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Genesis of Oblivion #1
Farmers & Mercenaries
2009 Moonbeam Fantasy Award Winner for Excellence in Literature
Named Dragonroots Magazine's Best New Fantasy Saga of 2009
The characters in Farmers & Mercenaries are well-developed. Their stories are told in alternating chapters, and readers easily become invested in the fate of each. The pace of the book is quick and the story lines solid. Readers will turn pages late into the night just to find out what will happen next.
With Farmers & Mercenaries, fans of the fantasy genre have another group of characters to get to know and love. I can't wait for the next in the series. -Lindsey Losnedahl - Las Vegas Review Journal
...by the end I was mesmerized so that I could not put it down till I had finished it. Drake does a good job of developing the characters and melding their paths throughout the book. The ending was a good set up for book two so I can hardly wait to see how the story continues. -Antya Gilson - Paper Dragon Ink
The deeper you read, the more drawn into the story and characters you will become. I am looking forward to more books by Maxwell Alexander Drake and Imagined Interprises, Inc. -Amber Campbell - Fantasy Book Reviewer, Examiner.com
In a sleepy farming stead, a young man, Alant Cor, is found to be one of the few Humans who can manipulate the Essence. And, not simply manipulate it. Alant has more power over this magical force than any Human in known history. Does his younger brother, Arderi Cor, possess the same ability, or something more sinister?
Clytus Rillion, the commander of a mercenary troop, embarks on a quest to cure his dying son, Sindian. Though he doubts he will survive the journey, he will pay any price to save his son's life.
The beast, known only as Klain, born a slave and now used to entertain the masses in a bloodthirsty sport known as the Games, finds out his true value to those who own him lies with his death.
All are resigned to walk the paths fate has put them upon. Yet, is this of their own accord? Or, is an ancient and powerful race, the Elmorr'Antiens, manipulating the other inhabitants of Talic'Nauth? Change is falling upon the Plane. Some Elmorr'Antiens are making preparations to weather the storms ahead - others intend to use the coming chaos to seize power over all the races.
Follow these seemingly unrelated lives as their paths are set on a course that none can hope to survive. Readers of the Genesis of Oblivion Saga will immerse themselves in the depth of a unique world culture, the grandeur of its civilizations, and the sheer awe of more than ninety-six thousand years of history!
Named Dragonroots Magazine's Best New Fantasy Saga of 2009
The characters in Farmers & Mercenaries are well-developed. Their stories are told in alternating chapters, and readers easily become invested in the fate of each. The pace of the book is quick and the story lines solid. Readers will turn pages late into the night just to find out what will happen next.
With Farmers & Mercenaries, fans of the fantasy genre have another group of characters to get to know and love. I can't wait for the next in the series. -Lindsey Losnedahl - Las Vegas Review Journal
...by the end I was mesmerized so that I could not put it down till I had finished it. Drake does a good job of developing the characters and melding their paths throughout the book. The ending was a good set up for book two so I can hardly wait to see how the story continues. -Antya Gilson - Paper Dragon Ink
The deeper you read, the more drawn into the story and characters you will become. I am looking forward to more books by Maxwell Alexander Drake and Imagined Interprises, Inc. -Amber Campbell - Fantasy Book Reviewer, Examiner.com
In a sleepy farming stead, a young man, Alant Cor, is found to be one of the few Humans who can manipulate the Essence. And, not simply manipulate it. Alant has more power over this magical force than any Human in known history. Does his younger brother, Arderi Cor, possess the same ability, or something more sinister?
Clytus Rillion, the commander of a mercenary troop, embarks on a quest to cure his dying son, Sindian. Though he doubts he will survive the journey, he will pay any price to save his son's life.
The beast, known only as Klain, born a slave and now used to entertain the masses in a bloodthirsty sport known as the Games, finds out his true value to those who own him lies with his death.
All are resigned to walk the paths fate has put them upon. Yet, is this of their own accord? Or, is an ancient and powerful race, the Elmorr'Antiens, manipulating the other inhabitants of Talic'Nauth? Change is falling upon the Plane. Some Elmorr'Antiens are making preparations to weather the storms ahead - others intend to use the coming chaos to seize power over all the races.
Follow these seemingly unrelated lives as their paths are set on a course that none can hope to survive. Readers of the Genesis of Oblivion Saga will immerse themselves in the depth of a unique world culture, the grandeur of its civilizations, and the sheer awe of more than ninety-six thousand years of history!
463 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Maxwell Alexander Drake
42 books96 followersMaxwell Alexander Drake is an award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy author, Graphic Novelist, and Playwright. He was also the Lead Fiction Writer and game story consultant for Sony’s massive online game EverQuest Next as well as writing for the Shadowrun game. He is best known for his fantasy series, The Genesis of Oblivion Saga. Drake teaches creative writing at writers’ conferences and fan conventions all around the world and is the author of the Drake’s Brutal Writing Advice series.
He is currently developing an animated TVMA show called Fiend Folly. Find out more about this show at www.FiendFolly.com.
For more, please visit www.MaxwellAlexanderDrake.com, or his writing training website www.DrakeU.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @MaxwellADrake, Facebook /MaxwellAlexanderDrake, or Instagram /MaxwellAlexanderDrake.
He is currently developing an animated TVMA show called Fiend Folly. Find out more about this show at www.FiendFolly.com.
For more, please visit www.MaxwellAlexanderDrake.com, or his writing training website www.DrakeU.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @MaxwellADrake, Facebook /MaxwellAlexanderDrake, or Instagram /MaxwellAlexanderDrake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 13, 2011
There’s nothing wrong with this book other than that I have read this story so many, SO many, SO SO SO MANY times before that I am just exhausted with it.
It’s just another identical clone soldier in the massively bloated, ever expanding Army of the Republic of Conventional Epic Fantasy. What might have been cutting-edge and trail blazing back when Frodo and Samwise were holding hands and skipping towards Mount Doom has become cookie-cutter and tiresomely blasé. Wow has become WOE and awesome has become AHH..SAME. It just frustrates me.
Now, I’m not giving this book one star because there’s no glaring flaws in its production and it didn't stoke my rage meter sufficiently for full scale melt-down (though it was close at times). The writing is okay (though not overly engaging), the story-telling was competent (though not overly engaging)and it certainly is not a failed attempt at producing a fantasy novel (just not overly engaging). It was just not overly...well, you understand. I found the whole thing underwhelming, uninspiring and UNNECESSARY and felt like the 17 hours+ I spent listening to 463 pages of this story would have been better spent watching the U.S. debt clock tick past “we’re screwed” on our way to becoming the newest 3rd world country called the Unfunded States of America.
PLOT/BACKSTORY
Do I really need to do this for this one? Fine...but please stop me if you’ve heard this before...
--You’ve got your standard fantasy world (pick one, they’re basically the same).
--You’ve got your standard human race of which a select few have magical ability (feeling sleepy yet?)
--You’ve got your standard, non-human race, small in number, but much more powerful than humans in the use of magic who hold themselves aloof from the humans who they see as inferior…*cough*…ELVES….*cough*
--You’ve got your standard other non-human race of animal like-warriors who are non-magical but handy ass-kickers who like to growl and refer to boys as man-cubs.
-- You’ve got your “shoot me in the head its so” standard coming of age story about a human teenager who is disappointed in his lack of “magical” ability only to find out he may have “ultra secret special” magic that makes him “super duper.”
-- You’ve got your ancient prophecy tying in our main characters. UGGGGGGHHHHHH
-- You’ve got your “factory installed” set of standard fantasy creatures given some less than original names to “disguise” their old tired lameness (e.g., O’Arkin instead of Orc; Drakon instead of dragon, Elmorr’Antiens instead of elf; mermidians instead of mermaids);
-- You’ve got a STOCK, STOCK, STOCKETY cast of standard fantasy characters from merchants, farmers, soldiers, guard captains, body guards, magic councils, secret societies, et cetera ad nauseam;
and...
-- You’ve got your “lame ass” fantasy vocabulary designed to give your story that “OMG, this is really a different world” vibe (e.g., aurn, tenday and moon instead of hour, week and month; first meal, half meal and last meal instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner; eastron and westron instead of east and west…..
Take the above, add water, stir and serve up a completely milquetoasty borefest of EPIC FANTASY proportions.
I wasn’t thrilled and I would like my 17 hours back please.
It’s just another identical clone soldier in the massively bloated, ever expanding Army of the Republic of Conventional Epic Fantasy. What might have been cutting-edge and trail blazing back when Frodo and Samwise were holding hands and skipping towards Mount Doom has become cookie-cutter and tiresomely blasé. Wow has become WOE and awesome has become AHH..SAME. It just frustrates me.
Now, I’m not giving this book one star because there’s no glaring flaws in its production and it didn't stoke my rage meter sufficiently for full scale melt-down (though it was close at times). The writing is okay (though not overly engaging), the story-telling was competent (though not overly engaging)and it certainly is not a failed attempt at producing a fantasy novel (just not overly engaging). It was just not overly...well, you understand. I found the whole thing underwhelming, uninspiring and UNNECESSARY and felt like the 17 hours+ I spent listening to 463 pages of this story would have been better spent watching the U.S. debt clock tick past “we’re screwed” on our way to becoming the newest 3rd world country called the Unfunded States of America.
PLOT/BACKSTORY
Do I really need to do this for this one? Fine...but please stop me if you’ve heard this before...
--You’ve got your standard fantasy world (pick one, they’re basically the same).
--You’ve got your standard human race of which a select few have magical ability (feeling sleepy yet?)
--You’ve got your standard, non-human race, small in number, but much more powerful than humans in the use of magic who hold themselves aloof from the humans who they see as inferior…*cough*…ELVES….*cough*
--You’ve got your standard other non-human race of animal like-warriors who are non-magical but handy ass-kickers who like to growl and refer to boys as man-cubs.
-- You’ve got your “shoot me in the head its so” standard coming of age story about a human teenager who is disappointed in his lack of “magical” ability only to find out he may have “ultra secret special” magic that makes him “super duper.”
-- You’ve got your ancient prophecy tying in our main characters. UGGGGGGHHHHHH
-- You’ve got your “factory installed” set of standard fantasy creatures given some less than original names to “disguise” their old tired lameness (e.g., O’Arkin instead of Orc; Drakon instead of dragon, Elmorr’Antiens instead of elf; mermidians instead of mermaids);
-- You’ve got a STOCK, STOCK, STOCKETY cast of standard fantasy characters from merchants, farmers, soldiers, guard captains, body guards, magic councils, secret societies, et cetera ad nauseam;
and...
-- You’ve got your “lame ass” fantasy vocabulary designed to give your story that “OMG, this is really a different world” vibe (e.g., aurn, tenday and moon instead of hour, week and month; first meal, half meal and last meal instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner; eastron and westron instead of east and west…..
Take the above, add water, stir and serve up a completely milquetoasty borefest of EPIC FANTASY proportions.
I wasn’t thrilled and I would like my 17 hours back please.
February 16, 2011
http://www.rantingdragon.com/farmers-...
Farmers and Mercenaries, the first book in the Genesis of Oblivion saga, introduces us to the world of Talic’Nauth. Talic’Nauth is ruled by the Essence—the life force that dwells within all things. The Essence can be drawn upon by the Shapers, those with the ability to see and manipulate this life force. Alant Cor, our first protagonist in a set of three wait-and-see-how-they’re-related tales, is an Initiate to the Shapers. Alant finds himself called to the fabled Isle of Elmorr’eth, home to the Elmorians. The Elmorians are an alien-like race who many believe to be beings of the Essence and thus can grasp the Essence better any human alive. However, when Alant reaches Isle of Elmorr’eth, the suspense and mystery is only beginning, and events unfold that cast his formerly held beliefs into question. Soon he discovers a plot concerning himself and the other human Initiates. Are they really there as guests, or as test subjects for possibly disastrous and apocalyptic plans?
Alant’s brother, Arderi Cor, has just turned sixteen and is tested for Shaper abilities. When his test goes inexplicably awry, he flees from home. Arderi stows away with a band of mercenaries, led by Clytus Rillion, a man on the hunt of a legendary beast—a beast whose blood is the only thing that can save his dying son. Yet, Clytus is more than what he appears to be, for he is Tat’Sujen, a member of a small group of humans with an ability similar to that of the Shapers, only far more powerful and rare. Arendi soon finds out that he also possesses this ability, a fact that will change his life forever.
Finally, we meet Klain, who has never known freedom. He is a Kithian, a beastly race of lion-like humanoids, abducted by humans and taught to be a gladiator for amusement. When he learns that his master now intends to have him killed, he resigns himself to fate but refuses to go quietly. However, when he is saved by a mysterious Elmorian, Klain struggles with the concept of his new-found freedom and all that it entails for his life.
These three stories, told in alternating chapters, are presented in a day-of-the-life-in style. The lives of the characters seem unrelated, yet the reader feels an overarching sense that the strings of destiny are being pulled for Alant, Clytus, Arderi, and Klain.
Told by a Master
Drake is a master storyteller, crafting an amazingly organic tale. I put the book down and wanted to dive right into the sequel, but I had to come here to write this review first! If I ever started to get a tingle of anticipation hoping that something would happen, it happened. Not because it was predictable, but because the story had reached a turning point and unfolded accordingly. Instead of pressing the story onwards to tell it in the way he wished it to be told, Drake lets the story flow so beautifully that I’m surprised this novel isn’t all the buzz right now. There is no pushing the character in one direction when he obviously wants to go in another, no forcing a character to say something he would never say—it all flows naturally, and that is awesome.
An Amazing, Fleshed-Out World
While we do not get to see much of Talic’Nauth, I consistently felt that the author knew exactly where he was going with the story, as if I could ask him to name a random town or village and he would know every single detail about it—who lived there, how they were governed, what they did for income, and everything else anyone could possibly want to know about it. Despite the fact that I had never been to this world or heard of it before, I never struggled to catch up with the people who had lived their entire lives in Talic’Nauth. I find myself incredibly excited to find out more regarding the world, and cannot wait to read the sequel, which I hope more will be fleshed out. The possibilities of Drake’s world seem endless, and I am eager to see how the author continues to shape it.
Info-dumps—Oh no!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few info-dumps in this novel, which is one of the things I dislike most when reading. I don’t want to see one character ask another about his day and then have his reply be: “Well, Sam, I had an alright day, but here’s four pages about my past and why I’m fighting this war.” I want the information to come to me naturally, not to have it thrust upon me like a lecture—and that happens in this novel quite a few times. All of the information given to the reader has merit, but it could have been presented in a way that flows better with the story.
There are also few cliché scenes in this novel—such as pounding the ground in frustration or shouting up at the Heavens asking “Why!?”—that felt a little comical to me whenever they popped up. I wanted to just go down and slap some sense into the character and say, “You do know that’s been done like a million times, right?”
Dull Characters
While the characters are interesting, I rarely felt myself caring deeply for them. For example, when a certain character died, I felt absolutely nothing – not a tear down my cheek or even a slight tinge of sadness – and I know that I should have felt something, but it just wasn’t there. While I enjoyed reading every single part that included them, I felt that the characters could have been expanded upon a little bit more; for example, I wanted more details about their lives, so we could get to know them as people instead of as actors fulfilling roles in a play.
One exception to this lack of detail, however, is Klain’s character. His story was fantastic and I wished that he appeared more in this novel than Arendi and Clytus, who take up most of the text. I know that the characters will grow on me if they are better developed in the sequels, and if Drake does this while giving us more Klain, I will be one ecstatic reader.
Why should you read this book?
Why shouldn’t you is the better question. This novel is a compelling start to an epic series that I will be following devoutly until its completion; a story rich with originality and wonder, whose characters have vast untapped potential. The plot flows with natural, well-crafted rhythm and the vibrant world yearns to be further explored. Farmers and Mercenaries is a completely mesmerizing tale.
Farmers and Mercenaries, the first book in the Genesis of Oblivion saga, introduces us to the world of Talic’Nauth. Talic’Nauth is ruled by the Essence—the life force that dwells within all things. The Essence can be drawn upon by the Shapers, those with the ability to see and manipulate this life force. Alant Cor, our first protagonist in a set of three wait-and-see-how-they’re-related tales, is an Initiate to the Shapers. Alant finds himself called to the fabled Isle of Elmorr’eth, home to the Elmorians. The Elmorians are an alien-like race who many believe to be beings of the Essence and thus can grasp the Essence better any human alive. However, when Alant reaches Isle of Elmorr’eth, the suspense and mystery is only beginning, and events unfold that cast his formerly held beliefs into question. Soon he discovers a plot concerning himself and the other human Initiates. Are they really there as guests, or as test subjects for possibly disastrous and apocalyptic plans?
Alant’s brother, Arderi Cor, has just turned sixteen and is tested for Shaper abilities. When his test goes inexplicably awry, he flees from home. Arderi stows away with a band of mercenaries, led by Clytus Rillion, a man on the hunt of a legendary beast—a beast whose blood is the only thing that can save his dying son. Yet, Clytus is more than what he appears to be, for he is Tat’Sujen, a member of a small group of humans with an ability similar to that of the Shapers, only far more powerful and rare. Arendi soon finds out that he also possesses this ability, a fact that will change his life forever.
Finally, we meet Klain, who has never known freedom. He is a Kithian, a beastly race of lion-like humanoids, abducted by humans and taught to be a gladiator for amusement. When he learns that his master now intends to have him killed, he resigns himself to fate but refuses to go quietly. However, when he is saved by a mysterious Elmorian, Klain struggles with the concept of his new-found freedom and all that it entails for his life.
These three stories, told in alternating chapters, are presented in a day-of-the-life-in style. The lives of the characters seem unrelated, yet the reader feels an overarching sense that the strings of destiny are being pulled for Alant, Clytus, Arderi, and Klain.
Told by a Master
Drake is a master storyteller, crafting an amazingly organic tale. I put the book down and wanted to dive right into the sequel, but I had to come here to write this review first! If I ever started to get a tingle of anticipation hoping that something would happen, it happened. Not because it was predictable, but because the story had reached a turning point and unfolded accordingly. Instead of pressing the story onwards to tell it in the way he wished it to be told, Drake lets the story flow so beautifully that I’m surprised this novel isn’t all the buzz right now. There is no pushing the character in one direction when he obviously wants to go in another, no forcing a character to say something he would never say—it all flows naturally, and that is awesome.
An Amazing, Fleshed-Out World
While we do not get to see much of Talic’Nauth, I consistently felt that the author knew exactly where he was going with the story, as if I could ask him to name a random town or village and he would know every single detail about it—who lived there, how they were governed, what they did for income, and everything else anyone could possibly want to know about it. Despite the fact that I had never been to this world or heard of it before, I never struggled to catch up with the people who had lived their entire lives in Talic’Nauth. I find myself incredibly excited to find out more regarding the world, and cannot wait to read the sequel, which I hope more will be fleshed out. The possibilities of Drake’s world seem endless, and I am eager to see how the author continues to shape it.
Info-dumps—Oh no!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few info-dumps in this novel, which is one of the things I dislike most when reading. I don’t want to see one character ask another about his day and then have his reply be: “Well, Sam, I had an alright day, but here’s four pages about my past and why I’m fighting this war.” I want the information to come to me naturally, not to have it thrust upon me like a lecture—and that happens in this novel quite a few times. All of the information given to the reader has merit, but it could have been presented in a way that flows better with the story.
There are also few cliché scenes in this novel—such as pounding the ground in frustration or shouting up at the Heavens asking “Why!?”—that felt a little comical to me whenever they popped up. I wanted to just go down and slap some sense into the character and say, “You do know that’s been done like a million times, right?”
Dull Characters
While the characters are interesting, I rarely felt myself caring deeply for them. For example, when a certain character died, I felt absolutely nothing – not a tear down my cheek or even a slight tinge of sadness – and I know that I should have felt something, but it just wasn’t there. While I enjoyed reading every single part that included them, I felt that the characters could have been expanded upon a little bit more; for example, I wanted more details about their lives, so we could get to know them as people instead of as actors fulfilling roles in a play.
One exception to this lack of detail, however, is Klain’s character. His story was fantastic and I wished that he appeared more in this novel than Arendi and Clytus, who take up most of the text. I know that the characters will grow on me if they are better developed in the sequels, and if Drake does this while giving us more Klain, I will be one ecstatic reader.
Why should you read this book?
Why shouldn’t you is the better question. This novel is a compelling start to an epic series that I will be following devoutly until its completion; a story rich with originality and wonder, whose characters have vast untapped potential. The plot flows with natural, well-crafted rhythm and the vibrant world yearns to be further explored. Farmers and Mercenaries is a completely mesmerizing tale.
June 29, 2011
I didn't think that I would like this story as much as I did. The beginning wasn't overly promising, because I had a feeling that I was stuck in a place with the characters from where there's no escape, that I'm going to have to endure the whole book, but as the story progressed and as the characters started to go on the path that would lead them to the "real story", I started liking it more and more.
There are four main characters in this story - Arderi Cor, his brother Alant Cor (and I believe that, even though they're brothers, they're going to be on two separate sides, something like good vs. evil, although I'm not sure which one goes to which side yet), Clytus and Klain. Their stories are really interesting and the world they live in more so - there are Elmorians, an alien race that is considered the most powerful of them all and whose secrets are closely guarded, Kithians - almost extinct lion humanoids whose representative is Klain, Clytus who represents old Tat'Sujen order who brings in new recruit, Arderi and Alant, with the power of Essence.
It really doen't have any sense if you haven't read the book, but in the end, most of the basic stuff is explained and you're looking for more.
I am really happy that I got this book because it provided an excellent reading experience and I would recommend it to all fantasy lovers.
There are four main characters in this story - Arderi Cor, his brother Alant Cor (and I believe that, even though they're brothers, they're going to be on two separate sides, something like good vs. evil, although I'm not sure which one goes to which side yet), Clytus and Klain. Their stories are really interesting and the world they live in more so - there are Elmorians, an alien race that is considered the most powerful of them all and whose secrets are closely guarded, Kithians - almost extinct lion humanoids whose representative is Klain, Clytus who represents old Tat'Sujen order who brings in new recruit, Arderi and Alant, with the power of Essence.
It really doen't have any sense if you haven't read the book, but in the end, most of the basic stuff is explained and you're looking for more.
I am really happy that I got this book because it provided an excellent reading experience and I would recommend it to all fantasy lovers.
July 22, 2011
What a great story and interesting characters! I can't wait to read the sequel.
June 16, 2011
Farmers and Mercenaries, the first book in the Genesis of Oblivion saga, introduces us to the world of Talic’Nauth. Talic’Nauth is ruled by the Essence—the life force that dwells within all things. The Essence can be drawn upon by the Shapers, those with the ability to see and manipulate this life force. Alant Cor, our first protagonist in a set of three wait-and-see-how-they’re-related tales, is an Initiate to the Shapers. Alant finds himself called to the fabled Isle of Elmorr’eth, home to the Elmorians. The Elmorians are an alien-like race who many believe to be beings of the Essence and thus can grasp the Essence better any human alive. However, when Alant reaches Isle of Elmorr’eth, the suspense and mystery is only beginning, and events unfold that cast his formerly held beliefs into question. Soon he discovers a plot concerning himself and the other human Initiates. Are they really there as guests, or as test subjects for possibly disastrous and apocalyptic plans?
Alant’s brother, Arderi Cor, has just turned sixteen and is tested for Shaper abilities. When his test goes inexplicably awry, he flees from home. Arderi stows away with a band of mercenaries, led by Clytus Rillion, a man on the hunt of a legendary beast—a beast whose blood is the only thing that can save his dying son. Yet, Clytus is more than what he appears to be, for he is Tat’Sujen, a member of a small group of humans with an ability similar to that of the Shapers, only far more powerful and rare. Arendi soon finds out that he also possesses this ability, a fact that will change his life forever.
Finally, we meet Klain, who has never known freedom. He is a Kithian, a beastly race of lion-like humanoids, abducted by humans and taught to be a gladiator for amusement. When he learns that his master now intends to have him killed, he resigns himself to fate but refuses to go quietly. However, when he is saved by a mysterious Elmorian, Klain struggles with the concept of his new-found freedom and all that it entails for his life.
These three stories, told in alternating chapters, are presented in a day-of-the-life-in style. The lives of the characters seem unrelated, yet the reader feels an overarching sense that the strings of destiny are being pulled for Alant, Clytus, Arderi, and Klain.
Told by a Master
Drake is a master storyteller, crafting an amazingly organic tale. I put the book down and wanted to dive right into the sequel, but I had to come here to write this review first! If I ever started to get a tingle of anticipation hoping that something would happen, it happened. Not because it was predictable, but because the story had reached a turning point and unfolded accordingly. Instead of pressing the story onwards to tell it in the way he wished it to be told, Drake lets the story flow so beautifully that I’m surprised this novel isn’t all the buzz right now. There is no pushing the character in one direction when he obviously wants to go in another, no forcing a character to say something he would never say—it all flows naturally, and that is awesome.
An Amazing, Fleshed-Out World
While we do not get to see much of Talic’Nauth, I consistently felt that the author knew exactly where he was going with the story, as if I could ask him to name a random town or village and he would know every single detail about it—who lived there, how they were governed, what they did for income, and everything else anyone could possibly want to know about it. Despite the fact that I had never been to this world or heard of it before, I never struggled to catch up with the people who had lived their entire lives in Talic’Nauth. I find myself incredibly excited to find out more regarding the world, and cannot wait to read the sequel, which I hope more will be fleshed out. The possibilities of Drake’s world seem endless, and I am eager to see how the author continues to shape it.
Info-dumps—Oh no!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few info-dumps in this novel, which is one of the things I dislike most when reading. I don’t want to see one character ask another about his day and then have his reply be: “Well, Sam, I had an alright day, but here’s four pages about my past and why I’m fighting this war.” I want the information to come to me naturally, not to have it thrust upon me like a lecture—and that happens in this novel quite a few times. All of the information given to the reader has merit, but it could have been presented in a way that flows better with the story.
There are also few cliché scenes in this novel—such as pounding the ground in frustration or shouting up at the Heavens asking “Why!?”—that felt a little comical to me whenever they popped up. I wanted to just go down and slap some sense into the character and say, “You do know that’s been done like a million times, right?”
Dull Characters
While the characters are interesting, I rarely felt myself caring deeply for them. For example, when a certain character died, I felt absolutely nothing – not a tear down my cheek or even a slight tinge of sadness – and I know that I should have felt something, but it just wasn’t there. While I enjoyed reading every single part that included them, I felt that the characters could have been expanded upon a little bit more; for example, I wanted more details about their lives, so we could get to know them as people instead of as actors fulfilling roles in a play.
One exception to this lack of detail, however, is Klain’s character. His story was fantastic and I wished that he appeared more in this novel than Arendi and Clytus, who take up most of the text. I know that the characters will grow on me if they are better developed in the sequels, and if Drake does this while giving us more Klain, I will be one ecstatic reader.
Why should you read this book?
Why shouldn’t you is the better question. This novel is a compelling start to an epic series that I will be following devoutly until its completion; a story rich with originality and wonder, whose characters have vast untapped potential. The plot flows with natural, well-crafted rhythm and the vibrant world yearns to be further explored. Farmers and Mercenaries is a completely mesmerizing tale.
Alant’s brother, Arderi Cor, has just turned sixteen and is tested for Shaper abilities. When his test goes inexplicably awry, he flees from home. Arderi stows away with a band of mercenaries, led by Clytus Rillion, a man on the hunt of a legendary beast—a beast whose blood is the only thing that can save his dying son. Yet, Clytus is more than what he appears to be, for he is Tat’Sujen, a member of a small group of humans with an ability similar to that of the Shapers, only far more powerful and rare. Arendi soon finds out that he also possesses this ability, a fact that will change his life forever.
Finally, we meet Klain, who has never known freedom. He is a Kithian, a beastly race of lion-like humanoids, abducted by humans and taught to be a gladiator for amusement. When he learns that his master now intends to have him killed, he resigns himself to fate but refuses to go quietly. However, when he is saved by a mysterious Elmorian, Klain struggles with the concept of his new-found freedom and all that it entails for his life.
These three stories, told in alternating chapters, are presented in a day-of-the-life-in style. The lives of the characters seem unrelated, yet the reader feels an overarching sense that the strings of destiny are being pulled for Alant, Clytus, Arderi, and Klain.
Told by a Master
Drake is a master storyteller, crafting an amazingly organic tale. I put the book down and wanted to dive right into the sequel, but I had to come here to write this review first! If I ever started to get a tingle of anticipation hoping that something would happen, it happened. Not because it was predictable, but because the story had reached a turning point and unfolded accordingly. Instead of pressing the story onwards to tell it in the way he wished it to be told, Drake lets the story flow so beautifully that I’m surprised this novel isn’t all the buzz right now. There is no pushing the character in one direction when he obviously wants to go in another, no forcing a character to say something he would never say—it all flows naturally, and that is awesome.
An Amazing, Fleshed-Out World
While we do not get to see much of Talic’Nauth, I consistently felt that the author knew exactly where he was going with the story, as if I could ask him to name a random town or village and he would know every single detail about it—who lived there, how they were governed, what they did for income, and everything else anyone could possibly want to know about it. Despite the fact that I had never been to this world or heard of it before, I never struggled to catch up with the people who had lived their entire lives in Talic’Nauth. I find myself incredibly excited to find out more regarding the world, and cannot wait to read the sequel, which I hope more will be fleshed out. The possibilities of Drake’s world seem endless, and I am eager to see how the author continues to shape it.
Info-dumps—Oh no!
Unfortunately, there are quite a few info-dumps in this novel, which is one of the things I dislike most when reading. I don’t want to see one character ask another about his day and then have his reply be: “Well, Sam, I had an alright day, but here’s four pages about my past and why I’m fighting this war.” I want the information to come to me naturally, not to have it thrust upon me like a lecture—and that happens in this novel quite a few times. All of the information given to the reader has merit, but it could have been presented in a way that flows better with the story.
There are also few cliché scenes in this novel—such as pounding the ground in frustration or shouting up at the Heavens asking “Why!?”—that felt a little comical to me whenever they popped up. I wanted to just go down and slap some sense into the character and say, “You do know that’s been done like a million times, right?”
Dull Characters
While the characters are interesting, I rarely felt myself caring deeply for them. For example, when a certain character died, I felt absolutely nothing – not a tear down my cheek or even a slight tinge of sadness – and I know that I should have felt something, but it just wasn’t there. While I enjoyed reading every single part that included them, I felt that the characters could have been expanded upon a little bit more; for example, I wanted more details about their lives, so we could get to know them as people instead of as actors fulfilling roles in a play.
One exception to this lack of detail, however, is Klain’s character. His story was fantastic and I wished that he appeared more in this novel than Arendi and Clytus, who take up most of the text. I know that the characters will grow on me if they are better developed in the sequels, and if Drake does this while giving us more Klain, I will be one ecstatic reader.
Why should you read this book?
Why shouldn’t you is the better question. This novel is a compelling start to an epic series that I will be following devoutly until its completion; a story rich with originality and wonder, whose characters have vast untapped potential. The plot flows with natural, well-crafted rhythm and the vibrant world yearns to be further explored. Farmers and Mercenaries is a completely mesmerizing tale.
May 13, 2012
Um...where to start? I guess I should start by mentioning the disclaimer that I received with this book. I received a free copy of the book, for which I am of course grateful, and it so happens that this book copy I got was part of the 'rush job' of a first printing. The book won an award or something, and so the author had to rush to get it published for some reason. The result (which the author admits) is a copy of the book riddled with mistakes - typos, wrong names used, etc. I can definitely vouch for this, as I struggled through almost every page of this book. I was constantly rolling my eyes and muttering angrily at the abominable form. I will actually have some good things to say, but then I'll get into more detail about the bad stuff, complete with examples.
As a writer myself I really am loathe to write negative reviews of other people's work, but sometimes there isn't much else to be done! With this book, the first in the Genesis of Oblivion Saga, I actually found the story itself to be quite interesting, particularly towards the end when the story finally started to pick up a bit. At first as I was reading, it really seemed to drag and nothing of any interest seemed to be happening. There were actually things that happened that I'm pretty sure didn't need to happen, i.e. there was no point to them (i.e. that soldier guy dying out in the fields near Arderi's home before he had left with Rillion's troupe. I was also pretty bored by Alant Cor's lead-up to arriving at the Elmorian nation, to be quite honest I can't even remember what the place was called, even though I just finished this book 5 minutes ago. Anyway...other than the boring parts, the story wasn't too bad, even if it had elements of fantasy cliché and may well be seen as a bit of a rip off of other fantasy series (mostly the world building is the cliché part, not the actual storyline...though I haven't read all the fantasy ever written, so can't say that for sure). For my part, the Shapers and their "Essence" reminded me of the Wheel of Time's Aes Sedai and their One Power. The people from Silaway (I think) spoke very similarly to the WoT world's Illianers, with the "It do no be safe around here" type speech. But as said above, all in all the story itself wasn't god-awful.
I read another review of this story that mentioned the difficulty in actually giving a crap about any of the characters. I felt that way too for the most part, even if there were odd moments when I actually hoped the characters in question wouldn't die. For the most part some of the moments when things could have got really emotional & bonded the reader with the characters were brushed over. A lot of stuff was brushed over, like with Klain's reunion with his sword by the kid Charver - Klain scoops Charver up in a warm hug to thank him for the sword back, and then a second later they're leaving. There's nothing about Charver's response to the hug or anything like that.
But now we get into the really negative part. I have a few e.g.s of moments that made me not only disappointed but irate! The author used the word 'shutter' instead of 'shudder', on several occasions. I even think he might've written "shutter to think" on one occasion. Instead of the word 'disdain', he used 'distain'. There was complete inconsistency with use of apostrophes, and as a grammar Nazi this really got on my nerves a lot. In general, there was a lot of poor sentence structure with sentences like, "Running to catch up, the moon was full in the sky". Okay, I made that one up, but there were instances of precisely this kind of sentence structure. I can find some if you really want me to, but I didn't start taking notes till later in the book. There were occasions of really awkward simile use, but for the most part the other stuff was more of a problem. There were also moments when past and present tense were mixed a little, even with just one wrong word chosen.
As for the characters...?
I wrote a note at one point that said: "Alant is a moron. Also...Alant's bangs?!?!?!" I wasn't aware that people in fantasy novels could have bangs (ya know, a fringe with your hairdo, for those who aren't American). This kind of thing I just found really jarring.
That is my rant over and done, and I WILL mention again that this was a rushed publication so the author really didn't have time to fix all the stuff that needed to be fixed. But I should have known from his warning that his book wasn't worth reading, at least in this format. Despite how angry this reading made me, I kind of do want to read on to see what happens in future books. I know, I'm insane, right?
As a writer myself I really am loathe to write negative reviews of other people's work, but sometimes there isn't much else to be done! With this book, the first in the Genesis of Oblivion Saga, I actually found the story itself to be quite interesting, particularly towards the end when the story finally started to pick up a bit. At first as I was reading, it really seemed to drag and nothing of any interest seemed to be happening. There were actually things that happened that I'm pretty sure didn't need to happen, i.e. there was no point to them (i.e. that soldier guy dying out in the fields near Arderi's home before he had left with Rillion's troupe. I was also pretty bored by Alant Cor's lead-up to arriving at the Elmorian nation, to be quite honest I can't even remember what the place was called, even though I just finished this book 5 minutes ago. Anyway...other than the boring parts, the story wasn't too bad, even if it had elements of fantasy cliché and may well be seen as a bit of a rip off of other fantasy series (mostly the world building is the cliché part, not the actual storyline...though I haven't read all the fantasy ever written, so can't say that for sure). For my part, the Shapers and their "Essence" reminded me of the Wheel of Time's Aes Sedai and their One Power. The people from Silaway (I think) spoke very similarly to the WoT world's Illianers, with the "It do no be safe around here" type speech. But as said above, all in all the story itself wasn't god-awful.
I read another review of this story that mentioned the difficulty in actually giving a crap about any of the characters. I felt that way too for the most part, even if there were odd moments when I actually hoped the characters in question wouldn't die. For the most part some of the moments when things could have got really emotional & bonded the reader with the characters were brushed over. A lot of stuff was brushed over, like with Klain's reunion with his sword by the kid Charver - Klain scoops Charver up in a warm hug to thank him for the sword back, and then a second later they're leaving. There's nothing about Charver's response to the hug or anything like that.
But now we get into the really negative part. I have a few e.g.s of moments that made me not only disappointed but irate! The author used the word 'shutter' instead of 'shudder', on several occasions. I even think he might've written "shutter to think" on one occasion. Instead of the word 'disdain', he used 'distain'. There was complete inconsistency with use of apostrophes, and as a grammar Nazi this really got on my nerves a lot. In general, there was a lot of poor sentence structure with sentences like, "Running to catch up, the moon was full in the sky". Okay, I made that one up, but there were instances of precisely this kind of sentence structure. I can find some if you really want me to, but I didn't start taking notes till later in the book. There were occasions of really awkward simile use, but for the most part the other stuff was more of a problem. There were also moments when past and present tense were mixed a little, even with just one wrong word chosen.
As for the characters...?
I wrote a note at one point that said: "Alant is a moron. Also...Alant's bangs?!?!?!" I wasn't aware that people in fantasy novels could have bangs (ya know, a fringe with your hairdo, for those who aren't American). This kind of thing I just found really jarring.
That is my rant over and done, and I WILL mention again that this was a rushed publication so the author really didn't have time to fix all the stuff that needed to be fixed. But I should have known from his warning that his book wasn't worth reading, at least in this format. Despite how angry this reading made me, I kind of do want to read on to see what happens in future books. I know, I'm insane, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2010
The lives of Alant Cor, Arderi Cor, Clytus Rillion and Klain are guided by the strings of fate as they each embark on a personal quest linked to an element called Essence.
The author's mantra was "Stop Regurgitating Tolkien", which was what led my husband and I to purchase this book at the Tucson Festival of Books, where we met the author. We bought the book not only because it sounded interesting, but because, when asked what the book was about, the author didn't ho-hum and read the book summary. Not only did the author explain the plot, but he made you want to read the book RIGHT NOW! So Kudos to Maxwell Alexander Drake and his non-Tolkien fantasy.
((Note: The following commentary pertains to the pre-release collector's edition ONLY. The errors referenced in my commentary below, I'm pleased to say, were addressed prior to the actual release of the book.))
However, before I get to the meat of my review, I do have a few gripes concerning the numerous errors in the text. Firstly, I was disappointed in the grizzly quantity of errors-- so much so that by page 100, I started to read with a trusty Number 2 pencil by my side. This wasn't just a single misspelling here or there either. For example on Page 132, Paragraph 2 the very first word in the paragraph is a character's name-- Shaith... who isn't introduced into the book for another 100-pages or so! Shaith should be "Sarshia". Also, Page 135, Paragraph 6, 9th Word should be "vain" and not "vein". The word "shudder" is often typed as "shutter" (Eg- pp 431, p 3). "Moral" should be Morale (pp 213, p 8) and "dustier" should be "destrier" (pp 165, p 1). Those are a handful of errors I found just flipping through and reading pencil lines... I'm not dogging the editor, but since this is the author's first published book I'd hope that if there is a second printing that some of these errors will be addressed because it made it VERY difficult to get into the book at times-- especially when the errors were so close together. It just interrupted the flow.
Also... too many proper nouns with apostrophes in them for my tastes. Gah! I know it's fantasy, but killing the character with one of the most normal sounding names in the entire book nearly made me cry! (J/K)
((//End Pre-release commentary. Begin Story commentary))
Now, that being said... I really enjoyed the story. I think had I not read the pre-release version, I'd have had an easier time keeping interested and would have blown through the story and maybe given the book 4 stars instead of 3.
I liked the characters, though Alant did seem a little underdeveloped as a character. I'm not sure if the author was trying to keep him stoic and then amping up Alant's character appeal by having him get into trouble. Half the time, he seemed like a bumbling idiot (though I "get" that romance was a factor there) and the other half of the time, he was the adept... who suddenly discovers he's in trouble... which he stoically faces. I found that somewhat anti-climactic. Interesting, but not jaw-dropping. I'd have liked to see him in more danger.
Arderi really came of age through this book. It was great to see how he developed from a spry and rambunctious farmer into a hardened, young man. I REALLY enjoyed the Arderi chapters in this book because it was so interesting seeing the situations this character got into. I also liked his interaction with Clytus and the budding storyline there.
Klain also showed strong character development... though I did find it disappointing that he did get tricked in later book chapters. That seemed a little too gullible and out-of-character for him to run off. It didn't make sense to me that he wouldn't take his young charge with him on the errant errand.
The author did a flawless job of setting up plot for the following book. I'd actually be more interested in reading that book... so... who knows, maybe I will finish his series...
Would I recommend it? Yes. It's fresh. While it has similar plot elements to other stories I've read and content that seemed to be drawn from sources like alien encounters (the author's Elmorians/Elmorr'Antiens), the story is unique and the events in the novel are quite unique. So, if you want to read something different, pick this book up... just be prepared to read the rest of the series... as the books come out...
The author's mantra was "Stop Regurgitating Tolkien", which was what led my husband and I to purchase this book at the Tucson Festival of Books, where we met the author. We bought the book not only because it sounded interesting, but because, when asked what the book was about, the author didn't ho-hum and read the book summary. Not only did the author explain the plot, but he made you want to read the book RIGHT NOW! So Kudos to Maxwell Alexander Drake and his non-Tolkien fantasy.
((Note: The following commentary pertains to the pre-release collector's edition ONLY. The errors referenced in my commentary below, I'm pleased to say, were addressed prior to the actual release of the book.))
However, before I get to the meat of my review, I do have a few gripes concerning the numerous errors in the text. Firstly, I was disappointed in the grizzly quantity of errors-- so much so that by page 100, I started to read with a trusty Number 2 pencil by my side. This wasn't just a single misspelling here or there either. For example on Page 132, Paragraph 2 the very first word in the paragraph is a character's name-- Shaith... who isn't introduced into the book for another 100-pages or so! Shaith should be "Sarshia". Also, Page 135, Paragraph 6, 9th Word should be "vain" and not "vein". The word "shudder" is often typed as "shutter" (Eg- pp 431, p 3). "Moral" should be Morale (pp 213, p 8) and "dustier" should be "destrier" (pp 165, p 1). Those are a handful of errors I found just flipping through and reading pencil lines... I'm not dogging the editor, but since this is the author's first published book I'd hope that if there is a second printing that some of these errors will be addressed because it made it VERY difficult to get into the book at times-- especially when the errors were so close together. It just interrupted the flow.
Also... too many proper nouns with apostrophes in them for my tastes. Gah! I know it's fantasy, but killing the character with one of the most normal sounding names in the entire book nearly made me cry! (J/K)
((//End Pre-release commentary. Begin Story commentary))
Now, that being said... I really enjoyed the story. I think had I not read the pre-release version, I'd have had an easier time keeping interested and would have blown through the story and maybe given the book 4 stars instead of 3.
I liked the characters, though Alant did seem a little underdeveloped as a character. I'm not sure if the author was trying to keep him stoic and then amping up Alant's character appeal by having him get into trouble. Half the time, he seemed like a bumbling idiot (though I "get" that romance was a factor there) and the other half of the time, he was the adept... who suddenly discovers he's in trouble... which he stoically faces. I found that somewhat anti-climactic. Interesting, but not jaw-dropping. I'd have liked to see him in more danger.
Arderi really came of age through this book. It was great to see how he developed from a spry and rambunctious farmer into a hardened, young man. I REALLY enjoyed the Arderi chapters in this book because it was so interesting seeing the situations this character got into. I also liked his interaction with Clytus and the budding storyline there.
Klain also showed strong character development... though I did find it disappointing that he did get tricked in later book chapters. That seemed a little too gullible and out-of-character for him to run off. It didn't make sense to me that he wouldn't take his young charge with him on the errant errand.
The author did a flawless job of setting up plot for the following book. I'd actually be more interested in reading that book... so... who knows, maybe I will finish his series...
Would I recommend it? Yes. It's fresh. While it has similar plot elements to other stories I've read and content that seemed to be drawn from sources like alien encounters (the author's Elmorians/Elmorr'Antiens), the story is unique and the events in the novel are quite unique. So, if you want to read something different, pick this book up... just be prepared to read the rest of the series... as the books come out...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2018
I have read some of the reviews of this book, and I caution anyone thinking about reading this series from first reading the reviews. People are more jaded than I am sure they realize. This book hooked me relatively quickly, and it did not let go until I was finished. This book has all of the world building and story of a 1000 page brick, but it does it in 380 pages. Well my copy is 380 pages. Goodreads says 400+, but that must be the hardcover. There is some weakness though, one of the point-of-view characters (Alant) is not nearly as developed as the other 3 POV characters. His story line is great, and one of the ones I am most excited about in book 2, but the character is a little dull at this point and a bit shallow as well. I give 5 stars because when I was finished, I was excited to tell people about this book. I was excited to start the next book. I was excited to go to Comic-con and yell at M.A.D. to get back to writing and finish this story. I think you would do well to read this story, but do not be disappointed when you realize there is no end in sight, yet.
September 6, 2012
This book turned my back on to the fantasy genre which I have stayed away from since reading Lord of the Rings as a child.
October 1, 2025
Farmers & Mercenaries is an ambitious and richly imagined start to the Genesis of Oblivion saga. The story introduces a wide cast of characters whose lives seem unrelated at first but slowly intertwine in powerful and unexpected ways. From Alant Cor, a young man with an extraordinary gift for manipulating Essence, to Clytus Rillion, a mercenary commander desperate to save his son, each perspective adds depth and intrigue to the unfolding tale.
Drake has built a world full of history, culture, and conflict, and the scale of it gives the story both weight and wonder. What stood out most was how the book balances action with character development each figure feels distinct and layered, with personal struggles that make their journeys compelling.
For fans of epic fantasy, this book offers a rich world to get lost in and a strong foundation for what promises to be an expansive saga.
Drake has built a world full of history, culture, and conflict, and the scale of it gives the story both weight and wonder. What stood out most was how the book balances action with character development each figure feels distinct and layered, with personal struggles that make their journeys compelling.
For fans of epic fantasy, this book offers a rich world to get lost in and a strong foundation for what promises to be an expansive saga.
January 24, 2020
Too typical. Too stereotypical. No main women characters. I found the “let’s make it sound fantasy” changes in language (tenday, nix for no, firstmeal) to be annoying rather than imaginative. If I roll my eyes this much in a book it’s not worth finishing.
June 13, 2017
Interesting magic and worldbuilding
December 28, 2014
I found out about this author when I picked up a book of short stories at GenCon a couple of years ago. Having enjoyed Drake’s entry in that collection (Missing Pieces, Vol 1), I wandered over to his table at the con and picked up a couple of his hardcover novels, the first two volumes in his “Genesis of Oblivion” saga.
In recent years, I have gotten away from reading much fantasy, finding it a bit repetitive and most of it too juvenile. But I wanted to support this self-published author, and see what he was all about.
I have to admit to being surprised at how good this book was. Drake does a very good job of building up a convincing, unique world. There are farming towns, big cities, mysterious ancient ports and dangerous, barren wildernesses. Each were so well-described that I found myself thinking that I could set an entire role-playing adventure in this realm (Drake describes himself as an avid role player and game master, and I suspect he has used this setting in his own home campaigns). He has clearly given a lot of thought to the deep history of the world he has created, and it is to his credit that he only lets out the backstory in tidbits. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that I realized the world’s true nature.
Of course, it’s not enough to have an interesting world, you also need a plot and good characters to make a good novel. The plot, which followed the lives of three separate characters in alternating chapters, was well-paced and kept me interested. The characters, particularly the lion, each had well fleshed-out backstories and their own motivations, which combine to set them out on their separate paths to their destinies. Although the hero journey is an oft-used (some—not me—would say overused) plot in fantasy, here Drake disguises the journey in several ways. First, by having three separate hero characters, rather than one. Second, by not having the three characters join up to form a team. I was expecting this to happen for a good portion of the book, and when it didn’t, that increased my appreciation for the novel.
What knocked a star off of my ultimate appraisal of “Farmers and Merchants” was the complete lack of female characters. It is a shame that, with not one, but three main characters, Drake did not manage to make a single one female. I wasn’t counting, but I daresay there are more black, named characters in this book than there are female, named characters. Even all of the secondary characters—the companions of the heroes—are all male.
The lack of women in the book would have been enough to stop me from reading the sequels, but since I purchased book 2 at the same time I purchased book 1, I will be starting it right away. I understand book 3 has been long delayed . . . maybe it will be out by next GenCon? If so, I will probably pick it up.
In recent years, I have gotten away from reading much fantasy, finding it a bit repetitive and most of it too juvenile. But I wanted to support this self-published author, and see what he was all about.
I have to admit to being surprised at how good this book was. Drake does a very good job of building up a convincing, unique world. There are farming towns, big cities, mysterious ancient ports and dangerous, barren wildernesses. Each were so well-described that I found myself thinking that I could set an entire role-playing adventure in this realm (Drake describes himself as an avid role player and game master, and I suspect he has used this setting in his own home campaigns). He has clearly given a lot of thought to the deep history of the world he has created, and it is to his credit that he only lets out the backstory in tidbits. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that I realized the world’s true nature.
Of course, it’s not enough to have an interesting world, you also need a plot and good characters to make a good novel. The plot, which followed the lives of three separate characters in alternating chapters, was well-paced and kept me interested. The characters, particularly the lion, each had well fleshed-out backstories and their own motivations, which combine to set them out on their separate paths to their destinies. Although the hero journey is an oft-used (some—not me—would say overused) plot in fantasy, here Drake disguises the journey in several ways. First, by having three separate hero characters, rather than one. Second, by not having the three characters join up to form a team. I was expecting this to happen for a good portion of the book, and when it didn’t, that increased my appreciation for the novel.
What knocked a star off of my ultimate appraisal of “Farmers and Merchants” was the complete lack of female characters. It is a shame that, with not one, but three main characters, Drake did not manage to make a single one female. I wasn’t counting, but I daresay there are more black, named characters in this book than there are female, named characters. Even all of the secondary characters—the companions of the heroes—are all male.
The lack of women in the book would have been enough to stop me from reading the sequels, but since I purchased book 2 at the same time I purchased book 1, I will be starting it right away. I understand book 3 has been long delayed . . . maybe it will be out by next GenCon? If so, I will probably pick it up.
December 3, 2014
I found out about this author when I picked up a book of short stories at GenCon a couple of years ago. Having enjoyed Drake’s entry in that collection (Missing Pieces, Vol 1), I wandered over to his table at the con and picked up a couple of his hardcover novels, the first two volumes in his “Genesis of Oblivion” saga.
In recent years, I have gotten away from reading much fantasy, finding it a bit repetitive and most of it too juvenile. But I wanted to support this self-published author, and see what he was all about.
I have to admit to being surprised at how good this book was. Drake does a very good job of building up a convincing, unique world. There are farming towns, big cities, mysterious ancient ports and dangerous, barren wildernesses. Each were so well-described that I found myself thinking that I could set an entire role-playing adventure in this realm (Drake describes himself as an avid role player and game master, and I suspect he has used this setting in his own home campaigns). He has clearly given a lot of thought to the deep history of the world he has created, and it is to his credit that he only lets out the backstory in tidbits. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that I realized the true nature of Talic’Nauth.
Of course, it’s not enough to have an interesting world, you also need a plot and good characters to make a good novel. The plot, which followed the lives of three separate characters in alternating chapters, was well-paced and kept me interested throughout the novel. The characters, particularly the lion, each had well fleshed-out backstories and their own motivations, which combine to set them out on their separate paths to their destinies. Although the hero journey is an oft-used (some—not me—would say overused) plot in fantasy, here Drake disguises the journey in several ways. First, by having three separate hero characters, rather than one. Second, by not having the three characters join up to form a team. I was expecting this to happen for a good portion of the book, and when it didn’t, that increased my appreciation for the novel.
What knocked a star off of my ultimate appraisal of “Farmers and Merchants” was the complete lack of female characters. It is a shame that, with not one, but three main characters, Drake did not manage to make a single one female. I wasn’t counting, but I daresay there are more black, named characters in this book than there are female, named characters. Even all of the secondary characters—the companions of the heroes—are all male.
The lack of women in the book would have been enough to stop me from reading the sequels, but since I purchased book 2 at the same time I purchased book 1, I will be starting it right away. I understand book 3 has been long delayed . . . maybe it will be out by next GenCon? If so, I will probably pick it up.
In recent years, I have gotten away from reading much fantasy, finding it a bit repetitive and most of it too juvenile. But I wanted to support this self-published author, and see what he was all about.
I have to admit to being surprised at how good this book was. Drake does a very good job of building up a convincing, unique world. There are farming towns, big cities, mysterious ancient ports and dangerous, barren wildernesses. Each were so well-described that I found myself thinking that I could set an entire role-playing adventure in this realm (Drake describes himself as an avid role player and game master, and I suspect he has used this setting in his own home campaigns). He has clearly given a lot of thought to the deep history of the world he has created, and it is to his credit that he only lets out the backstory in tidbits. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that I realized the true nature of Talic’Nauth.
Of course, it’s not enough to have an interesting world, you also need a plot and good characters to make a good novel. The plot, which followed the lives of three separate characters in alternating chapters, was well-paced and kept me interested throughout the novel. The characters, particularly the lion, each had well fleshed-out backstories and their own motivations, which combine to set them out on their separate paths to their destinies. Although the hero journey is an oft-used (some—not me—would say overused) plot in fantasy, here Drake disguises the journey in several ways. First, by having three separate hero characters, rather than one. Second, by not having the three characters join up to form a team. I was expecting this to happen for a good portion of the book, and when it didn’t, that increased my appreciation for the novel.
What knocked a star off of my ultimate appraisal of “Farmers and Merchants” was the complete lack of female characters. It is a shame that, with not one, but three main characters, Drake did not manage to make a single one female. I wasn’t counting, but I daresay there are more black, named characters in this book than there are female, named characters. Even all of the secondary characters—the companions of the heroes—are all male.
The lack of women in the book would have been enough to stop me from reading the sequels, but since I purchased book 2 at the same time I purchased book 1, I will be starting it right away. I understand book 3 has been long delayed . . . maybe it will be out by next GenCon? If so, I will probably pick it up.
July 4, 2011
I really did want to like this book, but though it has some good writing and a reasonable plot, it never truly rose to my expectations. The plot is acceptable, but a fairly standard feeling one involving prophecies and coming of age magic. Part of the issue was that the book was split into short chapters each featuring a completely different character and plot. Now, I have seen this done many time, often very well, but this was not one of those times. In this instance, the constant jumping disconnected me from the characters. I did not really care about any of them because I did not know them well enough. Toward the end this lifted a bit and the accumulated chapters worked to involve me more with the characters, but by that time the end was nigh and now I have to wait for the next book. Moreover, while it seemed that this world had been created with depth and vastness in mind, in both history and geography, it seemed as though there was a glass separating me from the rest of the world; I could not get a true grip on the story, instead sliding off in frustration. And perhaps it was just me, but while there were a number of important characters spanning ages and races, there were ridiculously few females of any caliber and none in the top shelf of characters. Perhaps it's just the feminist in me that objects to this, but I do hope this is remedied in the second book. Saying that, I do wish to read the next book in the series because I believe this series has potential, but I will remain much more reserved about the next book.
I got this book through the wonderful Goodreads First Reads service.
I got this book through the wonderful Goodreads First Reads service.
October 23, 2012
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I mention this only because my friends generally have good taste, and I was surprised to be so unimpressed by it. Maybe it's just me, but it felt like one of those books that's ok, but not particularly great in any way.
All the characters are essentially stock characters, and only about half of them are likeable. This may be personal taste, but I felt there were way too many chapters, and the viewpoint switches between characters more often than necessary. I also noticed an annoying number of spelling, grammatical, and stylistic gaffes. I'm hardly an expert, but when I'm noticing them often enough that it bothers me, it might be time to turn spell-check on.
On the bright side, what is there is executed well enough. Some of the characters, and their stories, are mildly interesting. That's...really all the good things I can think of. I can't accurately say that it's a bad book, but it is certainly inferior in many ways to better books that I have read, and lacks any particular charm to make up for it.
All the characters are essentially stock characters, and only about half of them are likeable. This may be personal taste, but I felt there were way too many chapters, and the viewpoint switches between characters more often than necessary. I also noticed an annoying number of spelling, grammatical, and stylistic gaffes. I'm hardly an expert, but when I'm noticing them often enough that it bothers me, it might be time to turn spell-check on.
On the bright side, what is there is executed well enough. Some of the characters, and their stories, are mildly interesting. That's...really all the good things I can think of. I can't accurately say that it's a bad book, but it is certainly inferior in many ways to better books that I have read, and lacks any particular charm to make up for it.
August 14, 2012
This review used to be much more scathing but in response to some of his comments on another scathing review I have watered down, well drenched my review. I would like to say I have learned a lesson here. I doubt it will stick though.
Drake's lectures are great and he is funny, engaging, and good humored. The book, however, was not. The book was praised as fast paced but I feel the first half of the book is not needed. The book would have probably been 3 stars had Drake not relentlessly pushed the idea of how fast paced it was. The big let-down drops it to two stars.
Insert random, run-on sentence. Klain the Klith may come in handy in the second book I have yet to read; however, his presence in the first book seems to be an excuse for a fight scene.
Although he openly admits that this is not his best work Drake's words bug me, and not just the unnecessarily re-named words. It seems he has a need to name every stranger in passing and repeat paragraphs of descriptions when characters see new things the reader has already encountered.
Drake's lectures are great and he is funny, engaging, and good humored. The book, however, was not. The book was praised as fast paced but I feel the first half of the book is not needed. The book would have probably been 3 stars had Drake not relentlessly pushed the idea of how fast paced it was. The big let-down drops it to two stars.
Insert random, run-on sentence. Klain the Klith may come in handy in the second book I have yet to read; however, his presence in the first book seems to be an excuse for a fight scene.
Although he openly admits that this is not his best work Drake's words bug me, and not just the unnecessarily re-named words. It seems he has a need to name every stranger in passing and repeat paragraphs of descriptions when characters see new things the reader has already encountered.
August 14, 2012
This review used to be much more scathing but in response to some of his comments on another scathing review I have watered down, well drenched my review. I would like to say I have learned a lesson here. I doubt it will stick though.
Drake's lectures are great and he is funny, engaging, and good humored. The book, however, was not. The book was praised as fast paced but I feel the first half of the book is not needed. The book the book is on the cusp of 2 stars since Drake relentlessly pushed the idea of how fast paced it was. Big let down.
Insert random, run-on sentence. Klain the Klith may come in handy in the second book I have yet to read; however, his presence in the first book seems to be an excuse for a fight scene.
Although he openly admits that this is not his best work Drake's words bug me, and not just the unnecessarily re-named words. It seems he has a need to name every stranger in passing and repeat paragraphs of descriptions when characters see new things the reader has already encountered.
Drake's lectures are great and he is funny, engaging, and good humored. The book, however, was not. The book was praised as fast paced but I feel the first half of the book is not needed. The book the book is on the cusp of 2 stars since Drake relentlessly pushed the idea of how fast paced it was. Big let down.
Insert random, run-on sentence. Klain the Klith may come in handy in the second book I have yet to read; however, his presence in the first book seems to be an excuse for a fight scene.
Although he openly admits that this is not his best work Drake's words bug me, and not just the unnecessarily re-named words. It seems he has a need to name every stranger in passing and repeat paragraphs of descriptions when characters see new things the reader has already encountered.
December 20, 2011
This is the first book the author has written. It's a pretty fun story that at times had me really interested that I couldn't put it down. My main complaint about the book is the names and names of places! They are such crazy names that I have a really hard time remembering what is what or even how to even pronounce it. One other thing that the book could do without was in about the fifth chapter a guy gets killed and it was a bit graphic. Get past that and it's not like that the rest of the book. The first book is pretty funny on how I really don't know what the goal of everyone's different story is. I am guessing they will all eventually come together, but I don't really know what it is they are doing. I guess the first book just sets it all up. Don't get me wrong, I've still really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
October 19, 2011
An interesting read. The setting seems fairly original to me. It has interesting characters that are given adequate spotlight time to get to know them each. Action is few and far between, but it is well written and engaging.
The story starts out following 4 main characters. Two are brothers, though they never interact in this book. One brother does meet one of the other characters, but otherwise the stories are separate, with one not being clear on how his tale will relate to the others. That brings up another point, this book is clearly build up for the next book, not a stand alone story. By the end I felt less like I had read a novel than the first part of a larger book.
The story starts out following 4 main characters. Two are brothers, though they never interact in this book. One brother does meet one of the other characters, but otherwise the stories are separate, with one not being clear on how his tale will relate to the others. That brings up another point, this book is clearly build up for the next book, not a stand alone story. By the end I felt less like I had read a novel than the first part of a larger book.
October 27, 2012
I got this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I'm not sure how much I like this... the characters seem a bit hollow, and I don't know enough about the story to keep my interest. There's a certain familiarity that I get through all fantasy books but there's also a totally new world and powers that Drake has created that is confusing. Creative, but unclear, as I read it became more clear, but it was a struggle.
I have to say it was an interesting experience getting his book. I at first didn't get the book like I was supposed to, I messaged Maxwell Alexander Drake and he sent me the first and second book autographed! Five stars because it was awesome!
I'm not sure how much I like this... the characters seem a bit hollow, and I don't know enough about the story to keep my interest. There's a certain familiarity that I get through all fantasy books but there's also a totally new world and powers that Drake has created that is confusing. Creative, but unclear, as I read it became more clear, but it was a struggle.
I have to say it was an interesting experience getting his book. I at first didn't get the book like I was supposed to, I messaged Maxwell Alexander Drake and he sent me the first and second book autographed! Five stars because it was awesome!
August 2, 2009
First of all, I am very grateful to be one of the lucky ones to win a copy of this book in the giveaways. It felt like Christmas when I got my copy in the mail. The best part about it is how very good this book is. It's a wonderful, layered saga with different narratives weaved together in a way that makes it difficult to put down. Maxwell Alexander Drake has created a richly complex and dramatic world filled with unforgettable characters. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series to come out.
July 19, 2013
Really fun an interesting world being slowly built as the reader progresses. More and more subtle bits of the puzzle come together as you get further into the book. Its pretty easy to put down during the first half the book (because its such a slow build up) but by halfway through he has you really invested in these characters and you can't wait to see what happens to each of them. The book is written from multiple perspectives (my favorite fiction writing style) so you stay involved in everyones story.
Starting the second one tonight!
Starting the second one tonight!
December 18, 2013
A book in the spirit of David Gemmell with its strong character development and action. Maxwell Drake was able to surprise me, which a fantasy book has not done in a while. A well paced book that puts the main characters in peril. I don't want to put in any spoiler out but Drake drops everything you thought you knew about his world on its head and leaves the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. His first book is strong out of the gate, I can't wait to read the rest of this series and what ever else he's put out.
July 1, 2011
A decent debut in the epic fantasy genre. Solid world building lays a good foundation for characters that vary a bit in their strength and place in the narrative. Klain, a leonine humanoid, was the standout character for me - I found the human protagonists much more formulaic and less interesting (not poor characters, simply less intriguing in motivation, backstory and narrative voice). Klain might just be the best of a few good reasons to follow this to book two.
January 29, 2012
This book is very character based, and the beauty is that this plays to the author's strengths. He simply knows how to create interesting characters that you can't help but feel close to, and with these characters in place, any story he puts them into is going to be wonderful. Farmers & Mercenaries is an interesting read from beginning to end, and it had me thinking about all the events I read about long after I closed the book.
June 1, 2009
I am one of the lucky ones who got an advanced reader copy of this book. This is a very good book about strong family ties and good moral values, set in a rich fantasy world full of action. The book is an excellent read for fantasy readers and those who don't typically read this genre. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!
April 14, 2011
I admit, I'm planning on meeting Mr. Drake at a writers' conference soon, so I downloaded this book onto my Kindle. Within the FIRST CHAPTER it went from "have to" to "want to." The world is rich and full, the characters so real they could walk out of the pages...and the plot itself feels orchestrated by a master (so far ;)). Big thumbs up!
Currently reading
June 3, 2011I just received this in the mail as I was on Vaca. Am finishing the first of another series but will get to yours next. As with the others, I was pleased to receive a copy signed by the author. I must say that I am a bit put off by the short chapters and multiple character offerings. Those though are opinions that may be edited later! Thanks for the advance copy!
October 8, 2011
This book is a brilliant piece of fantasy. The voice this was written with is more mature than much other fantasy I have read. It was an enjoyable read and, save for a couple of typos within the text, (using "till" instead of "'til" and "if" instead of "of",) I see little flaw in how it was composed. I shall certainly be looking to continue the series in time.
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