Patrick Welch Reviews

Page Two

Added May 25, 2006

13th Magician

Author: Patrick Welch
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Available At: www.twilighttimesbooks.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $4.50
ISBN: 1-931202-48-X
Author Website: www.sff.net/people/patrickw/
Reviewer: Kathy Martin
Rating: 7 Gargoyles

Daasek was a peaceful man of the fisherman's guild in Myniah. He had been one of the few of his people to complete the "Great Sail." He had proof of his survival as he carried a Warback's heartstone next to his own heart.

But Daasek does not remember any of that life. Actually, Daasek does not remember where he was yesterday. All he knows is that he is driven by some sort of instinct to a city, and once there, he kills.

Nyxx, a very powerful magician, has stolen Daasek's soul and made him into a killer. Nyxx has sent Daasek out to kill the other 12 magicians of Horea so that the God he worships can rule over the world.

But with each murder, Daasek slowly comes to realize that he is gaining his own soul and memories back. Now Daasek wants to go back to Myniah and kill the evil magician who almost destroyed him.

I found this book to be captivating from the start. In the first few pages, I was thrown right into the middle of one of Daasek's kills. The mystery behind why he is killing hooked me into wanting to keep reading.

I also liked how the book moved. The chapters are just long enough to give the information needed and then moves on. The only thing for me that was a bit disturbing was the detailed descriptions of the violence and killings. This was not over-done, but just a bit more detailed than the other fantasy books I have read. I am by no means suggesting to not read the book, just to be aware of the violence it contains.

I would not describe The 13th Magician as a "page-turner" or "just can't put down" sort of book. But it is entertaining and engaging. The details are vivid enough to stay clear even if the book is put down for a couple of days.

Return to top of page.

Added February 17, 2004

Cynnador

Author: Patrick Welch
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Available At: www.twilighttimesbooks.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Ebook disk and download in PDF/HTML/Palm
Price: $6.95 diskette, $4.50 download
ISBN: 1-931201-61-7
Author Website: www.sff.net/people/patrickw/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Cynnador is a place with a presence.

It stretches across the vast Istaghian plain. Many have tried to conquer it and all have failed. As swordsmen approach, filled with thoughts of gore and glory, the city just seems to vanish, leaving the would-be attackers to die of thirst in the desert. A mirage? Maybe. Or maybe the city is able to hide.

The inhabitants are merchants, schemers and thieves. Yet, there is a source that dispenses justice in Cynnador: swiftly and without mercy. No one can plead his case, because no person sits in judgment. The arm of justice is both invisible and invincible.

Magicians and sorcerers are also present, but no magic spells can be cast in the city. The power that holds this place together is greater than anyone has ever known. Yet, there are those who will uncover the mystery of this city, and find the reality beyond their comprehension.

Author Patrick Welch takes readers to the puzzling and paradoxical city of Cynnador through his superb descriptions and dialogue. The book begins with a series of "preludes", graphically depicting life in this city through a variety of characters. Each prelude whets the appetite of the reader to know more. These vignettes are almost like "gates" leading into this strange world. As the reader passes each one, the lure of the city becomes stronger until there is no chance of escaping back to the real world.

The characters are diverse and often diabolical. Readers will find themselves repulsed, as well as nonplussed, by some of their actions. After the preludes lure the reader to the heart of this city, the author creatively ties the characters together in an unusual plot twist. A scavenger, master magician, merchant and barbarian swordsman team up to uncover a mystery that seems to threaten their existence. However, the answer lies in the catacombs, and no one has ever survived a trek through these caverns of twisting treachery. Or have they?

Let Patrick Welch take you on a journey to a place that you won't soon forget - no matter how hard you may try.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.