Having just read 'Kell's Legend', the first book in Andy Remic's 'Clockwork Vampire Chronicles', I must say, "Bravo!" 'Kell's Legend really delivers.'
Many of the conceits in 'Kell's Legend' seem to have their origins in David Gemmell's classic, 'Legend'. Gemmell, as Remic freely admits, is the man who first inspired him to write, so it is no great wonder that Remic has, ah, appropriated some of Gemmell's ideas for his own use. For instance, in both novels, the hero is an older, axe-wielding warrior who has been called against his will back into combat in order to save his people. Thankfully, this is where the similarities end. While he may use some of Gemmell's stage dressing, Remic's book strongly deviates in it's use and description of both magic and overwhelming violence. And I'm talking violence. Bloody, detailed, gore-filled, "O-my-god I can see blood mist freezing in the air" violence. So be warned.
What "blood oil magick" actually is, or how it works, left somewhat ill-defined in the first book. We do know that blood-oil is a type of "refined" blood which is used to animate a multitude of clockwork creatures magically built of flesh and metal by a twisted group known as 'TheWatchmakers', and gives this multitude its various powers. Somehow, this blood magic animates Kell's axe as well, but again, details here are vague.
The Watchmakers' unnatural creations comprise a horrifying "Army of Iron", which, under the control of General Graal (a great Evil Villain name if ever there was one), is on the march from the northern wastes, and is hoping to use speed and blood-oil magic to swiftly conquer and bleed the land of Falanor to the south before it has time to put up a fight.
Kell is presented to us as an aging champion, still powerful, but slower than he used to be. Plagued by the pain of ancient memories and war-incurred injuries, Kell's anchors in life are his young niece, Nienna, and his legendary war axe, Ilanna, a living weapon of blood-oil magic which has some kind of hold on Kell's soul. Kell wishes to be a kind and doting uncle, and hopes that his niece will never discover the kind of man he was when he was a warrior. However, an attack on Nienna's university by General Graal's undead, clockwork army brings Kell out of retirement, and we are away...
Wonderfully rich in ultraviolent, heroic battles, exotic magic, ancient legend, horrible enemies and a strong plot with strong characters, Kell's Legend is an exciting ride. If too much blood makes you queasy, maybe give it a miss. However, if your taste runs to the books of Joe Abercrombie and epic swords and sorcery, do not miss this, the first book in the series. 4 out of 5 violent and terrifyingly bloody stars.
