If you are tired of sugarcoated heroes and cotton-candy lands, this is the book for you. The characters in this book are dirty, mean, nasty, and clearly self-interested and far from the typical selfless hero. Each individual's motivation to survive drives them to noble ends despite their contrary desires. This book contains adult themes and graphic, but not overdone, imagery. It has been several years since I read this book, but I can still pull up a number of mental images drawn by the author's narration. If you have read the classics and the pattern of the genre is beginning to get overly apparent, try this refreshingly new take on heroism.

Mace of souls is a unique fantasy book, in that its author, Bruce Fergusson, centers the story around the characters makeup and interactions with each other. Many fantasy books are lacking when it comes to good characterization. Fable telling and epic heroes are often the rule. Here Fergusson created believeable characters who have individual motivations and flaws. The setting is also not "run of the mill". It covers things not often seen in mainstream fantasy. Drug addiction and its effects on the medieval society for example. All in all this is one of the better fantasy novels I have come across in recent years. It has a feeling of depth often missing in this genre.

I picked up the hardcover version years ago at the library and just loved it. Since then, I've been trying to track down a copy for myself and was frustrated by it being out print.

Interesting characters and a snappy plot keep this book rolling along. Check out the book that I've been looking for for years!

The Piper's Sons is a good psychological thriller by first-time author Bruce Chandler Fergusson. Actually, I would have rated this book "3 1/2" stars if Amazon allowed for such a rating. His debut novel provides a good writing style, a well-developed plot and a variety of surprises. However, I found the story dragged on for some long stretches which, at times, caused my interest level to wane. Further, while he spent sufficient time developing the major and minor characters, I found myself not caring as much about them as the author would have wanted me to. Also, I felt that Fergusson tried to weave too many elements into the story which I, at times, found to be confusing and which he never completely tied together at the end. Perhaps he's left the door opened for a sequel. Despite these minor criticisms The Piper's Sons is worth reading and Fergusson is an author with a lot of potential.

As other reviewers have mentioned, there were some slow parts (ie. historic details pertaining to the setting), however, overall I couldn't put this book down. The twisting plot kept me guessing and rethinking about earlier clues in the book - definately need to read carefully. The ending was shocking and I stayed up all night finishing this book. I hope that this is just the beginning for Fergusson. This book was not at all what I expected when I picked it up - not your average thriller.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The author managed to literally keep me guessing right up until the very end and I enjoyed the man's writing style very much. It was down to earth, easy to read, and enjoyable. A pleasant excursion into the world of literary mayhem.

There was, however, one rather blatant mistake I found while reading the book. A revolver, introduced earlier in the book, turned into an automatic near the end. I'd like to know if any other readers spot this. Also, it was rather hard for me to believe that a couple could go through the amount of violence and bloodshed as this couple did without some sort of authority becoming involved at some point.

Regardless, I'll be looking for other books by the same author in the future.