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Black Sheep of Soulan #2
Parno's Destiny
Parno McLeod has managed to stave off disaster for now, but his kingdom is still besieged by the Imperial forces of the Norland Empire. Assuming command of the entire Soulan military in place of his deposed brother, Therron, Parno must turn Soulan's fortunes around before his home is completely overrun and his people destroyed or enslaved. His ailing father has placed a great burden on his youngest son because he simply doesn't have anyone else that can do the things that Parno can get done. But Parno has enemies at home as well as abroad, and some of them are much closer than anyone realizes. . . .
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2016
264 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 30, 2024
THIS BOOK & SERIES IS VERY GOOD POST-APOCALYPTIC SERIES WITH A TWIST YOU'LL REALLY ENJOY
PARNO'S DESTINY: THE BLACK SHEEP OF SOULAN: BOOK TWO by N.C. Reed takes place centuries in the future after an event that leaves the world in a close state of being technically back to the Midievil age level as everything from medical, industrial, and agricultural advancements we currently take for granted, no more vehicles, cellphones, or computers. Horses, mules, and oxygen are the only means of transportation on land other than walking. Traveling on lakes, rivers, and oceans is now only achieved by rowboat, sailboat, or by ships using both sails and rows.
The Black Sheep of the royal family who is not only looked down by his family but the country at whole is the only one that can bring the fight to their northern neighborhoods that have invaded their lands to enslave the population, seize resources, as well as subject the population to their rule once and for all.
This book and series is way more than a post-apocalyptic story. In fact, if you weren't told in the being of each book, you would believe that you were reading a story that took place in the medieval ages with Kings, Queens, Emperors, Nobles, and common born.
N.C. Reed has written this book in a way that you find yourself feeling as if you are right there in the thick of the action, the relationships of the characters, and both the hardships and the success. You'll read about battles both on land and sea, strategies both to repel the invaders, corruption and assassination within the kingdom, spies, and relationships of all leaving you feeling as if you were reading a historical novel based on ture events.
I really have enjoyed this book and the previous first book, and I am continuing with the third book in the five book series. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this series as well as the other books N.C. Reed had written as much as I have.
Quotes from Parno's Destiny book two:
"He liked his head right where it was, a resting place for his hat."
"Saying was that some people walked between raindrops. I always thought of it as someone who could move through the strom without suffering from it."
"There is no surety in war save death and destruction."
"Assumption is the death of all decisions."
"If one flings sufficient manure at the stable wall some will eventually stick."
PARNO'S DESTINY: THE BLACK SHEEP OF SOULAN: BOOK TWO by N.C. Reed takes place centuries in the future after an event that leaves the world in a close state of being technically back to the Midievil age level as everything from medical, industrial, and agricultural advancements we currently take for granted, no more vehicles, cellphones, or computers. Horses, mules, and oxygen are the only means of transportation on land other than walking. Traveling on lakes, rivers, and oceans is now only achieved by rowboat, sailboat, or by ships using both sails and rows.
The Black Sheep of the royal family who is not only looked down by his family but the country at whole is the only one that can bring the fight to their northern neighborhoods that have invaded their lands to enslave the population, seize resources, as well as subject the population to their rule once and for all.
This book and series is way more than a post-apocalyptic story. In fact, if you weren't told in the being of each book, you would believe that you were reading a story that took place in the medieval ages with Kings, Queens, Emperors, Nobles, and common born.
N.C. Reed has written this book in a way that you find yourself feeling as if you are right there in the thick of the action, the relationships of the characters, and both the hardships and the success. You'll read about battles both on land and sea, strategies both to repel the invaders, corruption and assassination within the kingdom, spies, and relationships of all leaving you feeling as if you were reading a historical novel based on ture events.
I really have enjoyed this book and the previous first book, and I am continuing with the third book in the five book series. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this series as well as the other books N.C. Reed had written as much as I have.
Quotes from Parno's Destiny book two:
"He liked his head right where it was, a resting place for his hat."
"Saying was that some people walked between raindrops. I always thought of it as someone who could move through the strom without suffering from it."
"There is no surety in war save death and destruction."
"Assumption is the death of all decisions."
"If one flings sufficient manure at the stable wall some will eventually stick."
December 3, 2025
I read this under my previous account that was shut down by GoodReads but the review is still showing.
This is a great book and series. N.C. Reed has a way in his writing that draws you into the story and the characters and this book and series that's definitely the case. This is a great apocalyptic series that is full of action and the reveal at the conclusion of the series will blow your mind. I know I didn't see it coming.
You won't go wrong reading this book or any book written by N.C. Reed. They're really great.
This is a great book and series. N.C. Reed has a way in his writing that draws you into the story and the characters and this book and series that's definitely the case. This is a great apocalyptic series that is full of action and the reveal at the conclusion of the series will blow your mind. I know I didn't see it coming.
You won't go wrong reading this book or any book written by N.C. Reed. They're really great.
November 19, 2025
This second in the series was every bit as good as the first. Were there quite a few writing errors? Yes, and while a good editor can fix them, I still enjoyed the story a lot. The writing is a 3.5-4 but the story is a 5. There is a lot of character and story growth and Parno has become a favorite hero of mine. I also appreciate that this author's books whether standalone or part of a series, are always a substantial length and not the current trend of short, episodic ones.
January 27, 2024
dropped one star, and disliked doing so
Poor editing, but that can be improved. Loved the 2nd book, but was intensely confused and underwhelmed by pages and pages of the sea battle. I think a good re-write there would help the reader stay on track with the action, characters, and their relationship to the whole. However, the rest of the book made up for it, and I highly recommend this series to this point. On to the next!
Poor editing, but that can be improved. Loved the 2nd book, but was intensely confused and underwhelmed by pages and pages of the sea battle. I think a good re-write there would help the reader stay on track with the action, characters, and their relationship to the whole. However, the rest of the book made up for it, and I highly recommend this series to this point. On to the next!
July 27, 2023
Antov Chekhov said it best. When it comes to writing a story that allows the reader to experience the story through actions, words and subtest, among other things, use the narrative technique, "show, don't tell."
This book doesn't do that. Not once. It's strange. Well, unless you like stories told through dialogue, and some of the dialogue is good. But the lack of narrative detail is frustratingly bad.
One such instance in this story is the sea battle between Souland (good guys) and Nor (bad guys). The entire battle is told through stilted dialogue. That's it! Maybe that's the writer's technique but it's a poor one and boring to boot. I was glad it was over and irritated at the loss of opportunity. I'm a big fan of Horatio Hornblower and Master and Commander stories so perhaps my expectations were set too high.
Bottom line, if you can't write a sea battle, and I know for a fact, that's not an easy task. So don't. Find another way to get the outcome across to the reader. Good writer's have got to know those tricks and methods. Research. Find them or improve your craft and learn how to write an engaging sea battle.
If that were the only oddity in this book, I'd have stopped there but it's not. The story is lacking any descriptive narrative. Pictures are not rendered, they are sketched and barely outlined.
If there is a positive, I would say that some of the character dialogue is good. Parvo's is the best and Stephanie (his love interest), her dialogue is the worst. Such that I could not stand her scenes. We are told (there's that word again) that she is very intelligent, strong, tough and quick, but once she falls for Parno, she is a goopy mess. I couldn't stand her.
Anywho. I'm done. I won't continue this series. I can see this author likes Firefly and writes some novels in that universe and there is one character in this series whose dialogue reflects that world. And he's good at writing it. But this book. There are so many problems with it that I won't be back for more.
This book doesn't do that. Not once. It's strange. Well, unless you like stories told through dialogue, and some of the dialogue is good. But the lack of narrative detail is frustratingly bad.
One such instance in this story is the sea battle between Souland (good guys) and Nor (bad guys). The entire battle is told through stilted dialogue. That's it! Maybe that's the writer's technique but it's a poor one and boring to boot. I was glad it was over and irritated at the loss of opportunity. I'm a big fan of Horatio Hornblower and Master and Commander stories so perhaps my expectations were set too high.
Bottom line, if you can't write a sea battle, and I know for a fact, that's not an easy task. So don't. Find another way to get the outcome across to the reader. Good writer's have got to know those tricks and methods. Research. Find them or improve your craft and learn how to write an engaging sea battle.
If that were the only oddity in this book, I'd have stopped there but it's not. The story is lacking any descriptive narrative. Pictures are not rendered, they are sketched and barely outlined.
If there is a positive, I would say that some of the character dialogue is good. Parvo's is the best and Stephanie (his love interest), her dialogue is the worst. Such that I could not stand her scenes. We are told (there's that word again) that she is very intelligent, strong, tough and quick, but once she falls for Parno, she is a goopy mess. I couldn't stand her.
Anywho. I'm done. I won't continue this series. I can see this author likes Firefly and writes some novels in that universe and there is one character in this series whose dialogue reflects that world. And he's good at writing it. But this book. There are so many problems with it that I won't be back for more.
October 14, 2018
Enjoyable. Good yarn
I read the first book in a park and thoroughly enjoyed it. Good story, likable characters. This story has been told many times, but the setting and people involved makes this a good read. I have bought all four books and look forward to the story!
I read the first book in a park and thoroughly enjoyed it. Good story, likable characters. This story has been told many times, but the setting and people involved makes this a good read. I have bought all four books and look forward to the story!
February 5, 2019
Engaging
This is A wonderful series. Parno McLeod is a hero who doesn't feel like one. But he is A great man and an excellent leader. Now I'm off to read the next book in this series as I just can't get enough.
This is A wonderful series. Parno McLeod is a hero who doesn't feel like one. But he is A great man and an excellent leader. Now I'm off to read the next book in this series as I just can't get enough.
August 24, 2018
Book two
Mistakes: I found a big one, chapter 12 ends mid sentence, feels like an entire paragraph got lost. He insisted of her, Kind instead of king, Wilson instead of Stone, may instead of make. Those are all found. Really shouldn't have been missed.
Characters: relationships between characters are growing nicely.
Plot: if you didn't see it coming you aren't paying attention. Still well done, except for the end of chapter 12
Due to the rather large error in chapter 12 I can only rate this 5/10
Mistakes: I found a big one, chapter 12 ends mid sentence, feels like an entire paragraph got lost. He insisted of her, Kind instead of king, Wilson instead of Stone, may instead of make. Those are all found. Really shouldn't have been missed.
Characters: relationships between characters are growing nicely.
Plot: if you didn't see it coming you aren't paying attention. Still well done, except for the end of chapter 12
Due to the rather large error in chapter 12 I can only rate this 5/10
October 19, 2017
Homerun again !!
The author has written another masterful story that had me reading into the night wanting desperately to finish it .I have enjoyed it immensely from start to finish .the main characters in the story line and the world building compliments each other in a way that leaves the reader in a reality of what war really means and the lives it sacrifices to defend it's freedom.This book is worth every penny for the journey in humanity and the price for peace.
The author has written another masterful story that had me reading into the night wanting desperately to finish it .I have enjoyed it immensely from start to finish .the main characters in the story line and the world building compliments each other in a way that leaves the reader in a reality of what war really means and the lives it sacrifices to defend it's freedom.This book is worth every penny for the journey in humanity and the price for peace.
March 29, 2019
Good second in a series but....
But the editing was again dismal at best. It started off great and I thought, “good he found a better editor!” However just a few chapters in I discovered I was wrong. Seeing the number of book this author has out there I would hope by now he has found some decent proof readers.... I encourage you to go back through these early works and fix these simple but distracting errors!
But the editing was again dismal at best. It started off great and I thought, “good he found a better editor!” However just a few chapters in I discovered I was wrong. Seeing the number of book this author has out there I would hope by now he has found some decent proof readers.... I encourage you to go back through these early works and fix these simple but distracting errors!
August 28, 2018
Fantastic series must read!
I read all the fire from thr sky books and liked them well enough to pick up Parno's books. The battle scenes are so good i can close my eyes and actually see thr battlts. Well done!
I read all the fire from thr sky books and liked them well enough to pick up Parno's books. The battle scenes are so good i can close my eyes and actually see thr battlts. Well done!
February 9, 2019
Excellent series
One of the things I like about this series is that it sticks with the main character for the most part, moving to other perspectives just enough to tie it all together.
One of the things I like about this series is that it sticks with the main character for the most part, moving to other perspectives just enough to tie it all together.
June 6, 2019
Strange
A mixture of medieval and apocalyptic life. It’s been hundreds of years since mankind was destroyed. Now people are governed by various kings or emperors. Quite a fascinating premise and as always well written.
A mixture of medieval and apocalyptic life. It’s been hundreds of years since mankind was destroyed. Now people are governed by various kings or emperors. Quite a fascinating premise and as always well written.
February 27, 2020
Cannot put it down
There is something about Kong’s and knights that I assume most Americans find interesting, I know I do. So having such a story with twists of the modern world is truly a joy. I cannot wait to read the next book!
There is something about Kong’s and knights that I assume most Americans find interesting, I know I do. So having such a story with twists of the modern world is truly a joy. I cannot wait to read the next book!
December 10, 2020
Interesting
Well, I have to say that the book is a little combat heavy, in my opinion. But I do like the underlying story line of the book. This book managed to keep my interest enough so that I now must read the next book.
Well, I have to say that the book is a little combat heavy, in my opinion. But I do like the underlying story line of the book. This book managed to keep my interest enough so that I now must read the next book.
August 14, 2022
Wartime in the Old South Several Hundred Years in the Future
N.C. Reed has developed a futuristic version of the War Between the South and the North based after a past event titled the Dying. Forget the typos and enjoy the story.
N.C. Reed has developed a futuristic version of the War Between the South and the North based after a past event titled the Dying. Forget the typos and enjoy the story.
August 12, 2024
Great read
This has been a very enjoyable read. The story moves rapidly but smoothly with good character depth. The military tactics and organization are very good and accurate. Looking forward to the next book.
This has been a very enjoyable read. The story moves rapidly but smoothly with good character depth. The military tactics and organization are very good and accurate. Looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
August 16, 2017
Good
This series of books are exciting and informative
as it describes what it's like in a royal family. It also described the horror of war. Well done Mr. Reed!
This series of books are exciting and informative
as it describes what it's like in a royal family. It also described the horror of war. Well done Mr. Reed!
November 22, 2020
4.5 stars. Good sequel. I like this series.
June 17, 2021
Parno takes command
Enjoyed the continuing saga of lord Parno. Don’t like the continuous second guessing on all issues. No matter how well he has done, he’s not satisfied
Enjoyed the continuing saga of lord Parno. Don’t like the continuous second guessing on all issues. No matter how well he has done, he’s not satisfied
January 25, 2022
Lovely story
I love the slow arc of this story, and the amount of flavor used to tell the tale of Parno, his men and a few surprises along the way.
I love the slow arc of this story, and the amount of flavor used to tell the tale of Parno, his men and a few surprises along the way.
January 13, 2023
Parno's Company Saga Continues
Really enjoying The Black Sheep series, I came by it by accident. Glad I did, nice little change of pace.
Really enjoying The Black Sheep series, I came by it by accident. Glad I did, nice little change of pace.
January 30, 2023
Great story telling
The author has an amazing ability with pacing and plotting. Once you start reading, you can not stop. However, he badly needs better editing!Nggn
The author has an amazing ability with pacing and plotting. Once you start reading, you can not stop. However, he badly needs better editing!Nggn
June 28, 2023
My new favorite author!
Love, love, love this man's work! What a gift he has and what a gift he is! Well done! Bravo!
Love, love, love this man's work! What a gift he has and what a gift he is! Well done! Bravo!
March 11, 2024
Good story
Good characters, little slower than other books but worth the read . Characters are well developed and interesting I like this series,
Good characters, little slower than other books but worth the read . Characters are well developed and interesting I like this series,
June 24, 2024
Loved the idea and liked the lead just didn't nail the end.
March 6, 2025
I like NC’s characters and how well he paints this setting. This second book has good twists but in between my interest waned. The narration is great.
August 12, 2016
Another hit for Mr Reed
I just can't get enough of NC Reeds books. Such a great writer and story teller. He pulls you into the battles as if you are a part of it, and always gives us girls a bit of romance. Great Book, highly recommend it!
I just can't get enough of NC Reeds books. Such a great writer and story teller. He pulls you into the battles as if you are a part of it, and always gives us girls a bit of romance. Great Book, highly recommend it!
September 2, 2016
les358
Great sequel, no slacking of pace,another thoroughly enjoyable read. Parno's life is never going to be the same again,now that he had proved himself constant new demands are made of him and he rises to the challenge.
Great sequel, no slacking of pace,another thoroughly enjoyable read. Parno's life is never going to be the same again,now that he had proved himself constant new demands are made of him and he rises to the challenge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews