While I enjoy the fantasy genre in general and M. R. Forbes writing in particular, I had made a decision earlier to skip this novel. I’m not sure why, actually, since that decision was several months ago but it had to do with something in the preview narration. However, after reading a positive recommendation on another, non-Forbes, novel review, I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did.
Not only was the story rather unique and well structured, the narrator added just the right tone for unraveling the tale. I was especially pleased at how well he was able to mimic the gruff sounding male characters but his ability to effortlessly transition to the higher tenor of both teen children and female characters was equally enjoyable as it was surprising.
I’ll not repeat the description of the novel since that is already well-described in its listing but the travails that the two protagonists experience are well worth the listen for anyone who enjoys both a good coming of age story mixed in with a journey of redemption for one truly wretched man.