Reviewed by: Sooz
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Approximate word count: 115,000-120,000 words
Availability
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on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or
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Author:
Michael
Meyerhofer also writes poetry, publishing five poetry chap books, and has won
awards for his work. He enjoys weight lighting, medieval weapons and history.
Meyerhofer current teaches at Ball State University. You can learn more about
him at his website.
Description:
Rowen was
kicked out of his knight’s training only to find himself alone on the road.
Several strange encounters later, which are too much to be just coincidences, and
Rowen is looking to lead an army of gang members, knights and citizens against
an army fortified with a ghoulish demon they call Nightmare and sorceresses.
Rowen must rely on the people he meets along his quest to aid him and save the
city of Lyos from crumbling.
Appraisal:
In his
acknowledgements, Meyerhofer refers to himself as a boyhood Tolkein fan. It’s
obvious from reading Wytchfire where
his inspirations came from by using multiple races that have to band together
to fight a strong foe.
While the
inspiration is there, Meyerhofer is able to make his own world using a rich
history, reluctant heroes and a few surprises along the way
The book is
the first of a trilogy and is set up that way. There isn’t a huge cliffhanger
at the end, but more of the end of one battle while we know the rest of the war
is ready to rage on.
Wytchfire may start off a bit slow, but the
action picks up fairly quickly with Meyerhofer not dawdling too long to give
the reader background information. He’s able to blend it into the story while
continuing with the current action.
One of my
favorite parts was the distinction of two strong female characters. They held
their own against anyone who confronted them and were layered characters. My
only gripe is that they are both, of course, easy on the eyes, which has to be
noted by the men looking at them. It’s nice when I read a story where the men
and women are described similarly without bringing beauty up when it comes to
the women and not even mentioning that aspect when it comes to male characters.
However, Wytchfire is a great read for those who
love epic fantasies – as I do. It certainly filled its role and feels like the
start of a great adventure.
FYI:
The first
book of a trilogy.
Format/Typo Issues:
None.
Rating: *****Five stars
2 comments:
I agree. I loved it also. :) Excellent review!
I thought it started just a bit slow, but when it picked, it never let go. Couldn't wait to get through it.
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