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Argent Blade: Plague Carrier
Against all odds, the Knights of the Argent Blade have triumphed against an impossibly powerful demon and saved London from being the epicentre of the apocalypse. Now, they'd like nothing more than to lick their wounds, grieve for their fallen and have a little time to recuperate.
But they aren't going to have that luxury. An ancient and powerful enemy, one that has been around almost as long as the Order itself, is stepping out of the shadows. They intend to create a devastating plague that will rip apart the barrier separating this world from What Lies Beyond and allow their unholy master and his progeny to lay waste to humanity, To make matters worse, when the Order needs unity more than ever, secrets from the past resurface that threaten to tear them apart.
As Lucy, Gillian, Charles and their fellow Knights struggle to work together and find a way to protect an asset that could be their best hope in the war to come, can they put their grievances to rest before the Blighted Brothers unleash untold death and destruction upon mankind?
But they aren't going to have that luxury. An ancient and powerful enemy, one that has been around almost as long as the Order itself, is stepping out of the shadows. They intend to create a devastating plague that will rip apart the barrier separating this world from What Lies Beyond and allow their unholy master and his progeny to lay waste to humanity, To make matters worse, when the Order needs unity more than ever, secrets from the past resurface that threaten to tear them apart.
As Lucy, Gillian, Charles and their fellow Knights struggle to work together and find a way to protect an asset that could be their best hope in the war to come, can they put their grievances to rest before the Blighted Brothers unleash untold death and destruction upon mankind?
294 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2021
9 people want to read
About the author
Luke Courtney
5 books48 followersWho am I? My name is Luke Courtney, I’m a 33 year old Briton who by day works in a little military museum in London, and by night, works on writing an array of stories that I push myself towards getting finished and published.
Writing and story-telling has been a passion of mine since childhood; I was surrounded by books and stories at home, so I grew up on stories from Greek and Celtic mythology. I came to love reading tales of knights and heroes rescuing princesses from monsters and fighting evil tyrants to save the world, as well as making up ones of my own.
That love carried on when I was in school, but the real impetus for me to start writing properly came in 2010/2011, not long after I left university. One of my first jobs was working in a second-hand bookshop, and after handling and flicking through so many works of fiction, some better than others, I started thinking, surely I could write a story of my own and get it out there, and maybe get some readers as enthralled by my work as my favourite authors did to me.
I'm currently working on my two fantasy series of novels, the Phoenix Saga and the Argent Blade novels, as well as another high fantasy story that's been rattling around in my head for a while, The Girl Who Sings To Dragon (which is part of a long held desire of mine to write something involving werewolves- an interesting fact regarding my writing is that the protagonists of my novels tend to start out as werewolves, in the initial stages of my writing, only to change into something else. The protagonists of my Argent Blade novels went from being werewolves to vampires to the demon hunters they are in the completed story!)
Besides writing, my other interests include reading, painting, running, archaeology and palaeontology (both of which have been big inspirations) and a bit of gaming.
Check out my writing Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/lc90authorhub/, for more information on what I'm up to!
Writing and story-telling has been a passion of mine since childhood; I was surrounded by books and stories at home, so I grew up on stories from Greek and Celtic mythology. I came to love reading tales of knights and heroes rescuing princesses from monsters and fighting evil tyrants to save the world, as well as making up ones of my own.
That love carried on when I was in school, but the real impetus for me to start writing properly came in 2010/2011, not long after I left university. One of my first jobs was working in a second-hand bookshop, and after handling and flicking through so many works of fiction, some better than others, I started thinking, surely I could write a story of my own and get it out there, and maybe get some readers as enthralled by my work as my favourite authors did to me.
I'm currently working on my two fantasy series of novels, the Phoenix Saga and the Argent Blade novels, as well as another high fantasy story that's been rattling around in my head for a while, The Girl Who Sings To Dragon (which is part of a long held desire of mine to write something involving werewolves- an interesting fact regarding my writing is that the protagonists of my novels tend to start out as werewolves, in the initial stages of my writing, only to change into something else. The protagonists of my Argent Blade novels went from being werewolves to vampires to the demon hunters they are in the completed story!)
Besides writing, my other interests include reading, painting, running, archaeology and palaeontology (both of which have been big inspirations) and a bit of gaming.
Check out my writing Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/lc90authorhub/, for more information on what I'm up to!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 31, 2021
Hoping for a reprieve after a fierce battle for the world, the Knights of the Argent Blade are once again thrust into a clash against the demonic and undead forces of What Lies Beyond. Fighting new enemies of old and old enemies that won’t die, the Knights must swallow grief and pride if they want to stop a disgusting infestation from plaguing the Earth.
This second installation to the first Argent Blade picks up right where the first left off and continues the action-packed, demon-slaying, urban fantasy tale with some new creepy crawlies. Literally. Courtney is once again a master of description and had my skin crawling just like the nasties in this novel. There was rarely a moment I put this book down unless forced to, as each chapter had me flipping pages in anticipation to learn what was going to happen next and how the team was going to get out of this one.
Edmund became my favorite character, and the flashbacks, which the author weaves in beautifully, were my favorite parts. Even as someone who grew up in the Christian religion, I loved the mythology and lore Courtney weaves into the story and how it’s used to explain certain parts of history, even Jesus!
This book is a perfect sequel and set up for the next in the series, as it wraps up some things while leaving other aspects open. The lore that is set up is bursting with potential, I cannot wait to see what is in store for the Order of the Argent Blade and the world in the next installation.
This is one hell of a Halloween tale.
This second installation to the first Argent Blade picks up right where the first left off and continues the action-packed, demon-slaying, urban fantasy tale with some new creepy crawlies. Literally. Courtney is once again a master of description and had my skin crawling just like the nasties in this novel. There was rarely a moment I put this book down unless forced to, as each chapter had me flipping pages in anticipation to learn what was going to happen next and how the team was going to get out of this one.
Edmund became my favorite character, and the flashbacks, which the author weaves in beautifully, were my favorite parts. Even as someone who grew up in the Christian religion, I loved the mythology and lore Courtney weaves into the story and how it’s used to explain certain parts of history, even Jesus!
This book is a perfect sequel and set up for the next in the series, as it wraps up some things while leaving other aspects open. The lore that is set up is bursting with potential, I cannot wait to see what is in store for the Order of the Argent Blade and the world in the next installation.
This is one hell of a Halloween tale.
November 14, 2021
Argent Blade: Plague Carrier follows Lucy, Gillian, and the rest of the Knights directly following events in the last book. Tensions rise within the ranks as evil once again stirs.
Given the glorious CARNAGE of events that occurred in the first book (I'm still not over that absolutely epic finale), I was curious to see which direction Courtney would take during its sequel, and it's safe to say Plague Carrier stands at the same level. Plague Carrier throws us right in with rich descriptions, lore, and engaging characters (I need a book totally revolving around Edmund tbh XD). I am a massive fan of Courtney's epic worldbuilding skills, and Plague Carrier did not disappoint. Like the first book in the series, Courtney expertly weaves fantasy with historical events, and a good portion of myth too. It's a blend which works splendidly and adds some startling realism to the fantasy.
But my absolute favourite part of Plague Carrier are the descriptions of environments and monsters. The level of detail is astounding and I don't think I've cringed, squirmed or "eww'd" so much when reading a book. Gloriously gory, the descriptions here are hard to beat, and kept me frantically turning the page wondering what on earth our heroes would be (literally) stepping into next.
Overall, a great read, and I'm already craving the next book.
Given the glorious CARNAGE of events that occurred in the first book (I'm still not over that absolutely epic finale), I was curious to see which direction Courtney would take during its sequel, and it's safe to say Plague Carrier stands at the same level. Plague Carrier throws us right in with rich descriptions, lore, and engaging characters (I need a book totally revolving around Edmund tbh XD). I am a massive fan of Courtney's epic worldbuilding skills, and Plague Carrier did not disappoint. Like the first book in the series, Courtney expertly weaves fantasy with historical events, and a good portion of myth too. It's a blend which works splendidly and adds some startling realism to the fantasy.
But my absolute favourite part of Plague Carrier are the descriptions of environments and monsters. The level of detail is astounding and I don't think I've cringed, squirmed or "eww'd" so much when reading a book. Gloriously gory, the descriptions here are hard to beat, and kept me frantically turning the page wondering what on earth our heroes would be (literally) stepping into next.
Overall, a great read, and I'm already craving the next book.
December 16, 2021
'If I must choose between one form of damnation or another, I will take the one that lets me live.'
I absolutely relished the viciousness of this novel, which starts from the very first page. In classic Courtney style, the descriptions will have you completely immersed in the story. Gory and action-packed, I found myself torn between grinning and wincing between the ups and downs of this wild rollercoaster of a read.
Perhaps an odd comparison, but as someone who loved the Animorphs series as a child, this felt like a natural successor for older eyes! Like a supernatural Bourne or Bond series, I loved how the novel is so international, and how religion, history and mythology are adapted and woven into the worldbuilding.
I really loved Lucy and Gillian as a couple, and I think Edmund the noble vampire might have stolen my heart. And that ending... I can promise, if you enjoyed the first book in the Argent Blade series, you will absolutely not be disappointed with this worthy sequel.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. These opinions are my own.
I absolutely relished the viciousness of this novel, which starts from the very first page. In classic Courtney style, the descriptions will have you completely immersed in the story. Gory and action-packed, I found myself torn between grinning and wincing between the ups and downs of this wild rollercoaster of a read.
Perhaps an odd comparison, but as someone who loved the Animorphs series as a child, this felt like a natural successor for older eyes! Like a supernatural Bourne or Bond series, I loved how the novel is so international, and how religion, history and mythology are adapted and woven into the worldbuilding.
I really loved Lucy and Gillian as a couple, and I think Edmund the noble vampire might have stolen my heart. And that ending... I can promise, if you enjoyed the first book in the Argent Blade series, you will absolutely not be disappointed with this worthy sequel.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. These opinions are my own.
February 28, 2022
Argent Blade: Plague Carrier is yet another bloody monster-mash and a tale of legacy. Much of this story's theme revolves around the responsibility and curse of lineage, and what we will leave when we're gone.
To start out with what I liked, Luke Courtney is a master world-builder and historian as he is able to mash both together into a cohesive and believable world. I found myself tearing through chapters that gave flashbacks to medieval times or World War 1. I'm rooting for an Argent Blade spinoff set in the middle ages. It was also fantastic to see the family history of the Templetons, which made my favorite character of this book to be Lawrence Templeton.
The action is also incredibly detailed, well choreographed, and satisfyingly gorey. Oftentimes I'd retch at the way Courtney describes some of the monsters in this universe, which is a testament to his writing skill.
Yet there was some stuff in this book that didn't sit well with me. For one, it's far shorter than the first book and it spends too much time on characters talking in exposition dumps. We don't get many scenes of the characters acting like people, which in turn made it feel like no one really went through much character development. Even the main POV, Lucy Murray, feels like a secondary character and doesn't evolve past the "snarky fighting lady" archetype. Many of the side characters are relegated to being rather one-dimensional NPCs, Charles and Gillian being among them, which was disappointing because I really liked them in the first book. Finally, where Lucy's progression went (avoiding spoilers) along with her relationship with Gillian felt forced and unearned.
I still really enjoyed the overall world and mythology created in Argent Blade: Plague Carrier, but it's missing some of the quieter character moments to let readers connect with them. I am curious to see where this leads in Argent Blade: Endwar.
To start out with what I liked, Luke Courtney is a master world-builder and historian as he is able to mash both together into a cohesive and believable world. I found myself tearing through chapters that gave flashbacks to medieval times or World War 1. I'm rooting for an Argent Blade spinoff set in the middle ages. It was also fantastic to see the family history of the Templetons, which made my favorite character of this book to be Lawrence Templeton.
The action is also incredibly detailed, well choreographed, and satisfyingly gorey. Oftentimes I'd retch at the way Courtney describes some of the monsters in this universe, which is a testament to his writing skill.
Yet there was some stuff in this book that didn't sit well with me. For one, it's far shorter than the first book and it spends too much time on characters talking in exposition dumps. We don't get many scenes of the characters acting like people, which in turn made it feel like no one really went through much character development. Even the main POV, Lucy Murray, feels like a secondary character and doesn't evolve past the "snarky fighting lady" archetype. Many of the side characters are relegated to being rather one-dimensional NPCs, Charles and Gillian being among them, which was disappointing because I really liked them in the first book. Finally, where Lucy's progression went (avoiding spoilers) along with her relationship with Gillian felt forced and unearned.
I still really enjoyed the overall world and mythology created in Argent Blade: Plague Carrier, but it's missing some of the quieter character moments to let readers connect with them. I am curious to see where this leads in Argent Blade: Endwar.
August 27, 2022
I really enjoyed getting back in the action with Lucy, Gillian, and Charles. Action packed from page one. The opening scene was very well written and Luke really captures the reader and drags them into the heart pounding scenario from the very start.
I enjoyed the addition of some new characters, especially Rosa and Joshua, but my tried and true favorite is Lucy Murray. In this installment she is really put to the test and becomes the backbone of the Order of the Argent Blade. I dont want to give away spoilers, but the leadup to her becoming headmaster of the chapterhouse had me on the edge of my seat. The horrors and trials really put the Order on their last thread of hope. The characters personalities really shine in this book.
And the hell flies, geez! I dont think I have ever read about a more grotesque monstrosity. His discriptions of these insects was so detailed it made me cringe and vomit a bit in my mouth. But it was a good thing, I promise. The way he describes the gore and muck of the pestilence is truely remarkable through the entire series.
It's also ripe with world and British history that tie the story together amazingly. Luke is a wonderful discriptive author and I highly recomend giving this series, as well as his other works, a go.
I enjoyed the addition of some new characters, especially Rosa and Joshua, but my tried and true favorite is Lucy Murray. In this installment she is really put to the test and becomes the backbone of the Order of the Argent Blade. I dont want to give away spoilers, but the leadup to her becoming headmaster of the chapterhouse had me on the edge of my seat. The horrors and trials really put the Order on their last thread of hope. The characters personalities really shine in this book.
And the hell flies, geez! I dont think I have ever read about a more grotesque monstrosity. His discriptions of these insects was so detailed it made me cringe and vomit a bit in my mouth. But it was a good thing, I promise. The way he describes the gore and muck of the pestilence is truely remarkable through the entire series.
It's also ripe with world and British history that tie the story together amazingly. Luke is a wonderful discriptive author and I highly recomend giving this series, as well as his other works, a go.
November 13, 2021
In a world where only a few know of the existence of paranormal creatures of darkness, the Order of the Argent Blade seeks to prevent the fall of all humanity as we know if from a demon of pestilence.
While some "volume twos" in series feel less-than compared to the bar set in volume one, Luke Courtney pulls out all the stops with Argent Blade Plague Carrier.
Characters we fell in love with in volume one are back bigger and in many ways better (whether they start that way or grow into that later on). Courtney doesn't hold back on the deeper details of the soul, as we walk alongside the Order and experience their love, their losses, their determination, and their despair.
It is his ability to truly capture and portray the contrast of just how dark the human soul can truly be, mixed with the sliver of hope that can truly change the fate of all, that truly makes Courtney's work stand apart. Every character, even side characters, have growth to do, and Courtney sets about seeing them through it.
The plot is fast-paced and the stakes are high in this Dark Fantasy series. Once you get started, you may have trouble putting it down (and there may be nightmares that make it hard to sleep at night, just FYI).
Gore and grit are present in all its glory, without veering the story over the line into horror. Courtney maintains the precarious balance of fighting, character relationships, and the darkness of the genre masterfully.
If you are looking for a prime example of Dark Urban Fantasy, look no further--Luke Courtney is your man, and the Argent Blade series is your series.
The ending was such a shock, that I cannot wait to see what's next for Lucy and the team.
While some "volume twos" in series feel less-than compared to the bar set in volume one, Luke Courtney pulls out all the stops with Argent Blade Plague Carrier.
Characters we fell in love with in volume one are back bigger and in many ways better (whether they start that way or grow into that later on). Courtney doesn't hold back on the deeper details of the soul, as we walk alongside the Order and experience their love, their losses, their determination, and their despair.
It is his ability to truly capture and portray the contrast of just how dark the human soul can truly be, mixed with the sliver of hope that can truly change the fate of all, that truly makes Courtney's work stand apart. Every character, even side characters, have growth to do, and Courtney sets about seeing them through it.
The plot is fast-paced and the stakes are high in this Dark Fantasy series. Once you get started, you may have trouble putting it down (and there may be nightmares that make it hard to sleep at night, just FYI).
Gore and grit are present in all its glory, without veering the story over the line into horror. Courtney maintains the precarious balance of fighting, character relationships, and the darkness of the genre masterfully.
If you are looking for a prime example of Dark Urban Fantasy, look no further--Luke Courtney is your man, and the Argent Blade series is your series.
The ending was such a shock, that I cannot wait to see what's next for Lucy and the team.
April 25, 2022
Please read my full review on Amazon. This is an amazing sequel to the first!
November 27, 2021
A worthy sequel to Argent Blade, Plague Carrier is bloody disgusting in all the best ways. Luke Courtney adds to his resume with continued mastery of creature descriptions and action sequences, which come fast and furious so the reader barely has a moment to breathe.
It’s a fast read, full of well-built characters dealing with the aftermath of Argent Blade in their own ways, all while having further horrors thrown at them.
Don’t miss this book. It checks off every box.
It’s a fast read, full of well-built characters dealing with the aftermath of Argent Blade in their own ways, all while having further horrors thrown at them.
Don’t miss this book. It checks off every box.
January 14, 2023
Again, feels a little strange to be reviewing my own work, but if I don't promote it, who will?
My third novel, and the first sequel I've ever written, I'll admit this is probably a flawed work, but I still feel pleased to have continued the story of Lucy Murray and the Knights of the Order of the Argent Blade as they battle a new apocalyptic threat (I like to think this book has some of my best descriptive writing in it)... Not a perfect book, but a satisfying continuation of the Argent Blade series, one that hopefully has readers eagerly awaiting the final book in the series (when I get around to writing it...)
My third novel, and the first sequel I've ever written, I'll admit this is probably a flawed work, but I still feel pleased to have continued the story of Lucy Murray and the Knights of the Order of the Argent Blade as they battle a new apocalyptic threat (I like to think this book has some of my best descriptive writing in it)... Not a perfect book, but a satisfying continuation of the Argent Blade series, one that hopefully has readers eagerly awaiting the final book in the series (when I get around to writing it...)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews