“The Order of the Dragon” Reviewed
To fans of all things Dinosauria, Phil Hore, may be best known for his almost decade long contribution to the “Prehistoric Times” magazine, but this talented writer, science enthusiast and educator has many strings to his writing bow. Take for example, his first venture into writing a novel, “The Order of the Dragon”, a fast-paced and carefully crafted gothic horror that succeeds in weaving together real lives and real events with a twist of macabre fantasy.
“The Order of the Dragon”
Set in London in 1888, the reader is teased throughout by the skilful writing of the author. Details of the principal characters, the enigmatic and worldly wise Amun Galeus and his hulking, comrade-in-arms Sebastian Vulk are slowly revealed as the story progresses, just enough information to intrigue and tantalise. Clearly there is more to these two characters than first appears. Our pair of protagonists are called upon to solve the mysterious and unsettling series of events taking place in and around the grounds of Stamford House in the borough of Islington.
Not wanting to deprive readers of the pleasures in discovering the first of the bloodline trilogy for themselves, suffice to say the story is interlaced with such luminaries as Bram Stoker, Winston Churchill, Conan Doyle and Frederick Abberline (Chief Inspector for the London Metropolitan Police) and his own nightmarish nemesis “Jack the Ripper”.
The Order of the Dragon by Phil Hore
Pulp horror at its best.
Picture credit: Raven’s Head Press
Thrills, Spills and Chills
Can the gentle folk of England be saved from the supernatural Order of the Dragon and the evil that they command? The story soon picks up pace and moves breathlessly from one dangerous encounter to another, if battling vampires ticks your literary box then seek out this exciting debut. There are more sword fights than you can shake a sabre at, the body count rises rapidly and leads to an underground lair via a Victorian greenhouse and a railway constructed merely for the convenience of the dead.
The Author Phil Hore
Fast-paced pulp horror story that cleverly weaves fact and fantasy.
Picture credit: Raven’s Head Press
Australian Phil Hore, demonstrates considerable panache and flair as he combines his encyclopaedic knowledge of 19th century affairs with gruesome and ghastly happenings, enough to satisfy the blood lust cravings of even the most avid fan of this genre. We salute the way in which the author has utilised historical fact to build and blend together a story that whets the appetite for the other two books that will develop and then conclude the bloodline trilogy.
Recommended.
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Congrats Phil!! I will look for this. How does, shall we say, one go about getting their own book (The Center for Cretaceous Studies) reviewed? And where would I send the money for a FAVORABLE review? ha
Seriously, congratulations!
Thanks guys – a real honour and I appreciate the kind words.