The Demon Lord

Book of Years #2

by Peter Morwood

Despite being abandoned in the land of his enemies, Aldric, last survivor of his clan, will not turn away from the perilous task he is pledged to complete. Allies ride to his aid, but even if he survives a madman's deadly sorceries and the precarious attentions of an omnipotent dragon, still greater evils await him on his dangerous quest.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Peter Morwood was an Irish novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his Horse Lords and Tales of Old Russia series. He lived in Ireland with his wife, writer Diane Duane, with whom he co-authored several works.

Reviews

[Adon Coya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book less than its prequel. It feels that anyone the main character meets on his way tends to be someone important for his mission, one way or another; even the ten-years ago deposed heiress to the land, hidden away in an obscure village lost in the biggest forest of the continent... The main character just goes around applying his knowledge, with erratic outbursts and killing sprees, combined with calm and totally thought-out plans. Although it was a good story, with possibility of greatness, the development of the rest of the characters fell short.

[Matt Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Read this years before I became aware of the historical story that was depicted more recently in the film "Brotherhood of the Wolf". Personally, I really like the character of Aldric, and thought this story did a good job of fleshing him out a bit more, with a good background.

[Dantegideon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Relies on the main character alternately being invincible (so he always wins battles) and a complete idiot (so he never sees betrayal coming and thus, drama). Markedly less enjoyable than the first book.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summoning demons is inherently risky, this we all know, involving obscure mercenaries in your affairs at the same time can surely lead only to funeral directors everywhere rubbing their hands.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3 1/2 stars. This was a better written book than the first one of the series. The characters and their motivations were better explored and examined in this instillation of the series. I did like the character of Marek in particular, a cross between Friar Tuck and a kick ass monk, with some scholarly feminism thrown in as part of his repitoire. I enjoyed this book more than the first. The ending did not explain if he kept the spell stone or let the new overlord keep it, an oversight which I am sure will be detailed in the next book, which I am looking forward too. This book also was written within the D&D world, but I enjoyed the author’s imagination as to how the demon(s) we’re both conjured into the world and later excised. Onwards!!

[James Traxler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to first book.
It's ok, drags on a bit in places to what feels like a reasonably inevitable conclusion.
Read this many years ago in my teens.
Re-read now and will not hold onto my copy any more...

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not really enjoy this book. Not nearly as good as the first. I think I'll wait awhile before starting the 3rd

[N Scobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read, always enjoyed this book series from Peter

[Shaitarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and a bit stars rounded up.

It's cheesy and a hackneyed but it was written in the '80s, so what can you expect? I'm still a fan of this series and love the fight scenes.

FTC (maybe).

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good sword and sorcery tale. The sword fighting scenes are expertly drawn.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good fantasy series. Great main character and settings. Nice read, Very recommended.