Hiero's Journey

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Per Hiero Desteen.Prest, warrior, and telepath.a Jedi before we even knew what the term was!What a great adventure, the author is a master of his field, and puts our hero through his paces,. In a holocaust world five thousand years in the future where atomic death has changed both man and beast,he was the last hope for the few remnants of normal humanity. In his way,the dark brotherhood of the unclean and there followers of mutated intelligent beast, "The leemutes".together with his great riding moose and a young mutated bear,he rode forth to find the secrets of the past which might save the humans who were ruled by the abbeys.Through the heart of the unclean he went, and they were waiting for him!

Rereading this book for the 10th time or so, I am still amazed by how well this story works, relative to so many other fantasy and sorcery tales. There is no padding, no excess, no digressions even when the plot seems to be a series of hung-together adventures. Moreover, "the Unclean" are really evil and horrible, in a way that not many other authors seem to have captured. This book, and its sequel, deserve to be reissued. And maybe other authors should use it as a model for how to write fantasy/adventure that endures.

Believable, imaginative, engaging. An extremely satisfying read from start to finish. I've read the book at least ten times, each more enjoyable. While based on a world atomic disaster this is an uplifting, feel-good story. The next volume, Unforsaken Hiero, keeps up the pace and adds more dimensions to Per Hiero, our hero. While each book tells a complete story, the saga is incomplete. It has been frustrating waiting for years for the third volume. Despite the lack, the two books are incredible.

A tremendous story that draws the reader into the tale and attaches a personal interest to the hero's triumphs and perils. Each new character is crafted with honor, courage and wit or, in the enemy's case, with malevolence and evil foreboding. Each preceding chapter ends demanding the next one be started without delay. Humans and mutants, both good and evil, are brought to life with clarity and purpose. You can practically smell the fetid forests and, in the swamps and bogs, feel the bites of pests and clammy heat. The story is written enjoyably and makes the reader ponder what it would be like following a nuclear holocaust; the rabid growth and mutation of humans, animals and plants from the lingering greenhouse effect, even five millinia later. Humans and animals with the noble purpose to reestablish normal humanity throughout the land, able to communicate with their minds, form alliances to thwart the foul purposes of the evil enemy known as the Unclean. Hiero, a kind-hearted and sincere Priest, yet ruthless Killman when need be, sets out on a last ditch mission which, if successful, will allow the far flung Abbey fort-communities to turn the tide of the war they will inevitably lose to the Unclean wizards and their evil allies, the Lemutes (slang for animals that have gone through "lethal mutation" and are now harmful to humanity) if nothing is done. However, he must pass straight through the heart of the enemy's territory to get to his evenutal destination. Along his way he makes allies and friends and, as the danger mounts through the story, the pace increases and doesn't let up until the last page is read. And trust me, you won't want it to end!

If science fiction/fantasy is your genre of literature, do yourself a favor and take a weekend to read this excellent story by Lanier. His lead character, Per Hiero Desteen is an instantly likeable warrior/priest who must undertake a critical mission in unknown and forbidden territory in a post-apocalyptic North America 5,000 years in the future. The story is a real page-turner with dozens of believable plot twists and supporting ideas that make for a fun and fantastic read. The typical good vs. evil sub plot takes a fresh approach in Laniers world with many diverse characters including dozens of grotesque, nuclear-spawned mutations, some intelligent and allied to humans..others maelevelant but equally intelligent aligned with evil humans known as the Unclean. This unholy alliance is dedicated to the resurrection of the nuclear technology that decimated the Earth 5 millenia in the past, as well as the total subjigation of normal humankind. All these things become quite plausible thanks to Laniers excellent literary style and flair for creating believable, likeable characters. He is a master storyteller with a gift that so few authors have. Ultimately, this book is pure fantasy that is extremely fun! The sequel, Unforsaken Hiero is equally entertaining and a must-read once you gobble up this first book. Sadly, Mr. Lanier has never written the third and final book in the trilogy and it appears he may never do so. For the many Hiero fans left waiting, we can only hope Lanier may someday rekindle his passion for this series and finish the story. Or perhaps authorize a third book by a young upcoming writer in the sci fi/fantasy industry. I've been waiting for book three for over ten years. Regardless, please take Hiero's Journey. You won't be sorry.