As per my scoring system, the book is in the "Very good" category, meaning the author can achieve excellence with his potential.
****
'The Forest of Allund' is a fantasy tale told in the first person in the past tense. The story revolves around a young wise man, Mage Alexio who has achieved distinction in his studies at the Mages Academy. "A Mage is honest in his words and deeds." Alex naturally is a principled man, morally and ethically bound to the admirable value systems in life. As a peace lover, declining the attractive opportunities offered to him by a city ruler, he has chosen to defend his favourite place ... 'Allund Forest' with its myths and mysteries. He joins his old acquaintances ... 'talking' intelligent animals in the forest. He wants to take the responsibility to save the forest and his friends from the intruders. There he meets a wandering Amazon woman "Philie".
He faces challenges from a dominating barbarian enemy. With the help of his friends and legendary mythical "Old Ones", he thwarts the attack temporarily. Pleased, his superiors confer him with certain administrative powers and his fame begins to spread. His responsibilities get expanded..
'New' challenges arise from an unexpected enemy. Alex takes his own hard decision beyond his conferred powers; despite a dilemma between his moral codes and a need to protect the motherland... "When faced with a complex problem, try to view it from as many angles as you can. One way of viewing should offer a solution.”
Alex faces a trial, although he had fought with his enemies, only to save his motherland. But his leaders who celebrated him before, soon begin to hate him and fear his magical powers and rising popularity. They want his help to protect them in emergencies, but at the same time, they want to suppress him, using his innocence. Ulterior motives, cunningness, fear syndromes and power games begin to rule. It angers Alex.
Alex, an outcast, now is disheartened. He finds his cherished values in life have no meaning. The deceitful enemies make Alex decide ...well, what's that? What's that 'new' challenge which changed the course of his destiny?
The story has a good start and an entertainment quotient, due to attention to the details. Its good features like the flow, absorbing style, editing, fluid narratives and dialogues, appeals to me in many aspects of realistic portrayals of Alex. I appreciate the creativity in the memorable characterization of Alex, his noble fair-minded outlooks; besides the true depiction of certain characters ... loyal 'Amazon' Philie, Cleon, Melina, Pallas, and Lycus. A good and uniqueness in the portrayal of the world of strange magic, mythical creatures and talking animals, add liveliness to the story.
The author has kept me pretty indulged in the interleaved sub-stories depicting: 1) Love between Alex and Melina; 2) Amazing Magical skills of Alex; 3) Sacrosanct friendships; 4) Battles; 5) Adventures.
Well, it is a very simple storyline. Some twists would have made the reading more interesting! Yes, the story has dragged due to lengthier and repetitive narratives. I sometimes felt I was lost in the 'forest' due to the excessive dosage of Greek words which deter the flow; also, the author has used so many names, sometimes confusing, which impedes the ease in reading. There are certain unconvincing and missed aspects leading to confusion. In essence, a reader can enjoy this book if he devotes good attention.
I have rated the book 4 stars, despite the shortcomings due to the author's delivery of some special aspects: 1) The author has insightfully portrayed the core of the human psyche, explaining the ugly minds. 2) Beautiful depictions of war which happens within ourselves and with others in our daily life. 3)bSome hidden touches of sarcasm and subtle hints for the current leaders. 4) Alex's character etched with ethics, philosophy, morality, has offered something to human society… that it is a human tendency to always take control of others advantageously, with selfish motives. And how an innocent Alex is exposed to the new vistas.
If you are interested in a book filled with adventure, magic, myth, mystery, gruesome punishments, please read this book.
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