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The Paladin Files #1
Hero's Curse
I’ve got no choice but to warn you. Read further, the truth will be revealed and it will enslave you. You don’t want to know how the Universe works. I know I didn’t.
I don’t care who you are or what you believe—Christian, Muslim, Hindi, Wiccan, Atheist, anything and everything. You’re all wrong.
The following is a story of my life after I got drafted by God to fight the minions of darkness. Jehovah of the Holy Bible exists and holy warriors are needed to defend us.
If you’re wise, you’ll set this book down now and walk away. Keep your illusions; they won’t hurt you. Learn too much, open the door that is better left closed, and you’ll be fighting by my side.
Victor Paladin
Servant of the Lord
I don’t care who you are or what you believe—Christian, Muslim, Hindi, Wiccan, Atheist, anything and everything. You’re all wrong.
The following is a story of my life after I got drafted by God to fight the minions of darkness. Jehovah of the Holy Bible exists and holy warriors are needed to defend us.
If you’re wise, you’ll set this book down now and walk away. Keep your illusions; they won’t hurt you. Learn too much, open the door that is better left closed, and you’ll be fighting by my side.
Victor Paladin
Servant of the Lord
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 23, 2012
While there are Biblical based things in the book.. this is NOT the belief of those that are, well ... Bible believing Christians. The liberties taken within the book are extensive. Actually, if you remember a movie a good little bit back with Jay and Silent Bob.. and angels. This book is a bit like that one - it has somewhat gritty scenes, a good amount of bad language, and a fairly descriptive sex scene as well.
The other things the book reminds me of is Dresden files but following the Paladin, though.. in this particular Paladin's case ... rough and vulgar. I thought maybe that attitude would change as he learned the 'job', but it didn't and even those that had been paladin's for basically their entire lives were vulgar as well. The book is full of anti-heroes.
And it also reminded me of Artemis Fowl .. when technology was mixed with magic and such. The way things were explained and the detail that went into some of that stuff was very much like that series.
I would go into debating much of the theories and artistic licensing decisions made about God and gods, but .. to be honest I do not feel a great need for it. Just be known that the book does NOT follow common belief of Christianity, or really any belief system - rather just smashing them together to create something new.
As for recommendation - I would not recommend anyone of Christian belief read this - while the story is good .. the changes and liberties made can be gut wrenching, as well the vulgar language and graphic sex scene are .. distracting.
The other things the book reminds me of is Dresden files but following the Paladin, though.. in this particular Paladin's case ... rough and vulgar. I thought maybe that attitude would change as he learned the 'job', but it didn't and even those that had been paladin's for basically their entire lives were vulgar as well. The book is full of anti-heroes.
And it also reminded me of Artemis Fowl .. when technology was mixed with magic and such. The way things were explained and the detail that went into some of that stuff was very much like that series.
I would go into debating much of the theories and artistic licensing decisions made about God and gods, but .. to be honest I do not feel a great need for it. Just be known that the book does NOT follow common belief of Christianity, or really any belief system - rather just smashing them together to create something new.
As for recommendation - I would not recommend anyone of Christian belief read this - while the story is good .. the changes and liberties made can be gut wrenching, as well the vulgar language and graphic sex scene are .. distracting.
July 28, 2012
Kindle freebee: Really an intriguing story line. Starts out with the story being related to a professional thief (really interesting idea) then morphs into a whole new area. Only just got into it, but am really enjoying the ride. If you like stories about magic and things that go bump in the night - this is a good one. Four stars might be a bit generous - 3 1/2 sounds about right.
August 20, 2020
This was great fun, I enjoyed it more than I was expecting. I liked the premise of a petty criminal being conscripted into a holy war as a powerful paladin. I would recommend it.
February 17, 2012
I became internet friends with Jack Lee after reading his Sustainable Earth series-(EXCELLENT BTW). He invited me to to be an "unpaid editor" for a new book he was working on...Hero's Curse. I was...and still am...on a zombie binge of sorts, just can't get enough.
This book was, from the first draft, the absolutely BEST distraction for me at the time. I would stop in the middle of any zombies story I might be reading just to read an updated draft of H.C.
I relished the opportunity Jack gave me. I read the book from the beginning with each revision or chapter add. It is that good. Plus, I didn't want Jack to stub his toes over a previous episode/factoid in the additional chapters.
If you are very religious, PLEASE, take this story with a grain of salt. It is VERY entertaining. If you have an open mind towards religion, magic, myths, legends, multiverses or any combination of these subjects...this is the book for you.
How this guy comes up with his ideas for stories is beyond me. I just hope he does it for many years to come.
I try not to give any spoilers, so my reviews might seem dry. I just like to talk about how good or bad the story is over-all without giving away scenes.
One final note...since this story's final draft, I've read the finished version twice.
Cudos Jack, seriously.
NOW get back to work on the Sustainable series Dangit! :D
This book was, from the first draft, the absolutely BEST distraction for me at the time. I would stop in the middle of any zombies story I might be reading just to read an updated draft of H.C.
I relished the opportunity Jack gave me. I read the book from the beginning with each revision or chapter add. It is that good. Plus, I didn't want Jack to stub his toes over a previous episode/factoid in the additional chapters.
If you are very religious, PLEASE, take this story with a grain of salt. It is VERY entertaining. If you have an open mind towards religion, magic, myths, legends, multiverses or any combination of these subjects...this is the book for you.
How this guy comes up with his ideas for stories is beyond me. I just hope he does it for many years to come.
I try not to give any spoilers, so my reviews might seem dry. I just like to talk about how good or bad the story is over-all without giving away scenes.
One final note...since this story's final draft, I've read the finished version twice.
Cudos Jack, seriously.
NOW get back to work on the Sustainable series Dangit! :D
July 28, 2017
Now this is what I call a good surprise :D I'll admit, the cover almost turned me off of this book...it somehow reminded me of ghostrider, and...well...I wasn't really in the mood for a book of that kind. But after the first 15 pages, I was hooked and I loved it :D The humour made me laugh, the sad stuff made me sad, and the interesting bits made me highly interested...so everything managed to do exactly what it was supposed to. The right amount of action, worldbuilding and character creation was awesome, and it made for a quick and satysfying read.
---SPOILER---
I especially loved the logic based magic system...the only thing I didn't quite enjoy was the death of some characters. We all complain about the stereotypical american happy ending...but in the end, we want to feel happy, we don't want good characters in good books to die...
---END OF SPOILER---
To sum up, this book was a surprise and I enjoyed it thorroughly. I hope I'll get my hands on the next book in the series soon :)
---SPOILER---
I especially loved the logic based magic system...the only thing I didn't quite enjoy was the death of some characters. We all complain about the stereotypical american happy ending...but in the end, we want to feel happy, we don't want good characters in good books to die...
---END OF SPOILER---
To sum up, this book was a surprise and I enjoyed it thorroughly. I hope I'll get my hands on the next book in the series soon :)
August 10, 2016
This book was recommended by my husband that listened to it on audiobook. He enjoyed it and recommends part 2 of the series. I've only read this book and thoroughly enjoyed. Full of action pack and mysterious plots. Felt sorry for the main character that loses someone dear to him. Even I recommend this book
June 17, 2012
Great book except for the end. The concept was great, the story telling good. I may be a little to goody goody myself, but i didn't like what happened to 3 of the characters, 2 OK, but not the 3rd. I doubt ill read a sequel
November 23, 2015
I loved it but the ending just....why? Why kill of the love interest and immediately introduce a potential new one. That's not fair.
February 15, 2012
Too religious, pretty decent other than that.
August 10, 2016
As I read this book, it reminded me of a video game or. Dungeons and Dragons. I was very disappointed in the ending, and if there is a sequel, I won't be reading it.
February 3, 2013
Hard to put down with some interesting plot twists. A new take on theology and mythology which really got me thinking. Great book for breaking a rut of same 'ol fast churn zombie novels.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews