The Well-Favored Man

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book.
Review: Be careful as you read to avoid associations with Roger Zelazny's Amber Chronicles, with which it shares many elements: multiple universes, a larger-than-life family full of political intrigue, powerful magic, first-person viewpoint. But unlike Zelazny's Corwin, Willey's hero is young, inexperienced, and uncertain of his place in the Grand Scheme of Things. He makes mistakes, steps on toes, and -- most endearing -- loves his mother.

Before you conclude that this all milquetoast and romance, I should point out the rollocking adventure, powerful magic, and especially the sense of mystery that pervades the book.

Hopefully, this will come back into print. It's one of my favorites, and I hate to think of what will happen when my well-thumbed copy disintergrates.

Rating:
Summary: A Well Rounded Book
Review: Often fantasy books are full of fighting and blood, with very little character development. This book had some excellent scenes of conflict, but it also made you see the characters as people with needs, hopes, and ulterior motives. Even the hero is not always wonderful. Instead he ends up being one of the most likeable, human, and noble individuals I have ever encountered between the pages of a book. This might just be my favorite book of all time.