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Sorcerer
Ex-detective Michael Thorn has retired from the police force, and is eager to lead a normal life for once. His days of fighting to protect the innocent are over. But his “retirement” isn't going to be the long-deserved rest he expected. His new home in rural New England has many strange stories surrounding it. But those are all just rumors, right? Then he discovers the skeleton in the basement and realizes the rumors are true. But when the skeleton mysteriously disappears, Thorn is faced with an ancient mystery—one that leads to an even more ancient foe: the same sorcerer who fought Moses! Now, to protect his family, Thorn must figure out how a sorcerer from ancient Egypt ended up in America and how to defeat him before he regains his full power and wreaks havoc on the world. Thorn has help from a wise professor, a devout priest, and a sect of warriors sworn to protect the church. But will they be enough? In the end, Thorn will face even larger questions—of good and evil, and of God and the devil.
768 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
James Byron Huggins
24 books222 followersA veteran novelist and best-selling author, James Byron Huggins' life story reads more like fiction than fact. His career as a writer began normally enough. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from Troy State University, and then worked as a reporter for the Hartselle Enquirer in Hartselle, Alabama.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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January 3, 2023DNF - I am finding this a slog and I don't want to push through.
It started out so strong and I thought I would really like it! Alas, I am no longer interested.
It started out so strong and I thought I would really like it! Alas, I am no longer interested.
June 19, 2009
James Byron Huggins is one of my favourite all-time authors. Sorcerer is his most recent work.
For those of you who who are unfamiliar with Huggins' books, let me educate you to the classic Huggins formula for a riveting yarn:
A) Disillusioned protagonist with elite weapons skills and unparalleled military training (will gladly give his life to save C from B).
B) Very nasty superhuman/supernatural antagonistic, hell-bent on killing A, C, and D.
C) Normal everyday people people close to A that need rescuing from B.
D) Wise but reluctant religious mentor usually gives his life to protect A who then can kill B thus saving C.
Although cliched, the above formula is the foundation for most action adventure novels and movies. I Love it! Another characteristic of Huggins' books is that they are packed with masterfully-written action sequences. I will go as far as to say... No one does action like James Byron Huggins. Just in case you disagree...
Nobody, and I mean nobody, can write action scenes like James Byron Huggins. (Brian Reeves - top Amazon reviewer)
When it comes to action, no one does it better than James Byron Huggins. (fantasticfiction.org)
The premise of Sorcerer's story is awesome. Without giving too much away, here's the blurb:
Retiring to rural New England, ex-detective Michael Thorn discovers a mysterious skeleton in his new home! When it suddenly disappears, his investigation unearths the stunning revelation that the bones belong to an ancient Egyptian sorcerer who fought Moses! Can Thorn defeat the necromancer before he wreaks havoc on the world?
The 'Sorcerer' in Sorcerer actually scared me a bit, and I remember having to lock the chickens up in our native bush laden backyard late one night while in the middle of reading a scary part. Needless to say, I didn't stay outside any longer than I had to ;-)
Some of Huggins' previous works: Cain and Hunter contain smatterings of blasphemy (why I ask?) but in all other Huggins books I have read (excluding Wolf Story, Rora, and Nightbringer) although not blatant, the Christian message shines through and the reading, although violent at times is extremely enjoyable to the soul.
Upside of Sorcerer:
- The Catholic Church's secret bodyguards (pure awesomeness!)
- The storyline
- The action sequences
Downside of Sorcerer:
Unlike other Huggins' stories I was slightly disappointed with the ending of Sorcerer. Although very original, was a little too weak IMO.
For those of you who who are unfamiliar with Huggins' books, let me educate you to the classic Huggins formula for a riveting yarn:
A) Disillusioned protagonist with elite weapons skills and unparalleled military training (will gladly give his life to save C from B).
B) Very nasty superhuman/supernatural antagonistic, hell-bent on killing A, C, and D.
C) Normal everyday people people close to A that need rescuing from B.
D) Wise but reluctant religious mentor usually gives his life to protect A who then can kill B thus saving C.
Although cliched, the above formula is the foundation for most action adventure novels and movies. I Love it! Another characteristic of Huggins' books is that they are packed with masterfully-written action sequences. I will go as far as to say... No one does action like James Byron Huggins. Just in case you disagree...
Nobody, and I mean nobody, can write action scenes like James Byron Huggins. (Brian Reeves - top Amazon reviewer)
When it comes to action, no one does it better than James Byron Huggins. (fantasticfiction.org)
The premise of Sorcerer's story is awesome. Without giving too much away, here's the blurb:
Retiring to rural New England, ex-detective Michael Thorn discovers a mysterious skeleton in his new home! When it suddenly disappears, his investigation unearths the stunning revelation that the bones belong to an ancient Egyptian sorcerer who fought Moses! Can Thorn defeat the necromancer before he wreaks havoc on the world?
The 'Sorcerer' in Sorcerer actually scared me a bit, and I remember having to lock the chickens up in our native bush laden backyard late one night while in the middle of reading a scary part. Needless to say, I didn't stay outside any longer than I had to ;-)
Some of Huggins' previous works: Cain and Hunter contain smatterings of blasphemy (why I ask?) but in all other Huggins books I have read (excluding Wolf Story, Rora, and Nightbringer) although not blatant, the Christian message shines through and the reading, although violent at times is extremely enjoyable to the soul.
Upside of Sorcerer:
- The Catholic Church's secret bodyguards (pure awesomeness!)
- The storyline
- The action sequences
Downside of Sorcerer:
Unlike other Huggins' stories I was slightly disappointed with the ending of Sorcerer. Although very original, was a little too weak IMO.
April 4, 2017
It was a very action packed book and had some good twists and turns. Towards the end it was getting to the point where there were too many like random cut offs into other scenes with the dramatic ending. It just seemed like he was trying to hard! I wish the ending was a little different but over all a very good book and well worth the read!
June 13, 2011
This was an 'AWESOME' fast paced classic fight between good and evil.
Family man Michael Thorn, had a lot of elite military history, and has decided to retire from law enforcement. Moving his family out of L.A. to a fixer-upper in a small New England community. Their new home however, has a history with a very dark past. A skeleton is found in the basement the very day they move in. The skeleton seems to disappear, walking away on its own power. HMM.. Priests are brought in to discover the identity is none other than the greatest sorcerer of darkness whom God defeated through Mosses. Will Michael be able to save his family, new community and the world? You'll have to read the book to know for sure.
Family man Michael Thorn, had a lot of elite military history, and has decided to retire from law enforcement. Moving his family out of L.A. to a fixer-upper in a small New England community. Their new home however, has a history with a very dark past. A skeleton is found in the basement the very day they move in. The skeleton seems to disappear, walking away on its own power. HMM.. Priests are brought in to discover the identity is none other than the greatest sorcerer of darkness whom God defeated through Mosses. Will Michael be able to save his family, new community and the world? You'll have to read the book to know for sure.
June 7, 2014
I liked the book! Just when you think you can retire, a really bad dude wakes up and wants to rule the planet, starting in a small east coast american town. But God has a line of defence to rock the musty, dusty old dudes plans. If you cannot have Moses , Michael Thorn will do in a pinch.
June 18, 2017
Well, I’m wrapping up my survey of Huggins’ work with this novel and after pretty disappointing outings on the last couple, I’m glad to end on a book that is somewhat a return to form. It isn’t as high intensity as The Reckoning, Leviathan or Cain, but it’s a better thriller than anything he’s written since those. A retired cop and his family move into an old home in the country, only to discover that evil lurks in the basement. Actually, it’s an immortal Egyptian sorcerer (one of the ones who fought with Moses!) who has been buried there for centuries. Yeah, it’s an Egyptian sorcerer buried in America; look, it’s a whole thing. The characters are slightly more interesting than in Huggins’ last two, particularly the retired cop and the villainous sorcerer. Getting inside the villain’s head is always a good thing in a Huggins novel and the sorcerer himself is a well-done villain. The action is high-energy and as good as any action he’s written since Hunter, I’d say. It’s a fun genre novel, mixing action and horror in a charming way. It’s likable and entertaining and an improvement on Huggins’ last few novels for sure.
June 24, 2023
I “almost” put this book down before giving it a chance. But I’m so happy to say that I kept reading and it was a fun book. Full of action and so much faith and biblical history that I wasn’t creeped out (much) at all. 😋
June 20, 2019
The concept was good, and kept me interested.
January 11, 2021
This book was amazing. Great mix of fantasy and Christianity. Definitely have to check out more by this author. Had me hooked from the moment I started to the moment I finished.
March 25, 2012
I went into this book really wanting to like it. Unfortunately, while it was compelling, it was also very annoying. And not in a good way. The author's need to explain the same thing, almost verbatim, several times in the same book -- as if I had already forgotten it after thirty pages? -- almost made me put the book down. And we're not talking about complex things. We're talking about weapon porn. Describing the characteristics of the same gun several times.
Also, it was the first time I ever experience SUCH an emotional "I could seriously write a better ending than this" reaction. This is, in fact, the book I go to when i doubt myself as an aspiring author. Because I see that this got published, and that I can write something better, and so I can get published too. It fuels my productivity anger.
It was such a good concept for a book too. ._.
Also, it was the first time I ever experience SUCH an emotional "I could seriously write a better ending than this" reaction. This is, in fact, the book I go to when i doubt myself as an aspiring author. Because I see that this got published, and that I can write something better, and so I can get published too. It fuels my productivity anger.
It was such a good concept for a book too. ._.
July 14, 2014
I usually like James Byron Huggins books. After reading Cain and Hunter, I thought i would give this one a try. It's about a skeleton that is unearthed in the basement of a newly purchased home. Oops! The skeleton belongs to a sorcerer who battled Moses back in Egypt. Fighting ensues and the hero vanquishes the evil court wizard.
This book is why I generally steer clear of Christian fiction. the same tropes are used once again: doubting reluctant hero who slowly finds his faith, dutiful wife safe in her faith to God, evil servant of "The Other" who knows his fight is futile but just can't change.
It's actually a little short on action but still an enjoyable read.
Still not as good Cain, Hunter, or The Reckoning but a fun ride if you don't mind the preachiness towards the end.
This book is why I generally steer clear of Christian fiction. the same tropes are used once again: doubting reluctant hero who slowly finds his faith, dutiful wife safe in her faith to God, evil servant of "The Other" who knows his fight is futile but just can't change.
It's actually a little short on action but still an enjoyable read.
Still not as good Cain, Hunter, or The Reckoning but a fun ride if you don't mind the preachiness towards the end.
May 15, 2013
I enjoyed this action thriller. The main villain is an Egyptian Priest (from the Bible) who returns with a vengeance! It is up to a lone hero (family guy type) to put a whooping on this mystic priest. Good vs Evil. Like the Mummy (modern version)? Maybe, but without the comedy aspect.
Deadly serious over the top action here! Arnold, Sly, or Bruce (in their primes) would have been great to play the heroic father. Maybe now, the Rock, Van Diesel, or Tom Hardy (Bane) would be perfect for this part.
Deadly serious over the top action here! Arnold, Sly, or Bruce (in their primes) would have been great to play the heroic father. Maybe now, the Rock, Van Diesel, or Tom Hardy (Bane) would be perfect for this part.
April 16, 2010
Though it was a little slow at the start, I did enjoy this book! I loved how the author used biblical history and truth about who God is and what He can do. I also enjoyed that he did not use a forced conversion, but that the conversion of the main character came as many come, gradually. The demonstration that the power of prayer to the Almighty God will always defeat Satan and his powers was a solid encouragement.
January 30, 2014
An awesome seat-of-the pants adventure in Chills-ville!
I love Huggins stories in the Christian-fiction genre. He never fails to impress.
I have a full review on this book on my website at the following address:
http://www.flashnee.com/11/post/2014/...
I love Huggins stories in the Christian-fiction genre. He never fails to impress.
I have a full review on this book on my website at the following address:
http://www.flashnee.com/11/post/2014/...
May 26, 2016
This is an interesting mix of horror and Christian literature genres. After Michael Thorn accidentally unleashes an ancient sorcerer, he must battle with his extensive military knowledge and his faith to defeat it. I'm giving it three stars because the ending felt a little abrupt to me.
July 28, 2011
It was ok. Not has good as his early stuff. This got really preachy at the end.
March 10, 2021
Encuentro con un brujo de la época de Moisés, aunque en la actualidad. Se nota el corte católico en esta novela que no termina de convencer.
July 13, 2015
Ако не бях чела "Хънтър", може би щеше да ми хареса много. Но разликата е убийствена. И то не в положителен смисъл.
January 23, 2009
I think I accidentally erase my review of this book.
January 5, 2018
Scary, the way I like them but not a slasher type of a story. I have several other books by Huggins and I love them all.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews