The Women of Fantasy

quick summary: Alissa goes in search of a place to learn magic, meets cute guy Strell, both deal with loss and conflict. Much better than the Princess books.

Today I finally finished First Truth, by Dawn Cook. Now this book is a world apart from her later "Princess" series. It shows a depth and talent that the later series not only lacks, but it is almost as if a different writer wrote it. I would be glad to see Cook return to her former writing style.

First Truth is obviously a debut novel. It has all the typical mistakes. So why my rave review? Because the amazing things about this book far outweigh the fall backs. Cook has a real masterpiece here, and the ending really left me wanting the next book - fast. But she didn't get nearly as dramatic as her Princess books. Cook held back - with good results. She was able to portray intense situations and emotions without wiping out the reader by utilizing a third person narrative, unlike the first person in the other books reviewed. Multiple perspectives did not detract from the story whatsoever like they often can in a fantasy. Instead, I grew to truly care about the two main characters. The third perspective, of the books "bad guy" was helpful and I think necessary.
But it didn't get overly personal with him, and I was glad.

Anyways, go out and buy this book. I don't think you will be disappointed. :)

Posted by Jen at Tuesday, February 27, 2007