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A fast pace, sly humor, amusing dialogue and a richly researched background lift Baxley's fantasy, the first of a new series set in medieval Britain. When Merlin's long-ago apprentice Kruzurk Makshare (aka the Boozer) receives a dreamlike visitation from the legendary mage, he learns he must destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. To do so will require a visit to the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep.
Enter young Daynin McKinnon, who discovers a curious rune-covered headstone, which may be the fabled Scythian Stone, and brings it to Kruz's attention. Kruz believes it will provide entry into the fortress, while Daynin hopes the sale of the stone will restore his family's fortunes.
The colorful cast of good guys and ne'er-do-wells includes the Pictish ghost of Brude McAlpin liberated from his tomb, assorted pursuing Caledonians and a bemused Prior Bede, whose monastery serves as a hiding place for the Blackgloom Bounty. Suitable for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages, this novel evolved from an e-book,The Scythian Stone.
...Taking place in medieval Scotland, this epic of magic, adventure and love really captured my attention and kept me reading for hours. I have never been a big fan of fantasy novels that took place on Earth as they always seemed to be far fetched even for fantasy. Baxley really chose the perfect setting for his novel and created an Earth-based fantasy novel that knocked my socks off.
When I first read the back of the novel I was a little thrown off by the description as it told you right there that the enemy would be defeated. And so I slowly stepped into the tale of Daynin and Kruzurk wondering what the point of reading the novel was if I already knew the bad guy was going to die. Along the way they pick up a young “slave” girl named Sabritha after rescuing her from a vicious noble and continue along their journey.
As I came to the climax of the heroes’ battle with the Seed of Cerberus, which I thought was the climax of the novel, I still had a good two hundred pages to read and no idea what was going to happen next. I continued along in this superb novel and was not disappointed by the quality of the tale. The novel follows Daynin, Kruzurk and Sabritha on a quest to reclaim Daynin’s family’s lost lands after having looted Blackgloom Keep for an extensive amount of treasure. The group of travelers then must fight against an evil nobleman driven by greed and malice who wants nothing more than the treasure which our heroes possess.
Jon F. Baxley has created a book that has broken down another of my strongest convictions towards novels. The slightest hint of an Earth-based fantasy has always made me turn my back, but with The Blackgloom Bounty I have finally found a novel that may open me up to new Earth-based novels without having such a strong animosity towards them...Baxley’s novel really drew me in as a reader and brought a nice historical perspective to the tale incorporating two subjects I love, Medieval History and Fantasy.
One of the best parts of this novel...would have to be that there are two distinct plot lines. The first is where Kruzurk takes Daynin along on the adventure to kill the Seed of Cerberus, and the second deals with the reclamation of Daynin’s homeland, both of which were exhilarating and entertaining adventures. I really look forward to seeing this series continue and watching the characters face whatever interesting problems Baxley can come up with next.
The Blackgloom Bounty is a roller coaster of a fantasy novel, which really captures the imagination. This book is based around the adventures of Daynin McKinnon who is attempting to reclaim his (highland) heritage and prevail against villainous noblemen bent on his destruction and the theft of his newly discovered treasure. The story begins in medieval Britain where a poor farmer and his grandson, Daynin, barely scrape a living from the land.
Daynin then discovers the Scythian Stone, and not knowing its worth is quickly taken under the wing of Kruzurk Makshare, a magician trained under the one and only Merlin. Kruzurk is visited in a dream by Merlin and told to destroy another Merlin apprentice, The Seed of Cerberus. On the way, Daynin meets and falls in love with Sabritha who then accompanies him on the rest of his quest.
Daynin and most of the other characters in the story are involved in a lengthy chase that takes them to Scotland and to Rhum, the island where Daynin grew up. There he must fight for his heritage against the evil noblemen that pursue him.
This was an excellent read that didn't delve too deeply into the realms of fantasy. What I mean by this is that the story is Earth-based. It contains elements of fantasy that are offset by the realistic struggle of the main characters to forge their way across England and into the far reaches of the Scottish Isles. There would appear to have been some careful research by the author to bring a good amount of realism to the tale. With everything you want in a story, from romance to bloodthirsty battles, this would suit readers of all ages. Those who read it will, no doubt, be eager to read the next installment! In conclusion, I found this entertaining adventure a riveting and unforgettable read. Look out, Hollywood!
Reviewer: Amy Brozio-Andrews "Inside the Cover Book Reviews"
The Blackgloom Bounty is a sweeping medieval fantasy that draws readers in with its swift plotting, dynamic characterization, and blend of magic, military, and history. The pace of the book is much faster than its almost 450 pages might suggest, with strong action scenes blending into each other as Baxley shifts the third-person narrative among his characters-- from Daynin, Sabritha, Kruzurk, and their allies to the duke's men in pursuit. Secondary characters are numerous, but Baxley skillfully moves them into and out of the narrative as he advances the story and keeps the reader focused on the primary plot.
Supporting the narrative with vivid historical detail and distinctive characters that come alive through sharp dialogue and seamlessly integrated backstories, Baxley's book has broad appeal. Daynin's charming inexperience-- with women and with doing battle-- is endearing, while Sabritha's sharp tongue keeps the tension (romantic and otherwise) between the two at an almost fever-pitch. Battle scenes are exciting and cinematic in their telling, and Daynin's quest to restore his clan's keep in the face of those who massacred his family has a timeless theme that Baxley still manages to make feel fresh, even though the book takes place in the year 988. Baxley's energetic and engaging voice spins a captivating story, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
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If you're looking for a copy of Blackgloom and all else fails, you can ask for THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY,(ISBN 1594144516) at a library near you. Most will order it upon request. You can find it in a library by clicking here:
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My name is Jon Baxley. I'm a Five Star fantasy author (an imprint of Gale/Cengage). My latest hardcover release, THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY is available at libraries and booksellers nationwide. Blackgloom has received glowing reviews in the national media and is being considered for a book-to-movie deal. In fact, one Hollywood producer has already dubbed the book, "BRAVEHEART meets THE LORD OF THE RINGS."
If you have questions about my writing or anything related to the publishing, eBook or editing business, please ask. I'll do my best to give you a timely answer. I invite other MySpace authors and writers to contact me for networking opportunities here at MS, Squidoo, Facebook, Book Place and other sites. (You'll find direct links below). Non-writers are welcome to apply for a friend slot provided you display a bonafide interest in books, reading or writing. Thanks!
Jon Baxley
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (hard cover '06)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (spring '08)
THE SCIONS OF SCOTIA (summer '09)
Kruzurk Makshare, as a young magician's apprentice, first encountered the villain, Seed of Cerberus, who was studying with Kruzurk under the master magician, Merlin. While trying to stop the Seed from stealing Merlin's tools of making, Kruzurk is cursed for life by the vindictive Seed.
As a boon to the spirit of Merlin, Kruzurk enacts a clever ruse to bring down the Seed. The plan involves a young highlander, Daynin McKinnon, who is unaware of his role in the great deception. Daynin is torn between his desire to seek riches to rebuild his ancestral home and his duty to his grandfather Ean. Desire wins out, temporarily, leading Daynin on a hair-raising adventure where he meets and falls in love with the beautiful and cunning Sabritha Kilcullen. Together, they are dragged into Kruzurk's plot to destroy the Seed. Along the way, others join them in the campaign, also unaware of the part they are to play in a nightmare of whirlwind escapades many will not survive.
Ultimately, the Seed is destroyed, leaving Daynin, Sabritha and Kruzurk Makshare to divide the spoils left in the ruins of Blackgloom. Daynin must then overcome a host of almost insurmountable enemies, objects and circumstances to return the Blackgloom bounty and Sabritha to his clan's ancestral home. There, he hopes to rebuild the keep, kindle a romance with Sabritha and hold his ground against all comers.
But first, a great chase, an even greater escape and a tremendous running battle ensues, stretching across most of Scotland and the high seas and ending at the walls of Kinloch Keep. At every turn, Daynin is threatened with the loss of the bounty, his dreams and the future of his clan. He must use every ounce of wit and guile to outthink, outfight or outrun a litany of mortal and mystical adversaries and indeed, eventually change the future of the highlands forever.
Here's an idea! Instead of listing people I might like to meet, I'll list a couple of people I want YOU to meet from my writing. The only way for you to really get to know them is to read THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. For now, the least I can do is provide these images from the eBook version to "flesh" out the characters. If you'll follow my blog excerpts here at MySpace, you should be able to gain some insight into what makes these characters tick. Enjoy!
Blackgloom Character Profiles
This is young Daynin McKinnon, the central heroic character for the whole of the Scythian Stone series, which includes (to date) The Blackgloom Bounty, The Regents of Rhum & The Scions of Scotia.
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This sweet young thing is the lovely and cunning Sabritha Kilcullen, Daynin's off-again, on-again love interest. She's a raven-haired firebrand if there ever was one.
Hi Jon, I haven't been on the Five Star loop lately, but I wish you a magickal Day. Annette Blair www.annetteblair.com SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH-Available now!
Thanks Jon! As you and all other published authors well know, it's all champagne and caviar and private meetings with Spielberg from here on out. Errr, wait, make that sparkling cider, fake lobster meat and meetings with that guy who sells tickets at the local AMC theater...in any case, I'm thrilled. :)
Howdy folks. The new Five Star Author Group at MySpace is up and running. If you are a Five Star author, we welcome your participation in the group. Please contact Daniel Arenson or me, Jon Baxley, for information and/or sign-up procedures.
