Review of Roan
Posted: 06 Mar 2024, 11:19
[Following is a volunteer review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]
Conor Archer, a child to a single mother, witnesses his mother die from cancer just after he meets two strangers who seem to know him and keep telling him of his destiny. Conor thought he was an ordinary boy, aside from his slightly webbed fingers. But many people have that mutation. Despite his persistent pleas to know more about his background, Finola Archer kept her son distant from the sleepy town of Tinker’s Grove. However, after his mother's death, he is thrust into a world of magic and forces beyond imagination.
The characters were well developed. The author was careful to give Conor small habits and character traits that were unique to him. Every character had a unique personality, a mysterious background, and a pivotal role in the plot. The world-building was immersive and detailed. The complicated history and magic system played out with smoothness and stealth. The prologue itself trapped me, and every chapter ended in a way that made you want to go further into the story. The book was enjoyable, giving vivid descriptions through the use of analogies and metaphors. Complex ideas and situations were brought to life with ease. Barr managed to wring out emotions from the reader with a handful of words. The narration was engaging, with the perfect balance between telling and showing to create a vivid and immersive experience. The humorous undertone of the novel made it all the more fun to read. I appreciated the author's thoughtfulness and efforts that went into making this book. There were many little tidbits, like the many Irish folk songs, that made me covet the book even more. The book was professionally edited, with no errors that I could spot. There was stellar attention to details and foreshadowing that merited a second reading.
There was nothing to dislike about the book. I recommend this book to people who like to read urban fantasy and fantasy. Teenagers will enjoy reading this book the most. I rate Roan by E. R. Barr five out of five stars.
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Roan
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Conor Archer, a child to a single mother, witnesses his mother die from cancer just after he meets two strangers who seem to know him and keep telling him of his destiny. Conor thought he was an ordinary boy, aside from his slightly webbed fingers. But many people have that mutation. Despite his persistent pleas to know more about his background, Finola Archer kept her son distant from the sleepy town of Tinker’s Grove. However, after his mother's death, he is thrust into a world of magic and forces beyond imagination.
The characters were well developed. The author was careful to give Conor small habits and character traits that were unique to him. Every character had a unique personality, a mysterious background, and a pivotal role in the plot. The world-building was immersive and detailed. The complicated history and magic system played out with smoothness and stealth. The prologue itself trapped me, and every chapter ended in a way that made you want to go further into the story. The book was enjoyable, giving vivid descriptions through the use of analogies and metaphors. Complex ideas and situations were brought to life with ease. Barr managed to wring out emotions from the reader with a handful of words. The narration was engaging, with the perfect balance between telling and showing to create a vivid and immersive experience. The humorous undertone of the novel made it all the more fun to read. I appreciated the author's thoughtfulness and efforts that went into making this book. There were many little tidbits, like the many Irish folk songs, that made me covet the book even more. The book was professionally edited, with no errors that I could spot. There was stellar attention to details and foreshadowing that merited a second reading.
There was nothing to dislike about the book. I recommend this book to people who like to read urban fantasy and fantasy. Teenagers will enjoy reading this book the most. I rate Roan by E. R. Barr five out of five stars.
******
Roan
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon