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The Twelve Kingdoms #0.5
Thunder on the Battlefield Volume Two: Sorcery
BEHOLD! the clash of war. Steel upon steel and heroes fighting shield to shield. The only true victory is a brave death and the destruction of your enemies. These stories harken back to a barbaric past that never was. A time when heroic men and women cut glory from the cloth of a sorcery-filled world and stole gold from the hands of the gods themselves. This is fiction that takes no prisoners. No quarter asked. No quarter given. This is SWORD AND SORCERY.
460 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2013
2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
James R. Tuck
51 books236 followersI am the author of the Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty Hunter series. Book one, BLOOD AND BULLETS, will be out from Kensington Publishing February 7, 2012.
I write DARK URBAN FANTASY. It is gritty, it is violent, it is bloody, it is DARK. The monsters are monstrous and they do Very Bad Things. The good guys are Big Damn Heroes.
I write the ultimate thrill ride in the form of a book, just for you. I want you turning those pages as fast as you can while precariously balanced on the edge of your seat.
I write DARK URBAN FANTASY. It is gritty, it is violent, it is bloody, it is DARK. The monsters are monstrous and they do Very Bad Things. The good guys are Big Damn Heroes.
I write the ultimate thrill ride in the form of a book, just for you. I want you turning those pages as fast as you can while precariously balanced on the edge of your seat.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 31, 2014
A companion collection to Thunder on the Battlefield: Swords, this second anthology offers some intriguing female heroes with foul moods, strange forms, and powerful loves, loyalties and affections. Ghosts of a distant world that might be our future, bombed or sunken and burned, fill these tales, changing direction and dragging their readers to lands of screaming seas and mysterious pasts. Complex, multifaceted foes, sometimes lyrical prose, dark evils, curious angels and cherubians, portals, faith and war; this collection has it all. And there’s even a Halfling hiding somewhere in there!
“I don’t want to be a warrior’s wife,” says one character. “I want to be a warrior.” And a fine one she is, well-portrayed, inspiring me to look for more books by her author, S. H. Roddy. Then there’s the wonder of finding Steven Shrewsbury’s Gorias, remembered from longer tales, and then... and then...
It’s another fine collection of sword and sorcery to ensorcel fans of the genre, and another fine read.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy during the blog tour and just wish I’d got around to reading it sooner.
“I don’t want to be a warrior’s wife,” says one character. “I want to be a warrior.” And a fine one she is, well-portrayed, inspiring me to look for more books by her author, S. H. Roddy. Then there’s the wonder of finding Steven Shrewsbury’s Gorias, remembered from longer tales, and then... and then...
It’s another fine collection of sword and sorcery to ensorcel fans of the genre, and another fine read.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy during the blog tour and just wish I’d got around to reading it sooner.
October 18, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/09/24/...
Publisher: Seventh Star Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
I vividly recall making my way through my father’s collection of de Camp, Burroughs, Howard, and Moorcock. I found myself fascinated by the fights, the life and death struggle, the importance of keeping your word, the value of revenge or justice, and of course the spoils of war. As a result when I was given the opportunity to review Thunder on the Battlefield whose forward says it was inspired by some of those same authors I had to say yes. I decided to start with Volume Two because a key element of each story is Sorcery which with a little stretch could apply to Science Fiction/Fantasy. Each of these stories also has a person or people doing incredible things for love, ok so it might not be love for a significant other like romance usually included but love nonetheless. Therefore, if you follow my mildly twisted logic this does fit in with our SFR Month. Volume One with the central theme of Swords will be reviewed next month.
NEGOTIATION by Jeffe Kennedy
This was unexpected. I found the choices the heroine made fascinating and logical given the options that were open to her. This was certainly an example of playing the long game instead of reaching for a quick short victory. I am super curious to see if/how she will get around one of the stipulations and the results. I think I need to check out this series because it looks like it contains some very interesting aspects.
THE FOURTH RULE by Alex Hughes
Ooh the price of command, trust, stubbornness, errors in judgment, and how fickle the willingness to follow through hard times really is. This was a short very poignant story and I think it is a good thing the heroine is determined because she has a rough path ahead of her.
THE RUINS OF ST. LOUIS by Selah Janel
Very fascinating world and adventure. Again, there was betrayal but there was also comradeship and adventure. I really enjoyed the twist at the beginning and the sense of hope as well as forbidden romance that was threaded throughout this novella. I need to find out if Janel has written more in this world with these characters because this really caught my attention.
MARK OF THE WARRIOR Steven Grassie
Sometimes it is the battle we fight on our own that means the most. The hero’s sacrifice will never be known to those he sacrificed for but he knew why and that is what matters sometimes. A very touching story.
ANGELS OF SCRAWL by James R. Tuck
And now I completely understand why one of our other reviewers enjoys Tuck’s writing. This novella really did take me back to the days when I first found several of the authors that Tuck mentions in his forward. I enjoyed the twists and the strength of family.
THE CHERUBIAN, THE LINDWORM, AND THE PORTAL by M.B. Weston
A very interesting look at a perspective of how humanity is protected from outside evil. In this particular case it was without betrayal but still involved the pain of command and sacrifice for something other than self. In this particular case I do wish I knew more about this particular world before jumping into the battle. It took me a while to figure out that some of the main characters were angels and not people fighting.
GRINDING THE GEARS by Brady Allen
This one also reminded me of the Conan stories but it was written more like someone recounting the story of a legend that then merged into the actual event complete with the hero’s thoughts/feelings. As a result, I had a hard time believing in the altruism of the hero. I really wanted to know what was it in for him.
BLACK ICE by S.H. Roddey
Very interesting. Once again we have a heroine and sidekick battling against terrible odds to try to save her people even though she never quite fit the role they wanted her to take. She had a lot of trust and faith in her sidekick even though she was blatantly the more dominant of the two. There was a sudden about-face at the end that I am not quite sure I believe is a true change. The potential is there but at this stage I am taking that individual skeptically.
THE TWO FIRES by Steven S. Long:
This was a different take on sorcery as power from the Gods. It took a couple of different aspects and combined them together. Well written but not my favorite because there was mention of errors made during the crusades but no attempt to rectify them. Only the certainty that the victors had the more powerful God. I did like the manifestation of power but I think I like the idea of the victors becoming a bit corrupted by the civilization they conquer. I also thought a certain individual changed his mind a bit too easily about providing troops.
ACROSS THE WILDS by D.A. Adams
A very fascinating almost coming of age story. I enjoyed the drive that the hero had as well as everything he faced on his journey. The descriptions were very interesting and I enjoyed the different micro-ecosystems. This is another world that I hope the author either has or will continue to write in.
DARK GENESIS by Mark Taverna:
Oh magic and the power and corruption that you bring. An intriguing take on what someone will do when their existence is threatened and then what they will do when they realize what they have done. Not an entirely pleasant story to read but very moving.
WHORE OF JERICHO by Steven L. Shrewsbury:
Some serious twists in this story. I enjoyed the well thought out justice. The antagonists certainly had it coming. And the final twist was perfect. This really was a great way to end this anthology. It provided a link from the barbarians of the fictional past to a much more recent past.
Like any anthology, Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery had some stories I enjoyed more than others. I enjoyed reading it overall because it was both a nice change from what has become my usual reading and a reminder of what inspired my imagination as a child. I have also found some authors whose backlist I need to explore which always makes an anthology a win.
I give Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery a B
Publisher: Seventh Star Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
I vividly recall making my way through my father’s collection of de Camp, Burroughs, Howard, and Moorcock. I found myself fascinated by the fights, the life and death struggle, the importance of keeping your word, the value of revenge or justice, and of course the spoils of war. As a result when I was given the opportunity to review Thunder on the Battlefield whose forward says it was inspired by some of those same authors I had to say yes. I decided to start with Volume Two because a key element of each story is Sorcery which with a little stretch could apply to Science Fiction/Fantasy. Each of these stories also has a person or people doing incredible things for love, ok so it might not be love for a significant other like romance usually included but love nonetheless. Therefore, if you follow my mildly twisted logic this does fit in with our SFR Month. Volume One with the central theme of Swords will be reviewed next month.
NEGOTIATION by Jeffe Kennedy
This was unexpected. I found the choices the heroine made fascinating and logical given the options that were open to her. This was certainly an example of playing the long game instead of reaching for a quick short victory. I am super curious to see if/how she will get around one of the stipulations and the results. I think I need to check out this series because it looks like it contains some very interesting aspects.
THE FOURTH RULE by Alex Hughes
Ooh the price of command, trust, stubbornness, errors in judgment, and how fickle the willingness to follow through hard times really is. This was a short very poignant story and I think it is a good thing the heroine is determined because she has a rough path ahead of her.
THE RUINS OF ST. LOUIS by Selah Janel
Very fascinating world and adventure. Again, there was betrayal but there was also comradeship and adventure. I really enjoyed the twist at the beginning and the sense of hope as well as forbidden romance that was threaded throughout this novella. I need to find out if Janel has written more in this world with these characters because this really caught my attention.
MARK OF THE WARRIOR Steven Grassie
Sometimes it is the battle we fight on our own that means the most. The hero’s sacrifice will never be known to those he sacrificed for but he knew why and that is what matters sometimes. A very touching story.
ANGELS OF SCRAWL by James R. Tuck
And now I completely understand why one of our other reviewers enjoys Tuck’s writing. This novella really did take me back to the days when I first found several of the authors that Tuck mentions in his forward. I enjoyed the twists and the strength of family.
THE CHERUBIAN, THE LINDWORM, AND THE PORTAL by M.B. Weston
A very interesting look at a perspective of how humanity is protected from outside evil. In this particular case it was without betrayal but still involved the pain of command and sacrifice for something other than self. In this particular case I do wish I knew more about this particular world before jumping into the battle. It took me a while to figure out that some of the main characters were angels and not people fighting.
GRINDING THE GEARS by Brady Allen
This one also reminded me of the Conan stories but it was written more like someone recounting the story of a legend that then merged into the actual event complete with the hero’s thoughts/feelings. As a result, I had a hard time believing in the altruism of the hero. I really wanted to know what was it in for him.
BLACK ICE by S.H. Roddey
Very interesting. Once again we have a heroine and sidekick battling against terrible odds to try to save her people even though she never quite fit the role they wanted her to take. She had a lot of trust and faith in her sidekick even though she was blatantly the more dominant of the two. There was a sudden about-face at the end that I am not quite sure I believe is a true change. The potential is there but at this stage I am taking that individual skeptically.
THE TWO FIRES by Steven S. Long:
This was a different take on sorcery as power from the Gods. It took a couple of different aspects and combined them together. Well written but not my favorite because there was mention of errors made during the crusades but no attempt to rectify them. Only the certainty that the victors had the more powerful God. I did like the manifestation of power but I think I like the idea of the victors becoming a bit corrupted by the civilization they conquer. I also thought a certain individual changed his mind a bit too easily about providing troops.
ACROSS THE WILDS by D.A. Adams
A very fascinating almost coming of age story. I enjoyed the drive that the hero had as well as everything he faced on his journey. The descriptions were very interesting and I enjoyed the different micro-ecosystems. This is another world that I hope the author either has or will continue to write in.
DARK GENESIS by Mark Taverna:
Oh magic and the power and corruption that you bring. An intriguing take on what someone will do when their existence is threatened and then what they will do when they realize what they have done. Not an entirely pleasant story to read but very moving.
WHORE OF JERICHO by Steven L. Shrewsbury:
Some serious twists in this story. I enjoyed the well thought out justice. The antagonists certainly had it coming. And the final twist was perfect. This really was a great way to end this anthology. It provided a link from the barbarians of the fictional past to a much more recent past.
Like any anthology, Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery had some stories I enjoyed more than others. I enjoyed reading it overall because it was both a nice change from what has become my usual reading and a reminder of what inspired my imagination as a child. I have also found some authors whose backlist I need to explore which always makes an anthology a win.
I give Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery a B
October 14, 2013
Reading this collection, I expected more magic and less violence. While magic and sorcery does feature in the stories, the violence still seems to be the dominant theme. The stories I enjoyed most were:
The Ruins of St Louis by Selah Janel – A hinted love story set in the ruins of the future. This story seemed like a sneak peek at a full length story that I’d love to read.
Mark of the Warrior by Steven Grassie – An honorable hero in a tragic situation, he strives to do the best thing for everyone, even when his options are severely limited.
Angels of Scrawl by James R. Tuck – Rescue and redemption of defenseless girls by a not-wholely-good warrier. Classic and enjoyable.
The Cherubian, The Lindworm, and The Portal by M.B. Weston – Unique creatures with a noble purpose. This was the most creative fantasy-based story in the collection.
Black Ice by S.H. Roddey – A strong heroine determined to save her people while accompanied by an amusing sidekick. The fight was a bit short, but the story was entertaining.
Across the Wilds – D.A. Adams – The story of an escaped slave, this was more about survival in a magical world than violence.
Dark Genesis by Mark Taverna – A darkly disturbing story, Gaiwoun, the hero’s brother, was the scariest part of the story.
I once again enjoyed about half the stories in the collection. There was a good assortment of settings and situations, with a few stories that I’d like to read more of. While magic features in all the stories, violence is still the predominant theme and readers should expect quite a bit of gore.
The Ruins of St Louis by Selah Janel – A hinted love story set in the ruins of the future. This story seemed like a sneak peek at a full length story that I’d love to read.
Mark of the Warrior by Steven Grassie – An honorable hero in a tragic situation, he strives to do the best thing for everyone, even when his options are severely limited.
Angels of Scrawl by James R. Tuck – Rescue and redemption of defenseless girls by a not-wholely-good warrier. Classic and enjoyable.
The Cherubian, The Lindworm, and The Portal by M.B. Weston – Unique creatures with a noble purpose. This was the most creative fantasy-based story in the collection.
Black Ice by S.H. Roddey – A strong heroine determined to save her people while accompanied by an amusing sidekick. The fight was a bit short, but the story was entertaining.
Across the Wilds – D.A. Adams – The story of an escaped slave, this was more about survival in a magical world than violence.
Dark Genesis by Mark Taverna – A darkly disturbing story, Gaiwoun, the hero’s brother, was the scariest part of the story.
I once again enjoyed about half the stories in the collection. There was a good assortment of settings and situations, with a few stories that I’d like to read more of. While magic features in all the stories, violence is still the predominant theme and readers should expect quite a bit of gore.
January 6, 2014
Anthologies are one of my favorite things because you get a wide sampling of voices. This anthology is not afraid to cover a wide range of fantasy elements. There's no shortage of stories to choose from and all of them stand their own. Some of the stories offer blood and guts, and some offer less fighting and more intrigue. I found myself enjoying each take on the idea of magic and what it can do. The authors all craft fascinating stories that make it hard to put the book (or kindle) down until you've finished every last one.
If you enjoy epic tales of magic then this anthology is for you. You get a sampler platter of some amazing storytellers and a wide view of the world of magic through several different minds.
If you enjoy epic tales of magic then this anthology is for you. You get a sampler platter of some amazing storytellers and a wide view of the world of magic through several different minds.
July 25, 2014
Everybody needs an anthology once in a while. This is a mixed bag. Some good stuff, ,at least one rather sloppily written effort, and, fittingly saving the best till last, a piece that must be written by the reincarnation of Robert A. Howard, by the name of Steven L. Shrewsbury. If you like fight scenes, feats of courage and skill, and don't mind a clunker or too, pick it up.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews