Review of Free Born
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Justin Christensen
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- Latest Review: Free Born by Benjamin Sanford
Review of Free Born
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Free Born" by Benjamin Sanford.]
I love it when I can’t predict a book, and dang it, Free Born by Benjamin Sanford is one of the least predictable books I’ve ever read. It was awesome. Free Born is a book about figuring out who you are and navigating societal expectations and your own passions and interests, even when the two are at odds. These themes are wrapped up in a fantasy epic with a very literal Western spin that kept me glued to the page from start to finish. The whole thing is wild, and the book does just as good at defying expectations as its protagonist does at defying social mores.
The book is about Ethanos (Ethan) Blagen, a prince in a magical world where society has strict caste divisions based on magical abilities. Ethan is an anomaly that was born completely immune to magical power and is not enthusiastic about the way his world works. When his grandfather discovers a mystical portal, Ethan finds his way to the far-off land of Red Rock, Texas, where there is no magic. Ethan is immediately enamored with this new country and finds himself torn between his heart and his duty.
The whole “fantasy and western collide” concept sounds a bit like a gimmick, but Sanford honestly did a great job with it. He doesn’t lean too heavily into any of the common tropes for either genre, and his writing highlights the distinction between the two worlds with tone as well as detail. I never read a book I expect to hate, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I was able to immerse myself here. The hook for the next book at the end was interesting and organic, and I think I just might have to go pick up book two in the series next.
I will say that Free Born would have benefited from some more detailed editing, as there was a noticeable number of grammar errors. It was not enough to draw me out of the story, though, so I am still happy to rate this book four out of five stars. If you love a good story with solid world-building and themes that will keep you thinking after you turn the last page, this is a must-read.
******
Free Born
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I love it when I can’t predict a book, and dang it, Free Born by Benjamin Sanford is one of the least predictable books I’ve ever read. It was awesome. Free Born is a book about figuring out who you are and navigating societal expectations and your own passions and interests, even when the two are at odds. These themes are wrapped up in a fantasy epic with a very literal Western spin that kept me glued to the page from start to finish. The whole thing is wild, and the book does just as good at defying expectations as its protagonist does at defying social mores.
The book is about Ethanos (Ethan) Blagen, a prince in a magical world where society has strict caste divisions based on magical abilities. Ethan is an anomaly that was born completely immune to magical power and is not enthusiastic about the way his world works. When his grandfather discovers a mystical portal, Ethan finds his way to the far-off land of Red Rock, Texas, where there is no magic. Ethan is immediately enamored with this new country and finds himself torn between his heart and his duty.
The whole “fantasy and western collide” concept sounds a bit like a gimmick, but Sanford honestly did a great job with it. He doesn’t lean too heavily into any of the common tropes for either genre, and his writing highlights the distinction between the two worlds with tone as well as detail. I never read a book I expect to hate, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I was able to immerse myself here. The hook for the next book at the end was interesting and organic, and I think I just might have to go pick up book two in the series next.
I will say that Free Born would have benefited from some more detailed editing, as there was a noticeable number of grammar errors. It was not enough to draw me out of the story, though, so I am still happy to rate this book four out of five stars. If you love a good story with solid world-building and themes that will keep you thinking after you turn the last page, this is a must-read.
******
Free Born
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Free Born by Benjamin Sanford
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Kibet Hillary
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Many people would definitely identify when there is a dichotomy between their passions and interests and societal expectations. I like the fact that the book is unpredictable as well. Many thanks for the amazing review, @Justin Christensen.
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Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay
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Etimbuk Eshiet
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This review really sold me on the book! The idea of blending fantasy with a Western setting sounds so original, and I’m intrigued by Ethan’s journey between two vastly different worlds. I appreciate the honest note about the grammar errors too—it’s good to know what to expect. Definitely adding this to my reading list!
