Customer Reviews

Apocrypha of the Dark Crusade

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I've been reading fantasy and SF for a long time and I only keep a few books around to reread every so often. Mr. Burt's book is one of those that has joined that library which includes Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, David Drake's Hammer's Slammers, and Asimov's Foundation Trilogy. Mr. Burt has managed to combine some of the more intriguing aspects of each into a new story that is difficult to put down. The basic premise is an ancient war once raged across the known universe which culminated in the development of a great weapon. The first use of the weapon changed time and space, and threw the weapon into the void. Since that time, many have sought this weapon. As the reader, we get to view the discovery of this weapon by a group of individuals who each have thier own agenda. The politics and "cold war" existing between some of the spacefaring races sets the background for an intellectual battle of wills and an action packed war for survival of mankind. If you enjoyed the political maneuverings in Foundation or the battle of wills in Ender's Game or the chaos of war in Hammer's Slammers, this novel is for you. And be sure to put your name in your copy should you lend it out, because you may not get it back.

Absolutely wonderful story, it's as if D.L. Burt knew what would make me want to read "just one more chapter" every time I picked it up. More plot twists than I can count, and everytime you begin to identify who a character "truly" is, another facet is revealed that makes you examine the truth as you thought it existed. The characters are well thought out, but don't look for archetypal heroes as every stereotype I've ever thought about the "hero" of the story has been broken here.

The narrative style was interesting, the story being told from opposing view points, with each being given it's due justice, nearly as if the reader is left to decide who is right and who is wrong at times.

I'll definitely keep reading the Dark Crusade, for as long as Mr. Burt keeps writing them!!

I've been reading fiction, science fiction and fantasy for as long as I can remember. I've read Asimov, Clark, Card, Anthony, Weber, Heinlein, Dick, King, Jordan, Martin, McCaffrey, Koontz, Tolkein, Gibson, Creighton...heck, I could go on for a few pages. Suffice it to say that there's not many stories or series by major writers that I haven't read, not to mention my dark secret: Star Wars and Star Trek expended universe novels.

Anyway, I say all that to say this: After all I've read, the characters I've grown to love, the stories I can't get enough of, the vast and richly detailed worlds I've seen in my dreams, the first book of the Dark Crusade series has blown them all away.

Burt draws you in with a mixture of gothic fantasy, mythology, and high tech weapons and armor. He details a dark and gritty universe where the forces of dark and light have been clashing for thousands of years, and the one great device lost at the beginning which can return all of the fallen warriors to life.

This first book is the story of the rediscovery of that device and the Empire's struggle to liberate it from the clutches of the planet's inhabitants, the giant insectiod Vexthrax. Some of the descriptions of these battles and what the Vexthrax do to their prey actually gave me chills!

I don't want to give out any spoilers, but suffice it to say that you will not be disappionted if you pick up this book! I got one of the first copies off the press and I've already read it so many times it looks twenty years old, and can't wait for the next in the series!

Jes Hall

Information Services

University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

I don't read science fiction. I read this book because I was asked. WOW!!!!! This turned out to be the best book I have ever read. D.L. Burt is a pyrotechnic writer. His vivid descriptions keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I have read the book at least three times and can't wait for the next in the series.

This is one of those books you cant out down. How many twist can you put in a book. Very Impressed D. L., I want to know when you are releasing your next book... Keep them coming

I don't have a lot of time to spend reading these days, but with this book I made time. I just couldn't put it down. I picked it up literally every chance I had. In the morning, during breaks at work, and before I went to sleep. To say that the story line is good would be like saying that the pyramids of Egypt are "ok". It just draws you in and won't let go. I'm not going to spoil the ending for you, lets just say the Mr. Burt will blind side you on so many levels that you can't see any of them coming. This book will make your head spin and give you cause to wonder why other writers can't keep you entertained like Mr. Burt. But don't take my word for it. You have got to read this book.

J. W. Willey