βοΈ Written by: Larry Correia
π·οΈ Genre: Scf-fi / Fantasy
ποΈ Published: 15 October 2015
π Pages: 476
π§ My rating: β
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β (4 stars)
After the War of the Gods, the demons were cast out and fell to the world. Mankind was nearly eradicated by the seemingly unstoppable beasts, until the gods sent the great hero, Ramrowan, to save them. He united the tribes, gave them magic, and drove the demons into the sea. Ever since the land has belonged to man and the oceans have remained an uncrossable hell, leaving the continent of Lok isolated. It was prophesized that someday the demons would return, and only the descendants of Ramrowan would be able to defeat them. They became the first kings, and all men served those who were their only hope for survival.
As centuries passed the descendants of the great hero grew in number and power. They became tyrannical and cruel, and their religion nothing but an excuse for greed. Gods and demons became myth and legend, and the people no longer believed. The castes created to serve the Sons of Ramrowan rose up and destroyed their rulers. All religion was banned and replaced by a code of unflinching law. The surviving royalty and their priests were made casteless, condemned to live as untouchables, and the Age of Law began.
Ashok Vadal has been chosen by a powerful ancient weapon to be its bearer. He is a Protector, the elite militant order of roving law enforcers. No one is more merciless in rooting out those who secretly practice the old ways. Everything is black or white, good or evil, until he discovers his entire life is a fraud. Ashok isnβt who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, warβand destruction.
I thoroughly enjoyed Son of the Black Sword. It's a bit of a slow burn, in that Correia takes a long time to set the scene of what's going on and to map out the universe. When I say "a long time" I mean like 2/3 of the book.
That's fine though, because as the story starts to really ramp up in the last third of the book, I found myself to be really invested in the characters and engaged in the story.
This first book (of 4) has a number of twists within it where Ashok is subject to more than one injustice and the book ends with a huge twist that I wasn't expecting.
Really enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to getting my nose into the other two in the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series.
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