Swords of Talera Book One of the Talera Cycle (2007) by Charles Allen Gramlich.Why Get It: To join Ruenn Maclang in his quest to find his missing brother, Bryce, and explore the mysteries of the land of Talera.
Excerpt:
In a lull between successive waves, I ran across the deck and leaped down into the rowing-hold. I landed badly, sprawling across something soft, something dead. I scrambled away from the body and looked about. Oars had snapped like matchwood throughout the open hold. Arms and legs and necks were twisted to odd angles, but here and there amid the floating wreckage, beings lived. Even above the waves and wind I could hear their moans and screams.
Bottom line: Ok, I’m hooked. I’d never been much of a reader of fantasy novels making Swords of Talera a first for me—it was my initiation into the Sword and Planet genre. And what a pleasant initiation it was. Mr. Gramlich masterfully creates a vivid world with rich characters all while telling a gripping, action packed tale. I will be picking up Book Two to continue the adventures of Ruenn Maclang in this curious land.
More reviews on Swords of Talera:
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Cedar's Mountain
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@Barrie Summy
David, thanks very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great excerpt! Full of action.
ReplyDeleteNot my genre of choice either but Mr G is such a great writer it's clear that genre, once again, doesn't matter. A beut of an excerpt.
ReplyDeleteYou're going to love the other two as well, David.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you read a book by Charles.
ReplyDeleteCharles, You've created one heck of a world. I can't even imagine the time it takes to create suck Tolkien lands.
ReplyDeleteBarrie, That's the tip of the iceberg with SWORDS. Very descriptive story telling.
Paul, Check it out. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Randy, The next entry is in my Amazon cart.
Patti, I'm hoping Charles returns to BTAP. Helluva writer that Louisiana sage is.
I am having difficulty finding books I like by male writers. This might suck me in, though!
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between the genders and I am sure there is a thesis in there somewhere! Thanks for highlighting something new for me.
Having just re-read Edgar Rice Burroughs' A Princess of Mars, I'm a lot more interested in sword and planet than I used to be. Just checked both public libraries here in Houston. Nothing by Charles. Hmmm, time to e-mail them and rectify the situation. In the meantime, I'll be looking for Swords of Talera.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about this genre. I really like that about the Book Review Club, though. Tt gets a person out of her (or his) reading rut.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good, David. I sometimes enjoy fantasy, but I'm sometimes deterred by the length of the books. I looked this up on Amazon and it's only 204 pages. And it's currently rated a 5 star read! Cool.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteBy an odd coincidence, I have just decided to start reading fantasy. (It all has to do with the grandkids!)
What better place for me to start than with a book by our friend Charles?
Thanks for this intro.
Terrie
Jenn, I am fortunate that I can switch back and forth pretty easily. I’m currently reading Ruth Rendell right now alongside Robert J. Randisi this week.
ReplyDeleteScott, I must read A Princess of Mars. Everyone in the sci-fi community heralds this classic novel.
Bee, I agree. Between Patti Abbott’s Friday Forgotten Books and Barrie’s Review Club my horizons have been widened.
Linda, It was a quick read for me and I know what you mean. 500 plus page books have me heading for the door.
Terrie, Charles delivers the goods here and I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThis is something I will have to look for. I love fantasy and sword & planet just as much as I love mystery and crime.
ReplyDeleteKathy, It certainly is.
ReplyDeleteReb, I know your love for sci-fi and am pretty sure SWORDS would be right up your alley.
Scary, but a good excerpt that must certainly capture the spirit of the tale. I can see why you were sucked into the story.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like something I would like.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt! Glad you found an entree into science fiction. Did you manage the same with romance?? :)
ReplyDeleteJim, Give it a try. I found my copy through Amazon.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa, Give me a title and I will enter the world of romance. But please throw in a murder.
I read A Princess of Mars as a teen and loved it. A novel that appeals to both sexes.
ReplyDeleteDiane, Then it's settled. I will pick this classic up this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove the genre, will check this out based on excerpt!
ReplyDeleteSarahlynn, I'm glad the review was helpful. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to see if Indigo has Charles' book in, and if not I'm getting them to order it.
ReplyDeleteDavid, you will love "A Princess of Mars" with Edgar Rice Burroughs, a master before his time.
Barbara, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
ReplyDelete