The Scroll of Man

by John Dalmas

The Guardian of Earth's call for the ultimate warrior transports Charley Judge three million years into the future and places him against the evil sorcerer Shu-Gwelth in the final battle between good and evil.

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

John Dalmas—pseudonym for John Robert Jones—wrote many books based on military and governmental themes throughout his career. He grew up in Minnesota and Michigan and resided in Spokane, Washington. He was a parachute infantryman in WWII and was discharged in 1946 without ever being put seriously in harm's way. He has worked as a longshoreman, merchant seaman, logger, construction worker, and smokejumper. He attended Michigan State University, majoring in forestry, but also took creative writing.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this forgotten title from Tor Books at my local 2nd & Charles. So the title piqued my curiosity, the cover by Ramos certainly helped, and the excerpt on the back cover sealed the deal. I thought I was in for something like a Sword and Planet story, but this was more Sci-fi/Fantasy.

The tale is told in first person perspective and our narrator is Charley Judge a black soldier who is whisked away from a military training exercise. I only mention that he is black because, well, it's a rarity in this type of fiction. Regardless of race, Charley is an everyman, found in any Men's Adventure story. Meaning that his martial prowess sets him several rungs above anyone else he encounters.

A game between ancient Gods, time travel, telepathy, and reincarnation are just a few things you will encounter.

Recommended!