Nostrum

The Scourge #2

by Roberto Calas

The journey north ended with The Scourge. The journey for a cure has just begun? Sir Edward Dallingridge survived his journey through the anarchy that is now England, leaving in his wake the bodies of mad lords, foul invaders, friends, and the risen dead. There was nothing on earth that could keep him from the woman he loves. Nothing but the horror that has already consumed her. His journey is over, but his mission is far from complete. As a knight of the realm, he has defended England from every enemy it has. But how does one drive away a plague sent from hell? His only hope lies in the rumors of a cure?a treatment concocted by a strange man on an island fortress. Edward will do everything in his power to find this alchemist and to bring Elizabeth back from the walking terror she has become. The Scourge: Nostrum is the follow-up to The Scourge, continuing the harrowing quest of Sir Edward in a world that knows no God, no laws, and no hope.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Zombies, Fiction, Historical, Science Fiction Fantasy

439 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

Hello there. Thanks very much for your interest. I am an author of fantasy and historical fantasy, and because there is some confusion, my last name is pronounced kah-LASS (emphasis on the Lass). And before I get too far, you can find my blog at http://robertocalas.com.

I'm a voracious reader and have been since I was a wee one. The landscapes of fantasy and science fiction were my usual haunts, but as I grew I developed a keen interest in history as well, particularly medieval history.

When I was fairly young, maybe nine or ten, I accidentally set fire to my best friend's living room while adding burned edges to a fantasy map we had made. Somehow my love of fantasy survived that calamity and I continued to write stories about fire giants and knights.

I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Journalism and Creative Writing, and went on to work as a reporter and magazine editor.

The skills I learned as a professional writer, writing day after day (after day), gave me a great base with which to pursue my real love -- Twizzlers and Coke. Um. And, yes, writing novels that combine bits of history and fantasy in a potpourri of humor, drama and action.

I hope you enjoy my works. Please don't be shy. Drop by my blog and let me know what you think. I'm always happy to discuss my works, fantasy, history, and Twizzlers and Coke. Or anything else you want to talk about.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Somehow I think I ended up enjoying book 2 more than the first one.

I wish I could better describe what it is that I love so much about this story, but, simply put, knights + zombies = AWESOMENESS!

I think what actually makes it so great are the characters. I've not connected with, laughed with, or cared for many characters as much I have with Ed and Tristan. I found the humor to be top-notch and perfectly fitting for my taste. And I thought the plot ended up being much more complex and fulfilling than I honestly expected. I also loved the gray characters and the moral questions posed by the people and situations they faced.

Anyway, I suck at writing reviews. What I'm trying to say is READ THESE BOOKS!!!

Roberto, thank you so much for all your hard work and for sharing this wonderful story with us.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like its predecessor novel, Nostrum continues the story of Edward and Tristan in fine form. Let's hit the basics: the pacing is first rate, the characterizations (as I noted in my review of the first novel) are excellent, and the plot twists exciting and surprising. In short, Calas's skill draws you into the story and playfully teases you into turning the next page.

I don't want to go into too much detail here for fear of revealing spoilers, but I do want to hit upon a few things that really impressed me. Calas's obvious love for history--particularly medieval history and, particularly-particularly medieval English history--shines through. An amateur military historian myself, I really appreciate the fine details (e.g., the reason stairs wind upward in castles, namely to maximize sword-swinging potential for the defenders). Yet the author's details are not all martial...he paints medieval society with the dull, often desperate colors of the times and the bright possibilities of individual lives to show real people in dire situations. Yes, zombies are fantastical, but Calas sets that fantasy alongside actual illnesses of the time (I won't give details, again spoilers) to frame fantasy within historical fact, making it more believable. Substitute the Black Death for zombies and I can easily see many of the motivations, actions, base human behaviors, and shining (if more rare) instances of heroism playing out exactly as we see them here. (Once specific: the plot point re: the dragon was masterfully done!)

For returning readers, Tristan's irreverence remains in full flower, though tempered somewhat by circumstances (slight spoiler: he finds someone he cares about more than either Edward or himself!). Edward's dedication to finding the cure for Elizabeth is unflagging throughout and drives the story forward, even when hope seems lost. And Calas weaves together actual people, places, and events with fantastical circumstances to create a first-rate novel of fun, thrills, and ultimately hope.

Fan of zombies? Like knights questing? Enjoy the first novel? Then look no further for your next read.

[Susan Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episode 1. EXCELLENT!! was so happy when I saw this book was out. I so very much enjoyed the first one. I love the history behind it and the humor. just an all around good story. I can't wait for episode 2.

Episode 2. Once again .......EXCELLENT!! I love this story!!

Episode 3. EXCELLENT X 3 !!! So very excited I discovered this author and this brilliant story. The humor in this story delights me. I will actually laugh out loud at some of the things these characters say.

Episode 4, 5 and 6. It's hard to write this type of review for a kindle serial. For me it is anyway. You can't really mention anything that happened or you will give everything away to anyone who hasn't read it. All I can say is that this book is great. Very action packed. And the end of each episode ends with such a dramatic cliff hanger that it almost makes me mad. I'm mad because I have to wait 2 more weeks to find out how these guys get out of their mess. I love this book. can't wait for episode 7.

Episode 7. the next episode is the last in this book and that will be a very sad day :( I want this to go on forever. Keeping my fingers crossed there will be a book 3.

8, last episode! Yaay!! Looks like there's going to be a book 3!!!

LOVED this!!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My current favorite zombie novel. I love the historical facts mixed in with the zombie horror. I loved the lepers and how they were used. I really want to know why Bellsilica is able to turn back the plaguers. there are a lot of really great moments in this book, and I"m looking forward to the next serial to see if he is able to save his wife and his friend.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Edward searches for a cure for his wife who has been turned into a zombie.

This second book was just as good as the first! Zombies in medieval times makes for a nice difference from the contemporary ones, and the author does a great job in making you feel like you are along for the ride. I liked the addition of the lepers into the story but my favorite part was definitely Sir Edward's replacement steed - when a horse is not handy, a cow will have to do.

[Ralph Wark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The segue in the medieval zombie trilogy

I'm enjoying this series greatly, this guy can write characters. The zombies are zombies,, no variations like runner's, smart zombies, a teenager who falls in love with a real girl - nope, they're just run of the mill Romero critters. The fun is the situation, it's the bloody 1300's!!! There's a knight's quest to find a cure for his affected love (zombie chivalry?), a wisecracking sidekick, a female companion who turns out to be a rather famous historical figure, and lotsa people. Serfs, alchemists, knights, good and bad, peddlers, and a dragon. They all play prominent parts. I do appreciate the historical accuracy - the author's significant other is from Bury St. Edmund"s, and his favorite place is Bodum castle, the protagonist's home. The scenes are all possible (even the Dragon), and the details are real, just check out the historical notes inn the back. Now onto book three......

[patrycja polczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, now I’m annoyed. I mean - I was hoping this 2nd book will sort out the problems and will give me decent ending. But no - I got yet another book without end and now I need to wait for more. I think I liked this second part even more than the first one. It’s even more fun. So give me more!

UPDATE 25.09

I had to wait 24h to read last episode of this book and what did I find out? I need to wait some more for next part! But this last episode in this book was real fun and I loved every bit of it!

[David Pomerico · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my books at 47North. Biased, but love it. Continues Sir Edward's harrowing journey through the zombie-infested English countryside. A little horror, a little fantasy, a little history, and a lot of adventure.

[Jackie Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Edward and Tristan! Lots of surprises in this book, from the dragon to the lepers and the "cure". In my mind I see a happy ending for Elizabeth and Edward

[Kathy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a kindle serial and it's great! It's like a present when the next installment arrives.

[Mehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in 2 days! Loved it even more than the first, and already have the 3rd one in the trilogy downloaded to read tomorrow.

This book was nonstop action and adventure, picking up where the first one left off, introducing interesting new characters but developing existing ones so well. We have knights and damsels in distress and religious conflict and disease and attempted cures (I had to look this up, but according to Merriam-Webster, the title of the book, Nostrum, means “a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness”). Oh, and we have zombies. Everything fun and amazing in one place. I also freaking LOVE the humor and the dialogue between the main characters, and I find that I’m laughing out loud very often.

The author really knows his history as well, because everything from the the era, the landscape, the religious customs, to details of buildings are spectacularly explained and give you the feeling of being immersed in the story. There are also historical notes at the end, which I loved, and give more context to some of the characters, events, and locations.

I will be raving about this series of books to everyone and anyone who will listen.

Tl;dr: please read this series ASAP, this author needs A LOT of recognition. As of this review, all 3 books are available on KU.

[Jota Houses · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuación de la historia de sir Edward y sir Tristán en búsqueda de la cura para la plaga que afecta a Elizabeth. Por momentos nuestros protagonistas se van transformando en Chapman e Idle y, aunque usan caballos de verdad en vez de cocos, resultan un poco anacrónicos. Por lo demás una historia de zombies más o menos asquetípica que en su afán por subir la apuesta recurre a zombies mutantes, trasuntos de Negan o el Gobernador (si no sabes quienes son deja de leer esta mierda y hazte con la colección de The Walking Dead) y hasta un dragón.
Hay etapas en la vida (en la mía suele ser junio) en que no está uno para leer a Dostoievsky y una mamarrachada con caballeros medievales y muertos vivientes puede ser la solución.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. It was funny, hilariously so at times, but oddly thought provoking at times. Much better than I honestly thought. I have become addicted to this writer.

[steve evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Once you start reading this book you can't put it down
Looking forward to the next one hope it's has good

[Nathan Woll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series. One of the funniest zombie books ever.

[Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

"É preocupante pensar que a crueldade humana pode de fato ser mais aterrorizante do que demônios devoradores de carne."

[Joseph Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostrum begins immediately where The Scourge ended: the wife of Sir Edward of Bodiam is now one of the afflicted, which sets Edward on a quest for a cure for the disease that is turning the English population into zombie-like “plaguers.” There are rumors of an alchemist who’s invented a cure and lives in an island fortress. Leaving his afflicted wife imprisoned in the abbey of St. Edmund’s Bury, Edward sets out to find the alchemist, and one hell of an adventure ensues.

Edward is soon reunited with his best friend, Sir Tristan of Rye, as well as a new travelling companion, a beautiful nun named Belisencia who may not be all that she seems. Together, they search for the alchemist, encountering plaugers along the way, and even worse, humans afflicted by what Edward calls the “third plague” – a madness that has swept across England, inspiring many to do unthinkable things in the name of religion. There is a scene about midway in the novel involving the cult of a self-proclaimed “Hugh the Baptist” that embodies this madness to its fullest, and it’s one of the most memorable in the novel.

Overall, I found Nostrum to be even better than The Scourge. It’s less gritty and less grim, but more of a rollicking adventure tale, which I found even more fun to read. It’s rare when the sequel exceeds its predecessor, but I think Roberto Calas has accomplished that here. One of my favorite scenes in the book involves Edward and Tristan’s need to slay a dragon. Although this novel is a work of historical fantasy, Nostrum’s “dragon” is completely grounded in historical plausibility, a brilliant move by the author, who has a knack for imbedding as much real history as possible into a story about a medieval zombie apocalypse.

Without giving much away, the ending is thrilling. An old enemy makes his return, and the madness of the third plague threatens everything Edward has fought for. The ending leaves room for a third book, and I really hope the author gets a chance to write it. It seems there is one more tale needed to complete Edward’s journey, and after the first two in this series, I’ll pick it up on my kindle the day it’s released!

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good book, and I liked it at least as much as I liked the first one, although I did miss the banter between Morgan and Tristan. This series is very cool if you are into history and zombies - it is, at its heart, a fun zombie story, which is what initially drew me to the books. Zombies fighting knights is cool enough as it is, although the concept alone doesn't by any means mean the book was going to be good. Calas has made a strong character in Edward, though, and he manages to be in turns funny, exciting, and even insightful. This is a real adventure story, filled with zombies and the humans adjusting to living with them. The world feels full and the various reactions to the apocalypse appropriate.

The story is not quite perfect. There was a point in the first half of this book that I complained mildly that I wished the plot would move a little more quickly. There were actually a few times in this book where I got confused because it seemed like characters had lost swords and then suddenly had them again, only to comment that they didn't have a sword later. I don't know if that was on my part or if that was missed in editing. Finally, the bits of plot in this story do sometimes come together a bit too perfectly or coincidentally. It isn't terribly unbelieveable (if you're willing to believe in zombies in the 14th century, of course) but I would say my willing suspension was tested occasionally.

All that said, my favorite part is how tied to history plot points, characters, and settings are. It is very interesting, and adds a level of work and realism that the concept does not necessarily imply - but which adds a lot to the books, if you're into that sort of thing.

If medieval fantasy is your thing and you like zombies, this is definitely worth a read. If you like readable historical fiction with a fantasy flare I'd recommend it too. If you think that 'knights fighting zombies' sounds awesome, I'd say give it a try. I very much enjoyed this book and the preceding one, and now wait eagerly for the next installment.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could. But since I can't, I will generously round up. What really love about these books by Mr. Calas is that they are rooted in actual history. (Thank you for putting the historical notes at the end instead of between chapters!) Most of the main and minor characters are real people who really existed in the time period that these books were set. All of the places are places you can go and visit today. (Amazing!) Some of what happens in the book was documented by people as actually happening. It boggles my mind that 2 Nile crocodiles escaped from the tower of London to terrorize villages along two different rivers. (Craziness!)

There is so much that happens in this book that it almost becomes distracting. At first it really turned me off. The first book is just about knights battling zombies. I loved that. It was so simple and so perfect. This book brings in so many new elements that I almost felt as though it detracted from the story. The more I thought about it the more I realized this was my own shortcoming. I can't make this story my own and have it go the direction I want it to. It goes it's own direction and I follow along. That's my job as a reader. So, after having my own internal debate about this very point, I hopped back on board and continued the journey of Sir Edward.

This book is obviously setting us up for the grand finale. I'm very much looking forward to the continuation to find out what happens to our spirited band of medieval zombie survivors!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot understand " Nostrum" without having read the first book in the series, " Scourge".
And why haven't you?
These two books of a planned trilogy are simply fantastic. Genre? Well, horror . Or Sci-fi, Or fantasy. Or all of the previous.
Quickly, without a wordy plot synopsis, the story of the books is set in medieval England during the reifgnof Richard II.
There is a plague in the land; not the Black Plague. That is history, past but not forgotten. This is a plague that turns people onto zombies.One Sir Edward is determined to find a serum, a cure in order to save his stricken wife.
So far it has been an unsuccessful quest. With horrors everywhere in the land, Sir Edward and his few surviving friends fight through hordes of undead to get to a fortified island where lives an alcemist who has a serum. What happens? Read the book.
Great writing is a feature of these novels. Characters have depth and emotional resonance. The landscape familiar to anyone who has read novels of England's true history rings true. There is an undercurrent of a analogy lurking: of what a man will do to save someone he loves, and do it with a great cost to his on salvation, because his salvation is saving her.
Perhaps I read too much into it, but read it for yourself. It is a unique tale.
Trigger warnings: gore, violence and a certain " ugh" factor in the pages. Human villians( unplagued) can be ghastly anyway. Some blasphemy.

[John Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often in tn trilogies, the second book lags a bit as the uniqueness of the first book is gone and the second book sets up the third book. That is not the case with "Nostrum." This book is better than the first. Roberto has set the landscape and the story line in the first book. Having that accomplished, he seems to just have fun exploring through the mini quests of Edward and Tristan the people of 14th century Europe. The zombies are not the scariest thing to be found; people can be much more cruel. To some degree zombies are a backdrop that has put society to the test,and Roberto explores how the people handle life in the 14th century.

I listened to the book verses reading. After each episodes, the historical footnotes were discussed. That was quite interesting and a better setup than the first book which held off the historical notes till the end of the book. Roberto's love of history is evident. I can imagine the author taking great pleasure in finding odd historical facts and creating some of the episodes around them. I truly appreciate it. Who knew a story about zombies could be educational?

I was very disappointed to hear the publisher was opting out from publishing the third book. I was very glad to hear through Kickstarter, Roberto was going to finisht he trilogy. I just wish I could have contributed.

[Sherri Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series.

[Karen Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two picks up pretty much were book one left off, with Sir Edward at St. Edmund’s Monastery having finally reached his wife. Unfortunately, he’s too late and she has been infected. This next leg of his journey begins with him leaving her locked up, and trusting Brother Philip (pretty much a useless coward) and Sister Mildred to care for her while he seeks to catch up with Tristan and search out an alchemist on an island in the hope that he will have a cure. Now joined by a nun, another non-stop action packed journey on the way to a possible cure leads to enemies seeking Edward’s head, more mobs of plague-infested people, religious fanatics against all alchemy, virgin-eating dragons, lepers, but in between and during you get to enjoy the wonderful sacrilegious sarcastic wit from my favorite loveable Tristan. Another nail-biting cliff-hanger will have you ready to dive into the third and final book in the series.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed like something was lacking with this one after being so pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the first book of this series. Not sure if it was the repeating elements in the story, Edward's almost constant worrying of the amount of time left for his wife, or the poor replacements for Sir Morgan and Zhuri but this one has left me wondering if the next in the series would be worth picking up.

[Carolyn Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this through First Reads Giveaways.

And it was AWESOME! I am fairly certain that this was at least the second book in a series, however, and I really, really, really wish that I had the first book to read. It's incredibly interesting. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop to do anything. I can only imagine the first book was as good or better.

[Teresa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostrum (meaning: a medicine, especially one that is not considered effective) is just as good, if not better than the first in the series, Scourge.

I feel like a cheerleader rooting on the main characters in their quest of finding a true cure for the afflicted. And even through the battles and despair there is humor, which gives you a feeling there is hope.

[Matt schmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally medieval zombies !

Excellent series so far. the gruesome mixed with humor and witty banter..reminds me of my favorite horror movie evil dead 2. Obviously way different in its own way and in the story line. DefinItely read this. I love historical fiction . Anything medieval or vikings. Love bernard Cornwell so if your into all that and of course zombies you'll love it

[Brooke Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book!! Loved the new characters, adventures and clever weaving of the plot. Plus so many familiar faces that make a surprising return when you least expect it. Such a fun read that I highly recommend to anyone with good taste.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My current favorite zombie novel. I love the historical facts mixed in with the zombie horror.I think what actually makes it so great are the characters. I've not connected with, laughed with, or cared for many characters as much I have with Ed and Tristan. I just couldn't put it down.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book was just okay, but this is much better. Usually it's the other way around, and I expected the book to be mediocre at best, but Calas managed to write a really good sequel with very interesting characters, good dialogue, and much more exciting story line.