Review and Giveaway: The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett

Series: Demon Cycle #1
453 p.
Publisher: Random House
Published: 3/23/15
Source: TBR pile

As darkness falls after sunset, the corelings rise--demons who possess supernatural powers and burn with a consuming hatred of humanity. For hundreds of years the demons have terrorized the night, slowly culling the human herd that shelters behind magical wards--symbols of power whose origins are lost in myth and whose protection is terrifyingly fragile. It was not always this way. Once, men and women battled the corelings on equal terms, but those days are gone. Night by night the demons grow stronger, while human members dwindle under their relentless assault. Now, with hope for the future fading, three young survivors of vicious demon attacks will dare the impossible, stepping beyond the crumbling safety of the wards to risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Together, they will stand against the night.

My thoughts:
I've been wanting to try this book for a while now. I won this one and a few extras to giveaway (stay tuned at the end of the post). I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but I know that several of my fantasy loving bloggy friends did enjoy this one. I couldn't wait to dive in.

I find myself in this story between 3 POVs. It isn't hard to discern one from the other and I knew there had to be a reason we were following 3. We mostly get the tale of Arlen and since this is really his story it makes sense. Plus his journey is the most complicated one. The other POVs were Leesha (healer) and and Rojer (entertainer). I knew they would all come together in the end since we see that each prospective journeys would complement each other greatly. In some ways I couldn't wait to see them together and in others I didn't mind waiting patiently while the story unfolded. I was glad I waited.

This is a character driven book even though the worldbuilding is lush. It isn't bogged down by politics but is driven by the coming of age stories of all 3 characters. We learn what they fear and how each finds who they truly are in the world. How they learn to cherish their gifts and what it could mean not only for themselves but also for the world. It was a great beginning to this adventure.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. While you might come across a small plot hole or two in the worldbuilding the characterization comes through and really shines in the story. Plus often those holes are filled as the series progresses. While I can't wait to continue reading in this series I'm hesitant since the next book is about a character we were introduced and I did not like at all (but then you really weren't supposed to like him). I do think it will turn out to be another great addition but I do hope he gets his butt kicked. LOL

Yes, since I was given more than one book I'm giving 2 away! US only (sorry postal charges!). I do think this is a fantasy even those that don't often read this genre will enjoy. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway