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The Red Sword Trilogy #1-3
The Red Sword: The Complete Trilogy
Now in a complete trilogy for the first time, The Red Sword is thirteen hundred pages of wizards, dragons, paladins, and griffins by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michael Wallace.
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.
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.
- GenresFantasy
691 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2019
1031 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 31, 2019
Loved the book until the end.
This series is very well written. The characters are rich and compelling. The imagery is immediate and quite effective. I enjoyed it right up to the end. I won’t reveal it, except to say that it left me feeling incomplete and disappointed. You, of course, may react much differently, and find it satisfying. I wish, after spending so much time reading the three books, I had found it so.
This series is very well written. The characters are rich and compelling. The imagery is immediate and quite effective. I enjoyed it right up to the end. I won’t reveal it, except to say that it left me feeling incomplete and disappointed. You, of course, may react much differently, and find it satisfying. I wish, after spending so much time reading the three books, I had found it so.
March 10, 2020
Not spectacular but good quality fantasy
This is a good quality read. I used to love Dungeons & Dragons, wizards , sorcery, sword fights, the whole nine yards. As I grew older my reading choices changed and i moved away from this type of story. These three books have re-awakened my love of this type of fantasy. The main characters are apprentice wizards,but nothing like in Harry Potter.They are older, wiser wizards still learning their craft. Add to this you have a very dark sorcerer, brave knights, a magic sword, griffins and griffin riders and a quality story and you have a fabulous series of books. Not quite a 5 star epic but really close.
This is a good quality read. I used to love Dungeons & Dragons, wizards , sorcery, sword fights, the whole nine yards. As I grew older my reading choices changed and i moved away from this type of story. These three books have re-awakened my love of this type of fantasy. The main characters are apprentice wizards,but nothing like in Harry Potter.They are older, wiser wizards still learning their craft. Add to this you have a very dark sorcerer, brave knights, a magic sword, griffins and griffin riders and a quality story and you have a fabulous series of books. Not quite a 5 star epic but really close.
February 9, 2020
Magic system that is in shambles
The overarching storyline is quite promising, but since this is a story about wizards and sorcerers, I would have expected something that was more... Realistic for magic.
I will try to not give any big spoilers but if your a stickler, stop here.
At first we have this great centuries old order that has been finding and training promising acolytes and apprentices. The most promising of which have been staying for many decades to just be on the cusp of a few spells before they are exhausted.
Then we find out that in the handful of years that the evil baddy has started cultivating his powers, he can somehow have the same power, equally good apprentices, and the ability to take any geek of the street, and turn them into a top tier baddy in a few weeks.... And somehow make hundreds of amazing grey impossibly powered and imbued cloaks
That chilled with the frustration that they were willing to kill baddies, but sometimes could only incapacitate them, do far so good, but then despite this being an all out war for survival, and no lore presented as to why they wouldn't carry a dagger or crossbow or any offensive weapon to help them finish off disoriented baddies, made each encounter where they wished they had their military pal closer was frustrating and felt contrived.
The abrupt 180 of the flockheart felt contrived as well. She was content to sit back while they were hunted and killed even to the point of throwing (and losing)very limited assets towards attacking what they knew were not a that if let alone to being the best allies because one minor attack from the baddies after years of being pushed attached and hunted with no issues...
The overarching storyline is quite promising, but since this is a story about wizards and sorcerers, I would have expected something that was more... Realistic for magic.
I will try to not give any big spoilers but if your a stickler, stop here.
At first we have this great centuries old order that has been finding and training promising acolytes and apprentices. The most promising of which have been staying for many decades to just be on the cusp of a few spells before they are exhausted.
Then we find out that in the handful of years that the evil baddy has started cultivating his powers, he can somehow have the same power, equally good apprentices, and the ability to take any geek of the street, and turn them into a top tier baddy in a few weeks.... And somehow make hundreds of amazing grey impossibly powered and imbued cloaks
That chilled with the frustration that they were willing to kill baddies, but sometimes could only incapacitate them, do far so good, but then despite this being an all out war for survival, and no lore presented as to why they wouldn't carry a dagger or crossbow or any offensive weapon to help them finish off disoriented baddies, made each encounter where they wished they had their military pal closer was frustrating and felt contrived.
The abrupt 180 of the flockheart felt contrived as well. She was content to sit back while they were hunted and killed even to the point of throwing (and losing)very limited assets towards attacking what they knew were not a that if let alone to being the best allies because one minor attack from the baddies after years of being pushed attached and hunted with no issues...
June 21, 2020
Nice writing, and setting. Loved a lot of normal things about it BUT ALSO...while I love sword & sorcery/fantasy adventure/war books, so many of them are so goddamn horny. This series is not. Not even a little sexy. But like in a good way.
It's so refreshing to not have to cringe at the main guy and gal getting together for no reason or characters constantly trying to bone. Thanks man I appreciate it 👍💕
It's so refreshing to not have to cringe at the main guy and gal getting together for no reason or characters constantly trying to bone. Thanks man I appreciate it 👍💕
October 5, 2022
A very well written adventure.
I wish there had been more to this series. There was Justus right deaths of a lot of characters at the right times. Something you don't always see in books. I felt like only 2 parts were a bit rushed, but the rest was told in good fashion. There were also a few editing mistakes, but that seems the new normal for online books. Sad but true. I will definitely look for more books to read from this author.
I wish there had been more to this series. There was Justus right deaths of a lot of characters at the right times. Something you don't always see in books. I felt like only 2 parts were a bit rushed, but the rest was told in good fashion. There were also a few editing mistakes, but that seems the new normal for online books. Sad but true. I will definitely look for more books to read from this author.
December 27, 2019
definitely wonderful in every way. Must thank the author for leading the reader to the books that contain earlier content; the whole time, I felt like I was reading a story where there was a larger plot happening, but I couldn't put a finger on it. Either way, highly recommended to all fantasy lovers.
November 30, 2021
Good enough to make you turn to the next pafe
I think there could have been more to make you understand how the societies worked and why different cultures mattered, but the characters and storyline were believable enough.
I am glad I got to an end that made me feel good about who lived and who died.
I think there could have been more to make you understand how the societies worked and why different cultures mattered, but the characters and storyline were believable enough.
I am glad I got to an end that made me feel good about who lived and who died.
April 28, 2022
Wonderful fantasy listening 🎶🔰
Three will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thrillers novels by Michael Wallace the Rex Sword Trilogy. Lots of magic, dragons, phoenix, black demons, and masters doing their best to defeat the black king. I would recommend this trilogy and author to readers of fantasy novels. Enjoy the adventure of all kinds of books. 🏡🔰👒☺ 2022
Three will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thrillers novels by Michael Wallace the Rex Sword Trilogy. Lots of magic, dragons, phoenix, black demons, and masters doing their best to defeat the black king. I would recommend this trilogy and author to readers of fantasy novels. Enjoy the adventure of all kinds of books. 🏡🔰👒☺ 2022
January 6, 2020
Loved the trilogy.
Loved the trilogy. I would read this late into the night trying to see what would happen next. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait from the next series to come out. Going to try the space series that Michael Wallace wrote next.
Loved the trilogy. I would read this late into the night trying to see what would happen next. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait from the next series to come out. Going to try the space series that Michael Wallace wrote next.
January 22, 2020
Fun series, with an interesting system of magic. The resolution felt somewhat rushed, but then I found out this was a prequel series set a few hundred years or so before the original series this guy wrote, so I guess the resolution is really meant to just set up the original series.
February 27, 2020
Compelling, easy to read
This series is well written, with a lot of compelling characters. Not too much violence, just enough to explain the need for war against an evil wizard. Outstanding use of vocabulary. Not even a handful of edits in the 3 books. A pleasure.
This series is well written, with a lot of compelling characters. Not too much violence, just enough to explain the need for war against an evil wizard. Outstanding use of vocabulary. Not even a handful of edits in the 3 books. A pleasure.
April 12, 2020
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this trilogy although it could have been shorter in my option .
Book two dragged on a bit and more could of been made of the red sword but enjoyable especially for the price .
I enjoyed this trilogy although it could have been shorter in my option .
Book two dragged on a bit and more could of been made of the red sword but enjoyable especially for the price .
October 3, 2020
Very enjoyable reading kept enthralled to the very end..can highly recommend you read the series.
Very enjoyable reading kept enthralled to the very end. Can highly recommend you read the series. Looking forward to the follow-up.
Very enjoyable reading kept enthralled to the very end. Can highly recommend you read the series. Looking forward to the follow-up.
November 5, 2021
Great books for everyone.
This series is well written. The characters are fully developed. The story line is easy to follow. I rated the books stove due to these reasons. I recommend these books to all age groups.
This series is well written. The characters are fully developed. The story line is easy to follow. I rated the books stove due to these reasons. I recommend these books to all age groups.
January 15, 2024
Great Story!!!
This isn't the kind of story I normally read, but it was good! I would have liked a better ending for certain characters because I really admired them. However, things were difficult for all of them. I'm pleased with how everything played out.
This isn't the kind of story I normally read, but it was good! I would have liked a better ending for certain characters because I really admired them. However, things were difficult for all of them. I'm pleased with how everything played out.
January 23, 2020
Trash
This book was a downward spiral the entire way. I only kept reading after the first book in hopes something uplifting would happen. It never did!
This book was a downward spiral the entire way. I only kept reading after the first book in hopes something uplifting would happen. It never did!
February 7, 2020
Enjoyable read,
March 2, 2020
Very good reading.
Well developed characters, and kept my interest from the first book until the end. Looking forward to the next series of books.
Well developed characters, and kept my interest from the first book until the end. Looking forward to the next series of books.
May 28, 2020
Brilliant
Couldn't put it down fantastic story and characters
I would highly recommend this series can not wait to read the next installments
Couldn't put it down fantastic story and characters
I would highly recommend this series can not wait to read the next installments
June 16, 2020
Excellent read
I loved this series. Great for young adults and us older kids too! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I loved this series. Great for young adults and us older kids too! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 7, 2020
Too notch
Good driving story, it definitely keeps you entertained from cover to cover. 10/10 recommend this series for anyone who enjoys the magic and adventure genres.
Good driving story, it definitely keeps you entertained from cover to cover. 10/10 recommend this series for anyone who enjoys the magic and adventure genres.
October 12, 2020
Had its moments
I had some issues with the series but all in all it was a good read, though the end was a bit sudden
I had some issues with the series but all in all it was a good read, though the end was a bit sudden
November 26, 2020
Good read
Well developed characters in a fast paced story with diverse settings. Creatures, mythical and imagined, play their part flying through the weave of good and evil magic.
Well developed characters in a fast paced story with diverse settings. Creatures, mythical and imagined, play their part flying through the weave of good and evil magic.
February 20, 2021
Complex characters
I enjoyed this series so much! I especially liked that the characters make mistakes and things don't always turn out like you expect.
I enjoyed this series so much! I especially liked that the characters make mistakes and things don't always turn out like you expect.
October 31, 2021
Great read
Well written. It jumps from one adventure to another. Keeps the reader glued to the pages wanting to see what happens next.
Well written. It jumps from one adventure to another. Keeps the reader glued to the pages wanting to see what happens next.
June 17, 2022
Very good fantasy trilogy that kept my attention and didn't drag on. Parts were formulaic, but overall, still a good read.
November 3, 2025
a very good read
Filled in many gaps from the Dark Citadel series, which I also recommend.
If you like fantasy, magic and armies then this is for you
Filled in many gaps from the Dark Citadel series, which I also recommend.
If you like fantasy, magic and armies then this is for you
December 13, 2019
Great beginning, boring middle
It starts great and tries to be great till chapter 3.
No dragons.
No fights.
Nothing interesting in sacret gardens.
No love story.
No drama.
Political intrigues like this are ok for small village, not a kingdom.
And, also - it can be only one khalif in world. Just check the origin of word.
It starts great and tries to be great till chapter 3.
No dragons.
No fights.
Nothing interesting in sacret gardens.
No love story.
No drama.
Political intrigues like this are ok for small village, not a kingdom.
And, also - it can be only one khalif in world. Just check the origin of word.
December 2, 2019
Enjoyable
Some great characters and unusual ideas, I enjoyed this tale and liked the tension between some of the characters- it’s a shame that we didn’t get to know more of Toth, I feel that it rounds the overall story if you have more insight into the antagonist’s life.
Not a Five Star yet but a good read all the same.
Some great characters and unusual ideas, I enjoyed this tale and liked the tension between some of the characters- it’s a shame that we didn’t get to know more of Toth, I feel that it rounds the overall story if you have more insight into the antagonist’s life.
Not a Five Star yet but a good read all the same.
November 21, 2019
A step like lord of the rings
It's not a bad book in any way, but the idea of an item that can rule the world, in a sense, is like lord of the rings. I wont spoil anything but it is a good book that captures the emotions of each character and the long journey to over come evil. It's worth a read.
It's not a bad book in any way, but the idea of an item that can rule the world, in a sense, is like lord of the rings. I wont spoil anything but it is a good book that captures the emotions of each character and the long journey to over come evil. It's worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews