Fantasy sagas are about as ubiquitous as ice at the North Pole. This copiousness ought to please those readers who enjoy a good escape into a realm of magic, swords and dragons. But unfortunately, fantasy sagas require large investments of time for outcomes that are sometimes far from satisfying, be it the plot, or be it the interminable wait for the next installment in the series -- Paging George R.R. Martin. Helllllllo!
Fear neither in the case of The Codex Alera which is penned by Jim Butcher, of Harry Dresden fame. True, the story is far from original -- young boy with potential grows up to have a hand in the events of his world which is loosely based on the laws and customs of the Roman Empire --, but Mr. butcher's characters and races bring Alera to life. More than that, each book in this series has one moment of immense satisfaction, moments well worth wading through the characteristically long-winded prose to get to.
If you're looking for a fantasy saga that is far more mature than harry Potter, but not nearly so dark as Joe Abercrombie, then look no further. This is perfectly positioned for a reader in their late teens, a story that strikes notes similar to those in Young Adult fiction, but adult enough to thrill. And you might even wince a time or two as well. (4/5 Stars)
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