Review: A good read with reservations.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
This story by Nicolas Wilson introduces an interesting world where magic and vampire cultures co-exist with, but without the knowledge of the modern human world. Using chess as a model for the mage government was an unusual concept that opened a number of opportunities for the story.Nicolas chose to write this in the first person and his technique worked; however, he then transposed the first person to several of his characters, and this, in my opinion, did not work. I felt that this was a severe case of ‘head-hopping’ and undermined the concept of Knight telling his story. It would have sat more comfortably with me if Knight had been the only person narrating the story; I was left wondering if the writer actually had the skills to move out of that mode.I liked the steady pace at which the plot unfolded, there was a steady increase in pace and intensity and the story had sound continuity. The characters and relationships worked well and it was, simply put, a good story.Unfortunately, this book was completely undone by the constant, crude and pointless language and dialogue. There was a constant diatribe of filthy smut that constantly interfered with what should have been a good story written by a skilful writer.I would like to see Nicolas apply his obvious broad knowledge, imagination and writing skills without the constant distraction of twisted sexual dialog.