Land of the Awoken

Land of the Awoken

2011

Ratings1

Average rating3

15

Land Of The Awoken I think it's important to mention straight out that I'm a huge lover of Fantasy novels. There is nothing I love more than being swept away in an epic adventure. Meeting dragons, elves, and anything else that might come my way is my favorite way to spend a book! So I was very excited to settle in and devour Land of the Awoken.
 
What first struck me was how vivid the world Callum finds himself in was, honestly from the very first page. Ben Fielder's writing flows beautifully across the page and is perfectly descriptive. I was able to see what Callum saw, and to visualize myself right alongside him. Isn't that what being swept up in a book is all about?This story is filled with adventure, mystery and quite a few epic battles. Exactly what I wanted.
 
Admittedly, what I had the hardest time with was the point of view that Callum's story is told from. One of the beautiful things about a Fantasy novel, at least in my mind, is that it feels like a bed time story. Something that happened in the past, and that you wish you could go back and see. Land of the Awoken is written in third person present, which was tough for me to get into. It felt a bit more like a screenplay than a novel, and I really missed feeling fully immersed in the story. Keep in mind this is purely my own personal opinion. Others might love the “here and now” point of view.
 
Other than a few minor grammar issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I believe that with a little more polish, Land of the Awoken has serious potential! The characters were amazing, the writing was beautiful, it is just about the whole package. I can definitely tell you that I'll be keeping an eye on Ben Fielder's writing. I can't wait to see what he writes next!

July 6, 2013