Customer Reviews

The Pit (The Death Wizard Chronicles, Book 1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Pit is a wonderful fantasy, rich in detail, Eastern spiritual philosophy, and little archaisms that enhance the imagery. Jim Melvin expresses this story in a well written, easy to read format, and does a great job of breathing life into Triken and its inhabitants. I think he accomplishes what every writer hopes for with a book like this: he left me wanting more.

I picked up Jim Melvin's Death Wizard Chronicles based on the great premise and thoroughly enjoyed the novel. The characters and creatures pulled me into a mystical world unlike any I'd encountered in other Fantasy novels. Great debut.

Jim Melvin promises action and suspense, and he delivers. The first title in his Death Wizard Chronicles is filled with incredible characters in a fantasy world that seems all too real and will leave your imagination running wild. There's plenty here - heroes, villains, sex, horror. It's wizardry for adults. A promising debut from a writer sure to be on the radar screen for a long time to come.

Jim Melvin is a fresh voice in fantasy writing with a bold, inventive vision and seasoned literary style that vaults him immediately into the top tier of his genre. Book One of the Death Wizard Chronicles, a six-book epic fantasy series, is scary, action-packed and imaginative -- a mythic world vividly entwining heroes, villains and sex that leaves the reader with the impression that this break-through author has truly arrived. Book One down, five to go. Can't wait for the rest. - Dave Scheiber, award-winning writer for the St. Petersburg Times

Jim Melvin steps into the realm of high fantasy authors with the ease of a master. A strong plot, smooth transitions, and fast paced, The Death Wizard is sure to capture the attention of the reader, and not let go long, long after the last page has been read. If you're looking for good old fashioned adventure, an ingredient most new authors forget to include in this genre, then The Death Wizard is a sure bet!

In a world saturated with fantasy novels, Jim Melvin's The Death Wizard Chronicles shines above and beyond the rest. With a fast paced exciting feel, The Pit caught my interest quickly and held on tight as I traversed the world of Triken!

I've read a lot of fantasy in my time, but never a debut book that combines so much action and suspense with so much going on between the lines. Though a quick read, The Pit sticks with you long after you've finished the last page, and it sets the stage for a six-book series of epic proportions. I'm already salivating over the release of Book Two.

I was anticipating the first installment in this series with a goodly amount of fervor. I knew beforehand that J.R.R. Tolkien had been one of Jim Melvin's profound inspirations, and had rated him as one of the greatest epic fantasy writers of all time. Tolkien also had that effect on me, believing that he had written the definitive road fantasy, filled with lush descriptions, thought-provoking mood, and that you-are-there atmosphere. Add to it a truly elegant writing style, coupled with a plethora of amazing landscapes, and you have the formula of what constitutes The Death Wizard Chronicles.

Talk about seamless writing and breathless architectural rendering. It's there, and so much more in this world-building extravaganza!

Torg, the Death-Knower wizard, has to bring vindication, hope and freedom to the planet Triken. It's not an easy task when you're facing down the adversary, Invictus, whose name alone makes the marrow in men's bones turn to ice. Along with a sexy and determined female warrior, Sobhana, and a band of fearless soldiers, Torg must restore order and punish the wicked. The tasks and obstacles set before him would make Hercules cringe, and although he is just and fair in his dealings, he is not above detaching a head when he needs to get a point across.

This is a sexy and gritty adventure, and only a mere taste of what is to come in the next five books of the series. I urge anyone who adores epic fantasy at its best to follow this innovative and action-packed saga. If you're sitting down and reading this book, be sure to strap yourself into the chair ... because you'll feel like jumping up and swinging a double-bladed axe!

I am not the eloquent writer, but I will try to describe what I feel is the best book I have read since LOTR and IMHO a greater work. The journey that Jim Melvin has started me on is fantastic. I just finished Book One and am waiting on the arrival of Book Two. Just take a moment and peek into any page of this fantastic series and you will be forever enraptured! The characters come to life and Jim captivates you with the most complex detail. You are taken to the land of Triken in mind and in heart! I am a true fan of his work!