Review by juztjen -- The Demon of the Well

[juztjen]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Demon of the Well" by James B. Hendricks.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you like the fantasy genre, you will definitely enjoy reading the labor of love that is The Demon of the Well. Author James B. Hendricks invites us into a world he first dreamed of decades ago, and based upon a Uyghur man featured in a National Geographic Magazine article. Thankfully that lit the spark that brought to life a character he crafted into a beautifully written tale. The mystery of the folklore really sucks you into the story, leaving you wanting to know what happens next. The more I read, the more I was captured by the story.

I couldn’t help but become invested in the main character who, while introduced as a trader, we later learn there’s more than meets the eye. We get the impression that this older man is well known and respected in his village. The children are drawn to the mystery surrounding his past, though he humbly refuses to tell his tales. He tirelessly tells them that he will never have enough time to make a tale from all of the knowledge he has learned. As the village children slowly find a way to coax the trader to reveal the tale of his past, the more intrigued they become.

Once the trader does tell the children his tale, a path is set in motion that will change their village forever. He will show these young ones a world they have never seen. Eventually the storyteller joins in on the adventure that becomes the second half of the trader’s tale. The two set out across a lonely desert, carefully dodging mystical obstacles. As they arrive at their destination it becomes clear that the demon has been waiting for the trader’s return. Fortunately for the village the demon’s wit is no match for the trader’s guile, and the demon is defeated.

This was exceptionally written and edited. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed the likability of the characters and felt the world was easy to relate to and understand. I liked the subtle moral undertones of the downfall of greed and the benefit of placing others needs before your own. I loved that brains save the day more than the brawn in this instance. It’s a refreshing change from the fantasy stories of revenge and family anguish. My only complaint is that I feel as though I have been left hanging on whether the trader saw the benefit of his actions.

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The Demon of the Well
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