So far in January I have been able to read two books. The first one was pure genre- Acacia- The War with the Mein. The book was not really bad. The story was fairly straightforward. We have the weak emperor, four royal children, a wise Wazir, who could have been a better king, but knows his place and a cunning barbarian chieftain, thirsting for revenge, whose ancestors were betrayed by the Empire hundreds of years ago. Yeah, we've heard this story a hundred different times told in a hundred different variations in the theme. although the author has thrown in some new and some not so new characters and characterizations, Acacia is not about to re-invent the genre, nor is it supposed to. We Genre fans prefer the warmth of a comforting cliche to an ill conceived foray in to the unknown. If there is a genre that invites a lot of ironic insight both thematically and the reading habits of the typical fan, it most definitely should be Fantasy
Thankfully, the book did have some awesome set pieces that helped it redeem itself to a degree, but, somehow, the execution was rushed, as if the author- David Anthony Durham, couldn't wait to complete the scene. What might have been an entire series in a more accomplished writer, devolves in a hurried race to the finishing line with David. To sum up, the book is a solid effort, but, you wont go toyour deathbed regretting not having read this one
The second book that I read this month was Cloud Atlas by, David Mitchell. The review should be up in the net post. Possibly tomorrow. Until then, Good Night and Good luck!
