This book was provided to me by the author for free in exchange for a completely honest review, and I have to say that I'm really glad she did; I really enjoyed this novel. Thank you!
I feel it is important to add that this book has some very impressive credentials; I had a look at all of the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and every single one is a 5 star review!
Synopsis (Goodreads)
Magic isn't gone, only hidden.
For countless centuries monsters, men, and things in between have fought hidden battles over the fate of magic … in a small rural town in Virginia. Now their skirmishes threaten to explode into open war, with the entire world held in the balance.
Dylan Caid, a troubled misfit whose secret just might hold the key to victory, finds himself thrust into the center of this ancient conflict. With both sides urging him to join with them and threatening death or worse should he not, Dylan must seek out an ancient force that even monsters fear.
My Review
This book... I'm not quite sure if I can even describe it. I'm still rather in shock. I really did love it, though.
It was an intelligently written book, something that impressed me a lot. The main character had a witty charm, and it was amazing how the book still felt very down-to-earth despite being very much a fantasy novel.
What I find amazing is that Allen plays a subtle game of cat-and-mouse with the reader. The reader isn't finding out who is good and who is bad, per se, but about who is safest and who is lying.
Allen does a great job of presenting 'good guy' characters and building strong character dynamics. Even characters that you only meet for a page or two are interesting as characters. Allen creates realistic but amusingly intense characters.
The whole novel is peppered from witty one-liners from Dylan (something that could possibly irk some readers- I know that towards the end of the book I was getting a little tired of them- but I don't think it's an issue) as well as masterful metaphors, riddles and hidden meanings by Allen. More observant readers will have fun combing through the novel and figuring out the riddles.
It was a very busy and fast-paced book, perhaps good for taking a break from a slower read. It's long too, so it's chock full of Allen's brilliant writing and will keep you occupied for ages! Perhaps if you're looking for a relaxing read this isn't the book for you, but that's okay.
I know this review is very short, but really there's not much more to add. I loved every aspect of the book; character design and dynamics, writing skills, readability, the humour. It was a brilliant book that really did keep me on the edge of my seat and so I am happy to award it a very rare but noteworthy:
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