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.
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.
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