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Lesser Evil
Kester is one of the last surviving defenders of the Church of True Light. With the Serpentine Empire closing in, Kester finds himself on a desperate mission to recruit the aid of one of the Church's greatest enemies: a man who is often called a demon. When his ideologies are tested, Kester must choose between upholding the tenants of the Church and completing his mission.
There is nothing Reis wants more than to be left alone to his research. But when the Empire comes knocking, Reis is left with no choice but to fight back. Knowing the imperials will not stop coming for him, Reis is left with one path. If his research is to continue, Marcus Serpentine must die.
Together, the two may have a chance to cripple the greatest military force the world has ever known…if their conflicting ideals don't make them kill each other first.
There is nothing Reis wants more than to be left alone to his research. But when the Empire comes knocking, Reis is left with no choice but to fight back. Knowing the imperials will not stop coming for him, Reis is left with one path. If his research is to continue, Marcus Serpentine must die.
Together, the two may have a chance to cripple the greatest military force the world has ever known…if their conflicting ideals don't make them kill each other first.
326 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2015
5 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Davids
1 book4 followersI grew up being inspired by fantasy authors such as JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling, and RA Salvatore. Their worlds inspired hundreds of my own and there was nothing I wanted more than to share these fantasies in any way I could, whether it was through novels, comics, or even roleplaying. As an adult my idols grew to include the likes of George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, and my worlds matured thanks to them. Now I am hoping my own books can thrill and entertain as well as those of the writers who inspired them.
I spent half my childhood in New York, and the other half in Florida. I have lived both in a poverty and in relative comfort. My experiences have introduced me to a great variety of strange and sometimes unbelievable people whose quirks and mannerisms have helped shape the characters who populate my worlds.
When I am not writing, I work in IT. I spend my free time roleplaying, whether it’s around the table rolling dice or on an online game.
I spent half my childhood in New York, and the other half in Florida. I have lived both in a poverty and in relative comfort. My experiences have introduced me to a great variety of strange and sometimes unbelievable people whose quirks and mannerisms have helped shape the characters who populate my worlds.
When I am not writing, I work in IT. I spend my free time roleplaying, whether it’s around the table rolling dice or on an online game.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 7, 2015
Philip Florio's Lesser Evil is well described in the use of archery and battle. Considerable thought has been applied in the strategy and tactics of old fashioned war, warriors, and tools. This book is as adventurous as it is mystical. With palaces, alleys and underground tunnels, mysteries of an ancient city and its governance pervade the book. Readers attention will be captured until the end. Through a violent journey, the righteous are just as much in peril as the non-righteous. Who wins in the end is the real challenge. Resilience is not enough as soldiers of the Church of True Light are engaged in a deadly and epic battle against the Serpentine empire. A case of classic conflict between good and evil.
November 13, 2015
The story telling
Lesser Evil begins at the heart of a conflict between Serpentine's imperial soldiers and the Church of True Light. It begins in medias res, introducing the reader to the conflict, the stakes, and key characters while moving the story forward. The first paragraph sets the scene briefly: 'bodies littered the room ahead, stripped bare with faces twisted in agony,' while the reaction and interaction between Demos, Collette and Ottone orientates the reader with current events.The narration blends smoothly with the dialogue. The narrative voice in each of the chapters is clearly defined and where used, reads like the POV character's natural thought process.
The environment brings to mind that of a medieval setting with its transport by horseback, sword battles, old buildings and secret passageways...
As the story progresses the reader is introduced to Kester, a young soldier in the Church of True Light, recently promoted to a position of responsibility, he devises a plan that may yet save the Church from annihilation.
My thoughts
If you enjoy a work of fantasy with a 'light versus dark', 'good versus evil' premise than I believe you will enjoy this book. The atmosphere is established early on, as are the motives of both the Church of True Light and Serpentine. The characters are multi-dimensional, with each of the key characters having shared and personal obstacles to overcome. Throw a little alchemy into the mix, a pinch of a misunderstood ability with balanced pacing and tension and you have a book promising a great read.
As I warned the author is our email exchange, I am not one of those people who can force myself to read a book that does not hold my interest (I've been known to give up on books after the first few pages), but with Lesser Evil I found myself orientated into the history, world and characters needs early on. The writing lured me into the tale P.F.Davids has penned and held my interest. With each page turned I found myself wanted to read and learn more and look forward to the next installment of the Lesser Evil trilogy.
Posted on: Indiescififantasy.com
Lesser Evil begins at the heart of a conflict between Serpentine's imperial soldiers and the Church of True Light. It begins in medias res, introducing the reader to the conflict, the stakes, and key characters while moving the story forward. The first paragraph sets the scene briefly: 'bodies littered the room ahead, stripped bare with faces twisted in agony,' while the reaction and interaction between Demos, Collette and Ottone orientates the reader with current events.The narration blends smoothly with the dialogue. The narrative voice in each of the chapters is clearly defined and where used, reads like the POV character's natural thought process.
The environment brings to mind that of a medieval setting with its transport by horseback, sword battles, old buildings and secret passageways...
As the story progresses the reader is introduced to Kester, a young soldier in the Church of True Light, recently promoted to a position of responsibility, he devises a plan that may yet save the Church from annihilation.
My thoughts
If you enjoy a work of fantasy with a 'light versus dark', 'good versus evil' premise than I believe you will enjoy this book. The atmosphere is established early on, as are the motives of both the Church of True Light and Serpentine. The characters are multi-dimensional, with each of the key characters having shared and personal obstacles to overcome. Throw a little alchemy into the mix, a pinch of a misunderstood ability with balanced pacing and tension and you have a book promising a great read.
As I warned the author is our email exchange, I am not one of those people who can force myself to read a book that does not hold my interest (I've been known to give up on books after the first few pages), but with Lesser Evil I found myself orientated into the history, world and characters needs early on. The writing lured me into the tale P.F.Davids has penned and held my interest. With each page turned I found myself wanted to read and learn more and look forward to the next installment of the Lesser Evil trilogy.
Posted on: Indiescififantasy.com
November 27, 2015
This book is pretty awesome. The way the characters interact with each other is just wonderful. The concept of the Good vs. Evil has always been a favorite of mine, and this book does it well!
April 6, 2016
I got this last fall at a discount, and didn't read it until now because the dialogue is a bit awkward.
Basically, the characters are cliched, the writing occasionally fumbles, and almost all the fantasy tropes are hit. But it was really fun. I'm not sure how to author managed it, but it was a pretty good read overall. I'm betting his later books will be really good, once he builds up on characterization and dialogue.
As another reviewer noted, the battle scenes were nice. I don't have much appreciation for swords and shields, but it was built up in a way that I could track.
Edit: Just realized the author might actually see this. In that case, congratulations on getting a book out, man! Hope to see more from you.
Basically, the characters are cliched, the writing occasionally fumbles, and almost all the fantasy tropes are hit. But it was really fun. I'm not sure how to author managed it, but it was a pretty good read overall. I'm betting his later books will be really good, once he builds up on characterization and dialogue.
As another reviewer noted, the battle scenes were nice. I don't have much appreciation for swords and shields, but it was built up in a way that I could track.
Edit: Just realized the author might actually see this. In that case, congratulations on getting a book out, man! Hope to see more from you.
September 7, 2016
I was unable to finish this book. For months, I kept picking it up and then putting it down again, getting a few chapters further here and there. Unfortunately, I can't really pick out any reason why-- the book isn't awful in any particular respect. It just doesn't stand out at all, either. The author clearly has some potential, but the writing quality for this book just wasn't high enough to keep me interested.
And for the record, saying that snake venom is an important component for healing salves is enough to knock my suspension of disbelief right out the window.
And for the record, saying that snake venom is an important component for healing salves is enough to knock my suspension of disbelief right out the window.
September 22, 2015
I don't normally enjoy reading books, but the story and character development kept me captivated to the very end. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasys and following the story of characters trying to bring light to a darkening world.
October 6, 2015
This book sounds great! I hope to win, read it and enjoy the story ... If I win, the review will be updated once I finish the book :)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews