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Soulrazor (Blood Skies #3)

by Steven Montano (Goodreads Author)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 50 ratings · 17 reviews

The war continues…

Eric Cross and his team of elite mercenaries are the bane of the Ebon Cities. Armed with the cutting-edge arcane weaponry of the Southern Claw, Cross and his crew – Black, Kane, Ronan, Maur, Grissom and Ash – have become a veritable thorn in the side of the vampire armies.

Now the team is tasked with halting vampire activity near the remote city-state of F...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published March 14th 2012 by Darker Sunset Press

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Mar 07, 2013 Danielle Young rated it 5 of 5 stars

I fall more and more in love with the Blood Skies series with every book. Steven Montano has a way of silently ensnaring you in his world of dark fantasy. And the deeper into the series you get the deeper your connection with the story and the characters go. I know I for one am a huge fan of Eric Cross.

Cross has not had an easy time working for the Southern Claw, as we know from the first two books Cross goes through some pretty hefty crap, but it is his deep rooted determination that keeps him...more I fall more and more in love with the Blood Skies series with every book. Steven Montano has a way of silently ensnaring you in his world of dark fantasy. And the deeper into the series you get the deeper your connection with the story and the characters go. I know I for one am a huge fan of Eric Cross.

Cross has not had an easy time working for the Southern Claw, as we know from the first two books Cross goes through some pretty hefty crap, but it is his deep rooted determination that keeps him going. But he no longer works for the Southern Claw. Instead he heads up a team of mercenaries that are contracted to do the dirty work for the Southern Claw. But their team is the best. No doubt about it. And so as the best they get the worst and most impossible jobs. In Soulrazor Cross and his team of mercenaries are on the mission to stop the Ebon Cities from getting their hands on the deadly weapon the Soulrazor. While on this mission something ominous happens to Cross that changes everything. In Soulrazor Cross is put through incredible tests that will challenge his ability as a soldier and as a mage, with the ultimate price being his soul.

I love Cross. He is one of those characters that you like in the first book but by the time the second book is done you are completely attached. He is that guy that creeps up on you. He's the guy your mom always told you not to tease because when he grew up he was going to knock your socks off. Yeah, he's that guy. And it has been incredible to read his journey. And it has been one hellacious journey.

Cross has been beaten, bruised, and tormented never quite getting his happy ending. Oh sure he survives, for the most part. But for Cross it is just one battle after another. And it just get's worse in Soulrazor. Cross is put through so many tests as a hero it amazes me that he hasn't broken yet. And every time I thought things were going to get better for Cross in Soulrazor I found myself yelling at Steven Montano as I was sorely disappointed. Granted it makes for one hell of a story, but come on give my guy a break!

But Cross is not the only one who is tested in this series. You see no character escapes Steven Montano's creative wrath. Every character is put through trials that test all their abilities. And it is in these moments that we truly see the type of characters that they are. This is when Steven Montano separates the men or women from the boys. And in Soulrazor I was happy to see Danica in more of a starring role. I have to say that she is growing on me. There was a part of me that wanted Steven Montano to let Cross kill her in Black Scars, but now I am glad that he didn't. (Good thing I didn't have a say huh?!).

In Soulrazor we get to see Danica take more of a leadership role as certain events caused her to be in charge. And I was surprised to see how remorseful she was for her past behaviors. I loved reading some of the chapters from Danica's perspective as it really allowed me to learn what made her tick. And I will just say that what I found out shocked the hell out of me. So well played on Steven Montano's part, I am now a Danica fan.

Of course I was happy to see the return of Kane one of my favorite warriors. I love Kane's care free attitude and his ability to always crack a joke. He is fierce and is definitely not someone I would mess with. Because under that casual attitude is a scary dude who would certainly kick your ass if he had to. But there's more to Kane than just comedy and his superior fighting skills. Underneath all that he is a tender guy who had his heart broken. He is incredibly loyal to those he calls his friends, is trustworthy, and can forgive those that have wronged him. But I would love to see more of Kane. Soulrazor also introduces us to a slew of new characters that I am quickly falling for. Especially Maur the Gol, he is awesome.

Steven Montano never ceases to amaze me as book after book he writes a more incredible adventure. I am so wrapped up in his world that I don't think I will ever look at vampires or magic the same way again. But I'm okay with that. Steven Montano has always had the ability to surprise me in the Blood Skies books, but I have to say that with Soulrazor the surprises literally took my breath away, leaving me completely flabbergasted. And knowing Steven Montano the surprises aren't over yet. I for one can't wait to see what he has in store for Cross, especially with the reintroduction of a certain character, as his story continues in Crown of Ash. I'm sure there will be more yelling involved, but I know that Cross can take it, he is just that kind of a guy!

Soulrazor is an absolute action packed adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat, will take your breath away and will have you yelling at the skies. Put your imagination to the test and dive in to Steven Montano's epic fantasy and be swept up in a world of magic and vampires. A world that seems like a cross between a western and the future a world that will leave you reeling for days.

*Received copy of book from author in exchange for an honest review(less)

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Dec 20, 2012 Mihir rated it 4 of 5 stars

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

Overall Rating = 3 & 1/2 stars

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Soulrazor is the third book in the Blood Skies series and after reading the first two books in the series, I was very excited to see where the author was taking the story as in the ending of Black Scars, the protagonist had come at a crossroads of sorts and found new company. His struggles have not lessened though but he has more shoulders to share the burdens.

The book story begins twenty-five years af...more
Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

Overall Rating = 3 & 1/2 stars

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Soulrazor is the third book in the Blood Skies series and after reading the first two books in the series, I was very excited to see where the author was taking the story as in the ending of Black Scars, the protagonist had come at a crossroads of sorts and found new company. His struggles have not lessened though but he has more shoulders to share the burdens.

The book story begins twenty-five years after the events of the Black and Eric Cross now has his own mercenary team to handle. They are going after certain targets and getting good at their work when they unwittingly discover something more horrifying than the vampire overlords. Eric manages to save his team however learns that he might have over-extended his abilities. Things take a topsy-turvy turn as he’s forced to search for the answers on his own. This gives rise to another POV character and Danica Black gets a chance to showcase her leadership skills and the readers get to know her thoughts while she lead the team into a maelstrom unlike they have ever faced in their lives.

Soulrazor is the book I was waiting to read since a long time as it deals primarily with the reason the world is the way it is now. It gives us the raison d'être for the occurrence of the event known as the Black. The author has hinted at certain things in the past two books however the revelations in this book come entirely out of the left field. Previously we had Eric Cross as the sole narrative driver however this time around he shares the focus of the story with Danica who’s as different from Cross as chalk is to cheese. I very much enjoyed this change of POV as Cross can be thought of a goody two-shoes but Danica is an anti-hero and one whose cruelty can only off set by her bravery. This was a sharp move by the author and does create an interesting dynamic to the plot. On reading the book it becomes very clear as to why this move was precipitated by the author, which bring me to the main plot thread of the story.

The book deals with a lot of the why of the occurrence of the Black and I can’t say I’m thoroughly elated with all that was revealed. I think that it might work for certain readers but many might be disappointed by the happenings in the story. I’ll clarify that the story is not different from its predecessors in regards to the action, pace and plot twists however the revelation and the main twist of the story is something that didn’t work for me because I’m not a fan of deus ex machina resolutions and this twist has a partial DEM feel to it. The ending then further sets up the story that is to come but at this point one of the biggest mysteries of this series has been revealed and that kinda takes precedence over the end twist of the story. The book however is still evenly paced and in regards to the action sequences continues on from the preceding titles. The character cast is also suitably widened as we get to know newer members of the team however I must warn the readers that the author is a ruthless one and so be prepared for unexpected character deaths.

It was a book that I anticipated a lot from but it didn’t exactly deliver on the promise. I think that was more due to personal reasons and I’m still excited for this series though. I will review the fourth book soon to find out what Steven Montano has planned next with Cross, Black and his darkly alluring and dangerous world.(less)

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Mar 17, 2013 Paul Nelson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favourites

I have simply been blown away by this series so far, the post-apocalyptic world that Steve Montano has created is vivid, imaginative and on finishing have immediately started the fourth novel The Crown of Ash.

After the events of The Black Scar, Cross has left the Southern Claw and now works as a mercenary taking on the most dangerous missions.
His team consist of Danica Black, a witch and former warden of the prison complex Black Scar.
Mike Kane, a tough guy gladiator and former inmate of Black...more

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Aug 06, 2012 James Groenestein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, fantasy

After finishing the first 2 in the series, I was absolutely teaming with anticipation to get into this 3rd instalment.

The writer has great descriptive imagination when portraying a scene - I was instantly transferred in to the scene and could picture the entire plot.

It was great to learn of the teams life since they returned to Thornn - the way the characters have progressed and grown is brilliant.

The story unfolds and twists and turns in several directions - its quite a task to keep up but not...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Maša rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 13, 2012 Jennifer Carter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Best one yet!!! I am totally hooked on this series and about to start book four! I must admit I was going to download the fifth book and realized it will not be available until2013!!!!!!! WHAAAATTTT? I almost cried! These are some of my favorite books!! I have enjoyed every one of them more than the last! Steven Montano is definitely a recommended writer for me! I do not hesitate to tell others about these books! I am so very glad he decided to stop balancing sheets and write! Selfishly I hope...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Gautam Surath rated it 4 of 5 stars

There we go! Steven makes a comeback. The text continues to be extremely descriptive to the point of being unimaginable but I guess thats his style of writing. But the good thing here is that Steven has discovered a plot that begins to span a longer arc and its really interesting. He has also chosen to create a team rather than focus only on Cross and it clearly works. We get Black's POV and it is as gripping as Cross's. Ofcourse with the landscape he has created (The Black) he is free to screw...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Scott Whitmore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hypnotic. That's how I described "Soulrazor," the third book of the Blood Skies series by author Steven Montano (@Daezarkian), on my Twitter feed.

Everything I said about the second book, "Black Scars," in my review can be repeated here. Mr. Montano's prose exploits and explores the senses. The reader will see, hear, feel, taste and smell everything in this wonderfully dystopian world; so much so that we almost become supporting characters.

I can honestly say I've never read another author who p...more Hypnotic. That's how I described "Soulrazor," the third book of the Blood Skies series by author Steven Montano (@Daezarkian), on my Twitter feed.

Everything I said about the second book, "Black Scars," in my review can be repeated here. Mr. Montano's prose exploits and explores the senses. The reader will see, hear, feel, taste and smell everything in this wonderfully dystopian world; so much so that we almost become supporting characters.

I can honestly say I've never read another author who puts me into the story so completely as Mr. Montano.

And what stories! The setting is Earth, but not an Earth that any of us can easily recognize. Twenty-five years earlier The Black happened, a cataclysmic fusing of our planet with untold numbers of other worlds. The Black added species, continents, cities, and — most important for the survival of humans — magic to our planet while wiping out or altering our previous existence.

In "Soulrazor" we learn more about what The Black is and where it came from, once again following Eric Cross, a warlock and former soldier of The Southern Claw, the alliance of humans formed to battle the vampires of the Ebon Cities. What's that? Oh, yes, there are vampires and all manner of undead creatures roaming about thanks to The Black. Bloodwolves and giants, too, which makes the lives and future of humans somewhat tenuous.

After the events described in Black Scars, Cross left the Claw and formed his own mercenary team with former prison-warden Danica Black and Kane, who was once her prisoner. Soulrazor opens with the team conducting a vital surveillance mission for the Claw; what they find sets the stage for the rest of the story, which includes all the thrilling action and adventure I've come to expect from this series.

In a slight departure from the first two entries, much of this story is told from Danica's perspective, which I enjoyed. Having brutalized her fellow humans (including Kane) in the prison and served as an ally to the vampires, she is a deeply flawed character, which makes for great reading.

No spoilers, but there is also an element of time-travel in "Soulrazor," which makes perfect sense in the scheme of things with The Black. I've never been much of a fan of "temporal distortion" stories, (looking at you, Star Trek), but it is handled so well here, and fits into the story perfectly.

If you haven't already, I highly suggest starting with Blood Skies and then continuing with the subsequent books in this highly original and exciting series. The fourth book, Crown of Ash, is on my To-Read List and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey.(less)

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May 23, 2012 Shannon Gambino rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Each book in the BLOOD SKIES series has its own heartbeat and personality. Though all three books have their own storyline, Mr. Montano's construction and connection from one to the other is superb. Unlike its peers, SOULRAZOR takes the reader time traveling at warp speed through the eyes and visions of both Eric Cross and Danica Black. Altering the past to change the future, Cross, along with his team, fight against all odds to find Soulrazor. SOULRAZOR is much like the others with battles agai...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Mike Berry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Quite simply, I loved Soulrazor. The author has taken the best elements from the previous formula and given them a refreshing new twist: The darkly poetic style that I enjoyed so much in the first two books is back, this time more polished than ever before. The action sequences, for which Steven Montano is rightly becoming recognised as something of a modern master, are also back, also better than ever. Montano's twisted and despoiled Earth is as dark and dangerous as ever. But this time the sto...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Troy Lefman rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a cool addition to the Blood Skies series. This one had the addition of new characters, newish adversaries and some new info on what has happened before. The first part had me wondering what extra goings-on was lurking. Lo and behold, something pretty big was in the wings. Steven did this without too much exposition or any foreshadowing (that I could find.) It felt like things were too quiet. I liked the twists with Soulrazor, though I expected a name for the third blade. Nice use of tim...more

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May 07, 2012 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

The journey continues...and once again, it's nothing like what you would expect. Eric Cross is still hounded, chased, tortured, and barely left alive. His friends rush through unimaginable odds to try and save him, and the war between the Southern Claw and the Ebon Cities still rages around them. A great fantasy read. I think book 2 still counts as my favorite though. :P

Content Rating: R-LV ... (L) A bit more language than the first two, but still not pervasive. (V) Lots of vampire fighting/slay...more

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May 13, 2012 S.J. Wist rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-covers, fantasy-cookie-read, fantasy, kindle, series, vampires, apocalyptic

In the third book of the Blood Skies series, Soulrazor, Cross and his team get to go up against the Bonespire. When Cross falls into some goo in the place, it creates a whole lot of problems for the team.

I really enjoyed how Black's and Cross' relationship developed in this book, and their underlying thoughts of each other when they are split apart. A lot is brought to the surface of their different pasts as well, and more answers to why their world is a post-apocalyptic hell.

This is my favorit...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Kirsten Lenius rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting and rather unique story that bends time, space and spirit in a post apocalyptic world.

It contains a large amount of violence that is integral to the story. It is worth the read, but I wouldn't recommend it for younger folk.

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Nov 07, 2012 Steve rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopia-apocalyptic, favorites

Wow! What a fantastic cliff-hanger of an ending! Can't wait for the next volume in this series! Lots of surprises and shocks in this one, many of which I didn't see coming. Once again, great writing from Mr. Montano!

I'm getting through this series really quick! I hope the author bumps up his release schedule to earlier dates! :)

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Aug 29, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

looks and sounds awesome....

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Aug 20, 2012 Patricia Yost rated it 5 of 5 stars

looks and sounds awesome...

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Mar 23, 2012 Steven Montano rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

After reading this book 17 times, I still didn't hate it. For a writer to say that about their own work has gotta be worth 5 stars, right?

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Soulrazor (Blood Skies #3)

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