Review - Relicmaster: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

TITLE:    The Dark City #1 (Relic Master)
AUTHOR:    Catherine Fisher
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 372 pages
PUBLISHED:   Dial, 2011
SOURCE:   Received ARC from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters: some human, some not; that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it.

MY TAKE:    I have to admit that the cover fascinated me and is initially what drew my attention to this book.  I am really, really glad that it did.  This is one of those books that will be read once and then read again and again.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next three books in the series.  I'm hooked!

This is the first book in the Relicmaster series.  The most exciting part is that there will only be a four month wait to have all four books in your possession.  In a smart and unusual marketing campaign, Dial Books is issuing a book each month - May through August.  I love reading series but as I've said before, I HATE the wait between books.  I can handle a nice orderly progression like this!  I will be marking the release dates on the calendar.

Catherine Fisher's writing style is very much her own.  Just like she did in Sapphique and Incarceron, she adds prose in the beginnings of the chapters that tie into the story in an obscure manner that becomes clear as you read further.  Her words flow and create vivid pictures in the mind of the reader.  She creates an atmosphere of mystery and wonder without being overly wordy.  You can feel the weight of the darkness in Tasceron as well as taste the meat that was making Raffi's mouth water.  Using Carys's diary as another technique to share descriptions and important information was also a great idea.  It gave a completely different perspective on what was happening around all of them.

Middle grade and older readers will love this book and I highly recommend it to adults as well.  There is no sex, unnecessary violence or profanity in the book to distract from the fabulous storyline.  It is full of adventure with numerous twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.  While I did figure out a few things about the Makers, there are a lot of threads to follow in the upcoming books.  I'm hoping that they are considering a movie of this series as I think it would be outstanding on the big screen. 

Learn more about the author and all of the books at http://www.relicmasterseries.com/
  

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon

   

Release Dates: 

The Dark City - May 17, 2011                The Lost Heiress - June 14, 2011

The Hidden Coronet - July 12, 2011       The Margrave - August 9, 2011

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.