Even though this book is probably more targeted towards a teen/young adult audience, it's the kind of genre I enjoyed when I was that age, and to be honest, I still do!
This was right up my street. The story follows Kellen, a just-about-to-turn-16-year-old boy who needs to take and pass his mage trials so that he can officially become part of the Jan'Tep - the people of his race that can cast spells and wield magic. Unfortunately for Kellen, his magical ability is less than desirable and he has to secretly find new and inventive ways of making his way through life, and the trials, without the use of magic.
As it says on the back, Magic is a con game.
The characters are brilliant - everyone at some point in their life has met a Shalla, or a Tennat. This makes them really easy to understand and relate to.
The story has a few little twists and turns, and although I thought a couple of them were a little predictable, I still enjoyed reading through and being surprised by the others.
I only have 2 gripes - the first is that some of the names are a little hard to get the hang of pronouncing. Though, so long as it doesn't become a global hit or a film/tv series no one will know which ones I read wrong!
The second is that (I won't give a spoiler) the front cover is not as accurate as I would expect. Read through and you will see what I mean.
Even so, I can't wait for the sequel :)
This was right up my street. The story follows Kellen, a just-about-to-turn-16-year-old boy who needs to take and pass his mage trials so that he can officially become part of the Jan'Tep - the people of his race that can cast spells and wield magic. Unfortunately for Kellen, his magical ability is less than desirable and he has to secretly find new and inventive ways of making his way through life, and the trials, without the use of magic.
As it says on the back, Magic is a con game.
The characters are brilliant - everyone at some point in their life has met a Shalla, or a Tennat. This makes them really easy to understand and relate to.
The story has a few little twists and turns, and although I thought a couple of them were a little predictable, I still enjoyed reading through and being surprised by the others.
I only have 2 gripes - the first is that some of the names are a little hard to get the hang of pronouncing. Though, so long as it doesn't become a global hit or a film/tv series no one will know which ones I read wrong!
The second is that (I won't give a spoiler) the front cover is not as accurate as I would expect. Read through and you will see what I mean.
Even so, I can't wait for the sequel :)