by R.A. Salvatore

REVIEW (from Kimota #9)

This book is the first of the THE CRIMSON SHADOW series, and concerns the adventures of a young warrior noble called Luthien Bedwyr. He is content with life until a friend is killed forcing the valiant Luthien to swear revenge. After killing one of those responsible he finds he is bringing danger to his family and so decides to leave his home. He is joined on his journey by a halfling called Oliver Di Burrow who becomes a mentor and friend. He also acquires a magical cloak which makes him invisible but leaves a red outline on the background, hence ‘the crimson shadow’.

It was a very fast paced read with the hero moving from one fight to another. Reminiscent of Errol Flynn in his swashbuckling films mixed with Robin Hood because The Crimson Shadow is a legendary thief in the town Luthien arrives in. The name of the evil tyrant was off-putting, King Greensparrow, who can take a tyrant seriously with a handle like that? However he does not appear in this book and Luthien must be content to battle with his underlings.

The plot is simple and straightforward which makes for a light quick read which doesn’t tax the brain too much. It was a refreshing change from the other, more dense fantasy novels.