Bel, The Last Dragon: Jungles of Habbiel by John Baltisberger

Splatterpulp Fiction

A malevolent battle has been raging for centuries, older than the War of Dictates itself. A war where fallen angels and supernatural creatures attempt to hold power while feeding off the domination of others. Now, a small posse consisting of a satyr, kappa, succubus and a stoic dragon undertake the impossible task of toppling the evil tyrants of destruction. Author John Baltisberger institutes his conception of splatterpulp fiction towards medieval kingdoms, unnatural unions of mystic beings and the carnage of an immortal struggle for control. His novella inhabits not only an ancient enemy that exists within different realms, but is also occupied by monsters, magic and mayhem. Bel, The Last Dragon: Jungles of Habbiel ignites the popularity of fantasy novelization with a core element of splatterpunk. Specializing in the chaotic savagery of combat, Baltisberger gives the reader a shot of warfare adrenaline that they won’t soon forget. Primal brutality and strategic heroism are the offerings that hold true to this multi-universe of time, matter and annihilation. This Kaiju Poet captivates the realms of sword & sorcery at a level of delightful decadence unmatched by no other. This is John Baltisberger breaking new fictitious ground and unearthing originality once again. I can’t wait to see what comes next. A Solid Horror Bookworm Recommendation.

Splatterpulp Goodness!

John Baltisberger is one of those authors that can write in just about any genre they want and do it well. Poetry, extreme horror, meditation, fantasy, you name it, he can write it! Bel, the Last Dragon takes place years after the events of War of Dictates, in more recent years in a world where man and myth live together under the constant oppression of angels, who have taken up disguises and infiltrated the world’s political systems. Somehow coming back from the dead, Bel learns that all of his kind had have been wiped out by the angels shortly after his own demise. With revenge on his mind, Bel trains in the new ways of war in order to take out each and every one of the fallen angels that destroy any dreams of peace on Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to fantasy, Bel is a story that all can enjoy. The fight scenes are exciting, the humor sprinkled throughout got a few chuckles from me, and the concept of this story is one that I found incredible interesting. The story is paced very well, I never felt like it was dragging or moving too fast. Heck, the only gripe I have about the book is that I have to wait for the next entry in the series! I loved having mystical beings/creatures from many different backgrounds come together in this book, giving some new faves to fantasy instead of the normal elves, orcs, etc. Just in the first couple chapters we’re introduced to yokais, succubi, dragons, and more, all able to disguise themselves and seamlessly fit into our world. It’s a unique concept to have folklores meshed together and living in harmony, and it’s one I’d love to see other writers adapt as well.

Splatterpulp Goodness!

John Baltisberger is one of those authors that can write in just about any genre they want and do it well. Poetry, extreme horror, meditation, fantasy, you name it, he can write it! Bel, the Last Dragon takes place years after the events of War of Dictates, in more recent years in a world where man and myth live together under the constant oppression of angels, who have taken up disguises and infiltrated the world’s political systems. Somehow coming back from the dead, Bel learns that all of his kind had have been wiped out by the angels shortly after his own demise. With revenge on his mind, Bel trains in the new ways of war in order to take out each and every one of the fallen angels that destroy any dreams of peace on Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to fantasy, Bel is a story that all can enjoy. The fight scenes are exciting, the humor sprinkled throughout got a few chuckles from me, and the concept of this story is one that I found incredible interesting. The story is paced very well, I never felt like it was dragging or moving too fast. Heck, the only gripe I have about the book is that I have to wait for the next entry in the series! I loved having mystical beings/creatures from many different backgrounds come together in this book, giving some new faves to fantasy instead of the normal elves, orcs, etc. Just in the first couple chapters we’re introduced to yokais, succubi, dragons, and more, all able to disguise themselves and seamlessly fit into our world. It’s a unique concept to have folklores meshed together and living in harmony, and it’s one I’d love to see other writers adapt as well. Although reading War of Dictates gives a bit more backstory to some of the characters in Bel, I don’t find it necessary to enjoy this amazing start to the series. Think of this as it’s own series placed in the same universe. That being said, if you find yourself enjoying Bel, PLEASE give War of Dictates a chance, it was in my top 10 books I read of 2021. It is powerful and the way it is written blew me away!

Splatterpulp Goodness!

John Baltisberger is one of those authors that can write in just about any genre they want and do it well. Poetry, extreme horror, meditation, fantasy, you name it, he can write it! Bel, the Last Dragon takes place years after the events of War of Dictates, in more recent years in a world where man and myth live together under the constant oppression of angels, who have taken up disguises and infiltrated the world’s political systems. Somehow coming back from the dead, Bel learns that all of his kind had have been wiped out by the angels shortly after his own demise. With revenge on his mind, Bel trains in the new ways of war in order to take out each and every one of the fallen angels that destroy any dreams of peace on Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to fantasy, Bel is a story that all can enjoy. The fight scenes are exciting, the humor sprinkled throughout got a few chuckles from me, and the concept of this story is one that I found incredible interesting. The story is paced very well, I never felt like it was dragging or moving too fast. Heck, the only gripe I have about the book is that I have to wait for the next entry in the series! I loved having mystical beings/creatures from many different backgrounds come together in this book, giving some new faves to fantasy instead of the normal elves, orcs, etc. Just in the first couple chapters we’re introduced to yokais, succubi, dragons, and more, all able to disguise themselves and seamlessly fit into our world. It’s a unique concept to have folklores meshed together and living in harmony, and it’s one I’d love to see other writers adapt as well. Although reading War of Dictates gives a bit more backstory to some of the characters in Bel, I don’t find it necessary to enjoy this amazing start to the series. Think of this as it’s own series placed in the same universe. That being said, if you find yourself enjoying Bel, PLEASE give War of Dictates a chance, it was in my top 10 books I read of 2021. It is powerful and the way it is written blew me away!

A fix for those craving fantasy and splatter!!

John's new series is a great blend of fantasy tropes and splatterpunk. I am reminded of the writing of Christopher Buehlman (especially The Blacktongue Thief), but fans of John know he has his own unique and powerful style. This is a companion piece to War of Dictates (another great work to pick up!) but does not require one to read that to enjoy this. Mr. Baltisberger also continues to weave mystical elements of his faith into the story, making it a richer piece for those with knowledge of Judaic traditions and stories. Overall, another exemplary work, and here's to hoping for more stories set in this universe! Recommended!