Mad Shadows: The Weird Tales of Dorgo the Dowser (Mad Shadows, #1) in Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"

Jan 12, 2013 S.E. Lindberg rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed-by-se, sword-sorcery-group-authors

Mystery for the Horror Fan -- Cozy Gothic Noir Joe Bonadonna's Mad Shadows: The Weird Tales of Dorgo the Dowser is a great mashup of Horror/Fantasy/Film Noir. In Television terms, this would appeal to fans of the X-files, Supernatural, or Grim. Being a collection of tales, each serves as an episode. Expect: necromancy, mythogical creatures -- especially the hybrid horned creatures (satyrs, minotaur, etc.), pitted against our protagonist who is motivated to set things right (and make enough money ...more

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May 31, 2021 Jason Ray Carney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the first anthology of a trilogy of books featuring Dorgo the Dowser, a one-of-a-kind detective/sword and sorcery hero/amorous rogue/occultist (yes, all of those slashes are necessary). As I read this, I could not help but think of the first years of the pulp, *Weird Tales,* when that magazine was not yet constrained by genre conventions/tropes, when it was an unpretentious playground of the literary bizarre. Why? Like the beginning years of that legendary pulp, the stories in this antho ...more

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May 14, 2016 Andrew Weston rated it it was amazing

Dorgo Mikawber is a resident of the city of Valdar, a cesspit with as many cutthroats, remorseless killers and femme fatales as there are minotaurs, centaurs, fawns, and dwarves. Dorgo himself is a lovable rogue, and ex soldier, down on his luck, who sails close to the wind and only just manages to stay this side of the law as an investigator of all things "strange" - a position he finds himself in after being gifted a magical dowsing rod from a Yongarloo shaman. With it, he runs afoul of warloc ...more

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Dec 04, 2012 David West rated it it was amazing

Is a collection of six Sword & Sorcery/Gothic Noir novella's featuring Dorgo the Dowser, a sleuth and jack of all trades who utilizes the unlikely tool of a sorcerous dowsing rod to investigate crimes and mysteries-which usually get him into a heap of trouble to boot.

I could not help but feel the kinship to all the great old noir books and film as I read these. I could have been in the midst of a Hammet or Chandler tale with Dorgo relating a past event at the bar and then suddenly a vicious cent ...more

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Apr 12, 2018 Peter rated it liked it

Shelves: weird-fiction, noir, sword-and-sorcery

Old fashioned sword & sorcery pulp tales, but in some cases a bit too old fashioned for my tastes.

While I appreciated the noir influences, having the protagonist evaluate every female character based on their looks felt a bit to old school for me. His friend Yozinda, a kick ass warrior made up for some of that, but having Dorgo, the main character, punch a male character who kissed him while in a female guise as the supposedly comical punchline of story really grated on me.

I guess the target au ...more

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Oct 02, 2014 Morgan rated it really liked it

A collection of stories tied together featuring Dorgo the Dowser. He is not the typical sword and sorcery hero but is heroic when he has to be. The stories get better as they progress. There are some very chilling scenes within the book.

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Nov 01, 2011 Milton rated it it was amazing

An excellent read! I enjoyed Mad Shadows from beginning to end. Joe blends pulp fiction and fantasy effortlessly and his characters are wonderful. One of the best books I've read this year. ...more

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Nov 04, 2013 Joe Bonadonna rated it it was ok · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

This is the first edition, published in 2011 by iUniverse. This one is no longer available, but a second and revised edition is now available, published by Pulp Hero Press.

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Jan 13, 2013 Bruce rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

Mad Shadows is a collection of six tales featuring Dorgo the Dowser, a Sword & Sorcery sleuth in the vein of traditional noir detective stories. Dorgo uses a dowsing rod that can detect magic (I've used a dowsing rod, and had trouble finding water, let alone magic).

Joe Bonadonna is an accomplished writer who has crafted a vivid world and filled it with believable characters, creating an enjoyable read from beginning to end. Highly recommended. ...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Milton rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great read! Joe is a master of character driven storytelling. Dorgo is an interesting and likable character as well as all the other characters he encounters. A recommended read.

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