To Ride Hell's Chasm

I did not expect that a single standalone fantasy novel could lodge itself into my list of favourite fantasy series. I enjoyed just about everything in this book.

First, the world is beautifully and richly painted. As it goes along, you can see the loving care that's been taken to create a living breathing world with its own richly described and detailed system of magic and demonic powers, even hinting at things greater than just that world. In just one book, it brought to life at least four cultures that could've had books by themselves.

Next are the characters, with incredibly deep characterisation given of Mykkael, a ex-mercenary with a very scarred past. The plot begins with him being tasked to track down a missing princess, of which slowly unveils itself as a conspiracy in the first half of the book. As more and more is revealed, things take on a desperate urgency in the second half of the book, as Mykkael strives to hold to his sworn oath and escape through Hell's Chasm, an inhospitable route through mountainous terrain inhabited by dangerous creatures. The flight itself was nothing short of phenomenal it surprised me at every turn, especially at the end of it - that escape-by-kerrie? Brilliant!! (a kerrie is like a more reptilian, fire-breathing, griffon).

Every character that interacts with Mykkael along the way are unique characters, and many of them are very memorable for both their flaws and their highlights. Mykkael's past is a rich and sad tapestry of experiences that is slowly shown to the reader as the book goes along, drawing you in. Mykkael is a very strong character, and I mean that in a literary sense; he is one of the most memorable characters that I've read, and all in one book!

Oh, and did I mention that some the great characters are actually horses? The author certainly seems like she knows a lot about horses. It's to the point that you're actually rooting for the horses , I especially found the scene where the horses were being manoeuvred to escape a hunting kerrie to be very heart-pounding.

The finale was touching and very fitting, tying up all the loose ends, both figuratively and literally. Having that seer around at the end was a nice touch, helping to provide a satisfying closure.

This is definitely one of the better books I've read in a while and I heartily recommend this to any serious reader, probably not to young readers though. I honestly enjoy the flowery prose and narrative in the book - they're beautiful, but not to the point of overdoing it.

I can't really find anything much to nitpick about the book. Maybe it could lengthened certain key pivotal scenes instead of summarising it in the aftermath? But that might probably just turn this into a trilogy and that may have had a different effect. Definitely don't want that.

Liked: the first half of the book; language; Taskin

Didn`t like: the second half; Mykkael feels like Gary Stue; the actual ride through Hell`s Chasm is one of the most boring things I`ve ever read; princess is also one of the most uninteresting characters; ending is rushed and unsatisfying; non-original romance

I have read this book countless times. This is my holiday book, the one that is read in every airport, every hostel/hotel, every bus journey, and all manner of delays or times for relaxation. It is a “cosy” read, one that enthralls you and won't let you go. The prose is as per all Janny's novels, masterful. The characterisation, exquisitely formed. The action, non-stop. It is a book that one can wholly immerse themselves in for hours on end and still find the book calling at a later date for another reading. This author has a gift for getting her literary hooks into you and not letting go until you have experienced the highs and lows along with her characters.

I should also mention that is a completely self-contained standalone novel. A fascinating entry point into the world of Janny's writing for those not familiar with this outstanding author. IfWhen you finish this book, allow yourself the pleasure of Janny's other series'. This form of literary art should be experienced by all readers across her standalones, her completed series (Cycle of Fire), her soon to be completed masterworks (Wars of Light and Shadow) and her collaboration with Raymond E. Feist (Empire Trilogy).

This book hits the ground sprinting, with the princess going missing within the first couple of pages. It never lets up, partly because the entire story takes place over a mere five and a half days. Taskin, the formidably competent commander of the royal guard, and Mykkael, the scarred veteran with a deadly past, are tasked with recovering the princess before it is too late.

The first half of the story follows Taskin's handling of court intrigue and Mykkael's investigation into the princess's disappearance. Throughout this part of the book, everyone is wondering about Mykkael's true motives. Is he the kingdom's best chance to save the princess or was he behind her disappearance? It's sort of like a fantasy Sherlock Holmes where Sherlock is scary good at killing. The second half of the story catapults into classic sword swinging, demon fighting, breakneck adventure. I'd say more but I don't want to give anything away.

The kingdom of Sessalie is small and isolated from the surrounding nations by mountains. While this might offer some measure of protection, it also serves to foster prejudice and closed-mindedness towards other cultures. As a result, most characters are fairly hostile towards Mykkael, refusing to even pronounce his name correctly.

There is also a host of totally awesome fantastical elements to this book. Shapeshifting demon sorcerers? Check. Ferocious dragon/bird hybrids? You betcha.

The main character, Mykkael, has somewhat of a tragically brutal back story, which is slowly revealed throughout the book. His skin color keeps people constantly mistrustful of him since people from the desert are often associated with sorcery or savagery. As if it wasn't hard enough to unravel the mystery of the disappearing princess, Mykkael also has to overcome the suspicions (and sometimes outright racism) from higher society.

There are some truly incredible side characters in this story. Taskin is competent and just, but bound by duty. The missing princess, Anja, really puts the “strong” in strong female characters. And of course, there are the horses. Janny Wurts has a passion for horses in real life, and it really shines in this book. The horses feel like real characters, not just a convenient way to get from point A to point B.

This book is packed with tension, with the entire plot taking place in less than a week. You'll be kept at the edge of your seat.

And the prose, well, beautiful almost doesn't do it justice. Each word is chosen with care. This can take some getting used to (I think it took me about 50 pages to really adjust), but once you do it really enriches the experience.

Read this book if you like tales of intrigue, adventure, and complex morality.

Read this book if you want great characters and tight plotting.

If you dislike dense prose or need a 100% happy ending, this might not be for you.