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barb4ry1's review against another edition
2.0
Actual rating 2.5 stars but I won'r round it up.
Ashe Armstrong’s Demon in the Desert is one of books I read as part of my r/fantasy 2017 Bingo Challenge. The story follows adventures of an orc gun – slinging demon hunter who, in first chapter of the book, presents himself to some misguided bandits in following way:
Name’s Grimluk and if you’d like to continue having use of your limbs, I’d advise you to back off.
Evidently Grimluk ia a badass. But he also has good manners – he tips his hat at the ladies, always pays his bill, and has a way with little ones. When it’s needed he’s tough, but normally he’s a real gentleman. That’s pretty cool. Clint Eastwood was one of my childhood heroes and Grimluk has a lot in common with Clint as portrayed in Dollars Trilogy.
The story happens in a static desert setting – rocky dust and dead earth stretch like yawning sun-soaked abyss. Grimluk gets new job – he’s hired to kill a demon in a small mining city.
The book slows down and as Grimluk looks for answers he goes from one person to another and asks questions. The stories of the interviewed should frighten me and build atmosphere but due to unedited and rough prose they felt boring and anticlimactic. Sometimes the story felt directionless, with things happening without really advancing the plot. Most of the characters were pretty despicable, I didn't spend much of my reading time liking anyone.
The world is very simplistic and the villain (or rather one of villain avatars) is mindlessly evil without any depth or development. I need some deeper world building. The way the lore is presented, it feels like a cardboard western backdrop with many races dropped in.
The ending of the book that I won’t spoil for you was poorly executed and the prose was weak. I don’t want to sound like a hater but the last 5 % of the book were, supposedly, intended to contain some strong emotional drama but it read like some bad novella written by a fifteen year old. Of course it may be part of the popcorn read convention and if that’s the case, fine, but it changes nothing. I simply didn’t like it.
This book doesn’t aspire to be second Ulysses, it’s supposed to be nice pulp read. Still I feel rather disappointed. The main hero is really cool but the plot and execution need some serious refinement. I might reach for sequel in the future because Grimluk has lots of potential but it won’t happen any time soon.
Ashe Armstrong’s Demon in the Desert is one of books I read as part of my r/fantasy 2017 Bingo Challenge. The story follows adventures of an orc gun – slinging demon hunter who, in first chapter of the book, presents himself to some misguided bandits in following way:
Name’s Grimluk and if you’d like to continue having use of your limbs, I’d advise you to back off.
Evidently Grimluk ia a badass. But he also has good manners – he tips his hat at the ladies, always pays his bill, and has a way with little ones. When it’s needed he’s tough, but normally he’s a real gentleman. That’s pretty cool. Clint Eastwood was one of my childhood heroes and Grimluk has a lot in common with Clint as portrayed in Dollars Trilogy.
The story happens in a static desert setting – rocky dust and dead earth stretch like yawning sun-soaked abyss. Grimluk gets new job – he’s hired to kill a demon in a small mining city.
The book slows down and as Grimluk looks for answers he goes from one person to another and asks questions. The stories of the interviewed should frighten me and build atmosphere but due to unedited and rough prose they felt boring and anticlimactic. Sometimes the story felt directionless, with things happening without really advancing the plot. Most of the characters were pretty despicable, I didn't spend much of my reading time liking anyone.
The world is very simplistic and the villain (or rather one of villain avatars) is mindlessly evil without any depth or development. I need some deeper world building. The way the lore is presented, it feels like a cardboard western backdrop with many races dropped in.
The ending of the book that I won’t spoil for you was poorly executed and the prose was weak. I don’t want to sound like a hater but the last 5 % of the book were, supposedly, intended to contain some strong emotional drama but it read like some bad novella written by a fifteen year old. Of course it may be part of the popcorn read convention and if that’s the case, fine, but it changes nothing. I simply didn’t like it.
This book doesn’t aspire to be second Ulysses, it’s supposed to be nice pulp read. Still I feel rather disappointed. The main hero is really cool but the plot and execution need some serious refinement. I might reach for sequel in the future because Grimluk has lots of potential but it won’t happen any time soon.
jax00's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 but rounded....
The beginning was a little rough, but the second half was a lot better. I do think I self sabotaged because I read a horror immediately before, but it was a good book. It also was a lot of establishing characters. The climax was very intriguing. I gasped out loud during the sacrifice. I also liked how it set up the rest of the series of her growing and them going after the demon. I will probably be reading the rest of the series.
The beginning was a little rough, but the second half was a lot better. I do think I self sabotaged because I read a horror immediately before, but it was a good book. It also was a lot of establishing characters. The climax was very intriguing. I gasped out loud during the sacrifice. I also liked how it set up the rest of the series of her growing and them going after the demon. I will probably be reading the rest of the series.
jbragg6625's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
8bitlapras's review against another edition
4.0
(I rated this 3.5/5 stars!)
The weird western subgenre has recently become a massive special interest of mine and this definitely scratched that itch in a satisfying way. There's not much I can say here that hasn't already been said by other reviewers: bit of a slow middle, would appreciate a lot more world-building, extremely likeable protagonist, etc.
All in all, an enjoyable start to a series! I'll definitely be reading more of Grimluk's adventures and anticipating more from this author in the future.
The weird western subgenre has recently become a massive special interest of mine and this definitely scratched that itch in a satisfying way. There's not much I can say here that hasn't already been said by other reviewers: bit of a slow middle, would appreciate a lot more world-building, extremely likeable protagonist, etc.
All in all, an enjoyable start to a series! I'll definitely be reading more of Grimluk's adventures and anticipating more from this author in the future.
fastasashark's review
3.5
This was the first self-published book I've read and I definitely wasn't disappointed. It was a lot of fun; for me it had that RPG side quest feel that's hard to find even in fantasy books plus mixed in with a bit of supernatural mystery. Though they're different in many ways, the vibe reminded me also of The Last Wish which isn't something I've really been able to find in any other books that I can recall. Loved the sense of humour too. Definitely recommend, especially for folks who are into the abovementioned factors.
bethteva's review
4.0
This one's been in my "to read" pile for way too long and I regret taking as long as I did to read it.
It kept me sane and happy during a long day of flying and layovers.
The story isn't anything revolutionary, but it doesn't need to be. It's fun and fast enough, and with just the right mix of different genre elements that I came away satisfied.
This is one of those books that makes me love Fantasy. Especially fantasy that isn't afraid to bend the rules. Because of course orcs are badass, revolver toting demon hunters.
Speaking of badass orcs, Grimluk is definitely that. From the opening pages we're shown this, and it's just confirmed with every new trial he faces.
Now, I have to admit, I am not an expert in every genre that's been folded into this story, but I feel like everything is represented pretty well. You've got same great quickdraw action, one shootout early on is very satisfying. There's some good horror in there, too. Needs to be when you're dealing with demons.
Then the fantasy. Elves, dwarves, and halflings running around. Every time a new character was introduced I could see every d&d session ever when the players insist on hearing every npc's heritage and backstory.
So, to sum it up: really, really enjoyed the read. Very much looking forward to the next one.
It kept me sane and happy during a long day of flying and layovers.
The story isn't anything revolutionary, but it doesn't need to be. It's fun and fast enough, and with just the right mix of different genre elements that I came away satisfied.
This is one of those books that makes me love Fantasy. Especially fantasy that isn't afraid to bend the rules. Because of course orcs are badass, revolver toting demon hunters.
Speaking of badass orcs, Grimluk is definitely that. From the opening pages we're shown this, and it's just confirmed with every new trial he faces.
Now, I have to admit, I am not an expert in every genre that's been folded into this story, but I feel like everything is represented pretty well. You've got same great quickdraw action, one shootout early on is very satisfying. There's some good horror in there, too. Needs to be when you're dealing with demons.
Then the fantasy. Elves, dwarves, and halflings running around. Every time a new character was introduced I could see every d&d session ever when the players insist on hearing every npc's heritage and backstory.
So, to sum it up: really, really enjoyed the read. Very much looking forward to the next one.
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