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The Snakehaven Series #1
Doom of the Dark Delta: A SNAKEHAVEN NOVELLA
Washed ashore on a jungle-choked island in the delta at the mouth of the great Jehannamun River, Jorras Trevayle has survived an attack by pirates only to find himself in a desperate race to rescue a beautiful young woman from the sinister plans of an evil sorcerer and save himself from becoming the prey of a Nloka Maccumba—one of the giant serpents raised by the inhabitants of this bizarre, perilous land.
DOOM OF THE DARK DELTA is the first novella in the Snakehaven series from bestselling author James Reasoner. Part sword and sorcery, part alternate history, and all action and adventure, it’s a thrilling tale that begins a saga of epic scope. And it all begins here in DOOM OF THE DARK DELTA!
For almost half a century, James Reasoner has been one of the most acclaimed and prolific authors of mysteries, thrillers, historical novels, and Westerns. His books have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. Also, as a longtime reader and scholar of sword and sorcery fiction, he has written numerous articles, essays, and introductions about the work of the genre’s creator, Robert E. Howard, and other sword and sorcery authors.
DOOM OF THE DARK DELTA is the first novella in the Snakehaven series from bestselling author James Reasoner. Part sword and sorcery, part alternate history, and all action and adventure, it’s a thrilling tale that begins a saga of epic scope. And it all begins here in DOOM OF THE DARK DELTA!
For almost half a century, James Reasoner has been one of the most acclaimed and prolific authors of mysteries, thrillers, historical novels, and Westerns. His books have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. Also, as a longtime reader and scholar of sword and sorcery fiction, he has written numerous articles, essays, and introductions about the work of the genre’s creator, Robert E. Howard, and other sword and sorcery authors.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 26, 2024
Doom of the Dark Delta is the first entry in a series of novelettes that appear to pay homage to the old-fashioned pulp stories of adventure from many decades ago. The first one was great fun for the most part, and since I enjoy old-fashioned pulp stories of this nature, especially well-written ones, I picked up all three. I ended up thinking the first one was kind of a blast, but…
Doom of the Dark Delta begins with a bang as our hero Jorras Trevayle washes up on a strange shore in the Gulf of Matoxia, after the ship he was on was attacked by pirates. The first person he sees of course is a green-eyed beauty emerging from the jungle on the run from someone — and she’s completely naked. Knowing a lot about pulp, I immediately assumed this was heading for spicy pulp adventure territory, with some innuendo and mildly racy suggestion. I was fooled.
While Eldrisse, who is on the run from a wicked soccer who rules this part of a strange string of islands, remains without clothes for the entirety of the story, it’s almost, dare I say it, not something which adds anything of consequence to this pulp-style adventure. While there’s one good moment when Trevayle first catches sight of her, the naked promise — pun intended — goes unfulfilled. James Reasoner chooses not to go the spicy pulp route, instead focusing on the action and adventure as the two make their way on the run together, fighting and being captured (Eldrisse), and rescuing (Trevayle). And of course there are those gargantuan water serpents called Nloka Maccumbo to deal with, as well as an army of swordsmen.
The wall-to-wall whiz-bang type action is wonderfully written by James Reasoner, who excels in the deadly combat and thrilling action aspects of this pulp homage. It is in fact that skill which prompted me to pick up the other two short adventures of Trevayle, which I’ll be reading when I’m in the mood for something fun and quick, a reminder of pulp from days long gone. However…
When I realized this break-neck speed pulp adventure wasn’t going in the spicy direction, I thought perhaps a few concise but well-placed moments between Trevayle and Eldrisse would give this a romantic adventure flavor. But Reasoner seems more comfortable with the swashbuckling and action — which is done incredibly well, very exciting fun — so he placed a token kiss and a scene of awareness when they find themselves locked up together by the evil sorcerer with the serpent arm; by this point they are both sans clothes.
Overall this is a very fun old-fashioned pulp adventure homage, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Because James Reasoner chose not to write it as a spicy pulp however, or add some real moments of romance — or perhaps wasn’t comfortable doing so — it seems a tiny bit wanting. A solid four-star read rather than the five I was expecting to give it after that fabulous opening to this series of pulp novelettes.
This is good stuff from James Reasoner, make no mistake, meat and potatoes adventure pulp. I do look forward to reading the next two in the series. But if you’re looking for some pulp dessert with those meat and potatoes in the form of some spicy dialog or touches of real romance integrated into your exciting pulp-style adventure, you might come away not quite full.
Doom of the Dark Delta begins with a bang as our hero Jorras Trevayle washes up on a strange shore in the Gulf of Matoxia, after the ship he was on was attacked by pirates. The first person he sees of course is a green-eyed beauty emerging from the jungle on the run from someone — and she’s completely naked. Knowing a lot about pulp, I immediately assumed this was heading for spicy pulp adventure territory, with some innuendo and mildly racy suggestion. I was fooled.
While Eldrisse, who is on the run from a wicked soccer who rules this part of a strange string of islands, remains without clothes for the entirety of the story, it’s almost, dare I say it, not something which adds anything of consequence to this pulp-style adventure. While there’s one good moment when Trevayle first catches sight of her, the naked promise — pun intended — goes unfulfilled. James Reasoner chooses not to go the spicy pulp route, instead focusing on the action and adventure as the two make their way on the run together, fighting and being captured (Eldrisse), and rescuing (Trevayle). And of course there are those gargantuan water serpents called Nloka Maccumbo to deal with, as well as an army of swordsmen.
The wall-to-wall whiz-bang type action is wonderfully written by James Reasoner, who excels in the deadly combat and thrilling action aspects of this pulp homage. It is in fact that skill which prompted me to pick up the other two short adventures of Trevayle, which I’ll be reading when I’m in the mood for something fun and quick, a reminder of pulp from days long gone. However…
When I realized this break-neck speed pulp adventure wasn’t going in the spicy direction, I thought perhaps a few concise but well-placed moments between Trevayle and Eldrisse would give this a romantic adventure flavor. But Reasoner seems more comfortable with the swashbuckling and action — which is done incredibly well, very exciting fun — so he placed a token kiss and a scene of awareness when they find themselves locked up together by the evil sorcerer with the serpent arm; by this point they are both sans clothes.
Overall this is a very fun old-fashioned pulp adventure homage, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Because James Reasoner chose not to write it as a spicy pulp however, or add some real moments of romance — or perhaps wasn’t comfortable doing so — it seems a tiny bit wanting. A solid four-star read rather than the five I was expecting to give it after that fabulous opening to this series of pulp novelettes.
This is good stuff from James Reasoner, make no mistake, meat and potatoes adventure pulp. I do look forward to reading the next two in the series. But if you’re looking for some pulp dessert with those meat and potatoes in the form of some spicy dialog or touches of real romance integrated into your exciting pulp-style adventure, you might come away not quite full.
June 11, 2024
Action filled sword and sorcery story. Plenty of potential for sequels for the main character. Recommend.
July 25, 2025
A fair amount of chance but the magnetism between a man who over thinks his adventures and a woman who fights til the bloody end made the doomed aspect one to follow more of into other installments.
July 18, 2024
Great writing by a favorite author of mine!
I look forward to the next story in the series.
I look forward to the next story in the series.
July 14, 2025
good quick adventure
Most authors don’t write about saving naked princesses from giant snakes and those authors should ask themselves why the hell they don’t and rethink their decisions.
Most authors don’t write about saving naked princesses from giant snakes and those authors should ask themselves why the hell they don’t and rethink their decisions.
July 31, 2024
Neo Sword and Sorcery tale. Not completely captivated by the main character, though his female side kick is interesting. More interesting, frankly. The world building, what we get in this short piece, is interesting, but not that interesting. The writing is competent. The work is 'fine'. All around. Three and a half stars rounded up.
It is better than most of the new REH pastiches they've put out recently, though not as good as the best. So if you need to scratch that S&S itch, you could do a lot worse.
It is better than most of the new REH pastiches they've put out recently, though not as good as the best. So if you need to scratch that S&S itch, you could do a lot worse.
June 25, 2024
Doom of the Dark Delta is the first to be released in a new Sword & Sorcery fantasy series by James Reasoner, who is known mostly for his westerns and mysteries. Doom is a novella length, action filled read with strong characters and an interesting setting. Doom is a complete story in its own right but it does set up some mystery and has a setting that will allow a lot more exploration. Elements of it reminded me of Robert E. Howard's excellent tale, Valley of the Worm.
April 21, 2025
I heard about this book on paperback warrior. I loved it. Complex characters. I loved Eldrisse and Jarros Trevaile banter. They are both very smart characters and complement each well. It reads like a Conan story. James Reasoner writes minimalist story and gets to action very quick. Reasoner gives three or four sentences describing the environment if this world. But those descriptions give life to the fantasy world. If you are looking quick but satisfying read. Please read this novella. It's a good one.
June 9, 2024
Achievement unlocked: Troubles and Trevayle's
Meet the doom that came to Jehannamun head on.
Meet the doom that came to Jehannamun head on.
August 2, 2024
A fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure with an engaging protagonist, great action scenes and effective world building.
October 21, 2024
Decent read
Short, good characters, interesting possibilities, but probably not for me. When my TBR is manageable, I may be back to see what is next.
Short, good characters, interesting possibilities, but probably not for me. When my TBR is manageable, I may be back to see what is next.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews