The blogs have inspired me, I am a regular blogger within the field of graphic design, but not so much in my hobbies...though I'm trying to work on it. Anyway here is my first of a hopefully regular blog series of book reviews.
The Innocent Mage"The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
I purchased this book because of the provocative cover art. On a shelf beside the likes of Robert Jordan, and LE Mondesett type of illustrative covers, this one stood out to me. Prior to the purchase I looked at the summary, it's a little short, but the hook of an unlikely hero is one that had drawn me in. The subtitle for the series "Kingmaker, Kingbreaker" was also a line that made me think this would be interesting at least.
This series starts with Asher, a brash young fishmonger's son, wanting to make it big in the city to setup a business with his dad...out from under the thumb of his 6 other brothers. Asher has an unspoken promise with his dad that he'll return in a year to make good on his dream. Unknown to the young protaganist is he's an agent of prophecy, a savior to the people of Lur.
When Asher reaches Lur's capital he quickly gets employed, but not in the manner he expects. Through some prompting by a mysterious bookseller, our hero finds himself employed by the lonely magicless prince...mucking out the stables.
The story progresses with Asher befriending two people that know of and try to watch over the fisherman. Though it's not immediately explained, the actual decendant of the prophet recognizes Asher as 'The Innocent Mage' immediately.
Karen Miller does well in building up the charachter's personalities. Asher is a trustworthy, plain-spoken youth who tells you what you need to hear in words that aren't quite so kind. The prince, Gur, sees himself as a magicless cripple, but does everything he can to unite the two people of Lur. There is an animosity between the two cultures, but they both assure an easy life for each-other. The diety is some 600 year dead hero, Barl, who gave laws that both cultures recognize and live by.
More than half way through I have enjoyed this book and it's seemingly fresh writing style. It's light reading and has a great story, but lacks the descriptive trappings of say Robert jordan or Terry Brooks. I think it's worth looking at if you are looking for something light while at the beach or on vacation.
