What is mankind to do when demons are walking the world? Religion offers an answer, in the form of genetically engineered super soldiers. Can these stalwart warriors push back the armies of hell? Or is it too little too late?
Humanity’s Haven is the first book in The Grey Templars series. Written by Anthony Condos, this book follows Captain Donis, leader of a Templar unit, as he faces threats from enemies both external and within. He is not alone, as he has a handful of loyal Templars along for the ride, as well as some human allies.
All this is set upon a quasi-post apocalyptic backdrop which incorporates supernatural and sci-fi elements. On the cusp of World War III, humanity suddenly finds itself assailed by demonic powers. As nations crumble religion steps into the new power structures. After discovering a way to fight back against the paranormal, they use their resources to produce forces of enhanced humans to battle the otherworldly foes. Be they supernatural, or even extraterrestrial.
What unfolds is an action movie inspired tale which sees Donis confronting his past, examining his humanity, and ultimately facing the earth shattering powers of hell. We are taken from vampire plagued city streets to space battles against alien fleets, as well as into the darkness inside humanity, as a vast world unfolds before us.
Anthony obviously has a lot of ideas, and a lot of enthusiasm, which he throws wholeheartedly into this book. The main segments of the story revolve around combat situations, which are delivered in an almost action movie like fashion. A lot of time is spent explaining characters movements and effects, which does a lot to highlight the physicality and brutality of this world.
There is also a fascinating approach to world building, as Anthony incorporates a wide array of sources and meshes them together into a single thread. Infantry soldiers engage in a battle with demonic creatures, or an alien assassin faces off against power hungry necromancers. These over the top fantastical set pieces are offset by explorations of the mundane lives of people who dwell within this chaotic place.
In some instances the enthusiasm of Anthony’s writing is tempered somewhat by the inelegance of its execution. Some scenes are overly complex and not adequately explained, making the action muddled or hard to follow. There could also stand to be more attention payed to describing the environments or locations, as it is difficult to fathom the scope or size of some of the locations.
Not to mention some of the characters bleed together. Particularly the Templars who, apart from a couple of key characters, all feel like the same hulking uber-macho super soldier archetype. Which is a shame, because it feels like there is a great way to create individuality and tension in these characters thanks to their inbuilt association with particular animals.
It’s also worth pointing out that the idea of genetically altered super soldiers fighting supernatural and extraterrestrial threats, while using an array of fantastical technologically advanced weaponry couple with religion-inspired mysticism, won’t be a new idea to some. Especially those familiar with settings like Warhammer 40,000. On that front some of the ideas may feel like a retread.
Being the first book written by Anthony, and absent of professional editors, the book can be a little confusing or meandering on occasion. Even so, Anthony should be congratulated for Humanity’s Haven, especially because it is self published. It’s easy to see a genuine love of writing and creating which infuses every page.
And while the writing can be rough in some places, it’s this passion which provides the support to keep the narrative going and the reader engaged. Which is the important thing, I think. From that standpoint Anthony has done a great job of setting himself up for not only future books, but learning and improving going forward. So I can’t wait to see what his next novel offers.
The Grey Templars: Humanity’s Haven is available now in digital or print from Smashwords, ibooks, Kobo, Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
