An Unusual Book Review

I'm quite sure this is the first time I've reviewed a book by an author I personally know. In fact, I work with him every week - he's actually my part-time accountant. But as I like to point out, he's only an accountant by trade; he's an author by passion (and perhaps someday it'll pay the bills, eh?).

Nick Hayden is a great guy and a fine author. You should get to know him. Incidentally, he's likely to read this, as he reads my blog often (though rarely comments - a thousand curses upon his head!). So I'll have to be nice...

Just kidding! There's no "have to" necessary. Nick finally (after roughly two years of whining on my part) loaned me a copy of his first book, Trouble on the Horizon. I suppose I should return it to him, now that I've read it, eh?

Anyway, if you like fantasy fiction, you should read this book. Nick does a great job of putting you inside the characters, and of keeping your attention. Even though it will eventually be but book one of a longer series, this one ends tidy enough to not drive you mad about the unfinished nature of the project. [How's that coming, Nick?]

My criticism of the book (sorry, Nick, but I have to say something critical, don't I?) is limited to just two points:

a) The large number of stereotypical characters in the story. But in defense, I must add that most fantasy fic books share this problem (hence, they've become stereotypical!).

b) The occasional tendency toward over-description (read: too many adjectives).

My specific praises include the following:

a) The "Horizon" of the title isn't what you'd expect - it's one of the most interesting elements of the book, one that I hope gets explored further in the series. I can't tell you more...

b) There's an underlying - not brow-beating - spirituality about the book, much like Lewis or (especially) Tolkien.

c) It's honest to the realities of life, but yet "clean" enough to recommend to anyone over, say, 14 years old.

d) It follows more than just the traditional two (one major, one minor) story lines.

e) Its author's father signs my paychecks! Sorry, Nick - I had to say it!

Seriously, it's a good book and one that (after the series is done) I'll likely actually buy ... unless maybe Nick doesn't notice that I still have his copy!

Hatushili