Perhaps because of this relative inexperience, however, Thompson at times seems to load the story down with description and inner dialog. He goes to great length to describe the landscape and creatures that Jarom and company encounter in great and effusive detail. Additionally, Jarom is constantly wrestling with inner doubt and guilt over his choices and actions. This ends up being a drag on the pace of the story. Just as the pace begins to find its rhythm with steady action and suspense, Thompson adds in Jarom (or some other character's) inner thoughts of doubt, etc. I had the feeling that some skillful editing could turn this 500-page-plus tome into a fast-paced thriller.

But perhaps this is just taste. After all, many readers might enjoy the thick description and psychological musings of the characters. Maybe my tendency to want to rush through a book causes me to under-appreciate the detail and back story involved. Heck, maybe I just struggle with reading large books in my ever shortening spare time; unlike the remarkably free high school and college years.

Fantasy adventure fans will want to check out this rookie effort. And if you enjoy exploring fantastic worlds and reading about personal quests and epic battles full of legend and myths, you should pick up the Crimson Sword. I will be sure to keep my eye out for part two. It will be interesting to see both how the story and the author's skills develop.

***Originally Posted at Collected Miscellany***