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Judicar's Oath #1
On the Matter of the Red Hand
All Thom wants is to drink a few rounds with his friend and play some bar games, or maybe make friends with that new serving girl- but that's not in the cards. No, Thom has a problem- a problem that may get him killed.
Or worse.
Tonight, it is raining. Thom stands in the shadows as strange visions run through his head like molten silver- visions that show dark injustices, hidden behind strange inexplicable symbols.
It's enough to make a man want a drink.
Thom is on duty, however. These visions have brought him to the door of a madman- Santiago Il Ladren. Santiago is a monster, rumored to have his enemies tortured to death- that is, the ones that don't simply vanish.
It is possible that Santiago will have Thom killed, just for asking the wrong questions.
Soon, the mystery takes a sharp turn. There is a missing girl- and it happens that Santiago is her brother. Each is another step down a twisted road that leads to forbidden alchemies and experiments in horror, hidden in plain sight. Every move Thom takes leads him further into strange shadows, until finally he is confronted with truths that he never wanted to face.
Some nights, it's just not worth the trouble it takes to stay out of the taverns.
Or worse.
Tonight, it is raining. Thom stands in the shadows as strange visions run through his head like molten silver- visions that show dark injustices, hidden behind strange inexplicable symbols.
It's enough to make a man want a drink.
Thom is on duty, however. These visions have brought him to the door of a madman- Santiago Il Ladren. Santiago is a monster, rumored to have his enemies tortured to death- that is, the ones that don't simply vanish.
It is possible that Santiago will have Thom killed, just for asking the wrong questions.
Soon, the mystery takes a sharp turn. There is a missing girl- and it happens that Santiago is her brother. Each is another step down a twisted road that leads to forbidden alchemies and experiments in horror, hidden in plain sight. Every move Thom takes leads him further into strange shadows, until finally he is confronted with truths that he never wanted to face.
Some nights, it's just not worth the trouble it takes to stay out of the taverns.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published September 10, 2012
22 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Guillen
23 books216 followersJM Guillen was just an average Joe when he worked at a Necromancy factory in 2018. After his job was outsourced to Mexico, he has been driven irrevocably mad and gifted with strange, terrible power.
Today he spends his time creating sentient velociraptors in his secret lair and summoning fell powers best left alone. His goal of absolute world domination is almost within his grasp. Soon, nothing will stop him.
Occasionally, he writes.
Today he spends his time creating sentient velociraptors in his secret lair and summoning fell powers best left alone. His goal of absolute world domination is almost within his grasp. Soon, nothing will stop him.
Occasionally, he writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 8, 2015
Why in the HELL did I sit on this for so long?? I picked it up a while back as a Kindle Freebie just based on the cool cover. And then it kinda sat there. It sat there knowing it would blow me away. It was patient. It waited for me.
And there finally came a day where none of my other 'e-shelved' books called to me, and I said to myself, "Self," I sez, "Why not try the one with the cool cover and the dude with his birdie?"
Hot damn am I glad I did! This book has an epic-fantasy-trilogy's worth of world-building so deftly applied to a slim novella. The world and its characters hit just the right notes, to a melody that has familiar themes but is unlike any other. A bit of fantasy, a pinch of steampunk-ish-ness, a knob of police-procedural.
Plus, there's a birdie! She's a good girl, yes she is. I'm always instantly charmed by animal characters that are beloved and integral.
At the end of this book, it said there are plans to expand to a full novel. I hope that happens. In fact, I hope it gets expanded to the first in a series. I'd read every one of 'em. Every feckin' one.
And there finally came a day where none of my other 'e-shelved' books called to me, and I said to myself, "Self," I sez, "Why not try the one with the cool cover and the dude with his birdie?"
Hot damn am I glad I did! This book has an epic-fantasy-trilogy's worth of world-building so deftly applied to a slim novella. The world and its characters hit just the right notes, to a melody that has familiar themes but is unlike any other. A bit of fantasy, a pinch of steampunk-ish-ness, a knob of police-procedural.
Plus, there's a birdie! She's a good girl, yes she is. I'm always instantly charmed by animal characters that are beloved and integral.
At the end of this book, it said there are plans to expand to a full novel. I hope that happens. In fact, I hope it gets expanded to the first in a series. I'd read every one of 'em. Every feckin' one.
September 22, 2013
Excellent story. The main character has all the trappings of an action hero, yet we see his human side; his sidekick is unique and fits the story well.
The world is dark, gritty, and ominous, which really lends to the atmosphere of danger throughout. There is enough unique detail to really paint a picture without becoming overbearing and tedious, which isn't always an easy balance to find with any created world.
By the end of the story, I got the impression that the true evil is only beginning to manifest, and it left a very pleasant "I can't wait until next time" feeling. It's well-written, the characters are unique, and the episodic story leaves the door wide open for a more serial encounter.
I'll definitely read any further installments.
The world is dark, gritty, and ominous, which really lends to the atmosphere of danger throughout. There is enough unique detail to really paint a picture without becoming overbearing and tedious, which isn't always an easy balance to find with any created world.
By the end of the story, I got the impression that the true evil is only beginning to manifest, and it left a very pleasant "I can't wait until next time" feeling. It's well-written, the characters are unique, and the episodic story leaves the door wide open for a more serial encounter.
I'll definitely read any further installments.
September 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It's short but great fun. A hero with a suitably offbeat approach and whispers of Harry Dresden and John Taylor while occupying his own space. A truly unique 'heroine', at least in my reading, who answers back and kicks butt. Assorted side-kicks and bit players of more or less degrees of shady. And a world-build that hints at vast but, for the purposes of this tale, is remarkably cosy and contained. Add to that a villain who peeps around the edges of the story but is never put on full show. Seriously, what more can you ask for?
Very much looking forward to the next instalment and would recommend to any steampunk fans or lovers of a strong storyline.
Very much looking forward to the next instalment and would recommend to any steampunk fans or lovers of a strong storyline.
February 16, 2019
I received one of the funniest darn author newsletters a few days ago, the kind you get when you download a freebie offer. This one struck a nerve, and I told myself the next book I would read would be J.M. Guillen's.
I was not disappointed.
On the Matter of the Red Hand is a gritty horror mystery set in a grim fantasy world. It's well written and sharp and left me drooling for more. And, I'm very very happy to have found a new author. Can't wait to read more of his work.
I was not disappointed.
On the Matter of the Red Hand is a gritty horror mystery set in a grim fantasy world. It's well written and sharp and left me drooling for more. And, I'm very very happy to have found a new author. Can't wait to read more of his work.
November 28, 2016
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Over the past few months, I’ve been raving about a series called The Paean of Sundered Dreams, which spans a multitude of genres and tells the story of a Lovecraftian apocalypse as it impacts different worlds within a shared universe. And within The Paean of Sundered Dreams there are a number of mini-series (micro-series? mini-series sounds too made-for-tv, which is the wrong vibe entirely). On the Matter of the Red Hand is the first book in the Judicar’s Oath micro-series, and is an expansion upon an earlier novella bearing the same title.
On the Matter of the Red Hand is set in Teredon, a world has already undergone its apocalypse.
“Once the stars drifted and the world withered, everything changed. Gloaming storms raged across the sky, leaving only the dead and the mad in their wake. Entire nations fell as tides of depravity assaulted our lands, and darkened abominations awoke in the twilit shadows.” He tapped the maps again for emphasis. “After that, our world had come to an end.”
Remnants of humanity have managed to hold out and develop a somewhat stable life, but the city is mostly ruled by Guilds, which are pretty much the mafia. Law and order is tenuously maintained by the Judicars, law enforcement agents who rely on alchemical potions that help them see the future, as well as trained ravens. Thom is such a Judicar, and he is about to begin his assignment, which takes him into the clutches of one of the most dangerous Guilds of all–the Red Hand. It’s leader, Santiago, asks Thom to look into the disappearance of his sister Rebekah. But Thom is not the only person Santiago has asked for help, and sometimes one’s friends can be just as deadly as one’s enemies.
On the Matter of the Red Hand has a decidedly noir vibe to it, with elements of steampunk thrown into the mix. Previous technology has become almost legendary, because after the planet’s fall, people were more concerned with figuring out how to stay alive than remembering how everything worked. The Guilds are a much more primitive political structure, and which makes Teredon feel like a weird throwback to Dickensian England. It’s a fascinating setting, and I enjoyed getting to experience Thom’s world.
I love it when Guillen incorporates poetry into his writing. I usually make a mental note of it while reading, but I keep forgetting to mention it when writing my reviews, because mental notes have a rather short lifespan. This time I made it a point to underline such a stanza that a street child was singing as creepily as possible:
"Can you hear them, calling out?
His men, they wander, all about.
Terror makes the sweetest meal.
Orahiel. Orahiel."
It sets the mood so well.
As a whole, I would have to say that while I enjoyed On the Matter of the Red Hand, it isn’t the strongest book in the Paean. Thom was interesting, but his case seemed to drag on a bit too long, and I felt like there was a disconnect between the foreshadowing early in the story and the eventual conclusion. Perhaps it’s because I already had some idea of what to expect, but contrary to my expectations, everything stayed surprisingly normal for most of the book (and by normal, I mean there was a distinctive lack of tentacle monsters). But I’ll boil that one down to personal preference. The world needs more tentacle monsters in general, and maybe I’m just being greedy.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Over the past few months, I’ve been raving about a series called The Paean of Sundered Dreams, which spans a multitude of genres and tells the story of a Lovecraftian apocalypse as it impacts different worlds within a shared universe. And within The Paean of Sundered Dreams there are a number of mini-series (micro-series? mini-series sounds too made-for-tv, which is the wrong vibe entirely). On the Matter of the Red Hand is the first book in the Judicar’s Oath micro-series, and is an expansion upon an earlier novella bearing the same title.
On the Matter of the Red Hand is set in Teredon, a world has already undergone its apocalypse.
“Once the stars drifted and the world withered, everything changed. Gloaming storms raged across the sky, leaving only the dead and the mad in their wake. Entire nations fell as tides of depravity assaulted our lands, and darkened abominations awoke in the twilit shadows.” He tapped the maps again for emphasis. “After that, our world had come to an end.”
Remnants of humanity have managed to hold out and develop a somewhat stable life, but the city is mostly ruled by Guilds, which are pretty much the mafia. Law and order is tenuously maintained by the Judicars, law enforcement agents who rely on alchemical potions that help them see the future, as well as trained ravens. Thom is such a Judicar, and he is about to begin his assignment, which takes him into the clutches of one of the most dangerous Guilds of all–the Red Hand. It’s leader, Santiago, asks Thom to look into the disappearance of his sister Rebekah. But Thom is not the only person Santiago has asked for help, and sometimes one’s friends can be just as deadly as one’s enemies.
On the Matter of the Red Hand has a decidedly noir vibe to it, with elements of steampunk thrown into the mix. Previous technology has become almost legendary, because after the planet’s fall, people were more concerned with figuring out how to stay alive than remembering how everything worked. The Guilds are a much more primitive political structure, and which makes Teredon feel like a weird throwback to Dickensian England. It’s a fascinating setting, and I enjoyed getting to experience Thom’s world.
I love it when Guillen incorporates poetry into his writing. I usually make a mental note of it while reading, but I keep forgetting to mention it when writing my reviews, because mental notes have a rather short lifespan. This time I made it a point to underline such a stanza that a street child was singing as creepily as possible:
"Can you hear them, calling out?
His men, they wander, all about.
Terror makes the sweetest meal.
Orahiel. Orahiel."
It sets the mood so well.
As a whole, I would have to say that while I enjoyed On the Matter of the Red Hand, it isn’t the strongest book in the Paean. Thom was interesting, but his case seemed to drag on a bit too long, and I felt like there was a disconnect between the foreshadowing early in the story and the eventual conclusion. Perhaps it’s because I already had some idea of what to expect, but contrary to my expectations, everything stayed surprisingly normal for most of the book (and by normal, I mean there was a distinctive lack of tentacle monsters). But I’ll boil that one down to personal preference. The world needs more tentacle monsters in general, and maybe I’m just being greedy.
February 8, 2015
More like three-and-a-half stars, still a highly recommended free read
An interesting mix of fantasy, dystopian fiction and detective noir that sucked me in from the first pages. The tale is set some six hundred years after then apocalyptic happenings chronicled in The Wormwood Event, and poor humanity isn’t doing too well. Holed up in the last remaining city and settlement, with wastelands beyond and the abominations that take shape and prey on the sane.
Readers are introduced to Thomas and his raven, Scoundrel. Thomas is a judicar, an order of warriors who employ martial and magical means to protect the remnants of humanity and civilization. Thomas has a problem: a crime lord’s sister has been kidnapped. If she’s not found, then the crime lord will go to war against the rival guilds that have fallen under his suspicion. To prevent this and maintain order, Thomas asks to take the case. He is given two days to locate the missing woman.
The issue is further complicated when he realizes said missing woman is known to him: incognito, she has been aiding the poor and destitute of the city. With an added personal stake and guided by mysterious prophetic visions he is able to invoke through the use of an eldritch serum, Thomas retraces her steps in a search through the dregs of the city.
An absorbing tale, with a surface-conflict that gives the protagonist a reason to explore this strange world and its strange denizens, and take the reader with him. Much is shown and more only hinted at. The city has apparently recently concluded an internal war against a cult that worshipped a dark god that feeds on flesh and pain. Meanwhile, the kidnapping seems to be a mere prelude to a more ominous future conflict.
The world is lovingly crafted and interesting, and our protagonist is effortlessly likable. His interactions with Scoundrel, his faithful raven, are as genuine and natural as a K-9 officer’s is with his dog. Never attack a judicar, not if you don’t want to lose your eyes, for their ravens’ legs are accessorized with deadly blades.
So why only three stars?
The ending, while resolving the surface mystery and initial conflict, does not adequately address the reason behind the kidnapping, nor shed enough light on what’s really going on. An excellent buildup, but anticlimactic and lacking a dénouement.
Closer to three-and-a-half stars.
However, an author’s note at the end informs readers that this book is due for an expansion. The novel to be released will apparently be three times the size of this one, and continue the saga that prior installments have shed light on. I eagerly await the release. Meanwhile, I recommend downloading this one. It’s free, and an enjoyment to read.
An interesting mix of fantasy, dystopian fiction and detective noir that sucked me in from the first pages. The tale is set some six hundred years after then apocalyptic happenings chronicled in The Wormwood Event, and poor humanity isn’t doing too well. Holed up in the last remaining city and settlement, with wastelands beyond and the abominations that take shape and prey on the sane.
Readers are introduced to Thomas and his raven, Scoundrel. Thomas is a judicar, an order of warriors who employ martial and magical means to protect the remnants of humanity and civilization. Thomas has a problem: a crime lord’s sister has been kidnapped. If she’s not found, then the crime lord will go to war against the rival guilds that have fallen under his suspicion. To prevent this and maintain order, Thomas asks to take the case. He is given two days to locate the missing woman.
The issue is further complicated when he realizes said missing woman is known to him: incognito, she has been aiding the poor and destitute of the city. With an added personal stake and guided by mysterious prophetic visions he is able to invoke through the use of an eldritch serum, Thomas retraces her steps in a search through the dregs of the city.
An absorbing tale, with a surface-conflict that gives the protagonist a reason to explore this strange world and its strange denizens, and take the reader with him. Much is shown and more only hinted at. The city has apparently recently concluded an internal war against a cult that worshipped a dark god that feeds on flesh and pain. Meanwhile, the kidnapping seems to be a mere prelude to a more ominous future conflict.
The world is lovingly crafted and interesting, and our protagonist is effortlessly likable. His interactions with Scoundrel, his faithful raven, are as genuine and natural as a K-9 officer’s is with his dog. Never attack a judicar, not if you don’t want to lose your eyes, for their ravens’ legs are accessorized with deadly blades.
So why only three stars?
The ending, while resolving the surface mystery and initial conflict, does not adequately address the reason behind the kidnapping, nor shed enough light on what’s really going on. An excellent buildup, but anticlimactic and lacking a dénouement.
Closer to three-and-a-half stars.
However, an author’s note at the end informs readers that this book is due for an expansion. The novel to be released will apparently be three times the size of this one, and continue the saga that prior installments have shed light on. I eagerly await the release. Meanwhile, I recommend downloading this one. It’s free, and an enjoyment to read.
November 16, 2013
I picked up On the Matter of the Red Hand immediately (and I do mean immediately) after loving another novella by J.M. Guillen called The Herald of Autumn. I was not disappointed.
The novella, written in first person, is narrated by Thom, a detective known as a judicar. Guided by an alchemical serum that gives prophetic visions and waking nightmares, Thom must inject himself into the search for the sister of a dangerous guild master, knowing that he may not emerge alive.
The novella is as much about Thom's investigation as it is about Thom himself. Time is taken to show the man behind the badge (or the stave, in his case); his thoughts, his means for dealing with the burdens of his position, and his inner conflict with the serum that both aids him and disturbs him. Guillen's portrayal has a distinctive voice that I found very enjoyable.
The novella paints an intriguing pre-industrial setting filled with alchemy, guilds, and danger. One of the details I enjoyed most about this book was the concept of each judicar having as a partner a trained raven. Guillen hints at a richer background in his setting (such as a rare firearm that seems to be a product of the setting's past). I wanted to know more.
In fact, wanting more is the main reason I nearly rated this book 4 stars instead of 5; the end left something unresolved that I wanted to know more of. I came to discover that the novella is intended to lead into a larger series, which I'm certainly looking forward to. My only complaint here would be that Thom himself seems to sense that it was time for the novella to end, as he finds a greater sense of closure in certain events than I would have in the same situation. If Goodreads allowed me to rate it 4.5 stars, I would, but as that's not possible, I'm rounding up.
I look forward to more.
The novella, written in first person, is narrated by Thom, a detective known as a judicar. Guided by an alchemical serum that gives prophetic visions and waking nightmares, Thom must inject himself into the search for the sister of a dangerous guild master, knowing that he may not emerge alive.
The novella is as much about Thom's investigation as it is about Thom himself. Time is taken to show the man behind the badge (or the stave, in his case); his thoughts, his means for dealing with the burdens of his position, and his inner conflict with the serum that both aids him and disturbs him. Guillen's portrayal has a distinctive voice that I found very enjoyable.
The novella paints an intriguing pre-industrial setting filled with alchemy, guilds, and danger. One of the details I enjoyed most about this book was the concept of each judicar having as a partner a trained raven. Guillen hints at a richer background in his setting (such as a rare firearm that seems to be a product of the setting's past). I wanted to know more.
In fact, wanting more is the main reason I nearly rated this book 4 stars instead of 5; the end left something unresolved that I wanted to know more of. I came to discover that the novella is intended to lead into a larger series, which I'm certainly looking forward to. My only complaint here would be that Thom himself seems to sense that it was time for the novella to end, as he finds a greater sense of closure in certain events than I would have in the same situation. If Goodreads allowed me to rate it 4.5 stars, I would, but as that's not possible, I'm rounding up.
I look forward to more.
January 30, 2014
This is an interesting mystery. The main character is a policeman who uses unusual methods to catch predators and wrongdoers. Who would think magic could be a tool to trip up a madman?
This story is like climbing a rope with a monster behind you. I liked going down the twisted trail into the out of the ordinary story with the setting of a mystical town beside the sea.
I hope you read this extraordinary journey into the dark shadows that is narrated by a detective known as a judicar. I don't think you will get skinned alive or vanish. But, watch out the RED HAND. Beware of the stranger who keeps fading into and out of the shadows.
I tip my hat to the author for the well-written, unlike anything else story.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
This story is like climbing a rope with a monster behind you. I liked going down the twisted trail into the out of the ordinary story with the setting of a mystical town beside the sea.
I hope you read this extraordinary journey into the dark shadows that is narrated by a detective known as a judicar. I don't think you will get skinned alive or vanish. But, watch out the RED HAND. Beware of the stranger who keeps fading into and out of the shadows.
I tip my hat to the author for the well-written, unlike anything else story.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
February 25, 2015
I received a longer edition of this work to beta from the author. (Facebook: Band of Dystopian Authors and Fans). It was 324 pages long in my Word Online doc.
When his raven Scoundrel comes to him with a vial of a secret serum known only to the judicar, Thom knows he and his girl have three days to solve what the strange visions from the serum have shown him. Or else the effects of the serum and what visions they show him will be only memories and no help.
Thom knows that Teredon is a strange city, a city of people whose ancestors sought sanctuary from the Shroud, and fear 'the taint' still- it's a history which makes for interesting events. Seemingly caught between the time of lost technology and the secrets of alchemy and the unknown of sorcery, Thom must find a way to get back a girl who has been stolen.
Along the way he'll glimpse a wider and wilder game a play, and the world he thinks he knows will become like a shadow.
I quite liked the writing it reminded me mostly of the Jhereg series by Steven Brust and Tamora Pierce's Terrier.
When his raven Scoundrel comes to him with a vial of a secret serum known only to the judicar, Thom knows he and his girl have three days to solve what the strange visions from the serum have shown him. Or else the effects of the serum and what visions they show him will be only memories and no help.
Thom knows that Teredon is a strange city, a city of people whose ancestors sought sanctuary from the Shroud, and fear 'the taint' still- it's a history which makes for interesting events. Seemingly caught between the time of lost technology and the secrets of alchemy and the unknown of sorcery, Thom must find a way to get back a girl who has been stolen.
Along the way he'll glimpse a wider and wilder game a play, and the world he thinks he knows will become like a shadow.
I quite liked the writing it reminded me mostly of the Jhereg series by Steven Brust and Tamora Pierce's Terrier.
October 23, 2013
In a word, JEALOUS. Why? Because as a writer I would love to be able to achieve what Guillen has managed to achieve with this book: merge two seemingly incompatible genres, in this case fantasy and noir fiction, and create a story that is truly mesmerizing in its own right. Judicar Thom, along with his unique offsider, is on a mission to find a missing girl, and the twists and turns he encounters along the way had me thoroughly entranced to the very end. Guillen is a man who, thank god, understands the difference between action and exposition; I wasn't given a running commentary of Thom's journey - I went along with him, hiding in the shadows, vicariously experiencing the life of a Judicar, and it is a journey I would quite happily embark upon again, and again, and again.
September 16, 2013
Super quick read, in the very best sense. The story moves quickly, never feels rushed, never lags. Smooth and utterly engrossing. The reader is given an excellent idea of the world without the point being belabored. I'm usually great at guessing the end - but this one kept me guessing. Buy it and devour it.
April 6, 2016
This book combines horror, steampunk, and fantasy to create a wonderful ride! Wish it went on forever, I want to see more of Thom and his raven, Scoundrel.
May 7, 2013
Very interesting blend of genres, and the author does a fantastic job of setting up this world and bringing it to life in this novella. I am drawn to the main character and would love to read more.
September 3, 2022
Not really having any expectations going in, I was pleasantly surprised by On the Matter of the Red Hand (Judicar's Oath). This was a gritty, intriguing fantasy that managed to establish the rough boundaries of a new fantasy world, while telling a self-contained tale within it. Clearly, there is far more to the story than is being told in this slender volume, but it certainly serves to whet the reader's appetite for more.
Thom is a fantastic character, part fantasy hero, and part pulp/noir detective. Actually, I liked the whole idea of the Judicars, their role in society, and their subterfuge in blurring the lines between magic and madness. We don't get to 'see' a lot of Teredon, but what we are told about the city - and its criminal element - is intriguing, and more than enough to orient us within the tale. As for the mystery behind the tale, Thom's search for a missing woman, that was played out extraordinarily well, keeping me on my toes with a few twists that I didn't see coming, but which didn't feel at all forced.
If I were to have one complaint about the book, it's that the narrative could have benefited from a bit more description. There were several places where I got lost in either the dialogue or the narrative itself, not quite sure who was speaking to whom. That's a minor quibble, though, and one that bothered me less and less as I settled into the story.
Overall, this was a quick, fast-paced read, and one that gives the reader credit for some intelligence. There's no spoon feeding of facts and terminology, no detailed glossaries or appendices. Instead, the story is told within the context of the world in which its set, by a narrator who assumes we'll either catch on or get out of his way.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Thom is a fantastic character, part fantasy hero, and part pulp/noir detective. Actually, I liked the whole idea of the Judicars, their role in society, and their subterfuge in blurring the lines between magic and madness. We don't get to 'see' a lot of Teredon, but what we are told about the city - and its criminal element - is intriguing, and more than enough to orient us within the tale. As for the mystery behind the tale, Thom's search for a missing woman, that was played out extraordinarily well, keeping me on my toes with a few twists that I didn't see coming, but which didn't feel at all forced.
If I were to have one complaint about the book, it's that the narrative could have benefited from a bit more description. There were several places where I got lost in either the dialogue or the narrative itself, not quite sure who was speaking to whom. That's a minor quibble, though, and one that bothered me less and less as I settled into the story.
Overall, this was a quick, fast-paced read, and one that gives the reader credit for some intelligence. There's no spoon feeding of facts and terminology, no detailed glossaries or appendices. Instead, the story is told within the context of the world in which its set, by a narrator who assumes we'll either catch on or get out of his way.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
July 21, 2019
This is a somewhat dystopian novel set in a future that is reminiscent of the middle ages and the modern world. There are also hints that humanity has held together and developed new social structures, rules, and laws. Yes, there are moral codes and professional ethics that seem to survive the present age.
The author (Guillen) does an amazing job of world-building. His use of language, reminiscent of Portuguese) is very interesting in helping illustrate the evolved culture and society. The main character, a judicar, provides a very balanced view of the world, it's inherent corruption, and the dangers of underworld activities and corruption.
Mr. Guillen provides a fascinating study of a world while providing a great crime-solving mystery.
The author (Guillen) does an amazing job of world-building. His use of language, reminiscent of Portuguese) is very interesting in helping illustrate the evolved culture and society. The main character, a judicar, provides a very balanced view of the world, it's inherent corruption, and the dangers of underworld activities and corruption.
Mr. Guillen provides a fascinating study of a world while providing a great crime-solving mystery.
June 12, 2021
This book was rank with misogyny. Poorly written as well given that it didn't explain the world within which the judiciar existed. Also, it's copaganda at it's worst.
The women in this book are either graphically and violently mutilated, are made to serve the male main character, are not named, or are despised because they're the protagonist's superior. All of this is blatant misogyny and poor writing of female characters. It's all done through the male gaze. All done through toxic masculinity.
Not to mention the copaganda that glorifies and promotes the profession of policing in the worst possible way. It has all the hallmarks of abuse of power and dehumanizing arrogance towards those the protagonist interacts with.
This author can and must do better.
The women in this book are either graphically and violently mutilated, are made to serve the male main character, are not named, or are despised because they're the protagonist's superior. All of this is blatant misogyny and poor writing of female characters. It's all done through the male gaze. All done through toxic masculinity.
Not to mention the copaganda that glorifies and promotes the profession of policing in the worst possible way. It has all the hallmarks of abuse of power and dehumanizing arrogance towards those the protagonist interacts with.
This author can and must do better.
May 9, 2017
Noir with ravens and hallucinogens
There is a dark feel that continues throughout the book that makes me think of the old noir novels complete with world weary detective and dangerous crime boss. I love that the main character isn't perfect in either vice or action. Though there is an undertone of magic in this dark world, it's understated and only amplifies the obstacles the guild investigator faces rather than being the main thread. The world Guillen created could easily be something apart from ours, or some dismal future not yet glimpsed. The way the instigators get their leads...wild and very original. It kept me turning the pages.
There is a dark feel that continues throughout the book that makes me think of the old noir novels complete with world weary detective and dangerous crime boss. I love that the main character isn't perfect in either vice or action. Though there is an undertone of magic in this dark world, it's understated and only amplifies the obstacles the guild investigator faces rather than being the main thread. The world Guillen created could easily be something apart from ours, or some dismal future not yet glimpsed. The way the instigators get their leads...wild and very original. It kept me turning the pages.
March 18, 2017
This was a very dense and meaty book. It is an amalgam of noir detective fiction and grimdark fantasy. The world it is set in is a character in its own right. It reminded me of the setting for Brent Weeks Night Angel trilogy.
The characters are well drawn and the story moves along at a good pace. Thom, the main character, follows leads and makes progress slowly, usually getting the stuffing knocked out of him in the process.
There is a lot of snarky humor in the book, which helps alleviate the heavy atmosphere of desperation that seems to permeate every corner of the city. The interplay between Thom and Scoundrel is great. I really liked how Scoundrel was areal character, and not just a cutesy tacked on addition.
I found the read satisfying on the whole. It read sort of like a graphic novel without the artwork. The only thing that detracted from the story for me was the over-use of the word "nonce." I have one definition of the word stuck in my head, and the author was using it for something else entirely, it jarred each of the fifty times I encountered it
But, it was a fun read nonetheless.
The characters are well drawn and the story moves along at a good pace. Thom, the main character, follows leads and makes progress slowly, usually getting the stuffing knocked out of him in the process.
There is a lot of snarky humor in the book, which helps alleviate the heavy atmosphere of desperation that seems to permeate every corner of the city. The interplay between Thom and Scoundrel is great. I really liked how Scoundrel was areal character, and not just a cutesy tacked on addition.
I found the read satisfying on the whole. It read sort of like a graphic novel without the artwork. The only thing that detracted from the story for me was the over-use of the word "nonce." I have one definition of the word stuck in my head, and the author was using it for something else entirely, it jarred each of the fifty times I encountered it
But, it was a fun read nonetheless.
June 24, 2018
This is fantasy done right. An entirely new world, and it has a great feel. I did not want to put this down. We meet a Judicar, and his raven, and just by description alone, we are able to pick up on the nuances of this world and it's people. The characters are complex and well developed and the mixture of narrative, action and dialogue is well balanced. The pace is fast and the story itself is absolutely riveting. I will definitely read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book.
November 24, 2017
Another Great Story!
If you haven't read any of JM Guillen's books you need to start now. His ability to create characters and worlds is astounding! And his storylines are creative enough to keep you awake reading through the night. Please tell us more about the Judicars.
If you haven't read any of JM Guillen's books you need to start now. His ability to create characters and worlds is astounding! And his storylines are creative enough to keep you awake reading through the night. Please tell us more about the Judicars.
November 3, 2017
Different! I liked it. Thom and his good girl.💙📕
February 15, 2015
You Talkin' To Me?
I would second everything positive that the reviewers have written about the virtues of this book. The hero, the secondary characters, the noir atmosphere, the plot, the fantasy elements. I would emphasize the quality of the writing - it's evocative and compelling and energetic when it needs to be and moody when that's what called for, but never once was I jarred by a false note of overreaching or excess.
But, you know, there are lots of urban fantasies, supernatural westerns, not-entirely-dumb angel stories, and hard-boiled-bizarro and weird fiction novels out there -- some of them quite good; lots of them not yet ready for prime time. After so many I think I've finally hit on what the ones I most like have in common. It's the first person narrative, especially when the first person switches back and forth effortlessly between a sort of voice-over narration and then an intimate confessional tone aimed squarely at the reader. And that's what we get here.
Our hero is an interesting guy. Smart, human, with a sense of humor, a sense of purpose and a sense of honor. Think of all of the qualities that mark a noir hero, everything that Raymond Chandler ever strove for, and you have echoes and hints of that here. That's what I want in my noir; that's what you get. This is a nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
I would second everything positive that the reviewers have written about the virtues of this book. The hero, the secondary characters, the noir atmosphere, the plot, the fantasy elements. I would emphasize the quality of the writing - it's evocative and compelling and energetic when it needs to be and moody when that's what called for, but never once was I jarred by a false note of overreaching or excess.
But, you know, there are lots of urban fantasies, supernatural westerns, not-entirely-dumb angel stories, and hard-boiled-bizarro and weird fiction novels out there -- some of them quite good; lots of them not yet ready for prime time. After so many I think I've finally hit on what the ones I most like have in common. It's the first person narrative, especially when the first person switches back and forth effortlessly between a sort of voice-over narration and then an intimate confessional tone aimed squarely at the reader. And that's what we get here.
Our hero is an interesting guy. Smart, human, with a sense of humor, a sense of purpose and a sense of honor. Think of all of the qualities that mark a noir hero, everything that Raymond Chandler ever strove for, and you have echoes and hints of that here. That's what I want in my noir; that's what you get. This is a nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
November 7, 2016
If you are new to this series/author then it might be a bit hard to get into the book due to the terminology but for those that have read a book or two of his it will not be that hard.
The book is about Thom, a Judicar, and his trained raven, Scoundrel. I loved the way the two interacted. A Judicar is a police officer basically in an apocalyptic world. He is tasked with keeping his area (warrens) safe, or at least as safe as possible. In this book he is tasked with dealing with some of the dark parts of the world. He has to help a guild that he really rather not so that there is not a guild war on his hands. Judicars use ravens as a highly trained weapon. There is a lot of alchemy type stuff that happens in the book but it is explained pretty well.
To solve the mystery behind a woman's disappearance Thom has to figure out a few questions first and try to survive while doing so. There are also a few flash backs to his childhood that I found interesting (and found out there is a short story type thing about it!).
There is talk and a few i guess small scenes where sex is involved but it is not descriptive or anything. There is a slight cliff hanger just because you end up wanting to know what is this all leading up to but the story its self is resolved in what he was trying to do. It is just foreshadowing of the next book in the series.
p.s. I do not have the book in front of me at this time so some spellings might be off.
The book is about Thom, a Judicar, and his trained raven, Scoundrel. I loved the way the two interacted. A Judicar is a police officer basically in an apocalyptic world. He is tasked with keeping his area (warrens) safe, or at least as safe as possible. In this book he is tasked with dealing with some of the dark parts of the world. He has to help a guild that he really rather not so that there is not a guild war on his hands. Judicars use ravens as a highly trained weapon. There is a lot of alchemy type stuff that happens in the book but it is explained pretty well.
To solve the mystery behind a woman's disappearance Thom has to figure out a few questions first and try to survive while doing so. There are also a few flash backs to his childhood that I found interesting (and found out there is a short story type thing about it!).
There is talk and a few i guess small scenes where sex is involved but it is not descriptive or anything. There is a slight cliff hanger just because you end up wanting to know what is this all leading up to but the story its self is resolved in what he was trying to do. It is just foreshadowing of the next book in the series.
p.s. I do not have the book in front of me at this time so some spellings might be off.
February 11, 2014
I wanted to love this book but I had a hard time getting into it. I wasn't sure who was talking to whom and the landscape was so slowly and painfully revealed that I didn't have a clear picture of where we were until halfway through.
After I finished the book and took a day to digest what I had read, I decided that I did like the story and I was comfortable with the world that was built. I did come away with more questions than was revealed about the mystery involved in the story.
I will continue reading this storyline because my curiosity must be satisfied!
After I finished the book and took a day to digest what I had read, I decided that I did like the story and I was comfortable with the world that was built. I did come away with more questions than was revealed about the mystery involved in the story.
I will continue reading this storyline because my curiosity must be satisfied!
February 18, 2015
I picked this up, because I saw it was on sale and I absolutely loved The Herald of Autumn. I'm not sure why I didn't just get it full price, because The Herald of Autumn was one of the most inventive, poetic works of [insert genre here: modern mythology?] literature I've read in a long time.
I enjoyed the richly imagined universe of On the Matter of the Red Hand, but it didn't have the same beautiful use of language as the aforementioned book (granted, this was intentional since it was narrated in the main character's voice). This book is well worth it.
I enjoyed the richly imagined universe of On the Matter of the Red Hand, but it didn't have the same beautiful use of language as the aforementioned book (granted, this was intentional since it was narrated in the main character's voice). This book is well worth it.
August 24, 2015
Familiar themes, unique points of reference
A fascinating blend of parallel worlds fantasy, and allegorical storytelling. It is almost impossible to judge this book without reading the sequel, which is not available yet. It needs sequential context, in order that we may analyze a.nd u.understand the judiciary.
A fascinating blend of parallel worlds fantasy, and allegorical storytelling. It is almost impossible to judge this book without reading the sequel, which is not available yet. It needs sequential context, in order that we may analyze a.nd u.understand the judiciary.
January 1, 2016
I loved this book!! Thom Havenkin is a really believable character. You find yourself rooting for Thom's success. He is a truly genuine person and a times slightly vulnerable. These characteristics make you like him all the more. I'm looking forward to the next book in this story.
March 26, 2014
Highly creative and atmospheric fantasy-noir storytelling.
Read
April 28, 2015Great introduction
Looking forward to revisiting the world of the Judicars, and their Ravens. This story was a great taste of what is still to come.
Looking forward to revisiting the world of the Judicars, and their Ravens. This story was a great taste of what is still to come.
July 24, 2015
Loved reading this one! it was a fantastic mystery read. look forward to reading the other books associated with this one!
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