Of Bone and Thunder: A Novel - Softcover

Evans, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1451679335 ISBN 13: 9781451679335

Publisher: Pocket Books, 2015

Synopsis

Now in mass-market paperback—Apocalypse Now meets The Lord of the Rings in a bold new fantasy from the acclaimed author of the Iron Elves trilogy, filled with “heroic action that keeps fans coming back” (Publishers Weekly).

A land of thick jungle and mist-swirled mountains. An enemy moving unseen beneath the lush canopy. The growing threat of thaumics—a magic wielded by few that threatens to destabilize all. The youth of a kingdom sent to fight in a faraway hell while back home, discord and disillusionment reign...

Fantasy author Chris Evans masterfully pushes the boundaries of the genre in his brilliant, groundbreaking new epic, a unique and penetrating vision channeling the cultural upheaval, racial animus, and wholesale destruction of the Vietnam War. Plunging deep into the heart of a moral and mortal darkness, reluctant soldiers in the distant nation of Luitox struggle for survival and for meaning amid a blazing drama of blood and magic. They will duel a ghostly enemy, fight to understand their roles in a sprawling maelstrom, and ultimately wage war their way—not for glory or the Kingdom, but for one another.

“Chris Evans places the broad sword-and-sorcery archetypes squarely in a new and exciting environment” (New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore).

About this title

About the Author

Chris Evans is also the author of the Iron Elves saga: A Darkness Forged in Fire, The Light of Burning Shadows, and Ashes of a Black Frost, as well as Of Bond and Thunder, and the nonfiction book Bloody Jungle: The War in Vietnam. He is a military historian and former editor for Random House and Stackpole Books. Born in Canada, he lives in New York City.

Review

"A masterful debut -- if J.R.R. Tolkien and Bernard Cornwell had a literary love child, this would be it." (Karen Traviss, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force-Revelation and City of Pearl)

"Fascinating...combining the best touches of fantasy and military storytelling." (John Ringo, New York Times bestselling author of the Legacy of the Aldenata and The Council Wars series)

"A thrilling epic from beginning to end, filled with wit, intrigue, and twists and turns reminiscent of Glen Cook's The Black Company. A grand new entry in the field of fantasy masters!" (Richard A. Knaak, New York Times bestselling author in the Dragonlance, The Dragonrealm, World of Warcraft, and Diablo series)

"A fantasy in which the gritty realities of war and politics are as important as the magic -- and all are handled very well."  (David Drake, national bestselling author of the Lord of the Isles and Hammer's Slammers series)

"Imagine Napoleon's armies invading Middle Earth, mixing gunpowder with magic, monsters, and heroes. The Iron Elves will march across the landscape of fantasy and claim new territory. Chris Evans gives us an entertaining debut, with the promise of more great adventures to come." (Charles Coleman Finlay, acclaimed author of The Prodigal Troll and Wild Things)

"I'm always thrilled by seeing a new author press the boundaries of the conventions of fantasy. Chris Evans does just that -- taking the broad sword and sorcery archetypes and placing them squarely in a new and exciting environment." (R. A. Salvatore)

"An earthy, sardonic antihero, Konowa (Swift Dragon) stands uneasily at the crux of a complicated network of loyalties while flanked by a large, colorful cast...A truly worrying conclusion hooks readers for book two." (Booklist)

"Evans's first novel heralds the launch of an outstanding military fantasy series unlike any since Glen Cook's beloved "Black Company" series... Strong storytelling, a compelling cast of heroes and villains, and a keen knowledge of military tactics of the Napoleonic era make this a priority purchase for most libraries and a splendid read for fans of both sf and fantasy military adventure. Highly recommended."
(Library Journal)

"A gutsy fantasy set in a world of imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier's plight that would have done Kipling proud." (Karen Traviss, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force -- Revelation and City of Pearl)

"Evans evokes the era of Napoleon with muskets and slashing swords while neatly mixing in military fantasy, swords and sorcery, and a great deal of success; readers will no doubt end up desperate for the next volume." (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

About this edition

• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1451679335
• ISBN 13: 9781451679335
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 560