Ian Alexander (2)

What I Loved:

Other reviews have said it, and I must agree that the imagery in this book is absolutely wonderful. Several times when reading I could practically smell or taste the action that was happening, and many times I cringed in reading a description. I Also really loved the ending. The last 30% or so was absolutely phenomenal. I struggled with the first half, mainly because of it's length, but I read the last 30% without stopping, and barely noticed that about 7 hours had passed.

What I Didn't Like:

The length. It truly is epic- in content and length. Probably this wouldn't have hit me so bad if I had a paper copy, but as I was reading an e-book, it messed with my mind when I'd read 3 chapters, and the corner of my e-book says I've only read 2-3% of the book. Having finished it, I can see what good all those words did for the story, and I think if I'd been warned even that would have helped, but to go in blindly the length of the book was a tad overwhelming.

My Overall Review:

(4 of 5 Stars) Epic- In Many More Ways Than One

Ian Alexander has definitely penned an epic fantasy that fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will absolutely love. The imagery is rich and descriptive, and the story itself takes place in a foreign land with kings and queens and fantastical creatures. If you can think of anything that would make something "epic"- Dragons, phoenixes, fights to the death.. this story has it. Honestly, I would have made it a 5-star, but the length just was too much for me. Again, you have all been warned so it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.

Disclaimer:

This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.… (plus d'informations)

First off, let me say, that I am NOT a big fan of fantasy novels. Oh, I'll read them from time to time, but they are not my first choice in genre so most I end up not finishing or not liking that well. There have been, occasionally, a few that I do enjoy if they are extremely well written. That being said, this novel by Ian Alexander (who happens to have a twin by the name of Joshua Graham-who is an INCREDIBLE author(he wrote rel="nofollow" target="_top">BEYOND JUSTICE), btw), is one that I must confess I really enjoyed. I sat down to read it on Monday night, and had it finished by Tuesday evening. It was just THAT good! The characters were striking and the plot line gripping enough to hold my attention. While it is a fantasy novel, it doesn't truly read as a fantasy novel.

Now, that I have that out of the way, I'll get on with my review. Ahndien and Render are truly amazing characters. They were complex and created with passion for their roles. The lessons that they take the reader on through the actions and twists in this epic novel, are awesome. From good verses evil to romance and finding oneself, this was filled to overflowing with something for every reader! I was gripped by the way the characters flowed with the story and adventure.

This is the type of book that I would want my kids reading when they get old enough. It's truly amazing to see a writer so talented that they can write in multiple genres. Not many can do that and still earn praises for both genres from me. Ian Alexander, aka Joshua Graham, can do just that.

This book is so deserving of more than 5 stars! It is a book that young and old readers alike will enjoy. You'll be captured and thrown into the middle of the action, helping the characters all along the way. When you reach the end, you'll say good bye, but it's a novel that won't soon be forgotten! If you are new to fantasy novels, start with Ian Alexander's ONCE WE WERE KINGS. You'll be a fan for life of the work of an incredibly talented, FANTABULOUS author! And, while your at it, you could check out his evil twin brother's (Joshua Graham) work, BEYOND JUSTICE.… (plus d'informations)