The Demon Lord

Book of Years #2

by Peter Morwood

What is life, except
Excuse for death, or death but
An escape from life?


Aldric Talvalin, young clan lord of the country of Alba, has beeen summoned to complete another quest.

It has taken Aldric Talvalin four years of his life to achieve a fitting revenge on the slayers of his family; and now life has lost its direction, its purpose, and even its first love.

He decides to leave the newly won citadel of Dunrath, his lost birthright, and his wanderings bring him to the ominous border provinces of the troubled Drusalan Empire.

Demon Queller - There in the forests of the Jevaiden plateau, Aldric meets Evthan the hunter and his beautiful niece, and learns that she, too is the lost heir to a stolen citadel.

Together they set out to the fortress of Seghar to quell the demon spirit that possesses it and to turn back into Outer Darkness forever the evil power of the god turned devil Issaqua.

The Demon Lord is a gripping epic fantasy adventure from renowned author Peter Morwood. It is the second of the Book of Years Series.


Praise for Peter Morwood:


“The descriptive writing is gripping, the characters strongly drawn […] An intensive read.” Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Review Annual


Peter Morwood is primarily a fantasy novelist and screenwriter, though he has also written works of science fiction. His best-known works include the Horse Lords series (in two sequences) and the Tales of Old Russia series. His other works with Venture Press include Widowmaker, Greylady, and Prince Ivan.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Peter Morwood was an Irish novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his Horse Lords and Tales of Old Russia series. He lived in Ireland with his wife, writer Diane Duane, with whom he co-authored several works.

Reviews

[Adon Coya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book less than its prequel. It feels that anyone the main character meets on his way tends to be someone important for his mission, one way or another; even the ten-years ago deposed heiress to the land, hidden away in an obscure village lost in the biggest forest of the continent... The main character just goes around applying his knowledge, with erratic outbursts and killing sprees, combined with calm and totally thought-out plans. Although it was a good story, with possibility of greatness, the development of the rest of the characters fell short.

[Matt Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Read this years before I became aware of the historical story that was depicted more recently in the film "Brotherhood of the Wolf". Personally, I really like the character of Aldric, and thought this story did a good job of fleshing him out a bit more, with a good background.

[Dantegideon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Relies on the main character alternately being invincible (so he always wins battles) and a complete idiot (so he never sees betrayal coming and thus, drama). Markedly less enjoyable than the first book.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summoning demons is inherently risky, this we all know, involving obscure mercenaries in your affairs at the same time can surely lead only to funeral directors everywhere rubbing their hands.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3 1/2 stars. This was a better written book than the first one of the series. The characters and their motivations were better explored and examined in this instillation of the series. I did like the character of Marek in particular, a cross between Friar Tuck and a kick ass monk, with some scholarly feminism thrown in as part of his repitoire. I enjoyed this book more than the first. The ending did not explain if he kept the spell stone or let the new overlord keep it, an oversight which I am sure will be detailed in the next book, which I am looking forward too. This book also was written within the D&D world, but I enjoyed the author’s imagination as to how the demon(s) we’re both conjured into the world and later excised. Onwards!!

[James Traxler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to first book.
It's ok, drags on a bit in places to what feels like a reasonably inevitable conclusion.
Read this many years ago in my teens.
Re-read now and will not hold onto my copy any more...

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not really enjoy this book. Not nearly as good as the first. I think I'll wait awhile before starting the 3rd

[N Scobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read, always enjoyed this book series from Peter

[Shaitarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and a bit stars rounded up.

It's cheesy and a hackneyed but it was written in the '80s, so what can you expect? I'm still a fan of this series and love the fight scenes.

FTC (maybe).

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good sword and sorcery tale. The sword fighting scenes are expertly drawn.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good fantasy series. Great main character and settings. Nice read, Very recommended.