Books read in 2014: No. 3 -- Magic of Thieves: Legends of Dimmingwood, Book I

by C. Greenwood

Started: Jan. 12
Finished: Jan. 15

Notes: For far too long have I been putting off my fantasy readings, so now is the time to correct that. I'm not planning to read nothing but fantasy, but I probably will for the next half dozen or so of my reads, and then I'll work in quite a bit of fantasy for at least the rest of the year. I was burnt out on the genre a couple of years ago, having just finished reading the 10-book series by Erikson and having spent a good amount of time writing several epic fantasy works, but now I'm ready for some more. I decided to begin with this particular author because I've noticed her works up and down the Amazon rankings during the last year and figured she must be doing something right. Plus, I always like discovering new authors.

Mini review: This was a damn fine story. The first chapter I found a bit jarring, but it was a jarring situation the main character found herself in, so it seemed appropriate, and often enough I feel out of my element when starting a new book. By the second chapter the story entered a flow that pretty much followed through the rest of the work, and what a flow it was. Those seeking philosophical fantasy akin to Steven Erikson or literary fantasy like that of Mervyn Peake might want to look elsewhere, but those who enjoy a romping good adventure story similar in style to Bob Salvatore or Weis and Hickman will find plenty here to love. The writing is solid without being overly complex, the characters are interesting, the editing is one of the best I've seen in an indie work, and the plot itself is entertaining. I'm looking forward to further books in the series.