Customer Reviews

Silverboy

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

 

 

I have to admit that I had rather high hopes for this book when I bought it off the shelf but in the end it left me rather unfulfilled. The story contains a lot of gaps that could have been filled if the story was longer. The characters themselves seemed undeveloped and emotionally flat. I felt the only character that showed any real emotion at all was Akenna, which is strange because the story is suppose to be about Tommo the silver boy. Personally I thought it would of been nice if the author didn't add the quick epilogue at the end and expanded the story in a sequel, to help develop Akenna and Tommo's relationship. I also wish the author would of stretched into the background history of this fantasy world a little more, especially when it comes to the origins of the spellstones, as well as more info on who White Urtha and Red Unga are. A little illustrated map at the beginning would of been helpful too; I found it hard visualizing the geographical aspects of the world that is a major factor to the story. So overall this story is very fast and choppy with an ending that feels very rushed and unrewarding.

Five stars for a story that got me absorbed and interested. I like the fact that the author doesn't flesh out all the details, leaving the mythology and magic of this world partly to the imagination. Fantasy books that introduce one to every aspect of their world make me feel like an 'outsider' to whom everything has to be explained. Browne avoids this pitfall in her book and sucks the reader into her story right from the skillfully written opening paragraph. I agree with a previous reviewer about the epilogue. It could have been left out, although I suspect younger readers will like it for the sense of closure it gives. I'm surprised this author isn't better known.

Spellgrinders' apprentices rarely survive long enough to become spellgrinders: most die of an illness before that point - and can't escape from the work. But Tommo refuses to face death and decides to run away to the coast: his journey leads him to a fisherman's daughter and a friendship which will reveal the truths of their lives and, ultimately, change their fates. Fans of fantasy will find a spellbinding drama here.