Armor of God (Crimson Sky Series Book 1)

Sword of the Bright Lady

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Whether she's hidden from her own people, or masked so they cannot see her face, she's dedicated her life to her country and king. But, when her king promises her to a rival warlord and Sultan of a A dragon can be loyal forever, if you tame her first. But, when her king promises her to a rival warlord and Sultan of a country she hates, her loyalty is tested. Nadir of Bymere was the boy king no one ever thought would sit on the throne.

And though he knows his country is ruled by corrupt advisors, he's lost himself in the glory of being Sultan. When they force him to marry a masked woman from the country who murdered his brother, he's set to torture her for a lifetime. Both hiding their own secrets, the two slowly realize there is more to both their kingdoms than they originally thought. With many in the kingdom who need help, Sigrid and Nadir must choose who they truly ally with: Their choice will put either their hearts or their lives at risk.

Readers who devoured Game of Thrones, fell in love with The Chronicles of Narnia, and enjoy a little blood with their slow burn romance will find Seas of Crimson Silk thrilling! To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Seas of Crimson Silk , please sign up.

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Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Oct 16, Timitra rated it really liked it. I loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next. I'm hoping there won't be a long wait between books. ARC provided by author. Oct 11, Laura rated it it was amazing Shelves: Does a compilation of spoiler free quotes count as a review?

Because this book sells itself!!

While there may be different rules in your kingdom, I will remind you now. You are in Wildewyn. And here I was thinking you were meek and qui Does a compilation of spoiler free quotes count as a review? And here I was thinking you were meek and quiet. It was a shame she would die. He'd quite liked her and thought admiration might grow in to something more if he had the time to allow it. Oct 12, Mirian Parrish rated it it was amazing. She folded her hands in front of her. I honestly do not want to spoil this book for anyone. I want you to go into this beautiful story completely in the hands of this author.

This book had me gasping so many times. The first pages into the book give you a strong idea of what kind of a ride you are in for, trust me you are in for a wild Arabian stallion ride through the desert. I must also praise the authors writing, reading this book was like reading a beautifully woven poetic story, the writing feels like true craftsmanship. I felt like I was being transported into this world by the author. Being year-old reader since the age of 12 I have read a lot of books in my day. This book completely abandons every one of these tropes and kills them by dragon fire.

I am beast and woman. This is the book I wish I had read when I was younger. It is a rarity to read a book and not find the main protagonist annoying AF but this book honestly empowers the feminist in me! The main female protagonist is just so badass, she knows her strengths and mind and will not be toppled by other peoples opinions of her.

The main lead is a dragon and the world has shapeshifters, but these creatures are not accepted by humans and are hunted out of fear. This book is quite fast paced and action packed so I never had a boring moment. The book ends on quite the cliffhanger and I am now in urgent need of the next book in this series, and I hope it comes soon. This book should be on your tbr.

Oct 12, Juliette Cross rated it it was amazing. Another beautiful, spellbinding story by Emma Hamm. A captivating new world you'll never want to leave. Full review to come. Oct 15, Alexandra rated it it was amazing Shelves: I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Filled with intrigue, plots, murders, romance, and secrets!

What more do you want? Oh, and it hosts diverse cultural and ethnic groups which make the series even more promising! Sigrid of Wildewyn is a Beastkin and a dragon, the last of her kind. When she is forced to marry Nadir, Sultan of Bymere in order to seal a tentative alliance between I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. When she is forced to marry Nadir, Sultan of Bymere in order to seal a tentative alliance between their nations, it will be the spark which will either create peace or plunge them into war.

I'll let you guess what happens. The enjoying part of the book was the detail Emma gave into her descriptions. From the mountainous forests to the sandhills and from open skies to stifling castles, the story unfolds through a rich scenery where diverse groups live and struggle. There were some parts of the book that made me breathless and others where I felt that especially Nadir should have avoided. Nadir as a character is quite immature and doesn't have at first the confidence to do what he must. I'm pretty sure that his advisor will do something in the next book.

Sigrid, on the other hand, is strong, with fighting skills and empathetic to those around her. She is not perfect, but through every heroine, I've read this year, she is the most mature for her position. And don't let me start on the dragon part! Because Sigrid's dragon as a description was magnificent and so beautiful! Overall, this book is a great introduction o a new series which just like the rest of Emma's books will be unforgettable! Dec 03, Amanda rated it it was amazing. She has a talented way of creating vivid worlds and complex characters that attach to your soul.

Seas of Crimson Silk made me happy, excited, anxious and by the end heartbroken. Dragon shifter Sigrid is such a strong character, she is a warrior who won't be intimidated. She fights for what's right, uphold hers heritage and feels man and beast should be treated equally. She is fighting a battle on [I received a digital copy for an honest review] I find Emma Hamm's writing enchanting and beautiful. She is fighting a battle on both sides, from human who think beasts as beneath them and the shifters like herself who view themselves as superior.

Nadir, the sultan who doesn't want the responsibilities that lie on his shoulders is frustrating at times.

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It was pitiful to see his advisors and wife control him, but when Sigrid enters his life that slowly begins to change. She brings out a purpose in him and strength to stand up for his choices. He also wishes for a day with no more war but won't abandon his people. I loved everything about this book. Emma Hamm brought everything in the book to life, from the forests to the scorching deserts. I could picture myself walking down the halls of Nadir's red palace with its crimson fabrics, gold mosaics and pools of water.

The story also contained so many great personalities besides the main stars, Sigrid and Nadir. Faithful Camilla and honorable Raheem are ones I won't be forgetting any time soon. With the way Seas of Crimson Silk ended , I hope there's another book to follow soon. It's going to be agony waiting to find out what Emma Hamm has planned for Sigrid and Nadir.

She wore death like a well-worn cloak. Nov 24, Ari Reavis rated it it was amazing Shelves: First off, I love dragons and this quickly went to the top of my best dragon books. What I loved the most about this book was the growth of the main characters. Sigrid went from basically wanting to slit her new husband's throat to realizing he was someone she could love.

She saw the Beastkin back home and her old way of life through new eyes. She was already a warrior, but she found something truly worthwhile to fight for. She let the dragon part of herself into her heart and it was amazing to r First off, I love dragons and this quickly went to the top of my best dragon books.

She let the dragon part of herself into her heart and it was amazing to read. Nadir truly was the boy king. He was a puppet, a puppet I couldn't stand at first. But the more I read, the more I understood him, why he did certain things, why he allowed others to go on thinking they had all the power through him.

I slowly watched him change and morph into a new person, into a man who would rule his kingdom the way he liked. Plus, his secrets were oh so good. Some characters I loved, like Camilla who went with Sigrid to this enemy country without even being asked. Her loyalty never failed. Some I hated, like every freaking advisor that Nadir had. The book was full of battles, both literally, and battles of the heart and even against themselves, against what they considered right and wrong.

The action and romance made this a great read, which had me on the edge of my seat a lot of times. Th ending, although it slowly ripped my heart to pieces, has me pining for book 2. I've received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Yet I preordered the final book after reading it The reason why I enjoy Emmas previous works is how much in detail she goes when she builds a world and characters.

I was amazed by the image of nature woven into chilling Wildewyn culture and even more by the bliss, glamour and sensuality of the Bymerian. In a similar way, I liked the characters. Not just the main characters are complex and with one exception view spoiler [ of Saafiya hide I've received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Not just the main characters are complex and with one exception view spoiler [ of Saafiya hide spoiler ] , I haven't found any overall good or bad character.

They all do good things, mistakes and everything in between. The prominent topic of the book is identity, choosing sides and following one's beliefs. Both main characters cope with those issues in their unique ways which both make sense and it was hard for me to pick a side. In the last chapters, I was however surprised which team I am. The story is pretty swift and many things happen through the book. The story dynamics is another thing which deserves highlight. Emma builds the action in a great graduating way so when a scene starts slowly, it may end in a thunder.

This is true not only for the book overally but for individual chapters as well so it is easy to not just read but to feel thorugh the story. I do not wish to spoil too much, so I dare not to discuss the story here, so just quickly. Do we get a romance? Yes, yet slow, complicated and Do we get intrigues? More than we get explanations. Do we get a little blood? Oh, my, I do. Nov 12, Kelsey rated it it was amazing Shelves: You just ripped my heart out and you don't even care do you??

She's done it again guys!!!!!!!!! This story dug it's way into my soul. I've never felt so conflicted and sad and angry!!! And yes, I know there will be a sequel. Sigrid is a goddess. I want to be her. She's feisty and loving and there wasn't anything that annoyed me about her. Nadir is that awesome character who you hate and love SOO much. I know he has good in him, but he's making frustrating decisions. Also- his first wife and concubines need to go. His character is SO amazing.

I think I enjoyed his narrative the most! Oct 12, Willowmyst rated it it was amazing. I became a follower right after Heart of the Fae, devouring Veins of Magic immediately after. Emma's new book Seas of Crimson Silk is such an awesome read. I've always loved how she crafts such strong women; they are by no means perfect, but their flaws render them all the more resonating. Sigrid, the heroine in her new book is yet another amazing woman. Typical Emma, her prose allows you to get a glimpse of Where to begin Typical Emma, her prose allows you to get a glimpse of an empowered woman, even in the midst of her fears and flaws and search for happiness and acceptance.

She feels real and relatable. Emma's so good with her descriptive prose, I can see the characters in my mind's eye. I love how the story unfolds, in the pacing and growth of the characters. If I ever felt ansty it was because I wanted more of the story than anything else. The lovestory is not heavy handed. It is not angsty but tugs at your heartstrings nonetheless.

It carries a different emotional tug than what she made me feel in TFW. But I enjoyed it!

It's different and Sigrid and Nadir still caught my attention. I won't give too much details because I feel my summary will be too much a spoiler, but this story is an altogether different tale than her previous works, proving to me what an imaginative and talented writer she is. It won't replace TFW in my heart my ultimate fave and yes I'm still gushing over it , but Sigrid's story is just as gripping.

I can't help but root for Sigrid and Nadir and look forward to more of their story unfolding. I can't wait for the continuation! Nov 14, Patty rated it it was amazing. Holy hell, I loved this book!!!! Sigrid is a Dragon Beastkin in a world where Beastkins arent accepted. She struggles with prejudices against her brothers and sisters. She was not a caring person. Her nature was to fight, battle, and taste blood on her tongue" Shes forced to marry Nadir a Sultan from a neighboring kingdom.

Their relationship is not an easy one. Sigrid is a strong willed woman and Nadir is a Sultan whos still struggling with how to rule his kin Holy hell, I loved this book!!!! Sigrid is a strong willed woman and Nadir is a Sultan whos still struggling with how to rule his kingdom. I loved seeing Nadir grow in maturity, making hard decisions that will lead to war. Sigrid learned to become a softer woman but also make decisions that in the future will be hard to overcome!

I loved these two!! The ending tore my heart and look forward to more!! Emma Hamm always captures your heart with her great storytelling and compelling characters! Oct 27, Showie Ford rated it it was amazing. Emma Hamm has done it again! I automatically know that I'm not going to want to put it down. This story was no different. I was immediately immersed in a brand new world Sigrid is a fantastic character. She is strong, fearless, intelligent and compassionate. I absolutely love her. Nadir makes me want to slap him sometimes, but I understand why he is the way he is.

He makes choices that I would say are absolutely Emma Hamm has done it again! He makes choices that I would say are absolutely the wrong thing to do, but his heart is in the right place, and I believe it will all work out in the end. Sigrid and Nadir both have some maturing to do. I am so excited to watch them grow as the series progresses.

This book does end on a cliffhanger, so naturally I'll be on pins and needles until I get my hands on the next one! Nov 30, Carole rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is the first time I have read something from Emma Hamm. I didn't know what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. Even if fantasy isn't your thing, Emma has a way with words and really paints a vivid picture of this fantasy world. I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading more. Oct 12, Sarah Jane rated it it was amazing. Emma Hamm has done it again. Sea of Crimson Silk left me breathless and dying for more.

There were so many emotions and feelings after finishing this book that I had to take some time to sift through them all. From the very first chapter until the very last sentence, I was hooked. There was quite literally no other way this story could have gon.

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It was what I expected, it was what I got. Enjoyment can be found in these stories and I got a bit of satisfaction when everything he did was inevitably proven to be right. I admit that for all the predictability I saw through the story I was caught off guard by the ending; in retrospect it was obvious but the author managed to fool me and kudos to him for that. Unfortunately the detractions to the book outweigh the strong ending and various comeuppances that the baddies of the tale get. Go beyond the silly set up and incredible ease in which Christopher bends the world around his will.

It is actually surprising to see a book fail the Betchell test these days but this one does it rather miserably. The closest it comes to passing is when one woman addresses a table that has a second woman at it; it may be the only time in the book two women are in one scene — surprising because this is a land of endless war missing a large percentage of its male population. Of the six women of note in the book three offer themselves to Christopher in some fashion. And despite a large portion of the male population dying in the war women are still left with the prospect of a good marriage being their best only?

For those who look for well-paced plotting first and foremost in their fantasy novels this book will probably work well. But it is pretty easy to overload on portal fantasy; they all too often deal with one super character changing the world and need something unique to break form the back. Jul 10, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: Full Review at TenaciousReader: I have to admit; I found the concept of someone from our world landing in the middle of a medieval style fantasy story quite intriguing.

I mean, really, we spend our free time reading about such things, but what would it really be like to wake up in one? Dirty, smelly and full of hard work. Probably not near as much fun as reading. About the magic in this world, I actually found it quite interesting and disturbing. To gain magical ability, you collect something called tael.

It can even be used as a type of currency, purchasing favors from priests as well as social status.

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Just find a way to harvest tael, and you can advance, do magic, become superhuman in fights making it near on impossible for mundane non-magical people to harm you, and if they do, well, just use some tael and heal yourself. Then there's some interesting questions about the power and status attained from tael, versus the cost of acquiring it. Christopher seems to know a lot of convenient things when he gets there.

Things that help advance the technology of the world. I have to admit, part of me felt like he knew a bit too much, that it was all more convenient than it should be. But, I also have to admit to knowing a couple people in real life that can spout out facts and information about things that I, despite graduating from a College of Engineering, see no reason to ever know. There are some personalities in this world that just absorb information and are quite intrigued in the inner workings of basically everything.

Christopher must be one of those people because he seems to know an awful lot. I think this was a pretty strong debut. I really enjoyed the premise and the way magic and status is handled. Magic with a real cost! At times things seemed a bit easy for our protagonist, but, hey, I liked the rest of it enough I can easily overlook that. When it comes down to it, Sword of the Bright Lady was an enjoyable and intriguing read with an ending that has me interested and asking more questions until I get the chance to read the next one.

Aug 30, Kelly rated it it was amazing Shelves: Christopher Sinclair wakes from an interesting dream into a more interesting dilemma. He is in an alternate reality, a world eerily similar and yet markedly different to ours. The sleepy village he finds himself in appears to be stuck in the medieval age, but for certain marvels. The higher the rank, the more magic a practitioner commands. On his first day in th Christopher Sinclair wakes from an interesting dream into a more interesting dilemma.

On his first day in this new world, not quite given over to the fact he has left his own world, rather, Christopher believes himself the displaced victim of a plane crash. Our hero manages to transgress several laws while coming to the defence of a young woman. He is summoned by church officials and interviewed. By the time his audience with Saint Krellyan is finished, two things are clear. Some legal finagling puts off his death, but there is a cost. He agrees, seeing no other way to stay alive long enough to find a way home.

He is given a rank and inducted into the local religion where he will serve a priest to the Bright Lady, the goddess of healing. While preparing for war, Christopher succeeds in more than arming his cadre of young draftees with improved weaponry. In slow steps, he organises an industrial revolution. But not everyone appreciates his forward thinking or his methodology. Then there are the duellists who want a crack at his magic sword, grudge-bearing nobleman and a mysterious assassin who wants to know all of his secrets.

The magic system alone is fascinating. A little more fun, too. By about half-way through the book, I had decided that M. Planck had found a way to truly fictionalise a table-top gaming experience. Bodies are looted and experience and goods apportioned according to who struck the killing blow and rank, of course. So, characters gain tael and magical items by defeating foes. Tael can be used to regenerate limbs, raise the dead, or elevate rank. War is a numbers game. So, the life of a commoner is not considered worth much. This is where the gap in society comes into play.

The thought of riding to war on the backs of near-defenceless young men horrifies him. So, he changes the formula. Christopher is an engaging character who feels more real as the pages turn. His sense of wonder and humour both amused. Dec 25, Daniel rated it liked it. Interesantna ideja i postavka ali mi je sve nekako malo suvise ko da je neko prebacio naku igru. Fin pocetak ali moci tek posle 2ge igre da kazem dal vredi serijal ili ne. Aug 24, Scott Bell rated it really liked it. A good start to a Displaced Person fantasy.

The series suffers from bloat and the never-finishing syndrome of modern fantasy epics. Just one more novel and we'll reach the end Jul 30, David rated it it was amazing. This is what happens when you put science-fiction, fantasy, moral development, and political-science into a blender. Stirling and Eric Flint will feel right at home with Christopher as he struggles to reconcile his gentle nature and modern sensibilities with a world filled with goblins, magic, and medieval privilege.

World building is often one of the more difficult aspect This is what happens when you put science-fiction, fantasy, moral development, and political-science into a blender. His initial reaction is, quite predictably, shock and it progress as he grieves for the world he lost and his wife who was left behind he literally bargains with a god. It is believable and not excessively angsty and he emerges from it dedicated to bringing some much needed justice to the world around him. The rest of the book alternates between impressive world building, whoever thought banking could be so fun, and action sequences.

By the end it is clear that Christopher is not done growing as a character and that the conflicts he has faced so far are quite provincial. Better than average story of a stranger in a strange land. The mixture was indistinguishable from anger. It cannot comprehend Good. Well, that and fireballs. Oct 14, drowningmermaid rated it did not like it Shelves: What I was hoping for: What I was expecting: Now, I do feel a bit bad about having such a negative reaction, because I consider the author, or at least the author's online persona, to be a generally awesome guy.

But there really isn't much nice that I can say about this book. I like the concept of tael, although it does seem very, very videogamey. And overall, this story might have worked better if it had just gone all the way and made itself a WoW fanfic. It would have been a very credi What I was hoping for: It would have been a very creditable WoW fanfic. Others before me have complained about this book seeming to be ripped out of a video game. And the author himself has mentioned that this is his interpretation of a common gamer fantasy-- that of being the one RL person stuck in fantasyland.

The problem with writing a book about a fantasy that everyone has already had The other problem with writing a book about this type of video game fantasy, is that this book fails at being a video game fantasy. There is no video game plot. Video game plots take you through various parts of the world: This Entire Book you spend at a save point, changing your character's outfit, talking to NPCs who have suffered arrows to the knee, and impressing locals.

One that outright admitted the MC was sucked into a video game, and actually explored in-depth the fear and displacement and horror at all the bloodshed. That gave a hint of the possibility the MC might not make it. That gave roles to other characters that were complex and GRRMartiny. The MC character is a painful Gary Stu whose every roadblock exists only to prove how invincible he is, and there are no characters developed beyond the most flimsy cardboard cutout.

Think of one of the NPCs in Diablo and Every other character exists only as a foil for Gary Stu's successes. And every conflict is resolved linearly within a ten-page chapter. The author has said this book took about three months to write. It could have benefited from some more months. Sadly, it reads like a NaNoNovel. For one thing, one of the things I was really hoping to see was Mechanical Engineer Awesome. The MC is a supposed mechanical engineer who is going to change the world by industrializing Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

But there is VERY little mechanical engineer research done here The final battle sequence was pretty good, if unsurprising. But the final plot twist felt very, very rushed. I got royally sick of watching Christopher make stupid, overly-idealistic military decisions and then get rewarded for them.

Part of war is loss. Dec 23, Denver Public Library rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book is awesome, SciFi hiding as fantasy or Fantasy pretending to be SciFi I couldn't tell but it really didn't matter! There were certainly some instances of suspension of disbelief but excellent payoff. Good characterization, decent pacing, good world building Christopher Sinclair, a gentle souled mechanical engineer wakes up in a strange bed with a strange woman, in a strange land where no one speaks English.

It must be a dream but even for a dream this is too weird. Turns out Christopher fell through space to another place altogether and, Toto, this ain't Kansas. Katana swords, suits of armor, horses and stones which cast light without heat. Christopher is being sheltered by a priest, Pater Svengusta, and his "wench" for lack of a better word Helga. One day while earning his keep by chopping firewood he gets involved in a civil dispute between some serfs and a ranked man. Christopher doesn't even speak the language but he cannot stand for what is happening, and so, the gauntlet is thrown.

The only way to save Christopher is to bring him into the fold. Using magic Cardinal Faren communicates with Christopher that he must pledge himself to the service of the Bright Lady, and in so doing enlist in the army for the next three years. In trade, the church will resurrect him if he dies during the duel I know, right?! Bewildered and heartsick Christopher feels this might be the only way to survive this harsh world until he can find his way back home so he agrees. This pledge grants Christopher certain powers, he can now speak the languages of this new land, he is granted rank meaning he has magic and access to the knowledge that comes with it, oh as well as making him the only Priest of the God of War that this land has seen in many years.

Magic, swords, backyard chemistry and resurrection, this book kicks so much butt! Aug 27, Mike rated it liked it. When Christopher Sinclair takes a walk one night in Arizona he suddenly finds himself waking up in a strange land gripped by a freezing winter.

Sinclair is quickly quickly finds himself embroiled in the affairs of the titular Bright Lady as her consort, the God of War Marcius, offers an exchange: From its initial layout Sword of the Bright Lady there is a sense of familiarity to the tale When Christopher Sinclair takes a walk one night in Arizona he suddenly finds himself waking up in a strange land gripped by a freezing winter. He knows a bit too much to be able to survive in a pre-industrial society as he is able to bring techniques and technologies to bear in order to improve the quality of weapons and armor.

Similar his prowess with a weapon, though below that of the native in the novel, is a bit too good for someone from our world. The world of Sword of the Bright Lady often feels familiar, particularly to anyone who has played a video game or enjoyed a session of Dungeons and Dragons. Magic-users are measured by rank and their power is increased by taking on the energy of expired lifeforms, particularly other ranked individuals. While the novel lacks depths it makes up for that lack with some excellent action scenes and the pure entertainment value of watching a headstrong, independent-minded American butt heads with a rigid feudal society.

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Dec 29, Breanne rated it it was amazing Shelves: The writing style was very simple, but the story was very effectively told and I could not put down the last third of the book until after 2am when I read the last page. This is one for fans of fantasy, gaming, time travel, and anyone who is intrigued by the thought of sending MacGyver back to medieval times and seeing what he comes up with.

The first page starts with Christopher, a man from our world and our time, waking up in another world entirely. It's winter, he has no money and was found wandering the night before through the wilderness, half frozen. The world he has entered is full of magic and medieval-age technology, and a war has been ravaging their society for years. Christopher is inadvertently swept into the war's draft for the following season. Not wanting to become part of the war's terrible mortality rate, and drawing on his skills as a mechanical engineer, he decides to invent firearms - but he's got to start from scratch.

This was obviously what I loved about the book, but there are other things that fantasy fans will love, too. Christopher becomes pledged to Marcius, the God of War, which leads to duels, assassins, monsters, sword fighting, and of course, magic. A complex world has been created filled with class divisions, political tensions between church and state, upper and lower classes. Heck, there are even levels "ranks" that you can gain or lose if you die. This was a fascinating story with a very likable main character and a wide cast of characters set in an interesting world. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Dec 14, Joel Tone rated it really liked it. This book is the story of a modern man dumped into a self-consistent Dungeons and Dragons world. The part I enjoyed most about it is that he is moral without being preachy and the world makes sense. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series. If you liked this book, the closest analog is Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series. Jan 19, Kate rated it really liked it. I have grown weary with teenagers saving the world and magic being unlimited. The main character in this novel is not a teenager, the magic system Planck has built is neither free nor unlimited, and the complexity of the world and story thrive because of both.

This book was a breath of fresh air. Aug 13, Chris rated it it was amazing Shelves: This was one of those books i was eager to continue reading, which hasnt happent too often this past year. What we have is a standard sword and sorcery fantasy novel starring a middleaged man who actually comes from our own normal world and somehow goes through a portal into this new fantasy realm. Technologically speaking, this place is not yet at the industrial revolution. But fear not, because our main character, Christopher, just so happens to be a mechanical engineer and single handedly turns the ideas of the world on its head.

Introducing machining, explosives etc he is able to bring new and improved methods to daily life as well as warfare. And of course there is violence here because the world exists on a feudal kingdom hierarchy of sorts that also deals with a magic system based on rank. Ranks involve quatities of a substance called Tael, which all things considered is not that well explained. I would expect more in future books. Higher ranks naturally mean more power. The goal of a duel may be to wittle your opponent's Tael until a mortal blow can be delivered.

But wait there is more. Even the dead can be resurrected with Tael! It all sounds confusing but it does make a sort of sense as the story progresses. Christopher finds himself at odds with many people throughout the story. He does get ranked as a priest but then pledges to a different god. Not the Bright Lady but the god of War, Marcius. This benefits Christopher as he has spent the last 20 years training in martial arts and sword play. Although the whole story felt like one big setup, it moved very fast as with each chapter the reader learns something else about the world.

A grand war is going on against monsters: There are magic weapons, although we have not seen them yet. Different counties in the kingdom have completely different gods and churches. Light vs Dark etc. And all of this stuff is thrown into a story that has one man try to advance civilization as fast as possible by using the limited means at his disposal and his knowledge that it should be possible. Certainly MC Planck is a great writer and I am very interested in finding out where the next book brings us, especially after where this one left off.

Not so much a cliffhanger, but by no means is it closure. Note on cover art: I did not care for the image used, the tone, the props. In fact when I received notification of winning, i was apprehensive to even start in. I am glad I did, but the art did nothing for me This whole book has only slightly to do with some guy in armor with a rifle. They may as well have just used an image of a guy firing his rifle at an advancing goblin in cartoon style.

I am not a fan of this intense, high contrat photgraphic style anyways. Hated it when they did it to Joe Abercrombie just as much. Fantasy is fantasy, keep it to art and style and less photo realistic please! Jul 15, Rebecca rated it really liked it. As I deduced from reading the back cover, the premise of The Sword of the Bright Lady was fascinating and unique, making use of the familiar idea of parallel universes while adding an original perspective.

My brother swiped it up and read it before I had a chance and revealed a few interesting tidbits- first, the main character has to invent guns in the world he was transported to and second, the ending was quite astonishing and not at all what he anticipated. He is as a newborn babe entering the world, completely unaware of culture, traditions, and the dangers of society. Everything must be explained to him, and even when he is told what to do or how to act he screws up on a grand scale. The society is largely based around nobility and the churches, both of which have access to very powerful magic that can work a variety of wonders or horrors.

He continues to serve by making rifles and cannons for the recruits in hopes that Marcius, the war aspect, will help him find his way back to Earth and his beloved Maggie.

The ending was as E. After Christopher and his little army of recruits defeat a horde of monsters with their newly minted rifles they struggle to march back to the town of Kingsrock to have their dead revived. Christopher is woken in a strange dungeon where he is tortured for an unknown amount of time by a mysterious captor and then killed, only to be revived by the Saint of the Bright Lady.

I found this short segment to be disturbing, though it was not greatly detailed and written as if by a dispassionate observer. Perhaps the blunt simplicity with which the horrors inflicted on Christopher were described made the impact more powerful because so many other writers go into such great detail when describing atrocities. The story overall was strong and I see much potential for the rest of the series, though I did find some segments to be a bit dull or repetitive. I have no doubt that the minor character will have their roles fleshed out more in the coming books and some of the duller bits will be rendered vital to the storyline.

I found the magic and rank system to be quite interesting because it was largely reminiscent of the leveling system in most video games- you kill more enemies, you gain more levels and become more powerful. The Sword of the Bright Lady has well earned 4 out of 5 stars and the ending left so many options for stories to come.

Jun 04, Carrie Mansfield rated it really liked it Shelves: This review will be available on my website:

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