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The Sun God's Heir is a swashbuckling series, set at the end of the seventeenth century in France, Spain and northern Africa. Slavery is a common plague along the European coast and into this wild time, an ancient Egyptian general armed with dark arts has managed to return and re-embody, intent on recreating the reign of terror he began as Pharaoh. René Gilbert must remember his own lifetime at the feet of Akhenaten to have a chance to defeat Horemheb. A secret sect has waited in Morocco for three thousand years for his arrival.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2014

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Elliott Baker

4 books29 followers

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5 stars
207 (45%)
4 stars
141 (30%)
3 stars
69 (15%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Kevin Bergeron.
Author 6 books4 followers
October 26, 2014
The story opens in seventeenth century France, with two young men, Martin and Rene, and a young woman named Claire, together on a picnic outing in the country. These three young friends, members of the aristocracy, are wonderfully appealing characters who singly and collectively engaged me immediately. Rene is a skilled swordsman who has killed a man and vowed never to kill again. He conceals his worldly experience and aspires to a higher purpose. Martin is introspective and quiet, eager to gain proficiency in swordsmanship and experience in the ways of the world. Along with their genuine friendship and mutual admiration, there is also seems to be a subtle rivalry for the attentions of the vivacious Claire. It’s uncertain whether Claire coquettishly encourages a rivalry, if she is even aware of it. I loved the scenes featuring these three characters, including a masked ball and other shared adventures.

After a duel is fought in defense of Claire’s honor, Rene takes to the sea, and the three characters are separated too soon for me, as I much enjoyed the chemistry, the sweetness and innocence of carefree yet earnest youths, with its undercurrent of simmering sexual tension.

Rene’s adventures and the people he meets on his travels were sufficiently compelling to keep me reading, yet I missed Claire and Martin. The story drifted a bit and lost some of its thrust and focus to swashbuckling action scenes, as Rene confronted and defeated a series of adversaries only loosely connected to the main story. It seemed that some threads in the story were dropped or left untied. I think some of the characters Rene meets are maybe supernatural incarnations of characters he left back in France, but I’m not sure. The ancient pharoah Horemheb, who possesses (and keeps alive) the half dead body of Rene’s enemy Victor, may hold the key to putting it all together, but I don’t know.

The writing throughout the novel is vividly and lyrically descriptive and evocative of the historical period and settings, painstakingly researched and portrayed realistically and convincingly, transporting the reader to the historical time and place. Mr. Baker writes with great flair and style, and his polished prose brims with rare vitality, imagination, and wit, at times soaring to considerable height. The ending hints at a sequel in which Rene will most likely confront the malevolent Horemheb/Victor, and I hope the sequel will provide the resolution I’m looking for.
Profile Image for Andy Peloquin.
Author 70 books990 followers
February 21, 2017
I'm not a huge historical fiction fan, but I'd have to say I enjoyed this book a lot. I almost felt like I was reading The Count of Monte Cristo, but with reincarnation and "soul mates" instead of vengeance.
First off, the characters are well-developed, with interesting personalities that are realistic and easy to identify with. They felt a bit too "optimistic" and "heroic" for the modern world we live in, but what's life without escapism? The story held my interest all the way through to the end. The descriptions of everything—setting, background, clothing, sword fights, etc.—were excellent and drew me in. The character of the Maestro (protagonist's teacher) was particularly interesting.
On the downside, the story is a bit slower than I expected. There are action scenes, but I never felt any heart-pounding terror or the overwhelming emotion at important deaths. The dialogue was a bit too formal, which slowed down the pace of the interactions. I felt the climax was a bit underwhelming considering all the build-up.
But, despite a couple of flaws, the book was overall EXCELLENT. If you like the classics (Three Musketeers, Count of Monte Cristo, etc.), you'll enjoy this one for sure!
Profile Image for Chariss Walker.
Author 79 books741 followers
September 6, 2019
This was an excellent read from start to finish... and I mean that from every aspect including the eye-catching cover, the author's command of the language, and the swashbuckling excitement of the characters. I definitely plan to read the rest of the series. The author often uses metaphysical concepts through the Maestro's teachings to his pupil, Rene, and that is always something I enjoy and find interesting. I recommend this book and feel that any genre reader will find something about it that they love.
Profile Image for Joshua Winters.
39 reviews
January 31, 2017
This is an amazing read. It has a little of everything: action, romance, PIRATES! I'm going to repeat that. IT HAS PIRATES! Every hero needs an epic journey and this is an awesome beginning.

Merged review:

This is an amazing read. It has a little of everything: action, romance, PIRATES! I'm going to repeat that. IT HAS PIRATES! Every hero needs an epic journey and this is an awesome beginning.
670 reviews16 followers
March 29, 2018
A very good historical book that i enjoyed reading. Talk about your different continents in this book. The tale is very well put together, with the plot, charterers, and the events that unfolds in this book. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.
Profile Image for Melinda.
80 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book, for several reasons. It’s historical fiction with a dash of magical realism and that’s right up my alley as that’s a classification my current work could fall under. Additionally and most importantly, I thought it was quite well written. I was engaged from page one. The main characters are complex and interesting enough to hold my attention. There are only a few minor details that stuck in my craw a little bit.
First of all: I wanted to see the main character struggle a little more. Yes he has an internal struggle, but it wasn’t enough for me. He wins literally every single battle he’s engaged in, completely without wounds except to his psyche. No one is that perfect. I’m hoping the character evolves more as the series progresses because otherwise I was sold on him.

But that brings me to the women. Oy. The women. They’re so damn cliche. Stunningly beautiful... but wait! It’s 17th Century France! Let’s surprise everyone and copy every single other book, play, musical, movie and you know, REALITY and make her smart too! Ha-ha! A beautiful woman with intellectual capabilities, no one will see that coming! Ooh! I know, let’s make it even more surprising and give her a skill. But not just any skill. It should be a man-skill because everyone knows women can’t do the same things men can. Let’s make her a sword fighter. Swords are heavy. Women can’t lift heavy things by themselves...

I’d apologize for the sarcasm, but—I’m not sorry. I did really enjoy the book. I think I’ll enjoy the rest of the series despite the ridiculous female characters. I do wonder if I’m the only one bothered by that and how much of the same sort of thing I’m guilty of in my own writing. I suppose I should probably finish the draft and find out. It’s only been 10 years. At least the author of this book was brave enough to take the leap so gasbags like me can complain about cliches. It’s all about perspective, which I sometimes lose. Anyway, I would suggest this series if it falls within your area of interest. Even though parts bothered me, far more of it entertained me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeff Dawson.
Author 23 books98 followers
January 15, 2018
With the first installment finished, I have no idea who the Sun God’s Heir is. Is it the hero, Rene or the villain, Victor? I don’t know and that doesn’t make for a happy reader.

The piece is set in 1600, France. I will credit the author with excellent descriptions of the scenes, placing the reader in the think of it. However, the dialogue drags in the sense that for every sentence, there are three to four to explain their facial features and their inner thoughts about what they just said.

I thought this was going to be an action-packed story. Granted there are multiple duels, piracy on the high seas and a nasty kidnapping. These are exciting but they start taking on the same narrative and are highly predictable.

I started becoming disengaged at chapter 38. The action was over the top and extremely unbelievable.

At times I decided the story was more of a philosophical work for the writer is constantly having Rene remember the words of his Maestro. Reminded me of the television show, “Kung Fu.”
Who will like this? Women! Hands down, women. The pages are laced with feelings and multiple love stories.

At this time, I’m not enticed to read the next book, which is a shame. Such a good premise that fell flat.


Three stars
Profile Image for Deena.
1,385 reviews7 followers
Shelved as 'could-not-even-finish'
December 26, 2017
Pretty sure that whoever wrote the blurb never actually read this. DNF at 23%.

I don't know the word I want to use. I'd like to use "pretentious," but it's not good enough for that. Is there a word for "cheap shit knock off of pretentious"? That'd about cover it, I think.

The characters are cardboard cut-outs, at 23% there's only the faintest hint of the story arc, and we're told everything and shown nothing.
13 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2018
Absolutely loved this book! The characters are well developed both heroes and villains. Rene, Clarissa, Akeefa, the sheik, Victor/Horemhed. Major and minor characters all receive the same care by the author. I got lost in the time of the Spanish Inquisition with these characters. Plenty of action, young love, magic...difficult to put down, feels as though you'll miss something happening if you don't keep reading it's so intense.

Seems to have been extensively researched, human trafficing, pirates, antiSemitism, desert dwellers, their faults and triumphs. Court intrigue as the Sultan of Morocco tries to protect himself from his scheming younger brother. Will he be assassinated so that his brother can take over? Will Rene conquer Horemhed and finally send his soul to eternal rest? How can they possibly be brothers when Horemhed is so patently evil? Travel the mystic pathways with Rene and Akeefa, as they learn to embrace their their past lives while training as warriors in their present life so that they can survive to fulfill their destinies.

Do NOT overlook this series! It's a thrill filled ride to another place and time. Buckle up and enjoy, you won't be able to put it down. I'm already dreading finishing the third book because I don't want to say goodby to these amazing protagonists and antagonists.
Profile Image for Marko.
Author 13 books17 followers
April 14, 2018
Too much historical fantasy and too little historical fiction. I read this almost through, but finally I gave up. The swordfighting scenes make little to no sense from the perspective of actual historical rapier use and the protagonist's fantastical skills have no basis in anything historical. If I had to make a guess, I'd say that the author has read a lot of Remo books and wanted to make a historical character in the same mold (coincidentally the hero here is called René), but he forgot to copy the humour, which forces the reader to try to take the hero seriously and that is completely impossible.

In addition to being an ubermench level swordsmaster, René is also a master diplomatist, excellent seaman and the perfect leader. He strolls through sinister plots and difficulties as if they had never been there in the first place. Even his worst enemy, a reincarnated Egyptian (as is René), is shown to have several weaknesses that make his threat seem insignificant in comparison to René's skills.

At about 70% mark I had to give up.
293 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2018
Great story for a cliffhanger.

This was a great story for a cliffhanger that goes on for several more books. Unfortunately, I haven't the time, interest, or energy to read what appears to be at least three or four more books in this series. If not for that drawback, I would've been happy to finish such a vibrant tale of mystery, magic, and mayhem. My favorite character was "The Maestro." I believe that many of his past lessons have relevance in today's time and society..
Profile Image for Janet Daghri.
39 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2018
This historical fiction is well written, well researched, and exciting to read. The book would likely be more targeted to men who like to read about swashbuckling duels and fights as well as the clear descriptions of sea voyages that include storms as well as European slave Salé Corsairs out of Morocco chasing ships off the coast of North Africa. However, as a woman who doesn't normally read this type of book, I found it fascinating and exciting. Being married to a Moroccan, this history of Morocco and Spain is accurate. There is a little bit of science fiction in the mix with ancient Egyptian Pharoah coming back to life via a 17th century villian. Really fantastic reading! Can't wait to read the next two in the trilogy.
123 reviews
February 3, 2018
Fairly Good but Incomplete

I liked the writing style and plot, but I don't usually like a book ending in a way that's clearly designed to make you read the next one just to get answers. The characters were interesting and the descriptions were well done. The plot was very good. However, the mysticism was puzzling. It was pretty gross, too. There were only a few mistakes in grammar or wording, which is less distracting than in most books.
117 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2018
Wow

This author has captured my attention from media beginning until the end. I look forward to ant novel from this writer. Awesome color detail that makes the mind wander to a place we will possibly never see. It is an action packed novel which you may not be able to put down for any length of time . Thank you to the author for this marvelous journey.
Profile Image for Jon Grafton.
Author 7 books10 followers
August 8, 2018
I'm not usually into historical fiction, but this was an excellent and highly entertaining book about the world of 17th century Mediterranean pirates, soldiers and swordsmen. It also has an intriguing love story twisted throughout it, along with a little hint of fantasy and the supernatural. A great series opener that's fun and visual. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Valerie.
50 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2018
Well researched

I have enjoyed this book very much. It is historically accurate. Maker's characters are well-defined and interesting. I ..love the adventure !card with magical realism and the relationships between the protagonist and other characters. I enjoyed it so much that I rate it 5 stars despite the few editorial errors. Very creative and well-written.
Profile Image for Richard Cowart.
388 reviews
July 21, 2017
Exciting read

This is an excellent read about 17th century European and northern African culture and shipping. When you add in sword fighting and Egyptian mysticism you produce a very compelling read which sucks you into the adventures.
Profile Image for See.
466 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2018
A very good book by Elliott Baker

This book after the first few chapters was non-stop action thru to the end, and you can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what will happen to Rene and Akeefa.
Profile Image for Harry Royster.
105 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2018
Two thumbs up

This book was nothing like I imagined it would be. It was so much better. Every time I thought it to be predictable it pleasantly surprised me. I liked it and so will you.
38 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2018
Good read

Exciting swashbuckler adventure. Story contains very unnecessary ancient throwback mysticism. I almost deducted a star for that but the excellent adventure carried it. Well written, I completely enjoyed.
244 reviews
April 13, 2018
Excellent world

Flashes are all we get of previous lives(?)but the action, adventure on the high seas and mature acceptance grow this story. Based on the synopsis, then the reality, I at first was thinking this was dry, but was sucked in to story. Excellent!
April 17, 2018
Bought the other two as soon as I could

Not too surprising plot wise but very well written and with very good characterization. I was not mixing up people.
Besides, it was a lot of fun.
Do try at least the first one . I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

Profile Image for Ruby Derouen.
33 reviews
April 30, 2018
Very intriguing

This story has you captivated from beginning to end. It leads you from one adventure to another and introduces some very interesting characters along the way. I am anxious to discover the outcome of the characters in the next eerie of this book.
978 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2017
This is a very good read, lots of blood and guts with some women thrown in for a little romance. Sometimes I had a hard time putting it down.
November 19, 2017
Thrilling!!

Can't put it down! It is so captivating, from beginning to end or leaves you wanting more! Can't wait to finish!
February 12, 2018
Book of the sea/pirates

Very good reading, very interesting and exciting. Hard to put down. Enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the remained books.
Profile Image for Pippa P..
Author 2 books1 follower
August 16, 2018
To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. Elliott Baker is a master storyteller, making his readers care about the world that he is describing and about the lives of his characters. His writing was not without a couple of question marks for me, but overall, this book was hard to put down.

In terms of material and themes, Mr Baker’s book reminded me very much of the writings of Katherine Kurtz. The nature of the magic he described with the paths of light and dark continuing from generation to generation through mystical societies were very reminiscent of the type of magic that Katherine Kurtz laid out in her Deryni series, especially the Camber of Culdi trilogy.

The book is the first part of a trilogy, the second book being “Rebirth” and the third, “Redemption”. Set in France in the years under the French monarchy, “Return” begins the story of René Gilbert. He is the son of a wealthy Bordeaux merchant, who has been trained by a master from a very young age in the art of fencing. One learns early in the piece that this training, however, has gone deeper and further than just the blade; it encompasses every part of René’s life and thinking, making him into a deadly weapon. He manages to best his Master and in so doing, earn the right to wear his blade openly. His first act following that is to kill three sailors who try to rob him of the money his father has entrusted to his care. He realises that, although no one blames him, his training was such that he could have found another way to end the fight other than killing and he makes a promise to himself never to wear the sword again and never to kill anyone else with it. His promise puts him in the way of local bully, Victor Gaspard, who cannot withstand the challenge of someone who will not fight him. While René takes every care to avoid him, Victor sets about harassing his friends and ends up killing René’s best friend, Martin, in a duel. René, too late to save his friend, takes up the challenge and ends up mortally wounding François and killing his second, Maurice.

Victor is taken home, where François, his father, begins to plot their revenge against the Gilberts and René in particular. Victor is at death’s door but is approached by the spirit of Horemheb, an ancient enemy of René from a former life, who offers to keep him alive to see the death of his enemy. Victor accepts Horemheb’s offer, despite the cost in pain and having to relinquish control of his body to another.

Despite René’s father’s best efforts to remove his son from harm, René is kidnapped by François’s men and is shipped off to be killed at sea in a most painful execution. However, before that can happen, he manages to win the respect of most of the crew, particularly the man assigned to guard him. When privateers attack, he is freed and by helping to best the pirates, wins his freedom and a deal which allows him to take over the pirates’ ship. And this is the just the beginning of his adventures.

The storyline is complex, weaving in a multitude of threads, but Mr Baker’s hand on the loom is steady and even, and pattern builds chapter by chapter. His descriptions are good, his knowledge of historical situations, particularly seventeenth-century sailing, is expert, and his balance of tension and plot revelations is good. I did find the characters a little bit flat; his good characters are noble and honourable, almost to a fault; his evil characters are so bad that they are unredeemable. However, the main characters are still likeable and their interactions such that I wanted to continue to see what would happen to them and whether they would all get through the crises that faced them.

My only other quibble with the story was a small confusion in the first chapter. I had to go back to reread because the way it was written - a summary of an event with a flashback telling the lead up to it - made me think that history had repeated itself and the main character had come full circle. It was only on the second pass that I realised the author’s intent.

However, this was a very enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to adding books two and three to my to-read pile. I just hope that René can wait that long.
Profile Image for D. Powell.
Author 5 books27 followers
March 18, 2020
The Sun God's Heir: Return (Book One) by Elliott Baker: A classic. Or, it should be. I have read many novels. Of most genres. Now, being mostly Sci-Fi. This novel is difficult to describe because it is so good, from almost every standpoint. Action, adventure, intrigue, more mystery, romance, and prose that ignites the imagination. It comes alive so to speak.
Our protagonist, Rene’ Gilbert, the son of a wealthy French businessman and a family of love, blossoms to a young adult with high education and the tutelage of a master swordsman, ‘The Maestro’.
Rene’s reflection from his training with The Maestro, alone is a book in itself. The profound discourse between master and student whilst fencing was priceless. Perhaps should be passed out to all our military.
Rene becomes a master. From there on things ramp up. Almost unequaled in the art of the sword, his confrontation with pirates, and enemies, will have you cheering and wanting more, and ye shall have it.
All of the above (Action, adventure, intrigue, more mystery, romance) is true and more. You will love this book and ready to purchase its sequel.
I purchased the hard cover & the e-book. Never have I done that before.
Profile Image for H.M. Holten.
Author 4 books50 followers
October 11, 2020
The Ultimate Swashbuckler
The Sun God’s Heir has everything – ladies in distress, pirates, a proverbial wonder-woman, evil villains, heroes, comrades, magic, Egyptian mysteries, Pharaohs – and sailing ships (Windjammers). A case of less is more.
All in all, there were positive passages and well-developed characters. I’m in no doubt that Mr Baker had a whale of a time putting this tale together, and he has managed to give it some basis in the fifteenth-century reality. The sea fights are superb. The educational sword fights between the protagonist René Gilbert and his master, the Maestro are interesting and reminded me of certain passages in books by Rafael Sabatini. On the other hand, the use of metaphysical lucid dreams came across as a bit heavy-handed.
In my opinion, the use of French phrases like ‘S’il Vous plaît’ and ‘merci’ became repetitive. The triangle between René and the two heroines established the need for more books in the series, as did the reincarnated supervillain. The use of a hook at the end of the book always leaves me with a feeling of being cheated, but it seems to be the trend these days. No doubt, Mr Baker knows his metier.
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