I may be biased, because I am a language nerd of extreme measures, but I really, really like Alexzander Christion’s books. They are inventive, story-wise, and stars and stones, the language used to paint the story? Superb.
1. Thoughts on the plot
Rizel takes place after Shefa becomes bonded to the Pform. And, as is usually the case with Christion’s books, things fall to pieces. The sky shatters, war is all but on the steps of the world, and Shefa and his friends must journey to a distant place in order to learn a way to stop it.
The plot in this book is reasonably complex, and I would definitely not approach this without having read the other books. As is the case with epic fantasy of this porportion, there are many adventures and winding quests that eventually lead to the whole. I think this book does a good job of using those not as just “side tasks” but ways to advance the knowledge of the world and characters and story.
2. Thoughts on the characters
I always love the array of characters that are in these books. Shefa, obviously, is entertaining to read. But the range of personalities that is presented, as well as needs and desires and actions that are shown and explored is impressive. I find some of the character motivations to be a bit mysterious, but that usually gets resolved later in the book, or in future books.
Fara is definitely a favourite of mine, though.
3. Favourite part
The battle scenes. I’ve read a lot of books, and there are only a couple of other authors who can actually make a battle scene exciting for me to read. The scenes in these books are fantastic, described in such excruciating and sublime detail as to be almost real. (Except you’re glad they’re not, because it’s a bit gruesome.)
4. Critique
My only real critique for this book is that it ended without giving me all the answers I wanted. And that means I have to wait for the next book. What a tragedy.
I will say in general, that if you do not have a love for poetic language, these books are not always easy to read. Grammatically, there are forms here that are not commonly used in modern English. All correct, but not common. It’s prose with poetry and flair, and as a linguist and language nerd, I love it. Excellent book!