The Sunset Warrior

Eric Van Lustbader writes a great fantasy novel! The premise of "the Sunset Warrior" (and the trilogy in general) is based on the idea that some great ecological disaster has taken place. People have been driven underground, but so long ago that those that are left have lost the history and reason why they have left the face of the planet. The technology that has supported the peoples of the "freehold" is beginning to shut down and the people have split into a feudal, caste system similar to 16th century Japan. There are none left that completely understand how their technology works (not far from where we are today). Enter Ronin, a highly skilled warrior and free thinker and he begins to ask questions. This novel is so very human: it questions the mores and attitudes that most of us just accept as reality. It is about the sacrifice that each of us must make in order to "fit in" and in contrast, the sacrifices that we make to be genuinely ourselves. "Sunset Warrior" is a wonderful metaphor for questioning the "machine" that we all live in today. An orginal fantasy that is definitely worth reading.

Lustbader takes his readers on a disturbing ride through the hellish nightmare of a dieing civilization where lies, deception, and violence are the only true virtues. One man must decide to follow a path forced upon him or look for the truth of a past and a future that might not exist. Lustbader is great at developing a dark forbidding world were nothing is as it seems. The characters are complex and mysterious with overtones of a society were duty is place above all else. This book is exciting, violet, sensual, and disturbing. Together with the Sunset Warrior Cycle it is one of the best books I have read.

If only they made more books like this one. It's very creative and imaginative. A definate entertainer! I can't wait to read the rest of the Sunset Warrior Cycle.

I loved this book, it's the best action book I have ever read. This is one of my favorite books. It's filled with hardcore action and a simple but exciting, climactic story. No book has ever made me want to read the sequel so badly. Wonderful. Near the end I was reading about 5 pages per minute, while before in the story I was reading about maybe at the most 2 pages per minute. Read it and love it. Can't wait to read the sequels.

To me this is one of my favorite books ever, it's flavor is of a futuristic Samurai, Budo Code, I really enjoyed this book, and the complete Sunset Warrior Cycle series.