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Black Sheep of Soulan #3
Parno's Gambit
In a post-apocalyptic world thrown back into medieval times, young Prince Parno McLeod's family troubles have gone from bad to worse of late. His father has been murdered by his insane sister and his brother has only narrowly escaped death at her hand. Now as Parno struggles to adapt to his new position as Marshal of the Army after so many years of being ignored, he must prevent his sister with her elite company of Soulan Calvary from installing her evil twin brother on the throne in his father's place. Likewise, he must struggle to prevent the realms other enemies from driving any deeper into his Kingdom's territory and with getting 'reluctant' bureaucrats to help him by simply doing their jobs correctly in the King's name. Parno has been fortunate, and he is a gifted leader for one so young, but he is young, and inexperienced. He has a plan that will save his people, but he's about to learn a very important lesson; no plan survives contact with the enemy. He will also learn that despite his successes so far, he is as close to losing the war as he has been since it began. Now, gambling with his people's freedom, Parno tries to do too much, too soon, and with too few men. A gambit that he admits is dangerous, and may yet see the capitol of Soulan in flames!
562 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 4, 2024
WITH EACH ADDITIONAL BOOK, THIS SERIES JUST GETS BETTER. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE THIS SERIES WOULD BE.
PARNO'S GAMBIT: THE BLACK SHEEP OF SOULAN: BOOK 3 by N.C. Reed reads like a Middle Ages historical fiction novel based on facts from that time. In truth, though, this is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place centuries after an unknown event that left Earth technically has far back as the early 14th or 15th century.
As all the books and series's I have read, which N.C. Reed has written, this book and series is well written, the characters are well defined, and the action and suspense will keep your interest throughout. Mr. Read writes with a voice that leaves you feeling that you are right there along with the main characters as they deal with the Invasion of an enemy called the Nor that is ruthless and their only goal is to conquer, enslave, and reck havoc.
The storyline covers everything from strategies in running a kingdom and the current war, managing a rather large army with all the logistics, planning tactics for both defensive and offensive, relationships within the ranks for military personnel as well as personnel relationships with the other cast of characters.
If you are into military action thrillers, historical fiction, and even somewhat romance novels, this book and series is for you. I have really enjoyed the first three books so far and I am currently reading the forth book as well as looking forward to the fifth book which as of now appears to be the final book in this series. I hope you will enjoy each of these books as well as I have.
PARNO'S GAMBIT: THE BLACK SHEEP OF SOULAN: BOOK 3 by N.C. Reed reads like a Middle Ages historical fiction novel based on facts from that time. In truth, though, this is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place centuries after an unknown event that left Earth technically has far back as the early 14th or 15th century.
As all the books and series's I have read, which N.C. Reed has written, this book and series is well written, the characters are well defined, and the action and suspense will keep your interest throughout. Mr. Read writes with a voice that leaves you feeling that you are right there along with the main characters as they deal with the Invasion of an enemy called the Nor that is ruthless and their only goal is to conquer, enslave, and reck havoc.
The storyline covers everything from strategies in running a kingdom and the current war, managing a rather large army with all the logistics, planning tactics for both defensive and offensive, relationships within the ranks for military personnel as well as personnel relationships with the other cast of characters.
If you are into military action thrillers, historical fiction, and even somewhat romance novels, this book and series is for you. I have really enjoyed the first three books so far and I am currently reading the forth book as well as looking forward to the fifth book which as of now appears to be the final book in this series. I hope you will enjoy each of these books as well as I have.
July 9, 2019
I have been enjoying this series a lot but had a few issues with this book 3. The prior two books in the series while not error-free, did not have nearly so many editing issues as this one. There were many cases of punctuation, wrong words used and odd sentence structure. Not sure what happened to the proofreader between books 2 and 3. I also have some issues with the two strong female characters, Winnie and Stephanie. As a fellow redhead, I have to try to like Winnie, but she could do with a bit less of being Winnie, so quick to anger and inordinate stubbornness. Stephanie, never a favorite of mine, went completely off her rocker with being demanding, petulant and refusing to try to mend fences. I hope there is not the presumption that strong female characters must be angry, stubborn and erratic. I was very happy to see Edema show up. I still really like this series and am very interested to read the next book.
November 30, 2019
Remarkably little post-apocalypse in the series. Feels more like medieval times.
And with all the tedious drama it reads like a YA book.
I'm a fan of his "Fire from the sky"-series, but this was definitely not my thing.
And with all the tedious drama it reads like a YA book.
I'm a fan of his "Fire from the sky"-series, but this was definitely not my thing.
August 25, 2018
Book three
Is the editing getting worse?
Mistakes: I lost count. Wrong words used and words unfinished where most of the problems.
Plot: somewhat interesting.
Characters: I don't like the female doctor. Acting like a spoiled brat and all sad because she mucked things up.
I wanted to rate this higher, but with so many mistakes I had to keep putting the book down and didn't really get to enjoy it.
Overall I give this book 4.5/10
Is the editing getting worse?
Mistakes: I lost count. Wrong words used and words unfinished where most of the problems.
Plot: somewhat interesting.
Characters: I don't like the female doctor. Acting like a spoiled brat and all sad because she mucked things up.
I wanted to rate this higher, but with so many mistakes I had to keep putting the book down and didn't really get to enjoy it.
Overall I give this book 4.5/10
June 7, 2019
What’s what
It’s maybe 400 to 500 years after a plague severely reduced the population. It seems the plague was followed by another or perhaps two more calamities. Women in the story are treated mostly like it’s the 19th century. Haven’t been able to figure out how they dress. Most of the books about Parno are one battle after another. Not really my thing but this author makes it interesting.
It’s maybe 400 to 500 years after a plague severely reduced the population. It seems the plague was followed by another or perhaps two more calamities. Women in the story are treated mostly like it’s the 19th century. Haven’t been able to figure out how they dress. Most of the books about Parno are one battle after another. Not really my thing but this author makes it interesting.
June 14, 2023
This book should be called "Side Quests" or "What's Happening in Soulan featuring Parno". For being the titular character, this book contained very little of Parno and was mostly anecdotes about what is happening elsewhere in the world.
I'm still interested enough to continue the series, but I need a narrower focus in the next book.
I'm still interested enough to continue the series, but I need a narrower focus in the next book.
March 13, 2017
Just as good as the first two and can't wait for the next one
Hope that book 4 comes out soon. This is my favorite series I'm reading right now. Reed hasn't had a bad book yet!
Hope that book 4 comes out soon. This is my favorite series I'm reading right now. Reed hasn't had a bad book yet!
September 6, 2018
So many errors
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I must admit that I found the drama with Sherron and again with Stephanie highly irritating in a Sci-fi novel. If I wanted to read that female garbage, I'd read romance novels.
My biggest reason for the rating I've given this story is the large number of errors (44+) which could easily have been identified and corrected with a simple beta reader.
That this manuscript went through a publisher, and was published with this many errors certainly does not speak well for the publishing services and support that the author and his work received.
Sad, since, absent the drama previously mentioned, I really do enjoy N.C. Reed's writing
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I must admit that I found the drama with Sherron and again with Stephanie highly irritating in a Sci-fi novel. If I wanted to read that female garbage, I'd read romance novels.
My biggest reason for the rating I've given this story is the large number of errors (44+) which could easily have been identified and corrected with a simple beta reader.
That this manuscript went through a publisher, and was published with this many errors certainly does not speak well for the publishing services and support that the author and his work received.
Sad, since, absent the drama previously mentioned, I really do enjoy N.C. Reed's writing
October 23, 2017
One Hell of a book !!
This author from the start well have the reader captivated with his beautifully written story.A master at detail and building a world around his main characters.this is the last book in the series that has kept me on the edge of my chair since I started reading this series and I can't wait till the next one to come out.I thank the author,but please hurry up with the next book.
This author from the start well have the reader captivated with his beautifully written story.A master at detail and building a world around his main characters.this is the last book in the series that has kept me on the edge of my chair since I started reading this series and I can't wait till the next one to come out.I thank the author,but please hurry up with the next book.
April 7, 2019
Continuing a good saga
I keep wishing to give one of the books in the series 5* but can’t because of the terrible editing. This book started out much better (error wise) but then got worse as the story continued.
The story itself is excellent, which is why I keep reading them. Normally after so many mistakes the story becomes unreadable, yet Parno’s plight continues to keep my interest.
I keep wishing to give one of the books in the series 5* but can’t because of the terrible editing. This book started out much better (error wise) but then got worse as the story continued.
The story itself is excellent, which is why I keep reading them. Normally after so many mistakes the story becomes unreadable, yet Parno’s plight continues to keep my interest.
August 18, 2017
Wait??
That's the end of this series?? No way! What happened with the war and with Parno and Stephanie? This is bad,bad ending to very good books. What's up with this Mr. Reed??? If this is how your books end, I will not read anymore!!
That's the end of this series?? No way! What happened with the war and with Parno and Stephanie? This is bad,bad ending to very good books. What's up with this Mr. Reed??? If this is how your books end, I will not read anymore!!
October 9, 2017
Excellent
The latest volume of Parno's exploits meets the high standard set by the previous volumes, Parno is fighting the war on numerous fronts and stalemate is the best he can achieve, hopefully the next volume will be out soon.
The latest volume of Parno's exploits meets the high standard set by the previous volumes, Parno is fighting the war on numerous fronts and stalemate is the best he can achieve, hopefully the next volume will be out soon.
August 24, 2018
I've read all three books of 'Parno' , and 'Fire in the Sky'. I'm so glad I did. N.C. Reed has a big wow from me! An excellent read! I'm hooked. I want to read all of the books authored by N.C. Reed. Edge of my seat reading.
Kudos!
Kudos!
July 4, 2019
Well, I held off on reading this series
didn't think it would be something that would interest me. Boy was I wrong. Absolutely love this series. Characters are great, plot is great and the action is never-ending. Can't wait til I read the next part.
didn't think it would be something that would interest me. Boy was I wrong. Absolutely love this series. Characters are great, plot is great and the action is never-ending. Can't wait til I read the next part.
March 25, 2020
Good story
Good action,good characters, shows the difficulty of running a kingdom that's big without fast communication. Horseback is not fast enough. Why haven't they invented signal towers?
Good action,good characters, shows the difficulty of running a kingdom that's big without fast communication. Horseback is not fast enough. Why haven't they invented signal towers?
November 23, 2020
3 stars. While well-written, the book seemed a bit inconsequential. Drama added due to the somewhat contrived "romantic" troubles of the MC (and his brother). Not sure why the author believes "strong woman" equates to spoiled child.
August 21, 2021
Will not continue
I like the premise of the series, but this book was too repetitive. Constantly saying the same exact thing from different perspectives. Very annoying and dragged everything out. I stuck with it to read some battle scenes but even those weren't great.
I like the premise of the series, but this book was too repetitive. Constantly saying the same exact thing from different perspectives. Very annoying and dragged everything out. I stuck with it to read some battle scenes but even those weren't great.
January 31, 2023
Editing still needed.
Dialogue is evocative. I have no problem with that. The narrative however suffers from the choice of wrong word, grammatical errors, misspelling and other problems. Love the place names though, has me searching maps.
Dialogue is evocative. I have no problem with that. The narrative however suffers from the choice of wrong word, grammatical errors, misspelling and other problems. Love the place names though, has me searching maps.
March 25, 2017
Well written!
Outstanding character development. The pacing and overall ability of the author to seamlessly move between multiple storylines is rarely found. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Outstanding character development. The pacing and overall ability of the author to seamlessly move between multiple storylines is rarely found. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
July 7, 2017
Not a finished work. Leaves you hanging
There was no ending.....Do NOT read this baves you hanging with no end in sight. It was like he was halfway done.
.
There was no ending.....Do NOT read this baves you hanging with no end in sight. It was like he was halfway done.
.
July 15, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better than.and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop..
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better than.and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop..
August 14, 2018
Damn Good book
Get the books. The story telling flows good and the characters are ones you want to meet in real life.
Get the books. The story telling flows good and the characters are ones you want to meet in real life.
February 8, 2019
Excellent
I just love this series and its characters. It is very exciting and full of adventure. It even has the occasional funny moment. Of to read the next one.
I just love this series and its characters. It is very exciting and full of adventure. It even has the occasional funny moment. Of to read the next one.
May 30, 2019
Persistence
I am a big fan of Mr. Reeds books . I have read his "Fire from the sky" series and had a hard time putting it down. Porno is a different genre of excellent work
I am a big fan of Mr. Reeds books . I have read his "Fire from the sky" series and had a hard time putting it down. Porno is a different genre of excellent work
July 7, 2023
Well done.
This book is my least favorite of the series thus far, but still well worth the read. Can't wait to read the next.
This book is my least favorite of the series thus far, but still well worth the read. Can't wait to read the next.
March 13, 2017
Absolutely outstanding N.C. Reed has done it again
I really enjoyed book 3 my only regret is now I have to wait for book 4 of this fantastic series to find out the conclusion of all the twists, turns and plots. I sincerely hope I don't have to wait to long
I really enjoyed book 3 my only regret is now I have to wait for book 4 of this fantastic series to find out the conclusion of all the twists, turns and plots. I sincerely hope I don't have to wait to long
March 13, 2017
One of the very best Fantasy series out there at the moment. Can't praise it enough.
Roll on book 4
Roll on book 4
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews