Captain Jack Sparrow, Hannibal Lecter, Jimmy the Hand, are just some of the better-known antiheroes from recent generations. Meet Connor, an outlaw on the run from an evil oppressor for a botched assassination attempt. Like most modern heroes, Connor has a mixture of controlled brutality, deep-rooted integrity and subtle humour. Add a band of diverse individuals, including a dwarf, a loyal warrior and Connor's love interest - the enigmatic Janice, which help him on his journey, and you've got all the ingredients for a thrilling tale.
Just one example of its genius is the idea of `Sundering', which has the souls of Elves being split into two different entities - one half good, the other bad, both connected in mortal destiny - an idea which some would use as the premise for an entire novel.
Robert Auty has a contemporary style of writing, coupled with a `Ye Olde' subtext, which works brilliantly. If this is the first of a trilogy then I wait eagerly for the following sequels. Equal in its scope to Raymond E. Fiest's Magician, and David Eddings' Belgariad series, Trance Warriors is a valuable addition to the fantasy genre.
If you're looking for a new and exciting yarn, then `Trance Warriors' will not disappoint. Congratulations Robert on an excellent debut novel! Really looking forward to reading
Connor's Folly (Trance Warriors) now.