The Library Journal Gives Starred Review for James Barclay's Demonstorm

The Library Journal has just given James Barclay's Demonstorm a starred review!

"The conclusion to the 'Legends of the Raven' trilogy (Elfsorrow; Shadowheart) reunites Hirad Coldheart, the Unknown Warrior, and their companions for one last foray into battle, one they cannot hope to survive. VERDICT Military fantasy, well-developed characters, and masterful storytelling make this an outstanding choice for fans of Glen Cook’s 'Black Company' novels."

Grit, Action, and Vampires

Not surprising given that they included it as one of their top five genre books of 2010, but the Library Journal has just given James Barclay's Elfsorrow a starred review! They write that it "packs a visceral, gritty appeal and will attract fans of Glen Cook’s classic 'Black Company' novels. Pyr will publish the second volume, Shadowheart, in December, so order both titles for your fantasy collections."

"This gripping saga is as much historical drama as horror story," says Patricia's Vampire Notes, speaking of Jasper Kent's Twelve. They say, "Kent convincingly portrays the difficult life of the soldiers and the terror faced by civilians in occupied territory. Starvation for each was a constant companion. In Twelve there are mysterious deaths and disappearances which are shrugged off as some sort of plague. No one except Alexei, and eventually his comrades, suspect the true horror behind the loss of life. I would not categorize Twelve as a thriller because the pace is slower than novels like Blood Oath or The Passage. Still it will keep readers captured by terrific story-telling, well wrought characters, and gripping, supernatural horror."

LEC Book Reviews takes a look at Clay and Susan Griffith's The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book One), and writes, "Folks, this one is full of action, adventure, myth, rousing emotions and characters which there’s a good chance you’ll grow to love - be prepared to add it to your reading lists." They go on to say, "Many other reviewers have called this book the ‘best vampire book of the year’ and I’m tempted to agree, though I don’t know how much weight that would carry seeing as The Greyfriar is just about the only vampire book I’ve read this year... What I can say however is that Clay and Susan Griffith’s debut novel is a strong offering that has very good chances of winning you over. My recommendation goes to most readers of speculative fiction but in particular to epic fantasy lovers as this may just fulfill your needs for something a bit shorter and different while retaining obligatory epic proportions."

For Your Viewing Pleasure: Elfsorrow (full cover spread)

Elfsorrow © James Barclay
Cover Illustration © Raymond Swanland
Design by Nicole Sommer-Lecht

Coming in November!

“…this novel is easily Barclay's best....To have real fun, you have to face real danger. Barclay fills both sides of the bargain perfectly.” The Agony Column

“Intrigue, action, excitement, humor – these novels have these things in heaps. Elfsorrow too, like the previous Raven novels, is unapologetically violent. I had lost track of the body count by page ten! It is also chock full of wonderful fantasy creations…. If you like your fantasy fast paced, tough and punchy, go and discover The Raven. You won't be disappointed.” SFRevu

The Raven travel to a new continent in search of mages to help the ruined college of Julatsa rebuild . . . and find themselves in the midst of an ancient curse - a curse that has unleashed a plague that threatens to wipe out the elven race. Barclay excels with another tale that pitches The Raven against the clock and unseen foes. Full of desperate fights and secret betrayals the story also fills in more of Balaia's history and delves deeper into the ancient enmities between the colleges. Barclay has created a wonderfully appealing group of heroes and with every book their history grows and the land they live in becomes wider and richer. This is landmark fantasy in the making.