Title: The Books of the South
Author: Glen Cook
First published January 1, 2002
671 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765320667 (ISBN10: 0765320665)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
As the Black Company moves southward, they are relentlessly pursued by mysterious and ominous figures. This sets the stage for an intense game of cat and mouse between the Company and the Shadowmasters – sinister beings that thrive on despair and darkness.
Even in the face of insurmountable odds, the Black Company remains steadfast, determined to survive at any cost. Glen Cook’s Black Company series continues in The Books of the South, featuring three gripping novels: Shadow Games, Dreams of Steel, and The Silver Spike.
Prepare for a thrilling journey through a world of fantasy and adventure.
About the Author
Glen Cook’s life began in the bustling city of New York, but he spent most of his childhood in Southern Indiana before moving to Northern California. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and later attended the University of Missouri.
Glen worked at General Motors for over three decades before retiring. He discovered his love for writing in 7th grade when he wrote his first short story.
His passion for writing continued, and he eventually wrote 51 books and several short fiction pieces.
Glen met his wife at the Clarion Writer’s Workshop in 1970, and they have been married for 43 years.
He has three sons, one of whom is an army officer, another is an architect, and the third is an orchestral musician. Glen is a proud grandfather of many grandchildren, with only one being a boy.
Glen is renowned for his Black Company series, which has been translated into over 20 languages worldwide. Additionally, he has written the Dread Empire series and the Garrett, P.I. series.
His latest masterpiece, Working God’s Mischief, is the fourth book in the Instrumentalities of the Night series.
Editoral Review
The Books of the South by Glen Cook is a gripping novel that will captivate fans of science fiction and fantasy. Cook is an American writer of fantasy and science fiction who is best known for his Black Company series.
The Books of the South is the second omnibus edition in the Black Company series, which features mercenaries who have been hired to work for the Lady, an evil sorceress. The novel explores the struggles of the Black Company as they seek to free themselves from the control of the Lady and to rescue a member of their team who has been kidnapped.
The novel is set in a fictional world that is filled with magic and wonder. The Black Company is a group of soldiers who work for hire for various clients, but their allegiance is always to each other.
The group is led by Croaker, a medic who is also the chronicler for the Black Company. Other members of the team include Goblin, One-Eye, and Silent, who all have their unique skills and personalities.
The plot of The Books of the South is highly engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Cook’s writing is crisp, and his concise prose is highly effective at conveying the action and emotions of the characters.
The plot is well-structured, with intriguing subplots that add depth to the story and enrich the characters. One of the strengths of The Books of the South is its character development.
Cook has imbued his characters with a sense of humanity that makes them relatable and sympathetic. Each character has a distinct personality and backstory that adds to their motivations and choices.
Another strong point of the novel is its themes. Cook explores issues of power, loyalty, and redemption in a nuanced way that raises thought-provoking questions.
The novel also has echoes of real-world conflicts, which add to its cultural significance. However, the novel does have some limitations.
The pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the action scenes a bit repetitive. Additionally, the novel may not appeal to readers who are not fans of the fantasy genre.
Overall, The Books of the South is a highly enjoyable read that will be appreciated by fans of science fiction and fantasy. The novel is well-written, with engaging characters and a well-structured plot.
It raises important questions about power and loyalty, making it a thought-provoking work. Despite some limitations, this novel is highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging and well-written fantasy novel.
Rating: 4/5.
