Outcasts [Paperback]

It was actually just a fluke that I came across this book in a book pawn shop. I was pleasantly suprized by how much I how much I enjoyed reading it. It goes fast because it isn't very wordy, but contains the classic elements of fantasy that can be found in books by Tolkein. Ever since I have been searching for the rest of the series. Unfortunately, they are out of print, but are well worth the effort of searching for them. When you work for something it is more highly valued anyway. To all those who are also looking for this series, "Good Luck and Happy Hunting"=)

"Outcasts" is Book 1 in the Runesword fantasy series. Written by Clayton Emery (later known for his Magic the Gathering and Forgotten Realms books), Outcasts is a standard cookie cutter YA Fantasy. It begins the story of four unlikely companions forced together by the Norse God "Vili" to recover and destroy a series of magical Runeswords before the ever popular "Dark Lord" obtains them with his army of evildoers. The group of unlikely heroes consists of Caltus (an extremely young wandering warrior in search of military guidance), Elizebith (yes that's how it's spelled, runaway daughter mage of a powerful and wicked sorceress), Hathor (a vegetarian Troll who's forsaken the cruel and carnivorous ways of his kin) and Endril (your stereotypical brooding, silent, serious-minded and mysterious elf). Quickly banded together by a lesser deity (Vili, brother of Odin) they set off on their quest against the Dark Lord and his minions to find the fabled Runeswords. Here are my thoughts;


Pros

+ Quick and easy read.

+ Uses Dungeons & Dragons as a reference for the writing. Everything from the spells (Enlarge, Ignite, Light, Levitation etc.) to the descriptions of certain characters such as magic users/spell casters.

+ Cover art by renowned fantasy artist Larry Elmore.


Cons

- Characters are clearly in a traditional fantasy setting yet continuously evoke the names of gods from Greek, Egyptian, Norse mythos among others. I find that borrowed cultural and religious references break the epic fantasy immersion even though the characters have been tasked with their quest by the Norse god Vili.

- Bith and Cal's constant bickering is tiresome. I understand that they're teenagers but the constant arguing makes them seem a lot younger than they are which doesn't lend well to the "peril" of the quest they've undertaken. They both just come off as a whiny and petulant.

- Trust is gained and given too easily between characters. The "Outcast" group forms almost immediately with no distrust or suspicion. Then when betrayal occurs they seem shocked!

- Both the names and nicknames of the characters were groan worthy. Hathor the troll (Thor), Elizebith (Bith), Caltus (Cal). Luckily the elf is named Endril and only ever Endril.

- No world map.



The entire time I was reading this book I had to remind myself that I was not the demographic the author was focusing on when he wrote the book. That being said, it's a simple diversion if you're looking for a mindless and cliché fantasy read. Unless you're a fan of average YA fantasy you could probably skip this short 6 book series.

That is, this book uses about every fantasy novel cliche that existed at the time of its publishing. And what does it have to show for it? A book that's incredible easy to read, and remarkably absorbing. In fact, more than once did I find myself really getting into it, and being a little embarrased. It's a guilty pleasure, but I liked it a lot.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  3.7 out of 5 stars