Son of the Black Sword

Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, Book 1

By: Larry Correia

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Audie Award Finalist, Fantasy, 2016

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 isn’t who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, war - and destruction.

©2015 Larry Correia (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Loved it

Great first installment, definitely a page turner, the novels political construct is probably a micro model to how the author perceives our current political power system. Larry mixes in legendary sword myth, even though he is a gun person, but very well researched, somewhat entertaining, not young adult fiction, but not really adult fiction, should satisfy all, very similar to his other novels, I think he did work a bit harder on this one, maybe because he is established now and has more leeway. The narration is excellent.

Great start, and potential for an epic series

Book starts off slowly and it even seemed that it is another monster hunter type book in fantasy setting. However, author delivers a thought provoking story with depth and complexity. The story surrounds a paladin type person Ashok Vadal who is a protector of law dispensing justice as he was taught; however, Ashok begins to question the law itself as the society is built upon cast system where some of the cast had no rights. Ashok's struggle while discovering the truth makes of an intriguing story line. There is political element that is quiet prevalent in the story that basically want status quo at the expense of unjust cast system that is in place. To round it off, there are monsters, wizards and magic aspects as well. Over all, this book sets up a foundation for a story that could mature into a great series.

Interestingly, there are some elements that seem to be taken from Indian society (such as the cast system) and even name 'Ashok' is Indian. Certainly it is not a commentary on Indian culture or religion, but it is interesting to see what could have been the inspiration for author while writing this book.

As usual, Tim Gerald Reynold's narration is great. And as other (5 star) books, I didn't mind the busy traffic while listening to the book. I would recommend this book and look forward to the next in series.

Worth a listen, but be prepared

Any additional comments?

The story is ok, the characters and "world" have sufficient depth to keep you going. However, there are a couple drawbacks. One, the reader is a little too one dimensional in the reading to keep track of everything. I lost track of complete conversations at several points. Two, its an easy book to stop. Not sure why. Wish I could put this into words better... but there is a shallow feel to everything, but not so shallow that it feels like Dr. Seuss. For now, I plan on getting the second in the series and hope for better.

Super disappointed!

I love this author and have listened to all his monster hunter and noir books but the story was so boring and the characters weren't interesting. Was painful to get through

EPIC!!!!

Love this series and author. No progressive nonsense or left leaning garbage. just an awesome story with tons of violence. Instant favorite.