| Title | : | The Bone Sword (Cycle of Malik, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 372 |
| Publication | : | First published October 4, 2014 |
Pursued by the vicious Father Ivory and his Nightshades, Malik and his charges become the center of a grassroots movement that quickly blossoms into a full-fledged revolution. Their problems are compounded when news of their exploits draws the attention of Malik’s former Captain, a swordsman of legendary prowess who will not stop until Malik and his followers are dead.
As the final battle approaches, Malik must face both his inner demons and his former master in a duel that will determine the fate of the free people of Miscony.
The Bone Sword (Cycle of Malik, #1) Reviews
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I'm a big
Walter Rhein fan, having read and reviewed his autobiographical
Reckless Traveler (highly recommended story of his South American travels), and his fiction
Reader of Acheron (also highly recommended, this one being more of dystopian, urban fantasy focused on a culture in which reading is prohibited). Actually, the sequel to
The Reader of Acheron is slated for a 2018 release and I was anxious to read more Rhein. So, I grabbed
The Bone Sword to tie me over.
The Bone Sword is classic fantasy with a coming of age story of a brother and sister (Noah and Jasmine). Their savior is the outcast warrior: Malik. This tale is simpler with less philosophical undertones than the Reader or Reckless Traveler. The "bad guys" are undeniably evil (Father Ivory in particular, though one may argue he was 50%crazy). The "good guys" are the young children with brewing, magical potential, and their fellow oppressed villagers. The only "gray" character is Malik, but despite his ability to murder and fight, he is closely aligned with the good guys and brings hope to the battle of Miscony.
The first chapter I feared was going to be cliche or overly simplistic, but Rhein quickly introduced meaningful backstory and context. A few chapters in, and I became genuinely attached to the main party. Rhein sprinkles in several very memorable scenes to ramp up the drama. A slight over reliance on rapid healing dampens several stunning sequences that had taken my breath away.
The Bone Sword is a step above a lot of fantasy. It is only #1 of a promised cycle, which is great news. For now, I eagerly await "Acheron #2/The Slaves of Erafor #2" which should emerged soon. -
Our story revolves around three people: Malik, an itinerant maverick and bearer of a bone sword, symbol of the renown Camden Guard – and the twins, Noah and Jasmine, youngsters who carry the burden of a strange and miraculous gift that sets them apart from other people and singles them out for persecution at the hands of religious fanatics.
Through misdeeds, misadventure and blind chance, our three protagonists are brought together in the fight for truth and justice. Who they are seems clearly defined, but as they face adversity the story evolves, along with their characters. We see hidden depths emerge that reveal their true worth.
But will that worth be enough to bear the responsibilities – and burdens – their choices bring, especially when ghosts from the past save the hardest test for last?
The Bone Sword is an engaging adventure that I found to be utterly enthralling. The opening threads entice you into the lives of Malik, Noah and Jasmine – keep you moving at a brisk yet easy pace – and retain their magic until the very end. I wish it had been longer.
Well done to Walter Rhein. I look forward to more. -
A story of old but yet new
This was well written story of the peasants of old struggles. Being downtrodden by the royalty class. The unlikely heroes.
I look forward to reading mote of his work and recommend this book. -
Fight the good fight
A boy learns to fight his way to freedom.....but he eventually must face his mortal enemy to save his queen
