Keaen

Rating:
Summary: Imaginative and gripping
Review: A well-scripted trilogy involving eight unlikely heroes, set on the backdrop of an all-too-real medieval-like society, its class systems and historical laws, replete with a dark underbelly in the form of the `magices', who hold the secret of the peoples' cosmic origins in an iron fist of secrecy.

I found the story flowed well from one society to the next, balanced between the tension of unfulfilled love and characters desperate to break free of the parochial mindsets of their age. The treachery and intrigue was woven nicely into a complex web with enough of the inevitable violence to lend it a credible reality. The author has done well not to overcook the pie in a genre that is often ponderous in nomenclature and insipid on plot. He's introduced believable concepts at timely intervals and managed to keep enough cats in the bag to leave the reader hanging for the finishing scene.

The author's writing style was tasteful, entertaining and had good continuity, so it should be inoffensive to the sensibilities of all but the very cynical or simple of mind.

Rating:
Summary: A well writtten, engrossing read
Review: I'm not usually a fan of Fantasy stories but approach anything I read with an open mind, so I was very excited to find Keaen engaged my interest right away.

The characters and the land they live in were all realised well and, in a testament to Noever's writting style, the book reads very, very well. The reader isn't bombarded with excessive back story, it is revealed as and when it is needed. The book reads smoothly from one scenario to the next with nothing feeling contrived.

The characters are very well realised with real feelings, pasts and motivations. I am eagerly awaiting the sequels to this fantastic debut novel.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging and interesting story
Review: Keaen introduces us to a well imagined, richly described world, and like those of Jack Vance, is almost a character in itself. The novel's human characters are immediately engaging, strong in surprisingly believable ways, and rather than being overwhelmed by their stage, which might have been a danger here, the people and their world compliment and fill each other out.

The book is a well-knit piece of work, carefully plotted without sacrificing adventure. This is an adventure, and despite the cover art I'd prefer to call it a science fiction, rather than a fantasy, adventure. Something that had me intrigued and looking for a sequel was the mystery of the origins of this world's society. We learn a little, wonder about more (there are more indications of highly advanced technology than wizardry). I consider that a bonus, a contribution to a good old `sense of wonder', and this book is complete in itself, so I wasn't left hanging. The atmosphere, the story, and the lively and human people and dialogue were thoroughly enjoyable. I'm looking forward to more from Mr. Noever.

Rating:
Summary: A thrilling adventure, a tender love story
Review: Keaen is the story of two people who seek to escape their predetermined lives so that they may be together and fulfil their love for one another. Their quest exposes them to adventure, hardship, and unexpected help and friendship in unlikely places.

Populated by kings and barons, sailors and whores, fierce warriors and enigmatic magices, the story involves immediately endearing heroes and detestable villains, all against a backdrop of dull commoners ignorant of the paradigm shift that is about to rock change the world they know. The almost familiar yet strange world is richly painted, colourful, palpable; scenes in bustling cities, stilted life at court, bizarre woods whence ominous creatures steal in the night, are described abundant and convincing detail.

The language is descriptive, evocative, and dazzlingly literate. Much of the adventure is told through lively, witty dialog. The story moves smoothly between scenes of tension and excitement, violence and tenderness; unexpected plot twists push the pace on. Keaen is captivating and a delight to read.

Rating:
Summary: Kean - A great read
Review: This book is a great fun read. The characters are rich and engaging, the action moves along briskly, and the plot twists keep coming. Keaen is a land defined by an ancient Covenant that dictates the destiny of the royal family, and manipulated by a handful of powerful Magices from the remote island of Skele. Armist and Tahlia are the heirs of the ruler of Keaen, and so bound by the Covenant - until they rebel against their fate, and escape together in an impulsive bid for freedom. The chase that follows leads them across two kingdoms. They face many dangers, and receive help from unexpected friends, including Pandrak the magice-at-court, and Caitlan the weaponsmaster. Their relationship deepens as together they unravel hidden secrets, grow into their own power, and eventually return to their home for the final, inevitable confrontation.

Keaen is part adventure story, part love story, and part mystery. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the book is the quietly lurking back-story. Keaen is set in a consistent, well structured world, and there are many hints about its origins.

A Robins, Dunedin, New Zealand