Jason Waltz’s Reviews > The Iron Code > Status Update

Barclay, "One More Day": I think this was a cool story. I got confused a bit, and several times. Lost track of who was speaking and what the larger event was that was happening...though the up close and personal events and heroics I followed. I think I like this story, but I can't truly say as I don't truly grok what I've read.

Smith, "Know When to Walk Away": possibly the best story in this book. And you don't expect it. You don't expect this post-WWII, urban set tale told mostly from a 9 year old boy's point of view to nail the Iron Code. Or nail David Gemmell. Reading this felt like reading Gemmell's crime stories with heroic heart. Eh, that's what his crime stories are. Means this one felt like reading a new Gemmell tale. Thank you.

Whates, "The Hiring Fayre": okay tale of friendship and vengeance. Opens amidst a bit of confusion, tries to build tension, leaves open-ended.

Worrad, "A Trim Reckoning": a farcical use of the code here, though to sound effect. A twisted bit of humor and some bloody work, with a bit too much extraneous features.

Gwynne, "The Binding": didn't see that coming after the triumphant return home of warriors that kicked off the story. Bloody, big, bad people...it's controlled chaos that leaves ya begging for more.

Smith Spark, "A Mighty Battle between Mighty Armies": weird. Fell asleep reading this twice, skimmed most of it. Not to my taste at all.

Nicholls, "Bloodhorn": interesting, long, a little belabored. I guess heroic fantasy, though of a Western cowdrive version with some evil magic tossed in.

Green, "The Wolf in Winter": nice bit of subterfuge, misdirection, and reputation. Deadly, too.

Stephens, "Fae-blighted": must admit, the title discouraged me at first. I was proven wrong, however, and this is a terrific monster hunting tale. I guessed and was correct about the wee twist, but it detracted not at all. Good story.

Lawrence, "The Code": helluva story. Best thing I've read of Lawrence's work. Snorri is a terrificly real character. Purpose, violence, code, honor: it's all here.