Blood of Lamb: Exp One

First of all: I think the author's name is Rogers. Correct me if I'm wrong. Second: the books in this trilogy are the only ones I've read by the author, so I'm unbiased by his other work. For me, they came as one great treat, and I won't try to spoil it by linking them to previous or later novels. And now: the first book of the "Blood of the Lamb" trilogy. The Expected One. This is the alternate story of the first chapters of the New Covenant. There is the prophesized Messiah, the pro- and anti- factions among the different chapters of mage & warrrior priests, there even is a parallel set of events between the Bible and this book (my personal favourite, in this novel, is the demon Horde/Legion by other name, for those who know their gospel. But this is the story of what it could've been like, if the world would've had magic and keepers of it, real demons and saints, and the faith to endure through every challenge until the proof of the Messiah was given. This was a great surprise especially as I've picked the book completely at random. The others I searched for, and they were worth it. For those interested in the plot, I'll only say this: three warrior-mages are given the task to judge the claim of one Essaj of being the Messiah. They'll pass through many dangers, confront demons and magical sendings of their enemies, and find love where least expected. There will be miracles and signs, and eventually they'll make up their mind on the truth of Essaj's words. And they'll have a prophecy chaining them to the faith of the entire world. The books are great read together, even if they can be read separate. Still, if you want the whole story (and once you'll start it, you will) get all the three books: "The Expected One", "The Devouring Void" and "The Riddled Man". And you'll find out what the mages did, after all...

This sequel to Zorachus, set three hundred years later, is a gripping, violent fantasy whodunnit, highlighting the author's knowledge of philosophy and theology---as a series of grisly murders rocks their order, three Sharajnaghi wizards are dispatched to investigate one Essaj-Ben-Yussef, who just might be the Messiah. First-rate.

I am a professional writer, and a big fan of Mark Rogers' work. I can't say enough about the quality of the writing in this book. It is a crime that it, indeed all his works, are not better known. If you like to read, period, pick up this novel.

With so much plug-n-chug cranking out of fantasy trilogies, its hard to be interesting and original. Mark's reputation is for his hilarious Samaraui Cat books, but here he puts out a very good serious work with some quite nice twists and turns. Credit goes to Mark for his excellent storytelling skills. This is one of those books that you'll want to have two copies of: one to loan to friends and one to keep for yourself.