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Heroes of the Fallen

by David J. West (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 26 ratings · 15 reviews

It is the last days of the great Nephite nation and their civilization teeters on the brink of devastating war. Their blood-enemies and rival nation, the Lamanites, have sworn their destruction. As the conflict unfolds upon this ancient American landscape, courageous heroes fight to defend their people against ruthless forces of evil.

Amaron and his Ten Scouts, Zelph the Wh...more

Hardcover, 306 pages

Published April 16th 2010 by WiDo Publishing (first published April 14th 2010)

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Oct 05, 2010 Charles rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, friendsbooks

Heroic fantasy, the kind of tales that Robert E. Howard wrote, that Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote, that more recent writers such as David Gemmell wrote, is driven by the engine of sheer imagination more than any other genre, with the possible exception of SF. Good stories can be told in the field without venturing much beyond the seminal imagination of a Howard or a Burroughs, but it’s very nice when you find an original vision at work. I’ve found one of those in David J. West (http://david-j-west....more Heroic fantasy, the kind of tales that Robert E. Howard wrote, that Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote, that more recent writers such as David Gemmell wrote, is driven by the engine of sheer imagination more than any other genre, with the possible exception of SF. Good stories can be told in the field without venturing much beyond the seminal imagination of a Howard or a Burroughs, but it’s very nice when you find an original vision at work. I’ve found one of those in David J. West (http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/), whose Heroes of the Fallen has imagination in spades. The world created by West is fully realized and backed up by both firm historical knowledge and a good feel for mythology.

The setting for Heroes is not the common pseudo-European one, either, but a dynamic “New World” one that provides all the same potentialities for storytelling without retracing the steps of earlier writers. West combines Mesoamerican history and myth with the stories and history found in The Book of Mormon to create a truly unique brand of heroic fantasy fiction. In places, the book reminds me of the fine 2006 movie Apocalypto, although I understand from the author of Heroes of the Fallen that the book was written before that movie came out. Both the book and the movie capture the essence of heroic literature while giving it a seldom seen Mesoamerican flavor.

If imagination is the engine for Heroic Fantasy, fine prose is the fuel. Here, too, West achieves. I’m a sucker for good poetical prose, for heightened language that draws you into the exotic worlds that the best Heroic Fantasy creates. Some of the absolutely finest writing in Heroes of the Fallen is found in the prologue: “bittersweet music of battle,” “vaulted sky matches the raw ground,” “cross guards of swords jutting,” “white howl of the wolf,” but there are wonderful little turns of phrase all the way through and the prose has the strong visual element that fantasy needs to become real.

The characters that West created for his story are powerful and original. I liked his heroes, loathed his villains. I could see the beginnings of character development in some of them, but this is only volume one in what is planned to become a series. I felt at times that there were almost too many characters, but the story will ultimately be a complicated and wide ranging one so West needed to introduce a lot of the players in this first volume. I understand from a brief email exchange with West that the second volume in the series will thin the character herd a bit. One thing that would have been helpful in the book is a Dramatis Persona page. It would certainly be a good idea for the sequel.

Overall, I much enjoyed immersing myself in West’s world. It has a history and mythology that I wasn’t very familiar with before, particularly from The Book of Mormon. I’ll admit that I was a bit leery when I first found out the connection between the story and The Book of Mormon. I was worried about a certain “preachiness,” but I needn’t have been concerned. Although some of the lead characters in the story were indeed quite strong in their beliefs, it helps to add to the realism of the tale and doesn’t come across as a screed on the part of the author. I still have much to learn about the background for the story, of course, but it’s fascinating so far and I’ll look forward to the next installment.

Do be aware that Heroes of the Fallen does not complete the story that is introduced in the prologue of the book. There is an ending to the tale, but only an interim ending that doesn’t satisfy all the questions of how, when, and why. The second book, which is scheduled for publication in 2011 and is currently entitled Blood of Our Fathers, will bring the initial story arc to closure. I’ll be looking forward to it.
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Apr 15, 2012 D.J. Butler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-of-mormon, swords-and-sorcery, pulp-fiction

This is a swords and sorcery-style tale of savage adventure set in the last days of Nephite civilization. Akish-Antum and his Gadiantons plot the downfall of Zarahemla while Lamanite priests pluck hearts from their victims' bodies in search of good omens for their own grudge-driven schemes. Beginning at the massacre of Cumorah and the apparent moment of death of grizzled Lamanite-looking Nephite Amaron, we flash back to Amaron's youth as a guardsman in Zarahemla to watch the fall in its terrible...more

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Sep 14, 2011 J. Morgan rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Devil's in the details. That's the thought that kept going through my mind as I read Heroes of the Fallen by David J. West.

The year? Roughly 321 AD. The place? Ancient America. The situation? The fall of a great nation. Usually I don't like books where I know the outcome. It ruins the surprises that the author throws at me. Having said that, this is one of the few times when an author has used a scene from the future to set up the events proceeding it effectively.

I must say, I'm impressed.

T...more The Devil's in the details. That's the thought that kept going through my mind as I read Heroes of the Fallen by David J. West.

The year? Roughly 321 AD. The place? Ancient America. The situation? The fall of a great nation. Usually I don't like books where I know the outcome. It ruins the surprises that the author throws at me. Having said that, this is one of the few times when an author has used a scene from the future to set up the events proceeding it effectively.

I must say, I'm impressed.

The story revolves around two great societies: the Nephites and the Lamanites. Though both come from a common bloodline, they are a divided people. The Lamanites, who are descendants from a man named Laman, have a deep seeded hatred for the Nephites, who came from Nephi. Their issue? Laman and Nephi were brothers, with Nephi being the youngest. He was also the chosen one, which Laman took exception to.

Generations have passed since these brothers have died, but their ancestors live on, and often go to war with each other. In the mix are the evil secretive society, the Gadiantons, who stir up trouble.

With this as a canvas to draw upon, West masterfully paints an incredible description of not only the people, but the lifestyles they lived. Everywhere are details that bring to life an epic story of good men trying to do what is right, despite the resistance and indifference of their fellowmen. Then there are those that would use old grudges to rile up their people to do as they please.

I can't praise this book enough--not only for its pacing and story, but the vivid characters West brings to life. When I said the Devil's in the details, it's because behind all the evil and terrible things that happen to these people, it's evident how people are manipulated by people focusing on the wrong things in life. It's a sad story that unfortunately we see being played out on the world's stage even today.

West is currently working on the second book, Blood of our Fathers scheduled for release sometime in 2011. Well, it's 2011--bring it on!
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May 18, 2010 Elizabeth Mueller rated it 5 of 5 stars

David J. West, author of Heroes of the Fallen, has truly swept me into a world that he has brought forth from the dust.

It is a time of war, deception, intrigue. The Gadianton Robbers hide away in the mountains and slowly, like rabid rats to a sprawling wheat field, infest the rich cities--namely Zarahemla.

Corrupt men twist the laws as they overtake the government, hoping to bring the Robbers onto their golden streets.

No one is safe.

Join a handful of stouthearted warriors as they traverse the cou...more

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Apr 12, 2010 Daron rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I am here to tell you about a book by David J. West which literally left me in a state of wonder. I want to make it clear right up front that I am friends with David. We talk quite a bit about writing and the publishing industry and genres and markets and literary works and classics and history and archaeology and astronomy and geography and mound builders and the Old World and explorers and religion and this list could go on for quite a while. We have many of the same interests. But don't think...more I am here to tell you about a book by David J. West which literally left me in a state of wonder. I want to make it clear right up front that I am friends with David. We talk quite a bit about writing and the publishing industry and genres and markets and literary works and classics and history and archaeology and astronomy and geography and mound builders and the Old World and explorers and religion and this list could go on for quite a while. We have many of the same interests. But don't think for a minute that this review is slanted towards the glowing-like-a-sun-about-to-go-supernova realm, simply because we are friends. His book is very good all on its own, friends or not. In fact, getting to know David and seeing the background he has as a well-read writer only strengthened my resolve to give this book a full five stars on Goodreads. And Heroes of the Fallen isn't even my favorite work of David's (it actually ties for second place).

Let me tell you why I recommend that you read his book...

Heroes of the Fallen is not your average historical fiction novel based on the Book of Mormon. A skillfully woven tale of nations in decline, intrigue, faith, and hope, it is a book filled with believable dialogue and expertly crafted characters. David is very good at creating villains. His writing voice is reminiscent of more classical works, and his love for reading certainly shows. With a myriad of storylines in this one novel, the reader does need to be prepared to pay attention so as to not get lost, but I promise you it will be worth it. The series promises to be a long one, and I look forward to knowing more about the characters: Amaron, Zelph, Onandagus, Bethia, Mormon, and Akish-Antum the Gadianton Grand Master. There are many others!

I eagerly await the second book in the series.

Might I suggest that you follow David on his blog, Nephite Blood, Spartan Heart. David recently had a couple of his short stories picked up to be included in anthologies. One of them is called "Whispers of the Goddess", and is one of the best short stories I have read in a long time. I am sure he will post links to it when he can. When I was in high school, I read a lot of fantasy. Fritz Leiber was an author I really enjoyed. My plug for David: Although reminiscent of Leiber's style and characters (in a very general way), I think "Whispers of the Goddess" is better than anything I read by Leiber. Hands down. And it is my favorite read of David's works.

I can see I have made this review to be more than just a simple book recommendation... Yes, I am recommending the author here. He has more novels coming. His short stories are excellent. One of them, "Dance the Ghost (With Me)", a Porter Rockwell tale, won first prize in its category at last years LDS Storymakers Conference. I recently read it, and in my opinion, it's as good as Heroes of the Fallen. I look forward to David turning "Dance the Ghost (With Me)" into a novel.

Let's sum up Heroes like this:

An epic tale of valor and degeneracy where heroes are beset on every side by wicked schemers--whose schemes, like a flood, threaten to drown them all--Heroes of the Fallen is sure to please any reader who enjoys a multi-threaded plot full of both historical wonders and vicious intrigues which rule the day. Heroes of the Fallen will have you praying for the good guys! -- Daron D. Fraley, Author of "The Thorn" book one of "The Chronicles of Gan"(less)

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Apr 25, 2011 Chad rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: mormon-fiction

Have you ever read a book, only to finally come to the last page and see the words, "The End of Book One," and just groan because that meant there were more coming?

I hate to say it, but that is literally what happened to me when reading this. I like to support and follow local Utah authors. I give them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. But this book just wasn't very good. But first, the story.

The plot follows the last days of the downfall and collapse of the Nephite nation on the Ameri...more Have you ever read a book, only to finally come to the last page and see the words, "The End of Book One," and just groan because that meant there were more coming?

I hate to say it, but that is literally what happened to me when reading this. I like to support and follow local Utah authors. I give them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. But this book just wasn't very good. But first, the story.

The plot follows the last days of the downfall and collapse of the Nephite nation on the American continent. Our cast of characters thus includes Mormon, Moroni, and other well known historical religious figures.

If you're not familiar with the Book of Mormon story (warning Book of Mormon spoilers!), a once mighty and proud, religious nation (the Nephites) has become corrupted from their own success and they turn away from their God, and their freedoms. Enemy peoples known as the Lamanites can't wait to destroy them, and a secret society of robbers and murders grows within.

Stalwart, righteous men arise and show the path to victory, but the people refuse and the nation and people are completely destroyed, except for one of those stalwart men, who is hunted across the land to destroy the sacred records he has been entrusted. Which he is finally able to store away for future generations.

Heroes of the Fallen book 1 covers a short period before the final battles, and leads to an invading Lamanite army nearing an attack on the city of Zarahemla.

I didn't like this book, not because the story was wanting. I think there could be great material to make a great book here, but the writing felt incredibly forced, the language was clumsy and off-putting. I can't tell you how many times I felt frustrated by a characters inability to speak directly or use contractions. I think West may have been trying to give it a 'scriptural' feel, but I think it could have been handled better, perhaps show scenes during official business when characters talk in stiff, rote language, but let them talk in ways we the modern reader would understand otherwise.

I also thought the characters were flat, with attributes thrown in at random times. It was hard to find most characters motivations or understand why they were doing what they did. Development of characters and plots felt very jerky with sudden unexplained or unearned jumps in progress.

I will say that the writing and prose did start to get better near end of the book, but I don't think it was enough for me to read the next one in the series. The author deserves credit for creating a rich dramatization of events that happened hundreds of years ago, and hopefully his later works will show continued improvement.(less)

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Jun 01, 2010 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Yet another book that receives 4 1/2 stars from me...

I always love to read historical fiction from Book of Mormon time. This book is like one that I have never read before. It is not very often, that I read a novel that includes the Gadianton robbers and the final days of the Nephite people. The Book of Mormon people are brought to life in this novel. David uses rich detail, in his writing, to perfectly describe each of the nations that were at war with each other.

I was impressed with the amount...more Yet another book that receives 4 1/2 stars from me...

I always love to read historical fiction from Book of Mormon time. This book is like one that I have never read before. It is not very often, that I read a novel that includes the Gadianton robbers and the final days of the Nephite people. The Book of Mormon people are brought to life in this novel. David uses rich detail, in his writing, to perfectly describe each of the nations that were at war with each other.

I was impressed with the amount of research that David put into this book. As you read, you know that much of course is fictional, but also you realize that this book is full of historical facts. I am not sure that I will ever want to write a historical novel. I think that they research more than any other writers.{I could be wrong here since I have not written a novel yet.:) }

Another exciting thing about this book, it is part of a series of book about this time period. The sequel will be called, "Blood of Our Fathers" and will be released in 2011. I think that this series will eventually be looked at as a great Book of Mormon epic. There is a lot of action and intrigue throughout the novel. There are many different stories and plot lines being played out. You also need to be on your toes to keep everyone straight at the first. Even though these are names you have heard before, I had to seriously pay attention or I would have been lost. This is not a novel to pick up and read casually, you will want to focus on each of the main characters and who they are interacting with.

One thing that really made an impact on me was how truly evil the Gadiantons were. All of my life, while reading the Book of Mormon, I knew that they were evil. David brings to the forefront how truly conniving and wicked this group of people were. You could see how Satan led them in all of their dealings with others. David paints a clear picture of who the true heroes were during this time. I truly loved reading about Captain Amaron, a true leader who stuck to his values and religion.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel, by the very talented, new author,
David J. West. Once I started reading, it was so hard to put down; you had to read chapter after chapter to see what would happen next.Then you had to read the next chapter and then the next etc. I lost some sleep as I read well into the wee hours of the morning.As I have said before, that is a sign of a well written book. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. (less)

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Feb 17, 2011 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

There really is no way for me to accurately describe this book other than it is a raw and visceral portrayal of a violent era. The author has rich detail for evil men and their rituals, as well as a hero that is a little on the gray side at best, but one that you want to win. I was completely repulsed by the villain(s), and it was difficult to read what happened because of their actions, but the author pulls you into the story and makes it impossible not to finish it. I think the author has a gr...more

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Aug 13, 2010 Morgan Ives rated it 4 of 5 stars

I don't normally read "Mormon fiction." I had some painful experiences early on with the genre, involving terrible dialogue and smack-my-head plots, and I've avoided it ever since. So it was with much trepidation that I approached Heroes of the Fallen.

If David West's book is any indication, the genre is finally, happily evolving into something readable! It preaches less and shows through example (positive and negative) more. It doesn't pretend religious people are perfect while their non-religio...more

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Apr 19, 2010 Mary Gray rated it 5 of 5 stars

You know you have a good book on your hands when your jaw drops open for the prologue, you need to read it twice, and then once more. And when you’ve read the final page of the book, you’re so ridiculously stoked that inside you’re cheering like a crazed spectator at the Colosseum. That’s what Heroes of the Fallen did to me… and that was just the beginning and end.

David J. West has a gift for metaphorical language. I would read a description of a character and then just shake my head to myself,...more

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Sep 06, 2010 Bruce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Intriguing tale based on the Book of Mormon. The story is arguably alternate history with elements of fantasy (The Book of Mormon is accepted as fact by some, though archeologists dispute the possibility Central America was settled by refugees from the Middle East some 2500 years ago). Heroes of the Fallen is well researched, with an extensive cast of characters and lots of political intrigue. This is the first in a series. The sequel, Blood of our Fathers, arrives next year. Recommended.

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Mar 14, 2010 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Got to read an advance copy for proofreading. An absolutely stunning novel based on the Book of Mormon, written with a fantasy flair. West's debut novel is impressive. I'm not usually a fan of LDS fiction, and although the audience for this will undoubtedly be Mormons, it is unlike any LDS fiction I've ever read. Riveting plot and awesome action with fascinating characters. What amazes me is that West can write characters with as much depth as he can write plot. A book that will become a Mormon...more

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Jun 13, 2010 Krista Jensen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Four and a half stars. David J. West weaves an intricate tale full of adventure, color, and intrigue. His fantasy-laced story of an ancient American civilization turns and surprises, brings out the odd chuckle, and has you beating your fist, slapping your forehead, or holding your breath.
I was continually impressed by David's imagination and penchant for detail, using his knowledge of historical fact and artifact and mixing it with his love of epic fantasy.

This is David's first published novel,...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Graham rated it 3 of 5 stars

A unique book in its genre, and a good one. It explored the details of the Nephite day-to-day world that we could only previously imagine in the scriptures. The story had its lulls here and there but the characters had good arcs and the storytelling was thorough. Especially liked Amaron. He was a total house, that guy.

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Mar 26, 2013 Vince rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mar 18, 2013 Amelia marked it as to-read

Shelves: kindle-own-a-copy, own-a-copy

Feb 08, 2013 Deborah marked it as general-library · review of another edition

Shelves: debs-kindle-lending-shelf

Dec 10, 2012 Anthea marked it as to-read

Shelves: fantasy, freebie

Dec 10, 2012 Periklis marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, fantasy

Dec 10, 2012 Randy Harmelink marked it as to-read

Shelves: fantasy

Oct 22, 2012 Jessica marked it as to-read

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Jun 17, 2012 Holly Anderson marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, kindle

Jun 12, 2012 Debi West rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jun 02, 2012 S.J. Wist marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Apr 07, 2012 Marlena Williams marked it as to-read

Apr 01, 2012 Tom is currently reading it · review of another edition

Mar 19, 2012 Cheryl/Aradanryl marked it as waiting-2-b-read · review of another edition

Recommended to Cheryl/Aradanryl by: Amazon-Free Kindle book

Shelves: in-kindle, kindle-freebie, fiction

Feb 09, 2012 Em added it · review of another edition

Jan 29, 2012 Chris marked it as to-read

Shelves: own-ebook

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