A powerful wizard working behind the scenes. The true power behind the throne.
A bastard son trying to get a birthright to challenge the status quo.
A dungeon that can provide the status he needs to challenge the next heir... and the wizard.
Armed guards who don't plan on the bastard making it back.
Enter Skharr DeathEater into this story. A Barbarian in the wrong bar at the right time to stop an assassination attempt.
The young prince hires Skharr to protect him, and Skharr figures he has nothing better to do.
Nothing better than to stop hired assassins, a dangerous dungeon run he wasn't planning on joining and perhaps meeting the ultimate creature feared by anyone with any sense.
A Dragon.
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The Defender is the third novel in the Skharr DeathEater series by Michael Anderle.
This edition has to be my favorite in Skharr DeathEater’s story. I truly enjoyed the addition of Tryam, the contender for the empiric throne. It’s the most we’ve had chance to experience Skharr’s philosophical side or witnessed, at great length, how knowledgeable and intelligent he is. I think Skharr and Horse gained another brother in these pages.
Another pop-up of Theros/ the old man with the donkey. Apparently there should be a paladin on sabbatical appearing soon, and I honestly can’t wait to see what tomfoolery comes about when this ‘holy person’ meets our infamous barbarian.
I’m assuming Skharr gave Horse the longevity charm at the end of the book there, so that he could experience a more youthful state and continue to adventure at his brothers side. All this talk of mares and a safe home or retirement for Horse, has me questioning whether Skharr will meet a lady to retire for. (Girly of me I know.)
Skharr still travels such an uncharted path, that is a little incongruous with my usual appetite in literature. I like at least an outline or goal set forth, more times than not. When in this series case he fairly literally goes where the wind blows. Which is probably a downside to a wide margin of readers I suspect. But, nonetheless, within the realm of (almost but not quite LitRPG) Fantasy and the attached adoring audience this book is fairly intriguing.
Skharr is such a convoluted juxtaposition of the perceived man, and the mystery of his truth. I honestly wish we knew more about his past. It’s only been defined as: fought many wars, came from The Clan, true DeathEater, civilized barbarian. This book offered a mere peak into what shaped the man we’ve come to know in these three books, but yet so much more is left untold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profanity laden, lazy dialog, modest advancement of plot.
Anyone who has read Anderle books understands that he values volume over quality. These books have never failed to entertain me, but on occasion they fall to a level that is difficult to recommend. In this third book around Skharr the curses flow at a much higher volume than the previous. I am not so sensitive to foul language that it puts me off, if it fits the character. In this case it is used as filler for virtually all characters with little distinction to the individual speaking. There is poor use of unique voices for divergent characters from vastly different cultures. This I believe is plain laziness, and a timid editor who accepts poor product when further refinement is in order. Anderle needs to tighten up his craft.
In the end the book is OK nothing awesome, but not awful. The pity is that I have read much better work from this group.
Kingmaker sounds better than Emperor maker but is unfortunately incorrect so I can’t use it. However, from what we are learning about Skharr, that could well be in his past. Once again we see him fighting his way through orcs, goblins, bandits and Imperial Élites, although he knows when to run too! This time he has a princeling to guard and guide through a test of his metal. Skharr is a character that is larger than life and I can’t wait to see what lies in wait for us in book 4. Thank the gods for the talent given to Michael Anderle that he is able to entertain us so thoroughly.
If any clue about how engrossing this book was I started it this morning and finished it in the same day excellent read
I'm in a number of groups on Facebook talking about fantasy and science fiction books and I read a lot of books this series has been so fun can't wait to get into book number four taking back to how I had wished the writing was better on the old Conan books where we have a barbarian facing impossible circumstances but coming through them this character is more believable in my opinion and funner to read well written the only sadness will be when I hit the last book
I love the series so far. I think every red blooded male fantasized about being someone like our hero of these stories as a kid. This story went on a lil different direction and was well done. Dropping a bit of backstory and hunting at the age and last adventures was a nice touch. Even hinted at Skharr being a prince. Can't wait to start next book but I'm sure it'll be great like most everything Mr. Anderle publishes. Well done and keep this series rolling please!
Ah, the theme continues. The High god Janus is an ass
Somewhere in the world there exists a god, Janus, and he is an ass Skharr has told us so. The Romans believed in a two faced deity, also Janus, who looked forward and behind him. Perhaps he was an ass also, but all gods are known to be capricious. Heroes are allowed to be constant, even a Barbarian. Powerful and stubborn, Skharr chooses his own path, or does he? Anyway this book is a great read.
Skharr is living up to destinys call while seemingly wandering the land doing his mercenary duties and this story in particular seems to show that the gods have more in store for the legend of Skarr the DeathEater. Throughly enjoying this series and hopefully this has a lot more stories to follow.
Skharr gets out of the city in this one, so we get to visualize what more of this story looks like. Unfortunately, it looks like a desert - there's not really anything in the desert to look at. Sand, dunes, scrub brush ...brown, brown, brown...
We meet some new people and get a glimpse at Skharr's past...for just a moment.
LOL Michael does it again. Fantastic read and another great adventure for Skharr our favorite Deatheater. I can't wait to see what happens next. And as always the authors notes are enlightening. Keep up the good work Mr Anderle
Thanks for a great story , complete with action , adventure and well developed characters. I was especially pleased to see a certain four legged character return. Looking forward to book four.
This book is different to the first two in that there are two main characters, a barbarian and a future king. The escapades that they have to go through bring them together, I hope they meet again further down the road.
I am so loving this series! The action the humour and the philosophy are all top notch. What is a mystery though is if the viceroy didn't want the Prince to come back a leader why send him on a real challenge? Anyway next one please!
I'm sure you've heard it before - I can't wait till the next one! In this story, we see the MC through the eyes of the prince threaded throughout most of the story. I liked the conversations Skharr and the Prince had, and the lessons both learned. I especially enjoyed their entrance to the dungeon!
Skharr saves a prince (are potential emperors princes?) from an assassin hired by his own bodyguard at the best of his father's regent saves protects him own his quest to be recognized as the rightful heir.
There Skharr was in a bar minding his own business, when an assassin tried to knife a guy in the back. So of course Skharr had to stop him. The guy turns out to be a prince who a number of people want to kill. What a mess!
I always enjoy Michael's books and ths Skharr books are no different. That said book 3 is the best of the series to date. The world us engrossing and Skharr and his Horse are characters I enjoy reading, and re-reading.
This is really a great series. Good action, fun plot, decent relationships, and the dungeon drives are a lot of fun to read. Looking forward to the fourth book!
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?