The Wizard's Son

Reader reviewed by J. Mitchell

Following the posting of my review of Storylandia
1, which the editor of Wapshott press called "fair minded and
honest", I received a request to give Wapshott Press another chance. I
always intended to do that, but had no idea the opportunity would come
so soon. I chose The Wizard's Son because I've long been a
fantasy fan, and because it looks so good.

The first attraction
of this novel is the lovely cover, with a view of the wizard's castle on
the front, done in shades of red and black; absolutely perfect for this
novel - but it doesn't stop there. The story
synopsis available on the publisher's website set the hook before I
ever got my hands on the book. The Wizard's Son is not simple
fantasy with a single story arc. Instead it is a complex story that
examines several issues in depth through multiple plot lines in the
non-linear story. These issues include but are not limited to good
versus evil, human nature and self restraint.

This novel does not
disappoint, yet there is room for improvement too. While the characters
introduced in the early part of the story are nicely developed, those
who come along later are a bit flat. For instance, Orlan Lightesblood's
wife and daughter are important to him, yet we are not allowed to know
them well... Still, we have a tightly woven, well-told story with
interesting and believable characters which is well worth the time it
takes to read.

Recommended to fantasy fans ages 14 and up. This
review has been simultaneously posted on Amazon.com, Dragon Views,
Library Thing and YA Books Central.com. The Wizard's Son was
provided to me by the publisher free in exchange for this review.