Customer Reviews

Battleaxe

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I picked up this book with some trepidation as it has had very mixed reviews but it really isn't a bad read at all. The `Battleaxe' of the title is Axis, the leader of the Axe-Wielders, a religious army. He is the illegitimate son of a princess and nephew of King Priam who refuses to acknowledge him as family. His half brother Borneheld, heir to the childless king, hates Axis and is determined to see him destroyed. The purpose of the Axe-wielders is to uphold the religious beliefs of the land and destroy any of the `Forbidden' they may chance upon. The Forbidden are races of beings that once populated the land alongside the humans but centuries ago were driven into exile. A prophecy says that one day the Starman will come who will once again unite the races.
Sara Douglass doesn't have the most mature writing style but she has produced a fast paced, action filled tale. Sure, it isn't the most original fantasy ever written, and true, some of the characters are a little one-dimensional, but overall it is interesting enough to keep you reading and if you want a quick and fairly easy read it is ideal.

This book was not as good as I had hoped, but the series did get better as it went. However the second triolgy that follows this series, begining with "Sinner" is much better. But, you should really read the first trilogy "Battleaxe...or in America I believe it is -The Wayfarer redemption-", so as to understand the characters and why they are the way they are.

All in all it is a good read. Characters could use a little more fleshing out in some areas, and it is a typical Good Guy vs. Evil Step Brother vs. Ominus Dark Character...all to get the girl that they all want, but it is entertaining.

This is a fantastic read, from the very first page. The style of writing is pacy, the characters are diverse and interesting, the plot is intriguing and there are a number of great twists along the way and the world of Tencendor is so well defined you can imagine it easily. I couldn't put it down. Once I had finished it I had to start the second book.