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Yancy Lazarus #2.5
Flashback: Siren Song
The year is 1969. Yancy Lazarus—bluesman, gambler, future world-class mage and fix-it man—is just a dumb, unlucky kid serving with the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines in Vietnam.
With just a few weeks left to go until Yancy gets shipped back to the States, he’s just trying to keep his head down and avoid a body bag—no mean feat in Nam. But when his squad is tasked with conducting a routine patrol deep in enemy territory, everything goes to nine kinds of hell, and he quickly sees his chances at survival slipping away.
When the radio operators start to pick up some funky, dirty ol’ blues all the way out in the backcountry, it’s a nice change of pace. At least until the men in Yancy’s squad start losing their minds, turning on each other with murderous intent as the music works its deadly power within them. Convinced it’s some kind of new psychological warfare initiative, the squad leader forces the men to push deeper and deeper into the Vietnamese jungle, obsessed with locating the music’s source. What they find, however, isn’t some new technology, but an ancient spirit awoken by the terrible war. Even worse, the music is changing Yancy too, awakening something buried inside of him.
Only one thing is certain, nothing is ever going to be the same. See how it all began …
Authors Note: Siren Song is a novella-length story (26,000 words) and is not a full novel. Though it is the first installment in the Yancy Lazarus Flashback series (and can be read as a standalone short story) chronological it is Episode 2.5 of the Yancy Lazarus series.
With just a few weeks left to go until Yancy gets shipped back to the States, he’s just trying to keep his head down and avoid a body bag—no mean feat in Nam. But when his squad is tasked with conducting a routine patrol deep in enemy territory, everything goes to nine kinds of hell, and he quickly sees his chances at survival slipping away.
When the radio operators start to pick up some funky, dirty ol’ blues all the way out in the backcountry, it’s a nice change of pace. At least until the men in Yancy’s squad start losing their minds, turning on each other with murderous intent as the music works its deadly power within them. Convinced it’s some kind of new psychological warfare initiative, the squad leader forces the men to push deeper and deeper into the Vietnamese jungle, obsessed with locating the music’s source. What they find, however, isn’t some new technology, but an ancient spirit awoken by the terrible war. Even worse, the music is changing Yancy too, awakening something buried inside of him.
Only one thing is certain, nothing is ever going to be the same. See how it all began …
Authors Note: Siren Song is a novella-length story (26,000 words) and is not a full novel. Though it is the first installment in the Yancy Lazarus Flashback series (and can be read as a standalone short story) chronological it is Episode 2.5 of the Yancy Lazarus series.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2015
78 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,110 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 7, 2016
3.5
Flashback: Siren Song is a prequel to Yancy Lazarus series. As an introduction to a whole new series it is really good.
You get a moment when the main character realizes he can see magic, then you have dark humour sprinkled through the story and the whole thing is well plotted. You follow a group of soldiers going through the jungle, following some weird music that causes them to go mad and kill either themselves or others.
I would have loved it more if not for the setting. Vietnam isn't my favourite setting. I enjoyed the second part more because it really turns from a war story into a paranormal one and you see these tidbits of Lazarus's world or, to be more precise, of his future world. I am interested.
I have no idea why this is marked as 1.5 on GR.
Flashback: Siren Song is a prequel to Yancy Lazarus series. As an introduction to a whole new series it is really good.
You get a moment when the main character realizes he can see magic, then you have dark humour sprinkled through the story and the whole thing is well plotted. You follow a group of soldiers going through the jungle, following some weird music that causes them to go mad and kill either themselves or others.
I would have loved it more if not for the setting. Vietnam isn't my favourite setting. I enjoyed the second part more because it really turns from a war story into a paranormal one and you see these tidbits of Lazarus's world or, to be more precise, of his future world. I am interested.
I have no idea why this is marked as 1.5 on GR.
December 18, 2016
An awesome fantasy military short novel
Flashback: Siren Song is a fast paced, action packed, magic filled, military fantasy. The plot is good, the characters are well developed and intriguing. Loved the magic or power our hero develops. Great job, can't wait to see the next book.
Flashback: Siren Song is a fast paced, action packed, magic filled, military fantasy. The plot is good, the characters are well developed and intriguing. Loved the magic or power our hero develops. Great job, can't wait to see the next book.
March 7, 2017
This is a flashback for Yancey, back to the days when he first learned he was a wizard: in the rainforests of Vietnam, surrounded by enemies, fighting for their lives and facing the sirens. And an ancient force far more deadly than even the modern battlefield.
For a time in this book I was vaguely frustrated
Not because I wasn’t enjoying this book – because I was. Not because it wasn’t well written – because it certainly was. It has a great sense of grimness, that classic Vietnam war-film feel all grim and gritty and normal people completely out of their element, fighting a nasty, terrible war far beyond their experience and what their training prepared them for.
Yancey’s extremely well portrayed, I can feel him, his anger, his sadness, his loss, his struggle. I can feel the camaraderie of his team and why that makes what the Siren’s music is doing to them extra painful and soul destroying.
The quality of the work, the writing, the style and the whole theme and feeling of the story is excellent
But I’ve read it before. I mean, one of the major elements of one of the books is Yancey confronting the sirens, arguing over what happened, demanding revenge and dramatically announcing exactly why he was so angry with the sirens
So I knew this story, especially since the parts that were added were classic Nam movie fiction that while it was all very thematic and atmospheric it wasn’t really adding anything. It was a fun read but then I asked why I was reading it, what it added to Yancey’s story
Especially since this was Yancey’s opening to magic but contained very little magic or wonder. And that makes sense, they’re in a war zone under constant threat. There’s a level of “just roll with it and keep moving” that simply has to apply here, no arguing that. But it’s another storyline that this book could have explored that would have added so much to Yancey’s past that wasn’t. I understand why it wasn’t, it wasn’t the time – but why this book
Then we got the answer with a big epic story about a Leshy and his plot to cause untold suffering and the noble and brave Gregg and Rat and Yancey willing to sacrifice everything to stop him because ultimately they may not be skilled or magical or powerful and they definitely have not the slightest clue what is really going on – but they know it’s wrong, they know people will die and they know they have to stop that
And it’s big and noble and epic. And, on the face of it, a good story – I want to say that again and again about this – it’s a good story, it’s well written, it’s atmospheric with some great characters being portrayed. And it’s a Vietnam war story without demonising the Vietnamese.
Read More
For a time in this book I was vaguely frustrated
Not because I wasn’t enjoying this book – because I was. Not because it wasn’t well written – because it certainly was. It has a great sense of grimness, that classic Vietnam war-film feel all grim and gritty and normal people completely out of their element, fighting a nasty, terrible war far beyond their experience and what their training prepared them for.
Yancey’s extremely well portrayed, I can feel him, his anger, his sadness, his loss, his struggle. I can feel the camaraderie of his team and why that makes what the Siren’s music is doing to them extra painful and soul destroying.
The quality of the work, the writing, the style and the whole theme and feeling of the story is excellent
But I’ve read it before. I mean, one of the major elements of one of the books is Yancey confronting the sirens, arguing over what happened, demanding revenge and dramatically announcing exactly why he was so angry with the sirens
So I knew this story, especially since the parts that were added were classic Nam movie fiction that while it was all very thematic and atmospheric it wasn’t really adding anything. It was a fun read but then I asked why I was reading it, what it added to Yancey’s story
Especially since this was Yancey’s opening to magic but contained very little magic or wonder. And that makes sense, they’re in a war zone under constant threat. There’s a level of “just roll with it and keep moving” that simply has to apply here, no arguing that. But it’s another storyline that this book could have explored that would have added so much to Yancey’s past that wasn’t. I understand why it wasn’t, it wasn’t the time – but why this book
Then we got the answer with a big epic story about a Leshy and his plot to cause untold suffering and the noble and brave Gregg and Rat and Yancey willing to sacrifice everything to stop him because ultimately they may not be skilled or magical or powerful and they definitely have not the slightest clue what is really going on – but they know it’s wrong, they know people will die and they know they have to stop that
And it’s big and noble and epic. And, on the face of it, a good story – I want to say that again and again about this – it’s a good story, it’s well written, it’s atmospheric with some great characters being portrayed. And it’s a Vietnam war story without demonising the Vietnamese.
Read More
July 6, 2015
Note: I started reading Siren Song when I was about halfway through Cold Hearted (Yancy Lazarus Book 2), but even if you'd never read any of the previous installments, you would be hard-pressed not to fall in love with Yancy based on this prequel alone. It holds its own in every way possible.
In Strange Magic, the first book of the series, Yancy Lazarus immediately became one of my favorite characters. A smart-mouthed, music-loving, magic-slinging, reluctant hero with a broken past, suped-up el Camino, and mystically modded-out sidearm? Shut up and take my money already! So when I heard there was going to be a prequel set during Yancy's time in Vietnam, I was all over that. Siren Song does not disappoint. In this Flashback, we get to go along for the ride as the Vis begins manifesting itself in Yancy, and his formerly normal life—you know, the one where he's just trying not to get killed by Charlie so he can go back home and live happily ever after with his wife and sons?—takes a drastic and strange turn for the worse.
All of the crazy imaginative world-building fans have come to expect from Hunter is woven into the conflict in Vietnam, complete with terrifying new baddies—who also just so happen to be a highly trained squad of Vietnamese Special Forces—and a primally supercharged boss that Yancy has to beat or die trying. Hunter brings the dense nighttime jungle to life around Yancy's squad, paints the mysterious music in a gorgeous and creepy light, and amps up the suspense until you just can't take it anymore. The action had me buzzing with adrenaline and turning pages as fast as I could. This isn't the kind of book you read a little of and then put down for later. When you start reading this, you'd better clear your schedule—and God have mercy on you if you think you're just going to read a couple pages before bed.
The absolute worst and best thing about Siren Song is the characters. We get to see Greg and Yancy's friendship as young men and their dedication to making sure they both make it home. Tons of times while reading this, I found myself thinking, "That's so Greg." It felt like I was visiting old friends. We also get to meet Yancy's squad, then watch helplessly as the music picks them apart from the inside out.
That's where the worst part comes in: You feel it every time Yancy loses a squad member. That last loss...man... I probably could've recovered faster from being literally stabbed in the heart. That scene is something I'll never get out of my head. Just one more scar on Yancy's soul...and mine now, too. I guess that's a mark of a great character: They rip your heart out when they leave, but you're still thankful you were there as a witness to their final moments; it feels like they deserved to have someone know they existed, even if only on the page.
And in case you're worried this is an all shoot-em-up war story with no artistic value, let me assure you that the truth is quite the opposite. Hunter's writing is as low-down, gritty, and insidious as the blues Yancy Lazarus loves. Just like the mysterious music drifting through the jungle toward Yancy's squad, Siren Song will get under your skin and sink its hooks into your mind. It's some of Hunter's best work yet.
In Strange Magic, the first book of the series, Yancy Lazarus immediately became one of my favorite characters. A smart-mouthed, music-loving, magic-slinging, reluctant hero with a broken past, suped-up el Camino, and mystically modded-out sidearm? Shut up and take my money already! So when I heard there was going to be a prequel set during Yancy's time in Vietnam, I was all over that. Siren Song does not disappoint. In this Flashback, we get to go along for the ride as the Vis begins manifesting itself in Yancy, and his formerly normal life—you know, the one where he's just trying not to get killed by Charlie so he can go back home and live happily ever after with his wife and sons?—takes a drastic and strange turn for the worse.
All of the crazy imaginative world-building fans have come to expect from Hunter is woven into the conflict in Vietnam, complete with terrifying new baddies—who also just so happen to be a highly trained squad of Vietnamese Special Forces—and a primally supercharged boss that Yancy has to beat or die trying. Hunter brings the dense nighttime jungle to life around Yancy's squad, paints the mysterious music in a gorgeous and creepy light, and amps up the suspense until you just can't take it anymore. The action had me buzzing with adrenaline and turning pages as fast as I could. This isn't the kind of book you read a little of and then put down for later. When you start reading this, you'd better clear your schedule—and God have mercy on you if you think you're just going to read a couple pages before bed.
The absolute worst and best thing about Siren Song is the characters. We get to see Greg and Yancy's friendship as young men and their dedication to making sure they both make it home. Tons of times while reading this, I found myself thinking, "That's so Greg." It felt like I was visiting old friends. We also get to meet Yancy's squad, then watch helplessly as the music picks them apart from the inside out.
That's where the worst part comes in: You feel it every time Yancy loses a squad member. That last loss...man... I probably could've recovered faster from being literally stabbed in the heart. That scene is something I'll never get out of my head. Just one more scar on Yancy's soul...and mine now, too. I guess that's a mark of a great character: They rip your heart out when they leave, but you're still thankful you were there as a witness to their final moments; it feels like they deserved to have someone know they existed, even if only on the page.
And in case you're worried this is an all shoot-em-up war story with no artistic value, let me assure you that the truth is quite the opposite. Hunter's writing is as low-down, gritty, and insidious as the blues Yancy Lazarus loves. Just like the mysterious music drifting through the jungle toward Yancy's squad, Siren Song will get under your skin and sink its hooks into your mind. It's some of Hunter's best work yet.
November 30, 2016
A small scouting mission in Vietnam during the war leads a group of marines into danger. There is deadly music in the jungle which is slowly turning the men mad, causing them to kill each other. As their numbers dwindle, Yancy and his friends must find the music source and avoid the possessed Vietnamese soldiers in pursuit.
I decided to read this short novella as an introduction to the series, to see if I liked the character enough to try the first full length novel in the series. The answer to that question is yes! I liked Yancy, a tough soldier who discovers in this book that he has magical abilities which he has no idea how to control. He is the best chance of completing this deadly mission before they all die. I liked the idea of his uncontrolled abilities and I look forward to seeing what he gets up to on other adventures.
This story is full of tension as they creep through the jungle to find the music source. Danger is everywhere-VC booby traps, deranged enemy soldiers who seem impossible to kill, and the fear of each other and who might turn mad next. It was an exciting plot with good action and a decent pace, but the author also gives a good amount of character development, allowing you to get right into the story and care about their fate. I liked the supernatural element and the war in Vietnam going on in the jungle around them as a background plot. The characters are a good mixed group and it was easy to want them all to survive but you were aware that the chances of them all surviving such odds were remote!
A good introduction to the series and the story ends with a bit of intrigue that makes me want to read on in the series.
I decided to read this short novella as an introduction to the series, to see if I liked the character enough to try the first full length novel in the series. The answer to that question is yes! I liked Yancy, a tough soldier who discovers in this book that he has magical abilities which he has no idea how to control. He is the best chance of completing this deadly mission before they all die. I liked the idea of his uncontrolled abilities and I look forward to seeing what he gets up to on other adventures.
This story is full of tension as they creep through the jungle to find the music source. Danger is everywhere-VC booby traps, deranged enemy soldiers who seem impossible to kill, and the fear of each other and who might turn mad next. It was an exciting plot with good action and a decent pace, but the author also gives a good amount of character development, allowing you to get right into the story and care about their fate. I liked the supernatural element and the war in Vietnam going on in the jungle around them as a background plot. The characters are a good mixed group and it was easy to want them all to survive but you were aware that the chances of them all surviving such odds were remote!
A good introduction to the series and the story ends with a bit of intrigue that makes me want to read on in the series.
November 14, 2023
Using the CAWPILE method of rating books, Flashback: Siren Song averaged as a 3 star rating. (.1 away from 4 stars)
I got this book for free as a part of ‘stuff your earbuds’ day.
Keep in mind that this is the only book I’ve read in the series, so that could be part of it.
The characters didn’t really feel unique, kind of the run of the mill military types, didn’t feel too special. Except Ratt. I liked him.
The setting is as you would expect, and I liked how eerie it was. I feel like I lost the liking of the setting when it turned into the temple.
I liked the writing style, Yancy reminded me of Dean Winchester a bit, to be honest. The author wrote very beautifully but at times, too descriptive.
The plot was good, but seemed a little slow paced.
I wondered what the music could be apart from the obvious as shown by the title, but I wasn’t super intrigued. I didn’t feel like I HAD to know what was next.
The relationships between characters felt predictable, and it didn’t make much sense to me. It’s a good palette cleanser between heavier deeper books, though.
It definitely read like a YA book, and maybe that’s why I’m not jumping for joy over it. I think for a certain audience, it would probably be a home run. I am going to try one or two more books in the series sometime in the future just to see if that would change my mind at all. Happy reading all!
I got this book for free as a part of ‘stuff your earbuds’ day.
Keep in mind that this is the only book I’ve read in the series, so that could be part of it.
The characters didn’t really feel unique, kind of the run of the mill military types, didn’t feel too special. Except Ratt. I liked him.
The setting is as you would expect, and I liked how eerie it was. I feel like I lost the liking of the setting when it turned into the temple.
I liked the writing style, Yancy reminded me of Dean Winchester a bit, to be honest. The author wrote very beautifully but at times, too descriptive.
The plot was good, but seemed a little slow paced.
I wondered what the music could be apart from the obvious as shown by the title, but I wasn’t super intrigued. I didn’t feel like I HAD to know what was next.
The relationships between characters felt predictable, and it didn’t make much sense to me. It’s a good palette cleanser between heavier deeper books, though.
It definitely read like a YA book, and maybe that’s why I’m not jumping for joy over it. I think for a certain audience, it would probably be a home run. I am going to try one or two more books in the series sometime in the future just to see if that would change my mind at all. Happy reading all!
October 10, 2020
I enjoyed this short novella telling the history of how Yancy Lazarus came into his mage powers. He's a soldier in the Vietnam war, deep in the jungle when his battalion keep hearing some strange music. Convinced it is some kind of psychological warfare from the Vietnamese army, the squadron leader forces the men to find the source of it, but unbeknown to them all this music is changing them, bringing out their fear, their anger and soon the men turn against each other and themselves.
Yancy can see the music winding around his fellow soldiers, threatening to kill them so he decides to push it back - a shock to himself that it works. He has no clue what is happening to himself either. When they finally find the source all is revealed to him and with the help of others, he manages to use his powers to help destroy the being that wants to take over the world.
I liked this introduction to how Yancy became the mage was in the first book I read of this series. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Yancy can see the music winding around his fellow soldiers, threatening to kill them so he decides to push it back - a shock to himself that it works. He has no clue what is happening to himself either. When they finally find the source all is revealed to him and with the help of others, he manages to use his powers to help destroy the being that wants to take over the world.
I liked this introduction to how Yancy became the mage was in the first book I read of this series. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
October 21, 2017
Great origin story
This is a great short read about how Yancy Lazarus first discovered his abilities while serving in Vietnam. Flashback: Siren Song builds a fuller understanding of Yancy's character and how he became the mage he is in the rest of the series. If you enjoyed reading the other books in this series, I recommend you picking this up to learn a little more about this rambling, gambling, blues man and how he came to be a mage.
This is a great short read about how Yancy Lazarus first discovered his abilities while serving in Vietnam. Flashback: Siren Song builds a fuller understanding of Yancy's character and how he became the mage he is in the rest of the series. If you enjoyed reading the other books in this series, I recommend you picking this up to learn a little more about this rambling, gambling, blues man and how he came to be a mage.
January 4, 2020
Ok. This was some kind of intense. I realize it's called #2.5 and I saw reference to it as a prequel, which is likely correct. I'm glad I read this first, as I'm now intrigued enough to consider reading more. I've never read anything by this author before so I'm going to say James has quite the imagination! The story is set in Vietnam and I had goosebumps with how the countryside is described. The story telling was descriptive, other-wordly, magical, and intense.
August 23, 2024
Flashback is an intense short story that combines the horrors of Vietnam and a fascinating paranormal experience. The main character is likable and greatly entertaining. The story is well written and based in the Yancy Lazarus universe. I’m new to Yancy but, am excited to read more about him. I highly recommend this and other works by the talented author, James A. Hunter.
Disclaimer: This is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: This is my honest and freely given opinion.
December 31, 2019
This was a flashback to the beginning of Yancy Lazarus becoming who he is today. The author did an excellent job of describing the conditions that resulted in Yancy evolving. The experiences were intense and because of the details given, I sometimes felt that I was actually seeing the scenes.Very good writing!
June 20, 2024
Story highlighting Lazarus' first encounter with magic when he was in Vietnam. The ending is somewhat abrupt. Lazarus meets one of his future magical associates, but the story does not carry on after that.
Like the series itself, this story is fairly dark, somewhat bloody, and a lot of people die.
Like the series itself, this story is fairly dark, somewhat bloody, and a lot of people die.
March 30, 2025
creepy
Yikes!! One hell of a fantastic creepy story!!!
Hang on while reading this book it will mess with your mind!
Yikes!! One hell of a fantastic creepy story!!!
Hang on while reading this book it will mess with your mind!
August 23, 2015
I've read this as part of a "11 first books in an urban fantasy series", and as such - it's a cheat.
If I understand correctly it's a prequel.
A well written, exciting prequel, but a prequel.
It did it job - I'll try reading the "Real" books in the series, but I still felt a bit cheated so no 5 stars for you.
As for the book itself:
The regular Vietnam cliches provide the right setting for this book, when we're starting following a squad of people on the third (or second?) night of club/jazz-music playing in the middle of the forest.
On the first night or two, the music drove some of the people crazy, causing them to turn on each other.
Now the squad tries to get to the source of the music, hopefully to find there some radios to call for evac - or a carpet bombing.
There is enough action to keep the creepy setting interesting, and enough creepiness to keep the story interesting.
The only complaint I had about the actual story is that it is short, and that the conflict resolution (I can't say more without spoilers) hints to a lot of background that is not expended enough in the book.
I enjoyed it and will read the actual series - though, assuming it'll be similar to this book, I assume I'd recommend people to start there.
If I understand correctly it's a prequel.
A well written, exciting prequel, but a prequel.
It did it job - I'll try reading the "Real" books in the series, but I still felt a bit cheated so no 5 stars for you.
As for the book itself:
The regular Vietnam cliches provide the right setting for this book, when we're starting following a squad of people on the third (or second?) night of club/jazz-music playing in the middle of the forest.
On the first night or two, the music drove some of the people crazy, causing them to turn on each other.
Now the squad tries to get to the source of the music, hopefully to find there some radios to call for evac - or a carpet bombing.
There is enough action to keep the creepy setting interesting, and enough creepiness to keep the story interesting.
The only complaint I had about the actual story is that it is short, and that the conflict resolution (I can't say more without spoilers) hints to a lot of background that is not expended enough in the book.
I enjoyed it and will read the actual series - though, assuming it'll be similar to this book, I assume I'd recommend people to start there.
July 23, 2015
Set amid the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Siren Song treats us to a glimpse of Yancy’s younger days. Before the Rakshasa and world-dominating mages, before the malevolent spirits of winter and the politics of the Council, Yancy’s only concerns were dogging the VC and not stepping on a landmine. This is the story of how Yancy’s life first hit-the-fan.
Hunter’s writing continues to impress me. I’m a big fan of the earlier novels: Strange Magic and Cold Hearted, but this prequel is something else. Darker than the later-set stories, this is menacing and sinister; there is a constant tension running throughout the story, and you’re thrown into a terror-filled jungle from the first page.
Yancy’s Marine buddies are being picked off, one-by-one, as an eerie music slowly drives them to insanity and murder. Their only chance of survival is to find the source of the madness and shut it down for good. With his magical talent still in its infancy, Yancy is only able to watch, as the music enthrals and ensnares his unit.
Superbly written from start to finish, with great characters, interaction, plot and pace. I would thoroughly recommend giving it a go!
Hunter’s writing continues to impress me. I’m a big fan of the earlier novels: Strange Magic and Cold Hearted, but this prequel is something else. Darker than the later-set stories, this is menacing and sinister; there is a constant tension running throughout the story, and you’re thrown into a terror-filled jungle from the first page.
Yancy’s Marine buddies are being picked off, one-by-one, as an eerie music slowly drives them to insanity and murder. Their only chance of survival is to find the source of the madness and shut it down for good. With his magical talent still in its infancy, Yancy is only able to watch, as the music enthrals and ensnares his unit.
Superbly written from start to finish, with great characters, interaction, plot and pace. I would thoroughly recommend giving it a go!
August 4, 2015
The nice thing about reading a war story written by a Marine veteran is that, like any culture, there are certain things you can only understand from the inside, looking out.
Flashback: Siren Song is an origin story for a modern-day mage, set in the middle of the Vietnam War. It's not overly preoccupied with individual morality, just-war theory, or the Geneva conventions, because the characters are doing the best they can to survive and that kind of reflection is best saved for the after-party. And while Siren Song is a supernatural story, full of ancient temples, berserk cultists, and mythical creatures, it does a great job of conveying the flavor, scent, and dirt under your fingernails feel of war, regardless of the where or when.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when one of the characters pushes to continue the mission, not because it's their duty or to win the war, but because they're going to have to explain what happened to command when they get back. It's that kind of little touch, along with the fear of stepping on landmines, not knowing where the enemy is, and the smell of white phosphorus, that makes this a fun read for me.
Flashback: Siren Song is an origin story for a modern-day mage, set in the middle of the Vietnam War. It's not overly preoccupied with individual morality, just-war theory, or the Geneva conventions, because the characters are doing the best they can to survive and that kind of reflection is best saved for the after-party. And while Siren Song is a supernatural story, full of ancient temples, berserk cultists, and mythical creatures, it does a great job of conveying the flavor, scent, and dirt under your fingernails feel of war, regardless of the where or when.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when one of the characters pushes to continue the mission, not because it's their duty or to win the war, but because they're going to have to explain what happened to command when they get back. It's that kind of little touch, along with the fear of stepping on landmines, not knowing where the enemy is, and the smell of white phosphorus, that makes this a fun read for me.
June 16, 2016
YANCY Lazarus is serving for the marines in Vietnam when his squad is plagued by a strange music that sends them into sporadic bouts of madness, causing them to turn on the comrades and friends.
He ventures deep into the heart of the dangerous jungle, following the trail of the music to its source to hopefully put an end to the madness.
This book is just the beginning for Yancy (I prefer Lazarus) as the strange music unlocks his latent magic abilities.
It was an above-average read. The writing style is quite casual and there are quite lengthy similes (and unnecessary) throughout the book.
What did intrigue me was his in-depth writing in combat situations and it was a real page-turner once Lazarus unclocked his powers!
He ventures deep into the heart of the dangerous jungle, following the trail of the music to its source to hopefully put an end to the madness.
This book is just the beginning for Yancy (I prefer Lazarus) as the strange music unlocks his latent magic abilities.
It was an above-average read. The writing style is quite casual and there are quite lengthy similes (and unnecessary) throughout the book.
What did intrigue me was his in-depth writing in combat situations and it was a real page-turner once Lazarus unclocked his powers!
December 20, 2016
A short story which presents you how Lazarus discovered, or rather awakened his powers in the morbid surroundings of Vietnamese jungle.
Surrounded by dangerous terrain, enemy troops and deadly song that seems to haunt them and even kill them Yancy and the rest of his group are trying to find the source of the deadly music. The strange thing is he can actually see it and follow the bespelling voices. Not without problems, as it seems to hurt like hell and break his mind bit by bit.
I actually liked this short story even more than the first book. It has a good amount of character development, the atmosphere and danger of their situation are well described and we get to know a bit more about Greg.
Well done!
Surrounded by dangerous terrain, enemy troops and deadly song that seems to haunt them and even kill them Yancy and the rest of his group are trying to find the source of the deadly music. The strange thing is he can actually see it and follow the bespelling voices. Not without problems, as it seems to hurt like hell and break his mind bit by bit.
I actually liked this short story even more than the first book. It has a good amount of character development, the atmosphere and danger of their situation are well described and we get to know a bit more about Greg.
Well done!
June 27, 2015
for full review: http://www.onebooktwo.com
Author James A. Hunter does it again, except this time with a novella that lends some insight about what kind of man developed from a boy sent to Vietnam on his senior trip. We see his friend Greg and Yancy’s unit be overcome with (you guessed it) Siren Song. Wait! There’s more! This Siren Song has a different origin than what you would expect. It’s a revengeful “Tree King of Old”, a Leshy of the Fae Court that likes – of course – blood.
This is a most excellent adventure - it's worth your time!
Author James A. Hunter does it again, except this time with a novella that lends some insight about what kind of man developed from a boy sent to Vietnam on his senior trip. We see his friend Greg and Yancy’s unit be overcome with (you guessed it) Siren Song. Wait! There’s more! This Siren Song has a different origin than what you would expect. It’s a revengeful “Tree King of Old”, a Leshy of the Fae Court that likes – of course – blood.
This is a most excellent adventure - it's worth your time!
July 16, 2015
First off what a frigging great original story!! And I've read 'em all, believe me. Loved this in that it helped piece a few things together about Yancy's past/foundation (and the start of his powers) and his relationship with his old-time friend (and also a little of why he's now in the line he's in). I'm not into spoilers or long-winded reviews that dance around as many details as possible (I call them sideways spoilers). It's a great book, great read, and if you're getting into Yancy them you'll definitely like this.
August 4, 2015
I have not read James A Hunter before but this short story was great and makes me want to read more.
This story really pulled me into it. I know just enough about Vietnam, that the backdrop of the story made sense to me. I know just enough about the music of the 20s-40s that all of that made sense to me. More than that, though, I'm intrigued.
A young Yancy Lazarus awakens his magic in the jungles of Vietnam to fight something. I really enjoyed the magic. I liked the antagonist and the history. It was a good, quick read.
This story really pulled me into it. I know just enough about Vietnam, that the backdrop of the story made sense to me. I know just enough about the music of the 20s-40s that all of that made sense to me. More than that, though, I'm intrigued.
A young Yancy Lazarus awakens his magic in the jungles of Vietnam to fight something. I really enjoyed the magic. I liked the antagonist and the history. It was a good, quick read.
November 4, 2016
Flashback: Siren Song
This is a prequel to the first Yancy Lazarus book, Strange Magic. We get the background of Yancy and Greg's time in Vietnam and when and where Yancy comes into his power. As a vet myself I like how Yancy has a Marine background. Its well written from a man who has also served.
Yancy has just a month left in country before he can return to his family when a strange song floating through the jungle messes all that up for him.
This is a prequel to the first Yancy Lazarus book, Strange Magic. We get the background of Yancy and Greg's time in Vietnam and when and where Yancy comes into his power. As a vet myself I like how Yancy has a Marine background. Its well written from a man who has also served.
Yancy has just a month left in country before he can return to his family when a strange song floating through the jungle messes all that up for him.
Read
March 31, 2016The series has a typical anti-hero (I won't go further on that sentence to avoid spoilers). The Novella [[ASIN:B01066TLC0 Flashback: Siren Song (Yancy Lazarus Book 1)]] was a good start and explains how-it-all-began for Yancy. i am eagerly awaiting the next novel!
June 4, 2016
So much thrills!
Love every minute of this book. Interesting story bout the Viet tree spirit folk tale I didn't even know about considering I was born in Vietnam. Lots of actions and a tame of profanity compare to the author's other books.
Love every minute of this book. Interesting story bout the Viet tree spirit folk tale I didn't even know about considering I was born in Vietnam. Lots of actions and a tame of profanity compare to the author's other books.
June 6, 2016
Well told
Since reading the first Yancy Lazarus novel I had wondered how he came into his powers. This book tells you that and gives you a little insight about him. Enjoyed the story would like to hear more of when he was a young family man.
Since reading the first Yancy Lazarus novel I had wondered how he came into his powers. This book tells you that and gives you a little insight about him. Enjoyed the story would like to hear more of when he was a young family man.
January 11, 2016
A pretty good introduction to a series. I'll keep reading and hope it continues to be interesting.
February 2, 2016
A prequel to the Yancy Lazarus series that I read in A World of Shadows. I'll admit I didn't really care for the first book, the second was better and this prequel is well written as well.
March 9, 2016
Great book
Wow... I thought this was going to be just another paranormal story.... this was great. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Wow... I thought this was going to be just another paranormal story.... this was great. I look forward to the rest of the series.
June 3, 2016
I need more yancy flashbacks! This was amazing and was great insight into his past and the tragic incidents that shaped him into the great mage he is now.
July 1, 2016
An interesting back-story. Good read!
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