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The Bastards #1
King of the Bastards
Rogan has been many things in his life as an adventurer — a barbarian, a thief, a buccaneer, a rogue, a lover, a reaver, and most recently, a king. Now, this prehistoric bane of wizards and tyrants finds himself without a kingdom, lost in a terrifying new world, and fighting for his life against pirates, zombies, and the demonic entity known as Meeble. And even if he defeats his foes, Rogan must still find a way to return home, regain his throne, save his loved ones, and remind everyone why he's the
KING OF THE BASTARDS.
KING OF THE BASTARDS.
163 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2015
19 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Brian Keene
385 books2,949 followersBRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.
Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.
Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.
Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.
The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.
Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.
Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.
Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.
The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 17, 2015
With Albion in chaos, Rogan and his nephew wash up on a foreign shore. The primitive tribesman of the foreign land are being terrorized by a shaman with an alien god on his side. Can Rogan set things right and find his way back to his former kingdom?
I've made it no secret that I'm not fond of the typical Tolkien via Dungeons and Dragons style of fantasy that dominates the genre these days. When I want fantasy, I'm more into the Leiber/Howard/Moorcock style. Thankfully, King of the Bastards is just such a novel.
Rogan is an aging barbarian, like Conan if he survived to be sixty. Rogan reminds me not only of the lgendary Cimmerian but also Karl Edward Wagner's Kane and David Gemmell's Druss the Legend. In short, he's the baddest mother on the planet and not ready to go to the grave just yet.
King of Bastards is an homage to the glory days of pulp fantasy. If you're squeamish about violence and rampant sexism, this isn't the book for you. Rogan is randy for being a senior citizen and doesn't mind talking about it. He also isn't shy about dealing out violence and gore.
The plot isn't very complex but Keene and Shrewsbury get a lot of mileage of out it. It's a fun pulpy romp full of violence, gore, and funny one-liners. Rogan and his nephew encounter one breasted Amazons, natives, ape-men, giant snakes, zombies, and all sorts of other things. References are made to Keene's Labyrinth mythos and the Thirteen, and there was a Dark Tower reference as well.
Much like the fantasy of yesteryear, King of the Bastards was action packed and short enough not to overstay its welcome. If you yearn for the fantasy of yore, King of Bastards is what you're looking for. Four out of five stars.
I've made it no secret that I'm not fond of the typical Tolkien via Dungeons and Dragons style of fantasy that dominates the genre these days. When I want fantasy, I'm more into the Leiber/Howard/Moorcock style. Thankfully, King of the Bastards is just such a novel.
Rogan is an aging barbarian, like Conan if he survived to be sixty. Rogan reminds me not only of the lgendary Cimmerian but also Karl Edward Wagner's Kane and David Gemmell's Druss the Legend. In short, he's the baddest mother on the planet and not ready to go to the grave just yet.
King of Bastards is an homage to the glory days of pulp fantasy. If you're squeamish about violence and rampant sexism, this isn't the book for you. Rogan is randy for being a senior citizen and doesn't mind talking about it. He also isn't shy about dealing out violence and gore.
The plot isn't very complex but Keene and Shrewsbury get a lot of mileage of out it. It's a fun pulpy romp full of violence, gore, and funny one-liners. Rogan and his nephew encounter one breasted Amazons, natives, ape-men, giant snakes, zombies, and all sorts of other things. References are made to Keene's Labyrinth mythos and the Thirteen, and there was a Dark Tower reference as well.
Much like the fantasy of yesteryear, King of the Bastards was action packed and short enough not to overstay its welcome. If you yearn for the fantasy of yore, King of Bastards is what you're looking for. Four out of five stars.
April 26, 2016
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/09/15/n...
King of the Bastards is everything you would expect from…well, a book titled King of the Bastards! Authors Brian Keene and Steven Shrewsbury bring us a rowdy sword and sorcery tale in this novella that harkens back to the traditions of Robert E. Howard’s Conan, decking out its pages with larger-than-life heroes, monstrous villains, evil magics, exotic places, and bloody battles galore. We’re talking pure unadulterated pulpy fun.
“Come, my sons, and I will tell you the beginning of the tale of the bastards of King Rogan!” the wizened storyteller proclaims, and we are introduced to our titular character, who has apparently spilled more than just his blood across the world on his adventures as a pirate, outlaw, and mercenary before conquering the throne of Albion. Shipwrecked and stranded on a strange land with his nephew, the barbarian king must now fight with his newfound allies against a demon and its agents in order to find his way home and reclaim his throne.
A clear advantage with books like this is that what you see is what you get. King of the Bastards feels a lot like an updated version of the pulp outlet offerings from the first half the 20th century, complete with the requisite genre tropes, sometimes even exaggerated for what I feel is satirical effect. Our protagonist is a crude and aging barbarian who runs on testosterone and the blood and tears of his enemies. He’s insensitive and boorish towards women and other cultures, hates wizards and magic, but he sure knows his way around a sword and loves a good fight. Speaking of which, have I mentioned the sexual content and graphic violence yet? Underline it.
If you don’t like the sound of what you’ve read so far in this review, then I suspect you are not going to like this book. But if you’re in the mood for a bit of punchy, gore-soaked entertainment with a taste of retro, then you’re going to be in for a real treat. Personally speaking, books like this have an important place in my reading routine, providing the perfect sort of respite in between some of my longer, weightier reads and giving me a chance to let loose with something light and fun which doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not something I could take all the time, but in small doses it can be a refreshing change of pace. And coming in at just a little over 160 pages, King of the Bastards was the perfect length, piling on the action and adventure without actually wearing out its welcome.
All told, this isn’t a book out to break new ground, but if you consider it as a “guilty pleasure” read with an aim to entertain, the authors might be on to something here. If you think you are the audience for this, definitely check it out. You could do worse than spend a rainy afternoon curled on the couch reading this rollicking yarn about a real bastard!
King of the Bastards is everything you would expect from…well, a book titled King of the Bastards! Authors Brian Keene and Steven Shrewsbury bring us a rowdy sword and sorcery tale in this novella that harkens back to the traditions of Robert E. Howard’s Conan, decking out its pages with larger-than-life heroes, monstrous villains, evil magics, exotic places, and bloody battles galore. We’re talking pure unadulterated pulpy fun.
“Come, my sons, and I will tell you the beginning of the tale of the bastards of King Rogan!” the wizened storyteller proclaims, and we are introduced to our titular character, who has apparently spilled more than just his blood across the world on his adventures as a pirate, outlaw, and mercenary before conquering the throne of Albion. Shipwrecked and stranded on a strange land with his nephew, the barbarian king must now fight with his newfound allies against a demon and its agents in order to find his way home and reclaim his throne.
A clear advantage with books like this is that what you see is what you get. King of the Bastards feels a lot like an updated version of the pulp outlet offerings from the first half the 20th century, complete with the requisite genre tropes, sometimes even exaggerated for what I feel is satirical effect. Our protagonist is a crude and aging barbarian who runs on testosterone and the blood and tears of his enemies. He’s insensitive and boorish towards women and other cultures, hates wizards and magic, but he sure knows his way around a sword and loves a good fight. Speaking of which, have I mentioned the sexual content and graphic violence yet? Underline it.
If you don’t like the sound of what you’ve read so far in this review, then I suspect you are not going to like this book. But if you’re in the mood for a bit of punchy, gore-soaked entertainment with a taste of retro, then you’re going to be in for a real treat. Personally speaking, books like this have an important place in my reading routine, providing the perfect sort of respite in between some of my longer, weightier reads and giving me a chance to let loose with something light and fun which doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not something I could take all the time, but in small doses it can be a refreshing change of pace. And coming in at just a little over 160 pages, King of the Bastards was the perfect length, piling on the action and adventure without actually wearing out its welcome.
All told, this isn’t a book out to break new ground, but if you consider it as a “guilty pleasure” read with an aim to entertain, the authors might be on to something here. If you think you are the audience for this, definitely check it out. You could do worse than spend a rainy afternoon curled on the couch reading this rollicking yarn about a real bastard!
July 2, 2015
Rip snorting and swash buckling rousing adventure in the vane of Conan, Kane, or John Carter of Mars. There are sword fights, Pirates, sea monsters and unlimited bad guys to keep our hero and his nephew busy through out this book.
To off set the thrilling action, there are lovely one breasted amazon women, demons, and shaman sprinkled into the mix, along with the really evil 13 who would rule the universe.
If you like sword and sorcery then this is just made for you,if you like knitting while sipping tea with a cat in your lap, then perhaps not so much, as the sex and sexual innuendos get rather graphic, but all in good fun !
This is book 51 of 260 signed numbered copies signed by both authors.
This is book 2 of 3 of Brian Keene's Maelstrom V 3-book set.
To off set the thrilling action, there are lovely one breasted amazon women, demons, and shaman sprinkled into the mix, along with the really evil 13 who would rule the universe.
If you like sword and sorcery then this is just made for you,if you like knitting while sipping tea with a cat in your lap, then perhaps not so much, as the sex and sexual innuendos get rather graphic, but all in good fun !
This is book 51 of 260 signed numbered copies signed by both authors.
This is book 2 of 3 of Brian Keene's Maelstrom V 3-book set.
July 20, 2015
Review copy
Brian Keene, a name synonymous with horror, and Steven Shrewsbury, best know for his work in the sword and sorcery genre, have combined their considerable talents and given us King of the Bastards.
Told as a story to a small group of children, it was to be about their grandfather, the king...
"'Was grandfather king of the entire old world?'
'No, he ruled but a small part of it. But he was known, feared, and lusted after throughout the entire old world. Kings, women, brigands, and bards---all knew his name. It is KING OF THE BASTARDS.'"
Check your thinking cap at the entrance and get ready for big time adventure. In the tradition of Conan the barbarian, King of the Bastards is a bold, brash saga of a king and his nephew on a quest to return home and save their people from oppression at the hands of a group of savages. Along the way they have to deal with sea monsters, zombies, pirates, giants, one-breasted amazonian women, maybe even aliens and some elements of Lovecraftian horror.
Rogan, King of the Bastards, is a bit misogynistic, but he's a bastard and I guess that's to be expected. Overall, this was a lot of fun and I can't leave without complementing artist, Daniel Kamarudin, for the brilliant cover art on this book.
King of the Bastards will be available, July 21st, 2015, from Apex Books, in both digital and paperback formats.
Recommended for sure.
Brian Keene, a name synonymous with horror, and Steven Shrewsbury, best know for his work in the sword and sorcery genre, have combined their considerable talents and given us King of the Bastards.
Told as a story to a small group of children, it was to be about their grandfather, the king...
"'Was grandfather king of the entire old world?'
'No, he ruled but a small part of it. But he was known, feared, and lusted after throughout the entire old world. Kings, women, brigands, and bards---all knew his name. It is KING OF THE BASTARDS.'"
Check your thinking cap at the entrance and get ready for big time adventure. In the tradition of Conan the barbarian, King of the Bastards is a bold, brash saga of a king and his nephew on a quest to return home and save their people from oppression at the hands of a group of savages. Along the way they have to deal with sea monsters, zombies, pirates, giants, one-breasted amazonian women, maybe even aliens and some elements of Lovecraftian horror.
Rogan, King of the Bastards, is a bit misogynistic, but he's a bastard and I guess that's to be expected. Overall, this was a lot of fun and I can't leave without complementing artist, Daniel Kamarudin, for the brilliant cover art on this book.
King of the Bastards will be available, July 21st, 2015, from Apex Books, in both digital and paperback formats.
Recommended for sure.
September 20, 2019
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis
Rogan has been many things in his life as an adventurer — a barbarian, a thief, a buccaneer, a rogue, a lover, a reaver, and most recently, a king. Now, this prehistoric bane of wizards and tyrants finds himself without a kingdom, lost in a terrifying new world, and fighting for his life against pirates, zombies, and the demonic entity known as Meeble. And even if he defeats his foes, Rogan must still find a way to return home, regain his throne, save his loved ones, and remind everyone why he’s the
KING OF THE BASTARDS.
Review
Thanks to the publisher and authors for a copy of King of the Bastards in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this e-copy did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novella.
I was contacted by Apex and asked to be apart of their Back Catalog Blog Tour during the month of September. I happily accepted, already being a fan of the pub, and decided to go with Brian Keene & Steven Shrewsbury’s King of the Bastards and Throne of the Bastards (review coming Sept. 27th) as they are a mix of fantasy and horror; two of my FAVORITE genres and ones that aren’t normally mashed together.
Keene is an author I am really only familiar with due to social media. I have seen his name pop up all over IG and Twitter thanks to the circle of horror aficionados I hang around (virtually speaking). Much like Jonathan Janz, he is one that I have been meaning to read for a while now and Apex gave me that opportunity. Having finally done so, I can see the hype that surrounds him.
King of the Bastards is sort of like a guilty pleasure read. Because of its length and subject matter, it more than likely isn’t going to break any new ground that hasn’t been churned up over and over again. Having said that, there is something consistently bringing me back to reads like this and I don’t know if was growing up with violent video games, watching shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones, or just having a dark soul that enjoys massive amounts of bloodshed and giant winged creatures.
I am a fantasy fan through and through, and it was nice having a little side-piece read like this to break up the 500-800 page epic stand-alones and series starters that are being put out month to month. At roughly 160 pages, KotB can be read in a couple of hours, depending on reading speed. It isn’t a difficult read at all, unless you are squeamish, and the authors do a phenomenal job of pulling you directly into the action. Just know that there is a consistent unloading of violence (graphic, very graphic) and sexy-sexy content throughout, which if you are a fan of Michael R Fletcher, should make you feel right at home.
I recommend KotB for any fan of the grimdark genre. And like I said, it is a quick and enjoyable read that’ll get you through the monotony of a random Tuesday and have you bashing skulls by Wednesday.
Synopsis
Rogan has been many things in his life as an adventurer — a barbarian, a thief, a buccaneer, a rogue, a lover, a reaver, and most recently, a king. Now, this prehistoric bane of wizards and tyrants finds himself without a kingdom, lost in a terrifying new world, and fighting for his life against pirates, zombies, and the demonic entity known as Meeble. And even if he defeats his foes, Rogan must still find a way to return home, regain his throne, save his loved ones, and remind everyone why he’s the
KING OF THE BASTARDS.
Review
Thanks to the publisher and authors for a copy of King of the Bastards in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this e-copy did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novella.
I was contacted by Apex and asked to be apart of their Back Catalog Blog Tour during the month of September. I happily accepted, already being a fan of the pub, and decided to go with Brian Keene & Steven Shrewsbury’s King of the Bastards and Throne of the Bastards (review coming Sept. 27th) as they are a mix of fantasy and horror; two of my FAVORITE genres and ones that aren’t normally mashed together.
Keene is an author I am really only familiar with due to social media. I have seen his name pop up all over IG and Twitter thanks to the circle of horror aficionados I hang around (virtually speaking). Much like Jonathan Janz, he is one that I have been meaning to read for a while now and Apex gave me that opportunity. Having finally done so, I can see the hype that surrounds him.
King of the Bastards is sort of like a guilty pleasure read. Because of its length and subject matter, it more than likely isn’t going to break any new ground that hasn’t been churned up over and over again. Having said that, there is something consistently bringing me back to reads like this and I don’t know if was growing up with violent video games, watching shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones, or just having a dark soul that enjoys massive amounts of bloodshed and giant winged creatures.
I am a fantasy fan through and through, and it was nice having a little side-piece read like this to break up the 500-800 page epic stand-alones and series starters that are being put out month to month. At roughly 160 pages, KotB can be read in a couple of hours, depending on reading speed. It isn’t a difficult read at all, unless you are squeamish, and the authors do a phenomenal job of pulling you directly into the action. Just know that there is a consistent unloading of violence (graphic, very graphic) and sexy-sexy content throughout, which if you are a fan of Michael R Fletcher, should make you feel right at home.
I recommend KotB for any fan of the grimdark genre. And like I said, it is a quick and enjoyable read that’ll get you through the monotony of a random Tuesday and have you bashing skulls by Wednesday.
May 22, 2017
Perfect sword and sorcery. Balls to the wall action, enthralling characters, and blood curdling horror. I loved it!
October 4, 2015
5 Stars
“When he walked up to the water, he heard Zenata say to Javan, “What does Rogan really mean?”
“What?”
“Power does come in naming, Javan, and we name our children well. I wonder after his meaning.”
“Rogan can mean different things, but I’ve always heard it postulated that it means what is most fitting.”
“And that is?’
“King of the bastards.””
I loved this book. King of the Bastards is an incredibly fun, stylized, humorous, and down right cool ass novel by the horror great Brian Keene. I have never read any of Keene’s short fiction or dark fantasy and I am pretty sure that I have been missing out on some really great stuff. I am a fan of Keene and his horror novels, now I need to seek out more from him.
King of the Bastards is a dark fantasy. A sword and sorcery adventure that is told in a whimsical. almost comical way. This book shares styles with that of Terry Pratchett, Joe Abercrombie, and any Spaghetti Western. You could almost hear the old school soundtrack and narration. The book is a story within a story which means that this could merely be the start of a series or more. The plot is the typical adventure, shit-storm, and omens that point to more. I loved it. Keene uses vivid imagery and witty dialog to simply make this read a freaking blast to enjoy.
“Javan nodded. “As well they should be. Did they think him an ancient and kindly patriarch of our far land, tired and worn?”
Laughing, Rogan took a huge bite from Takala’s heart. Blood ran down his chin like plum juice. Swallowing, he then cast the organ aside.
“Is it bitter, Uncle?”
“Aye, Javan. Needs herbs.””
A fantastic dark fantasy that is filled with comic like heroes and monsters and smart ass dialog.
“When he walked up to the water, he heard Zenata say to Javan, “What does Rogan really mean?”
“What?”
“Power does come in naming, Javan, and we name our children well. I wonder after his meaning.”
“Rogan can mean different things, but I’ve always heard it postulated that it means what is most fitting.”
“And that is?’
“King of the bastards.””
I loved this book. King of the Bastards is an incredibly fun, stylized, humorous, and down right cool ass novel by the horror great Brian Keene. I have never read any of Keene’s short fiction or dark fantasy and I am pretty sure that I have been missing out on some really great stuff. I am a fan of Keene and his horror novels, now I need to seek out more from him.
King of the Bastards is a dark fantasy. A sword and sorcery adventure that is told in a whimsical. almost comical way. This book shares styles with that of Terry Pratchett, Joe Abercrombie, and any Spaghetti Western. You could almost hear the old school soundtrack and narration. The book is a story within a story which means that this could merely be the start of a series or more. The plot is the typical adventure, shit-storm, and omens that point to more. I loved it. Keene uses vivid imagery and witty dialog to simply make this read a freaking blast to enjoy.
“Javan nodded. “As well they should be. Did they think him an ancient and kindly patriarch of our far land, tired and worn?”
Laughing, Rogan took a huge bite from Takala’s heart. Blood ran down his chin like plum juice. Swallowing, he then cast the organ aside.
“Is it bitter, Uncle?”
“Aye, Javan. Needs herbs.””
A fantastic dark fantasy that is filled with comic like heroes and monsters and smart ass dialog.
August 31, 2015
When people complain about "Game of Thrones" being too violent or too eager to kill off characters, I often roll my eyes. Life's pretty fucking short and miserable for the vast majority of the world's population these days, and I can only imagine what it was like in the Middle Ages when most people were just the property of a few rich assholes whose only real sport was killing other rich assholes. (Actually, maybe not so much has changed after all.)
But I digress. KING OF THE BASTARDS is set in a grimdark world full of characters who cast aside even the tiny veneer of civilization that the rich assholes of "Game of Thrones" wear. Rogan, the titular King of the Bastards, is a particularly brutish human being who apparently thinks nothing of shitting into an enemy's gaping wound on the battlefield. He has no respect for anything or anyone and only his unwavering loyalty to his blood relatives could be considered a positive character trait - albeit, he usually expresses that loyalty through gruesome bouts of Burgessian ultra-violence.
This is my first time reading Shrewsbury's work, so quite a few references were lost on me. The story is self-contained, but I gather that Rogan has already had and will go on to have many adventures all over his world. From what I can piece together, Rogan lives in a version of our world with Bronze Age aesthetics. He took over the throne of Albion (England) got bored and took to the ocean, where he wrecked on what seems strongly implied to be North America.
Now, I am more familiar with Keene's work, and we quickly learn that the antagonist of this self-contained story is Meeble, one of the Thirteen deicidal extradimensional beings from Keene's Labyrinth Mythos. All signs point to a showdown between Rogan and Meeble, and our intrepid authors do not disappoint.
This is very much a grimdark fantasy by way of extreme horror - about what you'd expect from these collaborators. From Rogan's first fight on the high seas to his final showdown with Meeble, countless gallons of blood and miles of intestines are spilled, eyeballs are popped, and corpses are mutilated. Horror and fantasy fans alike will find a lot to enjoy about this novel.
But I digress. KING OF THE BASTARDS is set in a grimdark world full of characters who cast aside even the tiny veneer of civilization that the rich assholes of "Game of Thrones" wear. Rogan, the titular King of the Bastards, is a particularly brutish human being who apparently thinks nothing of shitting into an enemy's gaping wound on the battlefield. He has no respect for anything or anyone and only his unwavering loyalty to his blood relatives could be considered a positive character trait - albeit, he usually expresses that loyalty through gruesome bouts of Burgessian ultra-violence.
This is my first time reading Shrewsbury's work, so quite a few references were lost on me. The story is self-contained, but I gather that Rogan has already had and will go on to have many adventures all over his world. From what I can piece together, Rogan lives in a version of our world with Bronze Age aesthetics. He took over the throne of Albion (England) got bored and took to the ocean, where he wrecked on what seems strongly implied to be North America.
Now, I am more familiar with Keene's work, and we quickly learn that the antagonist of this self-contained story is Meeble, one of the Thirteen deicidal extradimensional beings from Keene's Labyrinth Mythos. All signs point to a showdown between Rogan and Meeble, and our intrepid authors do not disappoint.
This is very much a grimdark fantasy by way of extreme horror - about what you'd expect from these collaborators. From Rogan's first fight on the high seas to his final showdown with Meeble, countless gallons of blood and miles of intestines are spilled, eyeballs are popped, and corpses are mutilated. Horror and fantasy fans alike will find a lot to enjoy about this novel.
August 12, 2015
Some close friends of mine have been trying to get me to read some of Brian Keene's work for a while. So when I saw he had a sword&sorcery book out, I had to give it a shot. Besides, I couldn't have resisted it with that title.
I will admit when I first started reading King of the Bastards, I thought it might be just a little too cheesy for me, but the third chapter I was digging it.
If you can't appreciate some chest-beating, hairy knuckle-dragging, macho male badassery; this book is not for you, but if you're a fan of old school sword & sorcery get this book. (BTW: if S&S is your thing, you are awesome).
King of the Bastards is written in the tradition of Robert E. Howard. Just like how Howard wrote his Conan tales haphazardly instead of in sequential time line, this particular story about Rogen, a barbarian who becomes king by his own hand, takes place well into his later years. The authors give the reader plenty of rich back stories and the book concludes with Rogen starting off on his next big adventure. There is even some hints of some Biblical origins, that brings to my mind Wagner's Kane.
As I mentioned before, there is a certain amount of cheesyness, but it's intentional, just like a fun B-movie. And fun is exactly what King of the Bastards is. It didn't quite get 5 stars from me, but I think that if this becomes a series -please make this a series Mr. Keene and Mr. Shrewsberry- that we could count on a solid 4 star book every installment. As far as I'm concerned, I'd much rather read a consistent series than one that starts with a 5 star book but continues with fluctuating quality.
I will admit when I first started reading King of the Bastards, I thought it might be just a little too cheesy for me, but the third chapter I was digging it.
If you can't appreciate some chest-beating, hairy knuckle-dragging, macho male badassery; this book is not for you, but if you're a fan of old school sword & sorcery get this book. (BTW: if S&S is your thing, you are awesome).
King of the Bastards is written in the tradition of Robert E. Howard. Just like how Howard wrote his Conan tales haphazardly instead of in sequential time line, this particular story about Rogen, a barbarian who becomes king by his own hand, takes place well into his later years. The authors give the reader plenty of rich back stories and the book concludes with Rogen starting off on his next big adventure. There is even some hints of some Biblical origins, that brings to my mind Wagner's Kane.
As I mentioned before, there is a certain amount of cheesyness, but it's intentional, just like a fun B-movie. And fun is exactly what King of the Bastards is. It didn't quite get 5 stars from me, but I think that if this becomes a series -please make this a series Mr. Keene and Mr. Shrewsberry- that we could count on a solid 4 star book every installment. As far as I'm concerned, I'd much rather read a consistent series than one that starts with a 5 star book but continues with fluctuating quality.
June 19, 2017
Horror grandmaster and bestselling author Brian Keene, with coauthor Steven Shrewsbury, craft a highly entertaining novel set in a world eerily similar to our own, but during ancient times. Brutal, visceral and unrelenting, this lean sword & sorcery tale introduces us to Rogan, King of Albion, but recently handed the throne to his son to seek adventures, with his nephew, Javan. During a sea voyage to a foreign land, they are attacked and barely survive, only to be stranded on strange shores. But that's the least of their worries, as news of homeland treachery and even greater dangers abound.
But Rogan isn't called the King of the Bastards for nothing...and not even a deadly evil wizard and his monstrous creations with stop him from bloody vengeance.
Obviously, fans of Robert E. Howard will love this book, but Brian Keene fans will delight in the connections to his Labyrinth mythos. A sequel, Throne of the Bastards, was published last December.
By Wodan...highly recommended!
But Rogan isn't called the King of the Bastards for nothing...and not even a deadly evil wizard and his monstrous creations with stop him from bloody vengeance.
Obviously, fans of Robert E. Howard will love this book, but Brian Keene fans will delight in the connections to his Labyrinth mythos. A sequel, Throne of the Bastards, was published last December.
By Wodan...highly recommended!
June 30, 2022
MI SONO DIVERTITO TANTISSIMO A LEGGERE QUESTO LIBRO. LA STORIA DI ROGA È FOLLE, SPORCA E VIOLENTA. LUI È ANZIANO E SI COMPORTA DA NONNO MATTO E VIOLENTO CHE NON SI FA METTERE I PIEDI IN TESTA DA NESSUNO.
LA TRADUZIONE E L'ADATTAMENTO SONO ECCELLENTI, COSÍ COME LA COVER E LE IMMAGINI ALL'INTERNO DEL VOLUME.
LUNGA VITA A QUESTE OPERE.
CIAO!
LA TRADUZIONE E L'ADATTAMENTO SONO ECCELLENTI, COSÍ COME LA COVER E LE IMMAGINI ALL'INTERNO DEL VOLUME.
LUNGA VITA A QUESTE OPERE.
CIAO!
October 24, 2022
Non vedo l'ora di leggere altro su quest'universo. O forse già l'ho letto, ho trovato dei rimandi interessanti a i Vermi Conquistatori. Dovrò leggere altri suoi romanzi.
October 5, 2015
Though it is not something I normally do, but I've left reviewing King of the Bastards for a few days. Sure, that's partly because I've been a little busy, but it's mostly because I did not know how to frame my reaction to this one. So after considerable thought, I've decided to distill my review of this Conan/John Carter/Soloman Kane pastiche into an Essential Review and then a Slightly Longer Review.
Essential Review:
Disappointing.
Slightly Longer Review:
For a hardcover novel that is one part of the first ever set of limited edition novels I ever purchased, courtesy of one of my favourite authors, Brian Keene, this was significantly disappointing.
Basically, along with co-author Steven Shrewsbury, Keene has created his version of old man Conan who comes across like an entitled, crotchety asshole whose only positive trait is he remains an incredible warrior despite his advancing age. Which unlike, say, Druss from the book Legend by David Gemmell, makes Rogan very hard to like.
Unfortunately, his adventures were not much more engaging. Shrewsbury and Keene quickly set up a major threat to Rogan's legacy, but then the rest of the book follows his exploits to try and get back to his kingdom where said legacy is in harm's way. In other words, this is like the prelude to a much more engaging adventure. Though the evil Rogan faces in King of the Bastards is meant to be pretty damn nasty. It ought to be since it's Meeble, one of The Thirteen, which are beings that seek to destroy everything God created in the entire multiverse and around whom Keene has been weaving his elaborate mythos since he began getting works published. Only in this novel, Meeble was reduced to being a puppet master of a villain and whom Rogan takes on single-handedly. So either Meeble is the pathetic one of The Thirteen or he has been dumbed down to suit this story. Either way, I'll say it again, disappointing.
Anyway, I know this should not be reviewed as if it's aiming to be a literary masterpiece, but there's such a thing as being too pulpy. And for me, this novel crosses that line. In emphatic fashion.
I honestly thought I would eventually own or have at least read everything Keene ever publishes. But after struggling through King of the Bastards, I've realised I may need to adjust that to being a plan to read or own all his horror or thriller works, and leave the pulp fantasy to those who appreciate that sort of thing more readily.
2 Britches Not Being Big Enough for King of the Bastards.
Essential Review:
Disappointing.
Slightly Longer Review:
For a hardcover novel that is one part of the first ever set of limited edition novels I ever purchased, courtesy of one of my favourite authors, Brian Keene, this was significantly disappointing.
Basically, along with co-author Steven Shrewsbury, Keene has created his version of old man Conan who comes across like an entitled, crotchety asshole whose only positive trait is he remains an incredible warrior despite his advancing age. Which unlike, say, Druss from the book Legend by David Gemmell, makes Rogan very hard to like.
Unfortunately, his adventures were not much more engaging. Shrewsbury and Keene quickly set up a major threat to Rogan's legacy, but then the rest of the book follows his exploits to try and get back to his kingdom where said legacy is in harm's way. In other words, this is like the prelude to a much more engaging adventure. Though the evil Rogan faces in King of the Bastards is meant to be pretty damn nasty. It ought to be since it's Meeble, one of The Thirteen, which are beings that seek to destroy everything God created in the entire multiverse and around whom Keene has been weaving his elaborate mythos since he began getting works published. Only in this novel, Meeble was reduced to being a puppet master of a villain and whom Rogan takes on single-handedly. So either Meeble is the pathetic one of The Thirteen or he has been dumbed down to suit this story. Either way, I'll say it again, disappointing.
Anyway, I know this should not be reviewed as if it's aiming to be a literary masterpiece, but there's such a thing as being too pulpy. And for me, this novel crosses that line. In emphatic fashion.
I honestly thought I would eventually own or have at least read everything Keene ever publishes. But after struggling through King of the Bastards, I've realised I may need to adjust that to being a plan to read or own all his horror or thriller works, and leave the pulp fantasy to those who appreciate that sort of thing more readily.
2 Britches Not Being Big Enough for King of the Bastards.
June 25, 2022
Storia divertentissima, figlia diretta di Conan, Lovecraft e Leiber. Se una persona vuole passare il tempo con una succosa epopea action, che non lesina nemmeno sullo humor nero, le avventure del re barbaro Rogan sono quello che serve.
April 18, 2018
This book is sword and sorcery perfection! By far the best (Conan-esque, if you will) action and adventure book I've read in a very long time. I'm a Brian Keene fan and I loved how he intertwined his Labyrinth Mythos into this story (don't worry, you don't need to know anything about that to enjoy the book!). I'll just stop writing now and go read the sequel Throne of the Bastards, thank you.
June 8, 2017
I picked this up on a whim, liking the idea that someone wrote an unabashed old school pulp fantasy. I wasn't disappointed! This reads like an old RE Howard Conan book, only one where Conan had his kingdom, tired of the throne and passed his kingdom on to his heir to rule while he want back out and had more adventures. All this takes place in a pre Hyperborea Eath, so some of the countries and places will sound similar. If that sounds intriguing, this is the book for you. While on a fishing trip off one of his old ally states, in a bireme of all things, his ship is attacked by a tentacled horror, Pirates, and then zombies after the ship is destroyed. Before the ship sank, though, Rogan is told by the lead pirate he was sent by Logan's unknown bastard son, and he has conquered his kingdon and imprisoned the rightful king, and are raping and pillaging across his kingdom. They end up on a beach in unfamiliar territoy and discovver a tribe of natives. The native, and a group of Amazons who happen to be staying with the natives, agree to help them get home if they get rid of the evil necromancer and his demon on the top of the local mountain. Well, needs must, so if off to slay the wizard. What follows is a wild trip to the mountain, with the inevetible comingling with the Amazons, with hilarious results.The climb up the mountain is crazy, and the fight after involving magic, strange science and even a dash of time travel is just gonzo fun. This being pulp fiction, you can probably figure out how it ends. It is a lot of fun right through to the end.
The characters are all larger than life Conan archetypes. Rogan is big, powerful and an epic warrior, even pushing 60. His nephew and aide is also an epic warrior. The Amazons are all beautiful, even with the one breast missing (traditional Amazons) and great warriors, all while being wildcats in bed. This is certainly not a PC kind of title. Its much more old school, and I think it is an underserved market in the current marketplace. While they may be over the top, they are entertaining. The settings are well thought out and described, and fit the story well. The plot is fast paced, and relies on a lot of action to keep things moving.You just dont see this kind of book written too much anymore, sadly.
Doug Greene's narration was solid, keeping the story moving and giving the characters their own voices. Very good effort on his part.
If you are into the kind of fantasy RE Howard was writing, this is something you may want to check out. I know I am looking forward to any sequels.
The characters are all larger than life Conan archetypes. Rogan is big, powerful and an epic warrior, even pushing 60. His nephew and aide is also an epic warrior. The Amazons are all beautiful, even with the one breast missing (traditional Amazons) and great warriors, all while being wildcats in bed. This is certainly not a PC kind of title. Its much more old school, and I think it is an underserved market in the current marketplace. While they may be over the top, they are entertaining. The settings are well thought out and described, and fit the story well. The plot is fast paced, and relies on a lot of action to keep things moving.You just dont see this kind of book written too much anymore, sadly.
Doug Greene's narration was solid, keeping the story moving and giving the characters their own voices. Very good effort on his part.
If you are into the kind of fantasy RE Howard was writing, this is something you may want to check out. I know I am looking forward to any sequels.
February 21, 2016
Keene and Shrewsbury wrote King of the Bastards with one eye fixed on Conan the Cimmerian. And not just Conan but old-school weird fiction and sword and sorcery. (The raw edges of Keene’s The Rising show too.) It’s something that should appeal to me after spending a year reading Jeffro’s Appendix N Retrospective. Unfortunately it doesn’t live up to that promise.
The setting of the King of Bastards is as much the main character as Rogan, the titular King of Bastards and Conan-expy. It’s all lightly drawn. But that’s too its credit. Rather than beat us over the heads with endless references, it subtly puts them out there and leaves it to us to pick them out. I caught at least what I think are references to Atlantis, the New World, Amazons, and the Flood. And throw in shamanistic magic, time travelers, inter-dimensional demons, and grossly misshapen monstrous henchmen.
Like Conan, Rogan started as an adventurer and a soldier, and rose to become a king. But he’s become bored with ruling, and left his kingdom to his son to find a last few adventures. Long in the tooth but harmful as he can be. Things quickly go south, as they tend to do, but Rogan is more than ready to cut his way out.
The story setup is simple. Rogan’s ship is attacked by pirates. He survives, but at the expense of his ship and gaining the knowledge that his kingdom and family are in grave danger. Luckily, the natives are willing to help. With just the leeeetle request that he remove the evil sorcerer who has been tormenting them.
It’s a novella and that should be plenty. Kenne and Shrewsbury manage to drag out a novella to the point it felt longer than many 400+ page novels I’ve read. After Rogan meets the natives, the pace screeches to a halt. Which is too bad, because the finale is really something.
Rogan just isn’t compelling enough to follow sitting around. Most of that consists of Rogan being as crass as possible. As appealing as that might be to the 13-year-old in me, I get as much of that as I can handle already. King of the Bastards is much better when it’s dealing in action-adventure and pulpy weirdness; there’s just not enough of it.
The setting of the King of Bastards is as much the main character as Rogan, the titular King of Bastards and Conan-expy. It’s all lightly drawn. But that’s too its credit. Rather than beat us over the heads with endless references, it subtly puts them out there and leaves it to us to pick them out. I caught at least what I think are references to Atlantis, the New World, Amazons, and the Flood. And throw in shamanistic magic, time travelers, inter-dimensional demons, and grossly misshapen monstrous henchmen.
Like Conan, Rogan started as an adventurer and a soldier, and rose to become a king. But he’s become bored with ruling, and left his kingdom to his son to find a last few adventures. Long in the tooth but harmful as he can be. Things quickly go south, as they tend to do, but Rogan is more than ready to cut his way out.
The story setup is simple. Rogan’s ship is attacked by pirates. He survives, but at the expense of his ship and gaining the knowledge that his kingdom and family are in grave danger. Luckily, the natives are willing to help. With just the leeeetle request that he remove the evil sorcerer who has been tormenting them.
It’s a novella and that should be plenty. Kenne and Shrewsbury manage to drag out a novella to the point it felt longer than many 400+ page novels I’ve read. After Rogan meets the natives, the pace screeches to a halt. Which is too bad, because the finale is really something.
Rogan just isn’t compelling enough to follow sitting around. Most of that consists of Rogan being as crass as possible. As appealing as that might be to the 13-year-old in me, I get as much of that as I can handle already. King of the Bastards is much better when it’s dealing in action-adventure and pulpy weirdness; there’s just not enough of it.
August 27, 2015
Swords, sorcery, swashbuckling, and plenty of violence - KING OF BASTARDS by Brian Keene reads like a golden era fantasy pulp pumped up on pulse pounding intoxicants.
Brutality articulated battle scenes punctuate a provocative narrative that truly enhances the bastardy aspects of lead character Rogan as he traverses the wild seas and dangerous wilderness on his way to forging a legend built on bloody lore.
Adopting a storytelling approach, insomuch that the events of KING OF THE BASTARDS have already taken place and are being retold to eager listeners whilst hinting at a preconceived outcome it doesn't give up the game - we don't know if Rogan lives or dies through this entertaining adventure, only that someone of his reunite survives to hand down the story which keeps the mystery alive (a lot longer than Rogan's foes!).
Think Red Sonja but more violent and you've got a good idea as to what to expect from reading KING OF THE BASTARDS. I couldn't read it quick enough, fingers crossed we get a chance to read more of Rogan and his widespread adventures and bloody conquests.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
Brutality articulated battle scenes punctuate a provocative narrative that truly enhances the bastardy aspects of lead character Rogan as he traverses the wild seas and dangerous wilderness on his way to forging a legend built on bloody lore.
Adopting a storytelling approach, insomuch that the events of KING OF THE BASTARDS have already taken place and are being retold to eager listeners whilst hinting at a preconceived outcome it doesn't give up the game - we don't know if Rogan lives or dies through this entertaining adventure, only that someone of his reunite survives to hand down the story which keeps the mystery alive (a lot longer than Rogan's foes!).
Think Red Sonja but more violent and you've got a good idea as to what to expect from reading KING OF THE BASTARDS. I couldn't read it quick enough, fingers crossed we get a chance to read more of Rogan and his widespread adventures and bloody conquests.
http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
June 29, 2022
Primo volume della nuova collana Badlands della casa editrice Lettere elettriche che ha come intento dichiarato quello di colmare il vuoto lasciato dalla fantacollana Nord nel campo della narrativa Fantasy con la F maiuscola.
A mio avviso partono con il botto Re Rogan e suo nipote Javan ricoprono il difficile compito di apripista della nuova collana nel migliore dei modi, un avventura di corto cortissimo respiro, una nave una spiaggia una foresta e una montagna maledetta e tutto si accavalla nello scorrere impetuoso delle pagine, come è impetuoso Rogan un barbaro fatto e finito un argine alle derive della civiltà che è sempre un grande classico dell heroic fantasy.
Aspetto i prossimi volumi difetti particolari personalmente non ne ho trovato, forse,solo il formato a mio gusto troppo piccolo avrei preferito qualcosina in più per non stonare in libreria in mezzo agli altri libri. Ma ci si passa sopra. Mi sento di ringraziare e di augurare un grosso in bocca al lupo a Vittorio Cirino, Cristiano Saccoccia e tutto il resto del team!
A mio avviso partono con il botto Re Rogan e suo nipote Javan ricoprono il difficile compito di apripista della nuova collana nel migliore dei modi, un avventura di corto cortissimo respiro, una nave una spiaggia una foresta e una montagna maledetta e tutto si accavalla nello scorrere impetuoso delle pagine, come è impetuoso Rogan un barbaro fatto e finito un argine alle derive della civiltà che è sempre un grande classico dell heroic fantasy.
Aspetto i prossimi volumi difetti particolari personalmente non ne ho trovato, forse,solo il formato a mio gusto troppo piccolo avrei preferito qualcosina in più per non stonare in libreria in mezzo agli altri libri. Ma ci si passa sopra. Mi sento di ringraziare e di augurare un grosso in bocca al lupo a Vittorio Cirino, Cristiano Saccoccia e tutto il resto del team!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2015
Plagued with fantasy clichés and lacking in any sort of Subtlety, King of the Bastards came across as some bad fan fiction to me. I am a huge fan of Brian Keene's work but finishing this took as much effort as would it take to wade through a generic quicksand.
December 16, 2022
1.5 Stars and it's too much for this freaking book.
The king of balls. That's the correct title for this book.
Grandpa Rogan the barbarian (reminds you of another barbarian) is sixty something and was fed up with himself sitting on his throne and just wanted to live some new adventures, so he took his poor nephew Javan with him and they faced many dangers, big beasts, also they met, on an island, some cannibals, amazons, they fought zombies and so on.
Grandpa Rogan has some big balls that really make him say some really shitty things. I really felt that this book was written by two teenage boys from the sixties to impress their buddies. Really, let's be honest, this was terrible. The sh*t that comes from Rogan's mouth made me laugh so much. I have to say that I really petied his nephew at some point and the amazon Asenka or .
“I can buy another wife, but not another son or daughter. You see, that’s what love does to you. It makes you care."
“Because it is easier to love those of your own blood rather than just a partner. That is the way of the barbarian —and my uncle is a barbarian before anything else.”
You see, Rogan is a barbarian, he only loves his offsprings because they are his flesh and blood and that's why he doesn't care about his wife's death because she is not. I was like where, how do you get those kind and wise words! The book is so generous with them.
I found an interview with the two authors on YT talking about this book, saying that it's a kind of an homage to Robert.E.Howard the author of Conan. I mean, I have seen once the movie with Schwarzenegger and it was way better than this book. I might read Conan's books just to have my own idea on Conan.
I might have liked this as a v.game more than a written book with less dialogues and more action.
I created a new shelf thanks to this book called "Flash Unhaul".
The king of balls. That's the correct title for this book.
Grandpa Rogan the barbarian (reminds you of another barbarian) is sixty something and was fed up with himself sitting on his throne and just wanted to live some new adventures, so he took his poor nephew Javan with him and they faced many dangers, big beasts, also they met, on an island, some cannibals, amazons, they fought zombies and so on.
Grandpa Rogan has some big balls that really make him say some really shitty things. I really felt that this book was written by two teenage boys from the sixties to impress their buddies. Really, let's be honest, this was terrible. The sh*t that comes from Rogan's mouth made me laugh so much. I have to say that I really petied his nephew at some point and the amazon Asenka or .
“I can buy another wife, but not another son or daughter. You see, that’s what love does to you. It makes you care."
“Because it is easier to love those of your own blood rather than just a partner. That is the way of the barbarian —and my uncle is a barbarian before anything else.”
You see, Rogan is a barbarian, he only loves his offsprings because they are his flesh and blood and that's why he doesn't care about his wife's death because she is not. I was like where, how do you get those kind and wise words! The book is so generous with them.
I found an interview with the two authors on YT talking about this book, saying that it's a kind of an homage to Robert.E.Howard the author of Conan. I mean, I have seen once the movie with Schwarzenegger and it was way better than this book. I might read Conan's books just to have my own idea on Conan.
I might have liked this as a v.game more than a written book with less dialogues and more action.
I created a new shelf thanks to this book called "Flash Unhaul".
March 17, 2020
King of the Bastards is an action-packed sword and sorcery story, with insane amounts of gore, bizarre creatures and some interesting characters. It’s not what you’d usually expect from Brian but it’s still a lot of fun and worth checking out... I'll also have to pick up some of Steve's books as well!
September 16, 2024
Una vera e propria pulp fiction in salsa fantasy. Effetti spettacolari e pirotecnici ad ogni pagina. Perfetto por evadere un paio d’ore. Divertente
August 5, 2015
This is good ol' fashioned sword-&-sorcery with blood, guts and adventure.
Rogan, the 'retired' restless king of Albion is on an exploration & fishing voyage when he is beset by enemies and shipwrecked. The local natives trade his services as a warrior for their help returning him to his homeland. Recruited to dispatch a sorcerer and the sorcerer's dark god, Rogan fights far from home even as troubling news and visions show the former king that his son has been disposed from the throne back home in Albion.
Sure, Rogan is cut from the Conan cloth, but he is his own barbarian. He is more uncouth than Conan. He is a lot more ribald, and one wonders if Robert E. Howard had written in a later year, if he might not have had more sexual elements to his Conan stories like this.
This novel is short, just right for a sword-&-sorcery tale here. I got sucked in and read it in three days, which is not something I have done with a single novel in a long time.
There is plenty of room for more tales of Rogan. Although King of the Bastards is self-contained, there are plenty of threads to pick up in a direct sequel, for a start. I'd enjoy reading that story if Keene & Shrewsbury want to write it!
If you're a sword-&-sorcery fan and want to read something new, King of the Bastards will hit the spot nicely.
Rogan, the 'retired' restless king of Albion is on an exploration & fishing voyage when he is beset by enemies and shipwrecked. The local natives trade his services as a warrior for their help returning him to his homeland. Recruited to dispatch a sorcerer and the sorcerer's dark god, Rogan fights far from home even as troubling news and visions show the former king that his son has been disposed from the throne back home in Albion.
Sure, Rogan is cut from the Conan cloth, but he is his own barbarian. He is more uncouth than Conan. He is a lot more ribald, and one wonders if Robert E. Howard had written in a later year, if he might not have had more sexual elements to his Conan stories like this.
This novel is short, just right for a sword-&-sorcery tale here. I got sucked in and read it in three days, which is not something I have done with a single novel in a long time.
There is plenty of room for more tales of Rogan. Although King of the Bastards is self-contained, there are plenty of threads to pick up in a direct sequel, for a start. I'd enjoy reading that story if Keene & Shrewsbury want to write it!
If you're a sword-&-sorcery fan and want to read something new, King of the Bastards will hit the spot nicely.
October 13, 2024
L edizione di LettereElettriche è di una cura maniacale.. cover del premio Bram Stoker Cardoselli, illustrazioni interni del medesimo, cura nei materiali e nell'editing davvero minuziosa..
Il romanzo presenta una struttura piuttosto classica da Heroic Fantasy e Sword'n Sorcery, che sinceramente non prediligo molto per gusto personale.. una serie di avventure per arrivare da A a B.. soltanto che i due autori partendo da un impianto di stile classico, modernizzano il tutto, con tanta ironia, tanta ferocia, personaggi divertenti e combattimenti cinematografici, in un prodotto davvero riuscitissimo!
Rogan è un Conan bastardo, rozzo e antieroico, ma ha anche dei difetti!! 🤣🤣 Diverte, intrattiene e ci si affeziona facilmente.. Nonostante la trama, il Worldbuilding, i personaggi, non siano niente di innovativo, nell'insieme questo mix di avventura a la Borroughs, il machismo di Howard, e un pizzico di sci-fi molto iperboreo, riesce nel suo intento di farsi amare.. un Deadpool in chiave fantasy: battute e sarcasmo a iosa, ritmo sempre alto, sangue e budella come se piovesse!!
Menziono un solo passaggio che vale l'intero libro: Giwaka!!!! 😍😍
Il romanzo presenta una struttura piuttosto classica da Heroic Fantasy e Sword'n Sorcery, che sinceramente non prediligo molto per gusto personale.. una serie di avventure per arrivare da A a B.. soltanto che i due autori partendo da un impianto di stile classico, modernizzano il tutto, con tanta ironia, tanta ferocia, personaggi divertenti e combattimenti cinematografici, in un prodotto davvero riuscitissimo!
Rogan è un Conan bastardo, rozzo e antieroico, ma ha anche dei difetti!! 🤣🤣 Diverte, intrattiene e ci si affeziona facilmente.. Nonostante la trama, il Worldbuilding, i personaggi, non siano niente di innovativo, nell'insieme questo mix di avventura a la Borroughs, il machismo di Howard, e un pizzico di sci-fi molto iperboreo, riesce nel suo intento di farsi amare.. un Deadpool in chiave fantasy: battute e sarcasmo a iosa, ritmo sempre alto, sangue e budella come se piovesse!!
Menziono un solo passaggio che vale l'intero libro: Giwaka!!!! 😍😍
October 28, 2022
Ottimo romanzo di genere grimdark. Di piccolo taglio, rientra perfettamente nella logica "breve ma intenso". Trama che parte spedita sin dalle prime pagine e mantiene il ritmo fino all'ultima riga. I personaggi principali sono caratterizzati molto bene ed il susseguirsi degli eventi è veramente frenetico, probabilmente è ciò che riesce meglio a tenerti incollato alla lettura. Unica pecca (per questo la stella in meno) è il worldbuilding, per me troppo poco caratterizzato, colpa sicuramente della versione short del romanzo, ma al termine della lettura mi è rimasto un senso di insoddisfazione dato dalla mancanza di molte cose legate al sistema sociale e religioso del mondo creato dagli autori. Rimane comunque un ottimo prodotto primo, spero di una lunga serie, di ciò che vogliono essere le interessantissime Badlands!
January 5, 2016
I am normally a big fan of Brian Keene, but this book was a miss. There was not enough backstory nor world-building to ground the reader and for the first quarter of the novel you are lost. While you are trying to figure out what's going on and who the characters are, you then discover that the protagonist is completely unlikable and is fueled purely by violent sex, violent food and violent violence. This plot / character combo may have worked as a graphic novel, but as a standalone story it did not work for me. My advice is to skip this one.
September 3, 2022
Although not quite as much fun as last year's The Lost Level, there's no doubt that King of the Bastards is firmly rooted in the same fondness for the pulp era of the early 20th century. Brian Keene & Steven L. Shrewsbury have crafted a tale that almost feels like an posthumous collaboration between Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, and Michael Moorcock.
This is, for better and for worse, a complete throwback novella. It's pure pulp, full of clichés, and heavily dependent upon genre tropes. There's nothing truly original or progressive about it, but that's fine. You know what you're expecting when you pick it up, and that's precisely what you get.
Our hero, Rogan, is the self-proclaimed King of the Bastards. He is a sexist, racist, misogynistic Conan clone - but with an intriguing difference. Rogan is a barbarian past his prime, a man who has turned his back on the throne to adventure through his post-retirement years. He can still slay the monsters and seduce the ladies, but he tires a bit more quickly, and his patience isn't what it used to be. This is Rogan's story to tell, and it works largely because he does explore such an interesting (and entertaining) facet of the pulp hero.
Rogan and his nephew lead us from the depths of the sea, with its pirate crews and tentacled monsters; to the wilds of the jungle, with its savage natives and undead beasts; to the heights of the hazy mountain, with its sorceror gods and mutated giants. There's a bit of a sci-fi twist towards the end, but fans of the genre will likely spot it coming from miles away. All told, King of the Bastards is a fast-paced tale that doesn't attempt to do anything more than entertain, and which does so with pulpy goodness.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
This is, for better and for worse, a complete throwback novella. It's pure pulp, full of clichés, and heavily dependent upon genre tropes. There's nothing truly original or progressive about it, but that's fine. You know what you're expecting when you pick it up, and that's precisely what you get.
Our hero, Rogan, is the self-proclaimed King of the Bastards. He is a sexist, racist, misogynistic Conan clone - but with an intriguing difference. Rogan is a barbarian past his prime, a man who has turned his back on the throne to adventure through his post-retirement years. He can still slay the monsters and seduce the ladies, but he tires a bit more quickly, and his patience isn't what it used to be. This is Rogan's story to tell, and it works largely because he does explore such an interesting (and entertaining) facet of the pulp hero.
Rogan and his nephew lead us from the depths of the sea, with its pirate crews and tentacled monsters; to the wilds of the jungle, with its savage natives and undead beasts; to the heights of the hazy mountain, with its sorceror gods and mutated giants. There's a bit of a sci-fi twist towards the end, but fans of the genre will likely spot it coming from miles away. All told, King of the Bastards is a fast-paced tale that doesn't attempt to do anything more than entertain, and which does so with pulpy goodness.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
June 6, 2022
This is a 2-star review which is a fair evaluation of my experience with this book.
Our protagonist (??!?) is a Conan knock-off who has all of the bravado and toughness but none of the nuance. He conquers and kills because that is what he does. Others are expected to submit to his will. That apparently includes raping women just because.
This book is an amalgamation of cosmic horror, fantasy, and science fiction.
Our protagonist is out adventuring when his group is attacked by various monsters from the ocean's depths as well as raiders arriving across the sea. He and one of his crew survive after running aground on some foreign land. They beat off the remainder of their attackers and are discovered by some of the locals.
The locals are afraid of some wizard that lives on the top of a mountain. In exchange for agreeing to help rid the locals of the wizard, the locals agree to travel with our protagonist as he sails for his home that has been taken over by raiders working for the deity that fomented in the original attacks.
There are two primary issues with this book.
1. Our protagonist is a cheap Conan knock-off.
2. The author is attempting a pastiche of the original RE Howard stories, but he is unable to consistently use language that is in keeping with that pastiche. He uses terms and phrases that are not appropriate for a Conan-type character.
Our protagonist (??!?) is a Conan knock-off who has all of the bravado and toughness but none of the nuance. He conquers and kills because that is what he does. Others are expected to submit to his will. That apparently includes raping women just because.
This book is an amalgamation of cosmic horror, fantasy, and science fiction.
Our protagonist is out adventuring when his group is attacked by various monsters from the ocean's depths as well as raiders arriving across the sea. He and one of his crew survive after running aground on some foreign land. They beat off the remainder of their attackers and are discovered by some of the locals.
The locals are afraid of some wizard that lives on the top of a mountain. In exchange for agreeing to help rid the locals of the wizard, the locals agree to travel with our protagonist as he sails for his home that has been taken over by raiders working for the deity that fomented in the original attacks.
There are two primary issues with this book.
1. Our protagonist is a cheap Conan knock-off.
2. The author is attempting a pastiche of the original RE Howard stories, but he is unable to consistently use language that is in keeping with that pastiche. He uses terms and phrases that are not appropriate for a Conan-type character.
August 22, 2020
I often like grimdark stories. At least, I do when it’s written by the likes of George Martin or Joe Abercrombie. I did not care for this. But then, Martin and Abercrombie make sure to balance their darkness with humanity. Glokta from The First Law is a man who brings pain because he is in pain. Cersei Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire has managed to convince herself that she is the wronged party when she murders. Rogan from The King of the Bastards is just a barbarian who kills people because... because. He is an empty character with no depth and no real motivation, all his actions defined by scatalogical humor.
Worse, he is a Marty Stu. He travels the world and remakes it as he pleases with little difficulty. The fight scenes are super easy, barely an inconvenience. He stands toe to toe with a god because he punches it between the legs.
There were no real stakes. It tried to build the tension of an enemy who overtook the kingdom he left to his son, only to abandon that plot in favor of a side quest. The entire book is a boring side quest with deeply unlikable characters.
This book left a bad taste in my mouth.
Worse, he is a Marty Stu. He travels the world and remakes it as he pleases with little difficulty. The fight scenes are super easy, barely an inconvenience. He stands toe to toe with a god because he punches it between the legs.
There were no real stakes. It tried to build the tension of an enemy who overtook the kingdom he left to his son, only to abandon that plot in favor of a side quest. The entire book is a boring side quest with deeply unlikable characters.
This book left a bad taste in my mouth.
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