Since I decided to write fantasy, I’ve made it my mission to read more fantasy books. This weekend, I snuggled down and read Curt Benjamin’s Seven Brothers trilogy. I have to say, it was pretty good. Different, but a great read.
The back blurb said that Mr. Benjamin took “legends, cultures, and traditions of the East to create an epic tale.” I could definitely feel the Eastern influence in the story in the cultures of the different people the main character, Llesho, meets. But instead of turning me off, as some stories influenced by the east have done, I was caught up in Mr. Benjamin’s coming-of-age quest.
During his quest to find his lost brothers, win his country back from invaders and free heaven from invading demons, Llesho crosses deserts, grasslands and a sea. He meets princes, emperors, “mortal gods,” and slaves. He begins his life a boy and a slave. By the end of the tale, he’s not only free, but much more than he ever thought he could be.
Normally, when I do one of these critiques, I include a link to the author’s website. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find one. I’ll just have to settle for pointing people to amazon. If you like coming of age stories and quests against oppressive invaders, I recommend these books. You’ll cry and throw tantrums (I did!), but the ending satisfies. Well done, Mr. Benjamin.
Living with the Pun Master 