Review of Red Axe, Black Sun by Michael Karner

Red Axe, Black Sun by Michael Karner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Writing 3.5/5
Imagination 3.5/5
Plot 4/5
Setting 4/5
Characters 3.5/5

My Overall Enjoyment 3.5/5

Goodreads description-

Dryston of Decia, a poisoned fighter, his ex-lover and sorceress Kyra Celeste and a girl with a death list tattoo will decide the fate of a whole world. Walking on a thin line between good and bad, survival and heroism, they struggle to solve the puzzle of secrets and conspiracies. In a war marking the end of time unpredictable magic, drugs, dead bodies, monsters and a secret plaster their ways and put feelings, loyalties and morals to the test. Will they find the man who is guilty of Dryston’s slow death? Is there a cure? With the fate of the world uncertain, prophecies told and legends rising, how will Dryston and his comrades decide the world’s fate?

Sword and sorcery, filled with standard fantasy types including mercenaries, dwarves, orcs, elves, necromancers, sorceresses, and assorted other beasts and monsters. There is a sea battle and a siege as well as close fighting and bar fighting. Some political intrigue and treachery, a torture scene, a crypt scene and a sewer scene. I enjoyed this book and although it had a few high fantasy elements it was most reminiscent of old school pure sword and sorcery, one action filled scene after another in a merciless world. The characters were typical gritty anti-hero types and I enjoyed getting to know them but wasn't overly connected to any one in particular. The writing was good, fun and easy to read. Decent lore, but I would have liked a bit more. Satisfactory ending, a major thread left for another book. I'll definitely pick it up when it comes out.

Recommended for sword and sorcery fans. This is a very good book and although its not my favorite book, it was a pleasure to read. It's a quick read and can be found on Amazon for cheap and is well worth it. I have read many books that were expensive but didn't provide as good a reading experience as this.

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