The Long War: Tales From The Pharos Saga: Volume I

by Justin Coates

Demons. Aliens. Vampires. The undead. These and more prey on humanity from the shadows, and from the shadows, arise those brave or foolhardy enough to stand against them. These are their a disgraced priestess on a mission to kill a god, an agent from a secretive government organization sent to investigate a series of grisly murders, a soldier on the front lines of an apocalyptic war, a slave haunted by the whispers of a dark spirit, a reluctant serial killer desperate to stop a far greater danger, and more. Featuring stories previously published in military horror anthologies, as well as exclusive content not published elsewhere, the Long War collection introduces the reader to the world of the Pharos Saga, a setting that spans from the distant past to the not-so-distant future, and invites them to stand against the night in a battle for the very soul of humanity.

260 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2018

Reviews

[Amanda J Spedding · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I'd read a few of Justin's short stories in the past, but this collection showcases his storytelling talent brilliantly. All the tales are tied together, some more subtly than others, but the threads between each are masterfully woven.
Cannot wait for Volume 2.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rush! The Long War: Tales From the Pharos Saga incorporated everything that I love about military horror and military fiction. It has intense and spellbinding action, vivid and layered characterisation, and a storytelling intensity that blew me away from the first page until the last. Coates masterfully guides the reader through different time periods and locations that all are, to some extent, linked together in his cosmic universe, a universe that is riddled with things that want to take your sanity and flay you in a heartbeat.

I fucking loved this book, and I was left desperately wanting more after I finished it.

5/5 stars.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until the last few years, I hadn't read an anthology novel since high school, and this one made me want to keep finding new ones Justin Coates contributes to! Justin sets his stories in familiar, unknown, and vibrant places all at once and it keeps you wanting to know more. I have kids, so I don't get much time to read, but I stole as much time as I could to read one more tale. If you like a short story, but one that will punch you in the gut, READ THIS, you won't be pissed. I look forward to the next Volume and whatever else he cooks up!