ALTERNATE HISTORICAL URBAN FICTION: The Scourge and The Scourge: Nostrum - Roberto Calas

Release Date: 21/03/13
Publisher:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

A mysterious plague descends upon 14th century England, ravaging the country and trapping the souls of the afflicted in eternal madness. The feudal hierarchy–and even the church itself– slowly crumbles as the dead rise to feed and the living seek whatever shelter they can. The bishops of England call for calm and obedience, but one man isn’t listening.
Sir Edward of Bodiam has been separated from the woman he loves and nothing on heaven or earth can stop him from seeking her out.


REVIEW:

To be honest this was a book that took me a little while to get into and whilst I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about it, I loved the authors concept of the zombies within being a plague brought on by the faithless. The time period felt right and the reader had the chance to get to know the principle characters fairly well so much so that each battle left the reader wondering if their favourites would survive.

It’s a solid enough start and whilst not a four star book, was definitely one that got me to sit up and left me wondering what would happen to the characters in the future. And for me, that had me grasping for the second outing.

Release Date: 30/09/13
Publisher:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

The journey north ended with The Scourge.The journey for a cure has just begun…

Sir Edward Dallingridge survived his journey through the anarchy that is now England, leaving in his wake the bodies of mad lords, foul invaders, friends, and the risen dead. There was nothing on earth that could keep him from the woman he loves.The Scourge: Nostrum is the follow-up to The Scourge, continuing the harrowing quest of Sir Edward in a world that knows no God, no laws, and no hope.


REVIEW:

OK, so the first was a so so book for me, however the fact that it left me demanding to know what happened to the characters so much so that I just had to get this title, which whilst released originally as a serial, works very well as a compendium with each part of the tale adding to a greater whole.

The prose is sharp, the characters relationship strengthening through their trials and when added to a wonderful sense of pace all round made this a book that I really couldn’t put down. All round a triumph of a second outing and definitely one that goes to show that an author who learns is one to be reckoned with. Great stuff.