Among The Best!

One of the ultimate goals for me in reading a novel is to be encouraged to think and reflect on various themes or occurrences and the messages behind these, and how they translate to real life circumstances. A standout element of The Scar is the story's realistic portrayal of human interaction and morality, in that there are very few (if any) of the "black and white" dichotomies often used in many stories, particularly in the fantasy genre.

The writers of The Scar have done a fantastic job of presenting this story in such a way that the reader's own prejudices and experiences will have a profound effect on the way he/she views the dynamic between the characters, as opposed to forcing the reader to distinguish between "the good guys and the bad guys" as is most often seen.

While reading through sequence of the protagonists fatal duel with the student for example, I was torn between disgust at his unnecessary killing of a less than equal opponent, and sympathy for the obligations bestowed upon him by his status, ego and temper which had, in a way, forced his hand. One question raised within the reader is whether it is the deed itself or the intention behind it which takes moral precedence, and whether or not he deserved the horrible punishment thrust upon him by the enigmatic Wanderer.

Johnathan Davis also does a fantastic job in narrating this story. His narration makes it very easy to loose oneself in the characters, events and imagery without any attention at all being drawn to the fact that the story is being read to them through an electronic device.

The Scar ranks among my personal all time favorites in any genre. I'm very much looking forward to reading the other two books in the series once they are translated and published in English.

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