Dark Crusade

KANE The Mystic swordsman battles the prophet of an ancient cult of evil that began before the birth of man. Out of the blackness of an almost-forgotten past, the cruel cult of Sataki has come to life again. Orted Ak-Ceddi, a daring outlaw, is its prophet. He draws thousands of converts to his Dark Crusade - a design to destroy mankind. His bloody cohorts conquer Shapeli, but they are defeated when they drive to vanquish the southern kingdoms. Orted knows he must have a powerful cavalry to launch a new drive - and Kane is the man who can command the conquest. But Kane intends no final victory for the Forces of Darkness.

The pace is fast but with enough details to let you get into the characters. My only complaint (if you can call it as one) is that you MUST read the next book because this story does not resolve itself or the characters. Powerful characters and a lot of mystery surrounding the character Kane. Looking forward to reading the rest of the story!!

Without doubt, Kane is the most compelling and enigmatic hero/antihero ever. Scholar, sorceror and warrior, Kane wanders the ages manipulating entire kingdoms and races for his amusement.Cursed with immortality, the only remedy to alleviate infinte boredom is court intrigue and conquest.Karl Edward Wagner has created a character of striking contrasts in a world of medieval beauty and gothic horror.I first read this book in 1977 and haven't tired of rereading it since. Kane makes all other rugged heros and barbarians look like flower pressing dandies.

Wagner's writing is so powerful that you are drawn into Kane's world so deeply that it seems you are on the battlefield in a mystical realm in a time before time...He's my favorite anti-hero.

I stumbled accross this gem of a book in a used book store several years ago, ever since I have been searching for more books in the Kane series, unsuccessfully. My favorite fictional character used to be the Kurgan from the movie the Highlander, then I read this book. With Kane, Karl Edward Wagner sets the new standard for the badass motherf***er