The Silver Serpent (The Absent Gods) [Kindle Edition]

First of all, it is only fair that you should know I'm a very biased reader. I'm very hesitant to try new authors, and I'm more apt to re-read rather then make a new perchase.

With that said, I am very glad that I was able to pick up an advanced copy of The Silver Serpent.

The back cover description gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect, but at the same time there is one thing that I didn't take from it; That even as male reader who usually sticks to books with a male protaganists, I can still relate to a female Hero.

The story begins with Shanis, a young strong-willed woman, that is trying to find her place in the world. Actually, maybe it would be better to say she is fighting to make a place for herself in a world that has already chosen who she should be. The silver serpent at its core is the classic tale of an epic quest.

Before you run away screaming in terror at the prospect of another fantasy story with a quest, let me explain. This story is about people, just like anyone else, that are trying to figure things out about themselves and the world around them. As the story is told the characters begin to take shape and grow into new and complex individuals, and through all the trials and tribulations they learn who they really are. That, for me at least, was the central idea of The Silver Serpent.

The story is told with a very quick pace, the fight scenes are enjoyable, there were several surpises thrown in there, and all in all it was a fun book which I very much enjoyed reading.

In a land where magic is dying and nations teeter on the verge of war, three young people are preoccupied with their own concerns. Shanis is a tomboy who wants to be a soldier. Hierm is an unappreciated second son who wants to escape his father's expectations. Bookish Oskar wants to see the places he's heard of in stories and read about in books. They all believe their dreams have come true, but they soon learn that a greater evil lurks beyond the mountains, and they find themselves on a quest for the Silver Serpent- a mysterious talisman that can save their land.

There is plenty to like in this story: plot twists abound, the lands and cultures are intriguing, and Debord adds a layer of mystery to the story. The characters are searching for the Silver Serpent, but they don't know what it is what it does, much less where to find it. The sai-kurs, an order of sorcerers/ambassadors operate with their own agenda that is not revealed in this, the first volume of The Absent Gods.

The plot focuses on two competing factions who are on identical quests, yet completely unaware of one another. The best part of this story, though, is the characters. No character is totally good or bad. The characters who annoy you at first tend to grow on you, and the ones that seem great at the outset have their own warts. All of the main characters grow and change over the course of the book. The most memorable is Prince Lerryn, a truly complex "flawed hero."

Debord offers hints of an expansive world replete with a variety of unique cultures and political motivations, but we are introduced to only a small corner of this world. Magic exists, but plays a minimal role, as we are told that magic has been dwindling for some time. Many colorful secondary characters are introduced, but the reader gets the feeling that this first book in the series only scratches the surface of what promises to be an expansive series. Debord has cited Robert Jordan as his biggest influence, which makes one wonder if he will spin his web as wide as Jordan did, as the groundwork appears to have been lain for an epic of great breadth if he chooses to go in that direction.

The negative for many will be the fact that this story is a "quest" story like so many that have come before. The characters begin in the small, rural village and embark upon a journey to find the talisman that will save the world. Of course, the story is unique, but if you don't like the traditional quest story, you'll have a hard time enjoying this book.

The Silver Serpent is a gripping epic fantasy in the tradition of Robert Jordan, Raymond Feist and David Eddings. If you are looking for a fresh, new voice in the traditional form, I highly recommend this first installment of what promises to be a memorable series.

I'd give this one 3 and 1/2 stars.
I'm a sucker for "road trip fantasy" stories, and this one drew me in. I liked the characters, the world building, and thought that the action moved along at a good pace. I was definitely left wanting more, and I will read the next one whenever it comes out.
My only complaint was the ending. The writing style changed and it was disconcerting. Several "what the-" moments. Luckily it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book, as usually happens when I dislike an ending. Probably because I was more confused than angry at it.