Nine Heroes: Tales of Heroic Fantasy by Walter Rhein

Nine Heroes: Tales of Heroic Fantasy Reviews

• 
  S.E. Lindberg

  
  Nine Heroes: Tales of Heroic Fantasy delivers nine tales of heroism as promised. The writing style and types of hero are varied, as most anthology readers expect and desire.
  
  I am biased toward deeper, intricate writing, so I devoured the Morris’ Homeric contribution that introduces Rhesos, a demi-god. The character is likely getting a dedicated novel in the near future.
  Check out Donny Swords on-line 2014 interview with Janet Morris to learn details. Black Sword is very thoughtful story that blends, myth, history, and fantasy.
  
  I’m huge fan of Barczak’s peotic dark style (his
  Veil of the Dragon is a great read) though his entry was only a flash-fiction piece—I desired more. Butcher’s entry was timely interesting since I just read
  The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles; I liked Coel as a character, as well as exploring the land of Erana more, but he did not seem to be heroic in the story—I gather that he does become a hero in other Erana novels.
  
  Author Fishing: In anthologies I hope to discover an author who intrigues me:
  R.A. McCandless sufficed. The plight and past of Pel Rogue was very engaging, and the character development most engaging. I'll have to look out for more McCandless.
  
  Navigation warning for the Kindle: There was no linked table of contents, so if you want to skip to a chapter/author… you’ll have to scroll/search your way there. With only nine tales, this is workable; but anthologies should be available for non-linear reading.
  
  Table of Contents (Heroes in parentheses)
  (demi-god “Rhesos”) Black Sword by
  Janet E. Morris and
  Chris Morris
  (insubordinate soldier “Kinter”) The Act of Sleepless Nights by
  Walter Rhein
  (villager “Mattock”) To Kill a Myth by
  Jesse Duckworth
  (dragon hunting “Rasi”) No Life Too Small by
  Douglas R. Brown
  (nameless gladiator?) To Live by
  Tom Barczak
  (champion “Seutzingol”) Dozen by
  shane porteus
  (emerging thief “Coel”) Just One Mistake by
  A.L. Butcher
  (warrior priest “Shoutte”) Witness to Death by
  Teel James Glenn
  (servant of the peace “Pel Rogue”) Through the Sting of Fairy Smoke by
  R.A. McCandless
  
• 
  Travis Ludvigson

  Heroes abound in this exceptional book
  
  This compilation brings together an outstanding group of writers who deliver a series of compelling tales of the act of heroism in its many and varied forms. I was especially pleased with the variety of the stories and the fact that a number of the heroes struggled not only with their foes, but also with their own flaws and shortcomings.
  
  In Black Sword, veteran writers Janet and Chris Morris bring heroic fantasy to life through the eyes of the mighty Rhesos. He battles with foes of flesh and blood while dealing with his own inner turmoil and a search for a sense of his true self. Rhesos is a fearless warrior who deals decisively with all comers, yet struggles to understand his place in the world. Great battle scenes combined with a deeper philosophical journey made for a satisfying read.
  
  The Act of Sleepless Nights by Walter Rhein provides the reader with a very realistic portrayal of Kinter, a soldier and leader who's flaws are many and well know to his men. Yet for all of these flaws, an inherent sense of morality drives him to make the hard choices that others will not. The is a solid story of a damaged leader who's personal life is a far cry from ideal, but who's actions in the field speak volumes about his true character.
  
  To Kill a Myth by Jesse Duckworth is a story about having the courage to stand up for what's right, not matter the cost. The characters Mattock and Delilah, risk all to destroy an evil that has plagued the land for time indeterminate. Duckworth shows how much one will sacrifice for love, but also delves deeper into the way that evil takes many forms as it inserts itself into society.
  
  Bravery comes in all ages as becomes quickly apparent when 15 year old Rasi dives headfirst into a valley of flying death to save an innocent in: No Life Too Small by Douglas R. Brown. Rasi is the embodiment of the hero who faces down seeming insurmountable odds to protect those unable to protect themselves.
  
  Barczak's To Live wets the appetite with the rise of a gladiator who’s returning memory brings with it the realization that his sword and his life are one in the same.
  
  Dozen by Shane Porteous thrusts the reader into a harrowing attack by bloodthirsty beasts with an appetite for human flesh. The protagonist Seutzingol shows his mettle as he puts his skills to the test against these beasts and makes the choice to stand and fight to help a stranger in need. As you read "Dozen" you may find yourself looking out a darkened window just to be sure the beasts aren't coming for you. Sacrifice and honor are the most apt words to describe the message conveyed by Seutzingol and his acts of heroism.
  
  Just One Mistake by A.L. Butcher tackles another type of bravery and heroism. Coel the minstrel lives a life that was thrust upon him by his past. An orchestrated encounter forces him to take on a mission in which he is subject to the possibility of imprisonment or death, situations far more than what your typical minstrel tends to risk. He displays both resolve and courage in facing the danger and taking on a mission which will strike a blow against a vile part of the flawed society in which he lives.
  
  In Witness to Death by Teel James Glenn, the reader follows Shouette, a warrior priest of Kova as he uses his finely honed skills to bring evil to heel. In the process he is able to offer his protection to one, and a sense of closure and relief to others. Shouette shows what it is to have courage as he genuinely feels fear, but acts in spite of that fear to do what must be done.
  
  Through the Sting of Fairy Smoke by R.A. McCandless is another great example of the flawed, corrupted hero. Pel Rogue is a champion who's addiction has taken control and driven him down into a dark place. Yet he finds within him a strength that has lain dormant to help him face his difficult trials. McCandless gives the reader a look into the damage inflicted by addiction and how even the strongest hero can be brought down and must battle his inner demons before he can rise again.
  
  Nine Heroes is a fantastic book and a very entertaining read that I would highly recommend to all.
  
  - Travis Ludvigson, author of The Nephilim Chronicles (Yare' Darkness Bound and Iron Song)
  
• 
  Tamara! aka AmyG.Dala

  My apologies to W. Rhein, I thought I got this review out weeks ago!
  
  Once again I got to immerse myself into some FANTASTIC tales of heroes, anti-heroes and people just trying to do the 'right' thing in spite of the odds and dangers. I enjoyed EVERY tale. Was going to break them all down individually, but truly, they all had something that appealed to me. Some were rather sad at the end, but the adventure was worth the trip. Some were just plain fun over all, and the breathtaking moments, battles, 'good vs evil' and the sword play, it just kept me happily entertained from start to finish. Plus some great covers of other books each author has out, and a bit of a profile on them so not only were some old favorites there to be re-visited, but also learned about some new ones too that are sure to be well worth a look.
  
  
• 
  RachelvlehcaR

  In this selection of short stories there are nine fantasy stories. Some of them are better than others which are normally the case in a collection of stories. One of my favorite stories is ‘The Act of Sleepless Nights’. This one has a wonderful realistic feel to it. Just the torment Kinter goes through. I feel his pain. Some of the stories are weak but okay. I was entertained most with my favorite is ‘The Act of Sleepless Nights’. Great job Walter Rhein. My second favorite story is the last one, Through the Sting of Fairy Smoke by R.A. McCandless.
• 
  Lucinda

  I liked Dozen and No Life to Small best.