G153 E-Reading Book Review of Black Sea Gods by Brian Braden
Author: Brian Braden
ISBN: 9780989008303
Publisher: Kindle
Part of a Series: Chronicle of Fu Xi
Type of book: Biblical times, Chinese mythology, mysteries, drowning, Noah, journey, sins
Year it was published: 2013
Summary:
The fish have disappeared from the sea. The animals have vanished from the land. All humanity, and even the gods, tremble under the specter of a pending cataclysm. The demigod Fu Xi races home from the edge of the world bringing news of a looming god war, but finds his land under attack by monsters he once called his children. He discovers a terrible curse has been cast, one intended to destroy the gods and all life. To his shock, Fu Xi learns mankind’s hope rest solely on him, a simple fisherman and a banished slave girl.
Beset on all sides, Fu Xi knows he must act quickly and races west to rescue the saviors. Unaware of the real doom that awaits, Aizarg the fisherman and his party begin a perilous journey across a dangerous steppe. They seek the last of the Narim, the legendary Black Sea Gods, who hold the key to their salvation. Leading them is the rescued slave girl Sarah, the only one among them who knows the path to the land of the god-men.
Over seven days the defining struggle of gods and humans begins under the onslaught of a powerful force whose true objective and origin remain a mystery. Fu Xi knows the secret to victory resides in a fisherman and a slave girl, whose lives he must protect, even if it means the rest of the world must perish.
Characters:
The author did try to make characters rounded, but for me they didn't seem to be rounded. I was also confused on which character was which and the purpose some characters played. I am curious to know whether or not certain characters survive and the relationship they will have towards one another.
Theme:
Do the best you can in any situation
Plot:
Its written in third person narrative from Aizarg's and Fu Xi's and Aizarg's wife's point of view. The summary is a bit misleading in my opinion, and there are a lot of unanswered questions. I was unhappy with the direction that some characters have chosen to take and I also couldn't really connect to any characters either, unfortunately. I do have to wonder the purpose of mixing up Chinese mythology as well as Biblical tales in this story.
Author Information:
(from goodreads.com)
url
http://www.goodreads.com/BrianBraden
gender
male
website
http://www.undergroundbookreviews.com/brian.html
genre
Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Contemporary
member since
January 2012
I’m a founder, writer and editor for Underground Book Reviews. I'm also a retired military officer and have been a corporate executive, an intelligence officer, a combat helicopter pilot, and a freelance columnist. My articles are featured in a variety of defense magazines and websites, to include the Military Times and Air Power Journal. You can follow me at www.brianbraden.weebly.com.
Opinion:
I have to admit that the author is very creative in interweaving the biblical story along with what appears to be Chinese mythology, which was the strong point in my opinion. The culture of main characters was fascinating as well, along with the travel. To an extent there is some religious discussion, but it doesn't take precedence over the story, which will surprise and stun many readers. The reason for three stars? I have to admit that it wasn't my style of book and I was feeling a bit ambivalent towards it. I also felt frustrated towards the end and often wonder if the series will go in the direction I'm predicting it will go into. The summary is also a bit misleading.
I have received this book from the group of Shut up & Read at Goodreads.com
3 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
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