Release Date: 16/11/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
World Fantasy Award-winning fantasy author K. J. Parker delivers his most ambitious work yet - the story of a war on a grand scale, told through the eyes of soldiers, politicians, victims and heroes.
A soldier with a gift for archery. A woman who kills without care. Two brothers, both unbeatable generals, now fighting for opposing armies. No one in the vast and once glorious United Empire remains untouched by the rift between East and West, and the war has been fought for as long as anyone can remember. Some still survive who know how it was started, but no one knows how it will end. Except, perhaps, the Two of Swords.
REVIEW:
KJ Parker is an author that delivers a hell of a lot for me as a fantasy reader. You get the dark gritty reality that has become on trend where all choices have consequences that start the ripple effect into this well rounded world.
Add to this characters that you love to spend time around. Principle players who has a realistic feel with their emotions alongside personality coming to the fore whilst vying against their foibles and for me this second volume is a real treat. Magic.
Release Date: 19/07/12
SYNOPSIS:
For the first time in nearly forty years, an uneasy truce has been called between two neighbouring kingdoms. The war has been long and brutal, fought over the usual things: resources, land, money ...Now, there is a chance for peace. Diplomatic talks have begun and with them, the games of skill and chance. Two teams of fencers represent their nations at this pivotal moment. When the future of the world lies balanced on the point of a rapier, one misstep could mean ruin for all.
REVIEW:
As a huge reader, KJ Parker is an author I always make time for, the books have solid characters, wonderful plot lines and of course some magical twists that are as deft as a fencing match which is quite appropriate considering the manner of this tale. Whilst it does start off slow, the reader is given a wonderful introduction to the key players as they wend their merry way to the key point in the tale.
Add to this the fact that it’s a rich tapestry of description and play which when added to sharp prose alongside solid dialogue all in makes this a cracking read for any fan of fantasy tales. Great stuff.
Release Date: 20/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
The colony was founded seventy years ago. The plan was originally to mine silver, but there turned out not to be any. Now an uneasy peace exists on the island, between the colonists and the once-noble met'Oc, a family in exile on a remote stronghold for their role in a vaguely remembered civil war. The met'Oc are tolerated, in spite of occasional cattle stealing raids, since they alone possess the weapons considered necessary protection in the event of the island's savages becoming hostile. Intelligent, resourceful, and determined, Gignomai is the youngest brother in the current generation of met'Oc. He is about to realise exactly what is expected of him; and what it means to defy his family.
REVIEW:
If there is one thing that you can tell, it’s a KJ Parker novel, the writing style, the prose and the dialogue all scream this author and to be honest you know what you’re going to get, a story with guts, glory and above all else a principle character facing not only personal dilema’s but also overcoming the odds to succeed.
Its definitely beautifully written, the characters vibrant and above all else a dialogue style that really is enjoyable so much so that you feel that you know the principle player pretty well. Back that up with a reasonably paced tale backed up with an established history (The Company) and you know that it’s a title that really will fulfil all the promise of the book blurb.
Release Date: 10/06/10
BOOK BLURB:
Basso the Magnificent. Basso the Great. Basso the Wise. Basso the Murderer. The First Citizen of the Vesani Republic is an extraordinary man. He is ruthless, cunning and, above all, lucky. He brings wealth, power and prestige to his people. But with power comes unwanted attention, and Basso must defend his nation and himself from threats foreign and domestic. In a lifetime of crucial decisions, he's only ever made one mistake. One mistake, though, can be enough.
REVIEW:
Over the recent years, one name is coming up consistently time and again with quality fantasy writing, and that’s KJ Parker. Whilst masquerading behind a pseudonym this established author really does bring everything to the table, you’ve got great characters, top quality dialogue and above all else a story arc that keeps the reader glued from the first to the last page. Add to the mix character growth and a world that you can believe in with double dealing and politics and it really is a well rounded self supporting novel. Great stuff.
BOOK BLURB:
Hoping for a better life, five war veterans colonize an abandoned island. They take with them everything they could possibly need - food, clothes, tools, weapons, even wives. The colonists feel sure that their friendship will keep them together. But an unanticipated discovery shatters their dream and replaces it with a very different one. Only then do they begin to realize that they've brought with them rather more than they bargained for. For one of them, it seems, has been hiding a terrible secret from the rest of the company. And when the truth begins to emerge, it soon becomes clear that the war is far from over.
REVIEW:
If you haven't heard of KJ Parker, then you've missed a treat. After all the Engineer Trilogy has been vastly popular with the fans and whils some would say it was long winded, it's been one that's gripped a new generation with a passion.
Here in KJ's latest release is something of a nvoelty as its a standalong which examines what happens to soldiers after a long and bloody war and what they do to acclimatise themselves back into society. Well written, with a spartan descriptive style that allows for a greater realism with a band of misfits who only seem at ease with each other which allows for a tale tha generates an adventure for all who read.
