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Shadow Rogue #2
Shadow Rogue Ascendant
The band is in trouble. Port Gloom is aflame behind them, and hundreds lie dead in their wake as Kellik and his companions are forced to flee their ancient home. But despite the chaos and carnage they've already caused, one thought remains their focus:
Exacting ever greater revenge on the Family.
Yet the truths that Kellik discovered about his heritage threaten to shatter his group's bonds of trust and intimacy just when he needs them most. Weighed down by internal suspicion and the horrors revealed in the Sodden Hold, they must travel to the degenerate and perilous swamp city of Port Lusander, where their every weakness will be used against them.
There is nothing, however, that Kellik won't do to get his vengeance. With witches, assassins, and even necromancers by his side, the forces arrayed against him have no idea what they're in for....
Exacting ever greater revenge on the Family.
Yet the truths that Kellik discovered about his heritage threaten to shatter his group's bonds of trust and intimacy just when he needs them most. Weighed down by internal suspicion and the horrors revealed in the Sodden Hold, they must travel to the degenerate and perilous swamp city of Port Lusander, where their every weakness will be used against them.
There is nothing, however, that Kellik won't do to get his vengeance. With witches, assassins, and even necromancers by his side, the forces arrayed against him have no idea what they're in for....
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First published August 13, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 13, 2019
Swords Against Sexytime!
The second installment of Mike Truk's Shadow Rogue series is a romp through my favorite flavors of fantasy fiction. Truk runs, wild and roughshod, through the classic sword and sorcery of Fritz Leiber, the New Weird urban fantasy of China Mieville, the manic murder of a caffeine and cheesy-chip fueled late night session of Dungeons and Dragons, and the sensibilities and realism of Penthouse Forum.
The story begins immediately where the first left off: our hero Kellik has learned the truth of his upbringing and parentage (from a source set up by the narrative to be so unreliable that I hope more nuanced revelations await us in the future). He takes it a bit better than Luke Skywalker did, even though the news he received was worse. Alas, while he has pulled off the impossible, and found his proverbial needle of truth by diving into the middle of the metaphorical haystack that is the hive of villainy of his home city, Port Gloom, the metaphor extends, the needle is razor sharp and poisoned. Oh, and the haystack is on fire.
So, Kellik and his band of strange flee the city in a rollicking, extended chase and escape sequence. After battles over land, across the sea, through the very air, and into bowel perforations, Kellik goes on a quest to learn the darkest secrets of his ancient ancestors. Does he succeed?
Duh, of course not. This is only Book 2! He learns about himself, and the kind of man he wants to be, instead. It's these kinds of bait-and-switches that are the bread-and-butter of good storytelling. (Although this sounds like a spoiler, you won't feel spoiled by it when you read the book, I promise.)
Thus, the majority of the Book 2's story concerns Kellik arriving like an oncoming storm at a city quite different from Port Gloom, and the pandemonium that ensues from Kellik's inevitable clashes with the locals. Truk continues to deliver the impression of a fully realized world whirling around and beyond the main characters fields of view, a feat not easily achieved. I will not spoil the plot or new locale beyond saying that the chaos is resolved much to the satisfaction of the reader, if not necessarily the characters.
Unlike the hero of Truk's other ongoing (and fun as heck) series, Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum, Kellik's life does not depend on his sexing up all his girlfriends. So Truk has set himself a challenge that harem fantasy authors rarely accept: to keep the sexytime from being gratuitous and getting in the way of the plot, he has to make graphically depicted sex acts directly relevant to the emotional growth of the characters and the evolution of their relationships. I think Truk rises to the challenge admirably.
After a year reading independently published male power fantasy via Kindle Unlimited (hey, everyone needs a hobby), I have distilled three qualities that make for an exceptional read. Spoilers: Shadow Rogue Ascendant fits the bill.
First and foremost, what I look for in my favorite filth is self-awareness in the writing style. Truk does not disappoint. Even when he had a message to convey, I never felt preached at. While the melodrama was occasionally high and much scenery was chewed by villains and heroes alike, the narrative was prose eye-candy, never heavy handed.
Another sign of something special is the ability to sneak in a bit of substance in between all the sex and violence. In the Shadow Rogue series, that substance is the theme of the conflicting influences of Nature versus Nurture upon our choices and destinies. Readers are treated to a almost literal portrayal of this conflict in the relationship between Kellik, the rakish rogue with a heart not of gold, but of the bleakest, inhuman cancer, and Tamara, the divine healer who nurtures his humanity. Yet the conflict of nature versus nurture is at play almost everywhere the reader turns: it is why Tamara has been ostracized from her faith; it is the paradox that keeps the dark elf Netherys by Kellik's side. It is why other magicians call Iris a necromancer but she knows that limitation is arbitrary while remaining unaware of the perils of her pursuits. It's why Cerys can't decide what kind of person she is, and why that ambiguity just might spell doom in the next installment of the series.
And finally, the author must be a smart*ss. There are plenty of Easter eggs in Shadow Rogue Ascendant that, in my opinion, could only have been secreted by a right clever bast--er, man whose parents were never married. My absolute favorite, and in my opinion proof of Truk's absolute smart*ssery, is the inexplicable and hilarious cameo of Dogberry the night constable from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. If you know about Shakespearean comic relief characters, he will be easy to spot. And though he is never named, I am certain it's Dogberry. Why? Because Truk gave him a service dog, lest we miss how clever Truk was for treating us to a new, albeit brief, Dogberry soliloquy.
And that's exactly the sort of smart*ss I want to see writing tawdry tales of swords, sorcery, and sexytime.
The second installment of Mike Truk's Shadow Rogue series is a romp through my favorite flavors of fantasy fiction. Truk runs, wild and roughshod, through the classic sword and sorcery of Fritz Leiber, the New Weird urban fantasy of China Mieville, the manic murder of a caffeine and cheesy-chip fueled late night session of Dungeons and Dragons, and the sensibilities and realism of Penthouse Forum.
The story begins immediately where the first left off: our hero Kellik has learned the truth of his upbringing and parentage (from a source set up by the narrative to be so unreliable that I hope more nuanced revelations await us in the future). He takes it a bit better than Luke Skywalker did, even though the news he received was worse. Alas, while he has pulled off the impossible, and found his proverbial needle of truth by diving into the middle of the metaphorical haystack that is the hive of villainy of his home city, Port Gloom, the metaphor extends, the needle is razor sharp and poisoned. Oh, and the haystack is on fire.
So, Kellik and his band of strange flee the city in a rollicking, extended chase and escape sequence. After battles over land, across the sea, through the very air, and into bowel perforations, Kellik goes on a quest to learn the darkest secrets of his ancient ancestors. Does he succeed?
Duh, of course not. This is only Book 2! He learns about himself, and the kind of man he wants to be, instead. It's these kinds of bait-and-switches that are the bread-and-butter of good storytelling. (Although this sounds like a spoiler, you won't feel spoiled by it when you read the book, I promise.)
Thus, the majority of the Book 2's story concerns Kellik arriving like an oncoming storm at a city quite different from Port Gloom, and the pandemonium that ensues from Kellik's inevitable clashes with the locals. Truk continues to deliver the impression of a fully realized world whirling around and beyond the main characters fields of view, a feat not easily achieved. I will not spoil the plot or new locale beyond saying that the chaos is resolved much to the satisfaction of the reader, if not necessarily the characters.
Unlike the hero of Truk's other ongoing (and fun as heck) series, Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum, Kellik's life does not depend on his sexing up all his girlfriends. So Truk has set himself a challenge that harem fantasy authors rarely accept: to keep the sexytime from being gratuitous and getting in the way of the plot, he has to make graphically depicted sex acts directly relevant to the emotional growth of the characters and the evolution of their relationships. I think Truk rises to the challenge admirably.
After a year reading independently published male power fantasy via Kindle Unlimited (hey, everyone needs a hobby), I have distilled three qualities that make for an exceptional read. Spoilers: Shadow Rogue Ascendant fits the bill.
First and foremost, what I look for in my favorite filth is self-awareness in the writing style. Truk does not disappoint. Even when he had a message to convey, I never felt preached at. While the melodrama was occasionally high and much scenery was chewed by villains and heroes alike, the narrative was prose eye-candy, never heavy handed.
Another sign of something special is the ability to sneak in a bit of substance in between all the sex and violence. In the Shadow Rogue series, that substance is the theme of the conflicting influences of Nature versus Nurture upon our choices and destinies. Readers are treated to a almost literal portrayal of this conflict in the relationship between Kellik, the rakish rogue with a heart not of gold, but of the bleakest, inhuman cancer, and Tamara, the divine healer who nurtures his humanity. Yet the conflict of nature versus nurture is at play almost everywhere the reader turns: it is why Tamara has been ostracized from her faith; it is the paradox that keeps the dark elf Netherys by Kellik's side. It is why other magicians call Iris a necromancer but she knows that limitation is arbitrary while remaining unaware of the perils of her pursuits. It's why Cerys can't decide what kind of person she is, and why that ambiguity just might spell doom in the next installment of the series.
And finally, the author must be a smart*ss. There are plenty of Easter eggs in Shadow Rogue Ascendant that, in my opinion, could only have been secreted by a right clever bast--er, man whose parents were never married. My absolute favorite, and in my opinion proof of Truk's absolute smart*ssery, is the inexplicable and hilarious cameo of Dogberry the night constable from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. If you know about Shakespearean comic relief characters, he will be easy to spot. And though he is never named, I am certain it's Dogberry. Why? Because Truk gave him a service dog, lest we miss how clever Truk was for treating us to a new, albeit brief, Dogberry soliloquy.
And that's exactly the sort of smart*ss I want to see writing tawdry tales of swords, sorcery, and sexytime.
August 13, 2019
Perfect follow up to Shadow Rogue. Mike Truk's second installment is an astounding non-stop roller coaster ride that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Shadow Rogue Ascendant is well written with properly developed characters, the harem trope done in a mature fashion much like you would expect in a real life polyamory situation rather than teenage wish fulfillment, interactions and relationships that are natural and believable even if they don't work out the way you hope and some very epic battle sequences that you want to see in a fully fleshed out fantasy novel.
Like I said, an unforgettable ride!
I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!
Like I said, an unforgettable ride!
I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!
August 13, 2019
A Sequel that has no Equals
Get ready for a ride of your life , you will laugh, you might cry , you will probably cower in the greatness of superior beings, you will for sure gasp in shock and definitely be out of breath and begging for more by the time you finish this book, if you haven't read book 1 get it now, find a nice comfy spot and be prepared to be entertained for hours as you pull a marathon reading session
Get ready for a ride of your life , you will laugh, you might cry , you will probably cower in the greatness of superior beings, you will for sure gasp in shock and definitely be out of breath and begging for more by the time you finish this book, if you haven't read book 1 get it now, find a nice comfy spot and be prepared to be entertained for hours as you pull a marathon reading session
August 13, 2019
Awesome
I received a copy of this book as an ARC. I'm super glad I got to read in advance the continued adventures of the crew. This is a seriously gritty series that never eases off the throttle. Action packed all the way through we also get to see the evolution of our MC. I can't wait for the third novel in the series. Awesome read!!! Keep up the good work!
I received a copy of this book as an ARC. I'm super glad I got to read in advance the continued adventures of the crew. This is a seriously gritty series that never eases off the throttle. Action packed all the way through we also get to see the evolution of our MC. I can't wait for the third novel in the series. Awesome read!!! Keep up the good work!
August 13, 2019
Shadow rogue book 2 is an incredible sequel, following the increasingly chaotic adventures of Kellik and his band of extraordinaire companions.
This well written adult fantasy at its best I can not recommend this book enough, an excellent second part to this series with some great character development, you will not be disappointed in any of Mike Truk’s books.
This well written adult fantasy at its best I can not recommend this book enough, an excellent second part to this series with some great character development, you will not be disappointed in any of Mike Truk’s books.
August 13, 2019
This was an excellent continuation of the Shadow Rogue series. Kellik, his group of mercenaries and friends pick up right where they left off from book one and have new adventures and problems to solve. It was a great read and I finished reading it in one session. I highly recommend it if you enjoyed the first book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
August 14, 2019
The author does a really good job of creating an interesting world that draws you. The characters are complex and filled with their own motives that while frustrating at times makes sense from that characters perspective or history. I love the relationships that he builds and can't wait to see what he does next.
January 22, 2020
An excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of this story. It had me hooked right from the start. The depth of the characters and the world being built are awesome. I can’t wait to see where their adventures take them next.
August 14, 2019
Kellik continues to amaze!
This is a great addition to the series. It does well on expanding the world and development of each character. Can’t wait for the next addition to the series and to see how Kellik grows into his power.
This is a great addition to the series. It does well on expanding the world and development of each character. Can’t wait for the next addition to the series and to see how Kellik grows into his power.
August 14, 2019
Where’s book 3
I love this series it’s the shit.Action,strong emotional characters, sexy deadly ladies,treachery and treasure.This is a book you sit down with a good strong drink to relax and enjoy the hell out of.
I love this series it’s the shit.Action,strong emotional characters, sexy deadly ladies,treachery and treasure.This is a book you sit down with a good strong drink to relax and enjoy the hell out of.
August 19, 2019
So Goooood
I love this story and I can’t wait for more. The revelations and their aftermath have been amazing and the action and ... “action” scenes were great. Looking forward to the next book.
I love this story and I can’t wait for more. The revelations and their aftermath have been amazing and the action and ... “action” scenes were great. Looking forward to the next book.
August 19, 2019
Awesome series
This is a good book. You should read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. Can’t get enough. Love the magic and the developing characters.
This is a good book. You should read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. Can’t get enough. Love the magic and the developing characters.
August 19, 2019
Just read it already.
Marvelous story telling. Really liked the crescendo of an ending. If you like your fantasy gritty and real with hidden depths you’ve got to read this.
Marvelous story telling. Really liked the crescendo of an ending. If you like your fantasy gritty and real with hidden depths you’ve got to read this.
August 21, 2019
Is the question every Mike Truk fan is asking right now.
Fan's who love his detailed and lusciously described worlds.
Fan's who demand more from, not only the protagonists and his companions, there banter and growth, but from their enemies and everyone in between.
In Shadow Rogue Ascendant, we pick up directly from book one and the foot doesn't leave the peddle until the very end. Despite that, despite all the action and swashbuckling violence, most of the book's charm comes from those in-between times, from the times when violence is merely an idea. When the protagonist is staring down at his foe in a ballroom, or a tavern, without a sword or any obvious weapon to his name.
Where lesser authors would ignore interactions in favour of plot points and story beats they'd need to hit, Mike allows there characters to react honestly, and then he runs with it.
This story is an easy one to recommend but a hard one to stratify. Yes, it contains the typical grimdark violence and detailed sex scenes classic to Mike Truk novels. It has harem elements and roguish anti-heroes for main characters. Where the good are either corrupt or implacable antagonists, and the bad are truely evil retches. And while magic continues to be wonderous and enigmatic, you get a sense of what is and isn't possible without the sense of deus ex machina many resort to at the last. And yet, this is a light, fun, enjoyable novel that somehow manages to avoid getting bogged down in its own grimness. A remarkable balance making this one of my favourite tales listened to this year!
Meanwhile, Ryan Wests narration continues to be excellent, injecting character and drama to proses and dialogue alike. At times I did struggle to tell apart some of the female characters, but this is no more an issue here than with almost all solo narrator audio tales.
Fan's who love his detailed and lusciously described worlds.
Fan's who demand more from, not only the protagonists and his companions, there banter and growth, but from their enemies and everyone in between.
In Shadow Rogue Ascendant, we pick up directly from book one and the foot doesn't leave the peddle until the very end. Despite that, despite all the action and swashbuckling violence, most of the book's charm comes from those in-between times, from the times when violence is merely an idea. When the protagonist is staring down at his foe in a ballroom, or a tavern, without a sword or any obvious weapon to his name.
Where lesser authors would ignore interactions in favour of plot points and story beats they'd need to hit, Mike allows there characters to react honestly, and then he runs with it.
This story is an easy one to recommend but a hard one to stratify. Yes, it contains the typical grimdark violence and detailed sex scenes classic to Mike Truk novels. It has harem elements and roguish anti-heroes for main characters. Where the good are either corrupt or implacable antagonists, and the bad are truely evil retches. And while magic continues to be wonderous and enigmatic, you get a sense of what is and isn't possible without the sense of deus ex machina many resort to at the last. And yet, this is a light, fun, enjoyable novel that somehow manages to avoid getting bogged down in its own grimness. A remarkable balance making this one of my favourite tales listened to this year!
Meanwhile, Ryan Wests narration continues to be excellent, injecting character and drama to proses and dialogue alike. At times I did struggle to tell apart some of the female characters, but this is no more an issue here than with almost all solo narrator audio tales.
August 13, 2019
This is the sequel to Rise of the Shadow Rogue. I must say that I have never read a harem fantasy quite like Mr Truk’s. He has managed to do what few mainstream authors mange to do and that is to write a great book that has all the components a reader wants! He has a solid plot, great character building, realistic worlds, and the mechanics behind his fictional abilities is solid to the point you start wondering if you could do these things yourself. This book is for adults since it has detailed sex scenes and Mr Truk makes you think while reading his books. The literary capabilities of Mr Truk outstrip my own and I find myself researching words he uses and the words he uses fit beautifully and sound amazing so be prepared to use your brain. All around I’d say we have a future Robert Jordan on our hands with his massive world building and such detailed and realistic writing you’ll find yourself wanting to visit these locations in his books. So buckle up folks you in for one hell of a ride!
August 22, 2019
So far I'm really liking this series. Kellik's struggle to walk the line between pragmatically and apocalyptically vengeful continues to challenge him and the group dynamics. Honestly, regeneration or not he should have been killed at least a dozen times before the halfway point of this book with his reckless lashing out at everything he doesn't like and starting shit at every opportunity.
That I think will have to be moderated as the series continues, as my suspension of disbelief regarding his survivability is being sorely tested. The deus-ex-machina-ish OP evolution of one of his team in this episode must be managed too; this is possibly more important for story balance. Hoist that aboard, Mr. Truk, and onward to book 3!
That I think will have to be moderated as the series continues, as my suspension of disbelief regarding his survivability is being sorely tested. The deus-ex-machina-ish OP evolution of one of his team in this episode must be managed too; this is possibly more important for story balance. Hoist that aboard, Mr. Truk, and onward to book 3!
September 8, 2019
Fun but very fast
Again the pace almost demands plot weaknesses and gold falling from the heavens. So both appear with total predictability, which isn't helped by the additional sex scenes and thins out, already thin characters.
It's weird but the writing is almost good enough to paper over the major cracks in the wall. All in all, still fun but not sure that I have another book in me. I might try it but the harem, endless gold and the MC's ability to talk everyone around to his desires is maybe getting a tad stale.
Again the pace almost demands plot weaknesses and gold falling from the heavens. So both appear with total predictability, which isn't helped by the additional sex scenes and thins out, already thin characters.
It's weird but the writing is almost good enough to paper over the major cracks in the wall. All in all, still fun but not sure that I have another book in me. I might try it but the harem, endless gold and the MC's ability to talk everyone around to his desires is maybe getting a tad stale.
August 23, 2019
Mike Truk's follow up to Shadow Rogue is worth the wait. It starts right where Kellick and team left off at the end of Shadow Rogue. After a hasty leave of town and on the the next port and next set of troubles. Which quick to start. This book has action, excitement, girls and a war troll. What more can you ask for. Unless it is a fish woman?
September 3, 2019
Brilliant!
This is tirning into a truly great piece of work, a well rounded gtoup of charahters that fit nicely into avwell crafted world. The plot is well thought out and leaves you turning page after page to see what happens next! Can not wait for book 3
Everybody should have a War Troll!
This is tirning into a truly great piece of work, a well rounded gtoup of charahters that fit nicely into avwell crafted world. The plot is well thought out and leaves you turning page after page to see what happens next! Can not wait for book 3
Everybody should have a War Troll!
August 18, 2019
Great story!
Story and characters are great. Action packed. Had me wondering for a while if there would be a group at the end of the book but it all came together at the end. Waiting for the next one.
Story and characters are great. Action packed. Had me wondering for a while if there would be a group at the end of the book but it all came together at the end. Waiting for the next one.
September 28, 2019
Great second book.
I loved every word. It was as full of everything you can hope for in a fantasy book. I enjoyed all of the characters and plot. It was so full of suspense and action and could barely stop reading it. There wasn't anything to dislike. Can't wait for the follow up.
I loved every word. It was as full of everything you can hope for in a fantasy book. I enjoyed all of the characters and plot. It was so full of suspense and action and could barely stop reading it. There wasn't anything to dislike. Can't wait for the follow up.
October 14, 2019
A dark adventure.
This book was good to read but it has a very dark undertone to it. The MC is very interesting and enjoyable to watch grow. The pacing was good and I enjoyed the fight scene on the boat a lot.
This book was good to read but it has a very dark undertone to it. The MC is very interesting and enjoyable to watch grow. The pacing was good and I enjoyed the fight scene on the boat a lot.
October 12, 2019
It only gets better!!!
Mike is a masterful storyteller and this second installment of the series. I can't wait to see what's happening next!!!
Mike is a masterful storyteller and this second installment of the series. I can't wait to see what's happening next!!!
September 20, 2019
good read
March 1, 2020
I was introduced to the work o Mike by Shadow Rogue. Ever since then I've been reading everything this man writes. I just love his style. But no matter how great his works are, I allways go back to Shadow Rogue, and Ascendant is no diferent. I just love everything about this story. From the characters and theyre development, to the relationship evolution, even the mythology within this world. Everything is crafted like a piece of art. It as been a work i have been recomending to people I know.
So, you want ACTION? Great SEX APPEAL? You want the kind of book you only drop because you have to go to work or you will be late? Then I would recomend Shadow Rogue Ascendent.
Sit back, relax, enjoy this adventure full of wonder, excitment and hot, HOT WOMEN.
And by the hangman God raging cock..... you will not be disapointed.
So, you want ACTION? Great SEX APPEAL? You want the kind of book you only drop because you have to go to work or you will be late? Then I would recomend Shadow Rogue Ascendent.
Sit back, relax, enjoy this adventure full of wonder, excitment and hot, HOT WOMEN.
And by the hangman God raging cock..... you will not be disapointed.
Read
July 31, 2020It’s 2nd novel in a sub-genre of fantasy that I call soft-core fantasy porn. The protagonist had sexual relationships with several women who each possessed magical abilities. Each women’s abilities and looks were very different when compared to the other’s. Of course, they were all beautiful! Since I read all three novels in the Shadow Rogue series, I can’t really complain. The books were purchased through Amazon and were whisper-synced!
All three books were a nice change of pace when compared to what I normally read and I will probably read/listen to more books by the author in the future.
All three books were a nice change of pace when compared to what I normally read and I will probably read/listen to more books by the author in the future.
December 1, 2020
Awesome story as usual but my only gripe is that i feel like some of the characters such as Ceres didn't really stay true to their character. The way how she was constantly saying she couldn't trust the MC felt a bit unrealistic to me. Also she seemed to have some kind of aversion to killing people which I also found odd for a "trained" assassin.
February 21, 2020
Characters you want to punch in the mouth
Whenever I come across a book that at some point makes we want to smack one of more of the characters I have to give the author due credit for bringing me far enough into the story that I feel a visceral connection to the characters.
Whenever I come across a book that at some point makes we want to smack one of more of the characters I have to give the author due credit for bringing me far enough into the story that I feel a visceral connection to the characters.
August 18, 2020
Smashed it out of the park again
Omg, this sequel has everything. Great gallows humour, fantastic new characters and - seriously did you really say "mamma maggie" ??? Can't wait for book 3, well done buddy
Omg, this sequel has everything. Great gallows humour, fantastic new characters and - seriously did you really say "mamma maggie" ??? Can't wait for book 3, well done buddy
June 5, 2020
Great fantasy
Great plot and enjoyable characters, second book in the series and can't wait for more instalments, fantastic, highly recommended. Many thanks
Great plot and enjoyable characters, second book in the series and can't wait for more instalments, fantastic, highly recommended. Many thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews