tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115664102024-03-07T23:22:18.725-05:00HARBINGER OF DOOM - The Official Blog of Author Glenn G. ThaterPLEASE VISIT MY NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.GLENNGTHATER.COM
This website contains free writing samples of my work (short stories, etc.), links to my Amazon.com and Smashwords.com book pages, sample reader reviews, and descriptions of my books. Feel free to leave comments/questions below each post/story. Please become a "Fan" by clicking on the box on the sidebar - a writer can never have too many fans!Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-11874236629196164002009-11-24T22:37:00.000-05:002009-11-24T22:37:34.002-05:00Glenn G. Thater's new Official WebsitePlease visit my new website at <a href="http://www.glenngthater.com/">http://www.glenngthater.com/</a>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-3526601288393317462009-10-24T11:05:00.001-04:002009-10-24T11:08:39.588-04:00Knight Eternal - Sword and Sorcery by Glenn G. Thater Now Available on Amazon.com in Paperback and Kindle<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Knight Eternal</strong></span>, the exciting sequel to <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Doom-Glenn-G-Thater/dp/143821443X">Harbinger of Doom</a></strong> is now available on Amazon.com in paperback </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Eternal-Mr-Glenn-Thater/dp/1449509452"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Knight Eternal - paperback)</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and kindle formats - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Eternal-Harbinger-of-Doom/dp/B002TG4NN8"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">K</span></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Eternal-Harbinger-of-Doom/dp/B002TG4NN8"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">night Eternal - Kindle</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In <strong>Knight Eternal</strong>, Glenn G. Thater transports us to an age of high adventure where knights battle supernatural creatures, political intrigues abound, ancient fiends lurk in the mist, and the line between good and evil is all too thin. This next volume in the epic Harbinger of Doom series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">KNIGHT ETERNAL</span></strong> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lord Angle Theta, Claradon Eotrus, and Ob the gnome battle fanatical monks, deadly bounty hunters, and otherworldly fiends whose merest touch is death, in their relentless pursuit of Korrgonn, Lord of Chaos. Meanwhile, Korrgonn stops at nothing to acquire the fabled Orb of Wisdom, that ancient talisman that can return Azathoth and his kingdom to Midgaard. But the fate of the world turns when Claradon faces DeBoors, the ancient sword-master who has sworn to slay him.</span>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-10568880476311009292009-10-18T15:38:00.001-04:002009-10-18T15:40:06.180-04:00Knight Eternal - available from Smashwords and CreateSpace<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Knight Eternal</strong></span>, the exciting sequel to Harbinger of Doom is now available in multiple electronic formats from Smashwords.com <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/glenngthater">https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/glenngthater</a>and in trade paperback format from CreateSpace at <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3399280">https://www.createspace.com/3399280</a>. Within the next week or so the trade paperback version and a kindle eBook reader format will be available on Amazon.com.<br />
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</div>In Knight Eternal, Glenn G. Thater transports us to an age of high adventure where knights battle supernatural creatures, political intrigues abound, ancient fiends lurk in the mist, and the line between good and evil is all too thin. This next volume in the epic Harbinger of Doom series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>KNIGHT ETERNAL </strong><br />
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Lord Angle Theta, Claradon Eotrus, and Ob the gnome battle fanatical monks, deadly bounty hunters, and otherworldly fiends whose merest touch is death, in their relentless pursuit of Korrgonn, Lord of Chaos. Meanwhile, Korrgonn stops at nothing to acquire the fabled Orb of Wisdom, that ancient talisman that can return Azathoth and his kingdom to Midgaard. But the fate of the world turns when Claradon faces DeBoors, the ancient sword-master who has sworn to slay him.Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-17657782994397847612009-03-24T19:37:00.003-04:002009-03-24T19:40:13.159-04:00Sword & Sorcery blockbuster, 'The Gateway' on sale for .99 cents<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9dfuxDTOjIRM9NZLKdVdOq2P6bL3jxlnClq7aVGAAz1bd5G0dL7h3l09lcSNxK-__zfGBYOnaE8sGG7LdDtQP-vaIMt-iT1ux6C5Z9EFzQCJhDszL-XN3LYTmpwEuCOpWgKc/s1600-h/gateway.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316903069629470658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9dfuxDTOjIRM9NZLKdVdOq2P6bL3jxlnClq7aVGAAz1bd5G0dL7h3l09lcSNxK-__zfGBYOnaE8sGG7LdDtQP-vaIMt-iT1ux6C5Z9EFzQCJhDszL-XN3LYTmpwEuCOpWgKc/s400/gateway.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For a limited time, Glenn G. Thater's sword & sorcery book, 'The Gateway' (kindle version) is on sale on Amazon.com for a mere .99 cents! Here's the link: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c43j88">http://tinyurl.com/c43j88</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>'The Gateway' is the first story in the Harbinger of Doom saga by Glenn G. Thater. 'The Fallen Angle' picks up where The Gateway leaves off and continues the epic tale. The Gateway and The Fallen Angle are available in Kindle versions on Amazon.com. The novel entitled 'Harbinger of Doom' combines these two stories (The Gateway and The Fallen Angle) into a single volume, and is available in Trade Paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.com.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">THE GATEWAY</span></strong></div><br /><div></div><div>When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing outré demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus takes up the mantle of his noble house to avenge his father and hold back the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Claradon recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge. </div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-644630971397176002008-12-07T12:15:00.008-05:002009-02-22T16:11:00.359-05:00What Readers are Saying about Harbinger of Doom by Glenn G. Thater<div align="justify">Back Cover blurb (summary of reader reviews below):<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In Harbinger of Doom, Glenn G. Thater transports you to a time of legendary heroes, spectacular duels, courtly intrigue, otherworldly evils, and ancient forbidden magics. This first volume in an epic series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him against the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge. But Claradon has bought far more than he’s bargained for, when his comrade Ob discovers the terrifying secret of Angle Theta. A secret so horrifying as to shatter a man's mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Sample Reader Reviews:<br /></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">--- Glenn Thater's "Harbinger of Doom", set in a world of men, gnomes, elves, and wizards, asks a tough question: what if we've got it all wrong? What if the God we follow turned bad, and the one we call the Devil is really a maligned angel on a quest to rid the world of evil? So goes Thater's tale, and he tells it in a voice as pretentious as Tolkein's. His world is called Midgaard, its capital called Lomion. Thater populates Midgaard with knights, a young-man-turned-king, a belligerent gnome, a couple scardey-cat wizards, Sir Gabriel, and Lord Angle Theta, the Harbinger of Doom. ...what fascinated me was the clever idea that Azathoth/Odin/God's heart turned black, and the one we know as the Bogeyman is really the one who is trying to save us. What a twist, and what an imagination!<br />--- Dennis Batchelder, Author of Soul Identity<br />(Reposted from Goodreads.com)<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">--- Storytelling is an ancient and sacred tradition, and as an avid reader and author, I recognize right away when an author has penned something truly great. Harbinger of Doom is such a story, and Glenn G. Thater is such an author. This is a fantasy novel about events, people, and places that are most ancient and highly colorful. Mr. Thater's writing style suits this time-honored genre to perfection. Harbinger of Doom is flawless storytelling about an ancient time where good people are threatened by an unspeakable evil. This is a time of brave knights, skilled wizards and sorcery, dark spells, and all manner of curious creatures. An evil so malevolent that it breaks all bounds of sanity befalls a good people. They must summon the courage and strength, and forge uneasy alliances to face a foe immensely terrifying and strong, one that is not of this world, and should they fail, all will truly be lost. There are scenes so frightening, I would caution younger readers, and after reading them, I thought twice about going to sleep right away. The story verily delivers the armies of hell and pulls no punches in describing the horror of war that must be waged between the forces of good and evil.<br />Harbinger of Doom is a tale of ancient myths and legends, and is populated by one of the most intriguing, diverse, interesting, and entertaining cast of characters in memory. Chief amongst these is the enigmatic and deeply mysterious Lord Angle Theta. This story is graced with sharp, clever, highly sophisticated writing peppered with humorous moments. Its scope is vast; its lessons eternal, and you will recognize parallels to many other well-known legends, even those biblical. To quote some excerpts from the story: "The stories of many religions oft have a common basis...there is some kernel of truth contained...Though the truth may be twisted by the tellers." Harbinger of Doom has all the hallmarks of such a story, it is as good as any fantasy tale you will read, it honors the tradition, and adds to our lore a story so good, so well told, I hope it will be remembered forever. In fact, if there came a day when all the great storytellers of the ages would be called to be seated at the same table, I would shout out that Glenn G. Thater be granted a place for this novel. Harbinger of Doom is fantasy most excellent and is a story for the ages...<br />-- Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- I'm not normally a fan of stories of knights and sorcery, but Harbinger of Doom blew me away. Glen G. Thater has an uncanny way of writing in an ancient prose that matches the period. His vivid description of all the characters allows the reader to vision them in their minds. The author paints each scene and battle so clearly that I felt I was in the middle of the action. Curious ideas were brought about regarding our present day thoughts of Good vs Evil as opposed to earlier days. I'm still in a trance attempting to unravel the mysterious revelations in the final pages. I will not give it away, so buy this book and decide for yourself. Do we have Good and Evil reversed?<br />--- Mike Monahan, Author of Barracuda<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">--- An amazing tale of swords, sorcerers, and more!...In the foreword, Thater has introduced the legend of Angle Theta. He is a character that has been cited in a number of ancient writings, and is the stuff legends are made of. ... Thater's writing has you in the heat of the battle, and leaves you wanting more of this epic story. ...[Angle Theta] reminds me a little of Moorcock's Lord Elric of Melnibone, who struggles with issues in the fight of good and evil. Cannot wait to read more of this saga from Glenn G. Thater. For those of us who love to read of demons and dragons, knights in armor and legends of long ago.<br />--- "Ellen in Atlanta", Amazon Top 500 Reviewer<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- …now I have something I can reread over and over again. Harbinger of Doom has just shattered everything I knew of the epic fantasy realm and created a sub genre all of its own. With a masterful craft of writing with sly wit you are pulled into an epic tale of dark portions. If you are like me, you will scream at the book, and several characters in certain parts as they become like kin folk. The characters own the pages, the story never disappoints, and thank God for this author! In addition, if you are a Brian Lumley fan, I would suggest you give this book a try. A must for fantasy fans!<br />--- "PoetryLover"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- I find Mr. Thater's book, Harbinger of Doom, to be an excellent foray into dark story adventure, … good story, good action. Excellent flow of the story line to hold the attention. Overall very well done.<br />--- Jacamo Peterson, Author of "A Hard Place: A Sergeant's Tale"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- At its core, Harbinger of Doom is a story of heroes and villains and explores the nature of good and evil, of religion and even politics. But this is no four color comic book world, it's a land where the good guys can die, and where it's not always clear who is the hero and who is the villain....<br />--- "P. Martucci"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- This is a complex but highly entertaining swords and sorcery story, reminiscent of the pulp novels of Robert E. Howard, but with more depth and undercurrents to the plot. Thater's character `Lord Angle Theta' is an almost larger than life hero like Howard's Conan or Kull. And although he's perhaps their equal in brawn, he's far their better in brains. The other characters are all memorable and interesting, especially the grumpy gnome called Ob….<br />--- "Fantasy Fan"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- Harbinger of Doom by Glenn Thater is what this genre of literature is all about!...I truly did not put the book down!<br />--- “Greg M.”<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- Who can resisit a good sword and sorcery book? Not me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harbinger of Doom. It plunges you into a magic fog right at the start, and the action never stops! Fast-paced and exciting, it's a page turner. The characters are interesting folk. I loved the twist of the weak-kneed wizard, and the gnome was highly entertaining. I also smiled at the references a true sci-fi fan would appreciate. Clever nods to Dr. Who and Star Trek, to name but two! There are dark secrets and many mysteries in this tale of good vs. evil. I hope it continues!<br />--- “Susan Jane”<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- …It took me by surprise because I had never heard of this author and was blown away by how exciting this story and the characters were from the get go. I literally could not put this book down once I started reading it. ...It has all the adventure and excitement of the Star Wars Saga but set in a different world of endless time.<br />--- "Mythical Books Aficionado"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- …Thater takes his fantasy and places it inside your brain. I wasn't reading a book, I was standing in the middle of the action, looking to pick up a sword and jump in…<br />--- "George T"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)<br /><br />--- My New Favorite Book. Ok, that's saying a lot, but this book is just that good. The author doesn't just spit out a story here - he's crafted every line and word - there's a rhythm to the way it reads; both the exposition and the dialog. It draws you in; providing a more immersive experience than you'd expect in fantasy fiction. The depth of the world, and the complexity of the characters, and an underlying ambiguity as to who's really the hero and who's really the villain make this story a true standout. I liked it so much, I actually read it twice - and found that on the second read I picked up all sorts of subtleties and nuances that I'd missed on the first go round.<br />--- "Connie Brady"<br />(Reposted from Amazon.com)</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-80381736229321451862008-07-19T22:35:00.005-04:002009-11-07T23:22:05.466-05:00THE DEMON KING OF BERGHER<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">THE DEMON KING OF BERGHER</span><br />
</strong>By<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Glenn G. Thater</span><br />
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</div><div align="justify">We never knew how it had gotten in. The drawbridge was up, the portcullis down, the guards all alert at their posts along the wall, the stout oak and ironbound door of the keep locked and barred securely for the night. The doors to our chambers were closed and locked and guarded by picked men as always and ever. The windows were secured against the night air. Yet this fiend from the depths gained entry through all with nary a sound and no call to alarm.<br />
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In my slumber I heard not a sound, not a creak of a floorboard, not a rustle of the drapery, not a squeak of a door - which makes little sense since I am the lightest of sleepers. My senses, that of a warrior, borne and honed of olden times have ever served me well in the cities, in the wild, and on endless campaigns. But this night they failed me. <br />
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My first awareness that something was awry was the smell. Would that I could say that it was some horrid barrow stench of death, some vile putrescence of the pit that could boil a good man's blood and send his soul screaming to the heavens. But no, to my shame the pungent odor was pleasant, even appealing. It called to you. It made you to draw near to take it in, luring you forward, beckoning you forth to savor it - dear gods – even to consume it! What madness! That a demon from the ninth hell, some ghastly ghoul of darkest nightmare could cast such a spell upon me and my lands! <br />
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I sprang from my bed, my beloved Lady fair tossing fitfully beside me. And there the creature stood - at the foot of my bed - in all its graven horror, borne of the old world, its time long past before the very birth of mankind. It had a shape akin to a tall broad man. Cloaked in robes of red and cloth of gold, the demon stood almost a regal figure. But its face! Dear gods, when I looked upon its face my mind near shattered. My sanity crushed. For a moment I knew not who or where I was. The only shred of sanity I could cling to as I gazed into those demoniac eyes was that I must protect my true love from this monster, this fiend out of hell. I cannot begin to describe the beast's features though they be etched into my mind's eye for all my days - save to say they were rigid and stoney, without life or warmth or any semblance of humanity.<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Its face frozen forever in some monstrous grin as if its very head were carven from a block of stone and painted to resemble a living man! And atop its head – a crown of gold! <br />
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This surely was the prince of hell himself, come up from the depths to rend my immortal soul and feast upon my mortal body. It spoke not a word, standing as a statue in all its evil glory. It merely extended its hands - a wooden aspect did they too have - holding forth some token of its dark power - some forbidden fruit that if touched would condemn a goodly man's soul to the depths for all eternity.<br />
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But I would not go lightly unto my doom. I would defend my love and my life and my clan and the good people of Bergher until my dying breath against this outré thing and the evil it represented. I grabbed my ancestral sword from beside the bed and leaped at thing screaming the ancient war cry of Clan McDonald as I struck my blow. Before my blade struck home, the demon king leaped aside with greater speed and agility than any mortal could possess. In the blink of an eye it was at and through the window – crashing through the glass and plunging into the night. I raced to the sill and leaned out – but no broken figure lay far below on the stony walk. No blood, no trail or trace of its passing. The Demon King of Bergher as it came to be called had vanished, no doubt only to return and plague us on other cold hungry nights. But the fiend had left its evil gift. Fallen to the floor in its escape was a strange object that looked of bread and meat. I leaned down before it and knew that from this thing had come that strange alluring odor, what I can only describe as akin to fresh beef broiled to perfection over an open fire. Fearing it was death to even touch the thing, I called Brother Donnelin to my chambers who sprinkled holy water upon this deadly artifact. We burned and buried it in the dark wood the following morn and swore to never speak of it again.<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">END<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Author's Note</strong>: Well, do you get it? (Who is the Demon King of Bergher?) Leave a comment and let me know!<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Like many of my works of short fiction, I wrote 'The Demon King of Bergher' on my PDA in 35 minutes or so while on a train one morning. This one took a second draft to polish up. I hope that you enjoyed it. Most of my fantasy is darker and more serious than this, but this story gives you at least some small flavor of my writing style. <br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I have several works in print, available on Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle versions) and Mobipocket. I hope that you'll check them out. <br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Mr. Thater's books can be purchased from Amazon.com. Mr. Thater's Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of his books can be accessed here:<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a><br />
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If you're outside the United States and can't purchase from Amazon.com (or if you just don't want to purchase from Amazon), you can purchase Mr. Thater's Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition):<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712" href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition): <br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167" href="http://www.createspace.com/3342167">http://www.createspace.com/3342167</a><br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-86388509068254993302008-07-19T22:11:00.005-04:002009-11-07T23:27:26.362-05:00The Keeblear Horror<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">THE KEEBLEAR HORROR</span></strong><br />
by<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Glenn G. Thater</strong></span><br />
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<br />
I crept in undetected. Trained by an old master in the arts of combat, stealth and tracking, I was the one man in the village who could enter unseen here and do what must be done. My heart was racing, the blood pounding in my ears. One false move, one kicked stone or a single crunched leaf and they’d hear me and I’d be done for. The foul demon spawn would be on me in an instant - rending and tearing with their vile unholy claws. No man deserves such a death, especially not an honest and god-fearing man as me. But I have to do this thing. I have to protect my village. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><a name='more'></a><br />
These horrors out of hell arrived nary one month ago though it seems an eternity. Where they came from - whether conjured by some mad wizard or sent as a vile curse against our small town - no man can say. Perhaps they burrowed up from some eerie subterranean depths or mayhaps they rode down upon a star cast from the heavens by the lord himself. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
All we can say for sure is that one month ago they arrived and overran the foreboding hill beyond the old cemetery. Digging their warrens deep into the earth in the dark of night they hid from the eyes of man and god and the cleansing rays of blessed sunlight. They crafted some unholy laboratory within those unseen depths and hidden within they concocted some dark elixer, some plague of evil never before known in the world of man. These dark fiends sought not to do battle with us or to tempt us and steal our immortal souls as any honest demon would. Instead they strove to take us unawares by foul poison – a coward’s weapon. This evil I could not suffer, even if moving against them would cost me my very life. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
Each morning, when the goodly townsfolk would emerge from their homes, they - one and all - whether owner of a rickety hovel on Broad Street or a mansion on Long Hill Way, they would find the same malefic meal neatly arranged on their doorstep. A silky brown poison created in some dark demoniac cauldron spread upon some alluring confection on each and every doorstep.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
What could be their mind but for some hungry child to step out to play and snatch it up or some foolish adult to do the same. These fiends sought to slay us all on our very porches. To cloak their treachery, they formulated a devil's cake that did no harm to animals - for when family pets or a hungry squirrel or raccoon or other such creature partook of the deadly feast it did them no grievous harm.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I was not to be fooled though - for I knew the minds of these monsters of old. Legends stretching back to the farthest memories, to the most ancient tales of our people tell of these creatures of chaos skulking into homes at night and stealing babes from their cribs and replacing them with the malformed fruit of their own evil loins. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
And so a warrior was needed to skulk about in the night and creep unseen into their unnatural tunnels beneath Cemetery Hill to mark these minions of chaos and put an end to their unholy reign of terror. That warrior is I! I will do this thing.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
As I lay here in wait on a ledge overlooking their main cavern I watch them go about their evil deeds and hear them chattering with their high-pitched little voices. Within the cavern the hellions work all sorts of blasphemous machines spewing smoke and steam and making queer sounds. The heat within the place is oppressive as huge ovens all afire line one wall. No doubt within do they plan to cook us after we succumb to their poisonous treachery<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I watched as they poured their demonic soupy mix onto big metal trays and slid them into huge ovens to be baked. They pulled other trays brimming with the finished products – cakes, cookies, and confections of all manner and description – from other ovens. Sprinkled within some were dark blots of their foul brown poison - which was a liquid when heated but quickly solidified to a hardened substance when cooled. The smell of their evil confections was pleasant and sweet. These demon treats had an allure to them - both to the eyes and the nose. They drew one in. But that was their evil magic, was it not?<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
From out of the shadows, stepped their leader. A bespeckled graybeard with a pointy hat. It directed its minions and urged on their madness whipping them into a demoniac frenzy. I knew then that it was time to make my move. Though it would mean my very life it would be worth it to safeguard all I hold dear. In days to come, my name would be remembered with honor and my tale would long be told. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I leaped down from ledge, sword in hand, and landed heavily before the demon king itself. The creature started and jumped back, a look of shock upon its face, before quickly composing itself. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Hello!” it said, with a smile and pleasant tone that disarmed me and stayed my hand. “Have you come for more cookies? We’ve just finished a new batch. We’ve got chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin all still warm and chewy. I recommend the chocolate chip, but the oatmeal is excellent too.” <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
This fiend can’t fool me. “I've come to put this blasphemy to an end.” I raised my sword anew.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
The monster looked confused. I saw from the corners of my eyes that its diminutive minions began to flood the chamber emerging from hidey holes in all directions. Many held strange weapons that at quick glance looked akin to forks and spatulas and rolling pins. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Be calm, sir,” said the king. “Please lower your weapon. We’ll give you all the cookies you want. They are free to all goodly folk. No threats are needed. Please don’t hurt us.”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“I don’t want your stinking devil cookies! I want you gone from here. Leave our town and plague us no more. Swear it or I’ll cut you down where you stand.”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
The old king cringed and cowered in fear. Tears formed in its eyes. “Please, please, sir. Do not hurt us. There are no foes for you to fight here. We are but simple bakers come to share our treats with the good folk of Keeblear Town.”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
Just bakers? “You’re gnomes or elves or some such.” <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Yes, we’re elves, of course. We travel from town to town, baking cookies and cakes for human folk like you. That is what we do. Please, put down your sword,” he said, a tear streaming down his face.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I looked around. The other elves all looked concerned or frightened. Several were crying, as children. I lowered my sword and no sooner had I done so than around me the little elves took up a merry song and went on about their baking. The old elf king smiled and wiped away his tears. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Good. Now that that’s settled, please sit with me. We’re all friends here, or I hope we can be.”<br />
</div><div align="justify">Two elves pulled up a stool, and others brought out a fine selection of cakes and tarts and cookies. Another brought a pot of tea and cups for me and the king. The elf king used a handkerchief to dry his face and blow his nose, still recovering from the fright I had given him. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Please sir, help yourself and be merry.” The old elf poured himself a cup of tea and sampled a cream puff. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I tried a shortbread cookie, but didn’t care much for it, only taking a small bite. I smiled politely so as to not insult the old elf. Next I tried a chocolate chip cookie as he called it. It was quite wonderful, in fact, perhaps the best cookie I had ever tasted. As I raised the teacup to my lips to wash down the cookie, strangely, my vision blurred, grew dark, and I felt myself falling. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I awoke flat on my back.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
What happened? I blinked to clear my fuzzy vision. I feel so weak. I can’t move right. I feel…wet and hot?<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Ah, dear boy,” said the elf king. “You’ve decided to rejoin us at last. For a while I feared that you’d never awake. That wouldn’t do at all.”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“What happened?” I asked.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“You ate one of our cookies, dear boy, and fell asleep,” said the elf king, his voice caring and comforting.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“To sleep?” I said, my head still foggy. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Yes, to sleep, of course,” said the elf king. “It would have been quite a bother to the get you on the tray had you not been fast asleep.” <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“Tray? What do you mean?” I felt as if I were bound down, at chest, arms, wrists, and legs, and it felt as if the ground were moving.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“What are you doing!?” I cried, still trying to clear my head and vision. “What madness is this?”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
“No madness, dear boy,” said the elf king. “We’re just rolling you to an oven for baking. We need more treats to munch on as we bake our next batch of cookies. We waited until you were awake, as is our custom. We do so want to hear you scream.”<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
What!? I blinked furiously until I could see straight and lifted my head. I looked about in horror and disbelief. Not far away, I saw old Thom the cobbler strapped down to a huge metal baking tray that sat atop a wheeled cart. They had him covered in their liquid chocolate. Thom’s face contorted in horror and poured with sweat. His mouth was moving, but only gibberish came out. A group of elves wheeled his cart up to a great oven, carefully opened the door, shielding themselves from the flames that briefly erupted outward, and with a concerted shove - slid Thom’s tray straight in - Thom screaming as they slammed the big metal door shut.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
My cart came to halt, banging into an oven door. I felt the heat rolling off of it before they even opened the door. Oh, dear god, no! This can’t be happening. “Please, please don’t do this,” I begged. “Please don’t kill me.” They pulled open the oven door and heat beyond imagining poured over my feet. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
The old elf king leaned over the cart. “Don’t forget to scream,” it said with an evil grin as they pushed my tray in.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
End<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">****<br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>Author's Note:</strong> Like many of my works of short fiction, I wrote 'The Keebler Horror' on my PDA while on a train one morning. This one took a good dealing of polishing up at home afterwards though. I hope that you enjoyed it. Please leave some comment/review. <br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I have several works in print, available on Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle versions) and Mobipocket. I hope that you'll check them out. <br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Mr. Thater's books can be purchased from Amazon.com. Mr. Thater's Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of his books can be accessed here:<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
If you're outside the United States and can't purchase from Amazon.com or if you just don't want to purchase from Amazon, you can purchase Mr. Thater's Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br />
</div><div align="justify">Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition): <br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712" href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br />
</div><div align="justify">Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition): <br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167" href="http://www.createspace.com/3342167">http://www.createspace.com/3342167</a><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-50431140637303163022008-07-19T19:26:00.005-04:002009-11-07T23:28:15.157-05:00THE GREAT ANT INVASION<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 180%;">THE GREAT ANT INVASION</span><br />
</span></strong>by<br />
<strong>GLENN G. THATER</strong><br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<br />
They came in waves -hundreds of craven soldiers marching fearlessly into enemy territory - my territory, my castle. They knew as they crossed the border there would be war - that no quarter would be given or received, but on they came, intent on destruction - intent on conquest. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><a name='more'></a><br />
I met their vanguard at the kitchen - already deep within my keep. I launched my forces and briefly repulsed them - but on came their legions - an innumerable mass of gibbering inhuman death. I could not hold them. For all my powers and experience I was nigh overwhelmed and nearly pulled down by force of numbers. I had no choice...no choice I say but to launch my weapons of mass destruction. A chemical attack designed not to throw them back, not to repulse their troops, but designed to annihilate them. It was genocide. Ant Armageddon.<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
It was victory. When it was over I walked through the bloody killing field. Ant bodies piled atop ant bodies, a charnel house of destruction. Their once proud standards crushed underfoot, their pincers broken and lifeless. Dead, all dead...I had shown them no mercy. You may think me harsh, even foul for these tactics - but would I have faired any better if the victory had been theirs? I think not. <br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
Most frightening of all, I learned only now it was not my land or even my life these beastly denizens of the pit sought. No - not these did they hunger for. Their goal was more sinister, more base. To carry off the fair princess of my realm was their mind, their evil plan. A woman whose beauty is beyond compare and whose smile could melt the most stoney heart. It was for her that I fought - though perhaps I grasped it not at the time. But she was not even here - she was far off in the east, in the Land of Rye – and until her return, she is but a memory etched into my mind and engraved upon my heart. I long to see her soon again.<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">End<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">****<br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>Author's Note: </strong>Like many of my works of short fiction, I wrote 'The Great Ant Invasion' in a single draft on my PDA in 35 minutes or so while on a train one morning. I hope that you enjoyed it. Most of my fantasy is darker and more serious than this, but this story gives you at least some small flavor of my writing style. I have several works in print, available on Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle versions) and Mobipocket. I hope that you'll check them out.<br />
<br />
Mr. Thater's books can be purchased from Amazon.com. Mr. Thater's Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of his books can be accessed here:<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a>. <br />
</div><div align="justify">Mr. Thater's books are available in Trade Paperback (Harbinger of Doom - 1st & 2nd Editions), Kindle Editions (Harbinger of Doom, The Gateway, The Fallen Angle, and eBook Editions (from Mobipocket and other leading eBook retailers)<br />
</div><div align="justify">If you're outside the United States and can't purchase from Amazon.com (or you just don't want to purchase from Amazon), you can purchase Mr. Thater's Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br />
Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition): <a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712" href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br />
Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition): <a _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167" href="http://www.createspace.com/3342167">http://www.createspace.com/3342167</a><br />
</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-92064244444779693732008-05-15T20:43:00.008-04:002008-05-15T21:00:34.103-04:00<div align="justify">The exciting Second Print Edition of <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">HARBINGER OF DOOM</span></strong> by Glenn G. Thater is now available for purchase <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY_L50EUUto1VBMcQIfptkNnhTYM9HRqD3FupOa2idHUTZk9D9Ar_pLkHwI13zVYxcqHqZUabuinKGpgLxqsrMLDlt9GJyMz-cyi0m0lVx7U9Ni_EBITObPjphUkerW-nNrXZ/s1600-h/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200771018378348450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY_L50EUUto1VBMcQIfptkNnhTYM9HRqD3FupOa2idHUTZk9D9Ar_pLkHwI13zVYxcqHqZUabuinKGpgLxqsrMLDlt9GJyMz-cyi0m0lVx7U9Ni_EBITObPjphUkerW-nNrXZ/s400/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a>from Amazon.com. <em>Harbinger of Doom</em> collects the first two stories (<em>The Gateway</em> and <em>The Fallen Angle</em>) of Thater’s groundbreaking series <em>Harbinger of Doom</em> into a single volume. The Second Print Edition of <em>Harbinger of Doom</em>, in trade paperback format, features fantastic new cover art, and a valuable Appendix and pronunciation guide listing and organizing the names and relationships of all of the major and most of the minor characters that appear in the boo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZI2DZUYrQLWYTTv5TdJvNdC8-ZwDFzQf82KX_AIcdmxxwiJHdAd3W9sEVN6jsLfELMdbBKplzs6zL0Z4eIcwrEV5Qi2A0aXTL08BzpIWINNihHnoeMSNud45E6ySraJ52Hm5/s1600-h/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg"></a>k. </div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> HARBINGER OF DOOM</span></strong></span></div><br /><div align="justify">In <em>Harbinger of Doom</em>, Glenn G. Thater transports you to a time of legendary heroes, spectacular duels, courtly intrigue, otherworldly evils, and ancient forbidden magics. This first volume in an epic series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him against the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge. But Claradon has bought far more than he’s bargained for, when his comrade Ob discovers the terrifying secret of Angle Theta. A secret so horrifying as to shatter a man's mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil.</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-58301159169503527402008-05-08T20:43:00.003-04:002008-05-08T20:47:51.590-04:00<div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018G55BY"><span style="font-size:130%;">THE FALLEN ANGLE</span></a> by Glenn G. Thater is now available for purchase in Kindle and eBook formats from Amazon.com and many leading eBook retailers. The Fallen Angle is the second story in Thater's Harbinger of Doom series and for the first time is now available as a stand-alone digital book. Previously, The Fallen Angle was published along with the first story in the series, The Gateway, in the trade paperback book Harbinger of Doom. This new version of The Fallen Angle features fantastic new cover art, an Appendix and pronunciation guide listing and organizing the names and relationships of all of the major and most of the minor characters that appear in the bo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpQiZsbXqf227noXDtu7LCwhxmPdezQ2eTNlXrHqvVBJTs3w04VeCO7ofEk7Uvgd4kDeMuxuBvCI-kpFulMKsEg8A2Dh6Tv6ilDaL_2oOx7NZU-htN4QQY4eS1TxSsMpAiDD4/s1600-h/Fallen+Angle+copy+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198172737212814882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpQiZsbXqf227noXDtu7LCwhxmPdezQ2eTNlXrHqvVBJTs3w04VeCO7ofEk7Uvgd4kDeMuxuBvCI-kpFulMKsEg8A2Dh6Tv6ilDaL_2oOx7NZU-htN4QQY4eS1TxSsMpAiDD4/s320/Fallen+Angle+copy+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a>ok.<br /> <strong> <span style="font-size:180%;">THE FALLEN ANGLE</span></strong> </div><div><br />In The Fallen Angle, Glenn G. Thater transports you to a time of legendary heroes, armored knights, spectacular duels, courtly intrigue, otherworldly evils, and ancient forbidden magics. Though it can be read as a stand alone tale, The Fallen Angle is the second story in Thater's Harbinger of Doom series and picks up shortly after the events chronicled in The Gateway. Claradon, the young Lord of House Eotrus stands accused of murder and treason by his family’s political rivals while on the trail of the chaos lord that slew those dearest to him. Claradon has recruited the mysterious knight of mystical power called Angle Theta to aid him is his quest. But Claradon has bought far more than he’s bargained for, when his comrade Ob discovers the terrifying secret of Angle Theta. A secret so horrifying as to shatter a man’s mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil. </div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-59281056823991770352008-05-01T20:44:00.004-04:002008-05-06T13:08:26.898-04:00<div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017RHXAK">HARBINGER OF DOOM</a></span></strong> by Glenn G. Thater is now available for purchase in Kindle and eBo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUQLJe-dP4jeNnoOpcjn-jtpRqKVYTxhWqZ-Nq3L6gMNMnXP4Lk99nr3wGrhpwpBdcTzhM-4gaPeE0ioapV41FSpgtqvZYMYUQaWdlbenqx9rlz69ovapO0q6P-kar2-8_iMb/s1600-h/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195576158595216482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUQLJe-dP4jeNnoOpcjn-jtpRqKVYTxhWqZ-Nq3L6gMNMnXP4Lk99nr3wGrhpwpBdcTzhM-4gaPeE0ioapV41FSpgtqvZYMYUQaWdlbenqx9rlz69ovapO0q6P-kar2-8_iMb/s320/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a>ok formats from Amazon.com and many leading eBook retailers. Harbinger of Doom collects the first two stories (The Gateway and The Fallen Angle) of Thater’s groundbreaking series Harbinger of Doom into a single volume. This digital version of Harbinger of Doom features fantastic new cover art.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QVTZ0lwd0WKlU5-PZ5COLhyphenhyphenx37tplvUC4nlwFFQZyCRrhBfQRRiZjBEInsWU3utNzDrGJDFg60qqeZXB5BEVQ4ItxGPPqSXOu3Jsjwxl-XDSXq4Su1TIakkA3v_FKcR_VK1z/s1600-h/HOD+1st+eBook+edition+cover.jpg"></a><br /><strong>HARBINGER OF DOOM</strong> </div><div align="justify"><br />In Harbinger of Doom, Glenn G. Thater transports you to a time of legendary heroes, spectacular duels, courtly intrigue, otherworldly evils, and ancient forbidden magics. This first volume in an epic series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him against the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge. But Claradon has bought far more than he’s bargained for, when his comrade Ob discovers the terrifying secret of Angle Theta. A secret so horrifying as to shatter a man's mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil.</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-6336241476733416292008-04-26T12:53:00.009-04:002008-07-20T11:49:02.601-04:00THE GATEWAY by Glenn G. Thater now available in Kindle and eBook formats<div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THE GATEWAY</span></strong> by<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjMAgYsYaw1ywvzJEmCWvX7IqGFZh0olnzx3603qYt99MlzRVM4nDaE3el782BFjtyW_0TuN8TfITYQ1IbYYlZlqbk5boxfF3Thda1k78M1nBhaOzqKQRsJg4e31DWgfBQsS1/s1600-h/gateway+2+dark+with+text+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193598790011876418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjMAgYsYaw1ywvzJEmCWvX7IqGFZh0olnzx3603qYt99MlzRVM4nDaE3el782BFjtyW_0TuN8TfITYQ1IbYYlZlqbk5boxfF3Thda1k78M1nBhaOzqKQRsJg4e31DWgfBQsS1/s320/gateway+2+dark+with+text+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> Glenn G. Thater is now available for purchase in Kindle and eBook formats from Amazon.com and many leading eBook retailers. <em>The Gateway</em> is the first story in Thater's <em>Harbinger of Doom</em> series and for the first time is now available as a stand-alone digital book. Previously, <em>The Gateway</em> was published along with its sequel, <em>The Fallen Angle</em> in the trade paperback book <em>Harbinger of Doom</em>. This new version of <em>The Gateway</em> features fantastic new cover art, an Appendix and pronunciation guide listing and organizing the names and relationships of all of the major and most of the minor characters that appear in the book. </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">THE GATEWAY</span></strong> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing outré demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus takes up the mantle of his noble house to avenge his father and hold back the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Claradon recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><strong>Author's Note</strong>:I<br />Mr. Thater's books can be purchased from Amazon.com. Mr. Thater's Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of his books can be accessed here:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a><br /><br />If you're outside the United States or you can't purchase from Amazon.com, you can purchase Mr. Thater's Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition):<br /><a href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition):<br /><a href="http://www.createspace.com/3342167" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167">http://www.createspace.com/3342167</a></div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-78203149186283570712008-03-24T10:30:00.008-04:002008-07-20T01:09:03.457-04:00Sequel to 'Harbinger of Doom'<div class="Section1"><h2><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">SEQUEL TO <em>HARBINGER OF DOOM</em></span></span></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">I'd like to thank those who've purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434839257/ref=cm_plog_item_link/105-5709411-2799657"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434839257/ref=cm_plog_item_link/105-5709411-2799657"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434839257/ref=cm_plog_item_link/105-5709411-2799657">Harbinger of Doom: Featuring the Gateway</a>, and especially those kind enough to have posted favorable reviews on Amazon.com. Due to your support, over the last weeks Harbinger of Doom climbed to as high as the #4 bestselling book in the 'Swords and Sorcery' rankings and #9 bestselling in the 'heroic fantasy' rankings on Amazon.com.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">Many folks have inquired as to whether there will be a sequel and when it will come out. The answer is yes - a second book is in the works, and it will likely be published later this year. Additional books are in the planning stages. Please feel free to leave comments and questions in the comments box below this post. I'm always interested in hearing about your ideas for future stories and comments on what characters you like or don't and why.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Harbinger of Doom is currently available for purchase from amazon.com, target.com, and borders.com. It has been showing up recently in various lists of best/most popular heroic fantasy books, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, action/adventure, and sci-fi. As such it's been going head to head with such popular books as 'His Dark Materials Trilogy' by Philip Pullman <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Materials-Trilogy-Golden-Compass-Spyglass/dp/0440238609">http://www.amazon.com/Materials-Trilogy-Golden-Compass-Spyglass/dp/0440238609</a>, White Night by Jim Butcher <a href="http://www.amazon.com/White-Night-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/045146155X">http://www.amazon.com/White-Night-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/045146155X</a>, New Moon by Stephenie Meyer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Moon-Twilight-Saga-Book/dp/0316024961">http://www.amazon.com/New-Moon-Twilight-Saga-Book/dp/0316024961</a>, and Brisingr by Christopher Paolini <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brisingr-Inheritance-Book-Christopher-Paolini/dp/0375826726">http://www.amazon.com/Brisingr-Inheritance-Book-Christopher-Paolini/dp/0375826726</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">--- Glenn G. Thater, Author of 'Harbinger of Doom'. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-6131509979463018162008-02-24T10:21:00.003-05:002008-02-24T10:32:19.745-05:00When Will They Come for My Factor Gear?<span style="font-size:180%;">WHEN WILL THEY COME FOR MY FACTOR GEAR?</span><br />By Glenn G. Thater, Author of ‘Harbinger of Doom’<br /><br />I sit in my beloved library at 34,<br />Reading forbidden books behind locked door,<br />I guard here the tomes I’m not supposed to read,<br />A shelf full of Rush, and North whose views I must not heed,<br />The old Pat Buchanan’s, the Hannity’s, the Newts,<br />My dog-eared O’Reillys, and the Coulters so dear,<br />Should I turn down the light, should I read here in fear?<br />I know soon they’ll come for my Factor Gear,<br /><br />Their revolution is here whether we like it or not,<br />It seems that they beat us without firing a shot.<br />Their insidious tactics took us unaware,<br />Shredding our once proud culture bare,<br /><br />In a few short decades they’ve laid us to waste,<br />Their crimes too long for any reasonable space,<br />We called them the lefties, the liberals, the elites,<br />Now they’ve become the dreaded thought police,<br /><br />Already they dictate how we may speak,<br />They steer what we read,<br />And tell us what to think,<br /><br />They’ve rewritten our history and destroyed our heroes,<br />Replacing them with various lefty zeroes,<br />They still have a warm spot for old Uncle Joe,<br />Will they never learn our friends from our foes?<br /><br />What year will it be when they crash through my door,<br />To fire my books and throw me to the floor?<br />When will it be that they’re finally here,<br />When will they come for my Factor Gear?<br /><br />Long is the list of the evils they claim,<br />Longer still the list of our heroes whose names they’ve defamed,<br /><br />Now they tell us that Columbus and Washington and old Hickory were devils,<br />Endless charges of intolerance and insensitivity do they level,<br /><br />They tell us we’re stupid or loony or both,<br />Who else would ever cast a republican vote?<br /><br />A culture of apology and confession,<br />Our begging forgiveness their daily obsession.<br /><br />Their mantras - diversity and political correctness,<br />That’s the dogma of the fair-minded friendly leftists.<br /><br />The day’s long since here that we can’t speak our minds,<br />They’ve rewritten the dictionary and laid it with mines<br />How long until Fox is thrown off the air?<br />Can’t I speak how I like, why isn’t that fair?<br /><br />How old will I be when they break through my door,<br />To burn my books and toss me to the floor?<br />My seventies? My sixties? Could it happen that soon?<br />Could it happen in my forties, or tomorrow at noon?<br /><br />They’ll take my worn volumes of Rush and old Pat Buchanan,<br />They’ll shred my Hannity’s, and my O’Reilly’s and my Coulter’s so dear,<br />Will they leave me a single piece of my Factor Gear?Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-39778408609756270892008-02-16T12:03:00.010-05:002008-07-20T11:36:47.216-04:00'Harbinger of Doom' First Trade Paperback Edition Now Available for Purchase<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>HARBINGER OF DOOM</strong></span></div><p align="justify">Harbinger of Doom collects the first two stories (The Gateway and The Fallen Angle) of Glenn G. Thater’s groundbreaking series Harbinger of Doom into a single volume.</p><p align="justify">In Harbinger of Doom, Glenn G. Thater transports you to a time of legendary heroes, spectacular duels, courtly intrigue, otherworldly evils, and ancient forbidden magics. This first volume in an epic series is certain to delight fantasy fans everywhere. When mad sorcerers open a gateway to the very pits of hell, releasing demons of darkest nightmare upon the world, only the intrepid knights of House Eotrus stand in their way. Claradon Eotrus recruits Angle Theta and Gabriel Garn, mysterious knights of mystical power to stand with him against the tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the world and destroy mankind. Theta and Garn take up their swords one last time against the coming darkness - a darkness from which only one will emerge. But Claradon has bought far more than he’s bargained for, when his comrade Ob discovers the terrifying secret of Angle Theta. A secret so horrifying as to shatter a man's mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil.</p><p align="justify"><br /><strong>Author's Note</strong>:<br />Mr. Thater's books can be purchased from Amazon.com. Mr. Thater's Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of his books can be accessed here:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a><br /><br />If you're outside the United States and can't purchase from Amazon.com (or if you just prefer not to purchase from Amazon), you can purchase Mr. Thater's Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition):<br /><a href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition):<br /><a href="http://www.createspace.com/3342167" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167">http://www.createspace.com/3342167</a><br /></p>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1176579589925184532008-02-10T15:38:00.001-05:002008-07-20T01:08:26.364-04:00THE GATEWAY (HARBINGER OF DOOM - BOOK 1)<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THE GATEWAY<br /></span>by<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Glenn G. Thater</span><br />2005</strong> </div><div align="center"><br /><br />“<em>Ye wilt not thwart us again, harbinger of doom! We shall have this world this time.<br />What once was ours will be ours again!”</em><br />- The Chaos Lord Bhaal to The Lord Angle Theta. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="justify"><br />A grayed Lord and his lieutenants stood at the fore of a small wedge of armored soldiers, veterans all. Malignant, clinging mist wafted about, sickening the men and clouding their vision. With the mist came a thunderous cacophony that consumed the night, piercing the very souls of those unfortunates within its demesne. A maleficent, skirling, bestial sound, akin to naught in nature and much in nightmare. A preternatural wailing it was, and in its wake bounded death.<br />“All hell’s fallen on them,” said Lord Eotrus.<br />Par Talbon made to move forward, but the old knight’s hand darted out and held him fast.<br />“We hold our ground,” said Lord Eotrus gripping the small man’s shoulder tightly. “We cannot advance in this mist and you can’t turn it all. Stern’s fate is in Odin’s hands now.” Staring into the mist he drew forth his sword from its ornate scabbard and raised the steel blade to his face - a salute from olden times - then lowered it again, though he kept it at the ready. “As is ours,” he said. “Our path is clear.”<br />“What’s out there Aradon?” said Brother Donnelin. “What are we facing?” “Nothing of Midgaard, my good priest,” said Lord Eotrus. “Nothing of this world.”<br />The wailing grew ever louder. A deep rumbling sound began and quickly intensified. Soon, the very earth itself began to shake and shudder. Archers closed ranks before their lord and his lieutenants. Swordsman and pikemen stood at the ready, eyes wide but feet planted. Several cloaked men with staffs matching his flanked Talbon.<br />Lord Eotrus’s gaze drifted upward to the midnight sky. “The Valkyries gather. Soon they’ll carry us home.” More quietly then, “I thought I’d have more time. Thank Odin at least the boys aren’t here.”<br />Donnelin and Talbon exchanged worried glances as they stood protectively about their lord.<br />“Here they come!”<br />“I still can’t see them,” said Donnelin. “Damned mist.”<br />“Keep your formation men!” said Lord Eotrus. “Talbon! Dispel the mist! Now!”<br />At his liege’s command, the sorcerer uttered forgotten words of eldritch power; secret words lost to all but the chosen few. The ancient sorcery he called up crushed the unnatural mist back against the night, though the darkness lingered beyond the limits of the soldiers’ torchlight.<br />Lord Eotrus’s face grew ashen and his eyes wide as the horror thundering down upon them came into view. A war cry burst from his throat and he charged forward to meet his fate. A few of the bravest soldiers followed him, but most dropped their weapons or froze in a panic. Not one even bothered to try to flee.<br /><br />***<br />If this story has caught your attention and you'd like to read more, the complete version of "The Gateway is included in the book "Harbinger of Doom" by Glenn G. Thater. "Harbinger of Doom" is available for purchase on Amazon.com beginning in February 2008. Please feel free to leave comments below by clicking on the 'comment' button.</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1176259022779948792007-04-10T22:35:00.001-04:002008-02-16T16:38:39.174-05:00The Ambush<div align="center"><strong>The Ambush</strong><br />by<br />Glenn G. Thater<br />March 9, 2006 </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><br />How long had they hidden in wait under hillock and dale? How long had the craven beasts of darkest night and deepest pit stalked my heels?...waiting, ever waiting for the slightest sign of weakness or merest moment of distraction that would bewitch my mind or cloud my senses. These creatures of old knew their time would come if they but had patience and held steadfast to their evil plan. They knew that I, their nemesis, their arch-enemy, would someday fall within their horrid web and find myself at their mercy. Years in the planning, decades even - it must have been. But they are patient creatures; time means little to them. Older then the hills, more ancient than the seas. They could wait; they could outlast me.<br />It happened last night. As I wandered the darkened deserted lanes of the glen for untold hours in an anguished daze they crept silently from the darkened bush, they skulked soundlessly from behind the winter trees, they rose from betwixt the blades of grass and wintry piles of leaves of the lawn, and no doubt crept from beneath the very stones of the earth. The stealth of these demonic things, these fell lords of darkness notwithstanding, my perceptions borne and honed of olden days would have marked them and set them to flight despite their swelling numbers as ever I had in the past. But this night, my mind was numbed, my eyes downcast and my ears filled with naught but the sounds of my true love lashing me for some stupidity beyond the grasp of man and fathomed only by the women that I no doubt uttered.<br />They held back until I reached the threshhold of my castle, until my shaking hand had unlocked the stout metal portal. Then on they rushed, a plague of evil, a gibbering hoard of death - yelling the ancient war cries of their murderous diminutive people. "Long live Keebler!" they shouted, "Free Snap, Free Crackle, Free Pop" they roared. "Remember Papa Smurf" they bellowed. Their leader, the foulest of the bunch - a pointy hatted graybeard in blue - launched himself headlong at my throat screaming, "I wll roam no more!".<br />I turned, perceiving this ancient evil through tear swollen eyes and in despiration swatted at it. How I know not, but the clumsy blow struck home and sent my ancient enemy crashing to the ground at my feet. His minute minions swarmed just beyond the entranceway with swords drawn, all wild eyed and red-faced. Momentarily stunned were they by their leader's fall. That was all the time I needed. As the gnome king pulled himself to his feet shouting some vile gnomish curse I kicked him in the chest with all my might sending him flying into his fellows.<br />"Stinking gnomes," I spat.<br />I leaped through the doorway and slammed the door. My thoughts drifted back to my beloved, since she is truly all that matters most to me, as I locked and barred the portal against them whilst they cursed me and slithered off into the night...Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1176086783523474582007-04-08T22:39:00.004-04:002008-07-20T00:59:13.557-04:00The Fallen Angle (Harbinger of Doom - Book 2)<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THE FALLEN ANGLE<br /></span></strong>By<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Glenn G. Thater<br /></span></strong>April 2007<br /><br />“How do you know these things?<br />Who are you Theta?<br />Who are you really?”<br />-- Ob to the Lord Angle Theta </div><div align="justify"><br /><br />The last of them went down – cleaved in half by Theta’s falchion. Geysers of blood gushed everywhere as the Duke’s guards charged into the room. A butchery of flowing blood and spilled entrails. Several corpses soiled the exotic carpet, some still twitching as such are wont to do. The dead wore the Duke’s livery, confusing the guards. The Duke’s guest – a hulking foreign knight stood beside the bed. Nightshirt drenched red as was his face and pants. Bloodied falchion in his left hand. His expression best described as annoyed; his aspect calm. He stood unmoving, staring at the guards with his piercing blue eyes. They all stood there still as the Duke and his personal bodyguards came dashing down the hall to the apartment’s entrance. The guards made way.<br />Harringgold’s mouth dropped as he entered and took in the sight.<br />“Are these yours?” said Theta, pointing to the dead with his right hand.<br />“I cannot tell,” said the Duke.<br />He motioned to the guards who adjusted the corpses so their faces could be viewed.<br />“This one has been in my employee some five years,” said the Duke, pointing to a decapitated head at the foot of the bed.<br />“This one has worked as a guard for a few months I think, perhaps a year. The other four I do not recognize.”<br />“Nor do I,” said the guard captain.<br />“Search the bodies,” said Theta, still standing tensed. The Duke nodded to the guards who then began to search.<br />“Looking for what?” said the Duke.<br />“A tattoo; a scar, a strange coin, or some such token.”<br />After some minutes. “Two bear the mark of the Black Hand on their shoulders.”<br />“Paid assassins,” said the Duke.<br />“These others all wore a gold coin hung from chains about their necks.”<br />“Put them down on the bed,” said Theta, as he strapped on his sword belt and wiped the blade on the sheets, then sheathed it. He briefly looked at the coins, wrapped them in cloth and pocketed them.<br />“I’ll need another room,” said Theta.<br />“Of course,” said the Duke, seemingly surprised at the request.<br />“One with a bath, and some bandages, and a few guards at the door that you can trust more than these.”<br />“You’ll have it. I don’t know what to say, this should never have happened in my fortress.”<br />You are right, it should not have,” said Theta, giving the Duke an ice-cold stare.<br />“I’ll stand watch myself,” said the guard captain, “with you permission Lord Harringgold.”<br />Harringgold nodded.<br />Servants led Theta to another room, two floors up. Ob appeared along the way.<br />“The bastards won’t stop coming,” said Ob. “Once The Hand has a contract, they never give up. Not never. They took five years to track down old Par Tandar, down in Minco – he was hiding out as a cobbler – but they got him – hung his head from a lamppost right in front of the tower of the Arcane. Not one witness. Theta, your only chance is to head for the hills and not stop until you’re back home – in wherever it is youse hail from.”<br />“I’ll deal with the assassins as need be – but it will not be by running.<br /><br />**<br />If this excerpt from the story "The Fallen Angle" has caught your attention, you can buy the full story on Amazon.com in the book "Harbinger of Doom" by Glenn G. Thater, available beginning February 2008. Please feel free to leave comments by clicking on the 'comments' button below.</div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1112753991237472812005-04-05T22:01:00.002-04:002008-07-20T01:05:15.458-04:00The Hero and the Fiend<div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">THE HERO AND THE FIEND</span></strong> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">by GLENN G. THATER<br /><br />All: Brave men are dead </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Heroes are cowards </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Brave Heroes are only myths and legends </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">---- from "Only Knights" </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">by Glenn G. Thater </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />(Excerpts)</div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Two vile creatures of Chaos stalked the moonlit streets of Lomion that night, preying upon hapless citizens in an attempt to sate their unending hunger for blood and souls, the very stuff of life. These fiends were so horrific in aspect no words could accurately describe their features. All that could be said with certainty was that they had two arms and two legs and walked upright. Such creatures as these nightmarish fiends had no place, in fact no right to even exist anywhere in the world of man, little less in the bustling metropolis of Lomion. These were unspeakable, maleficent, outré beings whose origins were rooted somewhere beyond the pale. Where they went only chaos, madness and death followed. They were likely brought over to our world by some foolish power-hungry mortal in search of unholy magic or forbidden lore long since lost to antiquity. No doubt all the conjurer received for his troubles was his own premature demise and the eternal torment of his immortal soul. Or perhaps the fiends were here all along, remnants of that ancient bygone age before the dawn of man when their kind walked the earth and called it their own. If so, they had existed for countless millennia haunting the nether regions of the world. Some say their kind are masters still of the darkest corners of the globe, beyond the farthest outposts of civilization and on certain mysterious foreboding islands and bizarre subterranean depths. </span></span></div><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Not far away, a grim veteran warrior rode slowly through the chill moonlit streets astride a huge tan charger. The warrior stopped briefly to drop off a curious package at the small brick building where Iret Zale lived and plied his trade, and then made his way down Shield Street and across Marble Avenue toward one of his favorite inns, Baylock's Rest. He stabled his horse in the small barn at the rear of the inn, tossed a stable-hand a Silver Star, and walked through Goblin Alley to reach the front entrance of the Rest.<br /></span></span></p><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;">***</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;">If the above excerpts from the story "The Hero and the Fiend" have caught your attention and you'd like to read more - please let me know - click on the 'comment' button at the end of the post and leave me a comment. I'm considering including the full version of this story in an upcoming collection of my stories that we be available for purchase on Amazon.com</div></span></span>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1112150622909226942005-03-29T21:39:00.002-05:002008-07-20T01:05:49.633-04:00The Mighty Deed<span style="font-size:85%;">This is another of my attempts at poetry - written way back in 1990. It's very different from most everything else I've written, and some people even seem to think it's funny. Leave a comment below and tell me if you like it.<br />--- Glenn G. Thater</span><br /><br />****<br />THE MIGHTY DEED<br />by Glenn G. Thater , 1990.<br /><br />They say that in the past month<br />Eight citizens of Dyvers town were ripped asunder<br />By a horrid monster who wailed like thunder.<br /><br />The first victim the town Doctor - old Jim Drake,<br />Found floating headless in a nearby lake.<br /><br />The second little David Toth,<br />His arms and legs all ripped off.<br /><br />Next was Wally the homeless beggar,<br />Found dead in the road by Boyd the mayor.<br /><br />Five others were killed by the degenerate vile creature,<br />Including Kacser the mad old magic teacher.<br /><br />No one lived who'd seen the evil creature,<br />Except for Reverend Bog the township’s preacher.<br /><br />He spied the monster from the church’s tower<br />The night it killed old Mr. Fowler.<br /><br />But since that fateful eerie night<br />The Reverend hasn't overcome his fright.<br /><br />He’s not able to recall the terrible tale,<br />He can only remember the monstrous wail.<br /><br />The townsfolk knew something must be done<br />To make these killings cease,<br />Somehow someone must restore the peace.<br /><br />So a council meeting was called by the township’s mayor,<br />There they decided to hire a monster slayer.<br /><br />It must be a knight of fame and renown,<br />Only one such as this could save the town.<br /><br />So the call for aid went out far and wide,<br />And soon appeared a knight who’d take the township’s side.<br /><br />He rode into town one morning bright,<br />All came out to see the wondrous sight<br />Of the world’s most feared and famous knight.<br /><br />Announcing before him ran the town crier,<br />Everyone he passed bowed and called him sire.<br /><br />The knight’s blue-enameled armor glistened in the morning sun,<br />It must have weighed as least a ton.<br /><br />Around his waste hung a sword and sheath<br />The size of which was beyond belief.<br /><br />‘Twas a broadsword of six feet in length,<br />What human man could possess such strength<br /><br />To wield a sword the likes of which<br />A frost giant could not lift an inch.<br /><br />But the man was huge - perhaps seven feet in height,<br />Truly a great and powerful knight.<br /><br />At his side hung a huge silver shield,<br />This too into battle he would wield.<br /><br />In his left hand he held a mighty silver lance,<br />Its magical dweomer could be seen at a glance.<br /><br />As for his steed,<br />There was none better,<br />His saddle made of the finest leather,<br />And atop his war helm a large blue feather.<br /><br />As he rode by the crowds let out a thunderous cheer<br />For the proud and noble Cavalier.<br /><br />For in all the land there was no man greater,<br />Than the knight they called Lord Angle Theta.<br /><br />***<br />If the above excerpt from the poem "The Mighty Deed" has caught your attention and you'd like to read more - please click on the comment button below and let me know. I'm considering including the full version of this poem in an upcoming collection of my stories that will be available for purchase from Amazon.comGlenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1112062450960358892005-03-28T21:04:00.001-05:002008-02-16T16:39:10.737-05:00Only KnightsBelow is one of my attempts at poetry - a form in which i rarely write. This was also the first work I ever had published. It appeared in “The Phoenix Literary Magazine,” in 1985. Although it's a very short piece, the themes expressed are echoed in many of my stories.<br />--- Glenn G. Thater<br /><br /><br />***<br /><strong>ONLY KNIGHTS</strong>–<br /><br />Knights are gone,<br />Heroes are cowards,<br />Brave men are fools, and<br />Brave heroes are only myths and legends.<br /><br />Knights are days,<br />Monsters fall,<br />Beneath the shining sun.<br /><br />In Battle,<br />Knights wield swords,<br />Heroes use shields,<br />Brave men charge,<br />Brave heroes wield powers unknown.<br /><br />Into battle, Knights ride horses,<br />Brave men charge,<br />Brave heroes appear, and<br />Heroes are nowhere to be seen.<br /><br />All:<br />Knights are gone,<br />Heroes are liars,<br />Brave men are dead,<br />And brave heroes never were.Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1111979412169741012005-03-27T22:07:00.004-05:002008-07-20T11:22:13.718-04:00Foreword to Harbinger of Doom<div align="center">FOREWORD (TO HARBINGER OF DOOM)</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The following stories are the first volume in a collection of the adventures of the ancient warrior-hero most commonly referred to as Angle Theta. Although the original historical manuscripts detailing the life and times of this classic warrior are still inaccessible to the general public my contacts and travels have afforded me rare opportunities to view and even duplicate some of the original manuscripts which consist of more than ten thousand documents stored in protected archives in twelve museums and universities scattered across seven countries.<br /><br />Due to the inaccessibility of these documents, few modern scholars or authors are familiar with the “Thetian manuscripts”. Consequently, the general public knows little or nothing about this ancient hero who some scholars believe helped shape much of the ancient world and perhaps was the historical inspiration for the legends of Beowulf, Gilgamesh, King Arthur and others.<br /><br />Until now, no scholar has attempted a detailed compilation of the entire Angle Theta saga although several notable works containing Thetian stories have been penned through the centuries. Grenville’s work “Ancient Warriors of Scandinavia” (1884) and Addleson’s “The Ancient Cities of Prehistoric Europe” (1921) both contain several stories of Theta’s exploits. The text “The Warlords” (1408) by Chuan Chien contains two tales of Theta’s adventures in ancient Asia. While there is no complete English translation of Chien’s text, the accounts contained therein serve as independent evidence of the existence of Theta as a historical figure. The essay “Forgotten Empires” by Charles Sawyer (1754) and Da Vinci’s manuscript “Of Prehistory” (1502) also contain story fragments and references to the historical Theta. The voluminous treatise “Prehistoric Cities of Europe” by Cantor (1928) presents noteworthy, though non-conclusive, evidence of the historical existence of the city of Lomion in what is now southwestern England.<br /><br />Some modern scholars do not accept the historical efficacy of the Thetian manuscripts due to the relatively small quantity of corroborating archeological evidence for the ancient cities and cultures detailed therein. Thus, they relegate Theta to the realms of myth, legend and allegory. Others maintain that the scholarly texts mentioned above, coupled with the original archived manuscripts, serve as sufficient evidence to verify the historical existence of Theta the man. One can only hope that in time the archeological record will further reinforce this position.<br /><br />Several years ago while researching Theta for a story that I had planned to write, I had the good fortune to meet and begin a long-standing collaboration with several leading Thetian scholars, most notably Professor Augustine DiPipcorno of the University of Padua, and Dr. Ann Lewis of The University of Indiana, who have for some years been actively translating the entire body of available original manuscripts. These professors are leading a team that is currently preparing a series of detailed scholarly texts that include all the original tales plus their commentary and thorough critique of the corroborating scholarly, historical, literary and archeological evidence.<br /><br />The work you are now reading, however, represents my re-envisioning of the first volume of the Professors’ translations into modern prose with additional dialogue and descriptive language added so that these stories will be found more accessible and entertaining to the typical reader. Further, I have sometimes chosen to label certain fanciful creatures and devices described in the original manuscripts using names and words that are familiar to modern readers of fantasy and science fiction tales. The story titles are my own and are meant to be entertaining. In all cases, however, the central plots, facts, themes, and spirit of the original tales remain unchanged.<br /><br />I hope you will come to enjoy the Thetian tales as much as I have. If sufficient interest exists, I will present additional Thetian stories in future volumes. Please feel free to leave any constructive comments in the comments section of my website <a href="http://www.angletheta.blogspot.com/">http://www.angletheta.blogspot.com/</a> and/or in this work’s listing on createspace.com and amazon.com. Happy reading.<br /><br /><br /><br />-- Glenn G. Thater<br />January 1, 2008<br />New York </div>Glenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11566410.post-1111281029416858842005-03-19T20:04:00.004-05:002009-03-20T18:38:55.914-04:00PurposeOn this blog I post short stories, poems, and excerpts from my books, many of which feature a character called The Lord Angle Theta. Each story and portion thereof is copyrighted.<br /><br />My books can be purchased from Amazon.com. My Amazon.com profile page, which includes a complete listing of my books can be accessed here:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1" _fcksavedurl="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AJWXN33RB5VA1</a><br /><br />If you're outside the United States and can't purchase from Amazon.com or if you just don't want to purchase from Amazon, you can purchase my Trade Paperback books directly from the Publisher using these links:<br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (1st Edition):<br /><a href="http://www.createspace.com/3334712" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3334712">http://www.createspace.com/3334712</a><br /><br />Harbinger of Doom (2nd Edition):<br /><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3342167" _fcksavedurl="https://www.createspace.com/3342167">https://www.createspace.com/3342167</a><br /><br />Please feel free to leave feedback or story reviews by clicking on the 'comment' button below each post. Any constructive comments are welcome; compliments and rave reviews are even more welcome - nasty remarks will be deleted.<br /><br />My stories generally fall within the category of Heroic Fantasy or Sword & Sorcery, along the lines of Robert E. Howard's Conan, Kull, or Solomon Kane, and Moorcock's Elric. If you like their stories, you may also like mine.<br /><br />--- Glenn G. ThaterGlenn G. Thaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323601616710272811noreply@blogger.com1