Act of Will

I really enjoyed this new adventure fantasy novel by AJ Hartley. The characters and the world they live in are well developed, and the action is well scripted. The first person narration makes it engaging and fun to read. The hero of the story, William Hawthorne, is a theatre actor. That is what he's been trained to do. When the story begins, Will's apprenticeship is up at the Eagle Theatre, but he hopes he will be asked to stay on as a regular. However, with a nose for trouble, he soon finds himself evading another fellow actor and the law. Unwilling to go quietly, he escapes and doesn't look back (much). Whether it is fate or luck, he is saved by a group of well armed "adventurers" who reluctantly bring him along on their next mission. Will finds it difficult to fit in with his new companions, but he soon learns that although he can't fight and ride a horse as well as some of the others, he has special skills which help them get out of tight situations. Throughout the journey, Will learns more about his companions (and himself) and grows closer to them. He escapes death several times and finds himself doing things to save others, but he doesn't think of himself as a hero though. In the final battle against the "Raiders," who have unexpected allies, Will needs to decide whether he will fight alongside his friends or flee from danger and death. I look forward with great anticipation to volume two of the Hawthorne Saga.

I picked up this book out of curiosity and got far more than I bargained for. Hartley's previous novels have been well crafted contemporary mystery-thrillers, but this excursion into quest-fantasy reads like a real labor of love. The plot is original, the characters are engaging, and the narrator's wry sense of humor is delightful. What's more, it tells a complete story in ONE volume -- something exceedingly rare these days. A sequel is indicated, and I eagerly look forward to it.

Loved this book! It is a real page-turner written by someone who obviously has a love for and a command of the language as well as a deep-seated belief in the power of a great story. I found myself fully engaged in the goings-on from the very first page and devoured every page after that. It is a refreshing treatment of the fantasy genre and I believe that there is something here for every one whether you are a fan of fantasy fiction or not. One of the most enticing things about the story was the real growth you saw in the main character--the hilarious--Will Hawthorne, a man we can all identify with on some level. It's like a story of noble heroes being told from the point of view of someone just like you and me bringing an insight into the events that make it easier to engage and delight in the story. I highly recommend this book.

Read this book. I love fantasy and you will love this. Will Hawthorne is the most engaging character I've ever met and hope to meet him again.

This book is full of imaginative excitement and quality prose.The central character, Will Hawthorne, is, at the start of the novel, a young actor who is about to embark on a full professional life in a local theatre company.During his apprenticeship years he has shown great skills on the stage but he has also angered a rival who is intent on foiling Will's promising career.But there is a deeper, more sinister problem. The local Government is determined to outlaw and defeat any attempts to set up theatres in the district.How Will escapes the irate Government and his evil rival is the beginning of a series of exciting escapades which Hartley tells with a remarkable skill and consummate ability. His subtle introduction of magical skills shows a rare ability and an awareness that not all readers can accept magical skills and need to be led into them at a gradual pace. But there is nothing gradual about the author's development of narrative and plot. He takes us through the imaginative adventures at a compelling rate and, at the same time, gives the reader a real insight into the strong relationships of the group with whom he finds some aspects of safety and companionship. At the same time Hartley never ceases to describe, with true ability, the countryside and towns through which this fascinating adventure takes us. This book is well worth a read. It's great and adventurous!!