Captain Jack Sparrow, Hannibal Lecter, Jimmy the Hand, are just some of the better-known antiheroes from recent generations.
Meet Connor, an outlaw on the run from an evil oppressor for a botched assassination attempt. Like most modern heroes, Connor
has a mixture of controlled brutality, deep-rooted integrity and subtle humour. Add a band of diverse individuals, including
a dwarf, a loyal warrior and Connor’s love interest - the enigmatic Janice, which help him on his journey, and you’ve
got all the ingredients for a thrilling tale.
Just one example of its genius is the idea of ‘Sundering’, which
has the souls of Elves being split into two different entities – one half good, the other bad, both connected in mortal
destiny – an idea which some would use as the premise for an entire novel.
Robert Auty has a contemporary style of
writing, coupled with a ‘Ye Oldie’ subtext, which works brilliantly. If this is the first of a trilogy then I
wait eagerly for the following sequels. Equal in its scope to Raymond E. Fiest’s Magician, and David Eddings’
Belgariad series, Trance Warriors is a valuable addition to the fantasy genre.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting
yarn, then ‘Trance Warriors’ will not disappoint. Congratulations Robert on an excellent debut novel!
Paul Cave, Author of "Something of the Night" & "Cold Light of Day"
This truly fantastic read includes a complex brew of characters fuelled separately by avarice and a mission to protect.
This is the first of what promises to be a series of adventures of the hero, Connor the 'Trance Warrior', fighting a bloody
hand-to-hand war with evil forces in imagined worlds - now and the hereafter. This novel is a tribute to Auty's extremely
active imagination and creative ability. For those who enjoy non-stop, roller-coaster, violent action.
Michael J. Marfleet, Author of "Romance with Death"
A very good read, exciting and you definitely can't put this one down until the end.
Sheila Woods, Author of "Maud's Stone"
This is a great book which transforms you from the first page into a magical fantasy land. It is the first instalment
of a proposed trilogy and Robert should be highly commended for this his first book in what is a powerful and passionate tale
of adventure. It is extremely well written and a terrific story which deserves to be recognized as a future sci-fi classic.
Well done Robert and I like many am sure looking forward to the next instalment in this absorbing story.
Jim Dawkins, Author of "The Loose Screw"
Heroic fantasy is a simple enough formula, but one than seems difficult to pull off judging by many efforts over the
years. Largely they try to emulate popular works and usually fall far from what made those originals so memorable. Trance
Warriors simply uses the heroic fantasy formula and does it's own thing.
Its world is divided between the cults of its
2 Gods, with the greatest fighters - the Trance Warriors - able to seemingly warp time around them to slaughter whole armies
in seconds. The evil of the 2 Gods has been banished to the netherealm and his followers seek the 9 shards of his sword to
resurrect him. Within this classic struggle of good vs. evil, rises a Trance Warrior known as Connor, who is oblivious to
his destiny which will tip the balance of the war.
Although often predictable, the story is never bogged down in setting,
instead incorporating necessary background into it's flowing pace. Bloody action, snappy dialogue and a misfit cast help produce
an epic first installment in an exciting new series.
'Outland . . .' Ottakar's Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Newsletter
The Trance Warriors, gifted fighters seemingly able to warp time around them to slaughter whole armies in seconds, make
up this traditional heroic fantasy of warring Gods and the struggle of Good versus Evil. The writing quality is excellent
if not predictable, with bloody action, snappy dialogue and a misfit cast producing the first in a new series I will be following
with interest.
Dave Chapman, 'Outland . . .' Ottakar's Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Newsletter (Editor
I read the prologue and was drawn into the book instantly, the book grabbed me and I struggled to do much of anything
else until I had the last page. There is lots of detail of blood and gore which is great to see in a book; both good and evil
suffer tremendous losses in this epic fantasy which is important. Most books like this seem to be a bit more one sided (ones
that I have read). A really well thought out book, instantly addictive, I can't wait for the next book.
Dayle Mitchell Jr
An exciting fantasy tale which captures your interest from start to finish, bring on the next one!
T Mitchell
The type of book I can get lost in. It draws you in until you can feel the emotions of the characters and follow their
hopes and dreams as if they were your own. Well depicted battles and a wealth of information upon which to base the books
which are sure to follow. A pleasure to read.
Mr D Giles
From the first page of the prologue I could not put this book down. Such was the style and pace; at times I felt I was
watching a movie. As a female reader his empathy with the female characters is insightful and powerful. He draws you in with
the characters and you find yourself fully involved with their situations. This author is surely an emerging talent to watch
out for whether you be a heroic fantasy fan or not. I for one am looking forward to the continuing saga. You will not be disappointed!
Catherine Cousins
An epic, fast paced heroic fantasy. Full of all the action a fantasy fan could ask for. Exceptionally easy to read. Having
read many books of this genre, I believe that this one stands higher than all of the others in storyline, writing style, and
a capturing mix of action and adventure. Ending with a fantastic siege this is the perfect read for any and every heroic fantasy
fan.
Luke Green
Absolutely Brilliant! Especially coming from an unknown author, better than most popular heroic fantasy writers.
A reader from England