The Wrath of Zar by: Shayne Easson

The Wrath of Zar
Shayne Easson
Westbank Publishing
ISBN 0978984013

I cautiously approach first books by authors, especially if they are being touted as having great talent. Most of my favourite authors develop their voices as they progress through a number of works, from Douglas Coupland, to Chuck Palahniuk, Steven Brust and others. I have gone back and reread their books in the order they were written to see the progression in their skill and talent as a story teller. Thus when I was asked to review Shayne Easson's first book, I agreed with a little hesitancy. Easson surprised!

This book is action-packed, and full of adventure, daring and danger. Our hero is Adan Caynne who has a life full of mystery and trials. There are many unanswered questions about his father, and a brother that has been captured and dragged away from home by demons. As time goes on and he searches for his brother, he discovers that a few key people will help shape the future of his people - if they are to have a future. He finds himself bound to these individuals: Prince Riordan of Corrona, and Princess Karyna of Wyndhaven, both of whom are on their own quest. Then Adan comes to realize that even though he is from a small village, he is one of them.

This book, the first from Calagrian Shayne Easson, does not disappoint. It is very reminiscient of Peir's Anthony's Battle Circle trilogy, Sos the Rope, Var the Stick and Neq the Sword. Easson has developed a strong voice as a writer. His characters are believable and not one-dimensional. The plot moves at a great pace and keeps you drawn in. The story ends and leaves you wanting more. There is not much more you could ask for from a fiction novel - it entertains, it takes you to a different world, and it makes you care about the characters and leaves you desiring to know what happens next.

This is a very good first book, and will be enjoyed by those who like Sword and Sorcery style fantasy.

(First Published in Imprint 2008-03-14.)