New Fantasy Books – The Hawk and His Boy
The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
A child expert thief, it’s not a new idea when it comes to new fantasy books. But when handled well, as it is in this beginning to a new fantasy series it can be marvelous. I have to admit that when it comes to new fantasy books, the epic adventure kind have always had a special place in my heart. Although the new urban fantasy style has basically overwhelmed this genre, there is still a place for a good epic adventure in any well written new fantasy books for me.
Jute, the child thief in this beginning of a new adventure, is a smart kid. Of course he is. He lives in a medieval setting where magic exists and he manages to survive by his wits. Comparing him to the Artful Dodger is not that difficult to imagine. Although the latest crop of new fantasy books might often be missing the grand language of the old books, you won’t find this with The Hawk and his Boy. That grand style is evident and the beautiful descriptions abound.
But on to the story – the quest! For here is grand adventure; where a young boy must find answers or face the consequences. In this instance, it is Jutes’s accidental relationship with a knife he was sent to steal. Like in many great new fantasy books, the setup includes a dangerous threat. He is warned by The Knife, a dangerous character if there ever was one, that he is to steal the box, but under no conditions is he to open it. But the box calls to Jute, and it opens the moment he touches the box. A prick of his finger, a touch of blood on the blade, and the deed is done. And nothing is the same again.
But this is just the beginning of troubles for Jute. Unlike in many of the rushed to print new fantasy books I have seen, the building of the problems to surmount are carefully crafted. One thing leads to another until the end result is almost inevitable. Along the way, we see other characters woven into Jute’s tale.
Generally when I read a book I like the POV to remain constant, because with so many of the new fantasy books these days the changes can give you whiplash. Luckily, that is not the case here. When we follow the POV of the Duke’s daughter, the charming Levoreth, we are pulled into her view of the world. It opens our eyes beyond the life of a thief, to see so much more.
With a full complement of wizards and shadowy creatures, thieves and scholars, the story offers a full plate of magic and fun as we follow Jute in this new fantasy books introduction to his world. The evil that is about to be unleashed is out of anyone’s control. Jute cannot evade it and neither can the new fantasy books two villains.
We are pulled into the magic of the land, scholars who peer back into history to understand their myths and the world of Tormay. There is much to absorb in this new fantasy books story, and this is just the lead-in to two more books within the series. With the unleashing of evil, and the conniving of overwhelmed villians, we are just beginning to see where this story may lead.
If you are looking for a series to read, amongst the new fantasy books at hand, you could not go wrong with The Hawk and His Boy. There is adventure and plenty of drama. There is a fair amount of humor, which comes at the most opportune times. I especially loved Levoreth’s aunt and uncle, who it seems, can talk up a storm at a moment’s notice! Adventure, humor, and heroes; what is not to love in this new fantasy books tale? Check out The Hawk and His Boy – you’ll be looking for his next book in the series before you know it.
