Joanna Park's Reviews > A Gathering of Ravens

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I loved this fantastic, gripping book! Firstly let me say that I don’t read a lot of fantasy books but I had heard so much about A Gathering of Ravens that I had to read it for myself, and I’m pleased to say I was not disappointed. My main issue with fantasy books is I find they are quite descriptive and that tends to lose my interest. This book is nothing like that it intrigued me from the start with the fast pace and action keeping me reading long into the night. The first part if the book is a little slow in places but I felt that was necessary as the reader gets to learn more about the characters and their world. Its definitely worth persevering though as in the second half the pace picks up with lots of action and brilliantly described. The author does a brilliant job in describing the Europe and Britain in the Dark Ages. I felt like I could really see the places that Grimnar and Etaine visits in my mind’s eye which really increased my enjoyment of the book.

I actually really liked Grimnar, though I’m not sure I was meant to. He is very fierce and a tad mean sometimes towards people who stand in the way of what he wants but he was also clever, resourceful and brave. I liked that he didn’t always rely on his strength and sometimes managed to outwit his enemies, which I loved reading about. Maybe I just liked him as I felt sorry for him having to put up with Etaine who was a very annoying character and manages to moan her way through most of the book. Her piousness was the most annoying aspect of her, and she manages to bring her views into most situations which is very frustrating at times. I wished that sometimes she would stand up and defend herself rather than rely on Grimnar all the time.

The author cleverly weaves some dark age history, including the introduction of Christianity, and some Danish myths into the story which was fascinating to read about. I love history, but didn’t know much about the dark ages so I found those parts very interesting.

The book is described as being great for fans of Lord Of The Rings, though if you didn’t like that book please don’t be put off. I didn’t actually like Lord Of The Rings (scandalous I know) but I lived this book. I think if you like great fantasy books with plenty of action you will enjoy this book. If, like me, you don’t read a lot if fantasy fiction I urge you to still try it as I think it will surprise you.

This is the first book by Scott Oden I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I believe this book is the start if an exciting new series with Grimnar featured in all the books.

Huge thanks to Thomas Hill at Transworld books for my copy of this book and for letting me be a part of the blog tour.