Exiled by J. R. Wagner
Author: J. R. Wagner
Publisher: Live Oak Book Company & Greenleaf Book Group
Published: 5th June 2012 & 5th May 2012 (respectively)
Pages: unknown
Format: ebook (ARC)
Source: netgalley.com
Summary:
Prophesied by the greatest of all seers to be the sorcerer who would bring an end to the Epoch Terminus—the destruction of his kind—James grew up developing his powers under the watchful eye of his mentor, Akil Karanis.
James’s insular world is shattered when he is found guilty of murdering Akil and exiled to The Never, a mysterious and dangerous place reserved for the worst of the worst, a land from which no one returns.
Powerless and alone, James quickly learns that the land itself poses a greater threat than its inhabitants. If he is to have any chance of returning to his family, any chance of proving his innocence, any chance of saving his kind, he must survive the dangers and temptations meant to ensnare both body and mind in order to discover what no one else has been able to discover—a way home.
FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS ****
I was hooked on this book from the very first minute that I saw the synopsis. It was thrilling and enthralling and had me wanting to know so much more. I was not let down when this book finally made its way into my life. It is such a unique and interesting read that really pulls you headfirst into the story. I would have no trouble recommending this book to others so I urge you to go and pick up a copy. The story and style are original and really manage to get the reader pulled into the action. One thing to note is that the narrative is choppy, it jumps from one place to the next between chapters so if this isn’t a writing style you like, this will not be an enjoyable book for you. I, on the other hand, thought it was fantastic and I marvelled over guessing what scene I was reading next – or if I would be coming back to this later on. It was brilliant.
I absolutely loved the concept of magic in this novel, I loved the Faithful and the Unfaithful and how it all came together. It was so intriguing to read and I found myself nodding along at parts because I could just see it happening. It was fascinating how it all came together and I really enjoyed witnessing the journey. I liked the ancient tongue and the fact that it was set in the 1800s, away from all our over-used technology. It really helped to bring an edge to the story, making it seem that much more realistic.
The characters were all fantastic. I loved James and the journey that I goes on. It’s so nice being able to watch him grow, to become weak and strong and to just witness it all happening and know why he is, the way he is. It’s a heavy burden to carry on your shoulders and I truly believed that he was carrying it as well as he could. I liked his relationship with Kilani and Luno, but also with his parents and with Akil. It was so complex and inspiring. It truly felt like this was a boy who needed to save everyone from things and I’m truly excited to see how his journey continues.
I really am intrigued by Kilani. She’s so… mysterious and yet not so, all at the same time. I want to know her ins and outs, I want to know her secret. She has my mystified because I adored her character. I admired her strength and her will. She was willing to do what it took to get it all done in the end and it was great. On the other hand, I wasn’t overly fond of Luno. I’m not entirely sure why but I feel like there’s something… secretive about him and he seems more dark and dangerous then he probably is. It was probably just me but I couldn’t help but double guess what he was doing all the time.
Along with the style, another great thing that must be mentioned is the description of the world. It is absolutely fantastic. I loved seeing the beautiful landscapes in my minds eye, imagining an island that is cut off from mainland everywhere. The exotic plants and creatures and the wonderful village. It was so well written that it was so easily seen within my minds eye – it was also just so beautiful and exotic. A great piece of creativity – that’s for sure!
The only downside I had to this book was how long it took me to read but that was more my problem then anything else. Trying to read a book that makes you think while you have a groggy mind because you’re ill is incredibly difficult. I also found it hard to keep my concentration for the same reason and some of the character names went over my head and I had to return to certain places in the book to remind myself. However, I do have a feeling that if I had read this while I was healthy, it would not have been such an issue and it, therefore, didn’t sway too much of my rating decision. I am also looking forward to re-reading this when I am 100% better!
** I received this book from the publishers in return for an honest review **
Faye
P.S. – Come back around on Friday 8th June for an interview with J. R. Wagner and a chance to win the book!
One Comment
emaginette
Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind when shopping for my next read.