Forgotten Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle, Book 1

I was impressed by this title which kept me engaged and in tune with with characters. Definitely worth the read.

Review of Forgotten Soldiers by Christopher PattersonForgotten Soldiers, by Joshua P. Simon, falls under the fantasy genre, with a very Medieval-type setting, supernatural creatures, and the use of sorcery and magic. It is written in the first person, which I tend to find refreshing, and I feel the author does a very good job in keeping to the limited first person point of view. One of my gripes about fantasy authors is regular breaks in POV.Forgotten Soldiers begins with Tyrus, a military Sargent for Turine who has been away from home, enlisted in the army through forced conscription, and fighting the Geneshans for ten years. The very beginning of the story takes place at the tale end of this war and we quickly transition into Tyrus’ journey home and his apprehensions with rejoining his wife and children, who he hasn’t seen in ten years and hasn’t heard from in four years. The story is enjoyable, the characters are likable and relatable, and, for a fantasy book, it seems believable.One of the things that Simon does throughout the book (and this could be perhaps because it is written in the first person) is he uses a lot of colloquial language that a 21st century reader would be familiar with. Many fantasy authors, including myself, tend to use an elevated form of language, especially language that would have been used in Medieval Europe – or whatever setting their story takes place. And, even though this use of language took me surprise and I didn’t know if I liked it at first, again, like the use of the first person, I found it refreshing and very personable.Simon also does a good job of moving the story along at a decent pace and presenting mystery and intrigue along with real conflict. His use of language is good and he does a good job of staying true to characterization.I had a couple complaints about Simon’s writing. Firstly, the story does feel slow in some places. It is a part of a four book series, and so I know that the tale of Tyrus will continue in the next book, but the ending to Forgotten Soldiers just seemed out of place. The story arc seemed off as well. I did like the conflict but I feel like the conflict came at the wrong places, leaving for too much internal dialogue and reflection—basically dead space that left me wanting more action. It wasn’t enough to make me want to put down the book, but it was enough to make me say, “Oh, come on. More self-reflection?” With that being said, there were also many places where I felt there was just too much meaningless dialogue and I feel that Simon could use a little dose of Orwell in sticking to pertinent information within the prose and dialogue of his story.I give Forgotten Soldiers 4 out of 5 stars and am currently reading book two in the series, Wayward Soldiers. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good fantasy.

What stood out to me the most was the constant theme of the unwanted soldiers returning home from an unpopular war. The author gives explanations for why these veterans are looked down upon. For example, "we did terrible things" the whole looting, raping, and general professional thievery that happened in Ancient and Medieval warfare. Everybody did it, English, French, Crusaders, Muslims, it was a more brutal world. You have to be ignorant entirely of the Vietnam war to not make the connections. Now I wasn't alive then so I can't say I know personally if people were treated this way but it was a major political stance people took. Without a doubt it mattered. Anyway this book portrays the theme that is told of returning vietnam vets.I come from a military background so I appreciated the little thinga the author focused on and the general story of sacrifice grabbed me.Tyrus the main character has a good voice. It strikes me as a traditionlist point of view I've seen in guys I've known. His sister Ava, also is an archtype I've seen which is unique to certain walks of life like the military. Any props to the author for creating ar the very least, two round characters.Now the writing isn't special, the action isn't sensational. The magic itself is explained but not in great detail. Banter isn't top of the line. There is numerous little issues with it.Although the general story is great and there was a specific moments that got me very angry or sad. The book isn't bland unless your bland.Anyway I give it a 3.9. Would've given it a 4.0 if the ranks were done differently.

First, I write this as a veteran reading a military fantasy book so I may rate this a star higher than I would had I never had military experience. I read my first military fantasy while deployed to the first gulf war. If you remember the Black Company then I usually judge military fantasy in comparison. These are much different and for that I am refreshed. If you have read enough you think you know how books generally unwind. Did not see any of this coming. I would have a better chance of dropping a quarter into a shot glass, from one mile up, out of the window of a plane, during a thunderstorm(blindfolded if you like but at that point..).Characters were interesting, and if you have spent any time in special ops, familiar. His sister reminded me of my own, his family reminded me of family that I have that I go years without seeing. His friends reminded me of guys I have known throughout the years. The grind and emotions that soldiers feel was represented.There were a few typical comments that people like to throw in about how military guys feel and talk, and even though they are usually said by people who don't understand, some of the dark mood of combat veterans is present while still keeping the unrealistic "can't fail" veteran mindset.Overall I liked it, was constantly surprised by plausible plot twists. That should probably be the greatest compliment for the writing, it is a fictional writing in an impossible fantasy context and yet I just said the plot had plausible twists. The author creates a world in which you believe things could and might unfold in the manner described, obviously it must draw you in.I have bought the next two books and look forward to reading them.

This book captivates from the first page. The author is a first class story teller who manages to maintain a good balance in his storiesmaintaining interest and keeping the story thriving. There are enough universal themes in the book to make it good. I enjoyed it greatly.

well written and easy reading

Realistic characters are brought to life with all the grit and determination of a fighting force. The author has carried the reader into a world of constant change. How people react to different situations makes this tale truly believable.

I am no good at reviews so will simply say it's a good book, I read it quickly and looked for the next one right away. I also signed up to Joshua's mailing list to find out when the new ones out.

I found this author by accident .But this book is great ,I have always liked authors who can paint pictures with words .