#1 Lynn Flewelling - Luck In The Shadows (Nightrunner's series Book 1)

Title: Luck In The Shadows

Series: Nightrunner

Author: Lynn Flewelling

ISBN: 0-553-57542-2

Publisher: Spectra

Pages: 496

Price:  £5.39 (on amazon.co.uk)

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 4,5/5

Warnings: some non-explicit homosexual theme through whole series

It was an accident that I came across this book, all those years ago (six, I believe, although I may be wrong) and since then I've read it several times, tracing well-known roads and travelling across wild world of intrigues created by Lynn Flewelling together with main characters – Seregil, Alec and Micum, meeting both friends (Nysander and Thero) and those who are less friendly (that will remain secret, as I don't want to spoil your fun).

World created by Lynn Flewelling is an interesting one, though it's rather typical for fantasy in general – we have some countries (unfortunately if you need a map to understand where main characters are you probably will need magnifying glass as well, as map printed inside the book is not really helpful), some religions (here a little crib given by the author comes in handy), some wizards, elves (rather in Tolkien's meaning than in "fairy" one)… and names which probably can twist your tongue. Typical fantasy book it is, right?

Characters are well made, although they are predictable – the moment you get familiar with them, you'll probably be able to know what they'll do next. Main characters are – as mentioned - Seregil í Korit Solun Meringil Bôkthersa (did I mention tongue-twisting names?), Alec of Kerry and Micum Cavish (though he is not main-main character, he appears for most of the time and he is definitely useful, but story belongs mostly to the first two.) Seregil is a nightrunner (as it is not a proper word I'd say it's a synonym for a kind of thief), a kind of spy, a bard… basically everything you can imagine (and even if he isn't during period when book takes place – he probably was or will be sooner or later) with a mysterious past and friends in most of useful places. Alec is his opposite –he is a hunter and generally an innocent young boy. Also he has nothing to lose at the time when he meets Seregil in rather unfortunate circumstances. Micum is an old friend of Seregil and he is the most average of them all, to be honest. He is not boring though – he is just a nice contrast for those two.

Plot is nice, well organised and has some twists – for sake of those who have never heard about this series, I won't tell more, because basically anything could reveal important detail too fast and spoil your fun.

It's not the best book I've ever read, though I need to admit I really enjoyed it. Lynn Flewelling is a gifted author with a talent to describe things.  I'd highly recommend it for people who  like fantasy books, but feel warned – the series is an ongoing one. Also you should bear in mind the fact that later on some homosexual theme will be introduced (it is not really explicit, but I am aware that for some people this may be an issue).

So yeah, that's it – first semi-review done. I am sure I could do this better, and I will – next time as mastery comes with practice. Feel free to tell me what's wrong with it or what did you like.

See you next time!