For example, one of the main protagonists has multiple opportunities to stand up to his demons and evolve, but never, ever, ever does. The problem for me is that ***possible spoiler*** the characters are the exact same on the last page as they are on the first, and the story isn’t enough to make up for it. I didn’t mind this at all, since I happen to like straightforward character types in service to a good story. No moral relativism here! Villains are truly villains, heroes are truly heroes, and everyone slots neatly into their cast roll from start to finish.
Either way, the bookbinding twist introduces enough mystery and intrigue to make up for the tropes. But I’m all for these grand old chestnuts if the characters are compelling and the story is gripping (that’s sort of the case here). Stray dragons, wizards, and even Hobbits from neighboring books would be right at home if they wandered in. It’s got naughty nobles, virtuous peasants, a “witch” in the marshes, and even horses that are *actually* called Shire horses. There’s nothing ground-breaking here, and anyone who’s read any kind of fantasy since childhood will recognize pre-Industrial Revolution, rural England with one fantasy twist. In case you want to read the book for its last 277 pages, though, I’ll try to keep this review spoiler-free, and indicate possible spoilers as I go.ġ. This is a tough review to write for two reason: 1) This is really two books – the one promised by the cover and the first 159 pages, and the one that’s the other 277 pages 2) I’m afraid my criticisms won’t make much sense without spoiler-like specifics.
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