Tarranau

A great introduction to a captivating new world

Tarranau is the first book of a series by debut novelist, James Tallett. Epic fantasy is not a genre I read often, but I found the author did a good job of creating a story line that drew me in and kept me turning the page until the very end. His descriptions were eloquent and rich, and his characters entertaining. I very much look forward to his forthcoming books and continuing my journey through The Four Part Land.

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Highly Recommended

Tarranau is the first book in a series by James Tallett. It was my first epic fantasy experience, and I'd have to say it was splendid. Tarranau is a tale of an amazing journey with fine attention to detail and unexpected turns that kept me reading until the end. The author created a world I could easily lose myself in. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Loved it!

Tarranau is a true story of adventure. I was completely immersed into Tarranau's world from the first page.  James Tallett is a master world-builder. I loved the time he took to create each civilization, making them all unique in their own respects. I feel like books today, fantasy in particular, shy away from truly building a world, making us feel like we're on the outside looking in. Not here. I was right there with Tarranau and his travels, experiencing everything with him. 

Such a clever concept! The author does an incredible job of letting us grow with Tarranau as he discovers his abilities. Everything delivered to us was completely believable and described in a way that I felt connected to Tarranau throughout the book. I even jumped up from my seat a couple times in either excitement or fear.

The writing was rich, beautiful, and fresh and found myself on more than one occasion caught in the moment that was painted for us. Excellent battle scenes, and some disturbing visuals that I thought added to the reality of the period. I was thrown right into the action, seeing everything clear in my head. This book is a perfect set up for the continuation of the series. Already, I'm dying to know where Tarranau's travels will take him and what adventure might befall him. I'll definitely be in line to get the next book!

Can't Wait for the Next Book!

This is the first book in a series and it shows. It ends at kind of an awkward place. I wanted to pick up the next book right away but it is not available yet. If you like fantasy books that spend time showing you a new world, than you will like this book. I warn you though - this is not a light read.

Another warning, you have to make it through the first half of the book before it really starts to get interesting. The first part is long and slow, though it does contain interesting descriptions of how magic works in the four part land. I would have preferred that this section be much shorter, and the last part more expanded so we could get to know the characters better.

The last part of the book is very interesting and I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.

Also, because this book is part of a a series I am going to withhold my final judgment until I read all the books. I prefer to judge a series as a whole. Tarranau gained an extra star for the potential I see in the series.

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