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Accidental Warrior: The Unlikely Tale of Bloody Hal
“A rousing what-if look at a decidedly different America persuasively stuck in a historical past.” – Kirkus Reviews
A college party lands freshman Hal Christianson in an America that could have no smartphones, no cars, no flush toilets. What he finds is a squabbling bunch of states, the consequence of the colonies having grown up on their own after European civilization collapsed from plague in the 1670s, and they are poised on the brink of war.
For a socially awkward young man, who takes refuge in online games, this is a bad situation. He has no knowledge or experience that is useful in this world. He does, however, have one skill of value in a world where the rifle is a new invention – he is a competitive fencer.
What do you do when the world is strange and you have no way to control your own fate? Can Hal grow up fast enough to survive in this world and can he find a way home?
A college party lands freshman Hal Christianson in an America that could have no smartphones, no cars, no flush toilets. What he finds is a squabbling bunch of states, the consequence of the colonies having grown up on their own after European civilization collapsed from plague in the 1670s, and they are poised on the brink of war.
For a socially awkward young man, who takes refuge in online games, this is a bad situation. He has no knowledge or experience that is useful in this world. He does, however, have one skill of value in a world where the rifle is a new invention – he is a competitive fencer.
What do you do when the world is strange and you have no way to control your own fate? Can Hal grow up fast enough to survive in this world and can he find a way home?
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
364 pages, ebook
Published October 13, 2017
162 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Colin Alexander
12 books44 followersColin Alexander is a writer of science fiction and fantasy. Actually, Colin Alexander is the pseudonym for Alton Kremer, maybe his alter ego, or who he would have been if he hadn't been a physician and biochemist and had a career as a medical researcher. His most recent book, The Secret of the Martian Girl, is his eleventh and the fifth of the Leif the Lucky novels. Colin is an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. Away from writing fiction, his idea of relaxation is martial arts (taekwondo and minna jiu jitsu). He lives in Maine with his wife. His books are available on Amazon in print and e-book formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 7, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say I've ever read an alternate dimension travel story quite like Accidental Warrior, but I mostly enjoyed how this one turned out. I liked seeing Hal grow as a personal and really begin to find himself while he's stuck in a contemporary world that never was. Let's just say he experiences quite a few growing pains and makes some boneheaded decisions along the way. My only real complaint is that the ending is fairly predictable. You can see it coming from a mile away, but it did still totally work. Now if only it wasn't a standalone novel because I would certainly like read more about Hal's new world, with or without Hal as a matter of fact. If you are at all interested in early American history and the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam before it became New York, then you'll need to try this novel.
I can't say I've ever read an alternate dimension travel story quite like Accidental Warrior, but I mostly enjoyed how this one turned out. I liked seeing Hal grow as a personal and really begin to find himself while he's stuck in a contemporary world that never was. Let's just say he experiences quite a few growing pains and makes some boneheaded decisions along the way. My only real complaint is that the ending is fairly predictable. You can see it coming from a mile away, but it did still totally work. Now if only it wasn't a standalone novel because I would certainly like read more about Hal's new world, with or without Hal as a matter of fact. If you are at all interested in early American history and the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam before it became New York, then you'll need to try this novel.
August 29, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Wonderful characters woven into a great story that I found very difficult to put down.
A light, thoroughly enjoyable Fantasy.
Wonderful characters woven into a great story that I found very difficult to put down.
A light, thoroughly enjoyable Fantasy.
November 11, 2021
A very uncomplicated book about a young man that gets to be a hero. Not great literature, but a nice read nevertheless.
January 31, 2021
An outstanding, slow-burning book that eventually turns into a real page-turner. While in its construction it is a sincere homage to a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, its narrative is distinct and innovative in at least one definitive manner: world-building. Colin Alexander takes his modern protagonist, not into our distant past, but into a largely depopulated world, one where America's early colonial East Coast is divided up into multiple ethnic nationalisms (Dutch, French, English, etc.) that are limited by a preindustrial technology base. But the protagonist does not trigger a one-man Industrial Revolution, as is the case in many such books. Instead, our hero must fully commit himself to the alternate world as it is, and only then does he find his agency. Bottom line: creative narrative structure, solid early world-building, and compelling characters that kept me engaged. My only complaint is that there isn't a sequel already available.
March 18, 2021
Imagine
I started reading and thought, "Another time travel story." And it is, but it is not alternate time but alternate timeLINE. What if: The United States never happened. The Industrial Revolution never happened. Cars not invented, no airplanes, no electricity, cell phones, computers, skyscrapers? And I thought, "What could cause something like that?" Accidental Warrior makes it clear that when people are always fighting each other, killing, cheating, or not trusting, that what COULD have happened DOESN'T. Imagine what WE could accomplish if we were not fighting each other, cheating, lying, and not trusting all the time. That if we were not LOOKING for things to fight about? That we all worked together, pooling our resources, sharing ideas? What would OUR timeline look like? Would we be colonizing other planets? Speaking with one another telepathically? Brain implants for Internet access? Imagine.
I started reading and thought, "Another time travel story." And it is, but it is not alternate time but alternate timeLINE. What if: The United States never happened. The Industrial Revolution never happened. Cars not invented, no airplanes, no electricity, cell phones, computers, skyscrapers? And I thought, "What could cause something like that?" Accidental Warrior makes it clear that when people are always fighting each other, killing, cheating, or not trusting, that what COULD have happened DOESN'T. Imagine what WE could accomplish if we were not fighting each other, cheating, lying, and not trusting all the time. That if we were not LOOKING for things to fight about? That we all worked together, pooling our resources, sharing ideas? What would OUR timeline look like? Would we be colonizing other planets? Speaking with one another telepathically? Brain implants for Internet access? Imagine.
February 22, 2018
This is a well-written example of a mainstream fantasy/SF trope - hero suffers some kind of accident and wakes up in another world/time/alternate Earth - which dates back to at least Mark Twain and his Connecticut Yankee. In this case our college-boy hero is transplanted to a technologically-backward North America in a world wherein Europe was long ago effectively wiped out by plague. The descendants of colonists planted by the Dutch, English, Swedes, and French are all in contention and alliances are fluid.
Hal Christianson has one main advantage in this world where modern firearms are at a premium: he happens to be a master swordsman - and that is what propels him to be the Bloody Hal of the title.
While the premise is not new, the book has strong characterisation and plot. I found it much more entertaining than the lack-lustre cover seemed to promise.
Hal Christianson has one main advantage in this world where modern firearms are at a premium: he happens to be a master swordsman - and that is what propels him to be the Bloody Hal of the title.
While the premise is not new, the book has strong characterisation and plot. I found it much more entertaining than the lack-lustre cover seemed to promise.
March 4, 2018
The accidental warrior is a well written book about dimensional travel. Once the character is given authority to act on his own, the story picks up and is quite entertaining.
That is actually the flaw in the book: Hal doesn't get agency until almost 75% of the way through the book. While it is probably more realistic the way the author wrote it, the writing loses urgency when the protagonist is drifting from one subservient position to another, without largely being able or wanting to determine his own path for most of the novel.
The other issue that probably enhanced the "realism" of the novel, but which I thought detracted from the story, was Hal's lack of purpose for much of the novel. Events acted upon him, he didn't act to shape the events.
Overall, I liked the writing and I actually enjoyed the tale, I just regret that it ended up being so much less than it could have been.
That is actually the flaw in the book: Hal doesn't get agency until almost 75% of the way through the book. While it is probably more realistic the way the author wrote it, the writing loses urgency when the protagonist is drifting from one subservient position to another, without largely being able or wanting to determine his own path for most of the novel.
The other issue that probably enhanced the "realism" of the novel, but which I thought detracted from the story, was Hal's lack of purpose for much of the novel. Events acted upon him, he didn't act to shape the events.
Overall, I liked the writing and I actually enjoyed the tale, I just regret that it ended up being so much less than it could have been.
October 15, 2024
A Fine Parallel World Novel
This book mostly takes place in a parallel America where the political situation froze in late 17th Century order and technology has attained a level roughly equal to our 1770s. The protagonist is catapulted into this world, and has to fend for himself and eventually find his way home. The novel uses his plight to explore the milieu show us the high points. It's the milieu that's the real star here. "Bloody Hal," apart from having an advantage most of us wouldn't due to being a trained college fencer, is a fairly stock character. The most interesting character is a female "woodsranger" who influences Hal's journey in various ways. The writing is crisp and clean, and the pace of the story moves right along, and pulls the reader along with it. I enjoyed reading it and was sorry when I finished.
This book mostly takes place in a parallel America where the political situation froze in late 17th Century order and technology has attained a level roughly equal to our 1770s. The protagonist is catapulted into this world, and has to fend for himself and eventually find his way home. The novel uses his plight to explore the milieu show us the high points. It's the milieu that's the real star here. "Bloody Hal," apart from having an advantage most of us wouldn't due to being a trained college fencer, is a fairly stock character. The most interesting character is a female "woodsranger" who influences Hal's journey in various ways. The writing is crisp and clean, and the pace of the story moves right along, and pulls the reader along with it. I enjoyed reading it and was sorry when I finished.
February 28, 2021
A Connecticut Yankee in Somebody's Court
Christo Redenter, zounds, a new favorite author. Colin has writing chops to spare, created relatable full-blown characters, tells a rousing story, and keeps it all moving at a brisk pace with lots of action. The plot is a variation of Connecticut Yankee with our milktoast hero magically transported to a parallel world based on early Americans tropes.. A stranger in a strange land, by luck and pluck he becomes a military hero, saved the day and falls in love with a touch chick who can kick his ass. All's well that ends well: a solid read for adventure fantasy fans.
Christo Redenter, zounds, a new favorite author. Colin has writing chops to spare, created relatable full-blown characters, tells a rousing story, and keeps it all moving at a brisk pace with lots of action. The plot is a variation of Connecticut Yankee with our milktoast hero magically transported to a parallel world based on early Americans tropes.. A stranger in a strange land, by luck and pluck he becomes a military hero, saved the day and falls in love with a touch chick who can kick his ass. All's well that ends well: a solid read for adventure fantasy fans.
December 5, 2021
I initially had a problem with the fact that our protagonist was in his new world for all of 5 minutes and he was questioning whether the past 18 years were real. This seemed so asinine that I considered quitting the book. Why not question your new circumstances instead of questioning the past 18 years? It just seemed so nuts. Anyway, I pushed past what was really a trivial issue, and in the end, I enjoyed the book. I thought it was a bit juvenile at times, but it was a full story with a lot of growth, some interesting characters and plotlines.
February 24, 2018
Interesting alternative world
The story seemed to drag on for the first half of the book. But then it picked up the pace. The MC displayed the expected disorientation to his new environment. And there were also some young adult growing up issues. The way the book ends leads one to think this is a stand-alone, which is a pity. Maybe other magicals and their stories in this universe? All in all a good read.
The story seemed to drag on for the first half of the book. But then it picked up the pace. The MC displayed the expected disorientation to his new environment. And there were also some young adult growing up issues. The way the book ends leads one to think this is a stand-alone, which is a pity. Maybe other magicals and their stories in this universe? All in all a good read.
February 27, 2024
Hal is a 21st-century Pennsylvania college student who seems an unlikely guy to become known as “bloody Hal” for his martial exploits. He is on his small college fencing team, but his tutor says he lacks aggression. But when a magic portal transports him to a timeline in which the Dutch are still a major American power, he finds he has just the skills and martial character he needs to survive. It's not bad, but I have read better alternate history and better magic portal stories.
June 6, 2025
An interesting and well executed alternate history tale with an unusual twist.
An interesting and well executed alternate history tale with an unusual twist.
The pacing and.character development are top notch and the world building is solid enough to stand up with only the barest amount of buy in by the.reader. the story line advances steadily with good pacing without any of the tired tropes or cheap devices.
An interesting and well executed alternate history tale with an unusual twist.
The pacing and.character development are top notch and the world building is solid enough to stand up with only the barest amount of buy in by the.reader. the story line advances steadily with good pacing without any of the tired tropes or cheap devices.
April 28, 2018
Giving up on Hal
Not a bad read although it may never be a Connecticut Yankee rival. You know almost from the first page how things are going to turn out for the sad and weak hero but there's enough originality (and some alternate worlds) to keep interest alive through the last page. May well be worth a follow up book.
Not a bad read although it may never be a Connecticut Yankee rival. You know almost from the first page how things are going to turn out for the sad and weak hero but there's enough originality (and some alternate worlds) to keep interest alive through the last page. May well be worth a follow up book.
July 21, 2018
This was an enjoyable read
This was a well though out story. Thought provoking and fast moving .for once the hero was more ordinary type with only one helpful skill. As ignorant of special knowledge (technology,chemistry etc ) as any normal college student would be. The deck was not stacked in his favor.
This was a well though out story. Thought provoking and fast moving .for once the hero was more ordinary type with only one helpful skill. As ignorant of special knowledge (technology,chemistry etc ) as any normal college student would be. The deck was not stacked in his favor.
September 18, 2018
Good solid story well written
All over a good solid story well written good characters and interesting topic! All over solid story well worth time and cost to read!
Alternate earth story with a twist - well done!
Likely check out other books since like writing style as shown in this book.
All over a good solid story well written good characters and interesting topic! All over solid story well worth time and cost to read!
Alternate earth story with a twist - well done!
Likely check out other books since like writing style as shown in this book.
January 10, 2020
Great job!
Edited well either by author or other so no distraction.
Good progression to the story. Tried hard to make it believable and did so.
Appreciate conscientious authors.
Would recommend.
Leaves you thoughtful and wanting to find out more. Great story telling and characters.
Edited well either by author or other so no distraction.
Good progression to the story. Tried hard to make it believable and did so.
Appreciate conscientious authors.
Would recommend.
Leaves you thoughtful and wanting to find out more. Great story telling and characters.
December 2, 2021
Bloody Hal comes of age
I'm not much of a historical fiction fan, but I'm a huge science fiction fan. This weird mix of the two was oddly appealing. While the pace is slow in some sections of the book, the end left me with wonder. That's what hooked me on the great science fiction writers of the past.
Thanks for the adventure, Colin.
Steve
I'm not much of a historical fiction fan, but I'm a huge science fiction fan. This weird mix of the two was oddly appealing. While the pace is slow in some sections of the book, the end left me with wonder. That's what hooked me on the great science fiction writers of the past.
Thanks for the adventure, Colin.
Steve
May 4, 2018
The overall story is well told. I enjoyed the read and will read the sequel. Unfortunately I was not able to suspend reality at the transition from one multiverse to the other. Long ago I read "Haunted Mesa" by Louis L'Amour. And I've read other trans-verse books that made the transfer work better for me. This one just didn't do that. Still, well worth the read.
June 3, 2018
Great book in an alternate North America
The realistic geography and the authors portrayal of life in an America that never had a revolution. Loved the characters and miss them already.
The realistic geography and the authors portrayal of life in an America that never had a revolution. Loved the characters and miss them already.
June 20, 2018
Could NOT put it down!
Amazing characters and concept. Character driven plot that draws you deeper in.
As a lover if American history I am fascinated to see where the author takes Bloody Hal and his new world.
Amazing characters and concept. Character driven plot that draws you deeper in.
As a lover if American history I am fascinated to see where the author takes Bloody Hal and his new world.
June 24, 2018
Great story - action - adventure
This is a great read - the main character enters a mew reality and finds that there is a place for him there - his search for a way home and his finding himself make the story one thst is hard to put down
This is a great read - the main character enters a mew reality and finds that there is a place for him there - his search for a way home and his finding himself make the story one thst is hard to put down
June 27, 2018
Pretty good book
Enjoyable time (?) traveler story. Especially good at the day to day details that make it come alive. A bit violent in spots. But at the end, just a bit too predictable.
Enjoyable time (?) traveler story. Especially good at the day to day details that make it come alive. A bit violent in spots. But at the end, just a bit too predictable.
June 29, 2018
Really Good
If you like the ring of fire series by Eric flint or any of the other modern travelers to alternate reality stories you will enjoy this. The only sad thing is that it wrapped up nicely in the end so I don't know if we'll see a sequel. I can hope though. :-)
If you like the ring of fire series by Eric flint or any of the other modern travelers to alternate reality stories you will enjoy this. The only sad thing is that it wrapped up nicely in the end so I don't know if we'll see a sequel. I can hope though. :-)
August 20, 2018
Awesome story
I picked this up on a whim but I was quickly hooked. Solid story with interesting characters. None of the normal using more advanced knowledge to set the main character above the rest.
I picked this up on a whim but I was quickly hooked. Solid story with interesting characters. None of the normal using more advanced knowledge to set the main character above the rest.
December 15, 2018
I want more
I really liked it and it has so much potential for more. It was a little strange at first but. It could have been much longer I think, with more of the story filled in.
I’m hoping more adventures come.
I really liked it and it has so much potential for more. It was a little strange at first but. It could have been much longer I think, with more of the story filled in.
I’m hoping more adventures come.
August 25, 2020
Odd but a page turner, you won’t regret it.
Fall into another path the world could have taken, not time travel but an alternate world. Could you survive in a past like society? Cut wood for heat? Support yourself?
Fall into another path the world could have taken, not time travel but an alternate world. Could you survive in a past like society? Cut wood for heat? Support yourself?
May 19, 2022
Fascinating Hal
Great adventures in an alternate universe. Hal developed as a true hero. We strive with him to conquer so many misconceptions and see just how true we can to our principles. Good reading thru out.
Great adventures in an alternate universe. Hal developed as a true hero. We strive with him to conquer so many misconceptions and see just how true we can to our principles. Good reading thru out.
October 14, 2023
Excellent time slip to another usa
Really good main main character. Slips from current world to the same time period in a different dimension. Sort of a early colonial america politics with early american civil war weaponry. More of a comming of age story.
Really good main main character. Slips from current world to the same time period in a different dimension. Sort of a early colonial america politics with early american civil war weaponry. More of a comming of age story.
October 18, 2023
Interesting
Few books in this genre have been so good at world-building and having such a good thought out story, please read this book if you are into alternate worlds and swashbuckling adventure you will not be disappointed.
Few books in this genre have been so good at world-building and having such a good thought out story, please read this book if you are into alternate worlds and swashbuckling adventure you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews