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A Familiar Start

Revisado: 12-31-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I generously received a copy from the author for review.

The start is strong. It's instantly familiar to anyone who has read fantasy; a boy who would rather be an adventurer than a merchant. Then the initial framing action happens and it is very exciting. Based on the start and the end of Phoenix Fire, I plan on picking up the second installment to see how the author improves.

Unfortunately, I would argue that PF drags during its long middle chapter. There is not a strong force or pull on the characters towards anything in particular. It feels like they are moving through the book waiting for the next thing to happen along with the reader. The environment around them is adapting to the first act of the book, but our characters are witnessing rather than reacting.

The main character feels partially to blame here. Without going into spoilers, he certainly has reason to rise to action, but instead errs on caution and rationality, which are dangerous qualities in a leading man. Until the last act of the book when it picks up again.

So, strong start, weak middle, strong end.

I liked what I learned of the world building, although much was left vague (presumably to be expanded upon next book). Some of the secondary characters felt like they needed more love. From my gut, the MC's parents, the village healer and the guild leader felt the most real to me. Simon (another pov character) needed another section or two to establish himself, in my opinion.

I quite enjoyed Atticus' performance of the story and hope to hear more from him.

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