The Amber Wizard

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Hardly original, but geat fun - Rated
David Forbes' first book in his Osserian Saga is almost a masterclass in using many of the stock fantasy cliches and stereotypes. A tale of a young prince discovering hitherto unknown magical powers and a destiny to use those powers against an age old unspeakable evil intent on conquoring the world, there is nothing new or original in this story. Stock characters and even a siege bring very little new to this series.

Why, then, is it so good?

There is seldom anything new in the genre these days, so the thing that seperates the good from the mediocre is the quality of the writing, and Mr Forbes writes with a tremendous energy and gusto which, after a slowish start, carries the story along at a relentless pace. The fighting is suitably bloody and exciting, and the siege which takes up the final third of the book is grim and unpredictable.

Mr Forbes also has a way with taking stock characters and making them engaging and sympathetic. Gerin, the Amber Wizard of the title, is suitably flawed and tormented as the young prince trying to do the right thing, but resentful that his previously idyllic life now seems to be directed by others, good and evil alike.

All in all, this first volume augers well for the rest of the trilogy, so long as Mr Forbes can maintain the intensity and excitement. Heres hoping.

the amber wizard - Rated
Gerin Atreyano is the crown prince of Khedesh, a stranger appears and proclaims that Gerin may be the Amber Wizard foretold long ago. Gerins training as a wizard and a prince now begin. Hi enemies place an enchantment on him leading to a path of darkness and betrayal. As a bloody magical war threatens, he opens an ancient portal using forbidden magic. He now faces being saviour or destroyer of the world as he faces his most powerful enemy Asankaru. Great read, can't wait for the next installment

Good old fashioned fantasy fare - Rated
I had never read a book by David Forbes before but I really enjoyed this. I was gripped by the story of how the Amber Wizard would save Osseria. Forbes paints a wonderful picture of the ancient, other-world scenery and describes it to the reader expertly. The main characters are well rounded, and have hidden depths and secrets that unfold as the tale progresses. Similar in style and content to "Dante's Last March" (my other recent fantasy favourite by Mark Elliott), though thankfully the Amber Wizard leaves plenty of scope for some sequels. Buy a copy now, you won't be disappointed!