Flying Citten’s Weblog

The second installment in the Secret Histories Series staring Edwin DroodAKA Shaman Bond. The Drood family has been ruling the world for centuries and no one knows. Well, the important people know because Presidents, Kings, Emperors and such have to ask permission to do certain things. All the bad guys, aliens, and creatures kept the war secret and out of sight for fear of what the Droods would do to them…. until now. In the first book Edwin discovers the the golden torcs that give his family their power come at a high price. Each Drood is really a twin and one twin is sacrificed so the other can gain a torc. It is hinted that a piece of the twin becomes the torc. What is the torc? A golden body armor that can absorb or reflect almost anything. With a Word it encases the wearer and makes him or her super strong, fast and nearly invincible. Only some things can get through the armour. When Edwin discovered the family secret he overthrew the Matriarch who ruled the family (his Grandmother) and destroyed the Heart who gave them their torc. He meet Strange Matter, or Ethel as it likes to be called, along the way and Ethel is now providing him with silver armour.

In the beginning of the book the family is disjointed and upset. The world powers have taken notice of the Droods lack of activity and are waiting for the other shoe to drop. Edwin decides to make a definitive action to show that the family is not weak and take down the Loathly Ones, soul-eaters, once and for all. While he wants to limit who gets new torcs since the old were destroyed with the Heart eventually all the family gets them. With his love at his side and friends and enemies covering his back Edwin eventually conquers all at no small price to himself.

Simon R. Green once again writes a good story but it is reminiscent of his other series of the Nightside and Darkwood that I have read and I have no doubt similar to Deathstalkers. The story lines are different but some things remain similar. The baddies of the supernatural world have simple names that describe them such as Subway Sue, Mr. Stab and Blue Fairy. While humorous and unique in their own way each character reminds me of another. Mr Stab is reminiscent of Razor Eddie. The main characters and their scarred but strong female side kicks are also similar across the series. Even the wording is oddly the same, the phrase “It was the easiest thing the world” comes to mind. With specific characterizations and word choices repeated throughout the book. I am all for the reiteration but it becomes a little repetitive since it is the same wording.  

Despite this it is a fun read. I cant wait to see what exploits Edwin Drood gets into next. I know I saw at least three story lines developing for future work in this series and perhaps an extension on the Deathstalker series occur.