Last week we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. F. Wesley Schnider, co-creator of the widely popular Pathfinder Role Playing Game and the author of multiple gaming supplements and fantasy fiction.
This week I am happy to take a moment to review Mr. Schnider's newest book release: Bloodbound.
Bloodbound is a part of the Pathfinder Tales books series , a collaborative effort between Paizo Publishing and TOR Books. Each book in the series takes place in a different part of the fully realized Pathfinder Role Playing Game world. Additionally, each book focuses on a different aspect, class, race, or overall concept that is present in one or more of the Pathfinder RPG supplements.
Bloodbound takes place in the horror themed nation of Ustalav. Larsa, the main character, is a dhampir (a half vampire-half human) whose sole role it to help keep the peace in a dark and bloody city of Caliphas.
Larsa, due to her race, is tasked with making sure the local vampire population and the local human population remain in relative peace. Vampires who break the laws are beheaded and left out in the sun to fry.
At the same time, in the same city, a young priestess named Jadain is being reprimanded by her superiors for her lack of discipline when dealing with church patrons.
However, when an unexpected massacre at a local noble's home occurs, the two characters are drawn into a web of horror and corruption which they will need to work together to stop.
Bloodbound is one fantasy novel that truly emulates the themes and ideas of Gothic literature as outlined by the fathers of the genre, Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe. Schneider has a knack for balancing the classical elements of horror with the fantasy and magic of the Pathfinder world. Bloodbound is therefore one of the best examples of modern dark fantasy I've read.
Schneider is a master world builder, having helped create many aspects and locales in the Pathfinder RPG, and this talent shows in his writing. Each new location we see in the book feels visceral and realistic. Obvious inspirations from real life are infused into each setting and situation. While many fantasy novels flounder to keep a reader engrossed in their world, Bloodbound has you saturated in the gothic cities and landscapes of Ustalav from the start.
Schneider not only creates a fully realized world, he also knows how to create distinctive characters. The first person narrative switches back and forth between Larsa and Jadain throughout the novel. Both characters have a distinctive voice and perspective on the world around them. Never do the two seem to become crossed or confused (often an issue I've seen with this style of narrative).
Also, the fact that the two main characters are female is a breath of fresh air in a genre that is stale with generic male characters.
The impressive and literary nature of the world and its characters are only enhanced by the enjoyable and engaging action sequences. I often feel that action in fiction is one aspect many authors struggle with. Trying to take a very visual element and creating realizing it in text on a page can be difficult for some. However, Schneider proves his talent for action right from the very first beheading in chapter one.
The only complaint I have (which isn't really a complaint) is that the language and style which Schnedier uses is impressive, but sometimes can feel a little over the top with imagery and wordage. The style definitely shows off Schnedier's talent and flare for the genre. However, some readers who are used to more "pulpy" styles of writing may find it difficult at times to follow.
This week I am happy to take a moment to review Mr. Schnider's newest book release: Bloodbound.
Bloodbound is a part of the Pathfinder Tales books series , a collaborative effort between Paizo Publishing and TOR Books. Each book in the series takes place in a different part of the fully realized Pathfinder Role Playing Game world. Additionally, each book focuses on a different aspect, class, race, or overall concept that is present in one or more of the Pathfinder RPG supplements.
Bloodbound takes place in the horror themed nation of Ustalav. Larsa, the main character, is a dhampir (a half vampire-half human) whose sole role it to help keep the peace in a dark and bloody city of Caliphas.
Larsa, due to her race, is tasked with making sure the local vampire population and the local human population remain in relative peace. Vampires who break the laws are beheaded and left out in the sun to fry.
At the same time, in the same city, a young priestess named Jadain is being reprimanded by her superiors for her lack of discipline when dealing with church patrons.
However, when an unexpected massacre at a local noble's home occurs, the two characters are drawn into a web of horror and corruption which they will need to work together to stop.
Bloodbound is one fantasy novel that truly emulates the themes and ideas of Gothic literature as outlined by the fathers of the genre, Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe. Schneider has a knack for balancing the classical elements of horror with the fantasy and magic of the Pathfinder world. Bloodbound is therefore one of the best examples of modern dark fantasy I've read.
Schneider is a master world builder, having helped create many aspects and locales in the Pathfinder RPG, and this talent shows in his writing. Each new location we see in the book feels visceral and realistic. Obvious inspirations from real life are infused into each setting and situation. While many fantasy novels flounder to keep a reader engrossed in their world, Bloodbound has you saturated in the gothic cities and landscapes of Ustalav from the start.
Schneider not only creates a fully realized world, he also knows how to create distinctive characters. The first person narrative switches back and forth between Larsa and Jadain throughout the novel. Both characters have a distinctive voice and perspective on the world around them. Never do the two seem to become crossed or confused (often an issue I've seen with this style of narrative).
Also, the fact that the two main characters are female is a breath of fresh air in a genre that is stale with generic male characters.
The impressive and literary nature of the world and its characters are only enhanced by the enjoyable and engaging action sequences. I often feel that action in fiction is one aspect many authors struggle with. Trying to take a very visual element and creating realizing it in text on a page can be difficult for some. However, Schneider proves his talent for action right from the very first beheading in chapter one.
The only complaint I have (which isn't really a complaint) is that the language and style which Schnedier uses is impressive, but sometimes can feel a little over the top with imagery and wordage. The style definitely shows off Schnedier's talent and flare for the genre. However, some readers who are used to more "pulpy" styles of writing may find it difficult at times to follow.
Summing it Up
I don't often read a lot of fantasy (at least when compared to horror). My roots are in mystery and horror and that is where I usually stay. However, I also love a good fantasy title when I have the time to squeeze it in. And if there was one fantasy novel the mixes mystery, horror, and fantasy into one cohesive whole it is Bloodbound. Bloodbound is probably one of the best examples of modern fantasy I've read. While still using obvious influences from Poe and Stoker the novel brings us into a realistic and modern rendition of the fantasy genre. If you enjoy gritty, dark elements in your fantasy novel or if your looking for a horror novel with a little extra flair, then Bloodbound is the book for you.
Language: 2
Gore Factor: 3
Sex Factor: 2
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 4.5
Language: 2
Gore Factor: 3
Sex Factor: 2
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 4.5
To learn more about my rating system click here.