In a way, I’m a generous reader because I’m cheap. If I’ve paid for a book, I want to finish it. I can put up with a good bit of nonsense before I’m willing to forfeit my money’s worth by giving up on it. I've discovered some unexpected gems from this endurance, but I could also grow numb to mediocrity in storytelling. Then a book comes along that reminds me of the difference between okay and whoa! That was the feeling I got when I read Son of the Black Sword, Book 1 of Larry Correia’s Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series. As I raced through all six books in the series, I didn’t stop to analyze what made them so riveting. But afterward, I reflected on the qualities that make me love a story rather than just tolerate it.

Characters

This is easily the most important quality for me, which is ironic in this case. Because the main character, Ashok Vadal, has the personality of cardboard. His emotional range goes from grunt to growl with little variation or fervor. In fact, only one thing truly moves him: if someone breaks the law. As a Protector, his singular purpose is to protect the law. Not to protect people with the law or from the law but to protect the law and see it obeyed. When there is a violation, Ashok becomes a ruthless fighting machine, dealing out retribution and rectification with disregard for circumstances. Otherwise, he is dispassionate with few concerns and no fear. There are reasons for his devotion and disposition, but even knowing those spoilers doesn’t make it easier to relate to Ashok.

So why am I drawn to him? Or are there so many better characters that I enjoyed the story despite him? While the full cast is indeed impressive with a broad range of appeal and quirks, I rooted primarily for Ashok. The reason brings me to the next quality I find essential in an engaging tale.

Redemption

Even from the beginning, I saw glimmers of complexity in Ashok that he doesn’t seem aware of. He suffers from an appalling lack of self-examination. Yet the author peppered Ashok’s humanity in the narrative so a careful reader will sense that he is more than his certain assertions. With these observations, I began to hope that vexations and revelations would morph him into a better version of himself. Everything points to this being a slow and painstaking process, but I felt it was worth the wait. In the meantime, there are other delightful elements.

Relationships

This is where all the other marvelous characters come in. These books develop the kind of camaraderie and brothers in arms that thrilled me more than the action scenes, which are plenteous and vivid. Like Bridge 4 in Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive, I cheered whenever they faced impossible odds together. In addition, many of the side characters have well-developed story arcs of their own, becoming some of my favorites.

And the romances add just the right touch of emotional intrigue without becoming sappy. None of the women exist just to be the love interest. They play pivotal roles and shine in their contributions to the plot.

On an authorial note, the main villain’s voice is particularly distinctive and provocative. Reading him has given me much to think about in developing a striking antagonist.

Laughter

One simply cannot fight against the end of the world without a sense of humor. Correia does not disappoint here with pithy snark, subtle irony, and outright spectacle. The stakes are high, and the drama is real. But the characters don’t take themselves too seriously. Except for Ashok. But that in itself becomes hilarious when he doesn’t see what everyone else does, and his obtuseness is both terrifying and amusing. Yet the facetiousness does not take away from the heartwarming and impactful moments of the story.

Mystery and More

And of course, there must be puzzles to deduce and a twist or two to astound. The element of mystery might not be the strongest since the multiple POV reveals many things too quickly. But there are several prophecies that could keep the reader guessing, and some developments are quite shocking when you grasp their full implications.

This series also brings a cohesive plot, impressive world-building, and a diverse perspective. The story world is India-inspired, filled with many interesting and minute details. There is so much to love about these books. I hope you will give them a try.

A Bountiful Find

Larry Correia is a prolific and reputable author, who even has books crossing into broadcast productions. For whatever reasons, I hadn’t read them before. I’m glad that has changed. Now I can look forward to many exciting and well-crafted adventures.