Review: impressive first novel - sure to excite fantasy enthusiasts
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 28, 2013
Child of Fate is an impressive first novel and an excellent introduction to a series that could go very far. Full of action, and not allowing itself to get bogged down in too many details, it has good pace and introduces us to an array of interesting characters and creatures.Like all good sagas, it can take a while to get into this new world the author Jason Halstead opens our minds too. And so, once I had gotten through the first several pages, it became a much smoother ride. I found the writing style quite refreshing as it offered a crisp new perspective on how characters can be portrayed without being too cliché. Of the characters, I did enjoy Alto the most, which is just as well since he is the main character.An avid reader of fantasy novels and an enthusiastic lover of heroes, I can be a little picky about new fantasy novels, since there are so many greats to compare them to. In plot, this one reminded me a little of David Eddings, but clearly Halstead has his own way of telling a story.I've now read a number in this series and found that they flow so well, to the point where I can easily see this series translating into a movie screen.I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels that have good adventure and good characterization. I look forward to reading more from the author.