Robots and Vamps Review of Grayrider

[Bruce Skye]

In Mr. Skye’s first novel, Grayrider - Volume One of the Deathsong Chronicles, Gabriel prince of Rivalin, is thrust into the battle of his life. Years after his parents were killed by the Ansgarians in a plot to take over his land, Gabriel seeks justice. The Ansgarians are a legion of warriors who appear to be made out of some sort of tree bark. They are ruthless; they show no fear and they fight to the death.

Gabriel the Gray, aka Grayrider, has been out on his own fighting these forces since the day they invaded his land. All he has from his former home is his sword Deathsong and his warhorse Windfire, who chose him to be his rider. With a Warhorse who can communicate with you and snort fire, and a sword that wields a power akin to lightning, what more does one need to fight the forces of evil?

Gabriel discovers that he has been missing one very important facet of life when he meets Deirdre, necromancer and princess of the kingdom of Boadhagh. He was missing love.

Together, Gabriel and Deirdre set off on their journey to battle Morrigan. Leading her father’s army, they encounter Morrigan’s forces on their way to battle her and have to prove their mettle by defeating them.

What I liked: I really like the characters in the novel because they are unique versus the typical fantasy archetypes. Gabriel (Grayrider), the revenge seeking warrior, possesses a magical sword that deals death just by being drawn. It cannot be sheathed until someone dies.

Deirdre the sorceress, was trained by Morrigan herself, only at the time she didn’t realize it was Morrigan. Kalen, the leader of King Airell’s army is a very sympathetic warrior. He grieves whenever any of his men are lost in battle. Aine, the Sidhe, appears sporadically to give advice to Deirdre. My favorite character is Windfire, the very large, black warhorse that can light anyone or anything to flame just by breathing on them. He is a great asset in battle and Grayrider’s closest, most loyal friend. The wide ranging types of characters keeps the story fresh and interesting.

What I didn’t like: I would have liked the story to be written from one person’s point of view. I think that would have helped me to connect with the characters’ story better. Also, I want to learn more about Aine and the Sidhe; perhaps in a future volume.

Last word: I want to thank Mr. Skye for sending me a copy of his novel and allowing me to review it. I think this series has potential as Mr. Skye has a very creative imagination that will allow the adventure to continue to grow in original ways. With a little more detail in the story, this could be a really entertaining fantasy series. If Fantasy is your genre then give it a try.

Author’s website: Bruce Skye