Friday, May 1, 2015

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

20 comments:

  1. That sounds pretty great. I'm always a little nervous with so many POVs but sounds like he did an excellent job. I still have his last series sitting on my shelf waiting for me. *hangs head* lol

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    1. It was separated well so it wasn't confusing at all. Plus you knew they all would come together in the end so it made sense.

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  2. I really liked this one. I could not get into book 2 though

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    1. I have a feeling I'm not going to love the second one but I hear it gets better again after that one.

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  3. I usually prefer character driven stories but good to hear world building was good too

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    1. It really is character driven. The worldbuilding in a fantasy is has to be good though and it was here even if there were a few small holes... ;)

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  4. I think this is outside my normal reading zone, but heck, I am always willing to give this a go. Sounds interesting, and I love a book with good world building.

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    1. I think you'll be able to easily slip into this one. You like UF so no probs. :)

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  5. This sounds pretty good! I hadn't heard of it but your review was very convincing!

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  6. With a cover, title, and synopsis like that I really want to give this one a try! Lovely review Melissa!
    Lily @ Lilysbookblog

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    1. I think you'd really enjoy this one. I think you'll really like all the characters in the book.

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  7. I hadn't heard about this one before, but it sounds awesome!

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  8. Really like the cover on this one, and the story sounds great too! Not my usual type of read, but now I want to give it a try. Thanks for a great review!

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  9. When done right I enjoy multiple povs and you have me curious Melissa. This was new to me so thank you!

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  10. I've been reading quite a lot of reviews of this one. All very mixed, it seems its one of those books you either love or hate. Good luck to everyone entering your competition.

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  11. I too really enjoyed this one. I have the next book on the shelf to get to.... I need to get to it. lol.

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  12. I'm all for character driven stories, and this sounds fantastic! Multiple POVs don't often work for me, but it sounds like it's not a big issue here. Lovely review!

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  13. This sounds like it would be great! I want to win it!

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  14. I want to win! IT WOULD BE AWESOME!!!

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!