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A review by omiai
The Sword of Calandra by Susan Dexter
4.0
Well, having been really surprised by the first book which I wasn't expecting much from but loved, I was really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and it didn't disappoint.
I have to say, it isn't the most epic fantasy story ever, but it is incredibly enjoyable and a good quick read, which isn't too deep and complicated. The fact that it isn't complicated like most fantasy doesn't take away from it at all.
As with the first book, the characters are full of life and well, character. There are less active character in this book, compared to the first one, where new characters were joining Tristan on his quest every few chapters. This book mainly focuses around Tristan on his quest to find the sword that will allow him to be crowned king (which he doesn't want to be, but has no choice). He is joined on his quest by my favourite of all the characters, Thomas the cat. For a cat, he has such a personality, it's wonderful!
Although, Tristan, being the lead, is actually a really great character. I find far too often in fantasy (along with other genre) that I actually don't like the lead character much, but Tristan is a lovely exception. There is something quite lovely about him. Such as him being a 'wizard' normally this would mean he would be amazing and all powerful, but in all honesty, tristan's magical ability is a bit rubbish. It improves slowly, and when he does do some magic, it is usually pretty good, but it seems to be such a hard task for him, he doesn't do it much, and usually suffers for it.
As for the story, well, it was very enjoyable too! A simple quest to find a sword, not the most original idea i must say, but Dexter pulls it off. As I've said before, it's quite a simple story, and nothing is over done. You never stick in a location just a little too long. It's a very concise story, but is still an excellent one, and that is a talent in itself! Far too many fantasy stories are over complicated nowadays, so it's nice to read something simple like this.
Along with the individual story for this book, the overall story is growing too, the hounds of Nimir are after Tristan, and he fears them more than anything, but also, the fact that spring has come but the snow is still present is made more obvious in this book. Towards the end especially, when the snow starts to become a real issue, and Tristan realises he must come face to face with Nimir to end the winter.
It's starting to build to a climax here, but also keeping it's own as a story in it's own right, which I always enjoy.
So basically, I really enjoyed this book, I recommend it (and the others in the series) to anyone who is a fantasy fan, and, in fact, to anyone who isn't really a fan, but wants to try to get into the genre.
I have to say, it isn't the most epic fantasy story ever, but it is incredibly enjoyable and a good quick read, which isn't too deep and complicated. The fact that it isn't complicated like most fantasy doesn't take away from it at all.
As with the first book, the characters are full of life and well, character. There are less active character in this book, compared to the first one, where new characters were joining Tristan on his quest every few chapters. This book mainly focuses around Tristan on his quest to find the sword that will allow him to be crowned king (which he doesn't want to be, but has no choice). He is joined on his quest by my favourite of all the characters, Thomas the cat. For a cat, he has such a personality, it's wonderful!
Although, Tristan, being the lead, is actually a really great character. I find far too often in fantasy (along with other genre) that I actually don't like the lead character much, but Tristan is a lovely exception. There is something quite lovely about him. Such as him being a 'wizard' normally this would mean he would be amazing and all powerful, but in all honesty, tristan's magical ability is a bit rubbish. It improves slowly, and when he does do some magic, it is usually pretty good, but it seems to be such a hard task for him, he doesn't do it much, and usually suffers for it.
As for the story, well, it was very enjoyable too! A simple quest to find a sword, not the most original idea i must say, but Dexter pulls it off. As I've said before, it's quite a simple story, and nothing is over done. You never stick in a location just a little too long. It's a very concise story, but is still an excellent one, and that is a talent in itself! Far too many fantasy stories are over complicated nowadays, so it's nice to read something simple like this.
Along with the individual story for this book, the overall story is growing too, the hounds of Nimir are after Tristan, and he fears them more than anything, but also, the fact that spring has come but the snow is still present is made more obvious in this book. Towards the end especially, when the snow starts to become a real issue, and Tristan realises he must come face to face with Nimir to end the winter.
It's starting to build to a climax here, but also keeping it's own as a story in it's own right, which I always enjoy.
So basically, I really enjoyed this book, I recommend it (and the others in the series) to anyone who is a fantasy fan, and, in fact, to anyone who isn't really a fan, but wants to try to get into the genre.