fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsfantasy book review Brian G. Murray Siege Warriors: A Fantasy AnthologySiege Warriors: A Fantasy Anthology by Brian G. Murray

In his anthology Siege Warriors, Brian G. Murray brings a medieval siege to life through the eyes of a variety of characters. Most of the stories portray cities under siege, surrounded and attacked by an opposing army.  The situations described in these stories are similar, but Murray creates diversity by showing the conflict from different points of view.

Other stories take the theme in a different direction. One takes place in a building held by bandits, besieged by soldiers. There are a few other stories that seem less clearly related to the book’s theme. The diversity and different themes help to keep the reader engaged.

On the whole I found the stories to be quick, interesting and in some cases very good. My favorite story, “City Reserve,” focuses on a man who has lost all reason to live, but finds a reason to fight. Murray’s depiction of the character’s sense of loss, abandonment of hope, and desire for revenge is compelling.

Each story stands alone, rather than being connected to the others, and so Siege Warriors is an excellent book to consume a little at a time. A reader can sit down for a quick 30-page read without the need to recall everything that has gone before. I don’t know that I would call this Fantasy because there is very little in the way of magic or mystical creatures, but as entertaining and almost educational storytelling it’s really quite good.

Siege Warriors: A Fantasy Anthology — (2009) Publisher: Is a siege just a military blockade? Brian G. Murray introduces you to 12 possibilities, 12 stories, where his Siege Warriors live with joy, grief, heroism, tragedy, victory, death and life altering circumstances tainted in blood. So, is a siege just a military blockade? After reading his stories, you will be left with one answer: It is much more! Lose yourself in twelve very different stories that will take you on a surprising ride into the anatomy of a siege. These unique depictions are told from a wide variety of points of view and motivations. Cringe, cheer, cry, and even laugh with the different warriors as they explore what it means to be under siege.

Author

  • JOHN HULET is a member of the Utah Army National Guard. John’s experiences have often left a great void that has been filled by countless hours spent between the pages of a book lost in the words and images of the authors he admires. During a 12 month tour of Iraq, he spent well over $1000 on books and found sanity in the process. John lives in Utah and works slavishly to prepare soldiers to serve their country with the honor and distinction that Sturm Brightblade or Arithon s’Ffalenn would be proud of. John retired from FanLit in March 2015 after being with us for nearly 8 years. We still hear from him every once in a while.

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