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Benson
It has been two hundred years since the starships stopped returning, the dead rose, and the Dark emerged to claim men’s souls. Much has been lost, and much hangs in the balance, but there are still men who will rage against the encroachment of evil.In the front lines of this struggle are the indefatigable Benson and the absent-minded genius Inquisitor he serves. The pair, pugnacious ex-Royal Marine and intellectual priest, aided by a BAR-loving Gurkha and a nonconformist porter, must track down a dark cult before the heretics can complete a terrible plan.Set in an Empire struggling with social, cultural, and political issues, the investigation takes the group far and wide, from company towns to abandoned rail tunnels to desperate violence done in night-shrouded woods.Benson is the twenty-third novel by RW Krpoun, whose credits include the Ebon Blades and Phantom Badger series, and the Dream Trilogy.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2021
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 21, 2022
Benson is a story set in a former planetary vacation resort abandoned for no known reason by interstellar travel. It went into it's own dark ages and emerges now again as a sort of quasi-british industrialization age society, complete with king-like ruler, church, and a class based society and the turmoil that brings.
The titular character, Benson, is porter, which is a mixture of butler and bodyguard to an Inquisitor. The inquisitors are a mixture of detective and exorcist tasked with hunting demon-worshipping cults, with demons being an actual thing. When Benson's inquisitor finds hints of a cult in a remote village, things get quickly out of hand and Benson and some of his porter colleagues have to thwart the machinations of the vile cult on their own for a while.
This is a rather peculiar little mixture of occult detective story and post-sci-fi industrial setting, with a lot of gun-toting action thrown in. It rolls along quite nicely through several major story segments, but that segmentation also steals a bit of the thunder of the climax. There's also an unneccessary amount of plain exposition - worldbuilding bits the characters could just as easily have discussed amongst themselves to further characterize them - but these parts are quickly dealt with and don't impede the plot very much.
Aside from these two minor criticisms, I enjoyed reading this very much. It's an interesting premise and manages to use the setpieces with just the right depth to add to the story, but without getting in the way of the pacing. The characters are engaging (especially the handful of porters this book focuses on) and play well off each other.
The titular character, Benson, is porter, which is a mixture of butler and bodyguard to an Inquisitor. The inquisitors are a mixture of detective and exorcist tasked with hunting demon-worshipping cults, with demons being an actual thing. When Benson's inquisitor finds hints of a cult in a remote village, things get quickly out of hand and Benson and some of his porter colleagues have to thwart the machinations of the vile cult on their own for a while.
This is a rather peculiar little mixture of occult detective story and post-sci-fi industrial setting, with a lot of gun-toting action thrown in. It rolls along quite nicely through several major story segments, but that segmentation also steals a bit of the thunder of the climax. There's also an unneccessary amount of plain exposition - worldbuilding bits the characters could just as easily have discussed amongst themselves to further characterize them - but these parts are quickly dealt with and don't impede the plot very much.
Aside from these two minor criticisms, I enjoyed reading this very much. It's an interesting premise and manages to use the setpieces with just the right depth to add to the story, but without getting in the way of the pacing. The characters are engaging (especially the handful of porters this book focuses on) and play well off each other.
September 16, 2024
A very interesting setting for this story
Benson is a Porter, a kind of assistant and minder for a man he calls the Gaffer. Together, and with a few other porters, they investigate occult issues plaguing the Empire.its difficult to explain much more than that without spoilers, but this tale is told from Benson's point of view, and he has spent ten years as a Porter. A wonderful story, with a very British feel, fish and chips, bowler hats, .45 Adams revolvers, doing things the proper way, and a cup of tea after bloody mayhem involving cultists, 'deaders,' and life as a member of the Sacred order of Porters.
Benson is a Porter, a kind of assistant and minder for a man he calls the Gaffer. Together, and with a few other porters, they investigate occult issues plaguing the Empire.its difficult to explain much more than that without spoilers, but this tale is told from Benson's point of view, and he has spent ten years as a Porter. A wonderful story, with a very British feel, fish and chips, bowler hats, .45 Adams revolvers, doing things the proper way, and a cup of tea after bloody mayhem involving cultists, 'deaders,' and life as a member of the Sacred order of Porters.
May 2, 2021
Refreshing and interesting
This is a change of pace for the author. I’ve read his prior works, and I liked them. Gritty realism within a fantasy world. Here he has kept the gritty realism but it has matured. I particularly liked the setting, and the very real and coherent culture. I particularly liked our protagonist. Relatable. Especially for those of us who are not super young anymore.
I hope that the author continues with this or similar stories.
This is a change of pace for the author. I’ve read his prior works, and I liked them. Gritty realism within a fantasy world. Here he has kept the gritty realism but it has matured. I particularly liked the setting, and the very real and coherent culture. I particularly liked our protagonist. Relatable. Especially for those of us who are not super young anymore.
I hope that the author continues with this or similar stories.
January 14, 2022
Another good story by RW Krpoun,
I am truly thankful to have found this author , RW writes strong independent tales all of which beg to be continued in longer series, in my opinion. Detailed, in depth analysis, attention grabbing and the authors ability to grab and hold attention, all neatly wrapped up and delivered in succinct, powerful stories. Well done, RW, well done. Onto the next!
I am truly thankful to have found this author , RW writes strong independent tales all of which beg to be continued in longer series, in my opinion. Detailed, in depth analysis, attention grabbing and the authors ability to grab and hold attention, all neatly wrapped up and delivered in succinct, powerful stories. Well done, RW, well done. Onto the next!
May 3, 2021
Grim, Violent
A book of Conflict with a dash of Mystery and a slug of character. The equipment and culture are a strange blend of 20th and 19th centuries with an eastern Europe seasoning, ostensibly in a post sci-fi setting.
There are a lot of rough edges, and holes the story can become lost in, but the action is furious and frequent. Recommended.
A book of Conflict with a dash of Mystery and a slug of character. The equipment and culture are a strange blend of 20th and 19th centuries with an eastern Europe seasoning, ostensibly in a post sci-fi setting.
There are a lot of rough edges, and holes the story can become lost in, but the action is furious and frequent. Recommended.
October 7, 2021
Good history SF
It’s science fiction but not as you know it, Jim.
Situated on another planet that has fallen back to the 1940’s after the starships stopped coming, this is the tale of how mankind is fighting against the darkness, in a literal sense, as this darkness creates zombies.
It’s science fiction but not as you know it, Jim.
Situated on another planet that has fallen back to the 1940’s after the starships stopped coming, this is the tale of how mankind is fighting against the darkness, in a literal sense, as this darkness creates zombies.
May 12, 2022
Great book
While this hook has some strong similarities to the Grog series, it more than stands on its own. Excellent dialog, solid characters and action that makes me belive the author has put in his time on the two way range. If you like a different, thought provoking setting and an intriguing plot, this is for you.
While this hook has some strong similarities to the Grog series, it more than stands on its own. Excellent dialog, solid characters and action that makes me belive the author has put in his time on the two way range. If you like a different, thought provoking setting and an intriguing plot, this is for you.
March 1, 2023
Very nice!
Characters are always awesome. They become like the best storyteller at the neighborhood bar. Entertaining, smooth talking, snarky, gritty, sarcastic, but always real and fast to become one of the family. Story lines are fast paced, full of suspense and fighting. Benson is not too different from John Constantine. Should definitely make him into a series!
Characters are always awesome. They become like the best storyteller at the neighborhood bar. Entertaining, smooth talking, snarky, gritty, sarcastic, but always real and fast to become one of the family. Story lines are fast paced, full of suspense and fighting. Benson is not too different from John Constantine. Should definitely make him into a series!
March 20, 2021
Different, but good.
This is a departure from his previous works, but the winning formula is still the same: a compelling main character, a plot that pulls you into the story, and great action scenes.
This is a departure from his previous works, but the winning formula is still the same: a compelling main character, a plot that pulls you into the story, and great action scenes.
March 31, 2021
An interesting digression
A thrilling story about a working class hero saving humanity from dark forces one Thompson magazine at a time. Interesting world building idea that I'm hoping will be explored deeper in the sequel.
A thrilling story about a working class hero saving humanity from dark forces one Thompson magazine at a time. Interesting world building idea that I'm hoping will be explored deeper in the sequel.
June 17, 2021
Avery good reag
Benson was a very enjoyable read. I love these type of characters. People who care less about praise and having their opinions heard then getting the job done. Would definitely recommend.
Benson was a very enjoyable read. I love these type of characters. People who care less about praise and having their opinions heard then getting the job done. Would definitely recommend.
August 3, 2022
Another great RW hero
Benson is another relatable hard man in a hard spot, doing what needs doing, to the end of necessary. Great world building, slowly introduced and smoothly integrated into the story.
Benson is another relatable hard man in a hard spot, doing what needs doing, to the end of necessary. Great world building, slowly introduced and smoothly integrated into the story.
June 11, 2024
Different, amazing, ready for #2
Benson's world is a complex and wonderful dark place. He knows his place in the battle against evil, knows his violent craft, and leads when he must. A fantastic story and set up for (hopefully) a series to come.
Benson's world is a complex and wonderful dark place. He knows his place in the battle against evil, knows his violent craft, and leads when he must. A fantastic story and set up for (hopefully) a series to come.
November 7, 2023
Very different
Really liked the story with the back story that was provided, like the concept ,would definitely read the second book if there is one
Really liked the story with the back story that was provided, like the concept ,would definitely read the second book if there is one
October 26, 2024
Benson
Loved the book and loved the characters.If there is more Benson coming O will n watching and ready to read his next adventure.
Loved the book and loved the characters.If there is more Benson coming O will n watching and ready to read his next adventure.
January 2, 2025
Benson
Benson was a very enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the story was great, also. Hopefully this will be the start to a long series.
Benson was a very enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the story was great, also. Hopefully this will be the start to a long series.
April 22, 2021
Murder Porters
I love the period fantasy stories. Imagine the industrial Revolution in space - with Zombies. Exactly! Usually these stories while great in thought aren’t written to match the scope. But here that is different. The writing is even better then you would think. My only wish when reading any RW Krpoun book is that he would improve his cover art. The covers never matches his books! As a follower of his writing I know better but I wish he would think of other prospective readers that are definitely judging him for that. And thus missing out.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: As Churchmen we rely upon the good that exists in all men. And automatic weapons.
I love the period fantasy stories. Imagine the industrial Revolution in space - with Zombies. Exactly! Usually these stories while great in thought aren’t written to match the scope. But here that is different. The writing is even better then you would think. My only wish when reading any RW Krpoun book is that he would improve his cover art. The covers never matches his books! As a follower of his writing I know better but I wish he would think of other prospective readers that are definitely judging him for that. And thus missing out.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 2/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: As Churchmen we rely upon the good that exists in all men. And automatic weapons.
November 1, 2021
good fun
Similar character recipe as the Grog series, which I also liked. Straightforward but very entertaining. I would be happy to read a sequel, but it is a complete story in itself. Made laugh out loud at times.
Similar character recipe as the Grog series, which I also liked. Straightforward but very entertaining. I would be happy to read a sequel, but it is a complete story in itself. Made laugh out loud at times.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews