I spent ten years researching and writing MYK: PRINCE OF THE VENDS. By living in Europe for 11 years, I had the opportunity to visit many world class museums and study artifacts from that era. If you enjoy good historical fiction based on facts--MYK is your "huckleberry!" In hardback the sage sells for $45.00. It's a bargain as an E-Book!

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling, epic story of second century life in northern Europe. May 21, 2013
By David B. Simmons
Amazon Verified Purchase
History is not my favorite subject, nor is fiction necessarily my favorite style of writing, but the pre-release summary of this historical novel sounded very appealing, capturing my interest. When I realized this is a book the equivalent of just under a thousand pages in mass market paperback I balked, feeling at my slower reading speed I may get bogged down, losing interest along the way. In spite of my reluctance, curiosity won out and I ordered the e-book, and after a few pages into the story I was totally "hooked."

The beauty of "Myk" is the result of two factors; thorough historical research and what the author calls "word pictures" ..... A very artistic, skillful and protracted "story telling" or weaving together the details of life at that time, illustrating the differing cultures of the peoples involved. The first half of the story provides a background of the different tribes and cultures of Europe starting with the industrious and defense minded Vend tribe of the north, followed by the disciplined military Romans from the south and finally the Mongol tribe from the east. We're also introduced to the Druid priests. Characters are presented in their best and worst light; powerful, political, fair-minded, ambitious, skillful, kind, barbaric, sexually perverted, cunning and so on. The author draws the reader in close enough to observe and understand each of them. They are credible characters; after all, they reflect personalities no different from those of today.

But enemy forces are not the only peril the tribes face; famines are not uncommon throughout the region, resulting in frequent inter-tribal raiding for survival as food becomes increasingly scarce. Dreaded communicable diseases often pose a larger threat than the enemies, wiping out major percentages of the tribes. We observe discoveries such as the Vend tribe's burning of black rock (coal) for heat, and inventions such as the centuries perfected composite war bows of the Mongols. We experience the grandeur and horrors of the Roman Colosseums, and the superior horse riding and archery skills of the Mongols. Each society has its strengths, but also its weaknesses.

The second half of the story is the fruit born of the first half's seeds. All the intricate descriptions of the separate personalities, tribes and civilizations now meld into the larger story, and we know and understand each player intimately. We observe the dreadful work of the Druid priest at its ugliest; ritualistic, sadistic and cannibalistic, and their influence over tribal leaders through fear of their non-Christian gods. What truly surprises the reader most, however, is the sudden twist to the story that transpires among the various groups. To tell, or even hint at the details would be to rob the reader of the thrill from the climax of the story.

This book has the making of a true classic which I hope to see in bound format at some point to add to my library. I couldn't help but think of Tolkien's "Trilogy" or Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" while reading; there's a tremendous appeal for the highly descriptive and compelling story presented. The author makes a rather bold statement in the pre-release note of his work: "I assure you the action-packed historically accurate narrative will not disappoint." He keeps his word, and then some.

I've spent considerable time composing this review, as I feel a writing of this quality has earned and deserves a review of equal quality. I'm not certain that's been totally accomplished, so I'll finish with two short statements; "It will not disappoint" and.... Thank you Mr. Zlotnik for this wonderful story.