- Book:
- Robbie Cox
Reviewed by: David M. Brown
- Rating:
- 4
Summary:
Reaping the Harvest is a solid opener.
More DetailsAbout Reaping the Harvest (2013)
On his way home from a moving job, Rhychard Bartlett heard a scream and ran to help. That action changed his life forever and tossed him into a war between the Way and the Void. Given the Guardian Sword, assisted by an ellyll who only stands two feet tall, and bonded to a mind speaking coshey the size of a Newfoundland canine and a taste for pepperoni pizza, Rhychard must stop the demon Vargas from carrying out his plans. Once he finds out what they are, of course. In the meantime, he longs for the girlfriend who left him because he suddenly had too many secrets. Not only must he save the day, but he also must convince Renny Saunders he’s not the cheating lover everyone thinks he is. Amazon USAmazon UKSmashwords Review: Reaping the Harvest
You have to feel sorry for poor Rhychard Bartlett, the main protagonist in Robbie Cox’s novel, Reaping the Harvest. One day you’re driving along minding your own business, the next you’re rushing to the aid of an elf who has been mortally wounded by giant bat-like creatures. Jamairlo is a Warrior of the Way, bearer of the Guardian Sword, who, before he dies, bequeaths this sacred weapon to Rhychard. Rhychard’s life is turned upside down after this chance encounter. Plunged into a battle between the Way and the Void, Rhychard’s secret life alienates him from those around him. The most important is his girlfriend of four years – Renny Saunders – who interprets Rhychard’s distancing as clear signs of infidelity. Can Rhychard win her back and what of the war he is in the midst of?
Rhychard is aided in his quest by by an elyll named Tryna from the Land Under and Kree, a large coshey also from the Land Under. Rhychard’s is a busy life. He has to contend with gargoyles and other threats from the Void and sent by the demon – Vargas. If that isn’t bad enough, there are strange things going on at Rhychard’s church – Harvest Fellowship – and with him and Renny attending this place of worship things get a little awkward. Despite his best efforts Rhychard cannot win Renny back and she refuses to listen to any claims of his innocence about the infidelity she believes he has committed. Then there’s the pastor – Adrian – and a prostitute named Buttercup thrown into the equation before the end. Action-packed? Certainly.
The opening installment in the Warrior of the Way series, Reaping the Harvest begins well and continues at a frantic pace. The action only slows for the tender scenes between Rhychard and Renny but the threat of the Void is never far away and more than once you will be left wondering whether Rhychard will make it to the end. There’s a good story built around the Harvest Fellowship and you will be left speculating what the demon – Vargas – is up to throughout. The ending was something of a surprise as well. The only downside to the book is the brevity but I understand Mr Cox has another book in the works so that’s a mild complaint.
Reaping the Harvest is a solid opener. You will sympathise with poor Rhychard, left with a huge responsibility for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is a rare example of the downside of being kind and caring towards others. The narrative is well-paced with a memorable set of characters who I hope will make a welcome return in the next book.
Verdict: 4/5
(Book source: reviewer’s own copy)
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 672 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
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