Scan barcode
neilsef's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The main story took me a couple of chapters to get into, but from that point on it was addictive. The plot revolves around Farden trying to find out who stole an ancient book of magic and recover it if possible before the power it contains can be unleashed. This leads him to approach the Sirens, a race whom his people have gone to war with, in the recent past, and whom they currently have an uneasy truce with, but whose help they now require.
The characters, which includes several non-humans, are all well-developed and written with engaging personalities. The world-building is also well done, with an interesting history and fascinating societies which are slowly revealed as the events unfold in both dramatic and tragic fashion.
Overall this is a great start to a series that has a lot of potential to be outstanding, and thus well worth reading.
mjporterauthor's review against another edition
3.0
The storyline is quite well thought out. Every so often something happens that feels out of place, and the casual mention of some aspects of the story is a little jarring. Without being harsh, you can tell it's a first novel. There's some awkward phrasing, a liberal splattering of both missed words, and additional words. This doesn't distract from the novel but does remind you that it's an indie book which hasn't been put through the ringer as much as a traditionally published book, but hey, I've read many an EARC that had far worse problems. Authors are made through practice, not born as they are. Give them a little leeway!
My three biggest gripes are story related. Firstly, there are too many pointers as to who the 'baddie' is. This is a bit disappointing. Secondly, our 'hero' has a tendency to bugger off to the pub even when he could be off finding out what's truly going on, and thirdly, the novel ends without a satisfactory conclusion.
Of them all, it's the third point that annoys the most. I'm all for leading a reader on, that's fine, but I do think books should have a firm 'end' even when it's part of a series. It's the worry that I'm not going to get to the real 'end' for another three books that's putting me off reading anymore! Please, just give me an end!
rkking's review against another edition
4.0
Our protagonist, Farden, is an interesting hero for a fantasy story. You don't really see characters in fantasy with deeper issues, such as substance addiction in this one, so it's a refreshing take. That said, I do wonder how much other fantasy Galley is a fan of, as Farden just bleeds with similarities to sword and sorcery heroes such as Elric or Geralt of Rivia. It's not a knock against it at all, it's just an interesting correlation.
I really only have a couple of 'qualms' with this story, and they are both very technical things.
1) The use of the words 'towards' and 'forwards' vs 'toward' and 'forward'. Both are correct, I'll be clear with that first. But using 'forwards' and 'towards' is a very U.K. wordage, vs 'forward' and 'toward' are North American. For example, "Farden walked 'towards' an enemy" is the U.K. way. "Farden walked 'toward' the enemy" is the U.S. way. Again, both are correct, but I noticed in the acknowledgements that an editor was used specifically for priming for U.S. writers, but the use of 'towards' and 'forwards' were prevalent throughout. It still reads very U.K. in that way, so I hope the editing wasn't wasted...
2) Galley's use of 'The Mage' as the descriptor waaaaaay too often. The Mage did this. The Mage did that. The Mage walked here. The Mage fought the dragon. Etc. It would have really benefitted to just use Farden's pronoun on occasion. He fought the dragon. He went over there. A mix of both would be much better.
Those two things irked me quite a bit, to be honest, but the actual story is very intriguing and more than enough to get me continuing the saga.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
nenacall's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
dragondan86's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
debyik's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The characters are interesting and complex, with plenty of intrigue and betrayal. The plot of the book is clear but the unraveling of it takes us on a journey of twists and turns along with some big reveals. The magic system and world-building are interesting with some vivid imagery as you move along in the story. The politics of the world is easy to grasp without big info dumps.
If you like political fantasy with magic, dragons, and other mythological creatures, you will like The Written. Also, if you like books that throw in a little heist, this one is for you too.
iskanderjonesiv's review
4.0
NOW A #1 BESTSELLER
His name is Farden.
They whisper that he’s dangerous.
Dangerous is only the half of it.
"Galley's imagination is a truly beautiful thing. The plot here is rich and intricate, and the characters are a delight... I believe Mr Galley may well be one to watch.”
– Fantasy Bytes
"Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings."
– NottingHarp, Amazon Reviewer
"There are certain twists that will surprise the reader by genuinely coming out of the left field.”
– Fantasy Book Critic
"Absolutely one of my most favorite series ever."
– Amie Eckelmann
"Ben Galley is not yet as good an author as Gemmell but the thing that I find exciting is that I honestly think that he could be.”
– Fantasy Book Review
A spellbook has gone missing from the libraries of Arfell – a very old and extremely powerful spellbook from the time of dark elves and demons. Five scholars are dead, the magick council is running out of time and options, and the Arka is once again on the brink of war with the Siren dragon-riders.
It falls to Farden the Written mage to keep the world from falling into chaos. Entangled in a web of lies and politics, Farden must recover the spellbook before an ancient enemy rises, even if it takes journeying halfway across icy Emaneska and back.
In his fight for answers, Farden will unearth a secret that not only shakes the foundations of his world, but threaten the entire future of Emaneska. Sorcery, death, drugs and the deepest of betrayals await.
Welcome to Emaneska.
The Written is the first volume in The Emaneska Series and the debut book of dark and epic fantasy author Ben Galley. Packed with magic and monsters, gods and demons, The Written is perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, and George R.R. Martin.
The next books in the epic Emaneska Series – Pale Kings, Dead Stars - Part One, and Dead Stars - Part Two – are also now available in eBook and paperback. You can follow Ben on Twitter and YouTube @BenGalley, on Facebook and Instagram at @BenGalleyAuthor or find his other fantasy books at bengalley.com.