World Without End

Having read Sean Russell's Wa Duology, this is the third book of his that I've read, and I'm very pleased to find that I haven't been let down yet. Like in his Wa books, Russell has created a complex world, filled with hidden plots and fascinating characters, this time set in a world based on Darwinian England. I know I shall go on to read the rest of his books, and am very relieved to find an author of quality writing in this genre. Russell deserves more attention.

Sean Russell's World With Out End is one of the most thought provoking works of fantacy ever put to paper. His ability to inter twine the spritual and scientific struggle of our own world into a tangable work of fantacy adventure is masterful. As the reader envelpes himself in the political schemeing of the Dutchess Of Morlan, Sir Rodrick Palle, and the other courtiers he can truly begin to antcipate the growing squall that has become Tristam Flattery's life. The spellbinding plot unfolds before us as if we, the readers, live a life of toil about the Entide Sea. Sean Russell's narative is truly poetic drawing the reader into the story making her feel as if she were Tristam's own family. The political strugle between the Entonne, and Farland nations is the hammer that drives the nails of the plot. National, political, and personal agendas push Tristam on a quest to unravel an age old mistery, while in the same instance giving him the life destined to him by the Gods. Never before has there been a supior work of fantacy ever writen!

I found this a great story. I primarily read fantasy literature, but found this to be more a 16th century mystery with the allure of fantasy to come. We, along with the main character, Tristam Flattery, are following a destiny quite unclear, unfolding as it goes. I found the language quite rich, both by using vocabulary of the 16th century throughout and later by adding nautical terms which were unfamiliar to me and which I couldn't wait to look up and explore. I enjoyed the stretch. Always one to enjoy the journey of reading rather than reaching the conclusion, I did not find this an unnecessarily lengthy book at all. I felt that I was 'in' the adventure right along with the other characters. My only disappointment was that the book concluded midstream, without any resolution. I'm ordering the next book as I write this so to learn more. I'm encouraged by the reviewers that find the next book even better. "The pleasures of the day to you all." ... Bill

As an avid reader of epic high fantasy it is always a delight to discover a "new" author. Sean Russell is one of those authors that has recently garnered much deserved recognition (see Locus Magazine for details). For those of you waiting on new releases by some of your favorite authors (Raymond Feist, Robin Hobbs, Janny Wurts, Katherine Kurtz, Katharine Kerr, etc.) I highly recommend World Without End and its sequel