#Bookreview – Carrion by Graeme Cumming

What Amazon says

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY. WORDS HAVE POWER.

A sheet of black filled his vision as hundreds of birds dived at the cottage, pointed beaks thrust forward. From this angle, he couldn’t see many of them striking it, but the few he did see held nothing back as they hammered into the shutter. The scale of the attack was beyond anything he’d seen or heard of. And bloodied casualties littered the ground: skulls shattered, wings broken, innards spilling from them. The fact that so many of them continued with the onslaught in spite of this filled him with even more dread.

Salin has always wanted an adventure and, when the opportunity presents itself, he grabs it with both hands, taking his friends along for the ride – whether they want to or not.

With strange lands come strange creatures that stand between them and their goal. And that goal is the same for someone else, a man who believes the prize is worth every sacrifice – especially when the sacrifices are made by others.

The future is about to change. But who for?

My review

Carrion is the second book I’ve read by Graeme Cumming and is quite a different read to his debut novel, Raven’s Gathering. The book is written from a couple of perspectives, including Carrion, the evil sorcerer, Salin, the son of a retired member of the Order and his group of three friends as well as four members of the Order who are on an important journey.

This book followed a more traditional fantasy story with its central theme of good versus evil and the main protagonist on a quest to save the world from an power hungry and ruthless sorcerer who has learned to use his power in the pursuit of self serving interest rather than for the benefit of mankind as they were intended. There is lots of intrigue with groups of birds who act as spies for the sorcerer as well as some well known and awe inspiring mythical creatures. The story of the journey reminded me of Frodo Baggin’s journey through Mordor in the third Lord of the Rings book. The story is face paced and enjoyable and, although it wasn’t particularly original for me, it is a good read.

The character of Carrion is well described and his back story is provided which gives the reader insight into his past and the circumstances which have resulted in his horribly flawed psychic. The reader is quick to learn to despite and hate Carrion as is intended.

Salin is a bit immature and impatient but he is assisted by more sensible and practical friends and the group is able to progress their quest. Salin’s personality flaws, together with his loyalty and bravery, make him a believable character who the reader quickly becomes attached to. I enjoyed the female character, Willow, who always managed to keep the group focused and on track.

All in this book is an excellent read which will not disappoint lovers of fantasy and thrilling adventures.

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