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Black Scars (Blood Skies #2)

by Steven Montano (Goodreads Author)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 78 ratings · 28 reviews

Something ancient has awoken. Primordial and wholly evil, a living shadow emerges from a prison made weak by the magical cataclysm called The Black. Now the Sleeper stalks the land in search of its old enemies, leaving a trail of madness and destruction in its wake.

Eric Cross, a Southern Claw warlock, has been sent to find the Woman in the Ice, the only known means to sto...more

Paperback, 360 pages

Published October 8th 2011 by Darker Sunset Press (first published October 6th 2011)

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Oct 17, 2011 Steven Montano rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Honestly, I'm thrilled by the way BLACK SCARS came together. I feel like I grew quite a bit as a writer between my first and second books, and I hope to only improve. My experience writing the book equals my estimation of the books quality.

That being said, they say no one else will like your book if you don't like it yourself. Well...I love it.

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Mar 14, 2013 Joshua Bigger rated it 5 of 5 stars

They say in boxing and MMA that styles make fights, and that's largely true. Likewise, in novels, the conceptual content may be very similar between two different authors, yet their unique styles and tone will inevitably produce completely different worlds in the reader's inner eye.

I love Steven Montano's style - it's fast, fresh, exotic, full of depth. It's psychedelic and phantasmagorical, as ethereal as the world it creates.

And that world is rich and beautiful, though it will more often than...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, fantasy, free-kindle-downloads, read-in-2012, science-fiction, vampires, witch-or-wizard, zombies

I am really enjoying this series. As a fantasy reader, it's well-known that anything can happen in the fantasy world. But the "anything can happen" doesn't always make sense and isn't always portrayed in a logical way. In this series it is. Everything is well-thought out, and if any new element is added it's described in a way that makes it fit right in with everything else. In this second book, Eric Cross is trying to find a way to save mankind from an ancient evil that has awoken. Unfortunatel...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Mike Berry rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first Blood Skies book was a breath of fresh air - a truly original melding of science fiction, vampire mythology and dark fantasy. It was quite unlike any other book I have read in both narrative tone and theme. In fact, I gave it five stars.

Black Scars is, simply, even better. If you read the first one, then you know roughly what to expect. But this time around, it really feels as if Steven Montano has produced a much tighter and more polished piece of work. Somehow, this feels like a more...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Shannon Gambino rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I was so hooked on this series with "Blood Skies" that I immediately dove into "Blood Scars." Steven Montano takes a no-holds-barred approach to the second book in the series. While seducing the reader into the deep intimate personal bonds between friends, Cross and his new mercenary crew fight their fiercest battles against the vampires, themselves, and their own impending madness. The imagery drives you through Cross's eyes to fully experience the pain and suffering The Black has caused. Insid...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Barbara Jean Byrem rated it 5 of 5 stars

Black Scars, Steve Montano’s second entry in the Blood Skies Series is an in depth look into the heart and soul of a warrior, albeit a reluctant one. Eric Cross, the young Southern Claw warlock who does not expect to grow old, is thrust into another mission in a world driven mad by demons seen and unseen. Haunted by his own personal demons, Cross senses the futility of his current mission to save the world. Will he turn his back on humanity? From page one, you get the sense this guy will succeed...more Black Scars, Steve Montano’s second entry in the Blood Skies Series is an in depth look into the heart and soul of a warrior, albeit a reluctant one. Eric Cross, the young Southern Claw warlock who does not expect to grow old, is thrust into another mission in a world driven mad by demons seen and unseen. Haunted by his own personal demons, Cross senses the futility of his current mission to save the world. Will he turn his back on humanity? From page one, you get the sense this guy will succeed or die trying.

Mr. Montano’s descriptive prose is so painstakingly beautiful you are in the moment with his characters at every turn. The sights, sounds, and even the smells almost sent me into sensory over load on more than one occasion. Cross’ characterization is breathlessly crafted to the point where I could fall in love with his commitment and sensitivity and abhor his carnal cruelty in the same sentence. From the Vampire Gladiator Pit of Krul, to the tunnels under the deadly Ice City, Eric Cross is stripped of his humanity and left to face the enemy as a raw and ruthless machine powered by arcane magic. Bound on an ethereal level to those he neither likes nor trusts, Cross steps into the jaws of hell itself.

Military fantasy is normally not my first choice for an entertaining read. However, if high adventure in a military ‘blood and guts’ sort of way is your thing Black Scars won’t disappoint. If, like me, you enjoy fantasy that draws you into each scene, creates a character that you want to take home to heal, and thrives in a world where despair is the norm yet hope is offered by the warriors who willingly sacrifice themselves, you not only will not be disappointed, you might find yourself craving more.

I really liked this story. I loved Eric Cross. The world after The Black is a frightening one made bearable by the Warriors devoted to their craft. Consider this a woman’s view of a genre usually dominated by the guys. Mr. Montano is an author who speaks to the soul, not just your gender.
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Feb 16, 2013 Danielle Young rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The world is still at war and Eric Cross is directly in the middle of it. Eric is in search of the one thing that can stop the new evil that has awoken, the Sleeper. But while on his search he becomes the target of this ancient evil. Now in a race against time, Eric and his group of mismatched miscreants have to beat the evil to the Ice ruins that hold the secret to saving them all, the Woman in the Ice. And he will be forced to do things he never thought he could and go places he never wanted t...more The world is still at war and Eric Cross is directly in the middle of it. Eric is in search of the one thing that can stop the new evil that has awoken, the Sleeper. But while on his search he becomes the target of this ancient evil. Now in a race against time, Eric and his group of mismatched miscreants have to beat the evil to the Ice ruins that hold the secret to saving them all, the Woman in the Ice. And he will be forced to do things he never thought he could and go places he never wanted to go as Eric's skill as a warlock and Southern Claw soldier are put to the ultimate test.

I have to say that I love the hero in this story, Eric Cross. He is definitely not your typical hero. He's not the biggest, strongest, most powerful, the best fighter or best looking. All in all he is pretty average, but it is the way he handles himself when put into seemingly impossible situations that amazes me. This is where he becomes the true hero, this is where he shines, where his smarts and tenacity pay off. When most would back down or run for the hills, Eric takes charge, hardens himself and is the first on the line. Always willing to risk his life before anyone else's. In Black Scars Eric is no longer the timid warrior we saw in Blood Skies. Hardened by battle and loss Cross becomes just the hero the Southern Claw needs.

And I loved the characters that surrounded Eric in Black Scars, especially the mismatched band of miscreants he relies on to find the Woman in the Ice. With my favorite being Kane, the fierce warrior and often funny inmate whose fate got tied to Cross. I loved to hate Danica and often wished that I could jump in the book and choke her, but she proved to be a warrior that I didn't mind seeing by Eric's side. I think Danica and Eric balance each other out and could make a pretty unstoppable team. And as usual Steven Montano does not fail to deliver amazing dark creatures. Of course bringing back his incredibly dark and haunting vampires that remind us of to be afraid of creatures that go bump in the night.

Black Scars, in true Steven Montano fashion was a dark fantasy where the heroes were put up against impossible odds, great loss and evil so dark even the vampires shudder. The story is so well written that you don't even realize when it has sucked you in, delivering you to that dark place you never knew you hungered for, and brings forth monsters and creatures that would haunt the minds of the innocent. (less)

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Feb 15, 2013 Paul Nelson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favourites, 2013-books-read

After reading Blood Skies, I have to say I was thoroughly enthralled with the brutal, post-apocalyptic world that Steve Montano has created. An event called The Black has decimated the world beyond recognition, resulting in a melding of dimensions or realities. The landscape is a diseased wasteland and a myriad of creatures now roam the earth.

The story opens with the escape of a creature called the sleeper from a liquid grave within a mountain, a powerful entity a Dra'aalthakmar that brings des...more After reading Blood Skies, I have to say I was thoroughly enthralled with the brutal, post-apocalyptic world that Steve Montano has created. An event called The Black has decimated the world beyond recognition, resulting in a melding of dimensions or realities. The landscape is a diseased wasteland and a myriad of creatures now roam the earth.

The story opens with the escape of a creature called the sleeper from a liquid grave within a mountain, a powerful entity a Dra'aalthakmar that brings destruction with it.
Once again we follow Eric Cross a young Southern Claw warlock who after losing the rest of his team in the first novel now works alone and we join Cross in the snowy wastelands of the Reach, joined by his guide Dillion and their allies the silent and mysterious Lith nomads.

Cross's mission is from High Command and that means from the White Mother herself, the enigmatic leader of the Southern Claw alliance and he has been sent to learn something from the witch mother Sajai, the leader of the Lith tribe. In the distance they see smoke from a wreck and Sajai finally tells him to 'follow and you will find' and this it seems is what they have waited weeks for to happen.

The smoke is from a wrecked airship called the dreadnaught and the occupants are mercenaries, Revengers from the Black Scar a vast and secure prison complex, and with prisoners in tow. The story kicks off here along with the action up and we have the introduction of some prominent new characters as Cross's mission to find the woman in the ice becomes ever more crucial.

The undead vampires are much more prominent in Black Scars and we get a true feel for just how brutal and destructive life is as we see for the first time inside the Ebon cities, home of the undead and the prison city of Krul. This was the stand out part of the book for me as there seems to be no escape from the prison city and the despair is evident at the cruel treatment.

Cross is still learning to live with his new spirit and her reckless tendencies, the only warlock or witch ever to lose a spirit and be granted another after the events of the first book. His physical and mental journey evolve as he is forced to step up from warlock to prisoner and gladiator and finally to a true leader and a saviour.

I gave the first book 5 stars but this is even better, we have the same descriptive prowess, the world is expanded with the introduction of the Vampire city Krul but the biggest improvement was the new characters that look to have a future in the series and the skilfully described action sequences of which there are many. The book feels more polished and complete, as the world is given more depth, the characters are bigger and the pace faster as the story effortlessly flows from vivid descriptive chapters to all out brutal action.
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Oct 23, 2011 Tamara Rose Blodgett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, adventure, alpha-male, dystopian, drama, futuristic, intrigue, paranormal-death, paranormal-powers, post-apocalyptic, survivalist, vamps

I just finished book two in the Blood Skies Series and feel like I ate my supper...twice! Don't kid yourselves, guys, this is a main entree, no appetizer or dessert served here! Montano really understands how to deliver dark fantasy and make no mistake, it's dark.

In this adventure, Southern Claw Solider, Eric Cross, takes on more than he can handle and becomes a prisoner and gladiator-of-sorts for vampires. Wanting nothing more than to survive, save his comrades and find the Woman in the Ice/Lak...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Gautam Surath rated it 3 of 5 stars

After reading the first book I could not wait to get to the next one. Ofcourse, having read many a series now, I expect that there will be a drop in quality as you progress in to the series (Connor Grey being a prime example). Black scars delivers exactly that. The writing style that was so fresh in the first book becomes overwhelming in the second. The wafer thin plot also does not help and puts and even more emphasis on the detailed descriptions which at times start bordering on the senseless....more

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Apr 13, 2012 Scott Whitmore rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Black Scars" is the second book in the Blood Skies series from Steven Montano (@Daezarkian). Much like its predecessor, "Blood Skies," this book is rich in vivid imagery, exciting and often-times brutal action and a setting that is — to put it as simply as I can — pretty damn cool.

In "Black Scars," Cross, a human with magical abilities, has been sent on a mission critical to human survival. He must find The Woman In The Ice because she holds the key to defending against a hugely powerful and un...more

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May 01, 2013 Tatiana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Loved the first book in the series, but this second one just didn't work for me. Sloppy editing (a lot of excess 'that's and 'off of', a point where "the metal shuttered" instead of "shuddered", etc) doesn't help. Montano's writing is very descriptive, and while there are some moments this pays off in beautiful passages (Needle-thin bridges connected the delicate structures like misplaced horizontal icicles), there are more where it bogs the pace down and simply becomes tiresome to read - especi...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Maša rated it 4 of 5 stars

After hectic mess that is the first book in the series, I approached Black Scars with caution. It didn't disappoint! The plot was still fast-paced, full of characters and beautifully described places - but it flowed much, much smoother. The characters are much better outlined *SPOILER* (I almost cried when Ekko died) */SPOILER* and actually have a say in events that are happening to them (unlike in the first book). I didn't care about main character in the first book - he was too passive and Wer...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Mihir rated it 4 of 5 stars

Full Review originally at Fantasy Book Critic

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: After reading Blood Skies, Steven Montano’s debut, I was very much intrigued by his post-apocalyptic, horror tinged, thriller style. The first book titled the same as the series was definitely something that I enjoyed and so I was very much looking forward to Black Scars and the continuation of Eric Cross's story. The story begins is its usual confusing fashion where a myriad series of events occur and seem to have no connection w...more
Full Review originally at Fantasy Book Critic

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: After reading Blood Skies, Steven Montano’s debut, I was very much intrigued by his post-apocalyptic, horror tinged, thriller style. The first book titled the same as the series was definitely something that I enjoyed and so I was very much looking forward to Black Scars and the continuation of Eric Cross's story. The story begins is its usual confusing fashion where a myriad series of events occur and seem to have no connection with each other. The story opens with a creature escaping from its prison not knowing entirely where it is and what it’s supposed to do.

We find Eric Cross along with a new team trying to fit in after the events of the past and still trying to gel with his new magical spirit. Eric is a young veteran who has faced horrors beyond the human imagination in the preceding title, he also has become the first mage to lose his spirit but also gain a new one as well. These events however cannot prepare the reader for the mayhem that is yet to come and the author does his absolute best to outdo the first book in the gore factor as well as the plot twists.

The book’s biggest strength is the author’s prose, it is stylistic like John Connolly when it comes to descriptions of the world and its inhabitants, however while John does it in a bit of a restrained manner, Steven Montano goes out blazing on all his cylinders. His prose and descriptions paint a bleak and brutal picture but its beauty is no less stark. The pace and plot twists are ratcheted up further if that was even possible. The author’s imagination has to be lauded for the world he has created as well as the horrors that inhabit it. This is his trademark, his vivid imagination and to use it to fuel his high-octane stories that mix more genres than possible as well give the readers a story unlike they have read before.

There are a few niggles to this tale as well, firstly the action sequences sometimes overwhelm the storyline. The action events are definitely long drawn out and sometimes detract from the happenings of the story. This might not be such a big point for the action lovers among the readers however for those looking for a little less action, this might not be the book for you. Secondly the world is still not revealed in its entirety, the events called the Black are explained to a certain extent but not to its entirety. I’m hoping we get more reveals in the next book.

Black Scars is a visible improvement on its predecessor and sets up the next book SoulRazor quite emphatically. Black Scars is an eclectic mix of horror, SF, Military fantasy as well as dark fantasy genres. With such a mix, it becomes more than the sum of its components, it’s a Steven Montano book that manages to give the readers a read that will surprise, thrill and scare them. Dive into the world of the Black and be prepared to read a tale quite unlike you have read anything so far.(less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Candice Bundy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, horror

This book, the 2nd in the series, has Montano expanding on his previous Apocalyptic universe of Earth post The Black, and of course, the main characters including Cross, a human/warlock, sent off to find The Woman In The Ice because she can do 'something' that his supervisors say will save the human race. He's not given the answers. If I were him, I'd fire my supervisors!

As I mentioned in my review of book one, Montano excels at visual descriptions and world building, so much so that although I...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Les Braddock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just finished reading Black Scars, book 2 of the Blood Skies series.

Yet another ride on an amazing roller coaster of thrills, some chills, and some majorly exciting reading. Cross is back, and better than ever, when he finds himself on a "fact finding" mission. When has any mission that Cross has been on gone according to plan? His new, I want to say "allies" but that really does not describe the group that is thrown together more out of necessity than camaraderie. Did I mention Psychic Vampiris...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Troy Lefman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another fine book in the life of Eric Cross. He's not an impervious bad ass and not a wimpy little whiner. He's somewhere in the middle and gets in and gets the job done. I like the world; less world-building in this one but it's good. The ending was very cliffhangery(?). I have Soulrazor downloaded and ready to go. The new characters will provide good support and conflict here-out. I'm very glad that characters die. You can't make a believable post-apocalyptic/dystopian vampire military fantasy...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Jennifer Carter rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first Blood Skies and Black Scars blew it away! Awesome action sequences that keep you turning pages!!! The new interpretation of the vampire is a awesome monster far removed from any other romanticized vampire. Throw a plethora of other insane creatures into the mix and you get a action packed monster story that is a thrill ride from beginning to end. aAling with that add the mysterious origin of The Black. Excellent story for an avid reader!

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Nov 11, 2011 S.J. Wist rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-cookie-read, fantasy, kindle, magic, series, action, war, scifi, sci-fi-fantasy, vampires, military

In the next book of the Blood Skies series, Eric Cross sets out with Dillon on a mission to find a woman trapped in ice who may determine the fate of the world. When they are captured during their efforts, it becomes a brutal fight for survival that will test the absolute limits of Cross' strength and sanity--for amusement to his vampire enemies within the city of Krul.

Even more gripping than the first book, the military-style and dark magic fight scenes in here will set you on the edge of death...more

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Jul 19, 2012 James Groenestein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, kindle

After completing the first blood skies book, I was really excited to find out what happens to Eric Cross in this next instalment...the outcome was brilliant!! Another great read that has left me eager to start the 3rd book!! If you want a sci-fi/fantasy series that rewrites the way vampires/ghouls and all foul beings ever created then this is it!!

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May 27, 2012 Susan O. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This book might even be better than the first one in the series. The two books are completely different. Cross is the only character who moves over into this book. I've said this before, but Montano is an axing story teller. Dialogue is second to showing what is going. The world he has created is horrific and every paragraph adds to the horror. I am excited to read the third book in the series.

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Dec 22, 2011 Sift Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: edward

Whereas I felt that Blood Skies started slowly, this time the story sets up the main conflict straight away and Cross is soon on the Sleeper's trail. There's plenty of action along the way with battles against hordes of undead and gladiatorial fights where the lives of Cross' comrades are the prize. As with Blood Skies, I felt that Black Scars is on the verge of being great but didn't quite get there.

See the in-depth review at Sift: http://www.siftreviews.com/2011/12/bl...

Review by: Edward of Si...more

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Feb 14, 2013 John Hoddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great follow-up to Blood Skies. Steve Montano has created a fascinating world and populated it w/ fearsome inhabitants and great characters. Eric Cross is a very relatable protagonist.

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Oct 25, 2012 Steve rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia-apocalyptic, favorites

Another great entry into the Blood Skies series, with great characters, great writing, and well-thought scenes and FANTASTIC world-building! I'm starting right into book 3, Soulrazor. This series has me hooked!

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Jun 12, 2012 Steven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Continuation of the Blood Skies Trilogy. Read it and #3 in one day. 'Nuff said.

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Aug 31, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book was pretty cool. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I had a few moments of "huh?", but those were few and far in between. The way this book is written, I had no problem visualizing this entire book in my head and I felt like I was there. Eric Cross is just the type of hero I like to root for. Twists and turns abound in this fast-paced novel and now I'm wondering when book 3 will be out because I'll have to read it!

I reveived a copy of this book for free through Goodreads F...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Carole Meeter added it

Awesome continuation of the trilogy ! Gets better and better as you go.

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Aug 29, 2012 Patty marked it as to-read

looks and sounds awesome....

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May 16, 2013 Tawana marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Black Scars (Blood Skies #2)

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