Blood Sword (First Civilization's Legacy) [Kindle Edition]

Author Terry W. Ervin II takes readers back to the complicated world of Mercenary Flank Hawk (Krish) in the compelling sequel Blood Sword: A First Civilization's Legacy Novel. The Necromancer King is in retreat with defenders of the kingdom of Keese in pursuit. War has taken a heavy toll on both sides and the Keese Kingdom has been weakened and is vulnerable. Prince Reveron has been worried about a possible attack through one of several passages through Pyrenees Mountains. While others, including those in the military, scoffed at the threat Grand Wizard Seelain had volunteered to go watch. She took Flank Hawk with her as her guard.

Good thing on both aspects they are there to see, not only the first troop movements of the coming invasion, but the fact that the invaders have local assistance. Barely escaping with their lives they make it back to the King's City to discover the attack is fully underway. It isn't taking just the form of land invasion. Led by Fendra Jolain, Goddess of Healing, those with the magical power to heal others have either fled or used their magical skills to attack those around them. In the carnage it is clear that few with magical skills, healing or otherwise, remain committed to the kingdom of Keese and its people. Instead, they have allied themselves with the powerful Fendra Jolain who has chosen this moment when her two most dangerous foes are weakened to attack.

For anyone to survive and for the kingdom of Keese to be saved, Flank Hawk, Grand Wizard Seelain and others will have to make a perilous journey to the western continent. Their quest is to once again locate the immortal Colonel of the West and negotiate the return of the Blood Sword. A magical weapon with deeply evil properties it represents their only chance to survive.

This is one of the cases where a book review does not really tell you just how good this book series truly is on every level. Building upon the first book, Flank Hawk, author Terry W. Ervin II pulls readers back into a world that is our own thousands of years in the future where magic and the sword rule the land from the opening page. Not only does he further develop a number of characters through the skillful use of dialogue and character reactions, he also further develops the world he created that continues to go through war. War takes a tremendous toll on all involved and that is shown here through many characters who are not fighters but civilians caught in the chaos and upheaval. Their stories are just as important as those directly involved in the politics of the kingdom or fighting for their survival in battle. Those non-military non-royal types receive equal treatment in this compelling series.

Blood Sword: A First Civilization's Legacy Novel is one of those books that truly has a lot of things going on at the same time putting the "epic" in Epic Fantasy. The result is another fantastic installment in what has become a great series. Using the basic idea of the quest in both books, the author has created complex multidimensional humans and creatures working together and against at a time in a possible far future of our world. Blending some science fiction fact, plenty of fantasy, some mystery, and lots of other elements, the world and those that populate it quickly come alive in a series that just gets better and better.

Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2012

Blood Sword is the follow up novel to Flank Hawk in the First Civilization's Legacy series. The story picks up after the defeat of the Necromancer King with the forces of Fendra Jolain, Goddess of Healing, making a move. Flank Hawk has been assigned to the Grand Wizard Seelain, the Prince's fiance, as a personal bodyguard and it is a duty that he takes very seriously. There is also the issue of his secret healing powers. If it were known that he had any ability to manipulate healing energy he would have been turned over to the healers for full training with them, regardless of what he wants. With the conflict between the two kingdoms he really has no idea what will happen if his powers are revealed. To add another wrinkle to the situation his sister was taken by the healers years ago and he has no idea what has happened to her.

The one thing that I wish the book had was a greater involvement of Road Toad. He was one of my favorite's from the first book and while still involved, his part has been reduced quite a bit. The rest of the gang is still present including the always entertaining Lily. On the journey to retrieve the Blood Sword we are treated to a more in depth view of the Crusader society. Terry continues to write an excellent series filled with wonderful characters, exciting locations, and crazy battle scenes.

Review copy provided by the author.

In this sequel to FLANK HAWK, the war against the Kingdom of Keesee continues as a new enemy enters into the foray. Fendra Jolain, the Goddess of Healing, sends her army of men and magical beasts against King Tobias' forces. The war is brutal and even with allies, the king knows he needs a miracle or strong magic to win against the hordes of beasts sent against him. To stop the goddess, he needs the magic of an ancient relic, the Blood Sword; the only weapon that can kill Fendra Jolain. King Tobias once again sends mercenary Flank Hawk, scout Lilly, air wizard, Seelain, and a small contingent of fighters to retrieve the weapon from the immortal Colonel of the West.

The challenges the group faces as they travel across Keesee seem insurmountable, but through sheer determination and a bit of luck along the way, they make it across the ocean to Outpost 4 where they can ask the Colonel for the sword. But all is not well for the Colonel either. He's struggling in a war on the western continent and the communication system at Outpost 4 is destroyed forcing Flank Hawk and his group to travel overland to reach the Colonel at his central outpost. Along the way they meet more magical beasts: ogres, satyrs, and centaur warriors. The author does a great job melding all of these magical beasts into the story of war, loss, loyalty and friendship. Used as a pawn in the war of magic, Flank Hawk steadfastly refuses to give up as death and destruction pile up around him. His indomitable spirit shines bright and the final battle between the princes of Keesee and Fendra Jolain is riveting.

I would recommend that you first read "Flank Hawk" Book 1 in the Lost Civilization's Legacy series to fully enjoy and understand the genius of the author as he takes you on a journey that once again follows Flank Hawk and his friends as they face unbeatable odds to save the Kingdom of Keesee.