Battleaxe: Book One of "the Axis Trilogy" [Paperback]

Sara Douglass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 1995

Fear grips the country of Achar when it is beset by terrifying wraith-like creatures from its northern wastes. Achar's traditional foe, the Forbidden, have returned to wreak vengeance.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for previous books in The Axis Trilogy: 'The twists, revelations and foreshadowings keep you turning pages' SFX 'Absorbing. Those who like their battles bloody and realistic will get their desire, but here also are moments of great tenderness' Starburst --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Sara Douglass was born in Penola, South Australia, and spent her early working life as a nurse. Rapidly growing tired of starched veils, mitred corners and irascible anaesthetists, she worked her way through three degrees at the University of Adelaide, culminating in a PhD in early modern English history. Sara Douglass currently teaches medieval history of La Trobe University, Bendigo and escapes academia through her writing. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Angus & Robertson; First Edition edition (July 15, 1995)
• ISBN-10: 0732251192
• ISBN-13: 978-0732251192
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,181,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sara Douglass was born in Penola, South Australia, and spent her early working life as a nurse. Rapidly growing tired of starched veils, mitred corners and irascible anaesthetists, she worked her way through three degrees at the University of Adelaide, culminating in a PhD in early modern English history. Sara Douglass currently teaches medieval history of La Trobe University, Bendigo and escapes academia through her writing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Formulaic but still a good read., June 21, 2006

By 

Ms. H. Sinton "dragondrums" (Ingleby Barwick. U.K.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Battleaxe (Axis Trilogy) (Paperback)

I picked up this book with some trepidation as it has had very mixed reviews but it really isn't a bad read at all. The `Battleaxe' of the title is Axis, the leader of the Axe-Wielders, a religious army. He is the illegitimate son of a princess and nephew of King Priam who refuses to acknowledge him as family. His half brother Borneheld, heir to the childless king, hates Axis and is determined to see him destroyed. The purpose of the Axe-wielders is to uphold the religious beliefs of the land and destroy any of the `Forbidden' they may chance upon. The Forbidden are races of beings that once populated the land alongside the humans but centuries ago were driven into exile. A prophecy says that one day the Starman will come who will once again unite the races.

Sara Douglass doesn't have the most mature writing style but she has produced a fast paced, action filled tale. Sure, it isn't the most original fantasy ever written, and true, some of the characters are a little one-dimensional, but overall it is interesting enough to keep you reading and if you want a quick and fairly easy read it is ideal.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, but it gets better., April 19, 2009

By 

Therapychild - See all my reviews

This review is from: Battleaxe (Axis Trilogy) (Paperback)

This book was not as good as I had hoped, but the series did get better as it went. However the second triolgy that follows this series, begining with "Sinner" is much better. But, you should really read the first trilogy "Battleaxe...or in America I believe it is -The Wayfarer redemption-", so as to understand the characters and why they are the way they are.

All in all it is a good read. Characters could use a little more fleshing out in some areas, and it is a typical Good Guy vs. Evil Step Brother vs. Ominus Dark Character...all to get the girl that they all want, but it is entertaining.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, April 4, 2006

By 

Jules "Avid Reader" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Battleaxe (Axis Trilogy) (Paperback)

This is a fantastic read, from the very first page. The style of writing is pacy, the characters are diverse and interesting, the plot is intriguing and there are a number of great twists along the way and the world of Tencendor is so well defined you can imagine it easily. I couldn't put it down. Once I had finished it I had to start the second book.