BookView Review rated it:
Tellwell Talent
Pub date June 30, 2022
ISBN 978-0228868675
Price $24.99 (USD) Hardcover, $13.99 Paperback, $4.99 Kindle edition
Cole’s entertaining debut novel features well-developed and grounded characters with fully formed backstories, a twisty plot that is full of surprises, and loads of magical intrigue. After being found shipwreck on a deserted island, Krell is chosen to become a paladin for the highly irrational god of the seas and skies, ReckNor. Trying to navigate the unpredictability of his newly found powers, Krell joins a group of strangers and sets out to slay magical monsters. Paladin stories are common in the fantasy genre, but Cole’s wholly original novel effectively avoids clichés while also providing a compulsively readable, highly engrossing story. There are lighter moments as well as deeply emotional ones, a touch of human drama, and plenty of magical intrigue. Though there are instances of sweltering action, the novel is primarily concerned with the interior of the characters’ heads. They are determined, self-obsessed people on several quests, with the simple goal of achieving wealth and glory, but find a new meaning to their lives in doing so. Cole seamlessly and brilliantly intertwines several subplots while also examining humankind’s myriad shortcomings, questions of identity, purpose, courage, trust, pride, and what it means to be a hero. Readers will likely enjoy its blazing action, relentless plot twists, and its satisfying conclusion. A winner.
***
Categories: fantasy
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