Talon the Slayer (Tales of Talon Book 1)

Warren’s book – Talon The Slayer was a book that I’m having an impossible time figuring out what genre it lives in. At it’s heart it’s a story about redemption. A story about finding yourself. But it’s set in a futuristic world where aliens are the norm (honestly, humans are the aliens in this world). Where slavery is very real again and Colosseum like fights to the death happen all the time. Talon is one of those fighters and he’s about to eclipse his 100th match. The match that will set him free. Little does he know that things are about to hit the fan once he finishes his battle.The story was a blast to read. I absolutely flew through it – doing far more yard work than I needed to do yesterday just so that I could listen to another few minutes. Warren created a fantastical world that he described in vivid details without being boring about it. He created characters that I not only liked but I was fighting in my head for them to succeed.The story itself was also great. Talon’s inner struggles, relationship confusion, and overall “vibe” were perfect for him. If you threw him into a battle-like situation he would take control. But once you gave him some personal freedom he wasn’t sure exactly what to do. It made for a unique and interesting main charter.I can’t wait to get into more stories in this universe. Though I have no idea where Warren is going to take us!There’s also something to be said about the cover of this book. When creating a new and unique world – sometimes it’s hard to picture what the characters look like. The cover of Talon The Slayer shows three of the main characters and I’m ashamed to say I’m glad they did because it made the book even easier to listen to. I didn’t have to go “who do I think Talon looks like?” Or “a mask, well, what kind of mask?” I was just able to read and enjoy the story that Warren laid out for me.

Talon the Slayer by A.A. Warren is pulp science fiction and fantasy at its best. A perfect blend of the heroic fantasy of Robert E. Howard and the galactic fantasy of either George Lucas or a Margaret Weis, Warren introduces the reader to the main character of Talon. Talon is an enslaved gladiator with a mysterious origin who is about to win his freedom after his 100th fight. Only problem: every thing is about to go awry! With swashbuckling action Talon sets forth on a galaxy spanning series of adventures. One of the things I really appreciate is Warren's world building. It was easy for me to see and imagine the universe in which Talon exists. I also loved the nods to other science fiction tropes. Overall, Talon the Slayer is fun! It doesn't bog down on trying to set an agenda or trying to be a " literary " masterpiece. It is a classic style pulp adventure that wants to take the reader along for the ride. I look forward to spending more time on this journey.

Interesting premise, well-written, intriguing characters and excellent worldbuilding, intriguing mysteries and questions that I’d like to see answered, but for a story that’s billing itself as a sci-fi Conan, I wish it was just ten percent grittier.For example (and I don’t think this counts as a spoiler since it’s at the beginning) things kick off with Talon fighting a bunch of other gladiators for his freedom, but they’re all robot gladiators. Much better would have been for him to fight a bunch of other gladiators who had been promised freedom for victory as well, then saluting all the others. It would have underlined his character much better than a bunch of extemporaneous speeches about free will.So more He-Man than Conan. But I can see myself reading the next one.

Talon the Slayer is a character that reminds me of the Marvel heroes in the films we see. Only Talon is what we would call an alien (a lot like Thor). Having said that, the author has created an interesting story that carries the reader along with the hero in a fast way as he tries to unravel the truth of his own history. Along with the hero and his friends we are drawn into the need to fight for survival as obstacle after deadly obstacle interferes and threatens to destroy the main character and his need for truth.

Strap on your battle harness and grab your plasma ax! It's time for major misfortunes and high adventure as Talon traverses the stars! A. A. Warren seems to have created a world just for me. Space Fantasy and Adventure in the vein of Battle Beyond The Stars, Krull and Starcrash thrown into a blender with Conan The Barbarian, Conquest and Deathstalker.What I adore about these stories is the stand-alone nature of Talon's adventures. I can always jump into this universe with each new book and discover new characters and new worlds as Talon is thrust into a new journey. By Orion's Bow! If you adore fun, rollicking science fiction/fantasy, Talon will do you no wrong.

If you like fast action this is for you!The plasma axe is a nice touch too.It looks to be bit of a synthesis with Star Wars-ian, Guardians of the Universe with a bit of Masters of the Universe genres mixed in.The recipe is complete with your rich bastard corporates and sniveling politicos.Ok, it has a few errors but what book doesn't? :)Just DL the thing, check your mind at the door and enjoy, because that's what it's all about!

I have read all 4 books in the Talon saga. Each one left me wanting to get to the next adventure. Talon’s character is engaging and developed. You understand from where he draws his strength and moral compass. He is one of the good guys. I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. As I read the books, I could visualize the scenes, the clothing, the atmosphere, the sensuality, the camaraderie, and especially the fight scenes. Very exciting!

Fun mix of Riddick, Star Wars, Dune and Saturday morning cartoons, Talon the Slayer is a good way to spend a few hours in some mindless escapism.

What can I say? Great characters, Brilliant storyline, twists and turns to keep you guessing, Action by the bucket full, snark humour and did I mention ACTION, this will have you turning pages till the wee small hour's Awesome book highly recommend a must-read, Baz.

Not quite what I expected,but turned out to be a damn good read ! Defo read rest of series.

This was actually a pretty fun book and I am looking forward to the next installments in the series.

I loved it. Good surprises.