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Eno the Thracian #3
Dark Mountain
The Great God Pan has not yet forgiven Eno the Thracian for the deaths of his monstrous daughters and orders the hero for hire to aid one of his other children. Meanwhile, Eno becomes involved in the fate of the Firbolg, a race of men who don't remember their own past. They know only that they are fated to labor eternally for Molpagorus, an evil philosopher. They excavate a great mountain from within, with no idea why. Molpagorus thinks Eno is the right man to finish the job, a work hundreds of years in the making, and destined to bring about the destruction of everything the human race has built. For something slumbers beneath the Dark Mountain, something that hungers for vengeance.
ebook
First published March 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Pratt
11 books51 followersHERO FOR HIRE, the 1st book in the series, is .99 cents on most sites. http://amzn.to/1fbRck1 Please notice the cover has changed.
I'm a multi-published author under several different names, including Cynthia Bailey-Pratt (Regency) and Lynn Bailey (Paranormal).
I've also added a complete bundle of all five books, ENO'S WAY, available only on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
I'm a multi-published author under several different names, including Cynthia Bailey-Pratt (Regency) and Lynn Bailey (Paranormal).
I've also added a complete bundle of all five books, ENO'S WAY, available only on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 30, 2016
I'd heard rumours that this book was one where Eno gets some action and he most certainly didn't disappoint. After all, he is a hero for hire - it says so on the sign.
This book - and the whole series - is a funny and fascinating window into the ancient past, when all the other heroes were busy at the siege of Troy and monster-slaying was a lucrative profession.
Poor Eno has to combat mushrooms, a mad philosopher, a maze and even a minotaur as he seeks more knowledge about his heritage.
Yes, there are surprises in this story and plenty of humour along the way, but I won't spoil it for you. Five well-earned stars and I can't wait until the next book comes out.
This book - and the whole series - is a funny and fascinating window into the ancient past, when all the other heroes were busy at the siege of Troy and monster-slaying was a lucrative profession.
Poor Eno has to combat mushrooms, a mad philosopher, a maze and even a minotaur as he seeks more knowledge about his heritage.
Yes, there are surprises in this story and plenty of humour along the way, but I won't spoil it for you. Five well-earned stars and I can't wait until the next book comes out.
August 13, 2016
The Third Book of Eno the Thracian, Hero for Hire
Eno's adventures began in Hero for Hire when he posted his advertisement in the marketplace:
“Hero for Hire. All monsters dispatched from carnivorous geese to Minotaurs. Special rates for multiples. Eno the Thracian at the sign of the Ram’s Head, one flight up.”
Now, Eno is gearing up for his own adventure. He must travel through strange lands to discover the truth about himself. Finding the truth means traveling not only in distance but time, back to Eno's origins.
"Leaning down to listen to his smothered words, she smoothed his hair. She whispered soothingly, ancient, meaningless sounds, common to every nation and race. He clung to her all the more tightly, his tears wetting the wrap she wore around her neck.
"Vertigo swept over me, a swirling, floating sensation, as though I looked down from a great height at not another land but at another time. The boy was myself, sobbing out the details of some childhood disaster. The golden firelight blended away the lines on her face, the gray from her hair, until she wore again the appearance of my mother, the most beautiful woman in the village. I felt my father's presence at my side, so strongly that I knew I should see him if I turned, strong, alive again, his ever-present laughter making all my troubles vanish."
C. B. Pratt continues her humorous series with Dark Mountain, the third installment in the series. Adventure abounds with mythological creatures and gods of old. Ms. Pratt also offers deeper themes for the discerning reader. The books are wonderfully written, with Dark Mountain surpassing even the first two books in the series.
Eno's adventures began in Hero for Hire when he posted his advertisement in the marketplace:
“Hero for Hire. All monsters dispatched from carnivorous geese to Minotaurs. Special rates for multiples. Eno the Thracian at the sign of the Ram’s Head, one flight up.”
Now, Eno is gearing up for his own adventure. He must travel through strange lands to discover the truth about himself. Finding the truth means traveling not only in distance but time, back to Eno's origins.
"Leaning down to listen to his smothered words, she smoothed his hair. She whispered soothingly, ancient, meaningless sounds, common to every nation and race. He clung to her all the more tightly, his tears wetting the wrap she wore around her neck.
"Vertigo swept over me, a swirling, floating sensation, as though I looked down from a great height at not another land but at another time. The boy was myself, sobbing out the details of some childhood disaster. The golden firelight blended away the lines on her face, the gray from her hair, until she wore again the appearance of my mother, the most beautiful woman in the village. I felt my father's presence at my side, so strongly that I knew I should see him if I turned, strong, alive again, his ever-present laughter making all my troubles vanish."
C. B. Pratt continues her humorous series with Dark Mountain, the third installment in the series. Adventure abounds with mythological creatures and gods of old. Ms. Pratt also offers deeper themes for the discerning reader. The books are wonderfully written, with Dark Mountain surpassing even the first two books in the series.
June 24, 2014
Dark Mountain is the third in the Eno the Thracian series. I haven't read the previous books, but this did not stop me from enjoying the story.
Dark Mountain is the interesting and engaging tale of Eno the Thracian who works as a hero fro hire. In this story he returns to his home and begins an epic adventure that leads him and the reader to learn about himself, his origins and his capabilities. The tale explores Greek myth and is fueled by the stories of the gods that once dominated that and this makes it an entertaining and interesting read. Ms Pratt takes those old myths and fills in the gaps, adds a little spice and tells a story that feels comforting in its familiarity whilst still being exhilarating and new. As children my brother and I loved the old Greek god stories and this tapped into that enjoyment.
There is a fair bit of humour in C. B. Pratt's writing which certainly helps to tell the tale. However, there are also some pretty dark and creepy characters that added some real jeopardy to the story. The novel ends well and I am left wondering where Ms Pratt will take Eno next.
Dark Mountain is the interesting and engaging tale of Eno the Thracian who works as a hero fro hire. In this story he returns to his home and begins an epic adventure that leads him and the reader to learn about himself, his origins and his capabilities. The tale explores Greek myth and is fueled by the stories of the gods that once dominated that and this makes it an entertaining and interesting read. Ms Pratt takes those old myths and fills in the gaps, adds a little spice and tells a story that feels comforting in its familiarity whilst still being exhilarating and new. As children my brother and I loved the old Greek god stories and this tapped into that enjoyment.
There is a fair bit of humour in C. B. Pratt's writing which certainly helps to tell the tale. However, there are also some pretty dark and creepy characters that added some real jeopardy to the story. The novel ends well and I am left wondering where Ms Pratt will take Eno next.
April 23, 2014
In third book of the journeys of the Hero Eno, he becomes exactly what he should be, a hero of classic proportions.
Eno steps up all they way, accepting his responsibilities to the gods for his deeds and misdeeds and then following trough. It didn't hurt for Eno to have a beautiful consort for a short time and show yet another side of his growing character. The story is populated by gods, and their whimsical if not ham handed ways toward mortals, but in the end....Well, read it, you'll find out.
Great Job! Great fun! Great read!
Eno steps up all they way, accepting his responsibilities to the gods for his deeds and misdeeds and then following trough. It didn't hurt for Eno to have a beautiful consort for a short time and show yet another side of his growing character. The story is populated by gods, and their whimsical if not ham handed ways toward mortals, but in the end....Well, read it, you'll find out.
Great Job! Great fun! Great read!
April 6, 2014
This is the third book following the hero for hire, Eno, and it is by far the most intelligent and emotional.
The signature humor is still there, along with some extra-creepy. . .critters, let's say (you'll never look at mushrooms the same way). There is love, and a crazy wizard, and oh-by-the-way an inverted mountain that may or may not have a world-crushing god inside. So, the usual Eno stuff, but even better. This is my new favorite series.
The signature humor is still there, along with some extra-creepy. . .critters, let's say (you'll never look at mushrooms the same way). There is love, and a crazy wizard, and oh-by-the-way an inverted mountain that may or may not have a world-crushing god inside. So, the usual Eno stuff, but even better. This is my new favorite series.
April 1, 2014
Heroic fantasy fiction is one of my favourite genres and a book has to be excellent to get 5 stars. This one definitely made the grade. What really sets it apart from many of the others is that the hero doesn't take himself to seriously which injects a good degree of humour into the story. I will be catching up with the previous books asap!
March 23, 2014
If you enjoy heroic fantasy, you will really enjoy this. The characters are big and bold and the way it is written reminds me a lot of the late great David Gemmell. I just closed the door and let everything pass me by it was so easy to get into.
February 1, 2015
I love my Eno-- and more so with this third installment of an excellent series. Come have some fun with a playful storyline that brings up images of the Rock in a barbarian role. The writing is excellent, and the plot is a bit darker than prior books-- but another win for Pratt.
January 25, 2021
Yet Another Score! Goal!
I have enjoyed the first two Eno books and plunged into this one excitedly. I like Eno's voice as he tells his troubled tales. He is witty and rough yet refined despite himself.
I don't find many books that I enjoy so much. Terry Pratchett comes to mind, but I don't want to give the impression that this book is like Discworld. It can be fun, but it's not schtick. And these books always leave you with a lot to think about.
As the book starts out, Eno has to tie up some loose ends from the last book, changing him forever, as it turns out. Then, poor Eno goes from one life threatening battle to the next, meeting odd characters along the way. It seemed a little like cheap thrill episodic heroism until he gets captured by slavers. But he escapes. Fun, but what's the point?
When he decides to be recaptured, though, and lets himself be trapped inside a huge rock mine, things get interesting! What is this all about? And what does this have to do with all the mishaps he's gone through before? That mystery is worth discovering, indeed.
I'll say this much. It gets dark and complicated down in the caves. And Eno stumbles on the Love of His Life. But, as with the other Eno books, he finds himself on the trail to save all humanity whether he likes it or not. He deals with elemental forces older than the Olympians who pay a call on him whenever they want, not always when he can really use them.
These have all been really good and, although I thought the plot dragged a little in the middle as Eno tried to figure out what the rock mine was all about and getting nowhere, the pace suddenly picked up again as the narrative started to reveal its dark secrets. Three climactic battle scenes take you to the book's somewhat inevitable conclusion, but the ending is very satisfying, indeed. I look forward to the next one with relish!
I have enjoyed the first two Eno books and plunged into this one excitedly. I like Eno's voice as he tells his troubled tales. He is witty and rough yet refined despite himself.
I don't find many books that I enjoy so much. Terry Pratchett comes to mind, but I don't want to give the impression that this book is like Discworld. It can be fun, but it's not schtick. And these books always leave you with a lot to think about.
As the book starts out, Eno has to tie up some loose ends from the last book, changing him forever, as it turns out. Then, poor Eno goes from one life threatening battle to the next, meeting odd characters along the way. It seemed a little like cheap thrill episodic heroism until he gets captured by slavers. But he escapes. Fun, but what's the point?
When he decides to be recaptured, though, and lets himself be trapped inside a huge rock mine, things get interesting! What is this all about? And what does this have to do with all the mishaps he's gone through before? That mystery is worth discovering, indeed.
I'll say this much. It gets dark and complicated down in the caves. And Eno stumbles on the Love of His Life. But, as with the other Eno books, he finds himself on the trail to save all humanity whether he likes it or not. He deals with elemental forces older than the Olympians who pay a call on him whenever they want, not always when he can really use them.
These have all been really good and, although I thought the plot dragged a little in the middle as Eno tried to figure out what the rock mine was all about and getting nowhere, the pace suddenly picked up again as the narrative started to reveal its dark secrets. Three climactic battle scenes take you to the book's somewhat inevitable conclusion, but the ending is very satisfying, indeed. I look forward to the next one with relish!
July 25, 2023
Talking head
Very fun read. Who is the type of Hero I would have enjoyed meeting when I lived a past life a few mellenia ago.
Very fun read. Who is the type of Hero I would have enjoyed meeting when I lived a past life a few mellenia ago.
February 15, 2018
I’ve had this novel on my TBR list for a while. I read the first two books of this series and enjoyed them, so Dark Mountain (Eno the Thracian #3) needed to measure up to those. Read on for my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author): Welcome to the Ancient World...where the mythology, monsters, and gods are real.
Eno the Thracian sets off to find the truth about himself and his possible descent from the Gods of Olympus. Instead he becomes involved with a race of people kidnapped from their homeland, set to toil endlessly by the will of a mad philosopher.
Facing his own fears and doubts and the curse of the Great God Pan, Eno also finds a woman worthy of his love, danger around every curve, and mushrooms...lots and lots of mushrooms.
Meanwhile, a hidden menace from the dawn of time threatens the civilized world and only Eno the Thracian, Hero for Hire, can stop the inevitable destruction.
What I liked: Dark Mountain (Eno the Thracian #3) entertained me! While perhaps a bit darker than the previous books, this one held all the elements for me. Eno is an excellent hero who embodies the classical hero characteristics. He is mostly humble, willing to take a stand for what is right, and constantly searching for ways to improve himself and the world he inhabits. Such is the case in Dark Mountain. The story is good, too, as we follow Eno trying to make amends with Pan, visit his mother, and follow the quest to the end. All told, I enjoyed the book!
What I didn’t like: As I mentioned above, Dark Mountain (Eno the Thracian #3) was a darker book than the first two of the series. For me, Eno seemed sad and not as vibrant as before and left me a little depressed at the end.
Overall impression: In spite of the darker tone of the book, I liked it! Not as full of the swaggering, boisterous Eno from the first books, it still captured my attention and kept me guessing through the end. If you like a modernized take on Greek mythology, give this one (and the series) a try!
My rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): Welcome to the Ancient World...where the mythology, monsters, and gods are real.
Eno the Thracian sets off to find the truth about himself and his possible descent from the Gods of Olympus. Instead he becomes involved with a race of people kidnapped from their homeland, set to toil endlessly by the will of a mad philosopher.
Facing his own fears and doubts and the curse of the Great God Pan, Eno also finds a woman worthy of his love, danger around every curve, and mushrooms...lots and lots of mushrooms.
Meanwhile, a hidden menace from the dawn of time threatens the civilized world and only Eno the Thracian, Hero for Hire, can stop the inevitable destruction.
What I liked: Dark Mountain (Eno the Thracian #3) entertained me! While perhaps a bit darker than the previous books, this one held all the elements for me. Eno is an excellent hero who embodies the classical hero characteristics. He is mostly humble, willing to take a stand for what is right, and constantly searching for ways to improve himself and the world he inhabits. Such is the case in Dark Mountain. The story is good, too, as we follow Eno trying to make amends with Pan, visit his mother, and follow the quest to the end. All told, I enjoyed the book!
What I didn’t like: As I mentioned above, Dark Mountain (Eno the Thracian #3) was a darker book than the first two of the series. For me, Eno seemed sad and not as vibrant as before and left me a little depressed at the end.
Overall impression: In spite of the darker tone of the book, I liked it! Not as full of the swaggering, boisterous Eno from the first books, it still captured my attention and kept me guessing through the end. If you like a modernized take on Greek mythology, give this one (and the series) a try!
My rating: 4 Stars
July 31, 2014
Dark Mountain by C. B. Pratt is a fantasy about a hero for hire named Eno and his adventures to free the enthralled mine workers of a deranged magician.
Eno, recently home from a quest in Egypt, resumes his interrupted trip to his aging mother. The path takes him through Pan’s domain, and the woodland god has a deadly bone to pick with Eno. On a previous adventure, Eno slayed Pan’s three daughters in self-defense. To make amends with the goat-footed deity, our hero must endure the woodland god’s curse plus do a good deed for Pan’s children.
Slavers ambush and capture Eno, along with a young man named Gwern. A clever ruse turns Eno into a shift captain of a most peculiar mining operation under a dark mountain. Gwern’s enslaved people have labored for generations under the command of an ancient mage who hears voices under the mountain’s rocks. After the workers unearth the rock speaker, Eno then must use his superb strength, wits, and a touch of Pan’s curse to battle the darkest threat yet to Eno’s world.
Dark Mountain is a fun fantasy romp set in the time of Greek gods, ancient Egypt, and medieval villages. C. B Pratt uses a masterful hand to create a vivid fantasy world where the reader smells the manure of the farmyards and feels the tickle of foaming ale on the lips. The conversations with the moody Pan are especially delightful.
Readers who like heroic fantasy told through the eyes of a thoughtful strongman would enjoy Dark Mountain. This is the second of Eno’s enjoyable stories I have read, and I look forward to immersing myself in Eno’s next tale.
Eno, recently home from a quest in Egypt, resumes his interrupted trip to his aging mother. The path takes him through Pan’s domain, and the woodland god has a deadly bone to pick with Eno. On a previous adventure, Eno slayed Pan’s three daughters in self-defense. To make amends with the goat-footed deity, our hero must endure the woodland god’s curse plus do a good deed for Pan’s children.
Slavers ambush and capture Eno, along with a young man named Gwern. A clever ruse turns Eno into a shift captain of a most peculiar mining operation under a dark mountain. Gwern’s enslaved people have labored for generations under the command of an ancient mage who hears voices under the mountain’s rocks. After the workers unearth the rock speaker, Eno then must use his superb strength, wits, and a touch of Pan’s curse to battle the darkest threat yet to Eno’s world.
Dark Mountain is a fun fantasy romp set in the time of Greek gods, ancient Egypt, and medieval villages. C. B Pratt uses a masterful hand to create a vivid fantasy world where the reader smells the manure of the farmyards and feels the tickle of foaming ale on the lips. The conversations with the moody Pan are especially delightful.
Readers who like heroic fantasy told through the eyes of a thoughtful strongman would enjoy Dark Mountain. This is the second of Eno’s enjoyable stories I have read, and I look forward to immersing myself in Eno’s next tale.
February 12, 2017
Rating 2.5 This felt a little dark to me and much less humorous than book one or two. It also felt very long, I guess because so much is covered. There is a mystery here but Eno doesn't really solve it. He is a hero here but, unlike his other books, he doesn't get any pay or great job offers. I found it quite sad in places. There is a good deal of character growth but I felt myself longing for cheerful, unflappable Eno. I have blazed through these first three books but, after this one, feel like taking a little time before reading the next. I hope that I will find the breezy, funny Eno of before within its pages.
July 14, 2014
Beautiful cover and interesting storyline. I thought this book would be a great read. It is about a supernatural assassin that will handle the dispatch of a dragonet, a minotaur, or whatever creature is giving you problems. He is a jack of all trades. I was very disappointed. I struggled to get through it. I would find myself reading along and realize I was just reading the words. I had no idea what I had read and would go back over it again. I could not get involved in the story or the characters. It was like a school reading assignment in government. I picked it up and put it down for weeks. I was bored and the story created no curiosity or emotion. This is book 3 and I have not read the first two. Did this make a difference? I read 64%, but could not find a reason to continue. There are so many books and so little time, so I finally gave up. This is very unusual for me and I am sorry that I could not find it worth my while to finish.
I received an ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I received an ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 22, 2020
While I really enjoyed the reread of this third book in the Eno the Thracian series, I found it the most melancholy. Themes of madness, chaos, evil and lost love.
March 4, 2015
Hero's, God's and monsters.
I liked the series so well I read all three books. I don't usually read this type of book but I really enjoyed them.
I liked the series so well I read all three books. I don't usually read this type of book but I really enjoyed them.
June 14, 2015
I love this. If you are a fan of Greek myths you should read C B Pratt's books they are good and fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews