Andrew Christian

The first thing you notice about this book is the horrible font of the prologue and chapter quotations. At a guess, I would say it is 6-8pt compared to the rest of the novel which is in a more readable 12pt. I understand why the author wants to make a distinction, put the type in italics, don’t make it unreadable from the start.

Unfortunately, the other glaringly obvious problem is the length, at over 500 pages this is far too long. This is not a quick fix as the novel is well structured and integrated, so it is not just a case of losing a scene. There seems to be a preoccupation with food and clothes, we all eat and we all wear clothes, unless it impacts the story, like the cloak of protection, we don’t need to know. When Devon first goes to Earth there is a lot of explanation about the technology and clothes, yet apart from Cynthia nothing significant happens on Earth. There is also repeated detail about the working of the lattice and the creation of spells and unless there is something new to this process does it need to be repeated?

Like all good fantasy novels great attention is paid to world-building and each individual world has its own characteristics, whether that is teleportation, necromancy or mirrorwalking . The windbats are a lovely original touch along with the veil of chaos which can only be administered by the chosen few. Each area or world has its own Magelord and this fosters the idea of diplomacy, internal conflict and vying for power. I particularly liked the idea of Mason constantly introducing new technology forcing people to constantly update, a current modern problem. The examination and later duels are particularly well-formed. There is enough detail to make the reader aware of the horror and what is at stake, without being so gory it makes you feel ill.

Devon is the main character who initially suffers at the hands of the Provus drawing the reader’s compassion and sympathy, especially when he risks his own life to save Corinne. His initial treatment of women is a little cavalier, but his actions towards the end are more honourable. There is some nice inner monologue, especially with Corrine, but it would have been nice to have more details about the interpersonal relations between Devon and the other characters, such as his mentor or Lynette. In contrast, we hardly see the Timeweaver but his insidious presence pervades the whole book, to the extent that when he says the meeting is concluded, no one dares to disagree.

The last couple of chapters feel like Alice has disappeared down the rabbit hole and I do wonder how many mushrooms the author ate when he wrote it. It was quite long-winded and I wonder if all the imagery is necessary. The last couple of lines are logical and not unexpected, as it had been hinted at in the novel. This is an interesting start to a series and I look forward to the next instalment.… (plus d'informations)