The Calm Before the Storm

I bought this book looking for a change of pace. Normally I am not a big `fantasy' reader, but the reviews looked good and so did the synopsis. If you are looking for a book about elves, fairies, and happy little people with big feet, this is not a book for you. The author has created new `fantasy races,' but has kept them in the realm of believability. This, in itself, makes the book a notch above the rest, and then the author adds in the history and the religion of the `races' to make the characters even more defined. This helped to break through the boring barrier for me and I found myself reading the book to learn about the culture of the world that was created. There is the standard `sword and magic' that is a must for fantasy books, but the approach that the author takes is masterfully worked into the overall theme of the book. The standard fair does not over power the storytelling. The fight sequences are all well conceptualized and help to keep the pace of the book. Much unlike other fantasy books, where action is thrown background noise, the author uses the fight sequences as part of the conceptualizion of the book and helps keep the book on pace. The pace of the book is very fast, although there is a much detail about the world it takes place in, the people, and the history, the reader never is overburdened with too many words. All in all, the book is a good story and breaks from the cliché and overused themes of the fantasy genre. I am hoping the author will but out a second book soon, so that I can continue this entertaining story.

When it comes to fantasy, this book goes BALLS DEEP!

Long ago, the Arch-mage Logan had only begun his plans of conquest when he realized that he could not win. So he built a tower out of crystal and poured all of his power and soul within it. He made the crystal tower into a living thing. He waited and prepared for the day when all would be ready. The Jyniae have resided in the north for hundreds of years now. They are a bitter and angry society because of what the Humans and Aanians did to them so long ago. They are determined to someday reclaim the southland. They only await for Logan to return and lead them. Jhonia Martaue is part Human, part Jyniae. He is also King Raliegh's mage. The Human part allows him to store a bit of the Source within himself. The Jyniae part allows him to touch the Source and use it for magic. The combination has helped the mage to help his king. Through his dreams, Jhonia learns that Logan is about to return. Should this happen, war would come. Logan would never cease until he possessed the entire continent. Jhonia must travel with a Rydi warrior upon a difficult quest to stop Logan from returning. Jhonia must also take his daughter with them and pray he could keep her safe. For only she has the potential power to defeat the Arch-mage. Alyxandr "Alyx" Jeffries is Captain of the King's Guard. Unlike any other around him, Alyx is part Human and part Rydi warrior. Tales of his days while a Ranger of the Thorn has spread far and wide. Many know of him, but few know anything about him. Alyx travels with Jhonia and the mage's daughter in hope of preventing Logan's return. Logan's followers know of the group's quest. The small group gains a few allies along the way, but time is running out. And worst of all, they are hindered by assassins and old friends who have been altered by the Mists. ***** Fans of Fantasy will be very pleased if they get their hands on this gem. This is the first book in a new fantasy series. It is hard to believe that this is author Joe Lawson's debut novel! Time is taken to develop the characters and backgrounds in such a way that readers can easily learn about them. Therefore, this book is slower in action than I believe the future novels in this series will be. (But we all know that most first books in a series are slow for this same reason.) Do not get me wrong! This story a lot of action, danger, adventure, magic, and a twist or two as well. An excellent beginning to what may very well place Joe Lawson's name on a Best Selling list! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This was a good book. I'm not a big fan of the genre, but The Calm kept me entertained pretty much all the way through. A friend of mine got me an advanced copy and I gave it a try. I'm pleased that I did. The story had good flow and was original with the plot line. Also, the characters were very clearly and well drawn out. I could identify with them, even the less than ethical ones. I was actually cheering for both sides of the conflict. For the plot.. Amazing. I was sucked in from the start, and, when I finished I was dying for more. This is definitely not a typical Fantasy Plot 101 course book. No "farmboy embraces his past" and "comes to grips with his power" and then goes on to save the world. No typical "Fantasy" beasts/ Races here either. The ending was amazingly well done and completely unexpected. I loved it. I have to say, overall, this guy is going to make a mark on the Fantasy readers. I, for one, am a fan.

Epic is a good word for "The Calm Before the Storm". I can't compare this to any other book out there becuase it really doesn't follow the prescribed Fantasy Formula. I won't ruin the book, but, I loved how the fast pace and the plot turns really kept it flowing. The characters were very real and believable and the authors style really lent to that. I not only felt for the characters, I sympathized with them. They were truley well developed and had a lot of human qualities that really brought me into the book. Even if you don't enjoy fantasy, this is definatly a book you can get into and get lost in. I'm eager for the next installment because the ending blew me away. I have high expectations for future work from this author.