Book Description
Guiromelans is a knight, a sacred paladin, seeking nothing more than to obey the commandments of God. But when God betrays him and allows a hells-condemned witch to defeat him in battle, he is forced to reexamine his faith. What did he do to merit such disgrace? What can he do to atone for his sins? Facing challenges both of the flesh and of the soul, Guiromelans begins a pilgrimage across the known world. In search of redemption and forgiveness, he discovers the true meaning of God’s will. The Raven is the sequal to John Lawson’s first novel, Witch Ember.
Steve’s Thoughts
The Raven, by John Lawson, is his second book in his series of Zå. This action- packed, page-turning, riveting saga chronologically starts where the first book, Witch Ember, ends, which is after the battle between Sir Guiromélans, a paladin, the sword of God and Esmeree, a witch, his true un-fulfilled love. Sir Guiromélans was sent by the Primate of the Church with an army of thousands to bring Esmeree back in chains and kill the 300 or so others. Using sorcery, Esmeree manages to destroy the attacking army. After saving Sir Guiromélans from a treacherous attack by one of his generals, she leaves Sir Guiromélans on the battlefield filled with sorrow, anguish and doubt of his oath of duty.
The Raven is Guiromélans adventitious story as his wanders thru trials and tribulations trying to understand his faith, his concept of God and his duty. It is filled with demons, both outside and inside, Gods, monsters, and battles reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian or Kull the Conqueror. Sir Guiromélans search for his life’s meaning while being cursed by God gives this epic meaningful depth.
Learn More
A technical writer and online help developer by trade, John Lawson lives with his wife and children in the heart of Silicon Valley. When not writing as a profession, he writes as a hobby. And when he isn't writing, he is the Submissions Editor of the creative arts webzine. His next book is scheduled for release this Dec/Jan through Drollerie Press.
More reviews and a chapter from the book can be found on his website at WitchEmber.com.
The Raffle
Both WITCH EMBER and THE RAVEN will be raffled together. Comments from the WITCH EMBER as well as comments below will be entered, giving viewers more than one chance to win. Also, if you blog about this raffle, be sure to add the link (the direct link to your blog’s post) in the comment section. This will give you an additional chance to win. More guidelines can be found by clicking here.
The Ratings
More detailed information about the ratings can be found by CLICKING HERE.
21 comments:
I blogged about this contest. So glad to hear you both liked it
Glad the second one wasn't a disappointment, how sequels sometimes can be. I've had these on my wish list for months, and I really need to just haul off and order them.
It sounds like books and their sequels can work either way just like movies! I am trying to figure out why the "Sir" is cursed by God. Thanks, Steve, for your take on this book. Cindi
Cheryl - thanks
Debi - Steve has asked me to pick up the next book when it's out at the end of the year. Book two, he said is fantastic!
Cindi - maybe Steve will pop by to explain. Steve?
This and Witch Ember sound good.
I blogged about them here:
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2008/06/more-book-giveaways.html
thanks!
Cindi -
As in most 'curses' by God, or the Devil, it self-inflicted. Choose any one - pride, duty, arrogance, or self-righteousness and you have your real curse.
Steve
Thanks for the review, Steve and J. Kaye! I hope whoever wins the books enjoys them too!
John
sounds interesting! I'll blog about it asap.
naida - you'll be entered twice!
Witch Ember - thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. Steve will be picking up the third on in this series. You have him hooked.
kbookreviews - don't forget to post the link and thanks! :)
Great review!! I think it is so awesome that you both enjoy reading and reviewing! Maybe Steve can come over and rub some of that off on my hubby, lol!
April - Steve had said at one time he didn't want to do this any more, but it looks like he changed his mind. I think he doesn't was to "have to" do reviews. That's where I was. ;) Who can blame him?
Could you enter my name for this one please? I blogged about it here. I really enjoyed Witch Ember and it's great to hear that this one lives up to it :)
The book sounds like fun! I hope to win it. Have a happy 4th.
Enjoyed the review, count me in!
Nymeth - thanks for blogging about THE RAVEN. :) The second book is even better than the first.
rachel - thanks for stopping by! Nice to see a new name. Hope you make J. Kaye's Book Blog a regular stop.
tetewa - will do!
I'm looking forward to reading Mr Lawson's books. I love fantasy stories and his look particularly intriguing. Good luck to all on this contest.
Hey Kevin and welcome to J. Kaye's Book Blog! Hope you become a regular.
http://kbookreviews.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/june-and-july-contests-updated/
Just letting you know I linked :)
Sounds like an interesting book- thank you for the review!
Sounds like an interesting story, slightly different to the usual fantasy fare. I'm very curious!
I've posted on my blog, though I may be too late for your draw! Thanks anyway, great reviews.
http://troubles-melt-like-lemon-drops.blogspot.com/2008/07/win-john-lawsons-witch-ember-and-raven.html
Nice to see so many new faces! The drawing will be later on Saturday. I usually do the drawing around 5 to 6 in the late afternoon - central time zone.
Post a Comment