A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Lilyraines
Tome of the Undergates was an.....interesting read. It had a good pace, a decent storyline, and the characterization was reasonable. I think the book has about even chances for success as not. What do I mean by that?
To start with, what I liked about the book. It provides a reasonable quest storyline - the adventurers are looking for a tome which, if in the wrong hands, could let loose lots of nasty things on the general populace. There is conflict - both amongst the group of adventurers and between the group and the various entities that are keeping them from the tome. The characterization was alright, although the characters that stood out for me the most are Lenk and Denaos. Lenk because of his attitude, the way he deals with the others and because he comes across as a leader. Denaos because, while he has his secrets and ones that might very well affect how the other group members see him, he knows himself well enough that he isn't altogether bothered how the others perceive him.
Now, what doesn't entirely work for me. The seeming intractability of some of the characters' views. As of the beginning of the storyline, the main characters have been together for about a year (give or take). Yes, a certain mule-headed stubbornness is required of their chosen paths, but, for a group that has been together for that amount of time, there should be a smidgen of give and take on their views. The near constant fighting and bickering amongst the group because of that intractability. Which leads to the fighting as a result of their quest. What I walked away with from the read - regardless of anything else - is that the book is one long fight, just a difference of players and degrees.
Any combination of the above elements will appeal to different audience members, or put them off - the reader should decide for him- or her-self whether or not Tome of the Undergates is the read for them.
Sep 01, 2010 | 9781616142421
5 = Rare - Top Pick | 4.5 = I Loved It - Top Pick | 4 = Good Solid Read
3.5 = Enjoyable | 3 Stars = OK - Needs a few changes | 2 Stars = It just didn't click / DNF
Book Blurb for Tome of the Undergates
Adventurer.
The name never uttered without scorn, they are long loathed for their knowledge of nothing beyond violence and greed and their utter disregard for human life, least of all their own.
And Lenk, a young man with a sword in his hand and a voice in his head, counts them as his closest company.
Charged with retrieving the Tome of the Undergates, a written key to a world long forgotten by mankind and home to creatures determined to return, Lenk is sent after ancient evangelical demons, psychotic warrior women and abominations lost to myth. Against them, he has but two weapons: a piece of steel and five companions as eager to kill each other as they are to help him.
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