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Chargement... The Witch of the Sands (The Hounds of the North) (Volume 1)par Peter Fugazzotto
Aucun Actuellement, il n'y a pas de discussions au sujet de ce livre.  SELindberg | Aug 10, 2018 |  aucune critique | ajouter une critique
"This is one of the best action stories I've read in a long time." -Literary LitterA DARK FANTASY ADVENTUREShield Scyldmund captured his prize: the bloody head of a desert chieftain. But despite the promise of desperately needed coins, the aging swordsman is disturbed.After two decades of hunting down deadly witches and warlocks for the Dhurman Empire, Shield and his ruthless band of mercenary Northmen have been reduced to common bounty hunters in the burning sands of Hopht.Their coin is running out. His men are talking of deserting and returning North.Even worse, Shield can no longer pursue his consuming vengeance against the magic wielders who murdered his father.On top of that, Shield is haunted by a vision of Birgid Wordswallow, the witch he once loved.So when Shield and his sword brothers are called away from the chaotic pillaging of the last walled city to hunt down a witch, Shield thinks things might take a turn for the better.But hunting a witch is never as simple as it seems... Aucune description trouvée dans une bibliothèque |
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1
Very much like Glen Cook's The Black Company, this features a band of hired warriors (Hounds) set on quests/errands that once aligned with Shield's personal goal (kill all warriors and witches since they, namely the Warlock King, killed his father).
Here the Celtic/Viking-like Hounds deal with a Roman-like leader named Cassius (a nod to the IX "lost" legion) to (a) murder a magic-less chieftain (reasons unknown) and then (b) seek out the titular witch of the sands. The author handles the group well, assigning simple but effective names: Shield, Harad, Hawk, Patch, the Brothers Bull, Night (my favorite stealthy fighter),etc.. It's a fun squad with decently involved backstory and tension. Fugazzotto's martial art experience influences the fights, with just the right amount of descriptive positioning and movement.
Plenty of sorcery and undead horror here, and the final battle is compelling--delivering a mix of betrayal, music-based magic, and bloody melee.
Without spoiling, not all is answered about Cassius's intentions. I would have have enjoyed a clearer tie-in between missions. I suspect that may be answered in subsequent installments. The characters and writing style serve as a solid introduction to the Hounds of the North. Shield carries his team and the story... and the readers. You'll undoubtedly follow to book 2, Black River.
An obvious must-read for Grimdark readers and fans of Glen Cook. (