Transformation

Seyonne: 1

ISBN: 0-451-45795-1 Order from: Amazon.com

Interesting, sympathetic, well-drawn characters, and unusual magic are well able to carry this ocassionally dark and well-paced fantasy full of struggle and fighting, both of swords and of spirit.

Reviewed by David on February 02, 2003

Genre: Fantasy (Demons, Slavery, Intrigue)

Synopsis: Seyonne has long been a slave in the Derzhi empire. Faced with the brutality and danger of his life, and the pain of his destroyed home, he has learned to have no dreams, no hopes, no wistful memories. He lives in the moment, enduring shame and pain, ignoring scars and the possibility of death. However, despite his best intentions, his past is still with him, and when a new, cruel and mercurial master—the Derzhi Prince Aleksander—shows the potential of intelligence and decency, Seyonne embarks on a dangerous path to cultivate a conscience in the man who holds Seyonne's life in his hands. But the struggle for Aleksandr's soul is more than just metaphorical, for the heir to the Derzhi Empire is the center of dark sorcery.

Full Review: From the first few lines in the book, the author's skill is shown in the deep portrayal of a slave, bitter, hurt, but strong enough to concentrate on nothing more than survival. With subtle glances, the main character reveals that he once was more than a slave, and his principles, and his intelligence cannot be completely suppressed even by himself. The characters of Seyonne and his nemesis and subject—the capricious Prince Aleksandr—are well drawn and pull the reader's attention. The world is well drawn, and the magic practiced is fresh.

most of the secondary characters are less well described, which in some cases is unfortunate since they play major roles. The pacing is good, generally with moments of fast action interspered with slower, but still tense interludes.

The resolution has a couple of twists, and concludes the book nicely while setting up for future developments in the sequels.

The book is quite enjoyable, with unsual magic, compelling characters, and a solid plot.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6.5;

ISBN: 0-451-45795-1 Order from: Amazon.com