A plot-driven tale, Kurzhon The Life-Taker is about a lone warrior who doesn’t bat an eye at taking a life, if it pleases him and his warrior god. Kurzhon resides in a land with elves, sorcery and plenty of sword-and-axe action. A cold-hearted person with a cold and hard past childhood, Kurzhon cares for only one thing—well, two things, but you’ll have to read the tale to find out—battle, with plenty of bloodshed. Traveling the continental land of Straifa, he has a goal to rule the land entirely and bring back the warrior ways he was trained in. But first, he must find a wizard named Zakariah, who has somehow placed a mark on Kurzhon, which our warrior does not like one bit. He is at no one’s beck-and-call and desires to kill this wizard for marking him, once the mark is removed, of course.
Kurzhon’s travels take him through several stops before getting to the land of Resslayke, where the wizard resides, and to the king who wants to strike a deal with Kurzhon, the last warrior of Vultaika. Along the way, the Life-Taker fulfills his title, killing those who challenge him, get in his way without cause or do wrong in his eyes.
Although the characters don’t have much depth, the story moves along at a good pace. If you’re into battles and bloodshed, this story will suit your tastes well. Be aware, it is for mature readers. The ending lacked closure for me, but the Epilogue promises a future tale in this warrior’s story. I feel we haven’t heard the last of Kurzhon The Life-Taker.
I read an advanced copy, so the cover is not final. Check your favorite online bookstores to see when Kurzhon The Life-Taker is available for sale.
