Description
Akin to the works of both Fritz Leiber and Scott Lynch but bringing it's own energy and humorous vigour the writing of Sam Sykes sets itself apart from the dour feel of Grimdark fantasy and brings a fresh vigour to fantasy fiction.
Cier'Djaal, once the crowning glory of the civilised world, has gone from a city to a battlefield, and from a battlefield to a graveyard. Foreign armies clash on streets laden with bodies. Cultists and thieves wage shadow wars, tribal armies gather outside the city's walls, and haughty aristocrats watch the world burn from on high.
As his companions struggle to keep the city from destroying itself, Lenk must travel to the Forbidden East in search of the demon who caused it all. But dark whispers plague his thoughts. The demon promises him a world free of war where Lenk can put down his sword at last. And Lenk finds it hard not to listen . . .
About the Author
Samuel Sykes began writing his debut novel, Tome of the Undergates (the first book in his Aeon's Gate trilogy) when he was seventeen. Since then, he has also written Black Halo, The Skybound Sea and the Bring Down Heaven trilogy that begins with The City Stained Red.
He currently lives in the US, where he is working on his next novel.
Reviews
Sam Skyes has been compared favorably to both Scott Lynch and Fritz Leiber, and its easy to see why...his work has an easy going charm that makes it very hard to put down and a lot of fun to read * Starburst Magazine *
It's a big story, grand on scale and packed with themes that range from the rich/poor divide to racial intolerance and simple greed. It's also a rollicking read, a ripping yarn spent in the company of desperate, damaged, yet ultimately sympathetic individuals. Sykes's love of his characters shines through in his writing, making The City Stained Red his finest book yet. * Starburst Magazine *
With playful language, distinctly drawn characters, and a cavalcade of action in service to a coherent plot, this book is a winner. I'll be reading the other books about Lenk and the gang while awaiting the next volume in the Bring Down Heaven trilogy * SF Signal *
Sam Sykes has crafted a splendid adventure story here, and I really had times where I could not put the book down and forced myself with eyes so tired to read one more chapter, and then another. * Sleepless Musings *
There's plenty of slapstick humour despite the darkness and that familiar sense of wondrous adventure that lurks just around the corner is still here. Still, "The City Stained Red" somehow fells like a better and more streamlined version of its predecessors....Sykes tells just enough to make you eager for more. Well, consider the job done - I'm ready for the sequel. * Upcoming 4 Me *
Book Information
ISBN 9780575132221
Author Sam Sykes
Format Paperback
Page Count 656
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Series Bring Down Heaven
Weight(grams) 486g
Dimensions(mm) 127mm * 195mm * 39mm
