Son of the Black Sword

I don't read a lot of fantasy, leaning more towards SF and crime fiction. However, I had been eyeing [b:Son of the Black Sword 25110977 Son of the Black Sword (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, #1) Larry Correia https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427260371s/25110977.jpg 44804710] as I had heard some good things about it. So, when my book club picked it as a monthly read, I decided to give it a go. I am glad I did; Larry Correia has written one kick-ass book. I quite enjoyed it.This is epic fantasy, but not the Euro-centric epic fantasy that is the norm. It has more Indian and African influence with perhaps a taste of Japanese culture thrown in. It is dark, and it is very violent. The level of violence reminded me of Joe Abercrombie's [b:The Blade Itself 944073 The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1) Joe Abercrombie https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1284167912s/944073.jpg 929009].The main protagonist Ashok, a Protector, is a magically enhanced fighting machine. Using his ancestral black sword, Angruvada, he defeats demons and takes on entire armies of ordinary men. His implacable devotion to and merciless application of The Law has earned him the name Black Heart.Ashok's world is turned upside down when he learns a terrible truth. The perfect “Protector” that carries out orders without question has his life set on a different course.I won't get into details as that would involve spoilers. But, I'll just say that Larry Correia has created a world full of wonders. Demons, warriors, magic, shape-shifters, assassins, prophets, inquisitors, and ordinary people high and low all make their appearance. Action abounds and the plot twists under Correia's skillful writing. What's not to like?