Review: "Harvest of War"... an intriguing Orc/Human encounter... 4 1/2 Stars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 3, 2012
"Harvest of War" is a short fantasy adventure from author Charles Gramlich. This Kindle e-book was 212 Kb download (approx. 25 printed pages) and was priced at $0.99 at the time of writing this review.SpoilersA tale of Khales, the last remaining Orc to survive a slaughterous encounter between his tribe and some soldiers. He is captured and put on display in a cage for the purpose of ridicule and torment by passing citizens. Except he is taken pity on by one small nine year old girl, Ehma. Her strange and unexpected kindness effects him profoundly. Thus the story of Khales and Ehma.End SpoilersSome thoughts on "Harvest of War"...1.) a short and easy read... consumable in less than 1/2 hour.2.) well written, with a deft sense of pace and timing.3.) action vs drama... just enough of both, nicely complimenting each other.4.) although not a 'happy' ending, one that was somehow satisfying and appropriate.The Cons:1.) the believability factor (within the context of a fantasy setting).<spoiler>  towards the end of the tale, Khales and a few farmers armed with some bows and arrows must face a rampaging onslaught of FIFTY 'Reapers'. (large, fast and vicious creatures covered with metal skin)... and they prevail!My first thought was why 'fifty'... that would be just an impossible number to withstand, given their size, strength and armor. Five yes, maybe even ten... but fifty! Simply unbelievable!Conclusion:A great short fantasy adventure where once again I got hung up on the believability issue... taking a little luster off an otherwise superb tale detailing the horrors of war and the results of some unforeseen kindness.As it is 4 1/2 StarsRay Nicholsonraynicholsonsreviews@hotmail.com