Book Review: Red Sonja vol #1

Book: Red Sonja volume #1 Queen of Plagues (issues #1-6) by Gail Simone with illustrations by Walter Geovani

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication:  March 4, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This may have started out a little slow but once it got past that it became a non-stop action packed exciting story that showed you why Red Sonja should be feared.

Initially, I thought Gail Simone had created a rare dud or stinker because it didn't start out very good. But I'm glad I didn't stop reading this because it's a wonderful take on the legendary warrior. This first group of stories show who she is and what motivates her. In a flashback scene the reader saw Sonja starting out as the daughter of a farmer who wasn't quite ready for hunting with her father and brothers. But if it wasn't for a group of murders and marauders laying siege to her village and killing everyone (including her family). Then Red Sonja would not have been created.

The story opens with a flashback scene of King Dimath freeing two prisoners who were once made to fight for the amusement of the once now fleeing King Bazrat, one of the prisoners was Red Sonja.

From there the reader is moved to the present, were Red Sonja while sleeping is about to be robbed by three bandits. The funny thing is she told them to take the food and gold if there was any but just don't touch her sword or her. But of course, some jerk didn't want to heed her advice and ended up paying for with his life as well as a second bandit. Not only did they not listen to her they also tried to killer two teenage girls who claim to be trying to protect Sonja as they were sent by King Dimath to be her bodyguards. They also tell her the King needs to speak with her.

After sparing the third guy's life she set off with the two teens to the castle to speak with King Dimath. He was in dire need of her help, his kingdom was being attacked. He needed her help with training what remains of his people against the fast approaching Zamorans.

Once they arrive, the Zamorans were being lead by Dark Annisia, who was the other prisoner that was freed by King Dimath (in the beginning of the story). As the two sides fight, Sonja is trying to stop Annisia but she notices that there is something not quite stable about Annisia.

In the end, the King is dead and Sonja is banished from the city. But that's only just the beginning. I truly don't want to spoil the rest. This was a well written re-take on Red Sonja, it's a good mix of drama and action but there is also humor infused in this. I also thought the artwork was really good, it was full of color and action.

This was a really good read.