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Island Warrior #1
Demon Drums
Iuti Mano is a legend of her time. She is a fierce warrior whose energy has been drained by watching those around her suffer and die. Determined to regain her inner calm, she severs her bonds with Mano Niuhi, the honored shark that had bestowed its magic and power on generations of her family. But, even though she has slain her source of power, she is still plagued by the continuing war ravaging her land. A resident evil force that is increasing its power has disturbed her sabbatical on the uninhabited island she chose for its solitude. When a sorceress tries to steal her power and the mythical Demon Drummers stalk Iuti in order to crown her the Mother Drum, Iuti's quest for peace is disturbed. She must use her remaining power to defeat the dark magic that haunts the tranquility of her island paradise.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
4 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Carol Severance
7 books12 followersCarol Severance (1944-2015) was a Hawaii-based writer of science fiction with a special interest in Pacific Islanders and their environments.
After growing up in Denver, she served in the Peace Corps and later assisted with anthropological fieldwork in the remote coral atolls of Truk, Micronesia.
She lived in Hilo, where she shared her home with a scholarly fisherman, a surfer, and an undetermined number of geckos.
After growing up in Denver, she served in the Peace Corps and later assisted with anthropological fieldwork in the remote coral atolls of Truk, Micronesia.
She lived in Hilo, where she shared her home with a scholarly fisherman, a surfer, and an undetermined number of geckos.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 31, 2015
A fantasy with an unusual South Seas flavor - Carol Severance is a resident of Hawaii, and has done anthropological work in Micronesia - the island atmosphere she knows comes through as authentic and colorful.
The plot itself is more standard - warrior woman must defeat evil sorceress and her evil tribal followers, with the help of an attractive shapeshifter and some other powerful allies.
But the exotic atmosphere really did it for me - I enjoyed it a lot.
I was initially introduced to this author by this being published as a 'Del Rey Discovery' book - I've really found nearly all the books I've read from that imprint to be quite good. Unfortunately, that line introducing stand-out works by new SF authors is no longer extant.
However, this book has now been picked up by Open Road Media, thanks to whom I got an ebook copy of the novel. I see that the publisher has also released Severance's other titles, including the long out-of-print sequels to this one: 'Storm Caller' and 'Sorcerous Sea.' I'll have to pick those up and finally find out what happens next!
The plot itself is more standard - warrior woman must defeat evil sorceress and her evil tribal followers, with the help of an attractive shapeshifter and some other powerful allies.
But the exotic atmosphere really did it for me - I enjoyed it a lot.
I was initially introduced to this author by this being published as a 'Del Rey Discovery' book - I've really found nearly all the books I've read from that imprint to be quite good. Unfortunately, that line introducing stand-out works by new SF authors is no longer extant.
However, this book has now been picked up by Open Road Media, thanks to whom I got an ebook copy of the novel. I see that the publisher has also released Severance's other titles, including the long out-of-print sequels to this one: 'Storm Caller' and 'Sorcerous Sea.' I'll have to pick those up and finally find out what happens next!
November 20, 2017
Demon Drums is the story of a woman reconciling her relationship with a god—her family god—that she killed. It’s a story about stopping a war that caused her to abandon too much of her humanity. It’s a story of her mentorship of a preternaturally gifted teenager, and undoing the accidental harm caused by that teenager. It’s a story about their righting the wrongs of a cult of magical drummers who use human-skinned drums to control people. It’s the story about their stopping of an evil witch who steals the life-force of living things to pad her own power.
If, as that list went on, it started to feel like ten pounds of plot in a five pound novel, I’d agree with you. If you also thought that each of those points sounded like an intriguing premise, then we're on the same page.
Demon Drums is my least favorite sort of reading experience because there’s so much I wanted to like, so much potential, but, with one exception, I don’t think it ever got there.
Early in the book, I kept double-checking that Demon Drums wasn’t the second book in a series. The amount of ground needing to be covered made each plot feel rushed and inconsequential. Iuti killing her family god—to whom she is essentially an avatar—should have been a book by itself. Alas, it’s stuffed into maybe a paragraph of blanket exposition.
And, sadly, this is only the beginning of disappointment. The magic system(s) are interesting and fresh—and poorly fleshed out. The relationships are multi-faceted—and lacking depth. The consequences of their potential failure are all encompassing—and vague. I mean, hell, there are two characters—both prostitutes—who support the main character(s) for chapters at a time, but we’re never told their names. They’re simply referred to as ‘the whores’ or the equivalent in the slang of this world.
The extra disappointing part of this is that Demon Drums is a scant 240 pages long. For an adult fantasy novel, that’s nothing. She could have upped it by one hundred pages and taken the time to flesh out plot-points and characters. She could have told us the prostitutes’ names. But she didn’t.
There is but one section of the Demon Drums that felt polished, and, well, it was messed up. If you like Silence of the Lambs-like vibes, maybe—despite the rough start—this book is for you. If you do like Silence of the Lambs-like vibes, though, you’re going to be disappointed by the Disney-esque ending.
And those last two sentences sum up why, despite all the cool ideas, despite unique magic systems, despite interesting plot devices, despite solid writing, Demon Drums doesn’t really work. It’s just too all over the place.
[See the rest of my review]
If, as that list went on, it started to feel like ten pounds of plot in a five pound novel, I’d agree with you. If you also thought that each of those points sounded like an intriguing premise, then we're on the same page.
Demon Drums is my least favorite sort of reading experience because there’s so much I wanted to like, so much potential, but, with one exception, I don’t think it ever got there.
Early in the book, I kept double-checking that Demon Drums wasn’t the second book in a series. The amount of ground needing to be covered made each plot feel rushed and inconsequential. Iuti killing her family god—to whom she is essentially an avatar—should have been a book by itself. Alas, it’s stuffed into maybe a paragraph of blanket exposition.
And, sadly, this is only the beginning of disappointment. The magic system(s) are interesting and fresh—and poorly fleshed out. The relationships are multi-faceted—and lacking depth. The consequences of their potential failure are all encompassing—and vague. I mean, hell, there are two characters—both prostitutes—who support the main character(s) for chapters at a time, but we’re never told their names. They’re simply referred to as ‘the whores’ or the equivalent in the slang of this world.
The extra disappointing part of this is that Demon Drums is a scant 240 pages long. For an adult fantasy novel, that’s nothing. She could have upped it by one hundred pages and taken the time to flesh out plot-points and characters. She could have told us the prostitutes’ names. But she didn’t.
There is but one section of the Demon Drums that felt polished, and, well, it was messed up. If you like Silence of the Lambs-like vibes, maybe—despite the rough start—this book is for you. If you do like Silence of the Lambs-like vibes, though, you’re going to be disappointed by the Disney-esque ending.
And those last two sentences sum up why, despite all the cool ideas, despite unique magic systems, despite interesting plot devices, despite solid writing, Demon Drums doesn’t really work. It’s just too all over the place.
[See the rest of my review]
October 2, 2017
Unfortunately, “Tolkien in Polynesia” is not entirely inaccurate as a description of this book. Severance isn’t a bad writer, and she gets points for thinking outside the epic fantasy box in terms of settings -- God knows there is no shortage of epic fantasy books that could be described as "Tolkien in a generic ripoff of Middle-Earth" -- and to a certain extent of character as well. However, the same can’t be said for the story, which mostly follows the usual beats, and Severance just isn't quite good enough as a writer to get by on the strength of the novelty of her setting. There are certainly many worse and less interesting fantasy novels than this one, but I was left with no particular desire to read the rest of the series.
September 17, 2020
Really enjoyed it! I wanted a fantasy story with a base in Polynesian rather than European myth and this delivered! Quick read but that's more of a sign of it being engrossing rather than short. I'll seek out the rest in the series.
February 27, 2017
I wish I'd found these books sooner. The world building isn't as strong as in Reefsong, but every bit as lovely, dark, and fantastic. A real fantasy gem.
dnf
March 20, 2020Judging a book by it’s cover. In this case the praise of Anne McCaffrey. I get it, but I didn’t like what I was reading, so I stopped.
August 26, 2023
What a lovely book with great world building and a fun story! Looking forward to reading the next story.
October 3, 2021
I found this on a reading list on Tamora Pierce's website about fantasy set in worlds with cultures other than western Europe, and this series was one of the view to show up as availible on my Kindle. I knew nothing of this series but decided to jump in and buy it anyways---it's hard to find anywhere online or in book stores. I was disappointed after finnishing, but that was partially because I had come directly off of Tamora Pierce's books, and she is one of my favorite authors. I expected amazing, and it didn't live up. But I feel much fonder towards the novel looking back on it now.
I found Carol Severance's writing to be a bit dry, and the storyline was confusing, but the setting and characters were solid. Itui is a great protagonist-- for one thing, she is a very strong woman in her own right, without any need to prove herself to a man, which I find incredibly cliche and annoying. She is a hardened warrior who clearly suffers from PTSD, which is otherwise seen as taboo in fantasy. Tarawe, the other lead character is a clear contrast with Itui. She is young and open-minded and cheerful, until war strikes and scars her as well. She can be easily seen as a younger Itui, and their relationship is probably the novel's strongest point. Ma'eva, the male lead and comic relief, is also a profound character in his own right, far more than just a shape-shifting clown.
The world that the novel is set in is vastly different than the mostly western European setting that most fantasy is set in as well---which is what attracted me to this book in the first place. I have never been to Hawaii, but the world in this novel seems convincing enough to me. No simple hulas and luaus here, but magical chats and terrifying villains who control others by beating drums made of human skin. The world of Demon Drums is bright and colorful and beautiful and dangerous.
Unfortuantely, however, the plot was not structured well for me. Halfway through the book I was confused to where everything was going, and had to check to make sure that I wasn't reading the second book of the trilogy by accident. Itui battles an evil sorceress, escapes, finds danger, escapes, finds more danger, etc. until a final battle with some enemies from said adventures, and a sequel hook. I do not believe there are any spoilers in there. However, I considered the setting worth exploring and the characters worth following, so this didn't matter to me. However, if you like a strong storyline that moves at a consistant pace, this book isn't for you.
Mildly reccomended.
I found Carol Severance's writing to be a bit dry, and the storyline was confusing, but the setting and characters were solid. Itui is a great protagonist-- for one thing, she is a very strong woman in her own right, without any need to prove herself to a man, which I find incredibly cliche and annoying. She is a hardened warrior who clearly suffers from PTSD, which is otherwise seen as taboo in fantasy. Tarawe, the other lead character is a clear contrast with Itui. She is young and open-minded and cheerful, until war strikes and scars her as well. She can be easily seen as a younger Itui, and their relationship is probably the novel's strongest point. Ma'eva, the male lead and comic relief, is also a profound character in his own right, far more than just a shape-shifting clown.
The world that the novel is set in is vastly different than the mostly western European setting that most fantasy is set in as well---which is what attracted me to this book in the first place. I have never been to Hawaii, but the world in this novel seems convincing enough to me. No simple hulas and luaus here, but magical chats and terrifying villains who control others by beating drums made of human skin. The world of Demon Drums is bright and colorful and beautiful and dangerous.
Unfortuantely, however, the plot was not structured well for me. Halfway through the book I was confused to where everything was going, and had to check to make sure that I wasn't reading the second book of the trilogy by accident. Itui battles an evil sorceress, escapes, finds danger, escapes, finds more danger, etc. until a final battle with some enemies from said adventures, and a sequel hook. I do not believe there are any spoilers in there. However, I considered the setting worth exploring and the characters worth following, so this didn't matter to me. However, if you like a strong storyline that moves at a consistant pace, this book isn't for you.
Mildly reccomended.
November 16, 2015
Demon Drums
Carol Severance, originally published 1992, Kindle edition 2015
New eBook release! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review.
Premise: Iuti had seen enough blood. She retreated from battle and gave up everything for a chance at peace. But sometimes peace is too good to be true, and chance encounters can change the course of war.
I really liked this book. It has an uncommon setting, an uncommon protagonist and an uncommon story, and all of those things work extremely well.
The story starts after the main character has tried to leave behind a major war. The world is evocative of Micronesia, with multiple island nations and a closeness with the sea. Iuti’s tie with a powerful shark-spirit gave her power in battle, but exhausted her soul and finally drove her from her people.
I know that dealing with issues of PTSD is not as infrequent in fantasy as sometimes it seems, but this book also features a fully adult female protagonist in a world that is completely unlike most Euro-centric fantasy, making it a wonderful breath of fresh air. The world is brutal, and featured some descriptions that I found stomach-turning (particularly of the tribe that creates the eponymous Demon Drums). However, none of it felt out of place or gratuitous to me. I especially liked the way the magic and spirit of the very world reacted to death.
Iuti’s relationship with Tarawe, a girl with magical potential but no training, makes up the heart of the story, while the bulk of the plot is their journey back and forth among several lands, trying to survive. The author throws you in deep to this culture and expects you to keep up. I also liked how unique the magic was compared to a lot of fantasy writing.
Thanks to Open Road Media for bringing another gem from the backlist to Kindle.
4 Stars - A Very Good Book
Carol Severance, originally published 1992, Kindle edition 2015
New eBook release! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review.
Premise: Iuti had seen enough blood. She retreated from battle and gave up everything for a chance at peace. But sometimes peace is too good to be true, and chance encounters can change the course of war.
I really liked this book. It has an uncommon setting, an uncommon protagonist and an uncommon story, and all of those things work extremely well.
The story starts after the main character has tried to leave behind a major war. The world is evocative of Micronesia, with multiple island nations and a closeness with the sea. Iuti’s tie with a powerful shark-spirit gave her power in battle, but exhausted her soul and finally drove her from her people.
I know that dealing with issues of PTSD is not as infrequent in fantasy as sometimes it seems, but this book also features a fully adult female protagonist in a world that is completely unlike most Euro-centric fantasy, making it a wonderful breath of fresh air. The world is brutal, and featured some descriptions that I found stomach-turning (particularly of the tribe that creates the eponymous Demon Drums). However, none of it felt out of place or gratuitous to me. I especially liked the way the magic and spirit of the very world reacted to death.
Iuti’s relationship with Tarawe, a girl with magical potential but no training, makes up the heart of the story, while the bulk of the plot is their journey back and forth among several lands, trying to survive. The author throws you in deep to this culture and expects you to keep up. I also liked how unique the magic was compared to a lot of fantasy writing.
Thanks to Open Road Media for bringing another gem from the backlist to Kindle.
4 Stars - A Very Good Book
Read
April 8, 2016It always makes me a little sad when I think about how many talented fantasy authors (especially female authors) from past decades just vanish off the radar, their works seemingly forgotten by all but a few. I had thought I was fairly well-read in 90s fantasy, but somehow I never heard of Carol Severance, who won a Compton Crook Award for her first SFF novel Reefsong (1991), and followed that up with her Island Warrior series, of which Demon Drums is the first installment. It was only when I did a search on fantasy novels with Pacific Islander/Polynesian settings that her name came up. Severance drew on her experiences living in Micronesia and Hawaii to inform the environments and cultures of her novels—a nice change from the more common pseudo-European settings common to so many fantasies. Not only does Demon Drums feature coral atolls and island jungles instead of forests and castles, it has a not-so-usual protagonist: a middle-aged, jaded female warrior suffering from PTSD after she abandons fighting in a neverending war. The portrayal of Iuti’s reluctance to make connnections is skillfully handled, as is her slow-developing bond with a young woman she’s trying to protect. The main plot, a struggle against an evil sorceress, is solidly written as well, and the magic both interesting and entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I hope more people discover it.
January 30, 2013
I downloaded this book on accident while showing a friend how to borrow books online from the library. Since I had it for 21 days and I had just finished my last book, I decided to give it a try. I truly liked it except for the nightmare that was the editing. The book was fast paced, exciting and suspenseful-I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed learning the world and magic of Itui Mano. A great read for anyone that enjoys adventures, magic, new worlds, warriors, battles and rebellious teens.
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August 16, 2015DNF
I was given this by the Publisher - referencing Kate Elliots Jaran- suggestion I would like it.
I am not sure why, but I couldn't get into it. Maybe because I had the wrong expectations? I can't even say why. It just didn't work for me.
I was given this by the Publisher - referencing Kate Elliots Jaran- suggestion I would like it.
I am not sure why, but I couldn't get into it. Maybe because I had the wrong expectations? I can't even say why. It just didn't work for me.
February 5, 2008
Interesting fantasy in an unusual setting (Pacific Island culture).
May 3, 2011
As always, I love Carol Severance's books and this one was a non-stop read for me. This book is very creepy and dark though so I won't be re-reading it like I do often with Reefsong.
April 19, 2017
I've wanted to reread Demon Drums since I saw Moana. This is the R rated version of Fantastical Polynesia that never was as there are drums made of human skin, paired prostitute assassins, sex magic, magical shark symbiosis and dark sorcery that is driven by death. It also has a predominantly female cast with our main character, Iuti Mano, is a serious kick-ass magical warrior.
There are 2 more books, but this can be read as a stand alone.
There are 2 more books, but this can be read as a stand alone.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews