Friday 5 December 2014

FANTASY REVIEW: The Free - Brian Ruckley


Release Date: 14/10/14
Publisher:  Orbit

SYNOPSIS:

They are the most feared mercenary company the kingdom has ever known. Led by Yulan, their charismatic captain, the Free have spent years selling their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder - winning countless victories that shook the foundations of the world. Now they finally plan to lay down their swords. Yet when Yulan is offered a final contract, he cannot refuse - for the mission offers him the chance to erase the memories of the Free's darkest hour, which have haunted him for years. As The Free embark on their last mission, a potent mix of loyalty and vengeance is building to a storm. Freedom, it seems, carries a deadly price.


REVIEW:

I’ve been a fan of Brian’s for quite some time as I like the way that he brings not only his characters across but also the way the wove a plotline, so settling down with some supplies I really couldn’t wait to turn the first page and begin reading. What occurs within, sadly left me feeling that something was missing,. Don’t take this the wrong way the prose was there, the action was there but for me, a fair number of the characters felt pretty flat and under developed almost as if they were a secondary thought to support the one that the author cared most about, Yulan.

All round a book that is an OK read and with themes that develop such as vengeance, honour and of course high octane action should have made it so much more. Sadly when I don’t care too much for characters fate really doesn’t have much to dangle to keep me going.

No comments: