Bubble & Squeak
by Jerimiah Wolfwood on Jun.26, 2009, under Literary, Miscellaneous, Stephen King
Book review on Robert V. S. Reddick’s new book THE RED WOLF CONSPIRACY
I have read a lot of fantasy. From Terry Brooks, to J.R.R. Tolkien, to Stephen King and, mark me, we now have a name to add to the list. This book stands firm as one of the best first novels I have ever read.
Sadly this book reminds me of another great first book, that being Christopher Paolini’s ERAGON. Mr. Reddick has done what all fantasy authors want to do; he created an infinite universe that I believe in – something that Hollywood has forgotten how to do (see Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.)
As for the plot – the story takes place mostly on the trading ship Chathrand, which I choose to pronounce with a hard CH as in Kath-Rand. Because of the ship setting it genuinely reminds me of the best parts of TREASURE ISLAND and 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA.
Understand, that while this is a good first book, it is by no means perfect. My only real criticism is that he is still in the “I’ve got to put a Z in every other word” phase, which is not only frustrating to have to pronounce, but makes it hard to discern one nation from another. To illustrate my point the main character is named Pazel Pathkendal and the ship’s captain is Nihlus Rose. Both of these characters are awesome, and on a personal note I find the captain’s name to be cool as hell. But places like Mizzathrin and Ormael are silly. Why can we never have the fantasy land of Portland? I mean, really, would that be so hard?
In conclusion, if the good Mr. Reddick proceeds down the road he has started, mark my words within twenty years he will be a luminary in fantasy community .
