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Paladin of Shadows #2
Kildar
The Sequel to Ghost-KildarEx-Seal Mike Harmon has bought the farm-literally, in Eastern Europe. But trouble follows him even there, and the man who has made himself anathema to terrorists from Syria to Paris suddenly has Chechen terrorists banging on his own door..At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
118 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
John Ringo
101 books1,831 followersJohn Ringo is a prolific author who has written in a wide variety of genres. His early life included a great deal of travel. He visited 23 foreign countries, and attended fourteen different schools. After graduation Ringo enlisted in the US military for four years, after which he studied marine biology.
In 1999 he wrote and published his first novel "A Hymn Before Battle", which proved successful. Since 2000 Ringo has been a full time author.
He has written science fiction, military fiction, and fantasy.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
In 1999 he wrote and published his first novel "A Hymn Before Battle", which proved successful. Since 2000 Ringo has been a full time author.
He has written science fiction, military fiction, and fantasy.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 10, 2023
7/1/17 3rd reread. A much improved story compared to the first in the series(Ghost).
March 29, 2012
Any attempt to learn anything from these books is disrecommended by the author, the publisher and the author's mother who wishes to state that he was a very nice boy and she doesn't know what went wrong.
March 9, 2012
File this under "guilty pleasures." Definitely what some would call a guy's equivalent to the romance novel. Stuff blowing up, hyper-cool military gadgets, battles, and, oh yes, he gets his own harem of horny teenage girls. What more could an ex-SEAL ask for?
I was actually hoping, halfway through, that he might set up the liberated-from-potential-sex-slavery girls as his own commando team, but he went for the harem instead. Eh. In its own, over the top way, this was probably just as fun to read.
I was actually hoping, halfway through, that he might set up the liberated-from-potential-sex-slavery girls as his own commando team, but he went for the harem instead. Eh. In its own, over the top way, this was probably just as fun to read.
April 1, 2008
The second book in the Paladin of Shadows book was much better than the first. For one thing, the main character doesn't rape anyone. Admittedly, I could do without the having sex with the 16 and 17 year old girls; it didn't do anything for me, but presumably Ringo is trying to be a little realistic in his portrayal of how an ex-military man with a sadistic streak that he tries to control would handle having future prostitutes thrust upon him.
In this book, the protagonist buys a lot of farm and fortress because he is trying to stay under the radar from various Arabic terrorist groups that want his head on a silver platter. He gets lost and finds this idyllic place with beautiful people (read gorgeous redheads and blondes) and warrior handsome men. The rest of the book shows how he institutes changes that bring the valley up to date as essentially the warlord or baron (called Kildar by the locals). He also decided to train the men into a militia, but they are so proficient that he intends to train them into elite commandos. The book is rife with sex scenes, but not so much in the action department until the very end of the book. He trains the men into a militia to stop the Chechens (the book is set in Georgia, the country not the state) from bringing slaves into the valley and stealing women for the sex trade.
I must admit I found it fascinating on how an ex-military man might put together and protect a group of people and staff a fortress. The sex scenes are pretty erotic if you like dom/sub type stuff, but boring/irritating if you don't.
The character is misogynistic, but genuinely tries to fight those tendencies in himself (failing miserable in the first book's third story btw). He's also a little bit too competent in the competitions during the festival and that was a bit irritating. I suppose though that is a staple for men's adventure novels.
If you get rid of the harem concept, I'd give the story 4 stars, but it loses one because frankly, I find the idea a bit offensive that an American would come up with that sort of solution. But if that floats your boat, then enjoy.
In this book, the protagonist buys a lot of farm and fortress because he is trying to stay under the radar from various Arabic terrorist groups that want his head on a silver platter. He gets lost and finds this idyllic place with beautiful people (read gorgeous redheads and blondes) and warrior handsome men. The rest of the book shows how he institutes changes that bring the valley up to date as essentially the warlord or baron (called Kildar by the locals). He also decided to train the men into a militia, but they are so proficient that he intends to train them into elite commandos. The book is rife with sex scenes, but not so much in the action department until the very end of the book. He trains the men into a militia to stop the Chechens (the book is set in Georgia, the country not the state) from bringing slaves into the valley and stealing women for the sex trade.
I must admit I found it fascinating on how an ex-military man might put together and protect a group of people and staff a fortress. The sex scenes are pretty erotic if you like dom/sub type stuff, but boring/irritating if you don't.
The character is misogynistic, but genuinely tries to fight those tendencies in himself (failing miserable in the first book's third story btw). He's also a little bit too competent in the competitions during the festival and that was a bit irritating. I suppose though that is a staple for men's adventure novels.
If you get rid of the harem concept, I'd give the story 4 stars, but it loses one because frankly, I find the idea a bit offensive that an American would come up with that sort of solution. But if that floats your boat, then enjoy.
December 18, 2010
If you've read John Ringo's first Mike Harmon (aka "Paladin of Shadows") book, Ghost, you'll know that it kind of sucks. In fact, it really sucks. What you might be surprised to learn is that it actually gets better. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. Of course, when you've set the bar as low as Ghost did, that's not hard.
Mostly, this book is better because Ringo backs off on a lot of the fairly disgusting sexual stuff that characterized Ghost. Oh, every so often, it becomes turgid once more and rears its head over the story, but it mostly follows Our Manly "Hero" and his adventures in Georgia (the country, not the state), where he happens across a group of fairly primitive people who would probably do well as soldiers, if they even knew that the 21st century had arrived. So we get a lot of scenes with the people building stuff, and the process is actually pretty engrossing, if you like that sort of thing.
The other thing I'm really glad got left out is the original cover. See, apparently the cover that you see here was not the first choice. The first choice, which is on view at the Fifth Imperium's BaenCD subsite, was a mostly brown picture, which showed two grubby little foreign girls gazing up in awe at the super awesome American, whom I presume to be Our Manly "Hero". It's just a little too "thank you for saving us, Mr. Awesome American" for my effete liberal tastes.
To summarize: A much better book than the first, not that that's an amazing feat.
Mostly, this book is better because Ringo backs off on a lot of the fairly disgusting sexual stuff that characterized Ghost. Oh, every so often, it becomes turgid once more and rears its head over the story, but it mostly follows Our Manly "Hero" and his adventures in Georgia (the country, not the state), where he happens across a group of fairly primitive people who would probably do well as soldiers, if they even knew that the 21st century had arrived. So we get a lot of scenes with the people building stuff, and the process is actually pretty engrossing, if you like that sort of thing.
The other thing I'm really glad got left out is the original cover. See, apparently the cover that you see here was not the first choice. The first choice, which is on view at the Fifth Imperium's BaenCD subsite, was a mostly brown picture, which showed two grubby little foreign girls gazing up in awe at the super awesome American, whom I presume to be Our Manly "Hero". It's just a little too "thank you for saving us, Mr. Awesome American" for my effete liberal tastes.
To summarize: A much better book than the first, not that that's an amazing feat.
August 13, 2021
Surprisingly boring compared to the last book. The bulk of the story is Mike building up his newly purchased fiefdom and training his militia of Keldara, his pseudo-Viking retainers. It is interesting, at least at first, but I wouldn't call it compelling. And it just goes on and on in laborious detail: firearms training, how to take a shower, how to organize your kit, how to make a dam, farming techniques, stupid Viking rituals and sporting events, etc, etc.
Oh my god someone shoot something!
We're halfway through the book before we get our first combat, an all too brief shootout with Chechen sex traffickers. The aftermath of this engagement is Mike is the proud owner of a harem of teenage girls. But he's a busy man; he needs someone to keep these girls in line. I would say the subsequent side-quest to Uzbekistan to obtain a harem manager grinds the plot to a halt, but what plot?
The whole book is a series of slice-of-life vignettes. And everything goes Mike's way. No obstacles, no setbacks, no significant external conflict, and no friction within his group (except Katya, more on her later). Mike says, "I want ____ done," and everyone makes it so. Plus he's recruited a whole slew of trainers and specialists into the valley, mostly from the United States, but all from from first world nations, and not a single one so much as slightly disapproves of Mike keeping a harem of underage girls. As far as we know, no one (except Katya) even whispers among themselves that Mike is a creep. This more than anything breaks my suspension of disbelief.
Finally, at the end of the book, there's a comically one-sided battle against two hundred Chechens where I don't think the Keldara take a single casualty. Mike wins at everything always.
Katya (AKA Cottontail) is by far my favorite character. Her life's just so shitty, and she's so justly bitter and angry at the world. I just want to give her a hug, but that's probably not a good idea. The book plays it up that she's some evil sociopath, but frankly she comes across as a realistic portrayal of someone with an unspeakably abusive upbringing. But what she's suffered hasn't ground her down into a submissive doormat (which I guess is what good whores are supposed to be), so she's a problem for Mike.
How do you handle a sexually abused teenage girl who's acting up? According to Mike, threaten to put her down like a dog and bury her in the woods. But you see, Mike's the good guy because he won't rape her first. He'll just shoot her in the head.
I think we're supposed to sympathize with Mike in this? It feels weird even typing that.
Unlike Mike, Katya is a true underdog. No friends, no allies. She want to own her own life, to be free. But she's stuck as a whore. You want her to succeed.
Mike always succeeds, and Mike is an asshole.
Given this review, you're probably wondering why I gave it three stars. I . . . don't know? As much as I dislike the book (and despite its boring patches), it's fascinatingly horrible. I can't turn away. To be clear, though. Ghost (also ***) was almost four stars, and this was almost two stars. The interesting bits bump it back to ***. Enough that for some reason I'm now almost done with the third book.
Oh my god someone shoot something!
We're halfway through the book before we get our first combat, an all too brief shootout with Chechen sex traffickers. The aftermath of this engagement is Mike is the proud owner of a harem of teenage girls. But he's a busy man; he needs someone to keep these girls in line. I would say the subsequent side-quest to Uzbekistan to obtain a harem manager grinds the plot to a halt, but what plot?
The whole book is a series of slice-of-life vignettes. And everything goes Mike's way. No obstacles, no setbacks, no significant external conflict, and no friction within his group (except Katya, more on her later). Mike says, "I want ____ done," and everyone makes it so. Plus he's recruited a whole slew of trainers and specialists into the valley, mostly from the United States, but all from from first world nations, and not a single one so much as slightly disapproves of Mike keeping a harem of underage girls. As far as we know, no one (except Katya) even whispers among themselves that Mike is a creep. This more than anything breaks my suspension of disbelief.
Finally, at the end of the book, there's a comically one-sided battle against two hundred Chechens where I don't think the Keldara take a single casualty. Mike wins at everything always.
Katya (AKA Cottontail) is by far my favorite character. Her life's just so shitty, and she's so justly bitter and angry at the world. I just want to give her a hug, but that's probably not a good idea. The book plays it up that she's some evil sociopath, but frankly she comes across as a realistic portrayal of someone with an unspeakably abusive upbringing. But what she's suffered hasn't ground her down into a submissive doormat (which I guess is what good whores are supposed to be), so she's a problem for Mike.
How do you handle a sexually abused teenage girl who's acting up? According to Mike, threaten to put her down like a dog and bury her in the woods. But you see, Mike's the good guy because he won't rape her first. He'll just shoot her in the head.
I think we're supposed to sympathize with Mike in this? It feels weird even typing that.
Unlike Mike, Katya is a true underdog. No friends, no allies. She want to own her own life, to be free. But she's stuck as a whore. You want her to succeed.
Mike always succeeds, and Mike is an asshole.
Given this review, you're probably wondering why I gave it three stars. I . . . don't know? As much as I dislike the book (and despite its boring patches), it's fascinatingly horrible. I can't turn away. To be clear, though. Ghost (also ***) was almost four stars, and this was almost two stars. The interesting bits bump it back to ***. Enough that for some reason I'm now almost done with the third book.
August 4, 2008
This was the second in a series. The action wasn't as "edge of your seat" but the sex was not as violent and graphic which made up for it. This author truely has a male fantasy character going on here. He kills terrorists and can do just about anything physically despite not being a young man. He also manages to always be saving beautiful young women whom he quite often has sex with and they are always eternally grateful and ready to follow him everywhere.
In this book he ends up with a harem. I will probably read the next one to see if he can ramp up the action without going back to so much sex. The first book was close to being a porn novel I think. Then, I have never read a porn novel so I could be wrong. Oh, he also manages to attract money as well as women. Like I said, quite a male fantasy going on here.
In this book he ends up with a harem. I will probably read the next one to see if he can ramp up the action without going back to so much sex. The first book was close to being a porn novel I think. Then, I have never read a porn novel so I could be wrong. Oh, he also manages to attract money as well as women. Like I said, quite a male fantasy going on here.
March 26, 2010
So it's a fantasy masquerading as a "Clancy" style techno-thriller, so what?
Ringo's a hoot, and if I prefer the "Paladin of Shadows" series after the first book (Ghost, which isn't bad), I hope Mr. Ringo understands that maybe the character and concepts matured a bit in his second through fifth in the series. I say it's a fantasy because it sure seems like Conan the barbarian went through SEAL training, the super-masculine, super-competent, generally lucky Mike (what's my name today?), having super(hot, bondage, graphic)-sex with super-model quality females when he's not engaged in super-violence with super-cool gadgets.
But like I say, it's a blast to tear through these books. Word of warning: if you are uncomfortable with graphic sex, or graphic B&D/S&M sex, you may need to skip chunks of any of these books.
Ringo's a hoot, and if I prefer the "Paladin of Shadows" series after the first book (Ghost, which isn't bad), I hope Mr. Ringo understands that maybe the character and concepts matured a bit in his second through fifth in the series. I say it's a fantasy because it sure seems like Conan the barbarian went through SEAL training, the super-masculine, super-competent, generally lucky Mike (what's my name today?), having super(hot, bondage, graphic)-sex with super-model quality females when he's not engaged in super-violence with super-cool gadgets.
But like I say, it's a blast to tear through these books. Word of warning: if you are uncomfortable with graphic sex, or graphic B&D/S&M sex, you may need to skip chunks of any of these books.
May 22, 2016
Read it to get it off the shelf and make room for something good. Surprised that it wasn't near as bad as the first. Still pretty silly 16-year-old kid fantasy of hero getting all the girls. Compared to the first, much less violence (boring) and much less cruel treatment of women but still some. One day read for mindless entertainment. Could be so much better. 1.5 Stars
September 1, 2020
I picked this up as a freebee. It's not one I would have purchased but it was interesting. A warlord, tired of fighting, and having a lot of money creates his own little kingdom and sets the rules.
10/4/17 -- a re-read while I'm down sick.
10/4/17 -- a re-read while I'm down sick.
February 1, 2011
Slightly vile, mostly laughable, neolithic male wish-fulfillment fantasy. I only finished it because I don't like leaving books half read.
Read
February 1, 2021Kildar is the second book in the Paladin of Shadows series, which starts with Ghost. In this book, Mike wandering through Eastern Europe, looking for a place to lie low after foiling several terrorist plots in the last book. He's driving through a snowstorm in Georgia (the country, not the state) and gets stranded in a small town in the mountains. While getting to know the local constabulary a bit, he discovers an old caravanserai for sale for a cool million Euros, with ownership rights to a small valley with tenant farmers also thrown in, which turns out to be just what he needs.
The tenant farmers are called the Keldara, and in an amazingly convenient coincidence, all of the women turn out to be supermodel gorgeous and the men to be the descendents of ancient warriors. Mike sets out to modernize the valley and its subistence farming techniques to improve the lives of the Keldara, and hires a cadre of his old special forces pals to train up a mountain militia to defend his new digs, and incidentally to interdict Chechen terrorist movements through the area.
As one might expect from experience with Ghost, the story is filled with lots of military trivia, graphic battles, and gratuitous sex. The climax (if you'll forgive the expression) is reached when Mike's Keldaran forces defeat a light batallion of Chechen bad guys with five squads of half-trained farm boys, who catch on to soldiering like tigers in a sheep cot, and when they rescue a group of girls who were sold to the Chechens to be sex slaves and Mike diverts them to his own harem, for lack of any better ideas.
Oh, and most importantly, the women of the valley brew the best beer in the known universe.
Just a fun romp to while away the hours.
The tenant farmers are called the Keldara, and in an amazingly convenient coincidence, all of the women turn out to be supermodel gorgeous and the men to be the descendents of ancient warriors. Mike sets out to modernize the valley and its subistence farming techniques to improve the lives of the Keldara, and hires a cadre of his old special forces pals to train up a mountain militia to defend his new digs, and incidentally to interdict Chechen terrorist movements through the area.
As one might expect from experience with Ghost, the story is filled with lots of military trivia, graphic battles, and gratuitous sex. The climax (if you'll forgive the expression) is reached when Mike's Keldaran forces defeat a light batallion of Chechen bad guys with five squads of half-trained farm boys, who catch on to soldiering like tigers in a sheep cot, and when they rescue a group of girls who were sold to the Chechens to be sex slaves and Mike diverts them to his own harem, for lack of any better ideas.
Oh, and most importantly, the women of the valley brew the best beer in the known universe.
Just a fun romp to while away the hours.
June 12, 2022
This is not science fiction. It is a thriller and somewhat fanciful... like those steamy romance novels for gals, but this is for guys. Thus it is crude, rude and lewd. In fact, it is a little more lewd than I am used to. This seems to be a diversion from the norm for this author. If you are OK with it, then add a star. The writing is otherwise good... and funny.
I liked the ending, but it seemed to end suddenly as if the book was supposed to be much longer, or that the author split a much longer book into two parts. You knew a major battle was coming. You knew it almost from the beginning, and that happened, but several major threads in the story were left hanging. I can only hope that these threads are tied up in the sequel, "Choosers of the Slain".
I think if I were to read this book again, I'd skip the lewder parts such as when he flies with Anastasia in the plane about two thirds into the book.
I liked the ending, but it seemed to end suddenly as if the book was supposed to be much longer, or that the author split a much longer book into two parts. You knew a major battle was coming. You knew it almost from the beginning, and that happened, but several major threads in the story were left hanging. I can only hope that these threads are tied up in the sequel, "Choosers of the Slain".
I think if I were to read this book again, I'd skip the lewder parts such as when he flies with Anastasia in the plane about two thirds into the book.
July 28, 2024
A much more coherent story than Ghost, and not as much sex. Especially not as much violent sex. I enjoyed the book more than the previous.
John was the only character that was fully fleshed out, but there were many supporting characters that had some depth. The situations were once again a cold slap in the face of culture clashes. I know there are some areas that treat people with little regard to their humanity, but I've thankfully always been sheltered from that. So I have no idea how widespread such attitudes are in various areas.
The eBook was formatted well with only a couple of small spelling/grammar errors. Thanks to the Baen Free Library and CDs for the free eBook download.
John was the only character that was fully fleshed out, but there were many supporting characters that had some depth. The situations were once again a cold slap in the face of culture clashes. I know there are some areas that treat people with little regard to their humanity, but I've thankfully always been sheltered from that. So I have no idea how widespread such attitudes are in various areas.
The eBook was formatted well with only a couple of small spelling/grammar errors. Thanks to the Baen Free Library and CDs for the free eBook download.
February 3, 2017
Mike is on the move after the events in Paris and is on even more terrorists list of people to kill soon. He decides to winter in Georgia and gets lost in a snow storm which leads him to a remote area that is home to the Keldara people. Mike soon decides that he wants to stay in the area and train the Keldara to be a fighting force as a means to protect both himself and the Keldara. Mike and his new army kick some serious terrorists ass and have lots of fun.
February 25, 2025
One of the books I couldn't put down even though I know it's not for polite society. XD this is where the character of Ghost goes after he vanishes off the map from Ringo's 1st titular book. Setting up in a remote village in Georgia (country not the state) after a blizzard to create his own secure location he basically accidentally s himself into a warlord but there is alot about this quite village he may not have realized when he "baught the farm" up on the hill.
March 8, 2025
So, basically heaven? Living in a lovely village and loved by all. Loving sex with virgins and others alike, battling and drinking. Ringo knows how to get a man to be interested. Effing and killing should go hand in hand more often in literature.
Seriously though, well written and love how it shows that no matter what you think, you’re never in the fight alone and that regardless of the odds with love, planning and ruthlessness odds can quickly turn into your favor.
Seriously though, well written and love how it shows that no matter what you think, you’re never in the fight alone and that regardless of the odds with love, planning and ruthlessness odds can quickly turn into your favor.
October 8, 2019
Good read, but some disturbing elements
In the main I liked the book. Very original elements. But the stuff about a harem and "broaching" girls as long as they were 16 "whether they wanted it or not" is distasteful and I found it completely unnecessary. Hence 3 stars.
In the main I liked the book. Very original elements. But the stuff about a harem and "broaching" girls as long as they were 16 "whether they wanted it or not" is distasteful and I found it completely unnecessary. Hence 3 stars.
October 7, 2020
Ghost gets a new title
Looking for a ski resort and instead getting lost in a snowstorm, Mike comes across a deal he can't turn down. There's just a tad bit of the Mike from the last book, but this is, by and large, straight up military fiction.
Looking for a ski resort and instead getting lost in a snowstorm, Mike comes across a deal he can't turn down. There's just a tad bit of the Mike from the last book, but this is, by and large, straight up military fiction.
December 16, 2020
i really enjoyed this book even more than the first book. the first book has more action but this book introduces interesting characters and the process of taking the people from almost medieval farmers to modern farming and then to a modern special forces is a very thought engaging story.
October 24, 2022
Absolutely love this book very well written extremely well researched.
What else could you do if you're well driven focused person.
I love how the author shows what could be done if you have morals and a desire to help an environment.
And genuinely care for people.
What else could you do if you're well driven focused person.
I love how the author shows what could be done if you have morals and a desire to help an environment.
And genuinely care for people.
July 23, 2024
Great action books
A little too much graphic sex. Don't mind Don't mind the hanky-panky. But would like a little less detail the. Action Great Love the detail Appreciate the action Like the specifics The special forces Alexa reference references.
A little too much graphic sex. Don't mind Don't mind the hanky-panky. But would like a little less detail the. Action Great Love the detail Appreciate the action Like the specifics The special forces Alexa reference references.
August 14, 2024
Great series
Ringo is a great author. His characters are likable and believable. The Ghost series is one of my favorites. Military mayhem at its gritty best. You will thoroughly be sucked into their world.
Ringo is a great author. His characters are likable and believable. The Ghost series is one of my favorites. Military mayhem at its gritty best. You will thoroughly be sucked into their world.
February 18, 2018
A very fun read
If 50 shades of gray read like the Dark Paladin Series, it would have sold double to number of copies.
If 50 shades of gray read like the Dark Paladin Series, it would have sold double to number of copies.
February 22, 2019
Nice followup
Nice followup. Ever the reluctant hero but fearless leader. Now he has minions and a harem with a manager I'd take belt to..........
Nice followup. Ever the reluctant hero but fearless leader. Now he has minions and a harem with a manager I'd take belt to..........
October 12, 2019
This continues the great story.
This is the 2nd book of the series and it continues to hold the readers attention and to make sure they continue to enjoy the series.
This is the 2nd book of the series and it continues to hold the readers attention and to make sure they continue to enjoy the series.
October 7, 2020
Seriously adult fiction. Can start to see where the author is going with the series more now.
January 2, 2022
Excellent!
Talking with a friend, I said that John Rings cannot write a bad story and this proves it again. The scenes are believable and the action is good.
Talking with a friend, I said that John Rings cannot write a bad story and this proves it again. The scenes are believable and the action is good.
March 29, 2022
One word = froggy
April 27, 2022
a good mindless, trashy read. not going to win any awards but it was entertaining.
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