Really wavered between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The blurb at goodreads and most of the book sites not inaccurate but a very slim portion of what's going on in the book. The first third of the book is almost trope pioneer-trail/wagon-train stuff once the family leaves Andover to settle in the new world--think another wave of settlers post Mayflower/pilgrim/Plymouyh-Rock. Well-written and with vivid characters to root for or against--but to be honest due to personal prejudice (from getting stuck once too often as a kid in relative's small town with nothing to read but their westerns) I would have put it down if I had not thoroughly enjoyed author's [b:The Skewed Throne|1705942|The Skewed Throne (Throne of Amenkor, Book 1)|Joshua Palmatier|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1283979475s/1705942.jpg|1120095] books (as author [a:Joshua Palmatier|359573|Joshua Palmatier|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1220237917p2/359573.jpg]). Very glad I did not abandon because the second part starts the worldbuilding with four interesting races, politics and war and peace negotiations between them in their "new world," magic system, etc. Almost as if author wrote two books in one with later part 60 years later with almost all new characters and settings and nothing foreshadowed/setup in first part. Hard to get into without spoilers so I'm just signing off to go read the sequel, [bc:Leaves of Flame|11082157|Leaves of Flame|Benjamin Tate|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327956309s/11082157.jpg|16003799], which is probably the best review I can give this first book.
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To escape a war brewing in their country, Colin and his parents take refuge in a new land. Like most immigrants, the family struggles with unjust treatment. To save his family and friends, Colin’s father grudgingly agrees to lead an expedition to expand the new lands. The wagon train trip through the Plains parallels the dangers the American pioneers faced during the westward movement of the early United States. The settlers expected to find freedom; unfortunately, they encountered hostile inhabitants, The Dwarren. Only Colin survives. Colin is saved and receives a “baptism”’ from the waters of the Well of Sorrows. He emerges with untold powers and a connection to the supernatural force of the forest and the Well.
The author seems very definite about the moral fiber of his characters; there is no grey area. During the beginning of the story, the author takes time to provide a strong back-story and significant development of the protagonist, Colin and the antagonist, Walter. Colin’s integrity is balanced by the delicious badness of his enemy Walter. Colin is not a reluctant hero, though. He just jumps right in and accepts his fate. He remains resistant to being corrupted by the power of the Well; however, it seems inevitable that he will become consumed by its control.
The author’s fantasy world seems very genuine and realistic. He creates vivid settings including: the sea side community lined with cobblestone streets, bustling docks, and rugged wilderness.
The author created a well paced battle scene by incorporating various settings and strategically placed characters. He provides different points of view and shifts time to reveal the stakeholders’ role in the epic battle of power and control. Similar to other fantasy novels I have read, I had some trouble keeping up all the names of the lords and warriors.
I anticipate Colin’s character will develop as the series proceeds. I really didn’t see any growth or change in Colin’s character as an adult. Both characters remain static: I expected Colin to be good and Walter to be bad. In turn, Colin will always need a foil to balance the stability of Well’s Life Blood. Will Colin keep hold of his humanity? How will the Well of Sorrows remain contained?
This suspenseful story will leave the reader with lingering questions and thirst to continue the adventure. ( )