What do you think?
Rate this book
The Red Sword Trilogy #1
The Red Sword
Markal, an apprentice wizard, is thrust unexpectedly to the head of his order when his master is decapitated by a gray-skinned assassin. The order’s walled gardens have the power to restore their dead master to life, but only if the apprentices can protect his body long enough for their sanctuary to work its magic.
When a barbarian warrior named Bronwyn invades the gardens wielding a soul-binding sword and accuses the order of harboring a powerful sorcerer, Markal thinks she is another assassin come to finish the job. But Bronwyn is a paladin, a holy warrior from across the mountains, and her presence is a harbinger of a greater threat than Markal had imagined, a necromancer with the power to command the dead.
Together, they must join forces before the necromancer destroys Markal’s order and overruns Bronwyn’s homeland.
When a barbarian warrior named Bronwyn invades the gardens wielding a soul-binding sword and accuses the order of harboring a powerful sorcerer, Markal thinks she is another assassin come to finish the job. But Bronwyn is a paladin, a holy warrior from across the mountains, and her presence is a harbinger of a greater threat than Markal had imagined, a necromancer with the power to command the dead.
Together, they must join forces before the necromancer destroys Markal’s order and overruns Bronwyn’s homeland.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2017
649 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
73 books316 followersWould you like an alert when the next Michael Wallace book is published? Sign up for Michael's email list and receive a free Kindle copy of The Righteous novella "Trial by Fury." This list is used to announce new releases and occasional offers of free advance copies, not for any other purpose.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 15, 2017
Okay....I'm going out on a limb here and placing this on my Epic Fantasy shelf even though we only have a single book in what is obviously planed to be a...well and epic fantasy.
I liked this one. I won't reveal a lot about the actual story as the synopsis while being accurate led me to believe that the novel would go in a different direction than it actually did. In this case that wasn't bad it simply led into a different story than I expected.
You'll note (I assume) that I gave this one the entire 5 stars. That is a borderline 5 as I was on the line between the 4 and 5 often (yes we all wish for the 10 star system, though at this point going back an "re-rating" all the books I've reviewed would be a nightmare.) The book is a good read and falls into the "place" I like if I have to choose between Character driven and plot driven. It is predominately plot driven but still provides good solid filled out characters. While we won't know the details of each one, their favorite color, how they feel or felt about their mother (or father or siblings etc.) we do know them. Who's a reliable soul, who's a conceitedbas errr, I mean creep and so on.
A major spoiler is in the next paragraph so don't read beyond the spoiler tag if you don't want to know!
There is also a twist in the book in the
So anyway ending here an excellent read. A great beginning with just a little weakness but not so much as to cause me to drop a star. I'm going 5 on this one, recommending it for fantasy fans and hoping for a short wait on the next volume.
Enjoy.
I stand corrected. I just found that The Red Sword Trilogy is complete...it just doesn't show up here in the way trilogies usually do. so, you know...cool.
I liked this one. I won't reveal a lot about the actual story as the synopsis while being accurate led me to believe that the novel would go in a different direction than it actually did. In this case that wasn't bad it simply led into a different story than I expected.
You'll note (I assume) that I gave this one the entire 5 stars. That is a borderline 5 as I was on the line between the 4 and 5 often (yes we all wish for the 10 star system, though at this point going back an "re-rating" all the books I've reviewed would be a nightmare.) The book is a good read and falls into the "place" I like if I have to choose between Character driven and plot driven. It is predominately plot driven but still provides good solid filled out characters. While we won't know the details of each one, their favorite color, how they feel or felt about their mother (or father or siblings etc.) we do know them. Who's a reliable soul, who's a conceited
A major spoiler is in the next paragraph so don't read beyond the spoiler tag if you don't want to know!
There is also a twist in the book in the
So anyway ending here an excellent read. A great beginning with just a little weakness but not so much as to cause me to drop a star. I'm going 5 on this one, recommending it for fantasy fans and hoping for a short wait on the next volume.
Enjoy.
I stand corrected. I just found that The Red Sword Trilogy is complete...it just doesn't show up here in the way trilogies usually do. so, you know...cool.
December 22, 2018
With a flawed heroine, a magic system with a serious Achilles' Heel, and a unique take on resurrection, this book is plenty original. The personality clashes were on the light side, but I'm sure they'll get heated in the other installments, and each character has a unique voice. I only wish the book had more levity to it.
September 16, 2017
I described this book to a friend as a solid 6.5/10. Can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like it more.
The characters were pretty likeable, however Markal got a little grating by the end with his doubting/lack of confidence schtick. I get that this is his journey of growth and discovery etc but come ON, everyone is already telling you how powerful you are.
I was bummed that (spoiler) Bronwyn died. I spent the rest of the book wondering if she was going to come back as a grey-skinned fighter at the end. It seemed like her character had a lot of potential and it would have been nice to keep another female around.
The writing was enjoyable to read and the story was good, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book. Maybe if new (non-magical) characters are introduced. I guess I just like a variety of classes in my fantasy stories.
The characters were pretty likeable, however Markal got a little grating by the end with his doubting/lack of confidence schtick. I get that this is his journey of growth and discovery etc but come ON, everyone is already telling you how powerful you are.
I was bummed that (spoiler) Bronwyn died. I spent the rest of the book wondering if she was going to come back as a grey-skinned fighter at the end. It seemed like her character had a lot of potential and it would have been nice to keep another female around.
The writing was enjoyable to read and the story was good, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book. Maybe if new (non-magical) characters are introduced. I guess I just like a variety of classes in my fantasy stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2017
Memnet the Great is the leader of the Order of the Crimson Path, a powerful wizard who uses his magic to bring peace to the kingdoms around him. When he's decapitated by a gray faced assassin, his four apprentice wizards must guard his gardens until his body can be regenerated.
Markal is the strongest of the wizard's apprentices, but also the least able to wield his power. When a paladin with a red sword breaks into the gardens to find Memnet, Markal is the only thing standing between her and the destruction of his master. And the paladin brings more than a threat to Memnet, she brings word that a powerful enemy is drawing near.
This book was beyond amazing! It's a traditional sword and sorcery novel, but the wizard's magic and the red sword's power were unique and well crafted. It's not a coming of age YA fantasy, which was refreshing. The apprentice wizards have been honing their talents for decades. The writing was vivid and full of flair, the action scenes descriptive and fast paced. The plot is immersive and incredibly interesting. I want to visit this world, walk in the garden, and meet its people. It was really well written.
The narration was perfect for this book. Rosemary Benson performed slight accents that differentiate the characters without overacting them. She hads a convincing male voice, and her smooth narration immersed me in the story. It's my favorite type of narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
Markal is the strongest of the wizard's apprentices, but also the least able to wield his power. When a paladin with a red sword breaks into the gardens to find Memnet, Markal is the only thing standing between her and the destruction of his master. And the paladin brings more than a threat to Memnet, she brings word that a powerful enemy is drawing near.
This book was beyond amazing! It's a traditional sword and sorcery novel, but the wizard's magic and the red sword's power were unique and well crafted. It's not a coming of age YA fantasy, which was refreshing. The apprentice wizards have been honing their talents for decades. The writing was vivid and full of flair, the action scenes descriptive and fast paced. The plot is immersive and incredibly interesting. I want to visit this world, walk in the garden, and meet its people. It was really well written.
The narration was perfect for this book. Rosemary Benson performed slight accents that differentiate the characters without overacting them. She hads a convincing male voice, and her smooth narration immersed me in the story. It's my favorite type of narration. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
October 26, 2017
Honestly not bad and the narrator, Rosemary Benson, did an excellent job, which really enhanced the story for me. There was quite a bit of humor in the way the apprentices interacted. Each had a distinct voice. I really appreciated that there was more than one male/female platonic friendships. And the writing is pretty good, though I would call this YA fiction despite the characters ages.
All in all, I was pretty pleased with the story. I found a few aspects of it unbelievable and I would have like more explanation of the magic system. What's up with all the bleeding, for example? But I only really had one major complaint. Or rather one, three pronged complaint. This is a bit of spoiler, be warned.
One of my favorite characters, and more to the point, an important character, the character on the cover died. This I could handle, except for three factors. One, it's completely anticlimactic. She was basically just thrown away with no fanfare or importance. Her death was like three sentences in the background. This completely didn't fit her importance in the story up to that point. Two, if you're going to throw a character away as meaningless, I don't think you can also put her on the cover of the book. Sorry. This annoyed me. Three, she was one of two female characters in the book (not counting the background servants). The book really did need her or at the very least another HER.
All in all, I was pretty pleased with the story. I found a few aspects of it unbelievable and I would have like more explanation of the magic system. What's up with all the bleeding, for example? But I only really had one major complaint. Or rather one, three pronged complaint. This is a bit of spoiler, be warned.
One of my favorite characters, and more to the point, an important character, the character on the cover died. This I could handle, except for three factors. One, it's completely anticlimactic. She was basically just thrown away with no fanfare or importance. Her death was like three sentences in the background. This completely didn't fit her importance in the story up to that point. Two, if you're going to throw a character away as meaningless, I don't think you can also put her on the cover of the book. Sorry. This annoyed me. Three, she was one of two female characters in the book (not counting the background servants). The book really did need her or at the very least another HER.
May 2, 2021
3.5 Stars - this is a decent start to a trilogy.
This book is mostly setting the scene and world building, introducing the main characters.
There was quite a lot going on, mainly focussing on the four main wizards apprentice characters and their strengths and weaknesses.
Don't let "wizards apprentice" put you off - this isn't some YA teen wizarding adventure. One of the apprentices is 30 years old and may still have a while to go, and the others are similar ages.
Will be interesting to see where this story goes.
This book is mostly setting the scene and world building, introducing the main characters.
There was quite a lot going on, mainly focussing on the four main wizards apprentice characters and their strengths and weaknesses.
Don't let "wizards apprentice" put you off - this isn't some YA teen wizarding adventure. One of the apprentices is 30 years old and may still have a while to go, and the others are similar ages.
Will be interesting to see where this story goes.
September 22, 2017
I liked that the story was sent in an Eastern inspired setting. I liked the different take on magic and the gardens around the wizards.
The writing was only ok and I kept losing my attention at various points.
The writing was only ok and I kept losing my attention at various points.
March 1, 2018
Nisem pričakovou velik, pa me je kar presenetla. Fina napeta zgodba, v skritem čarobnem vrtu se kar naenkrat pojavi vitezinja, ki nebi smela najt poti noter, pa jo, in namerava umorit zlobnega čarovnika.
Čarovnika umorijo neki sivi roparji, pa ni umru - ker so njegovo glavo čarovniški vajenci zakopali v tem čarobnem vrtu da ga zemlja nazaj obnovi... Vitezinjin čarobni meč ki v sebi obdrži duše umorjenih ljudi in te se potem med seboj bijejo za njegov nadzor... Kralj ki se je podal v temno magijo... vojske mrtvih Belih... Velikanska bitka v kateri žrtvujejo vrt da bi premagali množice napadalcev in zadnji trik obujenega čarovnika, ko je z zadnjimi močmi samo s svetlobo pregnal temnega kralja in pridobil končno zmago.
Pa fini liki so bli, čarovniški vajenci in niso meli nobenih poskusov al pa šole za opravit da postanejo čarovniki, ampak so se skozi preizkušnje ki so jim stale na poti izoblikovali in izpopolnili v svojih močeh.
Pa noben se ne zaljubi na vrat na nos v nobeno :)
Čarovnika umorijo neki sivi roparji, pa ni umru - ker so njegovo glavo čarovniški vajenci zakopali v tem čarobnem vrtu da ga zemlja nazaj obnovi... Vitezinjin čarobni meč ki v sebi obdrži duše umorjenih ljudi in te se potem med seboj bijejo za njegov nadzor... Kralj ki se je podal v temno magijo... vojske mrtvih Belih... Velikanska bitka v kateri žrtvujejo vrt da bi premagali množice napadalcev in zadnji trik obujenega čarovnika, ko je z zadnjimi močmi samo s svetlobo pregnal temnega kralja in pridobil končno zmago.
Pa fini liki so bli, čarovniški vajenci in niso meli nobenih poskusov al pa šole za opravit da postanejo čarovniki, ampak so se skozi preizkušnje ki so jim stale na poti izoblikovali in izpopolnili v svojih močeh.
Pa noben se ne zaljubi na vrat na nos v nobeno :)
September 6, 2017
Very Satisfying Sword & Sorcery Epic
Michael Wallace's "The Red Sword" is an almost perfect example of what a S&S novel should be. (And it is the first book in a trilogy!) He has written so many good books that it would be hard to pick a favorite, but this is a strong contender.
As I began reading, I thought this might be a YA (young adult) coming of age story, but the scope and depth far exceeds a YA book. Instead, the protagonist is trying to overcome a magical handicap (which his master mage compares to a stutter).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Michael Wallace's "The Red Sword" is an almost perfect example of what a S&S novel should be. (And it is the first book in a trilogy!) He has written so many good books that it would be hard to pick a favorite, but this is a strong contender.
As I began reading, I thought this might be a YA (young adult) coming of age story, but the scope and depth far exceeds a YA book. Instead, the protagonist is trying to overcome a magical handicap (which his master mage compares to a stutter).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
March 1, 2022
Wonderful fantasy listening 🎧
Another very will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller adventure novel by Michael Wallace book 1 in the Red Sword Trilogy. The characters made up of mages, giants, demons, paladins, magicians, apprentices, and warriors are interesting and will developed. The action is intense, violent, fast moving all leading to the conclusion. I would highly recommend this novel, author, and series to readers of fantasy. Enjoy the adventure of reading👓 or listening 🎧 to all kinds of novels. 📖👻✨😎🎉
Another very will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller adventure novel by Michael Wallace book 1 in the Red Sword Trilogy. The characters made up of mages, giants, demons, paladins, magicians, apprentices, and warriors are interesting and will developed. The action is intense, violent, fast moving all leading to the conclusion. I would highly recommend this novel, author, and series to readers of fantasy. Enjoy the adventure of reading👓 or listening 🎧 to all kinds of novels. 📖👻✨😎🎉
December 30, 2018
After reading the Dark Citadel series it is nice to get the back story.
Good reading with a depth that is intriguing. Recommended for those who want the "rest of the story" or the beginning of a great series that continues a century or so later with the Dark Citadel. The characters are believable and have depth. The plot is rich and holds some unforseen mystery. Recommended reading.
Good reading with a depth that is intriguing. Recommended for those who want the "rest of the story" or the beginning of a great series that continues a century or so later with the Dark Citadel. The characters are believable and have depth. The plot is rich and holds some unforseen mystery. Recommended reading.
February 7, 2019
Sword and Sorcery, A New World Awaits
I started my journey a bit backwards by reading THE DARK CITADEL first. A 5 part adventure that is absolutely amazing in creating a new world that comes to life through wonderful penmanship of author David Wallace. I digress though, the Red Sword Trilogy is a superb work in its own right. Giving our heroes and villains background stories as the mad King wants to subjugate the world. Thank you for hours of delightful entertainment.
I started my journey a bit backwards by reading THE DARK CITADEL first. A 5 part adventure that is absolutely amazing in creating a new world that comes to life through wonderful penmanship of author David Wallace. I digress though, the Red Sword Trilogy is a superb work in its own right. Giving our heroes and villains background stories as the mad King wants to subjugate the world. Thank you for hours of delightful entertainment.
June 29, 2019
One of the worst books I've read in a while. Basically the same thing just happened over and over for an endless amount of pages.
I didn't find the characters relatable or interesting. I felt the story started and ended in the middle (granted there is another one). I didn't think the world was well described and the struggle was I'll defined and seemed purposeless.
I genuinely disliked this book. I'm not sure what other reviewers enjoyed, but to each there own and it's just my opinion.
I didn't find the characters relatable or interesting. I felt the story started and ended in the middle (granted there is another one). I didn't think the world was well described and the struggle was I'll defined and seemed purposeless.
I genuinely disliked this book. I'm not sure what other reviewers enjoyed, but to each there own and it's just my opinion.
December 16, 2017
Great interesting fantasy fiction novel of a group of mages and having to protect themselves and their home from a king that was a necromancer. The sword I loved how the weapon was brought into play by the paladin and how absorb souls, and depending on the stronger souls whether evil or good which would dominate the sword and the swords reaction.
July 20, 2019
blood and dead
Marble has been a blood apprentice forever. but right now his Master's head is regrowing in the Garden and until and until he, and his fellow apprentices must protect their little temple from evil. but evil breaks in and now the battle with the dead begins
Fantastic....great...fun..
Marble has been a blood apprentice forever. but right now his Master's head is regrowing in the Garden and until and until he, and his fellow apprentices must protect their little temple from evil. but evil breaks in and now the battle with the dead begins
Fantastic....great...fun..
July 25, 2019
A Fast Exciting Read
I enjoyed finally getting to read some of Markal's history. Having already read The Dark Citadel Series I was really happy to discover this trilogy.
I would've given 5 stars but, I felt as if the characters weren't as developed as in the original series. However, I do look forward to the rest of the trilogy and immersing myself further into this world.
I enjoyed finally getting to read some of Markal's history. Having already read The Dark Citadel Series I was really happy to discover this trilogy.
I would've given 5 stars but, I felt as if the characters weren't as developed as in the original series. However, I do look forward to the rest of the trilogy and immersing myself further into this world.
July 25, 2019
Fantastic Book!
Michael Wallace is a great story teller; he knows how to entrance you to keep your interest in finding out what will happen next. His enchanted garden for wizards and the red sword wielded by a woman warrior is only the beginning. If you like wizards, warriors, and enchantments, you will love this book. I look forward to the next two books of the trilogy.Fantastic
Michael Wallace is a great story teller; he knows how to entrance you to keep your interest in finding out what will happen next. His enchanted garden for wizards and the red sword wielded by a woman warrior is only the beginning. If you like wizards, warriors, and enchantments, you will love this book. I look forward to the next two books of the trilogy.Fantastic
September 26, 2019
What an amazing world and it's inhabitants that I have fallen it as I read this story. The classic battle of good and evil, on many levels and ways. Characters to love and characters to hate. I can not give you details without spoiling the story for you. But know that the next book I read is part 2 of this trilogy.
September 11, 2017
DNF I bought the pile of garbage/book on amazon for the whopping amount on 99 cents, i would like a 95 cents refund. No, but seriously i didn't really enjoy it, reading it felt like i was wasting my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2017
In the beginning
This book lays the ground works and introduces the players for the trilogy. It has interpersonal actions as well as magical battles. I look forward to reading the next book
This book lays the ground works and introduces the players for the trilogy. It has interpersonal actions as well as magical battles. I look forward to reading the next book
November 5, 2017
Ok gaping holes
Boring, predictable with no back story or magic system explained, little character development and pace either molasses or lightning. Had I read for free, attention span held for 2 hours
Boring, predictable with no back story or magic system explained, little character development and pace either molasses or lightning. Had I read for free, attention span held for 2 hours
January 12, 2018
Enjoyable quick read
This book was quick to breeze through, but the descriptions and imagery was ample and the story was well thought out and rich. I'll be interested to read the next book in the series.
This book was quick to breeze through, but the descriptions and imagery was ample and the story was well thought out and rich. I'll be interested to read the next book in the series.
June 17, 2018
Make it 3 1/2 stars. It never really grabbed me. I never really became invested in any of the characters. But I didn't hate it either. It was mildly entertaining. Haven't decided yet if I'm gonna read the sequels.
October 23, 2018
Looks to be a great trilogy!
So far it's very intriguing. Looks to be a great trilogy!!! I look forward to reading the next book. Seems to be related to the Dark Citadel series. Hope I'm going in the right order starting with this trilogy.
So far it's very intriguing. Looks to be a great trilogy!!! I look forward to reading the next book. Seems to be related to the Dark Citadel series. Hope I'm going in the right order starting with this trilogy.
April 20, 2019
There are bright sides, like certain magical battles and trickery. But the book has blindsides, especially towards the end, only giving attention to a narrow layer of reflection and leaving everything else in a dreamy haze. This leaves the world bare and lacking in meaning or cohesiveness.
July 23, 2021
It's OK. Story is fine and the prose serviceable.
I think my main issue is in establishing characters and their motivation. There just isn't enough done to make me care about the main characters. I end up caring more about a character that died than the protagonists.
I think my main issue is in establishing characters and their motivation. There just isn't enough done to make me care about the main characters. I end up caring more about a character that died than the protagonists.
August 22, 2017
Enjoyable book.
Enjoyed reading this book. It was a little different from your regular fantasy. I liked the characters and their interactions.
Enjoyed reading this book. It was a little different from your regular fantasy. I liked the characters and their interactions.
August 28, 2017
Great read
The book grabs you and keeps your attention. Can't wait for the other book in series. Keep Up The Great Writing.
The book grabs you and keeps your attention. Can't wait for the other book in series. Keep Up The Great Writing.
September 3, 2017
Really good book but I would have liked more background info on the other wizards from the Dark Citadel series: Chantmer and Narud specifically. Great start to the new trilogy though!!
September 10, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed this book and plan to read the sequel, "The black shield" when it is released. A nice divergence from the average science-fantasy scenario.
I enjoyed this book and plan to read the sequel, "The black shield" when it is released. A nice divergence from the average science-fantasy scenario.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews