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Overkill

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 21 ratings · 13 reviews

Deliverance will come... A great flood once wiped clean the earth, destroying everything upon it. Before the deluge, in a time now forgotten, the world was a place of warriors and witches, conflicts between kingdoms, and, until their extermination, dragons. In this world, men may live centuries, fallen angels have begotten terrifying spawn, and sometimes, the best hope can...more

ebook, 270 pages

Published 2012 by Seventh Star Press

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Jul 06, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, scifi-fantasy, suspense

Thrall came first and introduced the aging swords and sorcery hero, Gorias La Gaul. Now Overkill steps back to just before those earth-threatening events, and Gorias cries “Deliverance will come” again. Ancient history and myth bleed into a richly drawn background, deliverance threatened perhaps by the waters of Biblical flood while fallen angels and Nehilim inhabit a world that’s made gods out of underlings and forgotten its true destiny. And there’s Gorias, ancient hero in a land where everyon...more

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May 07, 2012 Robin Blankenship rated it 4 of 5 stars

First I would like to say that this is another great cover by Matthew Perry. He does amazing art for many of the Seventh Star Press Books.

I want to start by saying. That is is another story with Gorias La Gaul as was Thrall but this actually takes place before Thrall.

I love Fantasy stories and I often find that sometimes they fall short of my expectations of what a fantasy story should be. Crazy as it sounds I like my fantasy to be realistic. I know, I know how is that but what I mean by that...more

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May 04, 2012 Alis Bookshelf rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-tour, blog-review, review-books-from-authors-publisher

Overkill is a amazingly written book by Steven Shrewsbury. I enjoyed reading all about the world he has created in this series and his great characters.

I love the twists and turns in this book, not to mention all the action! Everyone that has read my blog at all knows I love fantasy books and I defiantly love ones with Dragons!!! Well this one didn't let me down on either of those. Overkill was defiantly a great read and perfect fit for me!

I also really enjoy the humor in Steven Shrewsbury's bo...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Urban Fantasy Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

To check out this review and others like it check out my site, www.ufreviews.com

I gathered from some information online that this is the second book taking place in this setting, and I have to say I am not surprised. This book was well crafting and interesting from the beginning, so it would make sense that the author would have a book before this one, and it's probably as good as this one is.

For those of you who follow my reviews, my biggest complaint recently is that not every book has a str...more To check out this review and others like it check out my site, www.ufreviews.com

I gathered from some information online that this is the second book taking place in this setting, and I have to say I am not surprised. This book was well crafting and interesting from the beginning, so it would make sense that the author would have a book before this one, and it's probably as good as this one is.

For those of you who follow my reviews, my biggest complaint recently is that not every book has a strong beginning. This book did not suffer from that at all. I think that this is really important, especially for a book like this, because it has so much more to establish with the reader than with a book that takes place in this world in modern time. By having this book start off so strong, it made me invested in the book, it's setting, and it's characters, all the more, which in turn made it easier for me to latch on and understand the world building aspects all the better.

This is definitely a book that is not short on the action front, so if you are looking for a slow and steady boring ride than this is not your book. There are a lot of unexpected events that happen within the book, which makes it even more fun for the reader, because it keeps you guessing.

One thing some books heavy on the action sometimes get wrong, is not breaking up the action. A book with all action is like a sandwich with no bread. I was glad to find that this book did have a little bit of humor in it to break up the heavy pace of action. And there is even a bit of "romantic" elements within, which both I think balance the book out pretty well.

Character wise, I think that Gorias is a pretty interesting character to follow along. He has his own personal code that he follows, which is basically what drives him within the story. he is one of those main character guys who is macho in every sense of the word. He is a strong and pretty ruthless character, but thankfully there are some other aspects to him that make him more than just the muscle of the story, and more of a well rounded character.

Overall, I think this book would be easily enjoyed by anyone who liked epic fantasy. The world building is pretty good, as are the characters. I don't think this book should go out to the YA crowd, but anyone else with an interest in fantasy should check out this book. (less)

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Apr 26, 2012 William Bentrim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Overkill by Steven Shrewsbury

Gorias LaGaul is back and as I said in my review of Thrall, he would kick Conan’s butt. This is the second book in a dark heroic fantasy with an aging protagonist.

Gorias is a protagonist that I can identify with in many aspects. Pragmatic to a fault he is accepting of his age and doesn’t let it stop him from doing what he wants to do. I’m not sure I can identify with his ruthlessness but it certainly is effective. He has skewed soft spots that pop up with surprising...more

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May 10, 2012 Kriss Morton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: seventh-star-publication-book-revie, seventh-star-press, cabin-goddess-review-intention

Overkill is a fast paced novel introducing Steven Shrewsbury's Gorias LeGaul to new fans in the form of a stand alone prologue. A 700 year old warrior who is known for his prowess on various fields of war and action. Be ye wizard, dragon, fellow warrior, queens or whores on the beach, battlefield, hammock, standing up... in the bushes, on a boat.. OK you get the picture! He is a well-rounded individual to put it very mildly!

With many fantasy stories reaching for epic proportions, there is a tend...more Overkill is a fast paced novel introducing Steven Shrewsbury's Gorias LeGaul to new fans in the form of a stand alone prologue. A 700 year old warrior who is known for his prowess on various fields of war and action. Be ye wizard, dragon, fellow warrior, queens or whores on the beach, battlefield, hammock, standing up... in the bushes, on a boat.. OK you get the picture! He is a well-rounded individual to put it very mildly!

With many fantasy stories reaching for epic proportions, there is a tendency to tell so much back story the actual action takes time to get ramped up. Not with this story.

"Nykia opened her door and watched her bodyguard's head roll past. She took one step out into the hall and looked to her right following a trail of blood to where it originated." (page 1)

The story starts off with the beginning tale of a princess who will soon become lost, but not before her love is professed on the back of a horse with the aging warrior Gorias. He comes in with a swoop of his dual swords to rescue the princess! But do not mistaken this for any old fantasy, it is far from it.

Step forward a few years and we have the introduction of Orsen, a well-groomed courtier who the queen has sent to bring Gorias back so she can enlist his help in finding the princess, her grand-daughter Nykia who was apparently kidnapped after he rescued her the first time and to solve the mystery of the murders by dragonfire. Since Gorias killed the last dragon, even wears the skin of a Wyvern as armor, this is baffling to all involved.

Confused? I know I was! But honestly I did not care most of the time. Gorias is a fun character to read, listen to and laugh with. Shrewsbury balanced the humor, action, mercenary behavior and lecherous actions of our hero well. Our warrior is well aware of his age and continually reminds those around him he is not invincible.

As mentioned above we have Orsen who brings equilibrium to Gorias' boisterous and crass personality with his soft court padded life one made more for velvet than chainmail and will face more than things that threaten to stain his tunic, including his lunch. Athena is one of the queens personal guards, and is perhaps my favorite character. Not a frilly little paper doll facade many royals have, and not a black wearing assassin that others have used in the past, but the daughter of a well decorated General who has served the monarchy for generations. She and her sisters guard the queen with their lives till hers end and will continue to serve the crown till they die themselves.

Oh one major note. Shrewsbury knows his weapon use and what it takes to use each one. He did his research and not just with a d20 roll. Even Orsen has been trained in a weapon appropriate for the proper protecting of ones back and kidney's while still maintaining the no blood approach to death, though he does get a bit messy in the end.

This prequel to Thrall steeps you in adventure, action of all kinds and intrigue faster than dragon's fire licking up the side of a priestess eaten away with ruthless revenge. Remember this when you pick it up because you are not going to want to stop. You will feel a bit taken away from reality and wondering at the same time what type of message is trying to be given to you betwixt and between. But I say let it go and move on you will be wondering what is next before it all ends.
There are no gentle magics and romantic flighty princesses in this tale. Even Orsen has his balls drop in the end while we find out just how large Athena's are!

Over all since I need to give this solid number I am going to give it a four. I was fluttering around a mid 3.5 because of my own issues with blending obvious modern religion into my fantasy, but at the end after the mind-boggling surprise (which I really hope are answered in the next book) I am happy to give it a four! Plus I cannot have issues with anyone who is as big of a red-head lover as Gorias is! Thanks Seventh Star Press for another great thrill! Deliverance will come for more than just Gorias, deliverance will come to many within the pages of this book!(less)

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May 06, 2012 Cassandra (The Book & Movie Dimension blogger) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

--Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--

It was an extreme pleasure and honor to be actually be part of the Overkill Online Book Tour especially considering had previously reviewed: Thrall by Steven L. Shrewsbury. So for those of you that were with me then and read the review know that encountered quite a equally wonderful and artsy Fantasy book.

Don't Miss!- Author Interview with Fantasy writer Steven L. Shrewsbury author of "Thrall"

With Overkill, the legend of G...more --Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--

It was an extreme pleasure and honor to be actually be part of the Overkill Online Book Tour especially considering had previously reviewed: Thrall by Steven L. Shrewsbury. So for those of you that were with me then and read the review know that encountered quite a equally wonderful and artsy Fantasy book.

Don't Miss!- Author Interview with Fantasy writer Steven L. Shrewsbury author of "Thrall"

With Overkill, the legend of Gorias La Gaul lives on with another novel. Something you should know is that it takes place before the actual events of Thrall. Gorias La Gaul a huge legend from being one of the mightiest dragon slayers still very much has the appeal of grandeur as ever so be assured in this book, he's still constantly assaulted out of nowhere! Man, these pesky assassins and amateur warriors trying to kill an old man like Gorias. All just so they can gain popularity for slaying the legend. This time around Gorias has come to the home place of a Queen Garnet to help solve who is murdering high nobility men named castellans in her circle. Queen Garnet also wishes Gorias would search for one of her possible still living heirs since her sister with her son are trying to usurp the throne. Gorias relents for having quite the romantic past with the Queen. The Legend sets out on a search for Nykia the granddaughter of the Queen in pirate infested corners. Although what Gorias fears most is that Queen Garnet before his journey began revealed that the death of the castellans was by fire much like a dragon would spew out! Its quite fascinating for Steven to actually let us see more of how dragons are.

Oh, and should add that Gorias gets a lot of time with a few ladies: Princess Nykia turned pirate and Alena that is a voluptuous personal guard of the Queen. Alena is so much like Gorias in personality and then not so much.

Overkill was a skillfully fantasy write that had a lot to offer. Immersing characters and places. Steven Shrewsbury is a true Fantasy writer. Read Overkill for an excellent scheme of fighting scenes, various swooning lovers that surround a warrior legend, and the imaginative adventure any Fantasy reader craves.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Fantasy, Dragons

Contains: Blood and Gore Scenes, Sexually-Charged Scenes, Foul Language(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Bob Milne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-heroic

Overkill is the latest of the Gorias La Gaul stories from Steven Shrewsbury, a heroic fantasy franchise that brings back memories of Robert E. Howard's original Conan tales. Fear not if this is your first exposure to La Gaul, for his stories are able to be read as standalone novels.

In fact, this was my first exposure to the character, and I quite enjoyed it.

Gorias is a man of few words, but those he offers are chosen well. He's a direct, sarcastic, often vulgar warrior who has seen and heard it...more Overkill is the latest of the Gorias La Gaul stories from Steven Shrewsbury, a heroic fantasy franchise that brings back memories of Robert E. Howard's original Conan tales. Fear not if this is your first exposure to La Gaul, for his stories are able to be read as standalone novels.

In fact, this was my first exposure to the character, and I quite enjoyed it.

Gorias is a man of few words, but those he offers are chosen well. He's a direct, sarcastic, often vulgar warrior who has seen and heard it all. More than 700 years old, he still finds the world amusing, and the women it it arousing. This is no grumpy old man, dragged out of retirement, to save the world. No, this is a lustful, bloodthirsty man in the prime of life . . . dragged out of a brothel to save the world.

In a world where YA fiction seems to be overtaking the shelves, this is a deliberate throwback to the kind of pulp fantasy that long-time adult readers of fantasy can sit back and enjoy. Shrewsbury offers up a hearty mix of politics and religion, each with their own complexities, and a refreshing dose of old-fashioned "who the hell cares how it works!" magic. If there's one thing I've begun to find rather tiresome about fantasy novels over the past few years is the tendency to have to explain how magic works and somehow justify it to the reader. It's fantasy. It's not real. It's magic. Thank you, Steven, for letting us take it for granted and get on with it.

It should also be said - assuming the cover didn't give it away - that this is a book about dragons. Again, Shrewsbury bucks the historical realism trend and gives us our dragons, as mighty, ferocious, and dangerous as we want to remember them. I loved the way he worked them into the plot, and the way in which their legends have come to have very real implications, tied very much to that of La Gaul.

The story here isn't overly deep, but it's more than sufficient to carry the novel, especially one so action packed from cover-to-cover. There are plenty of twists and turns, some of them rather clever and others completely unexpected, and just enough humour (with a dash of romance) to alleviate the tension. Similarly, the characters are only as deep as they need be to carry the story, but they live and breathe upon the page - and that, more than any reams of useless lineages and life stories, is what makes them compelling.

An altogether satisfying read, and one worth looking into.

Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins(less)

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May 06, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, review-copy

Steven Shrewsbury has created with Gorias La Gaul a larger than life character. A prequel to Thrall we get to enjoy more of Gorias and his most excellent adventures, be they bedding endless ladies or killing the bad guys in the most spectacular of fashion.

This story is great fun with many laughs, endless action and fantastically well written battle scenes. I found myself cheering Gorias on wanting to know how it ended and gaping in shock that a 700 + year old man had the stamina of a 19 year ol...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Amy_Read to My Heart's Content rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog

Full review at: www.readtomyhearts.blogspot.com

This book is fully of sex, gore, and magic. It is definitely for those that have strong stomachs because some parts can get a little graphic. I, personally, liked it and noticed it reminded me of the Starz series, Spartacus, as far as the graphic depth of the story.

La Gaul, our knight in shining armour, has lived for a very long time and has pretty much seen it all. He has also charmed many a women with his "natural abilities". It was a little cree...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Kendell Jordan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Check out all my reviews at Kenn's Reviews

Deliverance will come - and it will be in the form of Gorias La Gaul, a 700 year old legend.

This is the 2nd book in a Fantasy Fiction series by Steven Shrewsbury. The action begins at the prologue and never lets up. Gorias provides a bit of comedy in what would be an otherwise dark tale. La Gaul never lacks for a smart assed quip or a colorful curse word. At his age he doesn’t care who he offends or how and it provides many humerous moments along the way...more Check out all my reviews at Kenn's Reviews

Deliverance will come - and it will be in the form of Gorias La Gaul, a 700 year old legend.

This is the 2nd book in a Fantasy Fiction series by Steven Shrewsbury. The action begins at the prologue and never lets up. Gorias provides a bit of comedy in what would be an otherwise dark tale. La Gaul never lacks for a smart assed quip or a colorful curse word. At his age he doesn’t care who he offends or how and it provides many humerous moments along the way.

The 700 year old man is quite spry for his age and his libido has yet to reach his peak. As a warrior, Gorias has killed his fair share of men, women and dragons and wears a trophy as proof. As a lover, he’s had his fair share of women, most of whom are 600 odd years younger than he. He was labeled a hero by the populous, but claims he’s no more than a very lucky man just trying to live his life. Through his travels Lord La Gaul meets up with old friends, receives a quest from a former lover to rescue a future one and kills numerous men and women, both alive and dead.

His quest is hindered by deceit, intrigue and more than a few vengeful and power hungry men, women and gods. He is assisted along the way by Alena, one the Queen’s guard, and Orsen, one of the Queen’s lackeys. Gorias’ lifetime of battles, women and whiskey has earned him top posting on many hit-lists. Not just the expected long lines cut-throats and bandits, but of fallen angels as well. Alena and Orsen have no idea just what kind of life Gorias has lead, but they are about to find out that there’s usually a hint of truth to most fables.

The storyline contains enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, but not so many as to confuse the plot. I was immersed in the book as soon as I opened it. After reading the last words I found myself thinking “I never saw that coming”. The action is kept fresh with wonderfully described battle scenes, explicit love scenes and detailed pasts relived as fables. The story flows from scene to scene with the hand of a well-practiced author.

If you love epic fantast books with dragons, pirates, swords, magic, angels and demons then I would strongly recommend this book to you. Personally, this is the first book I have read by Steven Shrewsbury, but I can guarantee it will not be the last.
(less)

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May 12, 2012 *Babs* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, action

I have read it and believe me for those who know I am a picky reader on some geners, it was amazing. Fantasy is beginning to take a hold on me and Steven's book made it more so. The battles, twists, magic, dragons and wonderful realistic characters. Steven's writing style is amazing. He knows how to grip the reader with all the action taken place. Let's face it if I was 700 years old I would want to be able to kick some ass as well.

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Apr 30, 2012 Eva rated it 5 of 5 stars

My complete review can be found on my blog along with an interview with the author.
http://vampirekiss1967.blogspot.com/2...

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Shelves: historical-romance, mystery

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