Review: Strong Introduction, Somewhat Lacking in Conflict
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 17, 2012
Having read Foundling, I'm now a fan of Giannetti's; the writing was strong, and I loved the characters.  Foundling focuses on Balbus finding and raising Elerian, an orphan with an unknown past and powerful enemies.  Despite the presence of ancient forests, well imagined creatures, and magic, Foundling is more a coming-of-age tale than anything else.  Elerian has to avoid the natural and malevolent dangers while growing up, as well as learn to mesh both his mischievous nature and kind heart.The good points of the book are the characters, pacing, writing, and world-building.  I particularly liked the natural, unforced, and semi-organic style; Giannetti has a light touch as an author, making the reader feel as if the story is true, if foreign, rather than "just a story".  The novel could be a bit longer though.  While the pacing of the story is good, the book feels like it should be the first third or half of a longer novel (think Rothfuss, Martin, Jordan, or even one of the later Harry Potters for length).  In the end, there isn't enough of a conflict between the protagonist, Elerian, and whatever issues he has to surmount.Overall, I liked the feel of the book, would recommend it to other readers, and I look forward to the sequel.  Strong recommendation to people looking for a originally imagined, if somewhat classic fantasy, as well as teen fantasy readers interested in a coming-of-age story.