By bestselling Author P.S. Power You only get one shot at a second chance... As death sought his last breath, the mind of the historian and storykeeper Farad Ibn Istel was placed in one of the very rare crystals of memory… Now, a long time later, he awakens, tasked with saving the life of a young boy. A thing that no one else can do. Once accomplished he is stuck there, his ancient and disciplined mind mixed with that of a young child, the rambunctious and lazy boy known as Anders Brolly… To give the innocent child the life he deserves, old Farad will have to change. Adapt and find a new path through the world. That of magic and warcraft. It may not be possible for an old hermit to pull off. Especially with an ancient evil coming back into the world. One that knows him all too well… This is the first book in the amazing new series that everyone has been waiting for!
P.S. Power works in fiction, mainly focusing on Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror genres, with brief forays into other things just to keep life interesting. He averages 1 to 2 books monthly and has several series going. He lives in an isolated cabin in the middle of nowhere, as a recluse, yet still manages to find time to talk to people online, in a positive and delightful manner. Not one of those creepy hermit types though, you understand. It's more of an isolated farm style thing. Or ranch really. He's also interested in three dimensional photography, and long moonlit walks on the beach, sometimes with vampires. When he can find time he also does writing and voice work for scripted online programs. Anyway, feel free to drop him a line. Or visit his forum: http://pspowerbooks.com/phpBBF/index.php
In chatting with Dale over the past few weeks, it was decided that he was interested in blogging to you, his readers. The blog he had within the main site was not going to be a viable solution and there were thoughts of just creating a Forum where only he could post and everyone else could reply. This MOD is a nice meeting of the two for what will hopefully be a highly successful blog!
Hoping this first (and only) post by me will kick off a nice method of interaction with Dale's readers!
Brent / Argy / ArgyrosfeniX
p.s. - Also going to try and get the feed that comes with this to feed into Amazon and Goodreads. Good luck to one and all!! ]]>
I'm reading the first volume of P. S. Power's Crystals of Memory Book.
Now I remember why I don't read Power. Along with the almost-trademark Mary Sue protagonist, the author has added even more of their ubiquitous, random punctuation, poorly constructed sentences, and, as others have mentioned, an annoying and unnecessary abundance of question marks. At 1/3 of the way through this one, I may and/or may not finish it but I certainly won't be buying any more.
To be fair, Power often comes up with interesting and unique worlds and magic systems.
On the downside, he doesn't develop them well and doesn't seem to grasp the basics of story construction. In this volume, the intriguing concept of an old and (presumably) wise spirit merged with the boy and mind of a young boy, is completely wasted. In the first third of the book, we're barely aware of the boy's existence with only one or two fleeting glimpses of him.
In the end, though, it's the Mary Sue tactic that seems to be the biggest problem. A protagonist who faces no real challenges, is clearly Destined for greatness, and beloved by all is just so very boring. If the writing were better, the world-building more clearly developed, I might have been able to overlook this, but they aren't, so I can't.
A good story that I so wanted to give a better review of. This author has one huge flaw in all of his books. Absolutely no morals when it comes to sex or even romance. He mentions repeatedly about being forced into sex with others (Men, women or both including orgies) because of station, mistaken tea rituals, owing apologies and many other ridiculous reasons. Marriage is no obstacle and he often refers to using boys and little children as sex partners as if it not only acceptable, but encouraged. Unnecessary sexual vulgarity is written about throughout the story turning a great beginning to a series into something uncomfortable and off putting. I remembered while reading this the reasons I quit purchasing books by this author. A truly fabulous storyteller that debases his books with disgusting acts of sexual perversity. Definitely not for me, which is too bad because of the potential to be truly great.
This is the third series I have read from this author. His style is very distinctive. So far I have noticed quite a few themes that have been present in each of the books I have read so far. 1) The main character has something special about them but doesn't think it is that big a deal. 2) The MC is always crazy busy and is spends most of his time doing things that would seem beneath him (clean rooms, taking care of other people, etc). 3) the MC is socially awkward. He is able to pick up on social ques but doesn't necessarily know what they mean, and usually makes wrong assumptions. 4) Sex is talked about or hinted at a lot and not very many things are considered taboo. It reminds me of the HBO series Rome in that way. Sex with a boy, sex with a girl, sex with another man, sex with multiple people. It just doesn't seem to be a big deal in the societies this author writes about, even if the MC is not comfortable with the topic.
The book starts with an old historian on his death bed having his mind placed into a crystal by his former student. The student couldn't handle his former teachers death. The next thing he knows it is 1500 years later and he is placed in the body of a 12 year old boy in order to try and save his life. This isn't a body takeover but a melding of the minds. The biggest problem is that one of the minds lived for 90 years and the other was only 12. The older mind sort of dominates in this case. The boy that was saved was the illegitimate son of the second prince. He was kind of lazy prior to the merging. The boy, Anders, starts to try and be more useful. The older man sharing his mind was a historian and has almost perfect recall. Anders gets involved with a magician and with his perfect memory is able to learn magic fairly well. There is danger to the kingdom though. There is conflict brewing in almost every land in the area and no one can figure out the source.
Overall the magic system was interesting as was the world building. I will continue on to the next book.
I had to give the book 5 stars. Now when you initially start reading it it is slow to get off the ground. There is a point to that the author is building the world the story is set around. Introducing characters you will need to know about and introducing concepts and ideas you need to be aware of. I know when I first read the book I was thinking what is all this about manners and bow amen why do I have to read about all these characters which don’t seem important but trust me they are. I might even recommend breezing through the first 30% to 35% of the book part two things pick up significantly. Those who want action will get it those who want drama will get it do you want suspense and mystery it’s there. The author does take a long time building the world. I think it could’ve been done a little faster but I also have to appreciate that it was done at all because sometimes books rush into the action too fast without building a world for me to enjoy. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series now.
This is a new world with new and different modes of magic from Mr. Powers previous writings. He is writing in a new style in my opinion, and it is awesome to see. No worries though, the style is just as pleasant and captivating!
Young Anders wakes from an illness that for most was fatal to find himself no longer quite himself, a changed person, almost a different person, yet not completely. Blame it on the Crystal of memory held to his forehead by his physician as he lay dying.
This is timely, as ancient forces are moving in the world and he may be the key to it's undoing. Can he come to terms with his new state of being in time to aid?_ Can he learn what he needs to accomplish what needs doing in the short time left before his homeland is imperiled? Read "Fletcher" you'll be hooked by the first chapter.
I was really engaged by the premise and found it so entertaining and interesting but would have appreciated some point of view from the boy Anders. I also think there was a little too much attention to bowing but understood the need for establishing the difficulties of protocols and societal influences. I would like to feel what Farad feels a bit in being in a young healthy body and how he curbs some of Anders impulses and exerts his own good judgement and whether Anders can appreciate that at all or feels resentment, etc. He can’t have been completely subsumed by Farad? I am looking forward to their further adventures and hope some of the spontaneity of the boy will be seen and appreciated by Farad.
Book started out a bit confusing , but I attribute that to the nature of the initial symbiotic relationship of the main character's dual personalities. As the character becomes more comfortable in that relationship , the writing becomes easier to follow and less confusing. A number of magic systems that allows for individual customization is something that is a bit unique. It is a solid story and the world building has potential. Four stars as it did contain a few more editing errors than I like, but overall a good read.
This is a great story and captured my attention pretty much from the start. I will certainly keep an eye out for the next book. There are many typos and incorrect words peppered throughout the book, for instance tombs used to describe knowledge kept in books, should be tomes of course. If a book is not good enough to transcend its small, if constant, flaws then it would be a one star book, clearly this is definitely not that, read it and enjoy - I did
This book had quite a few problems that made it not 4 star worthy. There was the amount of bowing which they used everytime someone greeted someone else, like a handshake, except they mentioned it every time so it became so repetitive. There were a few instances were the MC acted out of character and nobody noticed or said anything, even though other times the MC had to change their actions so nobody would pick up on it. The MC learns how to be a fletcher but that really doesn't have much to do with the story, his main ability is learning magic.
I love a good coming of age story, and Power puts a unique spin on this one. I think anyone over 40 wishes he/she could go back to childhood with what they know now and see how different their life would be. Power does a great job of blending combat magic battles with every day utilitarian magic through the book. I stayed up way too late because I could not put this book down. Can't wait for the next one.
If you have read the Builder series.. You have read this one. Its basically the same book. Just written with different names and places. And a couple new twists
Old mage dies gets shoved into some young fops head.
You would think the old mage in the boys body would understand things .. But nope. Just like in the builder series the MC is Clueless. Meanwhile everyone around him is using him for their own purposes etc.
This book was a bit weird for me. I went from one extreme to another while reading. There were parts that made it so that I couldn't put it down, and then there were parts where I was bored out of my skull. It has a lot of detailed explanations, which is where I lost interest. It also has some really interesting magic and adventure. I don't think that this story is for me. I am probably done reading this series.
This was amazing for me. I've enjoyed P.S. Power's other books very much, so I was glad to start this. Right from the start this was great. I get the impression that Mr. Power has been reading the work of several other authors that I have liked. I encourage all fantasy readers to read this, even if you were only so so on another Power book.
Good characters, well written, and an interesting story. Looking forward to the next book. My only small criticism was the overuse of question marks at the end of statements. It just seemed odd at times, as the characters speaking did not seem to be asking a question, just making a statement or giving an order. Not a big deal, just struck me often.
I had purchased this book earlier this year, but only started reading it four days ago.
The story is much in the style of P.S. Power and as such was just fun to read. That the story is such a good one is very much the better for the reafer.
Extreme in the relentless pursuit of self improvement that the author portrays of the main character: Anders Brolly. I enjoyed it but going through the day to day tasks got a little monotonous. Still ill read the next novel. The world needs self improvement.
I don't t know about others, but I have regretted past ill choices that after that experiences helped me to mature to a more adult thought process. Possession of a twelve year old by the spirit of an old brilliant mind could help make correct decisions? You should enjoy this book, if you ever second guess yourself.
This is a great book set in a fascinating world full of magic. The story is well thought through and the characters well rounded. There is enough action in it for the book to be engaging and enough description that lets you get truly immersed in the world. It;s definitely worth reading and I look forward to the second book.
A cracking good read if you like swords and sorcery and reborn books then this is the book for you and at 99p was a bargain, warning this is no lite novel and will take several hours of reading, there is no filler just a great story so good in fact I’ve bought the next one to read by the pool
I found this story to be compelling reading, which is difficult to put down. As the first in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone story with a hook in the end to draw you to the next in the series. I would recommend this book to all who will enjoy a solid story with occasional flights of magic. I eagerly look forward to being able to read the next book in the series.
I absolutely loved this book and the world built around it.the author attention to detail was just amazing.I can't wait for the next installment of the series.I could not put the book down .I had to get to the end !!
I have read many a fantasy novel, this one had a very different voice. The story arc is interesting and held my steady interest. It also gave me a fresh feel for what it might have been like to live in a medieval style court.
This story of a old man memories put into a 12 year old lazy royal bastard was a very entertaining action packed story. Of course P.S. gave him an impossible work ethic like always. Can't wait for a Lit RPG \gamelit story from him.
I have never read a book by this author before. It is one of the best that I have read in a long time. Great plot, well written and with out a lot of errors. I am disappointed to have to wait so long to read the next installment. Highly recommended.
The author has created an interesting and complex story with very good characters and well thought-out plot. Some descriptions and dialogues are a little confusing, but the overall effect is well-written.
I very much liked the idea of a man's mind in a child's body trying to do his best for the boy. The character of Depak Soma was also endearing and the ideas of different types of magic well developed. Looking forward to the next one!
I bought the book on the power of P S Power's name simply because they have become one of my favourite Authors. Once I actually started reading it. I couldn't stop. I will definitely be getting book 2.
I like this book it's the third time I've read it I figured since Book 2 I can read now I may as well reread book one again. You should probably read this book also just saying.
Good concept, decent magic, marvelous action. Good story for teens and older, discussion of responsibility vs lazy. You can gloss it over but doing the minimum on a job cheats you and the one paying you. Too soon old, too late smart