Review of Roan

[Sarvesh J Yadav]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Roan: The Tale of Conor Archer, Volume 1 by E.R. Barr is not just a book but an interactive gateway into the world where Celtic myths enter modern urban shadows. It is like getting on to the tapestry whose threads are braided from shades of magic and lore with as much raw human emotion as possible.

After all, the hero of this story is not a prototype made entirely out of flesh. He’s imperfect, haunted by a mysterious past, and bound to the loyalty he bestows upon his family as well as his new wonderment. He discovers a mute inquiry about these unseen forces lurking behind happenings in this world. The ancillary ‘players’ are also well designed, not just with regards to how each one of them aids my storyline but also as to how extremely unique they will all sound while acting out their different roles. Ranging from the old-man wisdom of Sean as a bartender to the elusive elegance of Rhiannon, he is portrayed for bargaining and adds new layers of intrigue and inward significance to the story. It is constantly enriching itself, adding new leads and doubling back on the old strands to reveal ever more complexity. The mystery is multilayered, and it brings the reader down into the quickly sinking world of disappearing magic and out-of-date grudges. The slow development of the pacing might seem at times somewhat drawn-out, but it gives ample space to look into the characters’ personalities and reveal the motives that set them against each other in anticipation of the final climax.

Even though these minor negatives exist, ‘Roan’ represents an impressive first novel that lingers long after its final page is read. It is a book that needs to be relished, with its textures revealing themselves under repeated readings. If you are looking for a fantasy novel that leaves this reality behind and pulls readers into another imaginary world, where half intrigue and half magic surround you, then Roan is a book not to be missed. Just be ready to let yourself drift away in a tale that haunts you even after the magic spins its final web.

This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars thanks to the editing, which was impeccable with no mistakes. I was very impressed with this book, and there is nothing that could annoy any reader.

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Roan
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