Jason McCammon

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The cover certainly stood out and I found the shadow effect on the red/orange/yellow background to be attention grabbing. I was intrigued as to what the symbols on the left hand side of the front cover meant. The book synopsis on the back cover set forth an adventure of magic and fantasy and worked well in piquing my interest in the novel. Didn't like the advertising of another book 'The Adventures of Farra and Bomani' on the back although in mentioning it I guess I'm advertising it myself now! The quotation telling me how great the book is from Yanna Bille meant nothing to me as I have no idea who he/she is so perhaps a brief explanation of his/her credentials (ie, NY Times Best Selling Author) would have made the quote more meaningful.

MAIN EVENT:
Although 'Warrior Quest' can be read as a stand alone novel it is part of a more far reaching project that has the possibility of becoming a major franchise. This franchise is aimed at a younger audience though and Warrior Quest is by no means an adult novel. In fact I found it quite difficult to pinpoint the age that this novel would appeal to the most as it has aspects that will appeal to younger children, say around 8 years old (although they would have to be good at reading to digest a novel of this size, 247 pages, and perhaps would be better having it read to them), and other aspects that will grab the attention of those entering, or just in, their teens. As an adult I found it to be a fun read but somewhat predictable but that's to be expected considering the age range it is aimed at. That's not to say the author couldn't cover all bases in terms of readership as the opening chapter introduces the reader to a warrior prince by the name of Mongo who I could envision being a main character in an offshoot novel aimed at a more mature audience. As it is though, if 'The Ancient Lands' becomes successful then I wouldn't be surprised to see Pupa stuffed animals at the local toy store.
Pupa is a young, playful wolf that is connected to his owner through a magical bond, the story's lead female character, Farra. Both Farra and Pupa join the lead character, Bomani, on a quest to retrieve a magical scepter from the evil Hatari which has the power to stop the ongoing drought that affects the lands in which they live. Both the main characters are written very well and you grow to care about them quickly. The dynamic between Bomani and Farra is excellent too as Bomani is a brash, yet brave and good hearted young warrior who thinks he knows it all while Farra is a wise, strong minded female who is humble and able to teach Bomani the error of his ways.
The symbols on the front cover represent the magical runes in the story...earth, thought,water, air, fire and space as looking at them top to bottom. Each of these is used to get our heroes out of a predicament and relate to a particular obstacle they are trying to overcome...ie, fire is used in relation to a volcano. This is partly what made the story predictable at times but perhaps to a younger reader it would not have seemed so obvious.
One thing I couldn't figure out was the use of illustrations at the beginning of some chapters but not on others. There didn't appear to be any rhyme or reason as to why some chapters had the illustrations and others did not and although it didn't detract from the enjoyment it did seem somewhat unusual.
The one thing I didn't like about this novel, and it is only a small detraction and nothing major, was the tenth chapter which was written as an interjection by the narrator whereby he explains things such as the magical properties of staffs and crystals. I would much rather the explanations had taken place within the storyline with one character perhaps explaining the powers to another at an opportune moment rather than having a chapter that drags the reader right out of the story.

THE VERDICT:
The whole concept of 'The Ancient Lands' franchise branching beyond a novel is very ambitious and this opening offering is a great start to what could become a marketers dream. With fun, adventure, magic and lovable leading characters on a dangerous quest in an enchanted land, 'Warrior Quest' takes the imagination on a journey that encompasses new and classic villains, forbidden expanses, wonder, excitement and above all the courage, hope and friendship of Bomani and Farra. Highly recommended for children/young teens but you know something? Adults will enjoy reading this too!… (mehr)