REVIEW: Dawnthief (Chronicles of the Raven Book 1) by James Barclay

Dawnthief (Chronicles of the Raven Book 1) by James Barclay
Publisher: Gollancz; 13 November 2008
Format: Paperback 496 pages
ISBN 13: 9780575082755
ISBN 10: 0575082755
Series - Book 1 in a trilogy. 2 trilogies in all
Copy Provided by me
Reviewer - Tyson

Back of the Book "The Raven have fought together for years, six men carving out a living as swords for hire in the war that have torn Balaia apart, loyal only to themselves and their code. But when they agree to escort a Xesteskian mage on a secret mission they are pulled into a world of politics and ancients secrets. For the first time the Raven cannot even trust their own strength and prowess, for the first time their code is in doubt. How is it that they are fighting for one of the most evil colleges of magic known? Searching for the secret location of Dawnthief; a spell that could end the world? Aiming not to destroy it but to cast it. DAWNTHIEF is a fast paced epic about a band of all too human heroes."

James Barclay's Dawnthief is good old fashion sword and sorcery with a lot of depth. The land of Balaia is split between the Western barren lands home to the less civilized and the East which is made up of several different factions that have not seen eye to eye for centuries. With four magical colleges looking to one up each other they will have to find a way to work together if they are to defeat their old foes.

The Ravens are a mercenary band of heroes that are thrust into the middle of the chaos and they live up to their reputation. Each Raven has a distinct personality and quirks that make their struggles personal and keep the reader on their toes. They are all well liked and that does become a problem as some do not make it very far in the novel. For a trilogy (and a sequel trilogy) you expect the protagonists to survive. This is not the case in Dawnthief. James Barclay has no problem killing off his characters which adds a whole new dimension to the story as no one is safe.

The setting of Dawnthief is another world with half of it covered in an inhospitable desert and wastelands with a few cities sparsely connected together but where the forces of evil are gathering. While the East has a lush landscape with all of the resources to prosper. An uneasy peace between the kingdoms who must also maintain a constant vanguard against the possible threats from the West.

As you read Dawnthief you get to learn and cheer for the Raven as they truly are a impressive bunch of mercenaries who go up against impossible odds and find a way to overcome their struggles. The problem is as you start to have a connection with a few of them Barclay shocks you by killing them off. So, you are forewarned that your some of your favorites will not make it beyond the first book.

At the heart of Dawnthief is an amazing hack and slash sword and sorcery novel but Barclay manages to go beyond the Conan-type story lines and tells an impressive thriller. It is a story of valor, self-sacrifice, and magic. Everything you want in a fantasy novel and more.

Plot 8
Characters 9.5
Style 9

Overall 9/10