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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I strongly recommend reading the Circle Saga first to get a proper understanding of the setting of Chosen.
Chosen, the first of the Lost Books series, is a midquel set between Black and Red, the first and second instalments of the Circle Saga (read 2006-2007). Hunter is reduced to a supporting role with four new recruits to the Forest Guard – sixteen year olds Johnis, Bilios, Sylvie and Darsal – taking centre stage. On an initiation task, they are accosted by one of the Roush (allegorical angels) and urged to find the seven original books of history.
This is a very poor start when compared to the likes of Black. There is not enough explanation for the unfamiliar and too much for series veterans. Everything is very cliche and perfunctory.
Johnis, the titular chosen one, is rushed from ignorance to acceptance. Soon he is mouthing off to super-villain Teeleh, which undermines the terror of Teeleh, the journey of Johnis and is all quite unconvincing.
The dynamic between the four new recruits is also run of the mill, with nothing in particular resolving the customary tension and resentment between the naturally gifted rising star and the grafters.
In between the real action, Hunter and opposite number Qurong do much pacing which is reminiscent of Circle but utterly lacking in atmosphere. Instead of building tension, these interludes interrupt the action and diminish the characters’ roles with inane chatter.
The plot goes nowhere, but does it very quickly with a frustrating pattern of Deus ex machina in Roush form over and over again.
The Roush, though abused by Dekker’s plotting, are scene stealers and by far the best characters in Chosen. Their wit and exuberance are a welcome constant and hopefully they will remain regularly recurring with better contexts.
It was also wonderful to have Hunter’s first wife making a surprise appearance. Links to Paradise are also evident, and great fun to spot.
A distinctly average opener that belies the talent of Dekker and genius of the original Circle Saga.
Chosen, the first of the Lost Books series, is a midquel set between Black and Red, the first and second instalments of the Circle Saga (read 2006-2007). Hunter is reduced to a supporting role with four new recruits to the Forest Guard – sixteen year olds Johnis, Bilios, Sylvie and Darsal – taking centre stage. On an initiation task, they are accosted by one of the Roush (allegorical angels) and urged to find the seven original books of history.
This is a very poor start when compared to the likes of Black. There is not enough explanation for the unfamiliar and too much for series veterans. Everything is very cliche and perfunctory.
Johnis, the titular chosen one, is rushed from ignorance to acceptance. Soon he is mouthing off to super-villain Teeleh, which undermines the terror of Teeleh, the journey of Johnis and is all quite unconvincing.
The dynamic between the four new recruits is also run of the mill, with nothing in particular resolving the customary tension and resentment between the naturally gifted rising star and the grafters.
In between the real action, Hunter and opposite number Qurong do much pacing which is reminiscent of Circle but utterly lacking in atmosphere. Instead of building tension, these interludes interrupt the action and diminish the characters’ roles with inane chatter.
The plot goes nowhere, but does it very quickly with a frustrating pattern of Deus ex machina in Roush form over and over again.
The Roush, though abused by Dekker’s plotting, are scene stealers and by far the best characters in Chosen. Their wit and exuberance are a welcome constant and hopefully they will remain regularly recurring with better contexts.
It was also wonderful to have Hunter’s first wife making a surprise appearance. Links to Paradise are also evident, and great fun to spot.
A distinctly average opener that belies the talent of Dekker and genius of the original Circle Saga.
Marked as a DNF. I was really hoping I would have liked this book. I found with one of Ted Dekker's other series that the first book was great but from there I didn't finish the series just because it wasn't enjoyable. This book on the other hand I couldn't even finish. I did not enjoy it at all but I made myself read to about page 90 (giving it more of a chance than my 50 page 'rule' thing.) but yeah, sadly this book kinda dragged on and I found it to be quite confusing. just couldn't connect or relate to the story properly. *sadness forever*
It was great to be reading again about the world of Thomas Hunter. Now I can't wait till the others come in.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not interesting enough for me, might keep in mind for later
Sort of felt like the Kingdom Series meets the world of Dune
Sort of felt like the Kingdom Series meets the world of Dune
Would recommend for anyone who likes playing DnD
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was pretty good. Good enough that I would like to read the next. My only problem was keeping track of the characters thorugh the illustrations. The illustrator took pains to give the characters very distinctive hair, but when you could see only faces...it was hard to tell people apart.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
I enjoyed this book, eager to get the last 3 in the series. I got Chosen on a whim at Half price books store. I thought it would be fairly predictable from the back cover, but was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns. It's a simple read, good for kids starting in the preteen age group.