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Red Sonja Vol. 3 #1-6
Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne
Across the plains of Hyrkania, a message sweeps through the scattered peoples of the nation. Bells ring, horns blow, voices shout -- the King is dying! Red Sonja rides to save the King from his doom as the powers of Hyboria crowd around to strike when the kingdom is weakest. But a dread new power rises from within Hyrkania's own borders, bent on defending its homeland... no matter the cost, no matter what its people become. A defining chapter of the Red Sonja saga, dark, clever, vicious, and funny, as the She-Devil with a Sword must stop the rise of a brutal new regime: her own people!
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 4, 2020
Vote: ☆☆ 1/2
A few good ideas like Sonja giving up Hyrkania's dying king's offer because of her fear of turning the kingdom into her brothel and the three metal bikini cladrealones, like previous one from Gail Simone, I'm still more a fan of character's classic version than this new take of it making the she-devil with a sword just a male version of Conan the Barbarian, with her thinking about making orator Lyna a royal consort totally made me roll my eyes.
And setting and its monsters seemed to me again just a generic Dungeons and Dragons one: just look at that flaming Roc.
Almost three stars.
May 4, 2020
Red Sonja passes up the throne to Hyrkania and returns a year later to find Hyrkania thriving. But things aren't quite what they seem and Sonja must overthrow the new king. OK, but not as good as Gail Simone's run. It was kind of boring and the whole thing with the Roc was pointless.
Received an advance copy from Dynamite and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from Dynamite and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2020
This is one I've had sitting around for a few years. I got it right when I was burning out on comics (or just burning out in general???).
I read it last night, and I'm so glad I finally did. I remember why I love Marguerite Bennett as much as I do. It was a wonderful first-comic-in-a-long-time, and it was just a wonderful book.
I read it last night, and I'm so glad I finally did. I remember why I love Marguerite Bennett as much as I do. It was a wonderful first-comic-in-a-long-time, and it was just a wonderful book.
August 25, 2017
'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne' by Marguerite Bennett with art by Aneke and Marguerite Sauvage tells a pretty good tale of the red-headed warrior who isn't afraid of a fight.
When the king of Hyrkania falls ill, he offers his throne to Sonja. She has a thought about what kind of ruler she would be and runs the other way. She decides to support whatever new king is put on the throne and to protect the kingdom, but the new king brings peace and prosperity and Red Sonja becomes bored. Then things change. Drama and songs seem to be saying things and the new king may not be as good as everyone thinks.
I really liked this story. There was a good mix of drama and humor. I really liked the art as well. I was a little less crazy about the new king's motives and methods, but it introduced some interesting plot elements. I'd like to read more of these stories by this team.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
When the king of Hyrkania falls ill, he offers his throne to Sonja. She has a thought about what kind of ruler she would be and runs the other way. She decides to support whatever new king is put on the throne and to protect the kingdom, but the new king brings peace and prosperity and Red Sonja becomes bored. Then things change. Drama and songs seem to be saying things and the new king may not be as good as everyone thinks.
I really liked this story. There was a good mix of drama and humor. I really liked the art as well. I was a little less crazy about the new king's motives and methods, but it introduced some interesting plot elements. I'd like to read more of these stories by this team.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
June 16, 2022
RED SONJA vs. Fascism. That's not a topic you normally think about but works quite well here. After the King of Hyrkania dies, Sonja is offered the throne but turns it down only to find that one of her friends has ascended to the throne and become an incredibly effective but bigoted leader who turns against all foreign-born citizens. Sonja finds herself also used as a propaganda piece for the new regime.
I'm sorry but not surprised this is out of continuity with the Queen Sonja series but the Dynamite comics make it fairly clear that their version of the She-Devil with a Sword is more a collection of stories and legends about her than any strict continuity.
I liked the story overall and think it's one of the better Sonja tales even if I think one of the characters was done dirty. I also love the Sonja "fakes."
I'm sorry but not surprised this is out of continuity with the Queen Sonja series but the Dynamite comics make it fairly clear that their version of the She-Devil with a Sword is more a collection of stories and legends about her than any strict continuity.
I liked the story overall and think it's one of the better Sonja tales even if I think one of the characters was done dirty. I also love the Sonja "fakes."
February 1, 2019
This is a pretty good story that combines humor with violence with the power of propaganda. The last one's effects are a bit rushed, but it's there. Sonja and a king try to fight it with a sword while a supporting character proves the well-known adage 'the pen is mightier than the sword'.
The Hyrkanian king is dying. He offers his throne to Sonja, but she refuses, convinced she would be corrupted by power. The new king is enlightened and brings joy and security to the realm. So much so that Sonja finds herself out of a job with no adventures to be had.
It all changes when she finds that a company named the Black Talons led by general Taerga is punishing people who refuse to join the army. The people are brainwashed into being zealous supporters of the king, willing to kill anyone who oppose him, even a young actress and foreigner named Midyan who refuses to play along in the sharade and is hated for her Keshan heritage. Midyan, Sonja and the resistance will oppose the king, but a head-on attack is far from being the best option. They will need the people on their side.
The Hyrkanian king is dying. He offers his throne to Sonja, but she refuses, convinced she would be corrupted by power. The new king is enlightened and brings joy and security to the realm. So much so that Sonja finds herself out of a job with no adventures to be had.
It all changes when she finds that a company named the Black Talons led by general Taerga is punishing people who refuse to join the army. The people are brainwashed into being zealous supporters of the king, willing to kill anyone who oppose him, even a young actress and foreigner named Midyan who refuses to play along in the sharade and is hated for her Keshan heritage. Midyan, Sonja and the resistance will oppose the king, but a head-on attack is far from being the best option. They will need the people on their side.
December 12, 2017
Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne is a gripping book with Sonja doing what has made her famous writing wrongs and injustices throughout Hyrkania! :D At the same time the books is laced throughout with actions and adventure that takes Sonja all over her homeland and beyond! :D At the same time the book is laced with humour her reaction to the changes that she comes across are hilarious! :D
At the same time though the book takes a look at what the price of giving up liberties for what on the surface is a prosperous state so throughout makes many a political statement that ring with parallels to be had! :D
Throughout the art style is clear and dynamic giving the script a dynamism as the script literally and metaphorically rams the script home! :D Through the art subtle makes Sonja stand out from those around her to the point where she is literally portrayed as the legend that the other characters reckon she is! :D
Sonja's confrontation with 'King' Savas is also handled in a atypical manner that is not what you would expect and the twists and turns keep coming throughout the book! :D Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne keeps you on the edge of the seat throughout and will keep you guessing as the writers keep through unexpected twists on a constant basis! :D
Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne clever, fast-paced, a roller coaster ride and action packed! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
At the same time though the book takes a look at what the price of giving up liberties for what on the surface is a prosperous state so throughout makes many a political statement that ring with parallels to be had! :D
Throughout the art style is clear and dynamic giving the script a dynamism as the script literally and metaphorically rams the script home! :D Through the art subtle makes Sonja stand out from those around her to the point where she is literally portrayed as the legend that the other characters reckon she is! :D
Sonja's confrontation with 'King' Savas is also handled in a atypical manner that is not what you would expect and the twists and turns keep coming throughout the book! :D Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne keeps you on the edge of the seat throughout and will keep you guessing as the writers keep through unexpected twists on a constant basis! :D
Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne clever, fast-paced, a roller coaster ride and action packed! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
This felt like a 2 as I was reading it, but I give it an extra star because I could sense that there were winks to the camera showing me that it was flipping the script on some old lore I was not privy to. Perhaps this was a terrible choice for my first Red Sonja book. I did not care about most of the characters or how they related to the land. I was a bit confused at times, but that may be a byproduct of not caring. Sonja's final fight had some okay imagery. Nothing before that was very well portrayed action and the intrigue was not very intriguing.
September 4, 2025
Red Sonja brings about the beginnings of a democracy to Hyrkania, rising from the ashes and dirt a phoenix as she overthrows a new, tyrannical king and dictator with a god complex whose goal is to make his nation the militant superior, and thereby rule the world through it. She fights in a rebellion, a revolution, and a war, alongside the newly inspired and enlightened people of her land.
Mostly she does it out of boredom, but her sense of justice and allegiance to no one and no caste is as fiery as it ever was.
She is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor a legend as people tell it. She is not a curse, nor a gift.
She is Sonja. Huntress. She-Devil. The one and only. Owned by no one.
Hero and friend of the downtrodden. The defenceless. The helpless. The poor. The frightened. The "foreignborn".
A person. Doing what is in her power to make right.
(She is also as good with words as she is with a sword, better than she gives herself credit for.)
That is the gist of 'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne', the first of many 'Red Sonja' comics I have started reading that are not by Gail Simone. How fun, funny, clever, and inspiring it is, as well as political! It is reminiscent of Simone's 2010s run - it even references it!
The pulpy, sword and sorcery comic says a great deal about how a lot of our "legends" are just about people - ordinary and flawed people like you and me, and their stories, told and passed on through generations, are mostly not true, if at all.
Stories are important. They are what make us human. They give us hope, joy, freedom (in the sense of in the heart and mind), possibilities, ideas, visions, incentives, and the motivation to carry on in life no matter what. But, depending on other, substantial proof, they don't really tell us about the people who lived before us; what they could have been like, and what they could have actually achieved, as a "hero", "good person", or even a "god".
But however much they inspire us, give us the strength and hope to rise above any hardship and injustice in the world, to propel us forward, we have to believe in ourselves to do it, as a true first start and first step, and not rely so heavily on a legend, an icon, an idol. Idolising people and putting them on a pedestal isn't realistic, stable, or helpful to anyone.
Trust yourself first to make change and right wrongs. Be aware of your own circumstances, and educate yourself and ground yourself in reality as much as you can, then act.
In other words, as I like to say whenever the subject of idolising and hero-worshipping comes up: Don't be like your heroes, be better than them.
We can always be better than those who came before us.
I'll still look up to the entirely fictional Red Sonja, as it's fun, and (here at least) she is a female empowerment icon and written to be a genuinely awesome heroine.
Plus, redhaired heroines are just the best, ya know?
In 'The Falcon Throne', Sonja has many female friends and allies, including slightly queer partnerships here and there. Most of the men in her life either end up dead or evil. How's that for a "political agenda", eh?
It is one of the 'Red Sonja' comics that puts her in decent clothing, as well. Mind you, that's not saying much when, in her chainmail vest (not string bikini) and cloak, her arms, legs, neck, head, and lower torso remain exposed. She needs more armour.
'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne' can be read as a standalone, and if it is anyone's introduction to the character, they won't be lost and confused, and they certainly could do far worse.
I know it's made me extra pumped about reading some of her other comics. I only know of Gail Simone's solo comics run, and 'Swords of Sorrow'. I can't wait to devour further adventures starring the She-Devil with a Sword.
Red Sonja - legend or no, she deserves her credit and iconic pulp comic status. And writers and artists who respect her - respect the hero she is, and what she stands for: the people.
Final Score: 4/5
Mostly she does it out of boredom, but her sense of justice and allegiance to no one and no caste is as fiery as it ever was.
She is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor a legend as people tell it. She is not a curse, nor a gift.
She is Sonja. Huntress. She-Devil. The one and only. Owned by no one.
Hero and friend of the downtrodden. The defenceless. The helpless. The poor. The frightened. The "foreignborn".
A person. Doing what is in her power to make right.
(She is also as good with words as she is with a sword, better than she gives herself credit for.)
That is the gist of 'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne', the first of many 'Red Sonja' comics I have started reading that are not by Gail Simone. How fun, funny, clever, and inspiring it is, as well as political! It is reminiscent of Simone's 2010s run - it even references it!
The pulpy, sword and sorcery comic says a great deal about how a lot of our "legends" are just about people - ordinary and flawed people like you and me, and their stories, told and passed on through generations, are mostly not true, if at all.
Stories are important. They are what make us human. They give us hope, joy, freedom (in the sense of in the heart and mind), possibilities, ideas, visions, incentives, and the motivation to carry on in life no matter what. But, depending on other, substantial proof, they don't really tell us about the people who lived before us; what they could have been like, and what they could have actually achieved, as a "hero", "good person", or even a "god".
But however much they inspire us, give us the strength and hope to rise above any hardship and injustice in the world, to propel us forward, we have to believe in ourselves to do it, as a true first start and first step, and not rely so heavily on a legend, an icon, an idol. Idolising people and putting them on a pedestal isn't realistic, stable, or helpful to anyone.
Trust yourself first to make change and right wrongs. Be aware of your own circumstances, and educate yourself and ground yourself in reality as much as you can, then act.
In other words, as I like to say whenever the subject of idolising and hero-worshipping comes up: Don't be like your heroes, be better than them.
We can always be better than those who came before us.
I'll still look up to the entirely fictional Red Sonja, as it's fun, and (here at least) she is a female empowerment icon and written to be a genuinely awesome heroine.
Plus, redhaired heroines are just the best, ya know?
In 'The Falcon Throne', Sonja has many female friends and allies, including slightly queer partnerships here and there. Most of the men in her life either end up dead or evil. How's that for a "political agenda", eh?
It is one of the 'Red Sonja' comics that puts her in decent clothing, as well. Mind you, that's not saying much when, in her chainmail vest (not string bikini) and cloak, her arms, legs, neck, head, and lower torso remain exposed. She needs more armour.
'Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne' can be read as a standalone, and if it is anyone's introduction to the character, they won't be lost and confused, and they certainly could do far worse.
I know it's made me extra pumped about reading some of her other comics. I only know of Gail Simone's solo comics run, and 'Swords of Sorrow'. I can't wait to devour further adventures starring the She-Devil with a Sword.
Red Sonja - legend or no, she deserves her credit and iconic pulp comic status. And writers and artists who respect her - respect the hero she is, and what she stands for: the people.
Final Score: 4/5
February 27, 2017
Leave it to Marguerite Bennett to make even Red Sonja relevant and contemporary. The parallels drawn between the story's main villain and the fascist demagogue currently squatting in the White House are impossible to ignore. The themes of inclusivity and resistance to tyranny are a timely reminder to stay united in defence of freedom.
May 30, 2017
Its ok, but I prefer gail simones and walter geovanni's run
July 7, 2018
Enjoyable. Slicey stuff. Sonja being Sonja. Best part was her being offered to be Queen and she just imagines how she'd ruin the country with orgy after orgy.
Gotta like someone who's honest.
Gotta like someone who's honest.
July 22, 2018
I thought Red Sonja couldn't get better than it was during Gail Simone's run. Turns out, it can!
September 21, 2018
This was way too much girlie-girl fantasy version of Red Sonja for my taste. Both in story-wise and art-wise.
August 28, 2023
Reaching for some interesting commentary but in the end comes off more as a children’s fable.
September 21, 2016
When the king is dying he wants to make Sonja his heir; the redhead earns my everlasting respect by refusing the throne. The guy who does take over has made everyone safe, so now she’s bored. But after she dreams about how she could have been queen—and previous lovers—she wakes to find a family fleeing from conscription and finally finds a fight.
It turns out the guy who wanted to win her with riches is now king, and he still doesn’t get why she says no. When another former boyfriend—she’s a redhead, she gets around—is too smitten with her to bring her in, the new king sends three other redheads—who look a lot more like classic Sonja than the legend herself—to hunt her down. Later she has a long battle with a flaming roc, and makes it her pet.
Though Sonja looks overdressed compared to previous incarnations, her costume is still impractical for sword fighting. She also looks like she’s wearing a ton of makeup or has been airbrushed, whereas before she had a much more earthy beauty. Still, the close-up of her green eye. . . wow. This is drawn a little more flamboyantly than most, but no big deal.
She also doesn’t take kindly to all her exes being mentioned. “Not the time for comedy. Got it. Sorry, I do that.” Another great sequence: “Death before failing King—” “Oh shut up.” Glad there’s plenty of humor here to lighten up what is at heart a pretty depressing story. And it’s great that no one comments on the fact she’s bisexual. Ho-hum.
The two most important lines, describing her perfectly: “I am not a queen, I am not a goddess. . . I am Sonja!” And “She bettered the people she came across.”
There’s 15 pages of extras at the end, like covers.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
It turns out the guy who wanted to win her with riches is now king, and he still doesn’t get why she says no. When another former boyfriend—she’s a redhead, she gets around—is too smitten with her to bring her in, the new king sends three other redheads—who look a lot more like classic Sonja than the legend herself—to hunt her down. Later she has a long battle with a flaming roc, and makes it her pet.
Though Sonja looks overdressed compared to previous incarnations, her costume is still impractical for sword fighting. She also looks like she’s wearing a ton of makeup or has been airbrushed, whereas before she had a much more earthy beauty. Still, the close-up of her green eye. . . wow. This is drawn a little more flamboyantly than most, but no big deal.
She also doesn’t take kindly to all her exes being mentioned. “Not the time for comedy. Got it. Sorry, I do that.” Another great sequence: “Death before failing King—” “Oh shut up.” Glad there’s plenty of humor here to lighten up what is at heart a pretty depressing story. And it’s great that no one comments on the fact she’s bisexual. Ho-hum.
The two most important lines, describing her perfectly: “I am not a queen, I am not a goddess. . . I am Sonja!” And “She bettered the people she came across.”
There’s 15 pages of extras at the end, like covers.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
August 17, 2016
Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne by Marguerite Bennett is an awesome little series featuring everyone's favorite She Devil. What is so good about this series is that it takes Red Sonja back to her roots and the series doesn't try to be gimmicky in any way. This is blade on blade, blood soaked and sexy in the way that Red Sonja began and should have always remained.
The King of Hyrkania is dying and despite the efforts of his Queen and the people who love him, it is inevitable. Even the efforts of Red Sonja will come to naught. He offers her the crown to lead his people but she refuses, knowing full well she is not meant to rule. She leaves Hyrkania to adventures far away, but returns home with a longing and sadness in her heart. What she finds is a country transformed. A new power has arisen in the country from within and it will defend its homeland at any cost, to its people and to itself. This new power promises safety and comfort to its people but at the cost of their freedom. Any word against this new power is met swiftly with blade and blood. Red Sonja's homeland is not beset upon by powers from outside but from corruption within and she must fight to free her people, even if it means fighting them!
Intentional or not, this comic makes a very real political statement of the loss of freedom to ensure safety and prosperity. Only what they will have is neither. The story is well written and the art work terrific as the very real political drama that plays out has Red Sonja battling to save her people and herself from a power that would subjugate them in the lie of protecting them.
What I also loved about this book is that it brings the character of Red Sonja back to her roots. The rogue fighter who fights and loves at her whim and not at the beck and call of any man. When offered the crown she is at once tempted but knows herself too well and what kind of Queen she would be. She knows her own nature and stays true to it.
A thought provoking and very entertaining book!
The King of Hyrkania is dying and despite the efforts of his Queen and the people who love him, it is inevitable. Even the efforts of Red Sonja will come to naught. He offers her the crown to lead his people but she refuses, knowing full well she is not meant to rule. She leaves Hyrkania to adventures far away, but returns home with a longing and sadness in her heart. What she finds is a country transformed. A new power has arisen in the country from within and it will defend its homeland at any cost, to its people and to itself. This new power promises safety and comfort to its people but at the cost of their freedom. Any word against this new power is met swiftly with blade and blood. Red Sonja's homeland is not beset upon by powers from outside but from corruption within and she must fight to free her people, even if it means fighting them!
Intentional or not, this comic makes a very real political statement of the loss of freedom to ensure safety and prosperity. Only what they will have is neither. The story is well written and the art work terrific as the very real political drama that plays out has Red Sonja battling to save her people and herself from a power that would subjugate them in the lie of protecting them.
What I also loved about this book is that it brings the character of Red Sonja back to her roots. The rogue fighter who fights and loves at her whim and not at the beck and call of any man. When offered the crown she is at once tempted but knows herself too well and what kind of Queen she would be. She knows her own nature and stays true to it.
A thought provoking and very entertaining book!
August 6, 2016
This is going to be a short review, but there isn't much to say except that I loved every page of this book.
The entire time I was reading this, I had a huge smile on my face.
"Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne" is such an excellent read. I've absolutely loved Marguerite Bennett's work with Angela for Marvel, and I've actually had her take on Red Sonja on my to-read list for some time now, but it wasn't until I saw this collection available on NetGalley that I finally took the dive and devoured Bennet's work with the character.
This is easily one of my favorite collections of the year. It's that good.
The entire time I was reading this, I had a huge smile on my face.
"Red Sonja: The Falcon Throne" is such an excellent read. I've absolutely loved Marguerite Bennett's work with Angela for Marvel, and I've actually had her take on Red Sonja on my to-read list for some time now, but it wasn't until I saw this collection available on NetGalley that I finally took the dive and devoured Bennet's work with the character.
This is easily one of my favorite collections of the year. It's that good.
November 14, 2016
Red Sonja gave up the chance to be queen of Hyrkania. She grew to rue that choice when a former lover gains the throne and seeks to impress her by turning the kingdom into a tyranny that would sweep over all the neighboring kingdoms. Teaming up with actresses and philosophers, Red Sonja does her worst to keep her country from being a byword among the nations of the world. Plenty of fun, fights, and adventure keep the fame of Red Sonja spreading among fans.
November 15, 2016
I thought this was excellent! Nice art, funny script (I thought the use of small-text mutterings particularly effective!), and I liked the move away from the chainmail bikini for Red Sonja. Surprisingly topical themes too, with issues about the "will of the people" and being foreign-born. I couldn't work out if this was written before the Brexit referendum and Trump were a thing. If not, presciently topical!
July 13, 2017
DNF at less than 30 pages after flipping through the entire thing - sure, Sonja is better-dressed, but they just found other ways to express their sexism. Still with the porn poses. Still with the chainmail bikinis, except this time, they're on the evil women! Oh, that makes it so much better!
I'm disappointed - I had hope for this, and I was genuinely excited to read it, because I like the concept of Red Sonja, but... Same issue, different form.
I'm disappointed - I had hope for this, and I was genuinely excited to read it, because I like the concept of Red Sonja, but... Same issue, different form.
January 4, 2018
http://www.unbrindelecture.com/2018/0...
Une agréable rencontre pour ma part avec une héroïne charismatique , belle et violente. Cette saga de comics d'héroïc fantasy est captivante . Elle reprend les classiques du genre avec un univers moyen-âgeux riche et coloré et une intrigue terriblement actuel. J'ai toujours eu un faible pour les héroïnes qui en imposent et indéniablement Red Sonja sait se faire respecter !!!
Une agréable rencontre pour ma part avec une héroïne charismatique , belle et violente. Cette saga de comics d'héroïc fantasy est captivante . Elle reprend les classiques du genre avec un univers moyen-âgeux riche et coloré et une intrigue terriblement actuel. J'ai toujours eu un faible pour les héroïnes qui en imposent et indéniablement Red Sonja sait se faire respecter !!!
August 25, 2016
I so wanted to like this graphic novel. I grew up watching and playing Red Sonja and Beast Master. (And recently super glad to find it on iTunes). I didn’t care for how all Sonja wanted to do was have sex and fight. In the movie she was fighting for her people, and here she is just board. Action starts happening ⅓ way though, but it doesn’t make up for a lack at the beginning.
August 8, 2016
3.5 Stars.
I didn't think this was quite as fun as Simone's run on the series, but it was still enjoyable. It's nice to see what female authors can do with a character like this - Sonia retains her personality, but isn't objectified.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for review.
I didn't think this was quite as fun as Simone's run on the series, but it was still enjoyable. It's nice to see what female authors can do with a character like this - Sonia retains her personality, but isn't objectified.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for review.
September 23, 2016
This was one of my favorite Red Sonja graphic novels or trades that I've read.
The characters were great, with a lot of action. You felt for Sonja at the right times.
Overall: Pretty good book here.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
The characters were great, with a lot of action. You felt for Sonja at the right times.
Overall: Pretty good book here.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
October 19, 2016
I didn't like this as much as I liked Simone's take on the character. Yeah, it's great that they're moving away from the chainmail bikini, but Simone's Sonja was more layered and complex than Bennett's.
December 12, 2022
Rating : 3,5 ⭐
August 20, 2016
Received an ARC through NetGalley.
Awesome read. Awesome artwork, action packed and amazing. Red Sonja is definitely kickass!
Awesome read. Awesome artwork, action packed and amazing. Red Sonja is definitely kickass!
April 13, 2017
As Hyrkania's king lays dying, he beseeches Sonja to take the throne. But showing a burst of wisdom, she knows that she's not the right choice to be Queen and leaves her homeland behind for adventure abroad. Upon her return, she finds a country that's organized, civilized, and just plain boring! But all is not what it would seem, as the King has caused the Hyrkanians to belittle and disrespect those born in other lands and build themselves up at the cost of others. Things really hit the fan when Sonja discovers the identity of the new king, and the esteem in which he hold her particularly!
While this book follows on from Gail Simone's amazing run with the character, it does change some things slightly. While it was supposed to move away from the "chain mail bikini" to something more appropriate, the character is still pretty much the same at her core. She's still baudy and full of vices. She craves action (in many ways) and hates liars and those who would oppress others. So I didn't see much real change in the character except the clothes. I appreciate that. I really didn't want to see her made all "PC" and have the teeth taken out of her.
There's a lot of relevance to the current political situation in this book as well. Lots of hot topics that range from domestic to foreign policy as well as using social reform to hide some ugly political agendas. The King started out with good intentions, but seemed to get heady with the power and it became about his personal agenda rather than that of the greater country. Its all pretty obvious, but that doesn't ruin the story at all.
There are a lot of supporting characters that are also really well done. Lyra the Orator is a fun character who uses her speaking skills to inspire a rebellion. Midya the actress and playwrite who similarly uses her skills to build up a legend makes for a great counterpoint and sounding board to Sonja. And even the various men that Sonja connects with have some great character hooks that make them entertaining.
Aneke's art is really very good and fitting for Red Sonja. While there are a few awkward poses and even a few that might qualify as "cheesecake" the art is solid and well done. There are a few pages here and there that have an unusual layout and make tracking around them a bit difficult. She does this on a few occasions and it kind of took me out of the story a few times as I had to figure out the path through the pages. I was also a bit disappointed in the final chapter. The art seemed a bit rushed and less distinct.
Overall, this was a fun story that has a lot of food for thought and candy for the eye! If you're a fan of Sonja or sword and sorcery in general, you'll find something to like here!
While this book follows on from Gail Simone's amazing run with the character, it does change some things slightly. While it was supposed to move away from the "chain mail bikini" to something more appropriate, the character is still pretty much the same at her core. She's still baudy and full of vices. She craves action (in many ways) and hates liars and those who would oppress others. So I didn't see much real change in the character except the clothes. I appreciate that. I really didn't want to see her made all "PC" and have the teeth taken out of her.
There's a lot of relevance to the current political situation in this book as well. Lots of hot topics that range from domestic to foreign policy as well as using social reform to hide some ugly political agendas. The King started out with good intentions, but seemed to get heady with the power and it became about his personal agenda rather than that of the greater country. Its all pretty obvious, but that doesn't ruin the story at all.
There are a lot of supporting characters that are also really well done. Lyra the Orator is a fun character who uses her speaking skills to inspire a rebellion. Midya the actress and playwrite who similarly uses her skills to build up a legend makes for a great counterpoint and sounding board to Sonja. And even the various men that Sonja connects with have some great character hooks that make them entertaining.
Aneke's art is really very good and fitting for Red Sonja. While there are a few awkward poses and even a few that might qualify as "cheesecake" the art is solid and well done. There are a few pages here and there that have an unusual layout and make tracking around them a bit difficult. She does this on a few occasions and it kind of took me out of the story a few times as I had to figure out the path through the pages. I was also a bit disappointed in the final chapter. The art seemed a bit rushed and less distinct.
Overall, this was a fun story that has a lot of food for thought and candy for the eye! If you're a fan of Sonja or sword and sorcery in general, you'll find something to like here!
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