Published: July 23rd, 2010
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: The Narrow Escapes of Ves Asirin, Book 1
Rating: YA 13+
Format: eBook
Source: Sent from author for review
Amazon
❘ Goodreads ❘ WebsiteVes Asirin wins a trip to the Tower of Parlen Min. There, with 19 other children, he competes in the Sword Challenge; a series of puzzles and tasks, for $12 million. As fantastic and glorious as the tower seems to be, Ves finds that it keeps a dark and secret history that he has been connected to for over 150 years, a secret that will define his destiny ... if he can escape 'The shadow'.
Ves was an interesting character. He has this memory loss thing which makes him forget everything every 10 to 15 hours. Of course, with this it kinda drags the story a bit, with his dialogue and such, but it's really cool to see how he copes. I just didn't like though how he loses his temper very easily, but I feel sorry for how the others first treat him. I felt though, that it was kind of different that he's a younger character. He's, what, 11? 12? It makes him sound really immature at times, and I do think it takes away some elements of the story.
Hmm, I didn't really like Vikey too much. She was always quite demanding, wanting to have it her way, always wanting to take control and obsessed with getting Ves' attention. I liked Tammi much better, as she's more quiet, more enchanting and much easier to like in general!
It did get, however, a little bit confusing with all the other children. It was hard keeping track of their names and as to who was who. But I generally focused on the main people, which eventually worked out fine.
I like how the story is somewhat similar to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Jacobius Trent wants to find an heir for his estate through the challenges and I loved the similarities. It was also sort of like the story of King Arthur with the Angilian king, the queen and the "affair" of which happened. It's all a very amazing blend of fairytale and folklore!
I love how this is like a modern fantasy. There's TVs and cars and other technology, but it's still got this fantasy feel to it. The riddles, the clues all add up to it, and the setting does too. I really loved the fair bit, where there's that circus show and stuff. It's just so magical, that you get transported back, and you think you're in another time. All the creatures just made it even more amazing!
I didn't however, like the writing in the beginning. It kind of explained everything there and then, and then it made it sound like an information pamphlet on Ves' life. Fortunately, it didn't last very long and the story started picking up. It's all an amazing thrill of twists and turns :).
Overall, I found Tower of Parlen Min an extrodinary fantasy novel, which readers who love the magic in Harry Potter and the challenges in The Hunger Games will enjoy. Matt Xell has written a fabulous debut. I can't wait for more. I need to find out what happens!
**Thank you so much to Matt Xell for sending me Tower of Parlen Min for review and making me apart of the Blog Tour!**
If you like this, try...
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
- The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Amazon
❘ Goodreads)
FIND MATT XELL:
Now for the Giveaway!
Five (5) Lucky Winners will be able to receive an ebook copy of Tower of Parlen Min!
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