Blade of Tyshalle was written by Matthew Strover as a sequel to Heroes Die.  This sci-fi fantasy novel was published April 3, 2001.  At the end of the last book, Harry Michelson, also known as Caine, was stabbed by his enemy, causing him to loose control of his legs.  He works as an executive for the studio he used to work for.  His old school friend Chris Hansen sends him a message from over-world (another dimension used for the "studio" as a place for actors to go and record their adventures for others to watch) that HRVP (a genetically enhanced version of Rabies) has erupted.  Harry must save over world while discovering how the outbreak was planned to colonize Over-world while still saving his wife and child.  The overall theme of the book is that you don't know how things will work out, all you can do is try to achieve whatever you are trying to achieve.

    The story is told from Harry's point of view as he watches his life unravel at home.  He finds a plot to kill his wife on over-world, his daughter is taken from him, and his Dad is put under the yolk (cyborged for labor).  Harry has to return to over-world as a cripple, watch his wife (Shanna) killed and be captured by his old enemies before his epic battle with the old god, Ma'elkoth.  While this story is mainly science fiction fantasy, is is riddled with philosophy and the major elements of the book are wrapped around the philosophical statements that Strover makes.  Strover keeps you reading with constant plot twists and the unraveling mysteries that make up his world.  The style is unlike to what I have read before as it brimming with curses and violence, yet there is philosophy at every turn.  This is one of a kind as far as the books I have read.  Blade of Tyshalle is definitely meant for an adult audience.

    I was appalled at times to the violence and at some of his ideas about mankind.  He refers to the Blind God, or the God of Dust and Ashes, which is the god of human nature.  While there are many gods on over-world there is only the one left here.  It is the real antagonist in the book as it takes over the minds of the other antagonists.  At the end of the book Strover attempts to summarize the meaning of life as nonexistent.  I found many of the things he talked about to be very interesting and disagreed with some, but this is as it should be.  Many of the ideas discussed, where beliefs that I already held.  Blade of Tyshalle and its prequel are unlike other books I have read.

    Blade of Tyshalle has many plot twisting mysteries and philosophical ideas that are unlike other books.  Although it has much unnecessary violence, the themes in this book are quite amazing.  I recommend Blade of Tyshalle to any one who likes a good plot or philosophy, but do beware of the violence included.

Amber Carlson

12/18/13

***** 5/5