Savage Messiah: Volume I of The Destinies of Blood and Stone

by Robert Newcomb

Book Overview

Robert Newcomb's dazzling debut trilogy, The Chronicles of Blood and Stone, introduced readers to the strange and wondrous land of Eutracia. Now, in Savage Messiah, the first volume in a sweeping new... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345477081
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Del Rey
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.1" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

An engaging, action-packed thrill ride

Robert Newcomb scored a successful trilogy with The Chronicles of Blood and Stone. Now he returns to the land of Eutracia with SAVAGE MESSIAH, the first in a new trilogy that picks up where the previous series left off, both in terms of story and enjoyment. In the first series we were introduced to Tristan and his sister Shailiha, the Chosen Ones who hold magical blood that give them the power to join the good (Vigors) and evil (Vagaries) forces. In the climax of the third book, Wulfgar, Tristan's evil half-brother, was defeated, but the Orb of the Vigors was damaged in that final confrontation. Now, magical energy is being bled by the damaged Orb and the kingdom is suffering greatly because of it. The only person with the power to do anything to restore the Orb is Prince Tristan, but there is a slight problem: Tristan's blood has been tainted and his ability to save the Orb and his people is impossible until his blood returns to normal. The spell that has altered his blood renders him unable to command the Vigors, and unfortunately the reversal of the spell has been lost. As if the damage inflicted by the Orb were not enough, another menace threatens Tristan and his companions. From a lair on the Sea of Whispers, Tristan's half-brother Wulfgar, thought to have been killed, is alive and well. And very bitter. Looking to return to Eutracia and complete his previous plans, he is now joining forces with the Heretics, wielders of the Vagaries. His own mastery of the dark arts is growing and he seeks to destroy the Orb once and for all, but his vengeance is also more personal. A master assassin, Satine, has been hired by Wulfgar to eliminate those who had wronged him. The only course for Tristan and his allies is to somehow find a way to cleanse his blood. The quest to do so is full of peril and their victory may be just as damaging as their failure. Prince Tristan continues to be a likable hero and Newcomb allows him to continue to grow here. The rest of the cast is solid, especially newly-introduced Satine. Wulfgar, however, seems a hollow copy of his previous self and perhaps more impact could have been had with a new, unknown villain. That aside, Newcomb does a very good job of opening up some secrets and surprises that will have you eagerly looking forward to the follow-up installment, and he also propels the story forward at an exciting pace with enough action interspersed to keep your blood pumping. Newcomb weaves a good tale, to be sure. As the fourth book in a planned series of nine, however, it does feel like a middle book. This is not to say that it is unworthy of reading. In fact, it is quite the opposite. While SAVAGE MESSIAH does not hold the same punch that the previous three books had, it is still a thrilling adventure and easily ranks among some of the best to be found on the shelves these days. Readers looking for an engaging, action-packed thrill ride will be more than pleased with this title. --- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard

Savage is best of the series.

I throughly loved this book. I thought it was the best so far. Tristan was at his best. I love the wizards and the minions are by far my favorite creation. Rob you have so out done yourself with this one. I stayed up sevaral late nights reading chapter after chapter until I forced myself to go to sleep only to pick it back up in the morning. I was so sad when it was over and can't wait until the next book. Oh please hurry.

Wonderful reading experience

Robert Newcomb has created a world rich in action, love, pain,friendship,and all of the things that make a great series. I have enjoyed all the books so far, and greatly recommend them to anyone not sure what they want. So cudos to Robert Newcomb. Great job!!

Easily a 5 star

I don't understand what everyones problems with Robert's books are. He isn't mainstream, he isn't doing what has already been done, yet he is constantly attacked as either sexist, or generally a bad writer. I still don't see why. I was hooked on Robert's books since book one, and I've quickly become what I would consider an established and loyal fan. His books are well thought out, have likeable characters, and forge an emotional bond between characters and readers that not many authors can pull off. Savage Messiah is the best of the series to date, without a doubt. Unexpected twists and turns push this novel into a much greater vision. Wulfgar, Tristan's evil half-brother, comes back to life? No, folks, we were never given conclusive evidence he had died. Tristan defeated him? No, I don't recall that happening at all. I seem to remember Wulfgar being defeated by a herbmistress called Abbey. Don't you see? The people who criticise the books don't even know the story so far. Did they even read the books? I would recommend this book (and have done so already) to friends and family alike. It really is a great read, is emotionally engaging, and extremely difficult to put down. And the ending will leave you longing for more. Good work, Rob. Your book is a very fantastic read.

great start to a new trilogy

Robert Newcomb has once again thrown his characters into another action packed journey from the first pages of his book. The next installment of his books about Tristan, Shailiha, and the rest of the gang not only has the return of some previous enemies, but also throws some new threats into the story- not the least of which being that the Orb of the Vigors was injured in Tristan's fight with Wulfgar and is destroying parts of the countryside. New allies are also introduced as Tristan, Wigg, and Celeste start searching for the way to change Tristan's azure blood back to red, for until his blood reverts to its original form Tristan cannot be trained in the craft and cannot fix the Orb of the Vigors. It soon becomes a life and death situation, and before the end of the book some of the characters will have gone down the path to the Afterlife. If you enjoyed reading the Chronicles of Blood and Stone, this next installment in Tristan and Shailiha's story is something you won't want to miss!