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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 A wonderful new talent in the genre of fantasy novels Dec 19, 2006
By Patricia H.
What sinister forces are seeking to create unrest and possibly destroy all of Aralan and surrounding lands? This novel draws you into the mysteries that surround Bryn Tabral of Falcon Vale, those who are close to him and the unknown forces trying to destroy him. But why Bryn? There are many unexpected twists and turns in this well developed new novel. The author has a keen eye for detail and a gift for making you feel as if you are at Bryn's side as the story unfolds. The author's story development keeps you intrigued, interested and asking for more! I am looking forward to the sequel to this most interesting first novel!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Impressive first novel Feb 04, 2007
By Severian
Scion of the Dark Moon is a masterful first work. Montgomery has created a traditional fantasy novel set in a world with depth and flavor that makes it stand out from the pack. He has combined authentic medieval terminology with archaic weights and measures, detailed maps, and descriptions of distant lands and peoples to lend an air of believability to the whole. In doing this, he gives ample evidence of knowing what readers of fantasy crave - immersion and escape.
Although sometimes predictable (as is the nature of the genre), Scion has subtle, yet convoluted, plot twists set against a backdrop of feudal political intrigue and otherworldly evil. Characterizations are good, with clear lines drawn between right and wrong, good and evil, and those who merely have the misfortune of being caught in the middle. Every character has a story, and none are left flat or featureless. Despite a solid and satisfying ending, there are enough mysteries, evils, and foreign lands left to leave the way open for a much-anticipated sequel.
Not quite at a level with Tolkein, Martin, or Drake (yet!), I certainly rate this first entry into the literary realm superior to the published works of Weis, Lackey, Hickman, and many others, and easily put it on a par with Cook, Jordan, and Brooks. With any luck, we can expect to see more from this author!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A great example of classic fantasy Jan 03, 2007
By kovacs3030
If you like Lord of the Rings, A Song of Fire and Ice, Wheel of Time, Dragonlance, or The Belgariad, this book is for you. Scion of the Dark Moon is a great first novel in a new series. It has just the right amount of action, political intrigue, and world building to keep you turning the pages until the end, which comes too quickly. The story seems like typical fantasy fare at first, but as the layers are slowly pulled back, the depth of the story and the world it takes place in is revealed. I enjoyed reading about the hero Bryn, and finding out about his heritage and watching as his future becomes clearer. I can't wait for the sequel!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
I can't wait to see more! Feb 23, 2007
By M. Simmons
This book should appeal to all fans of the high fantasy genre. Though clearly original, Mr. Montgomery's style is reminiscent of Feist and Weis/Hickman, something many readers should appreciate and find easily accessible. The original world Montgomery created is vast and diverse, spanning way beyond the scope of this first novel; the detailed maps taunt the reader with hopes of greater exploration.
The strengths of the novel lie in the development of the main characters, the history and interconnections of the various countries and peoples, and in the intricacies of the plot. Near the end, however, as more and more characters become involved for the book's climax, the narrative loses some of the clarity it had earlier on. For example, the lead protagonist Bryn changes his style of speech several times near the end; it's unclear whether he's "grown up" or whether the author just felt compelled to be extra-dramatic. That being said, the novel ends well, leaving the reader eager for more.
There is other room for improvement which I'd look forward to in the sequel. The description of landscapes and cityscapes could be richer, and the vastness and diversity of the world begs for this. Also, the plot could be spiced up a bit with a couple strong "gray" or internally-conflicted characters to contrast with the clearly-defined protagonists and antagonists.
Overall, "Scion of the Dark Moon" is a great first contribution by a new author!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Excellent! Jan 05, 2007
By P. J. Wolfrey
This is a very intriguing book , full of twists and turns and excitement in this new novel. A true page turner to the end! I see a very strong future for this new author and can't wait to see what develops in the sequel!
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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