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Outsider: Deliverance
“How long must this continue, Outsider? You who cannot die, and I who am already dead?”
THE KINGDOM OF A land of magic, myth and adventure.
For Duncan Hawkwind, The Outsider, it’s a prison.
Duncan continues his search to find a way home, to Earth. The key is the Sphere of Corruption in the Temple of Mergoth. However the spectre of an old enemy who seeks the sphere and its power turns Duncan’s conquests into heartbreak.
Faced with an impossible choice, Duncan realises that life is not fair.
But neither is death.
THE KINGDOM OF A land of magic, myth and adventure.
For Duncan Hawkwind, The Outsider, it’s a prison.
Duncan continues his search to find a way home, to Earth. The key is the Sphere of Corruption in the Temple of Mergoth. However the spectre of an old enemy who seeks the sphere and its power turns Duncan’s conquests into heartbreak.
Faced with an impossible choice, Duncan realises that life is not fair.
But neither is death.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2016
2 people want to read
About the author
Peter Diggins
8 books8 followersI was born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania (yes, where the devils are from).
I’m spending a brief tenure on Earth before I head off to another planet. I haven’t yet decided which one.
For now, I live on Earth.
I write stories (I make stuff up and write it down).
I read a lot.
I also played and coached cricket. The stories of my past cricketing achievements are usually my best fiction works.
I've written a few books, but now I've unpublished them and am re-releasing them! I’ve become a much better writer and I’ve been given an opportunity to redo these books, to present them as I would have liked to have done them originally.
In my spare time, I love jogging, bushwalking, and playing the guitar and bass guitar badly.
Website: https://www.syrane.com/
Blog: http://petediggins.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @DigginsPete
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidernovel
I’m spending a brief tenure on Earth before I head off to another planet. I haven’t yet decided which one.
For now, I live on Earth.
I write stories (I make stuff up and write it down).
I read a lot.
I also played and coached cricket. The stories of my past cricketing achievements are usually my best fiction works.
I've written a few books, but now I've unpublished them and am re-releasing them! I’ve become a much better writer and I’ve been given an opportunity to redo these books, to present them as I would have liked to have done them originally.
In my spare time, I love jogging, bushwalking, and playing the guitar and bass guitar badly.
Website: https://www.syrane.com/
Blog: http://petediggins.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @DigginsPete
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidernovel
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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September 28, 2016I wrote it... of course I've read it!
July 22, 2017
Boy this book is quite uneven, but an exciting and unique plot saves the day, and makes this story fascinating. Loved it when the villain, Ezekiel, appears, stealing every scene with his prowess and no-nonsense evil.
The beginning is baffling. The story is a sequel, and it shows. All of a sudden, I was thrown into the action, learning that Duncan Hawkwind, the protagonist, was from Earth, thrown onto a strange new planet which is much like a world like a Dungeons and Dragons lover's fantasy, but not much else. In addition, the topic in Duncan's first chapter is "scrying" which I've never heard of, despite having read dozens of medieval fantasy novels. I still wasn't too sure what "scrying" was, even after reading detailed dialogue of what the magical apprentices were trying to do. After I finished the book, I checked on-line and found out it was foretelling the future through an object. It would be helpful if the author could explain this a bit more, even using maybe an omnipresent sentence to explain what it is.
There was some of the author's peculiar charm throughout the story. The characters use a lot of humour, more of the eye-rolling type than the guffawing type, but it does lend the book an air of charm. Also, at one point, they discuss a banana in a strange way--excuse me, medieval Europe never saw the fruit... it was a tropical fruit, too far away to ship over. In fact, as is commonly done in fantasy novels through a portal and readily forgiven despite the impossibility, on this other world, English is spoken in exactly the dialect that one associates with medieval England and the characters behave exactly like they did back then, with the same tools, food, clothing, customs, and so on. Just like replicating England during the Dark Ages, even though this is supposed to be a brand new world. It's okay. It works, you're forgiven!
Other strange occurrences that seemed to be contrived to fit the plot were Duncan himself losing his powers and also being far-flung through a local portal hundreds of kilometres away from a fight scene, all through a battle. Huh? But the story was so much fun, I overlooked that. It seemed several rules of magic were conveniently modified and adapted as the reader went along so something could happen which would otherwise violate a previous rule. For example, Duncan through his outside status wasn't supposed to be visible to the Gods. Then later the wraith tells Duncan he's still visible to dead Gods. Okay, whatever.
The paranormal scenes were cool and chilling. A tower buried by magic totally underground? Check. A wraith crawling his way up to the surface, stalking at night above ground, and resting underground in a graveyard during the day? Check.
All in all, a compelling book with some hiccups, but a darn good read.
The beginning is baffling. The story is a sequel, and it shows. All of a sudden, I was thrown into the action, learning that Duncan Hawkwind, the protagonist, was from Earth, thrown onto a strange new planet which is much like a world like a Dungeons and Dragons lover's fantasy, but not much else. In addition, the topic in Duncan's first chapter is "scrying" which I've never heard of, despite having read dozens of medieval fantasy novels. I still wasn't too sure what "scrying" was, even after reading detailed dialogue of what the magical apprentices were trying to do. After I finished the book, I checked on-line and found out it was foretelling the future through an object. It would be helpful if the author could explain this a bit more, even using maybe an omnipresent sentence to explain what it is.
There was some of the author's peculiar charm throughout the story. The characters use a lot of humour, more of the eye-rolling type than the guffawing type, but it does lend the book an air of charm. Also, at one point, they discuss a banana in a strange way--excuse me, medieval Europe never saw the fruit... it was a tropical fruit, too far away to ship over. In fact, as is commonly done in fantasy novels through a portal and readily forgiven despite the impossibility, on this other world, English is spoken in exactly the dialect that one associates with medieval England and the characters behave exactly like they did back then, with the same tools, food, clothing, customs, and so on. Just like replicating England during the Dark Ages, even though this is supposed to be a brand new world. It's okay. It works, you're forgiven!
Other strange occurrences that seemed to be contrived to fit the plot were Duncan himself losing his powers and also being far-flung through a local portal hundreds of kilometres away from a fight scene, all through a battle. Huh? But the story was so much fun, I overlooked that. It seemed several rules of magic were conveniently modified and adapted as the reader went along so something could happen which would otherwise violate a previous rule. For example, Duncan through his outside status wasn't supposed to be visible to the Gods. Then later the wraith tells Duncan he's still visible to dead Gods. Okay, whatever.
The paranormal scenes were cool and chilling. A tower buried by magic totally underground? Check. A wraith crawling his way up to the surface, stalking at night above ground, and resting underground in a graveyard during the day? Check.
All in all, a compelling book with some hiccups, but a darn good read.
August 1, 2017
Anyone looking for a high energy storyline delivered with unbridled enthusiasm, will find just that within the tale of Outsider: Deliverance. The adventures of Duncan Hawkwind and his eager companions of the far away land of Syrane remind me of my childhood days back in the 1980s when we waited all week for Saturday morning cartoons. It’s an interesting plot harkening to the harrowing tales of high fantasy shows based heavily on magic and mystery, infused with adult humor and some substantially gruesome scenes. Beginning with a simple concept that has a lot of potential to be extremely compelling, I did get the sense a fair amount of depth was lost in unnecessary details. Although Diggins does an amazing job describing the setting of an exotic world where magic rules, there were some times I got the sense he was describing an ornately painted pictured instead of telling a story. Some characters and descriptions simply didn’t contribute to the protagonist’s motivation or hindrances. The author definitely has an eye for creating a living viable world within his mental grasp and that’s a skill I think he has the potential to grow immensely.
The first few pages found me without firm bearing points, which I expected coming into a sequel where I hadn’t made myself familiar the first book and for that I will fully own the responsibility as a reader. Once I had a firm grasp on the plethora of characters within multiple locations, I could follow the storyline with more ease, however, I felt like I never fully caught up. There was enough reflection going back to fill in the gaps, however I couldn’t connect with the characters lost in the first book despite Duncan’s emotional reactions. I was also left with a longing for more significance behind the use of magic. I also found myself wondering if the only purpose for magic in Syrane was that of being used as a weapon.
Following a predictable chain of events unfolding, the characters fit into their expected niches, but the committed zeal of the narrative did make for entertaining momentum. Wrapping up the story with the apparent influences characters from different worlds have managed to effect on one another by the ending, I can’t help but notice the potential for future tales. I do hope Peter Diggins takes the initiative to capitalize on that and continue the adventures of Duncan Hawkwind or his friends.
The first few pages found me without firm bearing points, which I expected coming into a sequel where I hadn’t made myself familiar the first book and for that I will fully own the responsibility as a reader. Once I had a firm grasp on the plethora of characters within multiple locations, I could follow the storyline with more ease, however, I felt like I never fully caught up. There was enough reflection going back to fill in the gaps, however I couldn’t connect with the characters lost in the first book despite Duncan’s emotional reactions. I was also left with a longing for more significance behind the use of magic. I also found myself wondering if the only purpose for magic in Syrane was that of being used as a weapon.
Following a predictable chain of events unfolding, the characters fit into their expected niches, but the committed zeal of the narrative did make for entertaining momentum. Wrapping up the story with the apparent influences characters from different worlds have managed to effect on one another by the ending, I can’t help but notice the potential for future tales. I do hope Peter Diggins takes the initiative to capitalize on that and continue the adventures of Duncan Hawkwind or his friends.
September 25, 2017
The Outsider series provides an interesting twist on the typical fantasy genre. Duncan Hawkwind, a typical man from the present, has been summoned to another planet into a world of the arcane. The second installment, Deliverance, picks up events just after the conclusion of the first book. Due to his inheritance of power from the defeated lych, Duncan is capable of doing much for the people of Syrane. However, old foes have other plans and Duncan’s world will be turned upside down for the second time.
I had a bit of a hard time jumping into the series without reading the first book. The author gives information through the novel to refer to past events, which was very helpful. After a short time, I was up and running with the party of adventurers.
Diggins’ style is versatile points of view, which offer the perspective of different characters, sometimes changing within the chapter. His writing is smooth and propels the action along, with interesting and enjoyable sequences. I found some sequence phrases were used more than once which briefly distracted me from the story. Overall, I enjoyed the storytelling and attached to the characters.
Hawkwind comes across as an honourable character, and his motivations and actions are generally altruistic. He is determined to return to earth and retains his emotional connections to his home. The author twists the element through Deliverance, between Duncan’s devotion and connection to others versus his estranged family. I enjoy looking for character flaws which create the internal conflict. Deliverance does a good job at looking into these deeper motivations.
The book uses the typical fantasy mechanisms and cultures. As such, there was less world-building in the sense of ground-up constructs. This works alright, as the reader is already considering the impact of a modern-day man existing in a fantasy setting. The focus then falls to the conflict and humour taken from this interaction, rather than new elements.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and I would recommend it to fans of fantasy who like a twist to their usual tropes.
I had a bit of a hard time jumping into the series without reading the first book. The author gives information through the novel to refer to past events, which was very helpful. After a short time, I was up and running with the party of adventurers.
Diggins’ style is versatile points of view, which offer the perspective of different characters, sometimes changing within the chapter. His writing is smooth and propels the action along, with interesting and enjoyable sequences. I found some sequence phrases were used more than once which briefly distracted me from the story. Overall, I enjoyed the storytelling and attached to the characters.
Hawkwind comes across as an honourable character, and his motivations and actions are generally altruistic. He is determined to return to earth and retains his emotional connections to his home. The author twists the element through Deliverance, between Duncan’s devotion and connection to others versus his estranged family. I enjoy looking for character flaws which create the internal conflict. Deliverance does a good job at looking into these deeper motivations.
The book uses the typical fantasy mechanisms and cultures. As such, there was less world-building in the sense of ground-up constructs. This works alright, as the reader is already considering the impact of a modern-day man existing in a fantasy setting. The focus then falls to the conflict and humour taken from this interaction, rather than new elements.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and I would recommend it to fans of fantasy who like a twist to their usual tropes.
July 13, 2017
Duncan has been swept away from modern day Earth to a land of magic on a far off planet--and it's a long way from home and the wife and kids he left behind. His one goal is to get back, but the owner of the magic he now wields is out for revenge. Duncan may not be able to die on Syrane, but there are fates worse than death.
This is the second book in the duology (the first being Outsider). I found that while the author did a good job explaining necessary parts of the first book when required, it did dive into the action very quickly and I was a little lost at the beginning. Once I got past that, it became easier to get into the story and Duncan's predicament. I imagine reading it second, as intended, would enrich the experience of reading this book.
I did find, however, that the story seemed to drag in some parts (possibly due to starting in the second book instead of the first), and the ending felt a tad abrupt.
But the world of Syrane is incredible and it's interesting to see how religion and magic tie together in the system. A solid story of magic and adventure, of longing and hard choices. If you love pop culture references mixed with your sword and sorcery, pick up Outsider and this book!
This is the second book in the duology (the first being Outsider). I found that while the author did a good job explaining necessary parts of the first book when required, it did dive into the action very quickly and I was a little lost at the beginning. Once I got past that, it became easier to get into the story and Duncan's predicament. I imagine reading it second, as intended, would enrich the experience of reading this book.
I did find, however, that the story seemed to drag in some parts (possibly due to starting in the second book instead of the first), and the ending felt a tad abrupt.
But the world of Syrane is incredible and it's interesting to see how religion and magic tie together in the system. A solid story of magic and adventure, of longing and hard choices. If you love pop culture references mixed with your sword and sorcery, pick up Outsider and this book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews