Review: I really want to like this book...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 16, 2012
The author has created a complex world of special magic, creatures, and political intrigue.  I very much enjoy this aspect of the book.  However, as one digs into the details, it's those details that disappoint.  'Facts' are thrown about by characters that would not necessarily have that specialized or inside knowledge.  Liberties are taken with regard to timelines (e.g., in the time it takes for the hero to walk from his home town to the enclave of the resistance, an entire empire has been subjugated, integrated into the conquering empire, and all are prospering from the resultant trade).  Motivations are suspect.  One of the main characters is sent on a quest to obtain something when a bevy of minions are already on-location and could obtain that thing, and no one in attendance questions this (except the main character, who keeps mum and follows along).  The action is quick, and the resolution to the action is even quicker and feels very contrived.  In junior high I might have enjoyed this level of writing, but I just can't continue to read it.  I will be deleting this book from my Kindle app.  Sorry.