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Saturday 3 October 2015

Book Musings - The Depths by Paul Neslusan

Maiden of Secrets banner

This is my stop during the book blitz for Maiden of Secrets (World of Almir #2) by Paul Neslusan. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 1 till 7 October, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

So far this series contains 2 books: The Depths (World of Almir #1) and Maiden of Secrets (World of Almir #2). I am reviewing the first book, The Depths today.

First book in the series:

The DepthsThe Depths (World of Almir #1)
By Paul Neslusan
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: December 9, 2014

Blurb:
Thousands of feet below the surface world and tucked behind a waterfall lies a ceaseless juggernaut of commerce, the six tiers of the city working together to provide anything desired. Some come to Solypse for trade; others simply come to disappear. Though the descent to the city is treacherous and long, it is lucrative for those willing to brave the trek. Those who stay are bolder still: for in a city full of those who wish to be forgotten, the real rules are often made in the shadows.

With promises of wealth come promises of power. As evil brews beneath the city, clandestine power struggles between politicians, magicians, merchants, and assassins bring the city of Solypse to the brink of annihilation. With a temple unable to help and a council unwilling to save its own people, it is up to an exiled dwarf, a reluctant assassin, and a failed priest to save the city.


You can find The Depths on Goodreads

You can buy The Depths here:
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback


My Musings : 

When I started reading it, I thought that it was another run of the mill fantasy book. But as I progressed through the book, I realised that this is an interesting twist to the usual fantastical fare I have seen out there.

Basically, it was based in the underground cities, mainly Solypse and its politics. I was introduced to the main players in the city and then the protagonists at the beginning itself. This was another story where the important characters keep on increasing as the story went on. Another plus point was that the tale was served in titbit chapter sizes. It made it easy to keep track of all the incidents going on as each chapter gives an insight into the situation from different points of view.

 At the beginning, I found it a bit difficult to grasp everything and keep track of all the characters introduced in each chapter. After a while, I was able to pinpoint each character. Since the villain was seen at the start itself, I thought maybe the action would start soon. But it took him nearly the entire book to start his machinations . So, I was disappointed in that manner. I was expecting the thrill and chase to start in the first 25% of the book itself. Alas, it wasn't to be.

It doesn't mean that I didn't like the book. Inspite of it, the story flowed easily with the exploration of the culture, history and races residing in and around Solypse. It was an intriguing glimpse into the fine work done by the author in meticulously plotting out the book. The adventurous journey of Pash, Larrik, Therrien and Cillan found me enjoying the hurdles in their path and the way they surmounted  them. As I was expecting more from them, the political intrigue behind the story came into play. It gave me a look into the higher echelons and the dire straits of the common people.

The only part of the book which had me perking up in anticipation was the plight and the outcome at the end. The finale also saw a slight twist in the story. The reminder of the tale was at a meandering pace which was a fun ride.

So, overall, I am willing to follow the series but I need more action to keep my interest in the sequel.

My one line review : A meandering adventurous tale of an unique fantasy slant.

My rating : 3.5/5

My reread factor : 3/5


paulAbout the Author:

Paul Neslusan devours books whole (figuratively speaking), and has since he was a child. When he finally decided to put pen to paper, he set a goal of writing something that was understandable to a fifteen year old, engaging to a twenty five year old, and still compelling to a thirty five year old. Basically, he wanted to write the kind of books that he would want to read, and would have wanted to read when he was younger, and wants to read now. He lives in Central Massachusetts with his extremely patient wife and three children.

The Depths was his first work of fiction, released in December of 2014. His next book in the world of Almir, Maiden of Secrets, will be released in early fall of 2015.

You can find and contact Paul here:

- Website
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Newsletter

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Maiden of Secrets. These are the prizes you can win:

- 3 winners will each win a set of e-copies that includes: The Depths and Maiden of Secrets by Paul Neslusan
- 1 winner will win a 10$ Amazon gift card

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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