The Deadwalk reviewed by Nancy Jackson



Book Image   The Deadwalk by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime   Stars Image
Heroic Fantasy
ISBN: 1586082914
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Publisher's website:http://www.newconceptspublishing.com
Author's Web site:http://www.geocities.com/canadian_sf/bedwell/
Author's E-mail:sbedwellgrime@hotmail.com
Date: January 2003
Price: $5.99
Format: Mass Market Paperback
If you are craving a fantasy of sword-wielding heroes and villains, THE DEADWALK will satisfy you and keep you wanting more. Stephanie Bedwell-Grime paints a unique and gripping story packed with suspense, romance, and well-written sword play. THE DEADWALK begins with a feisty woman warrior destined by her ancestral blood to become a warrior queen. As thirteenth in line to the throne of Kanarek, Riordan's prophecy would be to awaken the sword of Zal-Azaar and rule Kanarek. Her mighty guardian Nhaille is by her side to see that his duty and honor to the king, the protection of Riordan, is fulfilled and has spent the last nineteen years readying her for the prophecy to come true. On their route to Kanarek, they are angered to learn it had fallen and her father and brothers were among the many causalities.

Rau, a prince angered by being passed over as king by his father, sets off on his own quest to prove himself. His plan to take down all the villages along the coast is propelled by a unique stone he possesses. Placed into the eye and brain of a person, this stone causes people to rise up from the dead and walk as an army. This is his army. Not believing in the supposed myth of the warrior queen's existence, he creates his army and takes down villages. News of the mystery woman comes to his attention and thus begins the bloody battle of the stone and the sword and the battle for freedom and the restoration of Riordan's ancestors' good name.

I thoroughly enjoyed the battle scenes, though some of the dialogue seemed repetitious. I highly recommend THE DEADWALK for an exciting and suspenseful read. I applaud the use of a woman as the heroine and felt empowered by her strength and courage. Your adrenaline will rise as you read through to the bittersweet ending. Stephanie Bedwell-Grime is an author whom I will look forward to reading more from.

Copyright © 2003 Nancy Jackson All Rights Reserved.