"Bestselling fantasy author Correia (The Grimnoir Chronicles) casts a compelling spell with this India-influenced series opener...Correia skillfully sets in motion this story of plots within plots, revealing complex, sympathetic characters and black-hearted villains with equal detail and insight. Full of action, intrigue, and wry humor, this exciting series launch promises many more thrills to come." (Publishers Weekly Starred )"Correia is best known for his action-packed urban fantasies (Monster Hunter Nation series) so this non-Europeanset epic fantasy is a pleasant surprise...Fans who like Correias fast-moving style will be pleased with the plethora of action scenes, and epic fantasy readers interested in delving into a new universe should be equally satisfied. A solid choice for admirers of Brent Weeks and Brandon Sandersons Mistborn series." (Library Journal)About the AuthorLarry Correia is an award-winning competitive shooter, a movie-prop-gun master and, yes, an accountant by daybut an urban noir adventure master by night. He is the creator of the Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling Monster Hunter series as well as urban fantasy hardboiled adventure saga, the Grimnoir Chronicles. Correia is lives in Utah with his wife and family. where can i get free college ebooks Son of the Black Sword (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior)
110 of 112 people found the following review helpful. A Compelling Start to a New Fantasy SeriesBy Lowell D. JacobsonI don't normally review books I've read on -- why gild the lily, and add to what others have already done far better than I could? But given the relatively few reviews for this so far, I figured that I'd chime in for a change.I've enjoyed Larry Correia's other series (Grimnoir and MHI), which were entertaining and well-written (if nothing incredibly deep and a bit on the "pulpy" side but very enjoyably so), so I decided to give this a try. I'm quite glad that I did.This is unequivically Larry Correia's best work yet. While the prose in his prior series can be workman-like at times (and the focus on some of the details of action sequences can detract slightly from the narrative), the quality of writing here is a clear improvement beyond the solid efforts of Larry's previous series. The characterization is also Larry's best work, with the protagonist significantly more nuanced and complex than in prior series (with the possible exception of Franks in MHI), while still being heroic and sympathetic and acting rationally, given his outlook, knowledge, and constraints. The plotting is extremely well-done and well-paced, and the periodic flashbacks (especially in the early going) were well-placed and of well-tailored length to slake the reader's thirst for backstory and worldbuilding without giving away the whole game or detracting from the overall narrative arc.Overall, the world is close enough to ours to be recognizable and not so different that it and its characters are unrelatable. Their motivations are well-established, and even having read Larry's two other fantasy-ish series, the plot twists and events were not the least bit predictable, other than insofar as characters in novels should act in a manner true to who they are. Side characters are filled in as necessary, again, without giving away too much information or giving us full insight into their plans and motivations for those whose arcs are not resolved in this book. While there are hints as to some of their motivations, particularly for the more minor characters whose arcs are resolved -- the hints provided regarding the "string-pulling" big bad behind the scenes and the "dirty work" big bad implementing things, and the inferences that the reader can draw, are tantalizing, and make me wish that this whole series had already been completed.Continuity is also well-established, as are the laws of unintended consequence -- in several instances, characters are appropriately forced to deal with the results of their earlier choices, both for good and for ill. All-in-all, its a very promising start to the series. Is it Brandon Sanderson's "The Stormlight Archive"? No, it's not -- more focused on action, narrower in scope, less concerned with the overall magic system and worldbuilding. But it's thoughtful, creative, interesting, coherent, consistent, well-paced and well-plotted -- a damn fine fantasy book.My only complaint -- though it's a good problem to have -- is the wait before the next book in the series comes out. Nicely done, Larry -- and keep up the great work!16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Correia's best yet - IMO, of course...By hoosiertooI came to MHI and the Grimnoir Chronicles late; devoured them all and wanted more - especially the Grimnoir series. When I heard Correia had a new book coming out I was disappointed to find that it was neither series, but the concept looked intriguing, so I bit - and I'm glad I did. I bought the Kindle edition. If there were flaws, they were barely noticeable. Quite happy with the purchase.Wonderful world building. Great plot, believable characters, nasty villains and flawed heroes. Above all, his best writing yet. Considering my last read was the ponderous "Hell's Foundations Quiver" - which I enjoyed (bit of a masochist I guess) - "Son of the Black Sword" was a rippingly good read. I've seen elsewhere that the first third of the book was slow, but compared to Weber's prose it was positively speedy. As always, Correia writes great action sequences, but it was the world building that stood out. Outstanding. I know these things take time, but more and sooner would be much appreciated!4-stars plus. Not perfect but damned good. Highly recommended.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent work from a fantastic authorBy IAmDevinThomasI have read most of the things that Larry Correia has written; and he rarely disappoints. I will admit to some annoyance when I found out he was working on this book instead of writing more MHI; but this book was one of his best. Very well-developed characters with an intricate but comprehensible plot ensures that I will continue turning my money into his money.