Review of RISE OF THE STORM BRINGER by Ken Lange

See full issue for 2017 06-19
 

The Rundown

Rise of the Storm Bringer is the second instalment in Ken Lange’s Warden Global series, and it wastes no time in getting the party started. The Wanderer Awakens introduced us to Victor Warden; a down-to-earth guy who unlocks a cosmic birthright. Part of a clandestine organisation tasked with defending the Earth from supernatural threats, Victor tangled with ancient myths and legends armed with fearsome magical abilities and an endless supply of snark.

Fresh from his last adventure, Victor doesn’t get much in the way of breathing room before he’s pulled into a brand new conflict, with new enemies and old allies alike raising the stakes once more. As two estranged and powerful families prepare for reconciliation, Viktor unlocks yet more of his memories and brand new powers, but doing so opens him up to a less appealing side of his heritage- one that may destroy first him and then everyone he loves.


The Recommendation

Perhaps the biggest appeal of the Global Warden series is that it’s told from the point of view of Victor Warden, a cynical and world-weary man to whom the cosmically incredible is just another day at the office. Victor’s sarcastic commentary is a useful counterpoint to the high-flying ambition of the story’s techno-mythological backdrop. Victor- even when clashing powers and trading insults with demigods, keeps our feet firmly on the ground.

The second strongest aspect of Lange’s writing is the pace. Action scenes are never far away, and filled with quick-fire, bone-crunching fights that never outstay their welcome. This second instalment in the series further builds on the still expanding mythos of the Warden Global world, but the exposition never slows down the page-turning. Thriller fans will find themselves in comfortable territory.

All in all, Rise of the Storm Bringer is a welcome expansion in the series, and those who enjoyed the first will not be let down by the second. With more characters, more background and higher stakes, Rise of the Storm Bringer keeps the wheels turning on the series with effortless efficiency. Perhaps as a consequence of this, the relationships in the book rarely develop beyond buddy-cop style back-and-forths, but there’ll be time for hand holding and moon gazing after the next super-powered villain is defeated (and there’s a queue of them, trust me.)

Not content to sit in traditional genres, the Warden Global series will appeal to fans of mythic adventure, supernatural thriller and sci-fi action, and also for those of you who are partial to a hard-boiled detective vibe. So if that grabs you, this series is for you.


The Rating Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars

4 Stars (out of 5): Recommended. For the right audience, this book is a great read. It can hold its own against any traditionally published novel in its genre.

The Pros & Cons

Pros: Humor, Page Turner

The Links

More about Rise of the Storm Bringer on UBR

The Reviewer

Steve Wetherell

Visit Steve Wetherell‘s website.
 

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