No one has ever returned from Skur. "It's a death quest," Fane is told, but this altruistic, starry-eyed young man chooses to ignore the legends, for according to the wizard Fith, hidden among the wealth of treasure atop the mountain of Skur is the key to eternal life. Can Fane hope to steal it from under the nose of its guardian dragon?
Armed with little more than a sword and a magical talisman, Fane's misadventures upon the mist-enshrouded moutnain begin. In this epic saga of love, betrayal, war, vengeance, and friendship, we follow the pawns who are shrewdly manipulated in an attempt to save a dying race within a celestial game of dominance. It's survival of the fittest as the players are mercilessly maneuvered across the field, and these are their stories. Fane, the wizard's apprentice. Kael, the warrior. And Elva, the legacy. (taken from the back of the book)
Falconer is the most difficult author to review. Let me tell you why. When I first pick up a book, I approach it from the viewpoint of one of two avenues. The first, that of Shawn the Reviewer. If it's an author I don't know, normally I'm a little skeptical about the content. I grab my sticky notes and pen, get comfortable, and delve in. Since I don't know what to expect, I can spend most of the book having a grand time picking it apart. The second avenue is that of Shawn the Reader. In this case, I'm familiar with the author or the book looks particularly interesting. In this case, I grab my sticky notes and pen, get comfortable, and delve in. Since I have some idea of what to expect, I can sit back and enjoy the book a little more and only make notes as something really strikes me. Falconer is in a league of her own. I can't approach it as Shawn the Reviewer or Shawn the Reader. As soon as I crack the spine, there is no Shawn. I'm lost in a world that I have no control in. It's not just the writing, or the suspense, or the twists and turns, or the fascinating way that she dives into the human psyche. It's everything above and so much more. I know when I pick up one of her books, I won't be picking things apart or taking notes. There will be no dishes that need washed. The house could catch fire and I wouldn't have a clue. I'm no longer Shawn the Human, I just simply am.
I picked up Volume Two of Skur last night and began to read it. I know ahead of time that I'll have a horrible time reviewing it as well.
So, here is the necessary information. If you like fantasy, this is a must-read. If you don't like fantasy, you WILL like this fantasy. Set aside some time to read it, because you won't be doing anything else until you've finished. Volume One is set into three distinct books, all related. If you have to take a break, that gives you a good point. Use the restroom and refill your drink. Change clothes and bathe if you must. Possibly get food. That's a lot to do though when you know you have the next section waiting on you! Also, make sure that you have Volume Two on stand-by for when you've finished Volume One. It picks up exactly where Volume One stops.You do NOT want to go through the waiting that I did! Be prepared! Be preeeepppppaaaared!
Also, I have it on good authority that there will be a Skur sale in May!
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