The advent of e-publishing and on demand printing has been a great boon to writers. I’d argue its impact approaches that of the moveable type printing press or compulsory education. Sounds like an overstatement? In the US alone nearly 1500 new books are published every day. That’s right more than half a million new titles every year! (I rarely use exclamation points, but that’s a lot of books).
It’s never been easier for authors to publish. Readers have never had this much choice in reading material. Is this a new found literary paradise? In some ways sure, but it’s also presents new challenges. For the author, how do you get your readers’ attention? And for the reader, how do you spend your money wisely?
One answer is book reviews. In addition to the competitive world of retailer reviews and sites like Goodreads, thousands of review sites have sprung up to fill the need. While many offer their services for hire, either as fees to authors or subscribers, others earn their keep through advertisements and retailer referral fees, e.g., Amazon Associates.
Book Reviews Anonymous is one of the latter. They promise honest reviews of books submitted by authors.
Book review of The Poisoned Princess:
This novel felt distinctly like a retelling of the Dragon Age: Origins Dalish elf opening. There were, of course, deviations, but the similarities were pretty strong. Then, Toran, half-elf and half-barbarian makes it into an organization called the Warders after he’s banished, much like your character joining the Grey Wardens.
The Poisoned Princess was a cute little tale. Mysteries abound as Toran rallies a crew to cure the princess and find the assassin. There’s lots of action, most of which was pretty well orchestrated. Dialogue was prevalent as well.
Thankfully it didn’t get too drawn out and boring in the way that many novels do. Quite a bit of storytelling and world-building was done through dialogue so keeping it engaging was important.
World-building was industry standard for fantasy novels.
The narrative itself wasn’t too heavy on the external world, instead focused on a smaller area as it needed. Characters fit the world rather well. Elves, dwarves, humans…all of the regular players made it to the quest.
There’s definitely room for a sequel. The author created and interesting world, even if things feel a little on the generic side. I’m more interested in the Warders, and how Toran fares with them. Not a bad young adult fantasy at all.
For more honest reviews please visit Book Reviews Anonymous.
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
