There is nobody they can turn to for those answers; they have to come from inside of each of them and from each other. Being the first of your kind is never easy, but being the first of a new stage in evolution is rife with extraordinary dangers, exhilarating highs, and devastating lows.
Once again, Barclay displays his sensitive touch for mood and atmosphere. He resists the temptation of flamboyancy that would have turned those moments into sensations, and maintains his adherence to making everything as real as possible. The Ascendants and their powers are thus kept within the realm of the probable, even though they have powers beyond comprehension.
The Ascendants Of Estorea: Book One: Cry Of The Newborn is the perfect example of how epic fiction does not mean abandoning the human element that is so important in bridging a connection between author and reader. James Barclay has created a world populated with people who are eminently believable in all that they do, which in turn lends credibility to all that occurs.
At over 800 pages, Cry Of The Newborn might appear to be intimidating; how can a book that long not bog down? Well it doesn't and if you're anything like me, the only complaint you'll have is that when you reach the last page, you don't want it to be over. That in itself tells you what a remarkable achievement this book is.
*Cry Of The Newborn is not available yet in the United States.
Article comments
1 - Ry_Darrick
A Fantastic review which captured the essence of the book, well done.
Fans of the book can visit www.theascendants.co.uk for more information on the series.