Review: The Last Spartan: Different Paths
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2014
I hate the fact that science fiction and fantasy are lumped to together in many book lists.  To me they are not even close.  I read scifi almost exclusively now.  I have read fantasy in the past but have decided it is just not as interesting.  So, I was very disappointed when, at about halfway through the book, I find that we're looking at tarot cards, mysticism, and vampires.  Really?  Vampires have nothing whatsoever to do with science fiction.  I never knowingly start reading a "scifi" book including vampires and the book's description did not hint at their inclusion in any way.And sorry, but as another reviewer pointed out, the Alamo had nothing to do with the War of 1812.  If this was supposed to be the character "misquoting" historical fact, either as he had learned it or from getting the facts confused, this should have been pointed out in the narrative.  Since it wasn't, it seems that the author must have gotten the facts mixed up himself instead.  This makes me wonder about other spots in his books where history or science are put forth and some research would have been prudent to make certain the facts are correct.Fortunately, the fantasy elements did not engulf and take over the story and the rest of it is ok, aside from the glaring historical flub.  However, the ending of this first book points the way to a series where getting deeper into fantasy is going to be impossible to avoid and that's just not my cup of coffee (I don't drink hot tea!).  I'm going to have to call it quits on this series.