Review: Great Read. Each page begs you to go one more.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 29, 2012
The Riddler's Gift by Greg Hamerton is one of the best novels I have read in a while. The length is intimidating at first, over 1000 pages, but don't let that deter you, each page begs you to go one more, oftentimes teasing you into putting off sleep for one more chapter. The characters are well thought out and formed, each feeling like a living breathing person. The world is formed around you, not made for you, and as you continue you learn more about your surroundings, finding out who lives where, and trying to find a place to sit down, so you can take a rest from the fast pace of the first half of the novel. You begin by learning the history of Eyri, and are then thrown into the conflict headfirst, not given a second to bring your head up for water, but instead hold your breath as the character finds her foot being put onto her journey for her.Tabitha Serannon is a young girl who seems to be foolish, and easily turned around. Don't let this fool you, throughout the novel her strength increases until the final climax. She is often accompanied by a man entitled The Riddler, and through this companion, we find not only the mystery of the novel, but the humor as well. As the story progresses into a dark mist that keeps your mind probing in different direction, hoping to find a light, The Riddler guides you through his twisted speech, and his manner of avoiding the truth, while never telling a lie. I found myself looking for pieces that included him, just to see what he would say next. Most chapters begin with a quote by The Riddler, and give you something to think about before plunging into the next piece of your journey. Around halfway there's a period of relaxation for the reader, where the pace slows down, before the long uphill journey begins again. If you thought the beginning was a ride, wait till you read the rest. I found myself most enthralled by the final half, as more rules to this world are introduced, accompanied by greater risks, larger rewards, and the final climax that you will hold your breath for. I was absolutely dismayed as I turned the pages furiously at the end, wanting to know what would happen next, and then the battery for my kindle gave its last breath as the screen went blank, right before I had to go to bed. When I finally managed to get to them, I waited on every word, hoping to know the fate of our young Serannon and ...... well I can't tell you the second part, I guess you will have to read to find out.For the price of the novel, you can't find a better deal, it is five times the size of many novels out on the market, and even has the benefit of being part of a series, currently having a sequel. With more journeys to be had, greater risks to be taken, and rules to be searched out, the second book promises to be a ride as well. If you have the money, I highly recommend this book, and would encourage anyone to take their journey into the wonderful world of Eyri.Note: A Free Review copy was provided by the author.