5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
David Douglas hits home!, Jan 4 2010
By Justin W. Parente "J.W. Parente" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Demon's Bane (Paperback)
It's really hard to describe any book that you just fall in love with. You wouldn't think that'd be the case, but when authors really take the time to create magical systems, worlds, and characters you can wholly become engaged in, you find yourself at a loss for words - a loss for words as how something so complex can seem so real.
David Douglas is new to the market of writing and as a close friend, I had the pleasure of reading this manuscript when it was in it's early stages. It's safe to say what you see now is a product of imaginative storytelling. This element, as staple as it is in Fantasy, is necessary. The author's determination to create all this which we can love isn't done overnight, and you can tell Douglas has taken his time with his writing. It's expertly written and tells a story of growth and surmounting odds. We've seen these themes before, but not at the level of his protagonist, Senn Morel. At such a young age, he's thrust into a realm where the impossible becomes devastatingly possible and threatening in a short amount of time. Demons hunt humans, and through growing magic he is just learning, Senn becomes a force to reckon with.
That then brings me to the magic system Douglas created. It is seldom seen a system where actual science, technique, and methodology is implemented in the casting of said magic. You, as the reader, learn the science of magic as Senn learns it, and in the way it is described, it becomes a fresh and exciting look into what is commonly seen as borrowed systems.
I urge avid Fantasy readers to take a gamble with David Douglas. Demon's Bane will not disappoint, and in the end, you'll know what it means to have dedication to your craft.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A refreshing new approach to magic!, Jan 2 2010
By Granny Smith "Granny" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Demon's Bane (Paperback)
If you've been reading fantasy novels and stories for decades like I have, sometimes you ask yourself why you still like the genre. Most of the time, you've got the same basic story: a young nobody battles large forces, journeys long distances with new friends and conquers evil in spite of incredible odds. So why do we all keep reading fantasy? Because we all enjoy the moments when an author comes up with something new and original. It's even more exciting when it is a brand new author, not the umpteenth book you've read by your favorite (not that I don't love my favorites!).
I won't spoil the book by saying whether or not Demon's Bane fits the standard fantasy formula mentioned above. What I especially enjoyed about this book that I'll talk about in this review is the descriptions of how magic spells are cast in this world. The author's biography says he has a background in mechanical engineering, and it seems like you can really feel it. In most stories, spell casters just feel the spell and send it out through their wands/staffs/fingertips. In this world, spells are created practically and rationally using magical structures. It's hard for me to describe, but great to read and really quite unique! I can really picture how it works in my mind.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a new way of thinking about magic. Highly recommended if you like fantasy and want something new and different. Also recommended if you don't normally read fantasy and want to try it, but feel a bit daunted by the enormous size of some of the classics like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read for the fantasy buff., Feb 14 2010
By Eric Babcock - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Demon's Bane (Paperback)
Demon's Bane is a well written, intriguing and entertaining fantasy novel. Quite impressive for the author's (Dave Douglas) first novel. The intimate scenes are colorful but tasteful! The use of magic is very clever and not overdone and hard to get your head around. I recommend it.