Type of Read:
Fantasy
Plot Summary:
Prince Martris 'Tris' Drayke has always been able to see the palace ghosts, even when others couldn't. Little does he know that he has an even greater power hidden within, the power of a Summoner. When his older brother stages a coup and takes the throne, Tris and his friends must flee and find help. As they travel, Tris becomes aware of his power. Now if only he could control it and then perhaps he could save his kingdom and possibly the rest of the world.
Strengths:
The biggest strength in this novel is the twist on how necromancers are portrayed. Usually, necromancers are stuffed in the EVIL category. It's not a hard thing to do considering they spend a lot of time playing with dead things. But this book makes necromancers or "Summoners" a necessity that society holds in high regard. Summoners are powerful and they help people crossover. They are the good guys. People who commit regicide...well obviously they are the baddies.
Another big strength came from the religion Martin built. It was interesting to see that while the entire world worships "the goddess" there are eight different aspects of her that accentuated in the different countries. For example, one kingdom might worship the warrior aspect of the goddess while another might put more emphasis on her Lover facet. Depending on which aspect is worshiped shapes the type of society. The country who reveres the warrior aspect will of course make sword fighting and battle tactics a priority. This idea is ingenious because it defines each individual kingdom while keeping it a unified world.
Weaknesses:
As an overall warning: This book is not deep. Don't expect George R.R. Martin or Patrick Rothfuss when you start this book. It has a pretty simple straight forward plot and has A LOT of fantasy cliches. Evil brother takes control of the throne and the younger brother must escape and go on a journey to learn more about himself. There is even the old mentor in the middle of nowhere that is only in the story to help the main character control their magic. Of course there is truly nothing new and unique, but you have to admit...this story plot has been played out many times before.
There were a few things that kind of bothered me about the story. For one thing, almost all of the main characters are incredibly good looking. Even the bad guys are handsome. When does that ever happen? Throw in a ugly, fat man or woman just to mix it up.
Another thing, the characters are all successful in their chosen careers and they are all twenty years old or younger. Even the captain of the guard was twenty (I really don't think that would happen even if he was an amazing warrior. The old coots who have more experience would be chosen before this little whipper-snapper.) Even the bard is unusually gifted at some random skills. He not only can entertain people with his storytelling and musical talents, he can also throw knives, cook and shoot a bow and arrow unerringly well. It's never explained how he knows how to do these things. He's kind of the catch all when it comes to Martin's storytelling. If she needs someone who can shoot fireworks and cause a distraction, calling in the bard!
Opinion and Recommendation:
If you are looking for a fun, turn-off-your-brain read, this is it. You won't find deep plot or deep characters, but you will find is a fast paced adventure novel that keeps you turning pages. Give it a chance. I'm not going to tell you that it's the best fantasy in the world, but it's worth a read. The 600+ pages reads more like a young adult novel then an epic fantasy, but I think the story is worth the read. You just have to go with the flow and not worry about the little things. Think of it as a in-between-book: something you read when you have to wait for the next in your favorite series to come out. I recommend you check this one out at the library or borrow it from a friend (like I did).
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