Review: An old school mythical epic
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 21, 2014
Omens of doom haunt the ancient world, where godlings and demons walk the land, side by side with humanity. The peaceful Lo people call a council and the seers decree a small band must undertake a quest for answers and a means to survive. Guided by a rescued slave girl, they encounter myths, monsters, and worst of human depravity in this blending of Chinese and Western mythology. The first of an intriguing and exotic series.Meanwhile, a godling and key figure in Chinese mythology is summoned by his divine mother and given a task to complete. He must redeem the crimes of the gods by aiding the Lo.Black Sea Gods is in many ways a unique book, with the feel of foundational mythology such as the Aeneid or an early Biblical tale. The story is told after the manner of a historical fantasy or historical novel recounting events from the points of view of ordinary people caught up in cataclysmic turmoil.In addition, Braden's book is both well-written and polished with nary a typo to be found, and his love of the cultures and subject matter he writes of shines through.That said, there were some early sections that felt overwritten and the first half seemed padded.However, the ending sets a hook that can't be beat, and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the second book Aug. 8. Around 60 authors have signed up to give free or discounted books for the event, yours truly included. Check it out!