3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A novel about a boy growing up- in a fantasy setting, April 18, 2011
Some books are fantasy and other books are novels placed in a fantasy setting. This first novel by Kathryn Ramage is indeed set in a wondrous, rich and beautiful fantasy setting.
And it's a quite well done novel of a boy's coming to age (first major part is set when the protagonist is a young boy, next half is set when he's a older teen, then there's a short afterwards when he's a young adult), the story of a boy who loses his mother at a young age, then is swept off to live with his powerful father. The boy goes from a waterfront slum to a huge castle, slightly reminiscent of Gormengast.
The characters are realistic and well done, with deep and well crafted emotions and conflicts. There's romance, loss, love, reconciliation, anger, and much more.
It's set in a alt-hist world of Norman England, a world where magic, rather than technology rules. This reminded me of the Lord Darcy series a little.
And yes, the Father is a great and powerful wizard (he reminds me a bit of Elric), and Orlan, his son (the protagonist) has great magical potential. We see part of Orlans magical training, and a few instances where his father wields his magical power.
But- there's no dragons slain, no princess rescued, no epic battle scenes, no worlds saved from a Dark Lord. Thus, this may be a very good book for those tired of the "same-old, same-old" and who would like a good novel that has a fantasy setting.
I have rcvd a copy for review.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating Read, December 29, 2009
"If you will know any magic, you will know this: a word has power." So explains the most powerful wizard to his inquiring son at the beginning of
The Wizard's Son, a novel that is lyrically written and artfully balanced between historical presence and magical place. This isn't Harry Potter because of more adult themes, and while not as complex as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, readers are introduced to an alternate earth with mystical settings, engaging characters, emotional conflicts, dark forces, and a quest. Fantasy buffs will relate to this beautifully crafted story and unique treatment and be eager for a sequel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An exciting fantasy, highly recommended, November 8, 2010
In the world of wizardry, the sins of the father are weighed heavily against the son. "The Wizard's Son" is the story of Orlan Lightesblood, a son of one of the most powerful wizards in the world. But being born under a wizard is no easy task, as the training that lies ahead of him seems to be a drop in the barrel for the enemies he will inherit. "The Wizard's Son" is an exciting fantasy, highly recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
