Lich by Doug Ward
Title: Lich
Author: Doug Ward
Genre: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Available: Amazon
About the Book
A lich is an undead magic user who, through the use of various spells and components, transforms itself into an undead creature. This gives it a semblance of immortality. These creatures are very powerful and evil.
This book will introduce you to one such being. Baron Marasmus Ebendoom and his twisted goblin Skum are building an army of undead. The two plan to harvest the peaceful villagers from the hamlet of Springdale to fatten up their horde.
Sadly, Springdale’s local mage is away. The only one left to stop this horrifying menace is an inexperienced, young wizard named Den. He and a group of misfit adventurers will battle the undead and monsters alike as they gather the magic items they will need to defeat their foe.
Review
Lich is a fantasy novel and the first book in The War of the Stone series. Taking place in an alternate world, primarily in the hamlet of Springdale, the story follows Den, the apprentice to the wizard Finnious, the town’s local mage. After Den is attacked by a wandering skeleton, Finnious discovers that the necromancer Marasmus has taken up residence in a nearby tower. However, since Finnious is already on his way out to help an ally with some other crisis, he puts Den in charge of getting rid of the foul mage, unaware that Marasmus has recently become a lich. To rid the town of this threat, Den must overcome self doubt in his own abilities and forms a team to take Marasmus down.
Lich is a fun fantasy filled with magic, peril, and adventure. Den is inexperience and lacks confidence in himself, uncertain that he is up for the task of taking on a necromancer. The other adventurers he encounters are all unique. The retired female warrior turned tavern owner Bronwynn becomes his greatest ally, along wth a thief named Pinch, a knight named Hank, and a dwarf named Scree. All three of his new friends have different motivations for helping Den. Marasmus himself is power-hungry, seeking to gain immortally and ultimate control over life and death. Even Marasmus’ goblin servant Skum has interesting goals and motivations.
Overall, Lich is a fun, entertaining, and well-written story. The tale reads very similar to a Dungeons and Dragons adventure, which adds to its charm. Fans of fantasy and D&D will enjoy this book and will be looking forward to future installments.
About the Author
Doug Ward currently lives in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Slippery Rock University. He has a BFA is in Fine Art and spends much of his time doing oil paintings, which incorporate mythology and science, and writing.
If you want to get in touch, you can find him at Twitter @authordougward, or check out his fan page at https://www.facebook.com/wardswoods/.
