"Swords and sorcery in a vivid romance"

By: Mychael Black

Genres: Fantasy

Posted: June 15, 2013

Lithings and feralaans abound in this fantasy. The first are people who are a mix of elf and human. The second are large catlike steeds. Kalen is a warrior and Micheil a sorcerer, and the two young men support each other to repel invaders of their kingdom. A magical artefact called the DRAGONBLADE, a sword supposedly forged by dragons and hidden in a mountain, is thought to possess magical qualities and maybe even time-travelling powers. If it even exists! The pair are sent out to seek the blade but they are not the only ones, and their enemies the lithings are planning to use the blade in battle.

The journey is dangerous, from woodlands and ruined castles to a mountainside infested with giant spiders and breeding dragons, and earlier adventurers have not escaped alive. Kalen has a feralaan steed and an escort of solders, but even with his partner's magical skills it may not be enough for him to succeed. And if he does find the fabled sword, can he wield it?

This is the second book in the Secrets of Socendor series, and so the first chapter contains several references to the previous story and the ongoing politics and struggles of the kingdom of Socendor. Once I got past that, it was possible to read this as a standalone so both fans and newcomers can enjoy DRAGONBLADE. The characterisation was good and the settings were vividly described. Mychael Black likes writing about alternative lifestyles and this novella struck me as a blend of adult gay romance and a fantasy adventure wargame.

Book Summary

Legends tell of a dragon-forged weapon so powerful, it possesses the ability to traverse time itself. Knowing the havoc it could wreak, the dragons sealed it deep beneath the mountains.

No one was meant to find it, let alone wield it.

General Kalen Ysindroc, leader of the human king’s armies and the long-lost son of Socendor’s most feared wizard-king of old, is in a race against time. His half brother, Braen, is searching for the sword as a means to return their father from the grave. Kalen must not let that happen. Joined by his elven lover, wizard Micheil Thierauf, he sets out on a journey beneath the mountains to stop Braen from doing the unthinkable.

As secrets come to light that test Kalen’s faith in every way possible, including his trust in the man he’s loved nearly all his life, the right path is as clouded as the murky, dragon-blood-tainted waters of the Ebon Sea. And Kalen is forced to make a decision that could very well be his last.

Warning: This book contains treason and treachery, magic and steel, clawed behemoths, and secrets no man should ever keep from his lover.

Dragonblade by Mychael Black

Dragonblade

by: Mychael Black

Secrets of Socendor #2

Samhain Publishing
July 1, 2013
On Sale: July 2, 2013
Featuring: General Kalen Ysindroc
122 pages
ISBN: 1619216132
EAN: 9781619216136
Kindle: B00BUKRAD4
Hardcover / e-Book

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