Customer Reviews

Witness: Book One of All Prophets Are Liars

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

 

 

If you are looking for something new and different, without the same old cookie-cutter characters I highly recommend this book! Anyone who likes fantasy has probably dreamed of being thrust into that magical world and dream of instantly being able to sling those spells or wield a sword like a samurai warrior, but would that really happen? This book takes you down just that road and without wanting to give anything away it is quite a ride! So I wouldn't hesitate taking a chance on this book and would recommend it to anyone who asked.

Let me start by saying that when I got to the last page, I was so depressed the book was over! I was left wondering just how long it's going to take to publish book two. The feeling was similar to how I felt when the "Fellowship of the Ring" movie ended and I realized I was going to have to wait another year to see the next one, and not because I didn't know what was going to happen, I was just so engrossed in the visualization of the story.

Witness didn't quite start out for me that way. It took about a quarter of the book for the characters to start developing into ones I could tell apart so that I wasn't struggling to remember them. If I have one critique of the book it would be that you don't get quite enough of the supporting characters early enough to immerse yourself in the plot. There are so many different characters with either similar or difficult to recognize names that I found myself confused on several occasions and had to go back and re-read so I could understand the plot.

However, that said, after I got past my early confusion, the book drags you under with its fast-paced, twisting and turning plot that leaves you thinking "Wow, I didn't see that coming" at the end of every chapter. I had to force myself to put it down, and now that it's over I'm chomping at the bit to see what happens next.

While I think this novel would be shelved with fantasy/adventure novels, I think that it goes beyond the exciting ride to get at genuine human emotion, conflict and struggle in ways that I have not typically found in fantasy novels. I think that it would appeal to readers interested in genre-bending novels like The Time Traveller's Wife, Practical Magic and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

The story is certainly exciting, a real world/ fantasy world chase involving warriors, shape-shifters and sorcerers on multiple sides of a conflict. Rick and Stephen, in the wrong place at the wrong time, are dropped into a fantasy world where their arrival is viewed with suspicion, fear and hope by competing factions attempting to seize power in the world. The mystery of who is good and who isn't unfolds slowly through Rick's point of view. His mix of fear and excitement at what he encounters is made more honest by his conscience, self-doubt and resentment of Stephen who is quickly adopted as a hero warrior. Interspersed with Rick and Stephen's adventure is the parallel story of Sarah, ex-girlfriend to Stephen and potential girlfriend for Rick, and how she is impacted by and copes with their sudden disappearance.

The story propells the reader in satisfying arcs of action and exposition that hint at a larger plot that I assume will be expanded on in future books. But what compelled me was the characters and their real relationships and believable dialogue in the midst of unreal circumstances. Even the minor characters Paqua, Luska and brothers Daski and Vaos each made a distinct impression on me and I hope to read more about them in the next installment.

One wrong move, and you're suddenly charged with saving a world not your own. "Witness" is the first book of the series known as 'All Prophets and Liars'. Rick and Stephen hate each other; and when fighting over a girl, they somehow find themselves tossed into a world of magic and wizardry. Having to put aside their differences to survive, they must save this world to save themselves - so they can kill each other when they get back. "Witness" is exciting, original, and witty writing, sure to please fantasy fans.

Taken as a whole, this book earns 4 to 4.5 stars. However, the first 1/3 or so of the book was a little difficult to get through. There are three main reasons for this. First, there are many characters thrown at you in rapid fire (like speed dating, only in book form). This made it a little difficult to get the characters straightened out. Second, the author immerses you immediately in the story (think Glen Cook). I happen to like this type of writing, but initially it tends to confuse the reader. Finally, two of the main characters (Stephen & Rick) take too long to develop. Stephen's basically a jerk without any redeeming qualities. Rick is basically an anti-Stephen.

The last 2/3 of this book are very, very well done. Once I got past page 100 or so, I couldn't put it down. The characters (minus Stephen) really take off. The author does an exceptional job of painting a picture without overdoing it. Some authors will spend pages and pages describing what a castle looks like. I KNOW what a castle looks like, thank you very much. Why don't you tell me about its unique features that are relevant?

The plot is interesting and you're given just enough information to think and guess your way along with the characters. Since I said no spoilers, you'll just have to take my word for it.

Finally, the author has made a conscious effort to avoid cliches. The effort pays off with well written prose that will keep your senses engaged.

Final words: Buy this book - you won't be disappointed!!!

This is a wonderful ride through a dense and lush world full of truly memorable characters.

The author has crafted a thoroughly engaging storyline and world, and once the reader begins, they are in for one hell of a ride, from beginning to end. I put this book down and immediately wanted to pick up book 2.

If you enjoy a tale masterfully woven by an author who respects the intelligence of his readers, do yourself a favor and get this book today.