Quick Take

Orphan. Conman. Conscript. Inmate. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mattias Temple, a failed cadre necromancer, is mauled by fate. When a rogue military squad kidnaps the governor and threatens the city with a magical plague, he has a shot to redeem a lifetime of mistakes and be the one thing he never thought possible: A hero.Freed from prison, paired with Bridget, a Blackthorne operative, he sets out to right the one crime that truly haunts him.As the body count rises Mattias finds himself neck-deep in trouble and drowning in ghosts. Hunted by the mercenary company he betrayed and facing the horrors of feral witchcraft, the question remains: who is Mattias Temple, and what does he want? Revenge, or something more?

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Blackthorne

Introduction

Blackthorne, written by Clayton W. Snyder, is a captivating novel that combines elements of cyberpunk, military science fiction, and fantasy. The story follows Mattias Temple, a failed cadre necromancer, as he navigates through a world filled with magic, advanced technology, and dangerous creatures. With a gripping plot and well-developed characters, Blackthorne has garnered praise from readers for its unique blend of genres and its ability to transport readers into a thrilling and immersive world.

About Clayton W. Snyder

Clayton W. Snyder is an author known for his versatility and ability to create compelling stories across different genres. With a background in low fantasy, fantasy westerns, heist fantasy, grimdark, and now cyberpunk and military science fiction, Snyder has established himself as a master of worldbuilding and character development. His writing style is characterized by snarky dialogue and intense emotional storylines that resonate with readers. In Blackthorne, Snyder delivers another captivating tale that showcases his talent for crafting complex characters and immersive worlds.

Analysis of Views

Unique blend of genres: Readers praise Blackthorne for its successful merging of cyberpunk, military science fiction, and fantasy elements. The combination of advanced technology, magic, and gritty storytelling creates a fresh and engaging reading experience.
Well-developed characters: Mattias Temple, the protagonist, is described as complex and intriguing. Readers appreciate his growth throughout the story and the depth of his characterization. They find him relatable and root for him in his journey towards redemption.
High-stakes action: The book is filled with intense action sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Readers enjoy the fast-paced and visceral nature of the combat scenes, which are expertly written and well-paced.
Imaginative worldbuilding: Blackthorne boasts a richly imaginative world that readers find immersive and captivating. The blending of technology with magic adds a unique twist to the story, creating a distinctive setting that readers find fascinating.
Grimdark elements: While some readers appreciate the grimdark elements in the story, others find them overwhelming or unnecessary. The book contains graphic violence and dark themes that may not be suitable for all readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unpredictable plot: Blackthorne's plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The book's ability to surprise readers with its revelations adds to its overall appeal.
Emotional depth: Despite its genre-melding nature, Blackthorne delves into deeper emotional themes that resonate with readers. The book explores issues of trauma, redemption, and the human capacity for growth, making it a compelling read beyond its action-packed moments.
Engaging characters: The characters in Blackthorne are well-crafted and leave a lasting impression on readers. Mattias Temple's journey of self-discovery and redemption is relatable and inspiring, making him a character that readers can root for.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive plot elements: Some readers find that certain plot events become repetitive as the story progresses, leading to a sense of predictability. This may detract from the overall enjoyment of the book for some readers.
Jarring transitions: The jarring transitions between chapters and events can be disorienting for some readers. While this may fit with the overall tone and pace of the story, it may not appeal to those who prefer a more seamless narrative flow.

Conclusion

Blackthorne by Clayton W. Snyder is a captivating novel that combines elements of cyberpunk, military science fiction, and fantasy to create a unique reading experience. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and immersive worldbuilding, Blackthorne has garnered praise from readers for its ability to transport them into a thrilling and emotionally resonant world. While some readers may find certain aspects of the book repetitive or disorienting, overall, Blackthorne is recommended for those who enjoy genre-blending stories with high-stakes action and complex characters.