Author: Eliza Tilton
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Pages: 242, Paperback
Source: Provided by author for an honest review
Source: Provided by author for an honest review
Hopeless he'll never be more than the boy who didn't save his brother, 17-year-old Avikar accepts his life as the family stable boy, trying to forget the past. But when his sister, Jeslyn, is kidnapped, the thought of losing another sibling catapults him on a desperate quest. With his best friend by his side, and using the tracking skills he learned from his father, he discovers Jeslyn has been taken, kidnapped by one Lucino, the young lord of Daath, a mystical place thought only to exist in fables.
And Lucino has plans for Jeslyn.
His shape-shifting brethren feed off the auras of humans, and Jeslyn's golden hue is exactly what Lucino needs to increase his power. The longer it takes Avikar to reach her, the more entranced she becomes with Lucino's world, and the harder it will be for Avikar to set her free.
He failed his family once. He won't fail again.
And Lucino has plans for Jeslyn.
His shape-shifting brethren feed off the auras of humans, and Jeslyn's golden hue is exactly what Lucino needs to increase his power. The longer it takes Avikar to reach her, the more entranced she becomes with Lucino's world, and the harder it will be for Avikar to set her free.
He failed his family once. He won't fail again.
Broken Forest is a fast-paced, action-packed, and suspenseful fantasy story.
It's no secret that I am a fan of multi POV. In Broken Forest we get the perspective of Avikar, Jeslyn, and Lucino, providing a well-rounded depiction of events.
From Avikar's side we get the chase. He's desperate to find Jeslyn before it's too late. But Lucino continues to send forces against him, making his journey a treacherous one. He finds allies along the way and he even finds love. I really enjoyed the small romance between Raven and Avikar. Raven was fierce and headstrong. And Avikar was completely clueless when it came to women. Their relationship was sweet but it was by no means was the focus of the story. Just a nice complement.
I especially enjoyed seeing both Jesslyn and Lucino tell different sides of the same story. Lucino's end game was not in Jeslyn's best interest but he treats her well so that she will come to him willingly. But as he spends more time with her he begins to feel something close to fondness for her, even though she is just a human. Meanwhile, Jeslyn is charmed by Lucino and finds him to be a complete gentlemen. She is oblivious to his powers of influence and true thoughts.
This book was strongly plot-driven, rather than character-driven, but we do get some character depth and development. This is mostly seen in Avikar, who is haunted by his brother's death, for which he feels responsible. He doesn't think he can survive the loss of someone else he loves and this guilt and fear is what compels him on his journey. By the end, he has come a ways in learning to live for himself and letting go of that which he cannot control.
I would have liked to see a bit more world building in Broken Forest. Lucino is this reptilian-like creature. His kind have invaded this world because their world is dying. But I don't understand their kind, the extent of their powers, their behaviors or their motives. The ending left room for a sequel but I don't see anything on Goodreads yet. If there is one, I hope we get some of the answers then. I need more information to fully appreciate the story. Also, we only got glimpses of the world in which the story is set in. Daath is this magical, lively place and I wanted to see more of it. Unfortunately, I was unable to picture the setting in my head. Broken Forest is not lacking in originality, only in description.
Broken Forest is a fun adventure with some pleasant warmth and intrigue. All the traditional elements of a good fantasy story are present, but Eliza Tilton adds a twist to things that set it apart from the rest. I'd even go so far as to say that it read a tad sci-fi-ish. While it didn't blow me away, the story, world and characters have a lot of potential.
Broken Forest is a fine debut that hints at good things to come.
Giveaway!
Eliza Tilton has generously provided a Paperback of Broken Forest + Swag for one lucky reader to win! US only + 13+up please!
This sounds like an interesting fantasy novel but that cover is off putting for me. I'm not sure exactly why. Same as you I really enjoy multiple POVs especially when they are done well and let you get more of the story. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThe cover was updated! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17797999-broken-forest?ac=1
DeleteCovers are a big thing for me too in terms of seeking out books but if brought to my attention I try to look past them.
Sounds like a fantastic novel.. that I would love to read.
ReplyDeleteI have never read anything by this author, but it does look and sound like something I could get into and enjoy.
ReplyDelete