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Tales of Fayt #1
The Watchmen of Port Fayt
A rip-roaring adventure full of pirates, magical creatures, and unlikely heroes! Captain Newton and his men have always protected Port Fayt--a place where humans live in peace alongside trolls, elves, and fairies. But now Fayt is under threat from a much more powerful enemy--the League of Light, a group out to destroy all non-humans. Half-goblin boy Joseph Grubb has only ever heard stories of Captain Newton and the Demon's Watch. Fed up of working at his uncle's tavern, Grubb dreams of escape--until a whirlwind encounter with a smuggler plunges him into Fayt's criminal underworld. There he meets the watchmen and learns of their mission to save the port. Can Grubb and his new allies uncover the dark plot in time, or will they end up as fish food in Harry's Shark Pit?The first exciting book in the epic Tales of Fayt trilogy!
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 4, 2016
Едва ли има някой, който се радва повече от мен на факта, че романът на Конрад Мейсън, „Демонската стража”, се сдоби с български превод. Може би има читатели, които се кефят наравно с мен, но повече от мен – не вярвам. Изданието на Студио Арт Лайн в превод от Александър Драганов е рядка находка, съчетаваща най-добрите фентъзи и приключенски традиции в един нетрадиционен младежки роман. А защо съм така развълнуван? Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле:
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
June 16, 2012
I had the pleasure to translate this novel from English to Bulgarian. This is undoubtedly one of the most original fantasy novels I have ever read. Conrad Mason creates a great setting and tells a touching story. Highly recommended.
April 1, 2017
This book grabs you from the very first line. I enjoyed the fast-paced action and the mix of magic to ordinary life. The setting is a tiny port town in a fictional world where ogres, trolls, humans, fairies and other magical creatures live together. There is a colonial feel to the setting and the description of characters, especially with regards to costume (tricorn hat) and weaponry (muskets).
The plot twists and turns but is not difficult to follow. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending and felt like the overall theme of equal rights had a positive message. Adults or advanced readers may pick up on the “order of the light” references to our own cultural history. It may open up a larger discussion about colonization.
Boys who like action and adventure will like this story, but I would only recommend it to advanced readers as the page number is a bit daunting. There are also some graphic scenes of sword fighting, blood, and gore. People do die, although not any of the main characters. The target age would be about 13. Girls will also enjoy Tabitha, an adventurous member of the Watchmen who is looking to make her mark in brave deeds. If you pick up this book, be prepared for swashbuckling, sword fighting, magic and one massive sea monster. (Reviewed by Meghann MacMillan)
The plot twists and turns but is not difficult to follow. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending and felt like the overall theme of equal rights had a positive message. Adults or advanced readers may pick up on the “order of the light” references to our own cultural history. It may open up a larger discussion about colonization.
Boys who like action and adventure will like this story, but I would only recommend it to advanced readers as the page number is a bit daunting. There are also some graphic scenes of sword fighting, blood, and gore. People do die, although not any of the main characters. The target age would be about 13. Girls will also enjoy Tabitha, an adventurous member of the Watchmen who is looking to make her mark in brave deeds. If you pick up this book, be prepared for swashbuckling, sword fighting, magic and one massive sea monster. (Reviewed by Meghann MacMillan)
August 5, 2024
La vida es como este libro, siendo una mierda y q nadie lo quiere, siempre estará ahí.
(No es tan malo como parece)
(No es tan malo como parece)
October 24, 2013
A cracking fantasy adventure with fights, pirates, moments of high peril, sea battles and terrifying monsters. Fayt, Mason's metropolis, has merchants and crime bosses, taverns and illegal gambling dens just like any great 18th century port city.
However, Conrad Mason plays with our expectations of fantasy, so his heroes are traditional baddies of faery - the trolls, the goblins and the (part) ogres. His humans dwell amongst fairies and magicians and elves. Thus through this reversal of expectation, Mason explores issues of racial ideology and propaganda used to demonise and spread fear of the other. Humans outside Fayt, controlled by the League of Light, are using the faery as slaves, driving them into exile and carrying out 'pograms' on those that remain. They characterise faery folk as untermensch to be feared although it is clear that the faery are the victims of prejudice and abuse.
And he has an 'awesome girl' (daughter's words) character who fights hard, throws knives and had blue hair.
An excellent book for young people that isn't just for the young.
However, Conrad Mason plays with our expectations of fantasy, so his heroes are traditional baddies of faery - the trolls, the goblins and the (part) ogres. His humans dwell amongst fairies and magicians and elves. Thus through this reversal of expectation, Mason explores issues of racial ideology and propaganda used to demonise and spread fear of the other. Humans outside Fayt, controlled by the League of Light, are using the faery as slaves, driving them into exile and carrying out 'pograms' on those that remain. They characterise faery folk as untermensch to be feared although it is clear that the faery are the victims of prejudice and abuse.
And he has an 'awesome girl' (daughter's words) character who fights hard, throws knives and had blue hair.
An excellent book for young people that isn't just for the young.
November 28, 2015
Review coming soon!
June 30, 2022
The Demon's Watch was a weird book for me. On one hand, I love a nautical, piratey setting, & unlikely heroes such as Grubb. The story, too, was good, gripping & interesting, & all the different threads were tied up nicely. Port Fayt had a very specific feel to it that I liked, & although it took me an an entire quarter of the book to realise there was a guide on what the different creatures living in Fayt were, the port itself felt very alive.
My problem with this book is its presentation. It has a very hectic way of switching between setting & POV characters, even in the middle of chapters, that made it far more convoluted to read, & sometimes forced me to reread an entire page to figure out which character I was following now & where exactly they were. Some of the chapters could've been so much shorter, if the point of view change in the middle of them was just turned into its own chapter.
Another thing was Joseph Grubb himself, & how the book presented him. By the blurb, I excepted him to actually DO something, even if not immediately. Instead, the first three quarters of the book were almost never from his point of view, leaving him to feel underutilised & like this wasn't his story, but Tabitha's instead. There are good books that make you believe one character is the main character, the hero, the protagonist, when someone else is actually the main focus of the story, but this book isn't one, even if it didn't feel like this weird stylistic choice was nothing more than an accident. And, the fact that Newton was so ready to let Grubb join the Demon's Watch before the actual climax (Grubb had proven himself by the Epilogue, but I am not talking about the Epilogue), when all he had done by that point was manage to hold onto the package & get tossed into a shark pit seemed so hamfisted.
Speaking of the Demon's Watch, I didn't like them. Just, as a company of crimefighters, I didn't like them. Their fame didn't feel deserved, they weren't mystical enough, there was nothing in the book that truly made me feel like this was a group of actually powerful individuals who deserve the fame they have. The worst contenders of this were Hal & Old Jon, whose skills & powers were hardly expanded upon (especially in the case of Hal, & magic in this world as a whole) & they barely even felt like characters at all. Old Jon is just an old elf who fights with an old cudgel & rarely speaks, & Hal is a stuck up aristo mage who gets tired after one spell. Even the Bootle twins have more personality than that. I can only hope they get better in the sequels.
One thing I did like, however, was, spoilers ahead:
Slik's betrayal. I felt sufficiently angry when that happened, & thinking back at earlier parts of the book, I can definitely say that his two-facedness was warranted & hinted at prior, mainly in his dislike of Newton & the crass way he talked to the other watchmen. It was a very minor aspect of the actual book, but it was a good part, & I enjoyed it.
My problem with this book is its presentation. It has a very hectic way of switching between setting & POV characters, even in the middle of chapters, that made it far more convoluted to read, & sometimes forced me to reread an entire page to figure out which character I was following now & where exactly they were. Some of the chapters could've been so much shorter, if the point of view change in the middle of them was just turned into its own chapter.
Another thing was Joseph Grubb himself, & how the book presented him. By the blurb, I excepted him to actually DO something, even if not immediately. Instead, the first three quarters of the book were almost never from his point of view, leaving him to feel underutilised & like this wasn't his story, but Tabitha's instead. There are good books that make you believe one character is the main character, the hero, the protagonist, when someone else is actually the main focus of the story, but this book isn't one, even if it didn't feel like this weird stylistic choice was nothing more than an accident. And, the fact that Newton was so ready to let Grubb join the Demon's Watch before the actual climax (Grubb had proven himself by the Epilogue, but I am not talking about the Epilogue), when all he had done by that point was manage to hold onto the package & get tossed into a shark pit seemed so hamfisted.
Speaking of the Demon's Watch, I didn't like them. Just, as a company of crimefighters, I didn't like them. Their fame didn't feel deserved, they weren't mystical enough, there was nothing in the book that truly made me feel like this was a group of actually powerful individuals who deserve the fame they have. The worst contenders of this were Hal & Old Jon, whose skills & powers were hardly expanded upon (especially in the case of Hal, & magic in this world as a whole) & they barely even felt like characters at all. Old Jon is just an old elf who fights with an old cudgel & rarely speaks, & Hal is a stuck up aristo mage who gets tired after one spell. Even the Bootle twins have more personality than that. I can only hope they get better in the sequels.
One thing I did like, however, was, spoilers ahead:
Slik's betrayal. I felt sufficiently angry when that happened, & thinking back at earlier parts of the book, I can definitely say that his two-facedness was warranted & hinted at prior, mainly in his dislike of Newton & the crass way he talked to the other watchmen. It was a very minor aspect of the actual book, but it was a good part, & I enjoyed it.
March 25, 2019
This book is a fast-paced and engaging fantasy title, set in an imaginative and well-built world. With a host of likeable primary characters (including the usual riffs on lovable rogues, reserved but emotional hard men, and funny trolls), this book is an easy and enjoyable read which doesn’t require too much brain power. The goodies are (mostly) good, the baddies are definitely bad, and everyone else falls into a comfortable middle-ground of having just enough good to be likeable in some way.
Recommended.
HIGHS AND LOWS:
The good:
- An imaginative and immersive world, somewhere between Discworld, Middle Earth, and Victorian London.
- An easy read in the right kind of way. Creative and gripping enough to keep you wanting to read it, without being overly ‘highbrow’ or complicated.
- A good stock of key characters, all of whom are pretty likeable (with a few notable exceptions). Whilst the ‘goodies’ and the ‘baddies’ are well-defined, there is enough depth to allow certain characters to fall on both sides of the divide at various points in the book.
- The plot moves at a fast and engaging pace, plenty of action with a few laughs thrown in along the way.
The bad(ish):
- The plot twist is unlikely to come as a huge shock to anyone, as it’s fairly predictable.
- The quantity of ‘primary’ characters meant that many of them were (necessarily) underdeveloped, with complex back stories standing in for actual depth of character.
- The plot could have done with occasionally slowing down to linger a little more on certain points. It could twist and turn a little too much to follow at times.
- One unresolved character arch at the end of the book was a little frustrating.
Recommended.
HIGHS AND LOWS:
The good:
- An imaginative and immersive world, somewhere between Discworld, Middle Earth, and Victorian London.
- An easy read in the right kind of way. Creative and gripping enough to keep you wanting to read it, without being overly ‘highbrow’ or complicated.
- A good stock of key characters, all of whom are pretty likeable (with a few notable exceptions). Whilst the ‘goodies’ and the ‘baddies’ are well-defined, there is enough depth to allow certain characters to fall on both sides of the divide at various points in the book.
- The plot moves at a fast and engaging pace, plenty of action with a few laughs thrown in along the way.
The bad(ish):
- The plot twist is unlikely to come as a huge shock to anyone, as it’s fairly predictable.
- The quantity of ‘primary’ characters meant that many of them were (necessarily) underdeveloped, with complex back stories standing in for actual depth of character.
- The plot could have done with occasionally slowing down to linger a little more on certain points. It could twist and turn a little too much to follow at times.
- One unresolved character arch at the end of the book was a little frustrating.
July 30, 2013
When I came across The Demon’s Watch the first thing that really got my attention was the cover of the book. It just looks so cool and awesome and with the promise of a piratesque look and story aimed at children with goblins I just new this story couldn’t turn out wrong, and my thoughts were correct. The Demon’s Watch is the first book in The Tales of Fayt and is also the debut book of Conrad Mason who works as an editor in children’s fiction.
The Demon’s Watch starts of with a glimpse of the dull life of the half-goblin Joseph Grubb, currently working for his uncle in the tavern Legless Maid, cleaning tables and washing the dishes. But he isn’t satisfied with his life and his uncle is quite harsh on him. Joseph is a half-goblin, his father was a goblin and his mother human. He is often called a mongrel due to this and is looked and frowned upon as a no good. Joseph’s life is about to take a turn for the better, though his is in for some difficult choices. Well first off I was really pleased with the main protagonist Joseph Grubb in The Demon’s Watch introduction wise and overall growth. You can readily identify him from the cover of the book. He comes over like an insecure, fragile creature with of course a short posture (being a half-goblin). But in between the lines and in the lines of the book you really see Joseph grow, finally taking the reigns of his own young life in his own hands and pursuing his own adventures. His breaking out, standing up for himself must carry a secondary message I think. What is also often shown is that goblins in other stories are linked to scheming and mischievous acts, well Joseph isn’t anything like that at all, he is in for justice and follows up everything with his own heart of gold, which I really liked.
And now it’s time for The Demon’s Watch them selves. Again a part that I found great to read about, and I think a lot of children who will pick up this book, will find them selves in a similar position. The Demon’s Watch are a special division that capture smugglers and thieves in the city of Fayt. Though they have a certain reputation… What the people of Fayt don’t see is that, behind their blunderbusses, muskets and other weaponry, they are quite the merry bunch. The Demon’s Watch is led by Captain Newton (Newt for short) and Old Jon, an elf, the twin trolls Frank and Paddy, Hal the human magician and a young girl Tabitha make up Newton’s crew. Like you can read the book already has goblins, elves, trolls and human but there is even more as Captain Newton has a pet fairy. Each member of The Demon’s Watch had it’s own personality and made the whole team come together, but one of the members, Tabitha really stood out. With her being the youngest of them all and just being allowed to become a full member of the Watch she wants to proof herself that she is worthy of her job. All throughout the story she is seeking acknowledgement from Captain Newton and the others, but in her endeavours to do so, she goes a few steps to far that bring Tabitha in her own set of perils…
All in all I can’t seem to find any fault in the characters alone, they are just super to read about. Next to Joseph and the members of The Demon’s Watch there are a lot of other characters that you get to meet in Port Fayt; from imps to ogres and other humans. With his characterization Conrad Mason put down the right setting for the story. And I even forgot to mention the shapeshifters!
Now for the story, it is already partially explained above, the part about Joseph. How he finds himself in a completely new adventure. Captain Newton is always on the look out for a new job for his Watch in trying to catch a renegade or a smuggler that is setting foot in Port Fayt, and he has found a new lead to a smuggler and has set his goals to capture him. But what soon falls to notice is that Joseph’s storyline and that of The Demon’s Watch are more closely linked. What I liked most about the storyline is that is was easy, funny and fast to read (which will only make it appeal that much more for the younger readers) but also that even though it moving steadily along, Conrad Mason does take the time to involve much more of the surroundings. And in the case of Tabitha and Joseph and even Captain Newton delves a bit deeper into their history. Even if it were just a few sentences, they just added that much more flavour to the story. As you got deeper and deeper into the book, there were some nice moments where I was quite surprised with the direction that the overall plot took. The twist and turns that were introduced didn’t feel rushed and with the book taking place in a piratesque setting, a double cross here and there was great stuff to read about. The story of The Demon’s Watch feels like two parts, the first you follow the adventures of Joseph but a second one neatly starts to unfold in the background that when taken together with the final pages of the book really put a smile on my face, it seems that the inhabitants of Port Fayt are in for a surprise and I’m curious as to how they will fend this one off.
The Demon’s Watch is a very energetic and lively children’s book, that is chockfull of the cool stuff that the younger audience will like. It is suited for both audiences as the boys will go towards Joseph and the girls will find them selves in Tabitha. Conrad Mason did a great job in portraying two strong characters of both genders. Next to this is interesting world that was created in the first book, with the Old and New World and Port Fayt lying there in the middle. The races that inhabit this world goblins, ogres, elves, imps and fairies really create a unique setting in combination with the pirate theme. The storyline itself puts all the right gears into motion for a first book in the series. Engaging the reader early on the interesting world. Throwing hints in the storyline that not wholly connect at first but as the story progresses they fall neatly into place. Leading up to a, I hope (fingers crossed), pretty cool encounter.
originally posted at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-demons-watch.html
The Demon’s Watch starts of with a glimpse of the dull life of the half-goblin Joseph Grubb, currently working for his uncle in the tavern Legless Maid, cleaning tables and washing the dishes. But he isn’t satisfied with his life and his uncle is quite harsh on him. Joseph is a half-goblin, his father was a goblin and his mother human. He is often called a mongrel due to this and is looked and frowned upon as a no good. Joseph’s life is about to take a turn for the better, though his is in for some difficult choices. Well first off I was really pleased with the main protagonist Joseph Grubb in The Demon’s Watch introduction wise and overall growth. You can readily identify him from the cover of the book. He comes over like an insecure, fragile creature with of course a short posture (being a half-goblin). But in between the lines and in the lines of the book you really see Joseph grow, finally taking the reigns of his own young life in his own hands and pursuing his own adventures. His breaking out, standing up for himself must carry a secondary message I think. What is also often shown is that goblins in other stories are linked to scheming and mischievous acts, well Joseph isn’t anything like that at all, he is in for justice and follows up everything with his own heart of gold, which I really liked.
And now it’s time for The Demon’s Watch them selves. Again a part that I found great to read about, and I think a lot of children who will pick up this book, will find them selves in a similar position. The Demon’s Watch are a special division that capture smugglers and thieves in the city of Fayt. Though they have a certain reputation… What the people of Fayt don’t see is that, behind their blunderbusses, muskets and other weaponry, they are quite the merry bunch. The Demon’s Watch is led by Captain Newton (Newt for short) and Old Jon, an elf, the twin trolls Frank and Paddy, Hal the human magician and a young girl Tabitha make up Newton’s crew. Like you can read the book already has goblins, elves, trolls and human but there is even more as Captain Newton has a pet fairy. Each member of The Demon’s Watch had it’s own personality and made the whole team come together, but one of the members, Tabitha really stood out. With her being the youngest of them all and just being allowed to become a full member of the Watch she wants to proof herself that she is worthy of her job. All throughout the story she is seeking acknowledgement from Captain Newton and the others, but in her endeavours to do so, she goes a few steps to far that bring Tabitha in her own set of perils…
All in all I can’t seem to find any fault in the characters alone, they are just super to read about. Next to Joseph and the members of The Demon’s Watch there are a lot of other characters that you get to meet in Port Fayt; from imps to ogres and other humans. With his characterization Conrad Mason put down the right setting for the story. And I even forgot to mention the shapeshifters!
Now for the story, it is already partially explained above, the part about Joseph. How he finds himself in a completely new adventure. Captain Newton is always on the look out for a new job for his Watch in trying to catch a renegade or a smuggler that is setting foot in Port Fayt, and he has found a new lead to a smuggler and has set his goals to capture him. But what soon falls to notice is that Joseph’s storyline and that of The Demon’s Watch are more closely linked. What I liked most about the storyline is that is was easy, funny and fast to read (which will only make it appeal that much more for the younger readers) but also that even though it moving steadily along, Conrad Mason does take the time to involve much more of the surroundings. And in the case of Tabitha and Joseph and even Captain Newton delves a bit deeper into their history. Even if it were just a few sentences, they just added that much more flavour to the story. As you got deeper and deeper into the book, there were some nice moments where I was quite surprised with the direction that the overall plot took. The twist and turns that were introduced didn’t feel rushed and with the book taking place in a piratesque setting, a double cross here and there was great stuff to read about. The story of The Demon’s Watch feels like two parts, the first you follow the adventures of Joseph but a second one neatly starts to unfold in the background that when taken together with the final pages of the book really put a smile on my face, it seems that the inhabitants of Port Fayt are in for a surprise and I’m curious as to how they will fend this one off.
The Demon’s Watch is a very energetic and lively children’s book, that is chockfull of the cool stuff that the younger audience will like. It is suited for both audiences as the boys will go towards Joseph and the girls will find them selves in Tabitha. Conrad Mason did a great job in portraying two strong characters of both genders. Next to this is interesting world that was created in the first book, with the Old and New World and Port Fayt lying there in the middle. The races that inhabit this world goblins, ogres, elves, imps and fairies really create a unique setting in combination with the pirate theme. The storyline itself puts all the right gears into motion for a first book in the series. Engaging the reader early on the interesting world. Throwing hints in the storyline that not wholly connect at first but as the story progresses they fall neatly into place. Leading up to a, I hope (fingers crossed), pretty cool encounter.
originally posted at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-demons-watch.html
June 27, 2019
Приятно и леко фентъзи за деца. Конрайд Мейсън е добър разказват, който успява да създаде очарователен фантастичен свят. Вселената на Мейсън е детайлна, функционираща и интересна, не се отличава с невиждани идеи, но не отегчава с твърде много клишета и успява да запази някакъв дух на оригиналност.
Героите бяха традиционни персонажи за детски фентъзи роман.
Книгата засяга традиционни за жанра проблеми и въпроси. Развива ги и оставя отворени вратички за продължение.
Проучих, книгата наистина е част от поредица, която аз не планирам да чета нататък. Но препоръчвам за млади читатели, които тепърва се запознават с фентъзи жанра, както и за любители на по-леки фантастични истории. Книгата си заслужава времето, разпуска и се чете приятно.
Като допълнение, има страхотни графични елементи, карти и наистина чудесна корица.
Героите бяха традиционни персонажи за детски фентъзи роман.
Книгата засяга традиционни за жанра проблеми и въпроси. Развива ги и оставя отворени вратички за продължение.
Проучих, книгата наистина е част от поредица, която аз не планирам да чета нататък. Но препоръчвам за млади читатели, които тепърва се запознават с фентъзи жанра, както и за любители на по-леки фантастични истории. Книгата си заслужава времето, разпуска и се чете приятно.
Като допълнение, има страхотни графични елементи, карти и наистина чудесна корица.
April 24, 2019
Приятна, непретенциозна и ненатрапчива. Типична за жанра си, с бързо развиващо се действие и четивен изказ на автора. Абе, идеална е за бързо бягство от реалността.
August 7, 2024
Me lo regalaron con 12 años y fue un librón
January 31, 2020
During a recent trip to the library, I spotted this book on a small table with books marked as "Last Chance!" I assumed that this meant the books on the table were about to be removed from circulation if they weren't borrowed soon. With its attractive, colorful cover, which is a picture of two children swinging from ropes into or over a blazing fire, I thought, "That looks interesting!" so, I borrowed it, in an attempt to save the poor book from being withdrawn.
The kids and I have spent our evenings together, for the past month or so, reading this story. The kids really enjoyed it! They wanted to rate it five stars! I worked hard to keep it engaging by attempting to voice the characters in a fun and exciting way. I mean, who doesn't like talking like a pirate?
Arg! Matey! Ye be needin ta be readin with yer kids, if ye ain't already, ya scallywag!
See what I mean? That was fun, wasn't it? The kids all said that they really enjoyed this story. I had fun reading it to them. In addition to the pirate voices, it seemed appropriate that some of the characters have Irish accents. A few had English accents. Although my representation of these accents probably wasn't very good, I had a lot of fun doing it, and the kids enjoyed it.
The kids and I have spent our evenings together, for the past month or so, reading this story. The kids really enjoyed it! They wanted to rate it five stars! I worked hard to keep it engaging by attempting to voice the characters in a fun and exciting way. I mean, who doesn't like talking like a pirate?
Arg! Matey! Ye be needin ta be readin with yer kids, if ye ain't already, ya scallywag!
See what I mean? That was fun, wasn't it? The kids all said that they really enjoyed this story. I had fun reading it to them. In addition to the pirate voices, it seemed appropriate that some of the characters have Irish accents. A few had English accents. Although my representation of these accents probably wasn't very good, I had a lot of fun doing it, and the kids enjoyed it.
April 26, 2012
This review first appeared on The Book Zone(For Boys) blog
Based on The Demon's Watch, his debut novel, Conrad Mason is most definitely an author to watch out for in the future. Long time readers of The Book Zone will know that I do not read a great deal of what I would call traditional fantasy - magic, trolls, goblins and the like, set in fantasy worlds. Apart from The Lord of the Rings, which I have read many times, I have never gelled with traditional fantasy stories for adults, even though I have tried many of the masters of the genre. However, this book had been sitting on my To Be Read pile for some time, and having read a variety of books in other genres I felt like something different and took the plunge..... and I loved it! Yet again, David Fickling has struck gold!
I think my biggest problem with adult fantasy is the time spent world-building. I just do not have the patience for pages and pages of background information about a world and its flora and fauna. And this is exactly why I had no problem at all with The Demon's Watch - like the best writers of children's and YA fantasy Conrad Mason manages to build and populate his fantastic world without slowing down the fast pace of his story with lengthy, yawn-inducing info-dumps.
For me there are two things that really make The Demon's Watch: the characters and the dialogue between them. The two combined make for a hugely entertaining and comic fantasy story that will have young readers enchanted. Conrad Mason has filled his story with characters to rival those in any of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. There is orphan Joseph Grubb, half human and half goblin, as as such is on the receiving end of many a bigoted remark, especially from his uncle who works him to the bone in his tavern. Joseph's lot is not a happy one, and longs for a happier life, filled with adventure. Through a series of incidents he finds himself falling in with The Demon's Watch, a rag-tag bunch of watchmen who try to keep some kind of order in the port of Fayt. Captain Newton, their leader, oversees a motley crew made up of a magician, a headstrong and impulsive girl, an elf and a pair of trolls. Sometimes their escapades come across as an calamity of errors, but between the laughs you can't help but care for them and hope that all turns out OK in the end.
For a debut novel this is something special - Conrad Mason is obviously a very gifted storyteller. He knows exactly how to engage his readers and keep their attention for the whole story. He weaves a multitude of twists into his tale, and young readers will delight in rooting for their heroes as the machinations of the rather nasty compliment of villains unfold. I for one cannot wait to continue my journey with Joseph Grubb and his new-found friends.
Based on The Demon's Watch, his debut novel, Conrad Mason is most definitely an author to watch out for in the future. Long time readers of The Book Zone will know that I do not read a great deal of what I would call traditional fantasy - magic, trolls, goblins and the like, set in fantasy worlds. Apart from The Lord of the Rings, which I have read many times, I have never gelled with traditional fantasy stories for adults, even though I have tried many of the masters of the genre. However, this book had been sitting on my To Be Read pile for some time, and having read a variety of books in other genres I felt like something different and took the plunge..... and I loved it! Yet again, David Fickling has struck gold!
I think my biggest problem with adult fantasy is the time spent world-building. I just do not have the patience for pages and pages of background information about a world and its flora and fauna. And this is exactly why I had no problem at all with The Demon's Watch - like the best writers of children's and YA fantasy Conrad Mason manages to build and populate his fantastic world without slowing down the fast pace of his story with lengthy, yawn-inducing info-dumps.
For me there are two things that really make The Demon's Watch: the characters and the dialogue between them. The two combined make for a hugely entertaining and comic fantasy story that will have young readers enchanted. Conrad Mason has filled his story with characters to rival those in any of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. There is orphan Joseph Grubb, half human and half goblin, as as such is on the receiving end of many a bigoted remark, especially from his uncle who works him to the bone in his tavern. Joseph's lot is not a happy one, and longs for a happier life, filled with adventure. Through a series of incidents he finds himself falling in with The Demon's Watch, a rag-tag bunch of watchmen who try to keep some kind of order in the port of Fayt. Captain Newton, their leader, oversees a motley crew made up of a magician, a headstrong and impulsive girl, an elf and a pair of trolls. Sometimes their escapades come across as an calamity of errors, but between the laughs you can't help but care for them and hope that all turns out OK in the end.
For a debut novel this is something special - Conrad Mason is obviously a very gifted storyteller. He knows exactly how to engage his readers and keep their attention for the whole story. He weaves a multitude of twists into his tale, and young readers will delight in rooting for their heroes as the machinations of the rather nasty compliment of villains unfold. I for one cannot wait to continue my journey with Joseph Grubb and his new-found friends.
November 11, 2015
Do you believe trolls, elves, fairies, goblins, dwarves, imps, ogres, mermaids, mermen, and humans can co-exist? Conrad Mason explores this question in his high-fantasy adventure, The Watchmen of Port Fayt. As villainous forces backed by humans known as the “League of Light” plot to destroy Port Fayt and its non-human inhabitants, a boy goblin named Joseph and a confident human girl named Tabitha are brought together to save Port Fayt.
Our main characters work hard to protect their community and oppose the League of Light - who believe humans are the purest of all beings, and everyone else is a “mere perversion”. Until recently, Port Fayt has been safe and protected by underground watchmen, but now the League of Light’s harsh laws on trade have begun to anger some important officials and there is a threat of war. To avert war and save their town, the two protagonists struggle against betrayal, shape shifters, and smugglers before finally reaching their goal.
Conrad Mason raises many contrasting ideas in his book, representing nearly everyone’s opinion. At times, these multiple vantage points left me confused because the author looks at the notion of co-existence through not only the protagonists’ eyes, but also the governor’s, a toy shop owner’s, and many more characters. It is overwhelming to be flooded with so many different ideas, and difficult to feel confident about any “ethical answer”. However, the book was quite successful at painting vivid pictures in my mind of Port Fayt and its many different creatures. It also held my interest because it has a complex, detailed plot filled with realistic characters and struggles. Joseph and Tabitha’s alliance stirs up many real-world questions, offers some answers, and chronicles problems and triumphs even though it is centered around fantasy, legends, sorcery and monsters.
Conrad Mason’s story evolves to describe humans inter-marrying various races of mythological beings, creating, growing and celebrating with one another. They make lasting friendships, and as they become united, they gain more courage, and realize they have the power to save and change their community together. You should read, The Watchmen of Port Fayt to not only experience Port Fayt, but to also the importance of tolerance, and developing alliances for growth and stability.
Our main characters work hard to protect their community and oppose the League of Light - who believe humans are the purest of all beings, and everyone else is a “mere perversion”. Until recently, Port Fayt has been safe and protected by underground watchmen, but now the League of Light’s harsh laws on trade have begun to anger some important officials and there is a threat of war. To avert war and save their town, the two protagonists struggle against betrayal, shape shifters, and smugglers before finally reaching their goal.
Conrad Mason raises many contrasting ideas in his book, representing nearly everyone’s opinion. At times, these multiple vantage points left me confused because the author looks at the notion of co-existence through not only the protagonists’ eyes, but also the governor’s, a toy shop owner’s, and many more characters. It is overwhelming to be flooded with so many different ideas, and difficult to feel confident about any “ethical answer”. However, the book was quite successful at painting vivid pictures in my mind of Port Fayt and its many different creatures. It also held my interest because it has a complex, detailed plot filled with realistic characters and struggles. Joseph and Tabitha’s alliance stirs up many real-world questions, offers some answers, and chronicles problems and triumphs even though it is centered around fantasy, legends, sorcery and monsters.
Conrad Mason’s story evolves to describe humans inter-marrying various races of mythological beings, creating, growing and celebrating with one another. They make lasting friendships, and as they become united, they gain more courage, and realize they have the power to save and change their community together. You should read, The Watchmen of Port Fayt to not only experience Port Fayt, but to also the importance of tolerance, and developing alliances for growth and stability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2015
Porty Fayt is home to a plethora of interesting characters. Some are good and some are not so good. Here you will find Goblins, humans, fairies and even mermen. All roam the land and the sea. Joseph Grubb is half human and half goblin. He longs to do more than work for his uncle at the Legless Mermaid, a local bar for sailors. One night after a brawl involving Captain Clegg, a man Joseph admires and longs to sail with someday, he discovers a package wrapped in black velvet and sealed with a silver tie. Joseph suspects it belonged to Captain Clegg when a seedy character came asking for it. Joseph will make it his mission to return the package in the hopes Captain Clegg will allow him to join his crew. But, little did he realize exactly how difficult a task it would be. Something wicked is brewing and Joseph may have found his way right into the middle of it.
Meanwhile, Captain Newton, the leader of a crew of Demon Watchers who watch over and protect Port Fayt, knows something is going to happen in the port. He tries to get permission from the governor but is told not to do any investigations. Some of his crew members Jeb the Snitch, Tabitha Manderville and a fairy named Slik are assigned tasks to get to the bottom of the mystery. When the watchmen meet up with Joseph they band together to save the port from the League of the Light, a secret group of bad people with their minds set on controlling the port.
Author Conrad Mason has created a fantastic old fashioned adventure with swashbuckling heroes and bad guys. Young boys and girls will find loveable and brave characters with engaging scenery dropping them right into the story. This fast paced read is a delight and would be excellent as a read-a-loud in a classroom environment.
Meanwhile, Captain Newton, the leader of a crew of Demon Watchers who watch over and protect Port Fayt, knows something is going to happen in the port. He tries to get permission from the governor but is told not to do any investigations. Some of his crew members Jeb the Snitch, Tabitha Manderville and a fairy named Slik are assigned tasks to get to the bottom of the mystery. When the watchmen meet up with Joseph they band together to save the port from the League of the Light, a secret group of bad people with their minds set on controlling the port.
Author Conrad Mason has created a fantastic old fashioned adventure with swashbuckling heroes and bad guys. Young boys and girls will find loveable and brave characters with engaging scenery dropping them right into the story. This fast paced read is a delight and would be excellent as a read-a-loud in a classroom environment.
February 1, 2013
Nos encontramos con una novela de aventuras que tiene unas ideas muy buenas envueltas en una historia con muchos de los tópicos de la literatura de aventuras juveniles. Con juvenil en este caso me estoy refiriendo a algo que la gente considera más infantil que aquello a lo que solemos llamar juvenil, al estilo de Percy Jackson o Jake Djones. Y, sin embargo, es precisamente esa frescura y esa historia tan conocida lo que hace que realmente sea una gran novela. O, mejor dicho, una buena novela de entretenimiento. Porque para el público al que está dirigido, o lo que busca el que se lo lee, no necesita más que estar bien escrita y transmitir la emoción de una buena película de aventuras. Y eso, sin lugar a dudas, lo consigue.
Sigue leyendo
Sigue leyendo
August 12, 2015
Port Fayt is home to sailors, smugglers, and pirates as well as humans, imps, elves, goblins, trolls, and all manner of other creatures all living in relative harmony. The Demon's Watch, headed by Captain Newton, and the militia both work to protect Port Fayt from everyday, run-of-the-mill criminals as well as more dangerous foes. Then one day, Grubb, a half human, half goblin tavern server finds a package left at the tavern by a smuggler. Soon the Demon's Watch and Grubb are both in more trouble than they can handle.
"Watchmen" is a solid, fun book perfect for everyone in late elementary school and up. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep anyone guessing. Some descriptions of violence may be a bit too much for younger or particularly sensitive children.
Mason has crafted an intriguing world filled with magic, other races, and endless possibilities. I look forward to reading more about Port Fayt and Grubb.
"Watchmen" is a solid, fun book perfect for everyone in late elementary school and up. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep anyone guessing. Some descriptions of violence may be a bit too much for younger or particularly sensitive children.
Mason has crafted an intriguing world filled with magic, other races, and endless possibilities. I look forward to reading more about Port Fayt and Grubb.
October 20, 2015
Captivating from the first page! So many twists and turns! Just when I thought I had figured it all out, the story would twist again. 5 stars!!!
A smattering of youthful characters make this story come to life. Joseph Grubb, of goblin and human descent, is an orphan working at his uncle's establishment on Port Fayt, a refuge for all those who aren't quite human. Tabitha Mandeville is also an orphan who has been training with her Demon's Watch surrogate father and is on her first case: track down a valuable cargo and put the responsible smugglers in the slammer while still being able to make Port Fayt's annual festival a safe place to celebrate.
Told in multiple third person points of view, I found myself drawn in for a one-sit read. Call it sheer pleasure or punishment, because this is only the first book in the trilogy and already I can't wait for the next book to come out! Awesome Young Adult fantasy adventure that is highly recommended. 5 edge-of-my-seat stars!
A smattering of youthful characters make this story come to life. Joseph Grubb, of goblin and human descent, is an orphan working at his uncle's establishment on Port Fayt, a refuge for all those who aren't quite human. Tabitha Mandeville is also an orphan who has been training with her Demon's Watch surrogate father and is on her first case: track down a valuable cargo and put the responsible smugglers in the slammer while still being able to make Port Fayt's annual festival a safe place to celebrate.
Told in multiple third person points of view, I found myself drawn in for a one-sit read. Call it sheer pleasure or punishment, because this is only the first book in the trilogy and already I can't wait for the next book to come out! Awesome Young Adult fantasy adventure that is highly recommended. 5 edge-of-my-seat stars!
April 15, 2016
I like the regular guard being under suspicion of betrayal most and was a little disappointed when their leader turned out to be just too proud to stop acting like a moron when he realized there was something wrong. Of course, with a war to come, it is not a too bad decision to not strip a trade harbour from their only regular fighting force to make for an author. But would that not have made a blast of a story? And then there are some scenes in the story like the following where I just could not help to ask myself: Okay, WHY does this evil witch who kills others with the greatest of ease in just a glimpse now let go of the character just to hunt down another? Because it is one of the main characters? Really comprehensible, but I find it a bit weak, even for a children's book. And for those who wonder why I rate the story this high despite the batch of flaws I refer to - it is hellish fun to read!
February 18, 2015
I really liked this book: the characters, the world-building, the writing, and overall storytelling. It pulled me in right away, and was easy to read. And by "easy to read" I mean effortless. I wasn't stumbling over clumsy sentences or getting bored, or forcing myself to finish. Conrad Mason has a smooth writing style, and he paints a clear enough picture so the story is easy to follow and get lost in.
A good comparison would be Tui T. Sutherland and the Wings of Fire series. They may be very different stories, but they have the same quality of writing, I think, in that it's a well-written, readable kids' fantasy book vivid enough to capture anyone's imagination, at any age.
A good comparison would be Tui T. Sutherland and the Wings of Fire series. They may be very different stories, but they have the same quality of writing, I think, in that it's a well-written, readable kids' fantasy book vivid enough to capture anyone's imagination, at any age.
July 9, 2014
This is a great read for 10+ ages especially those who may have finished Harry Potter (or are not quite old enough for the last few books). Pirate adventure that will appeal to both sexes, with magic, goblins, fairies, elves, ogres, witches and many more creatures. Just the right level of scary scenes and action.
October 24, 2013
A very-well written an accessible adventure that should appeal to KS2 and Lower KS3 children, Mason's world of Fayt should be accessible to all,and familiar to readers of RL Stevenson and Terry Pratchett.
November 13, 2014
I quite liked as a children's book, but it was rather predictable. It had a good story, above average characters but none of it felt particularly new.
I do think that if Conrad Mason keeps developing as a writer that some of his more annoying tropes might be put better.
I do think that if Conrad Mason keeps developing as a writer that some of his more annoying tropes might be put better.
May 19, 2013
A good story which was entertaining without being anything original, familiar characters and situations but with some nice touches of humour.
March 31, 2014
It was okay, a bit predictive which is a shame. I don't want to read the sequel.
August 25, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyable kids fantasy adventure story, with pirates, magic, goblins and a fearsome sea beast.
Likely to appeal if you enjoyed Harry Potter, it is a quick, light read for an adult.
Likely to appeal if you enjoyed Harry Potter, it is a quick, light read for an adult.
May 12, 2015
Not something bad. But not something special in any way.
March 3, 2016
I loved The Watchmen of Port Fayt and cannot wait to read the other novels in the series(?).
July 5, 2016
Another 3+ star book. This book really reminded me of the Map to Everywhere series. Kids that like fantasy would like this book.
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