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The Book of Ruin #2
The Flashfall Sword
IndieReader Approved and Readers' Favorite Recommended, The Flashfall SwordThe Book of Ruin.
Senior Chief Weir’s great grandsire, Ranger Lovecraft Weir, wields his Flashfall sword in the service of NATO at a time when a Dark Age torments the lands. A deadly pestilence spreads, mutating with terrifying efficiency. Shadowlanders flay enemies and ply women with potions to make them dimwitted and submissive. And young boys undergo grisly rites of passage to teach them to follow the Lord of Putridity. Only NATO keeps the Shadowlanders and pestilence at bay. But when a traitor betrays the alliance, and Shadowlander tribes come together to annihilate all those who are unseeded, NATO must overcome catastrophic losses and face its greatest challenge yet.
Senior Chief Weir’s great grandsire, Ranger Lovecraft Weir, wields his Flashfall sword in the service of NATO at a time when a Dark Age torments the lands. A deadly pestilence spreads, mutating with terrifying efficiency. Shadowlanders flay enemies and ply women with potions to make them dimwitted and submissive. And young boys undergo grisly rites of passage to teach them to follow the Lord of Putridity. Only NATO keeps the Shadowlanders and pestilence at bay. But when a traitor betrays the alliance, and Shadowlander tribes come together to annihilate all those who are unseeded, NATO must overcome catastrophic losses and face its greatest challenge yet.
- GenresScience Fiction
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
33 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 1, 2020
Other reviews of this book are most certainly correct: this book is not for those with a delicate constitution. It’s gritty and graphic, and pulls absolutely no punches. This isn’t always the type of writing I enjoy reading, but I can still acknowledge a well-written book when I see one, even if it doesn’t necessarily appeal to my personal tastes.
The Flashfall Sword is a post-apocalyptic adventure set in a time after the cataclysmic Flash, a poorly-understood disaster that changed the face of the world. Two factions emerged from this event – those who inhabit NATO protected land, and the Shadowlanders. The inhabitants of NATO protected land are generally peaceful, civilized people trying to survive. The Shadowlanders are a savage, brutal, chaos-loving people whose prized possession is, apparently, the flayed faces of their victims. All this the reader learns in the first chapter. Again, not for the squeamish.
The story focuses on NATO Ranger Lovecraft Weir and his friends who are tasked with protecting the civilized lands not only from the Shadowlanders, but also from a raging pestilence that is scorching the lands. This one hit a little close to home for me right now.
Though this is the second book in a series of which I did not read the first, the author does an excellent job of creating a world that, whether it appealed to me or not, was hard to resist. The opening scene was shocking enough to keep me reading, and I can appreciate the themes that the author is exploring: greed, survival, sexism, the human race’s reliance on technology, love. It’s a sweeping adventure that juggles these topics both delicately and brutally, which is not something I thought could be done well.
Again, this would not have been my first pick simply as a matter of preference, but credit goes where credit is due. This is a well-written, engrossing if violent and graphic story in which I can certainly see the entertainment value in. If you’re into the type of story that produces a visceral reaction, that challenges your most human sensibilities, and that takes you for a wild ride, give this one a go!
The Flashfall Sword is a post-apocalyptic adventure set in a time after the cataclysmic Flash, a poorly-understood disaster that changed the face of the world. Two factions emerged from this event – those who inhabit NATO protected land, and the Shadowlanders. The inhabitants of NATO protected land are generally peaceful, civilized people trying to survive. The Shadowlanders are a savage, brutal, chaos-loving people whose prized possession is, apparently, the flayed faces of their victims. All this the reader learns in the first chapter. Again, not for the squeamish.
The story focuses on NATO Ranger Lovecraft Weir and his friends who are tasked with protecting the civilized lands not only from the Shadowlanders, but also from a raging pestilence that is scorching the lands. This one hit a little close to home for me right now.
Though this is the second book in a series of which I did not read the first, the author does an excellent job of creating a world that, whether it appealed to me or not, was hard to resist. The opening scene was shocking enough to keep me reading, and I can appreciate the themes that the author is exploring: greed, survival, sexism, the human race’s reliance on technology, love. It’s a sweeping adventure that juggles these topics both delicately and brutally, which is not something I thought could be done well.
Again, this would not have been my first pick simply as a matter of preference, but credit goes where credit is due. This is a well-written, engrossing if violent and graphic story in which I can certainly see the entertainment value in. If you’re into the type of story that produces a visceral reaction, that challenges your most human sensibilities, and that takes you for a wild ride, give this one a go!
May 9, 2021
Action-packed adventure and intricate worldbuilding sweep through Hladky’s exhilarating second installment in the post-apocalyptic saga, The Book of Ruins series, which delves into themes of valor, integrity, power, and trust.
The ‘flash,’ an apocalyptic event that flung the world back into the middle-ages, is a thing of the past, but the world is still grappling with its aftermath. After losing his father to the brutality of Shadowlanders, Ranger Lovecraft Weir, Senior Chief Weir’s great grandsire, has joined the forces at NATO. The Dark Age is tormenting the lands. A deadly plague, with its power to mutate at an alarming rate is spreading like wildfire. The NATO forces are tasked with saving the world from the disease while dealing with the ruthless Shadowlanders, who are wreaking havoc everywhere they go. The stakes rise when a traitor betrays the alliance, and Shadowlander tribes unite to annihilate the rest of the world. Lovecraft, accompanied by his friends, sets out to protect the lands.
Hladkey employs crisp, assured prose to assemble an elaborate post-Flash world inhabited by diverse, complex people, including the savage and vicious Shadowlanders, regular folks trying to survive, skinnies, and soldiers fighting for freedom. The intriguing interplay between the various characters keep the story engrossing, and the expert pacing and intricate plotting allow readers to truly enter this post-apocalyptic world. Haunting accounts of disease-ravaged lands, genetic mutations, a looming threat of war, and the characters’ individual struggles add rich texture throughout.
Hladky capably uses a blend of science fiction and fantasy to highlight a bleak and dismal future. The Shadowlanders’ mythicized practices, including brutal killings, rape, and savagery among others underline the mankind’s darkest moments in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the themes of enduring friendships, tender love (Bazkowski and Sarah’s), sacrifice, duty, responsibility, and solidarity are weaved in expertly, offering both hope and warmth.
The shockingly brutal violence and bloodshed may seem a bit too much, particularly to the ones faint of heart. But considering the setting of a ruined world that sees all the characters into the middle of dark ages, nothing less will have made sense.
Hladky’s world is extremely intricate, and readers will benefit from reading the series in order to get a better grasp of the fast-moving story. Readers will be both fascinated and entertained by this fast-paced apocalyptic adventure, which doubles as a contemplation on all-destructive power of nature and human violence.
An epic tale of action and adventure, this is a treat for gritty SF action fans.
The ‘flash,’ an apocalyptic event that flung the world back into the middle-ages, is a thing of the past, but the world is still grappling with its aftermath. After losing his father to the brutality of Shadowlanders, Ranger Lovecraft Weir, Senior Chief Weir’s great grandsire, has joined the forces at NATO. The Dark Age is tormenting the lands. A deadly plague, with its power to mutate at an alarming rate is spreading like wildfire. The NATO forces are tasked with saving the world from the disease while dealing with the ruthless Shadowlanders, who are wreaking havoc everywhere they go. The stakes rise when a traitor betrays the alliance, and Shadowlander tribes unite to annihilate the rest of the world. Lovecraft, accompanied by his friends, sets out to protect the lands.
Hladkey employs crisp, assured prose to assemble an elaborate post-Flash world inhabited by diverse, complex people, including the savage and vicious Shadowlanders, regular folks trying to survive, skinnies, and soldiers fighting for freedom. The intriguing interplay between the various characters keep the story engrossing, and the expert pacing and intricate plotting allow readers to truly enter this post-apocalyptic world. Haunting accounts of disease-ravaged lands, genetic mutations, a looming threat of war, and the characters’ individual struggles add rich texture throughout.
Hladky capably uses a blend of science fiction and fantasy to highlight a bleak and dismal future. The Shadowlanders’ mythicized practices, including brutal killings, rape, and savagery among others underline the mankind’s darkest moments in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the themes of enduring friendships, tender love (Bazkowski and Sarah’s), sacrifice, duty, responsibility, and solidarity are weaved in expertly, offering both hope and warmth.
The shockingly brutal violence and bloodshed may seem a bit too much, particularly to the ones faint of heart. But considering the setting of a ruined world that sees all the characters into the middle of dark ages, nothing less will have made sense.
Hladky’s world is extremely intricate, and readers will benefit from reading the series in order to get a better grasp of the fast-moving story. Readers will be both fascinated and entertained by this fast-paced apocalyptic adventure, which doubles as a contemplation on all-destructive power of nature and human violence.
An epic tale of action and adventure, this is a treat for gritty SF action fans.
September 21, 2020
The Flashfall Sword is a science fantasy that takes place after an apocalyptic event that set the world back in time. It follows the NATO Rangers as they battle threats and journey through a new era in life, one that is very dismal. For me as a reader, the worldbuilding wasn't there enough in the beginning to make me feel confident and become submerged in the story. Plus it was very dry and unengaging. For example, even on the first page we are introduced to the Rite of Metamorphosis, a human sacrifice, and the main character seemed to be okay with it as it was a normal thing. But this created the beginning of questions and uncertainty because I wasn't understanding the world. I wasn't set in it and there was no real further explanation.
The writing didn't grab me either. I think more because this book is plot centric instead of character centric. For example, the author does a great job at the minute by minute details of what is happening as if they are relaying the scenes of a movie. But how the characters felt is never shown, sometimes it is told but that is different. There was no deep connection that had me caring enough for any of them.
One last thing I will add is the book is quite dark and not for the faint of heart. There is a tone that focuses on malevolence, human sacrifice, groups becoming sexually aroused by extreme torture, and a not so upbeat view...pretty much humans brought their fate upon themselves. Worth a look if you are a plot centric reader. But if you enjoy deep character journeys, I would say this isn't for you.
The writing didn't grab me either. I think more because this book is plot centric instead of character centric. For example, the author does a great job at the minute by minute details of what is happening as if they are relaying the scenes of a movie. But how the characters felt is never shown, sometimes it is told but that is different. There was no deep connection that had me caring enough for any of them.
One last thing I will add is the book is quite dark and not for the faint of heart. There is a tone that focuses on malevolence, human sacrifice, groups becoming sexually aroused by extreme torture, and a not so upbeat view...pretty much humans brought their fate upon themselves. Worth a look if you are a plot centric reader. But if you enjoy deep character journeys, I would say this isn't for you.
August 28, 2020
'The Flashfall Sword,’ W. G. Hladky’s follow-up to his award-winning 2018 debut, ‘Book of Ruin,’ is a worthwhile installment that serves as the perfect introduction to the author’s ongoing post-apocalyptic saga.
Billed as a prequel, ‘The Flashfall Sword’ takes place a century before the events of ‘Book of Ruin,’ and introduces readers to the post-Flash world. The ‘flash,’ an apocalyptic event that essentially set the world back to the middle-ages, is but a distant memory, but the world is still grappling with the aftermath.
The story essentially follows an alliance of states (NATO) as they battle a seemingly endless barrage of threats. Focusing on the NATO Rangers for much of the story, Hladky offers readers a vicarious journey through one of the most bleak and dismal futures ever imagined.
Hladky writes with a clear, precise prose, vividly detailing one violent scene after another. It might not be for the faint of heart, but it makes for a hell of a fun read.
Complete with maps and a prologue, ‘The Flashfall Sword’ is an excellent example of action/adventure/sci-fi. For any fans who might still be waiting for Martin’s next GOT release, the ‘Book of Ruin’ series might be just what you need—highly recommended.
Billed as a prequel, ‘The Flashfall Sword’ takes place a century before the events of ‘Book of Ruin,’ and introduces readers to the post-Flash world. The ‘flash,’ an apocalyptic event that essentially set the world back to the middle-ages, is but a distant memory, but the world is still grappling with the aftermath.
The story essentially follows an alliance of states (NATO) as they battle a seemingly endless barrage of threats. Focusing on the NATO Rangers for much of the story, Hladky offers readers a vicarious journey through one of the most bleak and dismal futures ever imagined.
Hladky writes with a clear, precise prose, vividly detailing one violent scene after another. It might not be for the faint of heart, but it makes for a hell of a fun read.
Complete with maps and a prologue, ‘The Flashfall Sword’ is an excellent example of action/adventure/sci-fi. For any fans who might still be waiting for Martin’s next GOT release, the ‘Book of Ruin’ series might be just what you need—highly recommended.
September 8, 2020
‘The Flashfall Sword’ is the prequel to W.G. Hladky’s ‘The Book of Ruin’.
The author creates a world that is deeply immersive, drawing the reader into the action and implanting you within the dark sci-fi realm he has created.
Be warned this book has a lot of violent scenes. In my opinion it adds to the narrative of the novel as opposed to being gratuitous, however I understand it may not be some people’s cup of tea.
The characters were very compelling, and I found myself unable to put this book down the further I progressed.
If you a lover of fantasy and sci-fi and don’t mind things a little gruesome then this is the book for you.
The author creates a world that is deeply immersive, drawing the reader into the action and implanting you within the dark sci-fi realm he has created.
Be warned this book has a lot of violent scenes. In my opinion it adds to the narrative of the novel as opposed to being gratuitous, however I understand it may not be some people’s cup of tea.
The characters were very compelling, and I found myself unable to put this book down the further I progressed.
If you a lover of fantasy and sci-fi and don’t mind things a little gruesome then this is the book for you.
September 22, 2020
W.G. Hladky’s prequel to Book of Ruin is just as exciting as the first novel. Hladky takes important political elements and scenarios from real life and aptly merges them with his fantasy creation. One particular item of interest is how he incorporates NATO into his story. There are very few novels out there that have the concrete world building and character development as Hladky masterfully demonstrates. At this rate, he will soon become a household name and master of fantasy.
September 29, 2020
An interesting world full of action...
The story starts with a conflict and keeps surprising its readers with out of place, yet interesting twists that bring us into a new world order we know nothing about.
In my personal opinion, it could have done with more character development and world building, but it was an intense story overall.
The writing style needs a bit of getting used to, but once there, the events are well described and easily picturable.
The story starts with a conflict and keeps surprising its readers with out of place, yet interesting twists that bring us into a new world order we know nothing about.
In my personal opinion, it could have done with more character development and world building, but it was an intense story overall.
The writing style needs a bit of getting used to, but once there, the events are well described and easily picturable.
June 3, 2025
not for kids!!!
Almost bailed on this one. An interesting premise and well told. And I actually like the ending. But the sexual perversity and violence was extreme at numerous points in the story. If you like a bizarre story with graphic nastiness then this might be for you. I’m not certain if it was necessary to the tale but the depravity did pound home the karmic nature of the premise. But it was a bit much and as a result I must rate as “pass”…
Almost bailed on this one. An interesting premise and well told. And I actually like the ending. But the sexual perversity and violence was extreme at numerous points in the story. If you like a bizarre story with graphic nastiness then this might be for you. I’m not certain if it was necessary to the tale but the depravity did pound home the karmic nature of the premise. But it was a bit much and as a result I must rate as “pass”…
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews