The Blackgloom Bounty

The Scythian Stone Saga #1

by Jon F. Baxley

Books in this BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (500 pages)THE REGENTS OF RHUM (800 pages)THE SCIONS OF SCOTIA (800 pages)"A Cast of Characters in the Conan Vein" Kruzurk Makshare the magician is asked by the spirit of Merlin of Pendragon, his long dead mentor, to destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. That requires entry into Blackgloom Keep which can only be entered via sorcery. Kruze realizes he needs help, since he cannot use sorcery. He chooses Daynin McKinnon, who has just discovered what may be the fabled Scythian Stone. Kruzurk uses the stone to gain entry into the fortress, which causes a whole series of unforeseen and horrific events to unfold for Daynin and his cadre of friends. The colorful cast of good guys includes the lovely Sabritha who becomes a love interest for Daynin. There is also the ghost of a giant resurrected Pictish king named Brude McAlpin, who both helps and hinders Daynin and Kruzurk in the rest of their adventures.
Assorted bad guys include Saxons, Caledonians and numerous other cutthroats bent on capturing Daynin for the bounty put on his head and the bounty he discovered at Blackgloom. Those bounties are the driving forces behind all of the chasing, combat and magical events that occur in the rest of the series. And there is a LOT of that in this massive half million word trilogy.
The author provides a wealth of historical detail which should set a new standard for fantasy readers who want more than mere monsters and magic to whet their imagination. Most romance readers, too, will find plenty of the 'spice' they seek, as will all those fantasy readers who are looking for a cast of characters in the Conan vein or are big fans of Viking tales. Blackgloom is the first book in Jon F. Baxley's three book series. Episode two, THE REGENTS OF RHUM is available in Kindle and paperback as is Episode 3, THE SCIONS OF SCOTIA.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical

445 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

U.S. Army
United States Information Agency
Published Author

Reviews

[Alexis DeSousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty interesting. I have to say I liked the dialog (you blaggards!) and I really enjoyed a lot of the minor characters. I think I cared more about the minor characters than Sabritha and Daynin. I didn't really like Sabritha that much. I was also much more interested in the magical side of things and think they definitely could have been added in more as the story progressed. The thing I was curious about the most was the Scynthian Stone and Merlin's part in everything. In fact, the bit with Merlin in the beginning is what drew me into the book; I was really curious about the part he would play in the story. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed in that he barely played a role at all and the sorcerer that he was corresponding with barely used any of his magic.

Aside from that, the story was pretty interesting in Daynin taking back McKinnon keep. He makes friends, and enemies, along the way. I am really curious about his part with the Blackgloom bounty and why he was needed -- I guess there are some questions that will eventually be answered in later sequels ;)

[Nancy McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

"BRAVEHEART Meets THE LORD OF THE RINGS..."

Yes, that's what one Hollywood producer has dubbed THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. Highly rated in the American media, Blackgloom is destined to become the next big screen epic for all lovers of the medieval period, fantasy, sorcery and magical tales with lots of characters and a fast paced storyline. If you liked Conan, you'll LOVE Blackgloom.

ISBN 1594144516

[Kelley Gingles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read a comment from an earlier review and it said this novel was, "a cross between 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Braveheart'". It is true. An epic adventure that took me days to read because of the MANY adventures the hero must face. Highly recommend to those who love myth, lore, magic, dragons, Picts, Celts, Highlanders, Saxons, the Irish and a tad bit of Merlin thrown in.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cool historical fiction/fantasy novel. A little racy at times, but overall a great read. Merlin's apprentice struggling to defeat the evil forces. It was set up for a sequel, but I am not sure if there is one.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Convoluted but very entertaining.

[Donna Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first foray into fantasy. Enjoyable but kind of confusing in places.

[Harris Guilmette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many characters to keep track of. Otherwise a great read.

[Kim Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Action from page one and quite a few twists.

[Jon F. Baxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly:

A fast pace, sly humor, amusing dialogue and a richly researched background lift Baxley's fantasy, the first of a new series set in medieval Britain. When Merlin's long-ago apprentice Kruzurk Makshare (aka the Boozer) receives a dreamlike visitation from the legendary mage, he learns he must destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. To do so will require a visit to the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep. Enter young Daynin McKinnon, who discovers a curious rune-covered headstone, which may be the fabled Scythian Stone and brings it to Kruz's attention. Kruz believes it will provide entry into the fortress, while Daynin hopes the sale of the stone will restore his family's fortunes. The colorful cast of good guys and ne'er-do-wells includes the Pictish ghost of Brude McAlpin liberated from his tomb, assorted pursuing Caledonians and a bemused Prior Bede, whose monastery serves as a hiding place for the Blackgloom Bounty. Suitable for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.

THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY is Book One of a trilogy consisting of THE REGENTS OF RHUM and soon to be released THE SCIONS OF SCOTIA.