Bitterwood

by James Maxey

Overview

Epic war between dragons and mankind!

Dragons rule the world, united under the powerful Dragon King. Humans serve as dragons' slaves, pets, and prey. One man, the mysterious Bitterwood, strikes at dragons from the shadows, fighting a long, lonely war of resistance. When Bitterwood is kills the Dragon King's son, the king vow to rid the world of the legendary dragon-slayer-even if he must kill all of mankind to do so.

Now includes the bonus prequel story "Tornado of Sparks."

"A magnificent hero story." - Orson Scott Card
"For the sake of humanity, join in Bitterwood's revolt." - Kirkus Reviews
"A grabber from page one, a smart tale of adventure and revenge sprinkled with echoes of our own dangerous times. James Maxey's world of dragons and humans at war is so solidly and engagingly rendered that I never wanted to leave." - John Marco
"Bitterwood is an unlikely hero in a rich world, with a rich history that holds many surprises. James Maxey tells his story with a sure hand. Enjoy the journey!" - Carrie Vaughn
"Fine action and cool world building. Anne McCaffrey through a mirror darkly." - E. E. Knight

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781502967176
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	11/23/2014
Series:	Bitterwood , #1
Pages:	258
Sales rank:	689,521
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.54(d)

About the Author

JAMES MAXEY'S mother warned him if he read too many comic books, they'd warp his mind. She was right! James is unsuited for decent work and ekes out a pittance writing down demented fantasies about masked women, fiery dragons, and monkeys.Readers interested in sampling Maxey's odd ramblings might enjoy his science-fantasy Bitterwood series, the secondary world fantasy of his Dragon Apocalypse novels, his two superhero series Lawless and Whoosh! Bam! Pow! (aka the Nobody Gets the Girl series) or the steam-punk visions of Bad Wizard. His short fiction has appeared in IGMS, Asimov's, and over a dozen anthologies, with the best of his work appearing in the collections There is No Wheel, The Jagged Gate, and Life in a Moment. He also occasionally delves into non-fiction, with books like Write! Daydream, Type, Profit, Repeat! and Cryptids: How We Know They are Real. James lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his lovely and patient wife Cheryl and too many cats. Cheryl joins James as co-editor and publisher of Word Balloon Books anthologies for kids, including Beware the Bugs! Rockets & Robots, and Paradoxical Pets.

Editorial Reviews

In the distant future-year 1070 of the Dragon Age, to be exact-Earth has been commandeered by dragons, who subject their human inferiors to lives of misery and squalor, either as slaves or pets. Human Bant Bitterwood, consumed with thoughts of vengeance against the dragons he believes murdered his family, goes on a dragon-killing spree that makes him a folk hero among the oppressed human populace. When Bitterwood slays the dragons' crown prince, Bodiel, their king vows to exterminate humankind-the only way he "can be certain of victory over Bitterwood." To that end, the king enlists his murderous brother Blasphiel to build a city that will serve as humanity's abattoir. Maxey's world is stunningly imaginative, a landscape both familiar and alien, and packed with thoughtful treats for readers. Skillfully examining themes of faith, martyrdom and heroism, Maxey maintains an unflagging believability even while borrowing some of the most generic elements from science fiction and fantasy. The dragons are wonderfully written, as is the tormented hero; it is almost a shame that the story is so self-contained, as many readers will pine for a whole series of Dragon Age titles. (July)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Publishers Weekly

The world has devolved into a feudal society, and dragons have returned to rule humankind-and prey upon them. When notorious dragon hunter Bant Bitterwood, driven to avenge his family's slaying by the conquerors, kills the prince dragon Bodiel, Bodiel's sire swears to destroy the human species. To this end, a Free City arises as an elaborate trap to lure humans to their deaths-and Bitterwood, trapped within, must do what he can to save his people. Maxey's vision of a world ruled by dragons allows him to create unique situations and memorable characters, both human and scaled. A good choice for most fantasy collections.

—Jackie Cassada

Library Journal