Read Lately: The Crusader by JP Wilder

The Crusader, by JP Wilder

“Honor is a thing not defined by your actions, but by your survival. If you survive and— praise to The God—emerge victorious, you may set the standards of Honor yourself” 

---Aaron the Savior. From The Crusader 

This is a great dark fantasy read. We are thrust into the tale of Aaron a hedgeknight who becomes part of an elite team known as the Darkmen, fighting a holy war versus the heathens. Now this isn't a historical, though it has resonance with those "Crusades" and Wilder does a fantastic job of characterization and granting the feelings of chaos men in war are bombarded with.

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Mr. Wilder, the other day - since I'm still in LA and he lives nearby and it was fun to visit and talk writing and inspirations. Very cool to hear about some of his characters and how they were influenced. I was enchanted by harsh deadly Raph and the sorceress too, as well as the twists with Aaron our protagonist. The Crusader had me from start to finish.

Only downside for me was how short this was, its really kind of a chapbook - but the benefit is a tight story and the sequels are coming on its heels very soon. Blue Eyes at Night! really looking forward to it. Highly recomended for all my S&S friends and readers.

And talk about fabulous covers! These are gritty and eye catching! Grab a copy here