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Blackwing Saga #1
Blackwing
Socrates Blackwing - wizard, warrior, bounty hunter - has fallen into disfavor with his grandfather, The General. It's the year 2070, and Socrates is stationed in Tacoma, PC-Washington. His mission is to investigate the people living in this Plane of Reality, and locate the ne'er-do-wells from his own Known Seven Planes that may have crossed over to wreak havoc. But is his magic stronger than the technology of 2070, and what will he do when confronted with one of his own kind?
332 pages, Hardcover
Published April 6, 2021
125 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Drake
9 books31 followersStephen Drake, a retired computer programmer of 20+ years, is an American fantasy/sci-fi author. He is an avid Harley-Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast, and versed in many survival skills such as martial arts and bow hunting. He draws on his experiences to create gripping and believable stories.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 12, 2024
Nicely written
Quite enjoyed this tale. Blacking was an interesting character that took on so much and definitely kept me turning pages.
Quite enjoyed this tale. Blacking was an interesting character that took on so much and definitely kept me turning pages.
May 30, 2019
I normally do not read a science fiction/fantasy novel, but this one broke the mold. The author has created believable characters for each world or rather plane as he calls them. You are drawn to the injured Socrates Blackwing and his fight against those that do evil in his plane and on the Earth plane. He finds emotions on the Earth plane that he didn’t know he possessed. His is a plane of wizards with strict rules of conduct and the perpetuator of the evil befalling him and the Earth plane is his own grandfather. One that he has grown to love will sacrifice herself for him, the other fight on. The magic or the coins is powerful. Beware of the ogres and brown gnomes. Just when you think the battles are won, the Earth plane suffers destitution. The author makes certain you will want the next one to find out if Blackwing and the others survive.
January 14, 2024
The first chapter, “Grimstar and Dragon’s Breath” throws the reader into a bewildering, mysterious future, when central character Blackwing, the dark enforcer, enters the inn.
“The landlord noticed that no water dripped from the strangers clothes, even though it had been raining all day, and his well-worn boots were spotless and highly polished instead of being mud caked.” The dramatic entrance is then enhanced with a description of the stranger. “A large ugly scar, marked the left side of his thin face. Drawing a thick, ugly channel from beneath the fedora to the start of his neckline.”
This is an intro that makes you want to check and see that your home is secure from intruders. It is very scary.
At the risk of being accused of drawing a long bow, I see parallels between “Blackwing’ and the classic dystopian novel, “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathon Swift, in which Swift mocked the politics of the day.
Socrates Blackwing - wizard, warrior, and bounty hunter - has fallen into disfavour with his grandfather, The General.
It's the year 2070, and Socrates is stationed against his will in Tacoma, PC-Washington. Socrates's mission is to report back his assessment of the people living in this Plane of Reality, and locate the ne'er-do-wells from his own Known Seven Planes that may have crossed over to wreak havoc, to send them back.
But is his magic stronger than the technology of 2070, and what will he do when confronted with one of his own kind?
“Draining the Swamp”, the title of chapter 24, suggests to the reader that Blackwing Saga was meant as a parody of today’s politics.
There is an engaging cast of characters with truly creative names, such as, B’runix Hornsdoodle and Lady S’hyrlus.
The story ends with the escape of … Sorry you’re going to have to read the novel to find that out. But what I will say is it’s a very satisfying ending that leads nicely to the next instalment in the franchise, “Jessica Strange”
I for one will be reading, the adventures of “Jessica Strange.”
“The landlord noticed that no water dripped from the strangers clothes, even though it had been raining all day, and his well-worn boots were spotless and highly polished instead of being mud caked.” The dramatic entrance is then enhanced with a description of the stranger. “A large ugly scar, marked the left side of his thin face. Drawing a thick, ugly channel from beneath the fedora to the start of his neckline.”
This is an intro that makes you want to check and see that your home is secure from intruders. It is very scary.
At the risk of being accused of drawing a long bow, I see parallels between “Blackwing’ and the classic dystopian novel, “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathon Swift, in which Swift mocked the politics of the day.
Socrates Blackwing - wizard, warrior, and bounty hunter - has fallen into disfavour with his grandfather, The General.
It's the year 2070, and Socrates is stationed against his will in Tacoma, PC-Washington. Socrates's mission is to report back his assessment of the people living in this Plane of Reality, and locate the ne'er-do-wells from his own Known Seven Planes that may have crossed over to wreak havoc, to send them back.
But is his magic stronger than the technology of 2070, and what will he do when confronted with one of his own kind?
“Draining the Swamp”, the title of chapter 24, suggests to the reader that Blackwing Saga was meant as a parody of today’s politics.
There is an engaging cast of characters with truly creative names, such as, B’runix Hornsdoodle and Lady S’hyrlus.
The story ends with the escape of … Sorry you’re going to have to read the novel to find that out. But what I will say is it’s a very satisfying ending that leads nicely to the next instalment in the franchise, “Jessica Strange”
I for one will be reading, the adventures of “Jessica Strange.”
February 21, 2025
What do you get when you have magic and fae on one plane (or world, if you like) and 'normal' people on another?
Magic and mayhem, of course.
Author Stephen Drake has crafted an excellent novel of Socrates Blackwing, bounty hunter, wielder of magic, and all around tough-guy, sent to our earthly plane to check on any mythical beasties and demons that might've entered. It's a battle of the worlds, and only one side can win.
What really works in this novel is a superbly written opening chapter, evocative descriptions of people, monsters, and thing--and MAGIC!--plus a fast pace. Hardly a dull moment here, no, just go-go-go from the get-go, and sharply limned characters.
Very highly recommended.
Magic and mayhem, of course.
Author Stephen Drake has crafted an excellent novel of Socrates Blackwing, bounty hunter, wielder of magic, and all around tough-guy, sent to our earthly plane to check on any mythical beasties and demons that might've entered. It's a battle of the worlds, and only one side can win.
What really works in this novel is a superbly written opening chapter, evocative descriptions of people, monsters, and thing--and MAGIC!--plus a fast pace. Hardly a dull moment here, no, just go-go-go from the get-go, and sharply limned characters.
Very highly recommended.
July 17, 2023
I didn’t want it to end!
We have all read books we loved and couldn’t wait for the next in the series. This series, Blackwing Saga, is not only an unputdownable page-turner but one in which you NEED to read the next one as soon as possible! Each book ends like the best tv series cliffhanger; what just happened? what is coming? what happened to Socrates and his new enemies? Is anyone safe??? Buy this series today and discover a new favorite for your bookshelf!
We have all read books we loved and couldn’t wait for the next in the series. This series, Blackwing Saga, is not only an unputdownable page-turner but one in which you NEED to read the next one as soon as possible! Each book ends like the best tv series cliffhanger; what just happened? what is coming? what happened to Socrates and his new enemies? Is anyone safe??? Buy this series today and discover a new favorite for your bookshelf!
December 14, 2022
New Worlds
A war hero of the Fay realm has been given orders to go to the banned earth realm. Once there he makes friends with a shop owner and learns English. Then finds reason to believe others of the known realms have visited earth before. Very interesting world and love the interaction of the human characters with the visitor. Would love more. Good read.
A war hero of the Fay realm has been given orders to go to the banned earth realm. Once there he makes friends with a shop owner and learns English. Then finds reason to believe others of the known realms have visited earth before. Very interesting world and love the interaction of the human characters with the visitor. Would love more. Good read.
August 30, 2024
It was surprising! From the starting it pulls you into the world of mysteries. I liked the concept of different realities and how they are connected with each other in a multiverse. The portrayal of modern futuristic world is also very beautiful along with magical wizarding world and some other realities.
May 24, 2022
Fan-Freaking-Tastic 😁
Wow, I got completely hooked on reading this story and couldn't put it down 😃. Absolutely AWESOME 😊. Non-stop action, nasty bad guys, totally intense situations and wonderful characters 😉. Thanks so much Stephen, I've truly fallen in Love with your stories 🤓.
Wow, I got completely hooked on reading this story and couldn't put it down 😃. Absolutely AWESOME 😊. Non-stop action, nasty bad guys, totally intense situations and wonderful characters 😉. Thanks so much Stephen, I've truly fallen in Love with your stories 🤓.
July 15, 2020
Tasty
If this book was food I would describe it as a delicious bite. The story could rival that massive collection about wheels and time. We have the writer We have the tale
If this book was food I would describe it as a delicious bite. The story could rival that massive collection about wheels and time. We have the writer We have the tale
July 11, 2022
Machiavellian level evil...
Inside an adventurous and entertaing tale exists an evil unforeseen on or in our plane of existence, but one of eight.
Inside an adventurous and entertaing tale exists an evil unforeseen on or in our plane of existence, but one of eight.
September 22, 2025
Gender/pronouns BS from chapter 1...
September 20, 2017
Socrates Blackwing was a war hero, he had felled dragons, and helped to bring a time of peace for his people. But they were vain, and his injuries served only as a reminder of the ugly truth. He continued his tasks, ever vigilant, hunting down criminals and upholding the honour of the seven planes. But then he was given his most challenging mission yet, a realm consisting of a human planet known as Earth had been infiltrated by some of his own kind, seeking to exploit those there. He has been charged with the retrieval of those breaching the most sacred laws of his kind. But nothing could have prepared him for what he would discover.
I have read every book this author has written, so needless to say I am a fan of his work. This book tackles a new genre and style to his Displaced series, and it is done so with skill. I really enjoyed reading the tales and exploits of Blackwing, his challenges and hardships. The world building is fantastic, as is the interpretation of things as perceived through the eyes of a stranger. The characters show great development and depth, and I found myself quickly pulled into an adventure which is anything but predictable. Treachery, betrayal, manipulation, magic, mythology, and loyalty this book has it all.
I have read every book this author has written, so needless to say I am a fan of his work. This book tackles a new genre and style to his Displaced series, and it is done so with skill. I really enjoyed reading the tales and exploits of Blackwing, his challenges and hardships. The world building is fantastic, as is the interpretation of things as perceived through the eyes of a stranger. The characters show great development and depth, and I found myself quickly pulled into an adventure which is anything but predictable. Treachery, betrayal, manipulation, magic, mythology, and loyalty this book has it all.
August 26, 2018
I was blessed with a copy of BLACKWING and was ecstatic in getting my hands on this before my allowance would permit to purchase next month.
This is another book by Drake, I was unable to put aside until finished. Knowing his fashion from his other series, this read would be a bumpy but enjoyable ride. There is tragedy, a lot of love if one discerns it, but a walk on the faewyld is not even easy for the Dark Enforcers- the storm bringers.
The belief there are seven known planes of Fae reality and the forbidden plane of the humans who are considered as cattle for the fae, instantly stirs up problems as Blackwing has been sent to hunt on the forbidden plane.
I Sincerely hope Drake will be giving us more adventures into the faewyld. This, adventure, left me wanting more of Blackwing and his human 'minions'.
This is another book by Drake, I was unable to put aside until finished. Knowing his fashion from his other series, this read would be a bumpy but enjoyable ride. There is tragedy, a lot of love if one discerns it, but a walk on the faewyld is not even easy for the Dark Enforcers- the storm bringers.
The belief there are seven known planes of Fae reality and the forbidden plane of the humans who are considered as cattle for the fae, instantly stirs up problems as Blackwing has been sent to hunt on the forbidden plane.
I Sincerely hope Drake will be giving us more adventures into the faewyld. This, adventure, left me wanting more of Blackwing and his human 'minions'.
July 9, 2024
Stephen Drake is a fascinating author who writes books you can pick up, but will not be able to put down. In "Blackwing" the author takes readers into a different realm reminiscent of King's Dark Tower series, Stephen Drake has given readers great characters in a story of supernatural worlds. I like the character of Blackwing and would love to have someone like him on my team when evil rears its' ugly head.
August 2, 2017
An amazing mix of science fiction and fantasy, with well explained and defined magical concepts. The characters are vivid and relatable, the world is well build and based on the modern world, set in a slightly more advance future. I really enjoyed this story, I can't wait for a sequel, which is sure to follow. Stephen Drake is a talented, if unknown, author, he deserves every success.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews