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Desolace #4
City of the Dead
Upon their return from the post-apocalyptic realm of future Earth, Edward and the remaining members of his group destroy the portal to keep a never-ending flood of zombies from wreaking havoc on Desolace. They are reunited with their ghostly friend, Amber, but have no weapons or supplies and are forced to return to the town of Loknar to seek help. After enlisting the aid of the town guard, and their new friend, Jasper, Edward leads the group toward his home town, the city of Elysia.
When they arrive, Edward is saddened to see his once great city has been decimated. The lone surviving elder speaks to Edward of an incursion by the forces of darkness, which seems bent on completely destroying the largest city upon Desolace. Sending Edward and his faithful followers on a mission to the south, they soon discover a small town, seemingly forgotten and uninhabited for a very long time.
Was it the work of the Black Knight and his minions which has left the city streets littered with corpses? If so, will they be able to stop his madness before it consumes Elysia and everything Edward holds dear to his heart?
When they arrive, Edward is saddened to see his once great city has been decimated. The lone surviving elder speaks to Edward of an incursion by the forces of darkness, which seems bent on completely destroying the largest city upon Desolace. Sending Edward and his faithful followers on a mission to the south, they soon discover a small town, seemingly forgotten and uninhabited for a very long time.
Was it the work of the Black Knight and his minions which has left the city streets littered with corpses? If so, will they be able to stop his madness before it consumes Elysia and everything Edward holds dear to his heart?
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2013
About the author
Lucian Barnes
14 books135 followersI spent most of my youth in rural Ohio and began writing stories at an early age. Many of these early attempts at story-telling were inspired by mysteries, such as those found in the old Hardy Boys books and the cartoon antics of Scooby Doo. As I entered my teenage years I began to drift away from writing stories, instead picking up my pencil to compose lyrics for heavy metal songs because my new dream was to become a musician. That vision remained hopeful for many years after my high school graduation, but like most dreams of this nature it died out as I became older.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 19, 2013
Have you read the other 3 books in this series? Why not?? If you like Horror and fantasy, you'll love it. The first book threw me for a loop by seeming to be a contemporary serial killer novel, but then becoming more of a paranormal/fantasy book. It was amazing and after that I first book I have devoured all the other books just as soon as I can get them in my hot little hands. City of the Dead was no exception. Each one has the group of travelers battling new and unimaginably horrible creatures. In City of The Dead they meet yeat another new foe. The Black Knight's demon minions. This time they narrowly escape, but not before poor Edward loses yet another horse and get's very badly injured himself. Katie really steps up in this book as more of a warrior and less of the damsel in distress. And hopefully this isn't me projecting, but I think I finally saw some chemisrty between Edward and Katie. FINALLY!!
Like the other book, I swept through this one in just over 24 hours and Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book!! Another 5 stars for City of the Dead!! I loved it.
Like the other book, I swept through this one in just over 24 hours and Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book!! Another 5 stars for City of the Dead!! I loved it.
July 20, 2013
A truly unique journey that is sure to have your hairs standing & spine tingling! If you like a good horror story perfectly blended with fantasy & adventure then this is the series for you!
Lucian has had me hooked since Haven (not realizing I had skipped book 1 ~ Desolace at the time), & I have followed this group on their eerily cool venture ever since! Some of the characters are mortal while others are magical, & then we have the other-worldy. Their personalities range from frightening to lovable, & I always find myself giggling at some of the twisted humor along the way. I'm extremely excited to read the next book!! Of course ... if it's not out soon we could always threaten to send the Black Knight after him!
If you haven't yet read any of this series grab Desolace (Book 1) for Free, & you'll know if it's for you. ;-)
Lucian has had me hooked since Haven (not realizing I had skipped book 1 ~ Desolace at the time), & I have followed this group on their eerily cool venture ever since! Some of the characters are mortal while others are magical, & then we have the other-worldy. Their personalities range from frightening to lovable, & I always find myself giggling at some of the twisted humor along the way. I'm extremely excited to read the next book!! Of course ... if it's not out soon we could always threaten to send the Black Knight after him!
If you haven't yet read any of this series grab Desolace (Book 1) for Free, & you'll know if it's for you. ;-)
July 19, 2013
I am so honored to have been able to read this for my honest review!!!!!
This series just keeps getting better!! This author knows how to put 'creepy' on paper and get the reader to love it. I love how in this story Katie and Edward are starting to have feeling for each other even when they don't know it yet. Knowing this author does not do romance it is a nice add to the story :)
This book is fast paced, filled with horrifying action it really grabs you from page one. Lets hope Edward can find a steed that is more suitable for him!!! (LOL) The cliff hanger is driving me nuts! I can't wait to see what happens next. This is a must read!!!!!!
This series just keeps getting better!! This author knows how to put 'creepy' on paper and get the reader to love it. I love how in this story Katie and Edward are starting to have feeling for each other even when they don't know it yet. Knowing this author does not do romance it is a nice add to the story :)
This book is fast paced, filled with horrifying action it really grabs you from page one. Lets hope Edward can find a steed that is more suitable for him!!! (LOL) The cliff hanger is driving me nuts! I can't wait to see what happens next. This is a must read!!!!!!
September 25, 2013
I got myself sidetracked and had to start this one over. I loved it! I'll type up a real review when life gets a tiny bit less crazy.
November 18, 2013
This book is so good it will keep you wanting for the next one. The characters are so well written and are great together. One to read!!! Great job by Lucian.
January 19, 2014
This book has been my favorite of this series!
I can't wait for the 5th one!
I can't wait for the 5th one!
November 18, 2013
This series Must be read in order!! Book one is Desolace... and it is ALWAYS free on Amazon :) Book two is Haven (Desolace). Book three is Outpost 13 (Desolace). The companion novel is Destined for Darkness and should be read ONLY after at least the first three books are read but before the fifth one as it was released first. This is book four and the fifth book is Cemetery Hill: Desolace Series V.
The deeper the group delves into the sinister forces behind the metal monsters the more danger they are in. Even the most innocent seeming activity can lead to dire consequences. The group is learning this the hard way... unfortunately for them. It does not pay to act before you think and Edward just might learn that in this episode of Barnes' addictive epic horrific fantasy series!
I LOVE these books so much that I suffer from a major book hangover every time I finish one and have to wait FOREVER for the next one to come out! The creepy horror bits are a perfect foil to the epic quest mentality of the major fantasy aspects. All in all these books are a treat to read and completely engrossing. I would recommend this series to any hardcore horror fans who like a touch of the fantastic. Each book is better than the last and I cannot wait to read the next installment!!!
***This series is suitable for adult readers ONLY!!!
The deeper the group delves into the sinister forces behind the metal monsters the more danger they are in. Even the most innocent seeming activity can lead to dire consequences. The group is learning this the hard way... unfortunately for them. It does not pay to act before you think and Edward just might learn that in this episode of Barnes' addictive epic horrific fantasy series!
I LOVE these books so much that I suffer from a major book hangover every time I finish one and have to wait FOREVER for the next one to come out! The creepy horror bits are a perfect foil to the epic quest mentality of the major fantasy aspects. All in all these books are a treat to read and completely engrossing. I would recommend this series to any hardcore horror fans who like a touch of the fantastic. Each book is better than the last and I cannot wait to read the next installment!!!
***This series is suitable for adult readers ONLY!!!
August 9, 2014
For starters, it is definitely advisable to read this series from the first book onward in order to be in touch with the continuity.
This latest installment took me a while to read, but for good reasons. I was savoring this one. It is written the way a good steak is perfectly cooked and seasoned.
The author's writing skill, which was good to begin with, had been honed with every book that has been released as time goes by. The character development, scene description, and flow of the story will not disappoint.
As far as City of the Dead, I'm not going to give out any of the tasty morsels. You'll need to gather your courage, and turn the pages on your own, if you dare. It is entertaining, scary awesomeness at its finest. Bring a friend.
This latest installment took me a while to read, but for good reasons. I was savoring this one. It is written the way a good steak is perfectly cooked and seasoned.
The author's writing skill, which was good to begin with, had been honed with every book that has been released as time goes by. The character development, scene description, and flow of the story will not disappoint.
As far as City of the Dead, I'm not going to give out any of the tasty morsels. You'll need to gather your courage, and turn the pages on your own, if you dare. It is entertaining, scary awesomeness at its finest. Bring a friend.
May 3, 2014
This series does need to be read in order, other wise you will be lost. I am highly entertained by this series. A group of magical beings travel together. However they were collected from different times by magical portals. Each book they come up against another evil force that hinders them. I think the author has done an amazing job pulling you into the story and has great character development. Great read. WaAR
August 10, 2014
Poor Edward...no wonder he's moody. His life is one horror after another... The love of his life is young enough to be his daughter, his city is a shambles, all his horses meet terrible ends and all that topped with what happens to his mother! Will Edward survive to see the end of the series? If so will he still be sane?? Lucian...a request from a fan...pedal faster! But not too fast...wouldn't want to miss anything!
June 5, 2016
I don't know what Lucian Barnes has against horses. Poor fellas don't stand a chance in his books!
I know I said it in my previous reviews but... just when you think you know all of the players, Lucian adds a new twist, a new element to the story. The last chapters had me holding my breath and once again left me dying for more.
I know I said it in my previous reviews but... just when you think you know all of the players, Lucian adds a new twist, a new element to the story. The last chapters had me holding my breath and once again left me dying for more.
March 22, 2014
WOWZERS!!!!!!!!! The plot thickens and things just get better in City of the Dead. This is by far my favorite book in the Desolace series to date. Hang on kids, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.It's been amazing following Lucian as well as the characters on their journey.
June 25, 2015
Amazing, It leaves you wanting more for sure :) I love this man!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews