Review: An shortened version of a larger work...well done
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 24, 2011
"The Black God's War" is a fantasy-adventure by author Moses Siregar III. This book comes not only in this abbreviated version but also in a more expanded edition (under the same name). This short version is a 295 Kb download and was free from Amazon.com at the time of written this review.SPOILERS (no specific details revealed)Two neighboring nations (Rezzia and Pawelon) have been at war with each other for 10+ years.This book deals the persons and personalities directing both sides of the war and their desire to do whatever is needed to grasp that final victory.END SPOILERSThe Pros:1.) told from alternating viewpoints I grew to like the main protagonists from both sides (Caio from Rezzia and Rao from Pawelon). Other characters were interesting as well, making the prospect of an intriguing tale a real possibility.2.) a good map, showing details of the terrain of the entire area and the home positions of both sides, as well as the area of conflict.The Cons: (only one concern)I found this tale incorporated the use of Gods... now that's not necessarily a bad thing if their involvement is kept in the background. But no...these Gods (who were aligned to certain individuals at birth) could be summoned to do great destructive deeds, simply by praying to them.Having this type of 'weapon' at your beck and call took some of the potential intrigue out of this tale for me, especially if it involved a large armed conflict...I mean why bother to plan a military strategy...simply let these 'higher beings' do all the dirty work and the infantry could come in later and mop up.Because I've only read the shorten version of the book it's hard to know if these Gods continue to exert their world changing influence over the course of the entire story or if their role is diminished as the tale unfolds.Conclusion:Well written with interesting and likable characters. I've some concerns regarding the amount of influence the Gods are able to exert during a battle...but otherwise a solid first novel.  3 1/2 to 4 StarsWould I read the full version...yes.Ray Nicholson