The Pen and the Sword

Destiny's Crucible, Book 2

By: Olan Thorensen

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

The Narthani, a militant realm who believe their manifest destiny is to rule the entire planet, Anyar, plan to absorb Caedellium into their empire and crush any resistance. Yozef Kolsko (a.k.a. Joe Colsco) works to find ways to increase the chances of resistance to the Narthani's planned conquest.

Complicating his life is attraction to a brilliant daughter of an island leader, and his uncertainty of his own mind, hers, or intricacies of Caedellium customs.

Despite his desire to devote himself to introducing new knowledge, Yozef is drawn more and more into developing weapons and giving tactical and strategic advice - things he knows he's unqualified to give. The enemy is coming. The odds seem overwhelming, and it will take all Yozef can do, the courage of his new people, and luck, to survive.

©2017 Olan Thorensen (P)2017 Podium Audio

Best new Series I've read in a very long time

What did you love best about The Pen and the Sword?

The concept of being in Joseph's position. The well thought use of his knowledge yet the human responses he has....

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he made the choice to learn the language and engage in a new life....

Video gaming and chemistry to the rescue

Olan Thorensen's The Pen and the Sword is the 2nd installment in the Destiny's Crucible series. Josef is beginning to adjust to life on the island and has found his calling in terms of gradually introducing more technology to the locals, expanding his business enterprises into soaps, paper, and finally weapons (cannons) and ammunition. He also gets himself trained in self defense. But his real value lies in understanding general military tactics enough to discern the intent of the Nartharni strategy from their military formations and plan a defense and counterattack. His personal life is also expanding and the inevitable conjunction with Mira evolves.

The sci-fi elements are muted in this installment with Josef operating a rapid technological advancement in basic consumer products and metallurgy. The ubiquitous watchers are noticeably absent. There is much focus on the island occupiers and their clearly advanced military capabilities as well as utilization of spies, special ops units, and a well designed overall strategy for conquest. There's also a bit of humanization for the various players in the military command. At the same time, the diversity and independence of the various clans is demonstrated as well as the consequences of failure to change with the times.

The narration is exceptional with an excellent range of voices of both genders. This is clearly a series with legs for a long run. The only minor ding to this volume is that the title should have been the "quill" and the sword, rather than pen.

Wonderful

The author has created a rich and wonderful universe for you to enjoy. The battles are realistic, the players are believable and the story straight forward and uncomplicated. I highly recommend this enjoyable read. The pace is slower that what's typical today but it doesn't hinder the entertainment value.

Excellent story and performance

This is an excellent alternate history / adventure story and performance. I love this genre and this specific series. Hurry up and get book 4 done, no scratch that, take your time and do it right. I want read about the adventures of Yosef book 4, 5, 6.....

Very Good

As long as you know this is not sci-fi at all then you can just have a great read.