Killer

The arena of Emperor Domitian is always hungry for a new bloodsport, so when an unheard-of strangely-scaled and vaguely simian animal appears in the wake of a fiery explosion, the enterprising men who capture it think it will be no more than a new toy for their Roman "lord and god." But the "lizard-ape" as they call it has other ideas. Displaying intelligence and ferocity beyond anything its would-be captors have seen before, the creature escapes. Can gladiator-turned-beastcatcher Lycon track down this new game in time, or will the streets of Rome run red with blood?A collaboration of renowned science fiction and fantasy authors Karl Edward Wagner and David Drake, "Killer" is a fast-paced mix of military history, unfettered action, and doomsday thriller. For the lizard-ape is in fact a particularly diabolic alien, one which if not brought to earth before it's too late will contaminate the whole world with its evil progeny, a contagion for which the only cure is thermonuclear fire.A fast, potent read enlivened with likeable protagonists and villains you love to hate and realistic non-stop action, "Killer" is a light and engaging white-knuckler that for those who like sci-fi, fantasy or thrillers, is great literary excitement.

Part history lesson, part absolutely believable science fiction, all thriller.To put this book in movie terms, imagine a big game hunter from Ancient Rome encountering both an Alien and a Predator at the same time. The hunter should have a short messy end, right? Guess again. The ending will stay with you for a long time.

Think of an animal used for bloodsports in a galactic empire, and have it brought to Imperial Rome. Think of the attention to detail in the movie "Gladiator". ALL of the characters in the book (heroes and villains alike) are very smart, and very competent. This book would make a "Killer" movie. This is one of the best books I've ever owned! I lost mine years ago, and have been looking to get another copy ever since.

The late, missed, Karl Edward Wagner (author of the "Kane" novels of sword and sorcery) and his friend David Drake (who has written a lot of "military sci-fi") collaborated on this bloody, grim, exciting and satisfying novel combining the bloodlust of Imperial Rome and savage alien worlds. Well-written, with Lycon and his friend Vonones particularly welldrawn and sympathetic characters. Who is the real "killer' of the title: the sadistic Emperor Domitian, the cunning reptilian "phile," or the former gladiator Lycon? Hopefully someone will reprint this fun book, if not it is well worth looking for in the science-fiction sections of your better used book stores. Wagner's death at the age of 49 a fear years ago was a major loss.

Take "Alien", "Predator", and a Kizinti, mix well and drop into the middle of Imperial Rome. Whether you're a fan of Karl Edward Wganer, David Drake, or just like razor edged adventure with a touch of horror, "Killer" will keep your attention. Well written and exciting. This is not a kiddie story.