What do you think?
Rate this book
Time of Heroes #2
The Storm (2)
THE THRILLING RE-TELLING OF ARTHURIAN LEGEND FROM MASTER OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY DAVID DRAKE CONTINUES! A young Champion must rescue a friend and battle an enemy at the heart of a chaotic world.
The universe has shattered into chaos and monsters. Jon, the Leader, is dedicating his life to reuniting the scattered hamlets into a Commonwealth where all humans can live protected against the darkness and the things that live in that darkness.
But no man can reshape the universe by himself. Jon has Makers to build weapons and clerks to handle the business of government—but he also needs Champions to face the powers of chaos, which will not listen to any argument but force.
Lord Pal of Beune is one of those Champions. He has fought monsters and evil on behalf of Mankind, and he will fight them again. But now Guntram, the man who transformed Pal from an ignorant rube into a bulwark of the Commonwealth, has disappeared. Pal must locate his friend and mentor—and then he must battle an entity that may be at the core of the splintered universe!
Pal of A humane man in a universe full of inhumanity.
Pal of A strong man in a universe where some recognize only strength.
Pal of A hero who will keep going until something stops him--and who hasn't been stopped yet!
Praise for The
“I finished The Storm last night. I loved it. It was such a sweet read. Pal is one of [Drake’s] best people, humane and strong and generous, and his voice carries the whole book.”—Cecelia Holland
“Counterbalancing the setting’s strangeness, Pal himself is thoroughly levelheaded and decent, the kind of hero readers will enjoy rooting for. This is an enjoyable exploration of a pleasantly peculiar world.”— Publishers Weekly
"...a wonderful cast of characters in a fabulous world of courtiers, peasants, Beasts, and mysterious Envoys. Drake has imbued Arthurian legend with a convincing sf spin."— Booklist
About prequel The Spark :
". . . entertaining tale combining the feel of Arthurian legend with nifty far-future super science . . ."— Publishers Weekly
“Drake retells Arthurian legend to perfect effect… efficient world building and likable characters.”— Booklist
About David
“Drake deftly weaves a web of political machinations and intrigue that vividly depicts the costs of war. Fans of Patrick O'Brian's Maturin and Aubrey novels will enjoy this intricate, rousing space opera.” — Publishers Weekly
“[R]ousing old-fashioned space opera.”— Publishers Weekly
“The fun is in the telling, and Mr. Drake has a strong voice. I want more!”— Philadelphia Weekly Press
“[S]pace opera is alive and well. This series is getting better as the author goes along…character development combined with first-rate action and memorable world designs.”— SFReader.com
“[P]rose as cold and hard as the metal alloy of a tank…rivals Crane and Remarque…”— Chicago Sun-Times
“Drake couldn’t write a bad action scene at gunpoint.”— Booklist
The universe has shattered into chaos and monsters. Jon, the Leader, is dedicating his life to reuniting the scattered hamlets into a Commonwealth where all humans can live protected against the darkness and the things that live in that darkness.
But no man can reshape the universe by himself. Jon has Makers to build weapons and clerks to handle the business of government—but he also needs Champions to face the powers of chaos, which will not listen to any argument but force.
Lord Pal of Beune is one of those Champions. He has fought monsters and evil on behalf of Mankind, and he will fight them again. But now Guntram, the man who transformed Pal from an ignorant rube into a bulwark of the Commonwealth, has disappeared. Pal must locate his friend and mentor—and then he must battle an entity that may be at the core of the splintered universe!
Pal of A humane man in a universe full of inhumanity.
Pal of A strong man in a universe where some recognize only strength.
Pal of A hero who will keep going until something stops him--and who hasn't been stopped yet!
Praise for The
“I finished The Storm last night. I loved it. It was such a sweet read. Pal is one of [Drake’s] best people, humane and strong and generous, and his voice carries the whole book.”—Cecelia Holland
“Counterbalancing the setting’s strangeness, Pal himself is thoroughly levelheaded and decent, the kind of hero readers will enjoy rooting for. This is an enjoyable exploration of a pleasantly peculiar world.”— Publishers Weekly
"...a wonderful cast of characters in a fabulous world of courtiers, peasants, Beasts, and mysterious Envoys. Drake has imbued Arthurian legend with a convincing sf spin."— Booklist
About prequel The Spark :
". . . entertaining tale combining the feel of Arthurian legend with nifty far-future super science . . ."— Publishers Weekly
“Drake retells Arthurian legend to perfect effect… efficient world building and likable characters.”— Booklist
About David
“Drake deftly weaves a web of political machinations and intrigue that vividly depicts the costs of war. Fans of Patrick O'Brian's Maturin and Aubrey novels will enjoy this intricate, rousing space opera.” — Publishers Weekly
“[R]ousing old-fashioned space opera.”— Publishers Weekly
“The fun is in the telling, and Mr. Drake has a strong voice. I want more!”— Philadelphia Weekly Press
“[S]pace opera is alive and well. This series is getting better as the author goes along…character development combined with first-rate action and memorable world designs.”— SFReader.com
“[P]rose as cold and hard as the metal alloy of a tank…rivals Crane and Remarque…”— Chicago Sun-Times
“Drake couldn’t write a bad action scene at gunpoint.”— Booklist
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
60 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
David Drake
306 books886 followersDavid Drake is an American author of science fiction and fantasy literature. A Vietnam War veteran who has worked as a lawyer, he is now one of the major authors of the military science fiction genre.
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
October 11, 2018
A fast, fun and engaging read that continued the superb series started in The Spark.
While there is less novelty than in the first book, our narrator, (now Lord) Pal has to deal with new monsters, new dangers, and new mysteries, but that's par for the course for him; however dealing with social niceties - May, his lady friend, who is of noble lineage finds normal to bring a young cousin from her provincial estate and demand of Pal to use his status to get him accepted as a Champion, while Pal as the meritocratic boy from the marches finds that unacceptable and decides that the young lord must get in on his merits, which is hard to do when the allure of the capital with bars and women proves irresistible - can actually be much harder...
Another great ending point and quite highly recommended
While there is less novelty than in the first book, our narrator, (now Lord) Pal has to deal with new monsters, new dangers, and new mysteries, but that's par for the course for him; however dealing with social niceties - May, his lady friend, who is of noble lineage finds normal to bring a young cousin from her provincial estate and demand of Pal to use his status to get him accepted as a Champion, while Pal as the meritocratic boy from the marches finds that unacceptable and decides that the young lord must get in on his merits, which is hard to do when the allure of the capital with bars and women proves irresistible - can actually be much harder...
Another great ending point and quite highly recommended
February 23, 2020
The Storm is the follow-up to The Spark, an Arthurian-influenced sequence from David Drake. I enjoyed the action and adventure very much, and the development of a new character, the nephew of Pal's Lady May. It's a nice rescue/quest tale, with some interesting stops along the way. It's told in typically compelling Drake fashion that keeps the pages turning... On the other hand, May herself seems a little one-dimensional and not particularly likeable, and the story seems to eventually just stop rather than coming to a real conclusion. I'm not sure that I've gotten a grasp on what exactly has happened to the universe and the nature of the various worlds the road leads to. I'm hoping the next volume with clarify it for me!
January 3, 2019
Drake knows and understands warriors
I started reading David's Hammer's Slamers books shortly after I left Vietnam. I was PTSD before it was, rage and bitterness had me thinking about ending it.I knew I was crazy, your not supposed to enjoy combat, I was never more alive, the way we as a country betrayed the S. Vietnam people left me feeling responsible and angry.
David's books and the way he described the characters showed me there were others like me, he described men I knew, my brothers.
Maybe, I wasn't crazy, he gave me hope, I survived.
I started reading David's Hammer's Slamers books shortly after I left Vietnam. I was PTSD before it was, rage and bitterness had me thinking about ending it.I knew I was crazy, your not supposed to enjoy combat, I was never more alive, the way we as a country betrayed the S. Vietnam people left me feeling responsible and angry.
David's books and the way he described the characters showed me there were others like me, he described men I knew, my brothers.
Maybe, I wasn't crazy, he gave me hope, I survived.
September 15, 2021
This picks up right after the events of the first novel. I really liked it. It was odd to me in that you def learned more about the world and what was going on but it didn't seem like it moved the ultimate story along very much. It seemed like a bunch of small adventures that were strung to together to help with one final one. I am going to assume there are going to be many of these in the future but I do not seem to see an ultimate goal besides have everyone join the commonwealth which is quite the feat. Either way I love the character Pal and look forward to his next adventure.
January 7, 2019
A worthwhile read
I still can’t get a grasp on how I feel about this series. It’s certainly interesting and keeps me entertained enough to read it in 2 days. But it’s not a a wow book that I would recommend to people just starting their sci-fi experience. I suppose I love its uniqueness, but at a loss for the style of thinking.
I still can’t get a grasp on how I feel about this series. It’s certainly interesting and keeps me entertained enough to read it in 2 days. But it’s not a a wow book that I would recommend to people just starting their sci-fi experience. I suppose I love its uniqueness, but at a loss for the style of thinking.
May 5, 2022
I loved our hero, Pal, even more in this book than I did in the first. He is just everything I want in a hero: humble, honest, brave, and determined to do what's right, no matter the cost. I love reading his adventures. I'm already wishing there were more than the 3 books...
January 7, 2019
Wonderful
I only wish these stories were ten thousand pages long. I love everything Mr. Drake writes but these stories about Pal are pretty next level. I was surprised the book was over. I was just turning the page to see what Pal got up to next.
I only wish these stories were ten thousand pages long. I love everything Mr. Drake writes but these stories about Pal are pretty next level. I was surprised the book was over. I was just turning the page to see what Pal got up to next.
January 3, 2019
Slow Start
This volume is slower paced than the first, which works against it.
Still, it is magical, wondrous, and filled with the determined hope of the protagonist. The Spark is better but The Storm is enjoyable.
This volume is slower paced than the first, which works against it.
Still, it is magical, wondrous, and filled with the determined hope of the protagonist. The Spark is better but The Storm is enjoyable.
January 3, 2019
Solid
Liked the author aspect of it. Nothing crazy plot wise, but a good solid hero's journey. Can't wait for the next book.
Liked the author aspect of it. Nothing crazy plot wise, but a good solid hero's journey. Can't wait for the next book.
December 5, 2018
The Storm is, by far, one of the most intriguing and different stories I’ve read and I’m honestly not sure how to express how I feel about it. The book definitely has an Arthurian feel and vivid, wild world-building that I’m absolutely enamoured with. I’ve never read science fiction, or any speculative fiction, like The Storm before. Suffice to say, I’m speechless.
I love the world, love the characters, and the plot is solid. I can’t find a fault (which I naturally try to without meaning to), and that says a lot. I am mind-blasted, to say the least. And yet, I don’t know if I love the book or not. I do, but at the same time not really. It’s confusing. I can’t stop thinking about it and find several things in daily life that remind me of some aspect of Drake’s world and characters.
This story will stick with me for my whole life, I’m certain of it.
I love the world, love the characters, and the plot is solid. I can’t find a fault (which I naturally try to without meaning to), and that says a lot. I am mind-blasted, to say the least. And yet, I don’t know if I love the book or not. I do, but at the same time not really. It’s confusing. I can’t stop thinking about it and find several things in daily life that remind me of some aspect of Drake’s world and characters.
This story will stick with me for my whole life, I’m certain of it.
October 20, 2018
The Storm by David Drake
Lord Pal is a warrior, a champion and a Maker. He is unusual as most Makers are not warriors. He is also unique in he is modest. As a Champion he is expected to defend the Commonwealth. This book details his travels doing just that.
Drake creates another environment in this book. There are nodes of normalcy surrounded by waste. The nodes are connected by roads which need to be traveled by those who can see it. Lord Pal can see through the eyes of his dog. Dogs appear to be able to travel and guide those who travel the road. The adventures Lord Pal has are interesting and have a fair amount of action.
The humble nature he exhibits is contrary to the norm of Champions or Lords. He is in love with Lady May and finds relationships confusing. A Maker is one who can see the connections apparently and the molecular level of the tools of the ancients. Makers can recreate what they can sense in the tools of the Ancients.
As confusing as this sounds it read easily and entertainingly.
I recommend it.
Lord Pal is a warrior, a champion and a Maker. He is unusual as most Makers are not warriors. He is also unique in he is modest. As a Champion he is expected to defend the Commonwealth. This book details his travels doing just that.
Drake creates another environment in this book. There are nodes of normalcy surrounded by waste. The nodes are connected by roads which need to be traveled by those who can see it. Lord Pal can see through the eyes of his dog. Dogs appear to be able to travel and guide those who travel the road. The adventures Lord Pal has are interesting and have a fair amount of action.
The humble nature he exhibits is contrary to the norm of Champions or Lords. He is in love with Lady May and finds relationships confusing. A Maker is one who can see the connections apparently and the molecular level of the tools of the ancients. Makers can recreate what they can sense in the tools of the Ancients.
As confusing as this sounds it read easily and entertainingly.
I recommend it.
November 20, 2018
As I was reading the book, I found myself slightly disappointed at how little this story had to do with the Arthurian-style mythos of the first volume, but then gradually realized that there were parallels to one of the Merlin stories.
For the most part, though, this consisted of shorter bits while things aligned to make the pseudo-Merlin tale work, and that was what confused me at first, I think. The shorter bits were good, but some of them were connected to the eventual tale while others seemed like red herrings at the time. Most of them did eventually have something to do with the final story, but it took a while to connect them.
That said, the story was different. There was very little actual fighting in this book, mostly negotiating and the use of Maker abilities to examine and manipulate artifacts, while working toward the eventual puzzle and its solution. I did enjoy the remnants of the Arthur-Lancelot-Guineveresque story from the first book, and look forward to the series continuing.
For the most part, though, this consisted of shorter bits while things aligned to make the pseudo-Merlin tale work, and that was what confused me at first, I think. The shorter bits were good, but some of them were connected to the eventual tale while others seemed like red herrings at the time. Most of them did eventually have something to do with the final story, but it took a while to connect them.
That said, the story was different. There was very little actual fighting in this book, mostly negotiating and the use of Maker abilities to examine and manipulate artifacts, while working toward the eventual puzzle and its solution. I did enjoy the remnants of the Arthur-Lancelot-Guineveresque story from the first book, and look forward to the series continuing.
January 4, 2019
Enjoyed this one too, though wish that May faded less into the background (and stereotype). There is severe underlying sexism.
January 26, 2020
I picked this book up from the Baen website over a year ago, and I am dumbfounded that it has taken me this long to read and review it. Truly, there is no excuse for this. I most humbly apologize.
This is volume 2 of Drake's retelling of "The Matter of Britain," a term he explains in the prefatory material to volume 1, "The Spark." It's a classical reference to Arthurian legends, and is linked with "The Matter of Rome," re stories of Alexander the Great, and "The Matter of France," for stories about Charlemagne.
In my review of "The Spark," I praise the way Drake avoids rehashing the tedious and ridiculous premises of the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot triangle, a situation that is based on the emotional reactions of middle school age children, not mature adults. He continues to sidestep this goofy issue in this volume, while presenting a most interesting tale of magic, character, and adventure.
Disclosure: I am NOT an authority on the Arthurian legends. Those fragments I have likely come from listening to Robert Goulet singing when I was 10 years old, supplemented by watching a community college musical performance when I was 23. I also picked up a bit of the legends from reading C S Lewis, notably the last of the Space Trilogy, "That Hideous Strength." Therefore, I am POSITIVE that I have missed some of the subtleties in Drake's work, as he is nothing if not a scholar.
Even so, I am aware that part of the legend involves: 1) Merlin being trapped in a cave, and; 2) a mysterious woman of power. And those bits are the primary themes in "The Storm." Guntram, the Merlin figure, has vanished, and a nameless mysterious woman of power shows up to contact Pal, the protagonist. Things follow.
(I can rather imagine Drake reading this, and pulling out his hair, screaming, "NO, it's not MERLIN, you idiot! This is the WINSTON CHURCHILL figure, you dolt!")
Other delightful elements:
Semi-delightful: May, Pal's lady love, starts to act stupidly, accusing him of disloyalty. As that is decidedly NOT one of Pal's failings, he can find no way to counter her criticisms.
Semi-delightful: Pal sponsors a young man with family connections to be enrolled as an Aspirant for Champion status. The young man promptly demonstrates his ability to be a lazy drunken lout.
Semi-delightful: the boat that Pal and Guntram were able to restore to pristine Ancient working order asks Pal NOT to similarly restore the boat belonging to Jon. the Leader (and Arthur figure). Pal complies with his boat's request, knowing he can probably get away with it because Jon can't talk to his boat the way Pal can.
VERY delightful: Pal's mongrel dog & fighting companion Buck was injured in his climactic battle in "The Spark," and can no longer serve as a fighter. As as great sign of favor, Leader Jon offers one of his own collie's offspring as a fighting companion. Pal is HIGHLY honored by the gift, recognizing it as a direct measure of the value Jon places on him. He then replaces it with another mongrel. He has a REASON, of course, and it's a good reason, but he never, ever, gives a hint that he might be concerned that his act could offend Leader Jon.
Delightful: Guntram also has an animal that helps him see the Road and get through the Waste. It's not a fighting dog, though. It's a hedgehog, and it sleeps in his pocket. Small children like it, and name it "Arthur."
Some of the combat scenes and contexts might be a bit too creepy for a 10-year-old, but this one wouldn't require any prep work on my part for my 15-year-old-son to read, or my 13-year-old daughter, either. In fact, my daughter might get a kick out of reading of the clumsy attempts by one of May's fellow ladies-in-waiting to seduce Pal while May is away.
Otherwise, recommend without reservation.
This is volume 2 of Drake's retelling of "The Matter of Britain," a term he explains in the prefatory material to volume 1, "The Spark." It's a classical reference to Arthurian legends, and is linked with "The Matter of Rome," re stories of Alexander the Great, and "The Matter of France," for stories about Charlemagne.
In my review of "The Spark," I praise the way Drake avoids rehashing the tedious and ridiculous premises of the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot triangle, a situation that is based on the emotional reactions of middle school age children, not mature adults. He continues to sidestep this goofy issue in this volume, while presenting a most interesting tale of magic, character, and adventure.
Disclosure: I am NOT an authority on the Arthurian legends. Those fragments I have likely come from listening to Robert Goulet singing when I was 10 years old, supplemented by watching a community college musical performance when I was 23. I also picked up a bit of the legends from reading C S Lewis, notably the last of the Space Trilogy, "That Hideous Strength." Therefore, I am POSITIVE that I have missed some of the subtleties in Drake's work, as he is nothing if not a scholar.
Even so, I am aware that part of the legend involves: 1) Merlin being trapped in a cave, and; 2) a mysterious woman of power. And those bits are the primary themes in "The Storm." Guntram, the Merlin figure, has vanished, and a nameless mysterious woman of power shows up to contact Pal, the protagonist. Things follow.
(I can rather imagine Drake reading this, and pulling out his hair, screaming, "NO, it's not MERLIN, you idiot! This is the WINSTON CHURCHILL figure, you dolt!")
Other delightful elements:
Semi-delightful: May, Pal's lady love, starts to act stupidly, accusing him of disloyalty. As that is decidedly NOT one of Pal's failings, he can find no way to counter her criticisms.
Semi-delightful: Pal sponsors a young man with family connections to be enrolled as an Aspirant for Champion status. The young man promptly demonstrates his ability to be a lazy drunken lout.
Semi-delightful: the boat that Pal and Guntram were able to restore to pristine Ancient working order asks Pal NOT to similarly restore the boat belonging to Jon. the Leader (and Arthur figure). Pal complies with his boat's request, knowing he can probably get away with it because Jon can't talk to his boat the way Pal can.
VERY delightful: Pal's mongrel dog & fighting companion Buck was injured in his climactic battle in "The Spark," and can no longer serve as a fighter. As as great sign of favor, Leader Jon offers one of his own collie's offspring as a fighting companion. Pal is HIGHLY honored by the gift, recognizing it as a direct measure of the value Jon places on him. He then replaces it with another mongrel. He has a REASON, of course, and it's a good reason, but he never, ever, gives a hint that he might be concerned that his act could offend Leader Jon.
Delightful: Guntram also has an animal that helps him see the Road and get through the Waste. It's not a fighting dog, though. It's a hedgehog, and it sleeps in his pocket. Small children like it, and name it "Arthur."
Some of the combat scenes and contexts might be a bit too creepy for a 10-year-old, but this one wouldn't require any prep work on my part for my 15-year-old-son to read, or my 13-year-old daughter, either. In fact, my daughter might get a kick out of reading of the clumsy attempts by one of May's fellow ladies-in-waiting to seduce Pal while May is away.
Otherwise, recommend without reservation.
February 27, 2020
The second chapter of the Arthurian Stories in a post-apocalyptic setting delivers. Again.
When David Drake goes on taking classic archetypes and placing them in an entirely different setting, he makes an original, yet classic story. Even if you never heard about Arthurian Legends - if that's a possible - this story would be perfectly fine and totally enjoyable for what it is. The characters are all highly detailed, perfect for their respective parts of the story, and the Arthurian archetypes used make a good sauce to top a perfect feast of a book.
And now, you get a proper Merlin, and you see the possible seeds of his downfall. And it all flows so perfectly, it's a marvel.
If you have only to read a handful of David Drake stories, pick the Northworld Trilogy and The Spark series. That's enough to make despair of other writers.
When David Drake goes on taking classic archetypes and placing them in an entirely different setting, he makes an original, yet classic story. Even if you never heard about Arthurian Legends - if that's a possible - this story would be perfectly fine and totally enjoyable for what it is. The characters are all highly detailed, perfect for their respective parts of the story, and the Arthurian archetypes used make a good sauce to top a perfect feast of a book.
And now, you get a proper Merlin, and you see the possible seeds of his downfall. And it all flows so perfectly, it's a marvel.
If you have only to read a handful of David Drake stories, pick the Northworld Trilogy and The Spark series. That's enough to make despair of other writers.
January 30, 2024
A very good follow up to The Spark! This book introduces lovable new characters whose stories develop beautifully. It leaves some of our old friends on the sidelines, but I found they were present enough that I didn’t miss them and the new cast are larger than life and I enjoyed every page written about them.
The story adds more depth into the setting, which I still find very mysterious. We get a glimpse of other life forms on this planet. We gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the government, and what constitutes being part of the Commonwealth. More practically, the development of the relationship between Pal and May is fleshed out more in this volume, which I found helpful because I wasn’t sold on the romance in the first book.
Overall a very good follow up to the first. I look forward to reading the last book of the series next!
The story adds more depth into the setting, which I still find very mysterious. We get a glimpse of other life forms on this planet. We gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the government, and what constitutes being part of the Commonwealth. More practically, the development of the relationship between Pal and May is fleshed out more in this volume, which I found helpful because I wasn’t sold on the romance in the first book.
Overall a very good follow up to the first. I look forward to reading the last book of the series next!
March 23, 2019
David Drake’s second tale of Pal, now one of the Champions, faces The Storm (hard from Baen) of problems as he searches for his friend and mentor Master Guntram lost in a cyst of the wastelands. This Arthurian -like tale is set in a world with stable hamlets surrounded by wastelands not fully in our reality and filled with monsters, and ancient technology that provides the magic. The Knights or Champions fight with lightsabers and force shields and need special dogs to see into the waste. Pal’s consort May wants Pal to insure that her nephew gets into the Champions, but the boy has discovered gambling and drinking and isn’t training. I like this better than the first despite it’s episodic nature. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
June 12, 2020
The concept is intriguing - writing a modern novel using the format and storytelling style of medieval Arthurian legends. Being true to this format, this book reads more like a collection of linked short stories with minimal character development and basic plotting. However, I still found it an interesting and entertaining experiment and homage to the ancient legends that predate the modern novel with a protagonist this is a likeable blend of old and modern.
August 25, 2023
Home again, home again nighty jig
I began reading David D about the time I got out of the army in1971. I enjoyed his stories. After all, he only stole from the best and expressed his own pain left over from his trip to Hell. The peace of mind of Lord Pal should and may, pin intended, reassure all veterans who are also civilized. This is what it feels like to come home after seeing the elephant. Welcome back!
I began reading David D about the time I got out of the army in1971. I enjoyed his stories. After all, he only stole from the best and expressed his own pain left over from his trip to Hell. The peace of mind of Lord Pal should and may, pin intended, reassure all veterans who are also civilized. This is what it feels like to come home after seeing the elephant. Welcome back!
March 5, 2019
Very odd. I read the first book in this series, and liked it well enough, I read this one, and found it just a bit on the odd side for my tastes. I still liked it, but perhaps not as well as the first one. In any case, as with all Baen titles, it is certainly an interesting read, and more in the series will be welcome to be sure.
December 31, 2020
This series is a creative and totally different parallel of The Arthurian Legends.
I believe book 2 is The Holy Grail or there abouts.
Overall if liked book 1 you will like part 2.
My favorite part is you have no idea what happened to the world or what Not Here, the Road or the Wastes are. It creates so many questions that are better than being told it is 1 thing.
I believe book 2 is The Holy Grail or there abouts.
Overall if liked book 1 you will like part 2.
My favorite part is you have no idea what happened to the world or what Not Here, the Road or the Wastes are. It creates so many questions that are better than being told it is 1 thing.
February 15, 2019
Great adventure.
I'm very pleased that I have this series a try. Quests, warriors, aliens, scientific magic, seeing through animals' eyes, a little romance, some murderous behavior and mayhem blend into a great story. Hopefully there will be mot.
I'm very pleased that I have this series a try. Quests, warriors, aliens, scientific magic, seeing through animals' eyes, a little romance, some murderous behavior and mayhem blend into a great story. Hopefully there will be mot.
March 17, 2019
If you like quest books - i.e. the MC is starting and completing various acts of valor in one book - no word wide big bad - this novel is for you. I had it on my to-read before it came out and I was hesitant to purchase it at first because I thought the quality and originality of the first book couldn’t be duplicated but I was wrong.
May 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and the improved world building done from book one, but I had to knock a star off for how much I despise Lady May and her unhealthy relationship with the MC. I hope he dumps her and finds a woman who fits him better.
September 3, 2019
I like this better than the first in the series, it makes use of the unusual setting of a fantasy world that can only be traversed via magical roads that connect little pockets of reality and steers clear of some of the cliched situations of the first novel. A decent read.
September 27, 2019
The 2nd book in the series.
I found it to be a bit faster paced than the 1st- perhaps since there was less need for the protagonist/narrator to explain the setting foundations.
In any case though, I find myself looking forward to the next tale in the series.
I found it to be a bit faster paced than the 1st- perhaps since there was less need for the protagonist/narrator to explain the setting foundations.
In any case though, I find myself looking forward to the next tale in the series.
December 20, 2021
A solid second entry
David Drake’s retelling of Arthurian tales is beautiful in its simplicity. We live in a world all grey, it’s good to have something simple and good.
I’d recommend this to anyone who needs a rest and some hope, or any fan of Hemingway.
David Drake’s retelling of Arthurian tales is beautiful in its simplicity. We live in a world all grey, it’s good to have something simple and good.
I’d recommend this to anyone who needs a rest and some hope, or any fan of Hemingway.
May 18, 2022
A different type of storyline
I read many of Mr Dealers books, but this is a completely different type of storyline as compared to most of the others.
I'm fascinated with his ability to spin a good yarn!
I read many of Mr Dealers books, but this is a completely different type of storyline as compared to most of the others.
I'm fascinated with his ability to spin a good yarn!
January 23, 2019
Good
As good as I would expect even though there are several editing problems. I always know I will find a good read from this author.
As good as I would expect even though there are several editing problems. I always know I will find a good read from this author.
March 29, 2019
Fun read, welcome back Lord Pal & his continued adventures along the Road. While I enjoy the adventure of today, I’d love to find out more of the Ancients ? How the world of the Road came to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews