcery. It is brisk and trim. I have heard it described as YA adjacent in conversation, which I don't necessarily think is a bad thing. It is worth noting that I believe this particular style, alongside Hanuvar's personality, makes his novel feel more PG-13 than almost any other S&S fair. There is definitely violence within the narrative, but it is not as graphic or detailed as one might encounter in other fiction. It is also light on the horror element that thrives within the link between Conan and Cthulhu. The tales of Hanuvar feel more like reading an authors interpretation of a Greek myth than the adventures of a barbarian thief, pirate, or king. Again, that is not to say there isn't a multitude of weird monsters and interesting creatures, or that magic doesn't have its consequences. That is all true. But you won't find as much of the mind-blasting bizarre that exists throughout the genre. As a caveat, I will readily admit these things might be colored by my own reading history, so mileage may vary.
Ultimately, this volume is packed with adventure and heart set within the confines of a colorful ancient world. While Howard himself has expressed disdain for re-hashed definitions, If I had to put a label on it, this leans more toward Heroic Fantasy than Sword & Sorcery in its most classic of definitions. Regardless of titles and niches, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular adventure and look forward to the upcoming releases. Hanuvar and "Lord of the Shattered Land" may not hit every fan the same way, but it hit me just right.
Review originally posted on www.roguesinthehousepresents.com
This review is based off an ARC copy of the novel
To learn more about Howard Andrew Jones, check out Rogues in the House Podcast on Spotify or wherever podcasts are found.
July 23, 2024
I am not familiar with Howard Jones (who is not to be confused with the 80's pop singer of the same name). I decided to pick up the book after a comment made by Michael K. Vaughan on his YouTube channel of the same name. In one of his videos, he had made an intriguing off-hand comment about how he was looking forward to the third book in 'The Chronicles of Hanuvar" series as the previous books were excellent.
I'm not a hardcore fantasy / sword & sorcery fan, but I love a good yarn and the action of the pulps. I've enjoyed the tales of Conan and the epic storytelling of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Lord of a Shattered Land is kindred to Robert E. Howard's work as Hanuvar has similarities to the iconic characters Conan and Solomon Kane.
The story focuses on the great Volanian general Hanuvar and his chronicler Antires, as they embark on a journey to rescue the last remaining survivors of his conquered nation. We follow their journey as they covertly travel through enemy territory where they encounter an excellent mix of mythical beasts, evil priestesses, and intrigue.
The book begins as a collection of sequential short stories involving our main characters and are self-contained. (I believe the first few stories were sold to genre magazines). It is only until mid-way through the book that the story 'jells' and starts to become a unified longer story.
The last chapter in the book, "Thread from a Golden Loom" depicted one of the goriest / body-horror filled battles that I've ever read. SPOILER: Truly disgusting. This chapter alone raised my rating from 3 to 4 stars.
It remains to be seen whether Hanuvar becomes as iconic as Conan or Solomon Kane, but this is only the first title of what at this time is a 3-book series. The third title, Shadow of the Smoking Mountain is set to be released in October 2024.
I'm not a hardcore fantasy / sword & sorcery fan, but I love a good yarn and the action of the pulps. I've enjoyed the tales of Conan and the epic storytelling of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Lord of a Shattered Land is kindred to Robert E. Howard's work as Hanuvar has similarities to the iconic characters Conan and Solomon Kane.
The story focuses on the great Volanian general Hanuvar and his chronicler Antires, as they embark on a journey to rescue the last remaining survivors of his conquered nation. We follow their journey as they covertly travel through enemy territory where they encounter an excellent mix of mythical beasts, evil priestesses, and intrigue.
The book begins as a collection of sequential short stories involving our main characters and are self-contained. (I believe the first few stories were sold to genre magazines). It is only until mid-way through the book that the story 'jells' and starts to become a unified longer story.
The last chapter in the book, "Thread from a Golden Loom" depicted one of the goriest / body-horror filled battles that I've ever read. SPOILER: Truly disgusting. This chapter alone raised my rating from 3 to 4 stars.
It remains to be seen whether Hanuvar becomes as iconic as Conan or Solomon Kane, but this is only the first title of what at this time is a 3-book series. The third title, Shadow of the Smoking Mountain is set to be released in October 2024.
February 17, 2025
Just couldn’t get into this - felt no connection to the protagonist or anyone really. A collection of intertwined short stories - very much like the pulp era Conan, Kane, or Jack Vance stories, or Elric, but lacking any particular spark imo. DNF.
August 24, 2023
Loved it! Hope to give a proper review soon.
July 31, 2023
A unique take on Sword & Sorcery. Dispensing with the trappings of the medieval Europe standard for the genre, this instead is set in a fantasy take on the Mediterranean and Roman aesthetic.
The book is simple, yet endlessly compelling: Hanuvar, a famed general from Volanus, starts with nothing. The opposing nation, the Dervans, ended his nation and his people. He’s thought to be dead and comes back to crawl across the face of Derva to rescues the enslaved remnants of his people.
Along the way he hides in plain sight, encounters old foes, makes new allies, and fights nightmarish monstrosities. In tried and true fashion of Conan, magic abounds but is scarce and often dangerous —usually in the hands of the mad.
Each chapter is long, but functions as a short story in and of itself. Think of this book like the season of a tv show, each episode stand alone but also pushes the overarching plot forward bit by bit. Each chapter takes a moment to get reacquainted with who the new players are, but you get used to the structure and look forward to seeing what trouble Hanuvar gets in to in each one.
Hanuvar steals the show as one of the best main characters ever: intelligent, resourceful, ruthless in battle, but not a young man anymore. His occasional brushes with the result of a life in the military make him just vulnerable enough to make you feel he could easily get in over his head if not for being cunning and careful. He’s good natured, even respectful of his enemies if he find them honorable.
Action is poignant and brutal when it arrives. Magic creatures range from nightmare fuel to strange and beautiful to abyssal gods.
The plot, unlike other fantasy books, isn’t front loaded at the start but drip fed throughout the narrative and forming an expertly woven tapestry that leaves you wanting more.
Definitely looking forward to the sequel.
The book is simple, yet endlessly compelling: Hanuvar, a famed general from Volanus, starts with nothing. The opposing nation, the Dervans, ended his nation and his people. He’s thought to be dead and comes back to crawl across the face of Derva to rescues the enslaved remnants of his people.
Along the way he hides in plain sight, encounters old foes, makes new allies, and fights nightmarish monstrosities. In tried and true fashion of Conan, magic abounds but is scarce and often dangerous —usually in the hands of the mad.
Each chapter is long, but functions as a short story in and of itself. Think of this book like the season of a tv show, each episode stand alone but also pushes the overarching plot forward bit by bit. Each chapter takes a moment to get reacquainted with who the new players are, but you get used to the structure and look forward to seeing what trouble Hanuvar gets in to in each one.
Hanuvar steals the show as one of the best main characters ever: intelligent, resourceful, ruthless in battle, but not a young man anymore. His occasional brushes with the result of a life in the military make him just vulnerable enough to make you feel he could easily get in over his head if not for being cunning and careful. He’s good natured, even respectful of his enemies if he find them honorable.
Action is poignant and brutal when it arrives. Magic creatures range from nightmare fuel to strange and beautiful to abyssal gods.
The plot, unlike other fantasy books, isn’t front loaded at the start but drip fed throughout the narrative and forming an expertly woven tapestry that leaves you wanting more.
Definitely looking forward to the sequel.
August 31, 2023
[Rating: 3.5/5.0]
This is essentially a series of self contained short stories involving the same main character. Actually it almost reads like an episodic television show with too many episodes and slightly uneven writing. Some "episodes" are fantastic (the standouts here are Shroud of Feathers, The Missing Man, and The Second Death of Hanuvar) while others read like filler.
Like that theoretical TV show, the stories needlessly lean on [current year] values and politics. The main character thinks and talks about gender equality quite a bit for example. Which is a great value by the way, but not something I'd expect a general of antiquity to lecture people about. And this reached its peak when one of the villains literally used waterboarding to torture one of the heroes. Take that George W. Bush!
This tendency really took me out of the setting, which was supposed to be like classical era Rome. And I love good heroic heroes, but Hanuvar seemed a little bit Mary Sue to me at times. I'm having trouble remembering an example of him making a mistake or showing a personality flaw or being bested in some way. And he was all too often a mouthpiece for the author, or so it seemed to me.
This book had some great moments and the best three stories are 4.5+ star caliber content. But it was too long for what it was and a bit of a slog to read during the less amazing stories. I'm glad I read it but I'm not sure if I'll be returning for the sequel.
This is essentially a series of self contained short stories involving the same main character. Actually it almost reads like an episodic television show with too many episodes and slightly uneven writing. Some "episodes" are fantastic (the standouts here are Shroud of Feathers, The Missing Man, and The Second Death of Hanuvar) while others read like filler.
Like that theoretical TV show, the stories needlessly lean on [current year] values and politics. The main character thinks and talks about gender equality quite a bit for example. Which is a great value by the way, but not something I'd expect a general of antiquity to lecture people about. And this reached its peak when one of the villains literally used waterboarding to torture one of the heroes. Take that George W. Bush!
This tendency really took me out of the setting, which was supposed to be like classical era Rome. And I love good heroic heroes, but Hanuvar seemed a little bit Mary Sue to me at times. I'm having trouble remembering an example of him making a mistake or showing a personality flaw or being bested in some way. And he was all too often a mouthpiece for the author, or so it seemed to me.
This book had some great moments and the best three stories are 4.5+ star caliber content. But it was too long for what it was and a bit of a slog to read during the less amazing stories. I'm glad I read it but I'm not sure if I'll be returning for the sequel.
May 17, 2025
Was initially suspect about the book... I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this cover looked like it was from a bad 1970's fantasy novel. Also two of the 'reviews' on the back are the exact same verbiage - leading me to believe they were pushed by the publisher.
It started off pretty interestingly - co-opting the Carthaginian war and the characters from it. Really liked that & the alternative history presented - really liked the map.
However, can't really recommend the book. It's basically shore vignettes that are held together by the larger arc of following the main character. However, each section is so short we don't get invested in the antagonists, understand their motives or feel his victory is worth it... as there really isn't the time spent developing it.
Three stars as it was fun & I finished it... but not going to read any more...
It started off pretty interestingly - co-opting the Carthaginian war and the characters from it. Really liked that & the alternative history presented - really liked the map.
However, can't really recommend the book. It's basically shore vignettes that are held together by the larger arc of following the main character. However, each section is so short we don't get invested in the antagonists, understand their motives or feel his victory is worth it... as there really isn't the time spent developing it.
Three stars as it was fun & I finished it... but not going to read any more...
December 5, 2023
This was a great spiritual successor to Conan in the field of Sword & Sorcery. Conan with a Roman Empire twist. A great warrior with a clear path to vengeance, a cunning mind for battle, a strong arm to wield a blade. You love to see it.
So why 3 stars? The format of this book, while unique and fun, did this book in a bit. Every chapter is its own short story. Another standalone step in Hanuver's quest. Meaning you could never get comfortable with a location or cast. Some of these stories hit hard and some fell short. Perhaps I did this book a disservice. Is this meant to be consumed in small bites? Or is the reader expected to read it all at once? I did the latter and suffered for it.
I would continue with the series, though not without a lengthy break between.
So why 3 stars? The format of this book, while unique and fun, did this book in a bit. Every chapter is its own short story. Another standalone step in Hanuver's quest. Meaning you could never get comfortable with a location or cast. Some of these stories hit hard and some fell short. Perhaps I did this book a disservice. Is this meant to be consumed in small bites? Or is the reader expected to read it all at once? I did the latter and suffered for it.
I would continue with the series, though not without a lengthy break between.
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