Joshua Silverman

First, I need to say that epic fantasy is my least favorite genre. Somehow I got the impression that this was more science fiction than fantasy, so when I started reading, it took me a long time to get into the story. Some of the issues I had with the book may be genre issues, so I wanted to be sure to mention that I don't usually read epic fantasy.

The plot is great. Leoros and Atlantia are trying to save the world while dealing with war, death, and betrayal. Silverman did a great job with his world-building. I could see the PAVs zipping around the skies and crystal highways, and I could feel the cold when Atlantia was on the Plateau. I actually cared about the characters, too, which is always the sign of a good story. Even the dialogue was realistic and believable, which is a big deal with me.

I'm not sure the sex scenes were integral to the story, but most of my complaints about the book probably come down to editing and proofreading. The book switches tenses in a few places (mid-sentence in one case) and switches POV in the middle of paragraphs. The descriptions of places were a little dry and more "tell" than "show", but the descriptions of the action were great. I'm not sure why we needed to hear every aspect of the story from every character. Maybe that's one of those genre-specific issues I mentioned, but it's annoying, repetitive, and makes the book much longer than it needs to be.

Speaking of repetitive, how many times must we be told that Shirin moves like a dancer when she's fighting?

This is the first of seven books in the series, and it's going to be one of those series that you will have to read completely through to get answers. I don't want to give too much away, but one of the main points reiterated throughout the story was never actually addressed at the end, and, in fact, the end is completely counter to what we learn throughout the rest of the book.

If I were rating this book, I'd give it three stars, and most of the issues could be cleared up with a good edit and proofread. It is a good story, with a good message, and if you like epic fantasy, you'd probably enjoy the story.

"If you believe in yourself, you have the power to change the world." - Joshua Silverman, Legends of Amun Ra - The Emerald Tablet

I received the book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Legends of Amun Ra: The Emerald Tablet is a Sci-fi/Fantasy book and not something I would usually choose for myself. I was a bit uncomfortable reading the opening scene though as it began with a father choking his six year old daughter. However, I really enjoyed reading it. It was full of adventure and mythology which I liked. During the book we meet a young boy who is destined to save the world. The only thing I didn’t really like was the extra added history written there was a lot of information to process obviously the author had researched a great deal but I think a light dusting over it would have been better. I did like the author’s humour.… (más)

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is book 2 in the Legends of Amun Ra series. It’s been two years since Leoros left Potara. He’s now stuck on Earth; an orphan who everyone thinks is insane. He’s desperate to return to Potara, he has no idea how to return, what he needs is in Egypt and he’s in Manhattan with no money and no one he can trust.

Unbeknownst to Leoros, Kem survived the battle with him. He has joined forces with Shirin on his quest for power and immortality; he has even publicly declared Atlantia and Dio rebels. Atlantia never gives up hope that her love, Leoros, will return one day and prepares for it. She is on a quest to find a man called Luekos. Dio has completely given up, feels that Leoros has abandoned them and will never return. Then there is the Brotherhood of the Black Rose, who’s side are they really on? Will Leoros return to Potara to save his friends? Will Atlantia grow as an Oracle? Will she even be able to find the reclusive man Luekos? Will Kem learn who he can trust before it’s too late?

This novel takes you on a fantastic adventure, a whole other world filled with mythological creatures, and people with remarkable powers. I loved how descriptive the story was, I could picture every moment in my mind’s eye. I was sweating with Leoros as he trained and freezing with Atlantia as she rode her Sphinx through the forest looking for Luekos’ hut. The Soul of The World is an awesome novel, with believable characters, many you will love and a few you will love to hate. This is one series you’ll want to read over and over!… (más)