Nightwalker: The Warlocks of Talverdin, Book One (review)
2007; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 60; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2007.0310
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Themes in Literature Analysis
ResumoReviewed by: Nightwalker: The Warlocks of Talverdin, Book One April Spisak Johansen, K. V. Nightwalker: The Warlocks of Talverdin, Book One. Orca, 2007 [144p] Paper ed. ISBN 1-55143-481-4$8.95 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 4-6 Maurey has grown up as an outsider: his mother died giving birth, he doesn't know who his father is, and, after his guardian dies, he is truly alone. He's also despised by humans because his physical appearance reveals him to be one of the Nightwalkers, once powerful and respected sorcerers, since forced into hiding to avoid extermination. After Maurey is attacked for being a Nightwalker, he escapes with a gorgeous young baroness, Annot, who has had her own share of trauma. Joined in their quest to inform the Nightwalkers of the escalating hostilities against them and unravel the mysteries of each of their pasts, Maurey and Annot set off [End Page 372] on a months-long journey filled with peril, magic, and a healthy dose of flirtation. Maurey, oppressed but defiant and steadfast, is an endearing and realistically drawn protagonist who, even in the throes of danger, narrates his own life with a dry wit. Unfortunately, he is surrounded by a dizzying number of characters, most of whom are simply cast as either good or evil and portrayed with little nuance or depth. In addition, the extensive exposition and intricate descriptions of the human and Nightwalker worlds occasionally slow the otherwise lively adventure pace. While careful to satisfy readers with some resolutions, Johansen leaves this novel rather open-ended; fantasy fans who favor rich settings are likely to find Maurey's quest through dangerous landscapes in pursuit of his identity compelling enough to anticipate the next volume. A basic map is included. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Referência(s)