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In Dark Service (Far Called Trilogy 1) by Stephen Hunt (view source)
Revision as of 10:29, 29 August 2020
, 10:29, 29 August 2020no edit summary
The second part is a lot longer, and a big mix - whilst the action steps up, a large amount of time is spent focusing on quite how miserable things are for Carter and his fellow slaves, and also on Jacob's attempts to find the slaves. The world built here is absolutely humongous, and feelings of isolation, hopelessness and desolation kick in - meaning that at times this middle section can sag a little, and, despite excellent characterisation and some interesting glimpses at the various cultures and societies that are contained within the expanse of this world, I think some could have been cut. However, the third part definitely takes things up a gear - and things reach a very, very explosive climax!
A good, fun read for the most part, ''In Dark Service'' is a good start to what looks set to be an interesting trilogy - and author Stephen Hunt certainly has experience in world -building and creating series - his ''Jackelian'' books are currently on their sixth.
Whilst some moments in the middle did seem to verge on stagnant, this is, overall, a very good read - lovers of fantasy and adventure will certainly enjoy this, and if Stephen Hunt chooses to develop and further build the hugely expansive world that he has created, the whole trilogy could prove well worth reading.
Thanks to the publishers for the copy. We also have a review of [[Foul Tides Turning by Stephen Hunt|the next book]] in the trilogy.
For further reading, [[Uprooted by Naomi Novik]] is the best fantasy book I have read in absolutely ages. Stunning adult fantasy that completely enchanted me.