Tome of the Undergates by Sam Sykes

[kcf]

So, I just finished this one up. I liked it for what it is. Yes, I have a few reservations, but overall I liked it. Below is an exerpt from my review.

Tome of the Undergates could read like the standard Sword and Sorcery adventure quest – there is wizard, a priestess, a shict (elf equivalent), a dragonman (troll/orc/ogre equivalent), and a talented man all following an inspirational leader. That’s where it ends because this merry band of adventures hate one another – not in the we don’t really get a long way, but in the I want you to die a brutal death as I carve out your heart with a spoon kind of way. Most of the characters are morally reprehensible, all are greatly flawed with mysterious pasts full of violence, pain and punishment, and it’s really hard to figure out how they haven’t already killed each other. Under the leadership of Lenk, who is slowly going batshit insane, the band is bonded not by noble mission or even the desire for a big paycheck – the band is bound by their own self-loathing. The only thing the hate more than each other is probably themselves, so the company, however unpleasant, is actually better than the alternative of being alone. And at least together they seem to get the chance to kill a lot.

...

Some books aren’t for everyone, and that is certainly the case for Tome of the Undergates. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t for some people – it succeeds well within its goals. It’s a book full of violence, adventurers with questionable morals, nasty creatures, with an interesting out-right inversion of the noble quest. And really, that 14 year old boy who doesn’t like books (but likes comics and/or video games) just may think this is the coolest thing ever. I liked it – with reservations – but overall I think it’s a great start for a promising young writer (and in spite of what my wife may claim, I’m no 14 year old boy and I think this book will appeal to a wider, if still limited audience).

Has anyone else read it? Thoughts?

 

[Bastard]

That's good to know kcf. I had benched my copy, but I'll probably give it a shot. It does seem like I might be one of those that might enjoy the book. The overwhelming negativity towards the book got to me, but looking at what the complaints where about it shouldn't have come as a surprise why the book didn't work for some.

But we'll see. And please no Underpants jokes!

 

[kcf]

I tried really hard to write an even review that would allow people to figure out if it's a book for them or not. I can see what Sykes was trying to do, and I think he pulled it off decently well. It's just that this book is not for everyone, but it is definately for someone.

 

[Luke_B]

Yes, I started to read it and it gave me horrible flashbacks to my younger days reading bad D&D books. I had to put it down before the cold sweats, nausea and shakes got the better of me.

 

[Trebuken]

Saw it for the first time today at Barnes and Noble. Looked interesting then (I always hesitate when a book doesn't seem to have a hardback edition).

It sounded excessively iolent, but may pick it up with some good reviews.

 

[kcf]

Saw it for the first time today at Barnes and Noble. Looked interesting then (I always hesitate when a book doesn't seem to have a hardback edition)..

Don't hesitate if the book is published by Pyr. For the most part, they only publish in the trade paperback form, but I cannot think of a publisher of any size that consistently puts out as many good books. (it was HB release in the UK)

It sounded excessively iolent, but may pick it up with some good reviews.

Honestly, reviews have been mixed. You'll have to read them carefully to see just how you think your tastes match up with those of the reviewer.