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Well of Sorrows (Well of Sorrows #1)
Colin Harten and his parents fled across the ocean to escape the Family wars in Andover. But trouble follows them and their fellow refugees to this new land, forcing them to abandon the settled areas for unexplored territory. It is here that they face even more mysterious beings and dangers. Now Colin must use the powers of the Well of Sorrows to survive-and bring peace to...more
Paperback, 560 pages
Published
May 3rd 2011
by DAW
(first published May 4th 2010)
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This book pitted 3 races against each other, starting in a kingdom which relied heavily on the history of the exploration of the North American continent, while having tastes of the fantasy / mythos of several Old World religions. We start out with a reason for the families to flee Europe (Andover) and come across the Atlantic (Arduon) Ocean to the Americas (New Andover). The reasons for most immigrants to New Andover is as varied as history itself, including forced prisoner expulsion (emigrate...more
Well of Sorrows is at once the personal story of young Colin Harten and an epic tale of the clash of three races vying for dominion over the “New World.” The magical thread that links both stories is the aptly named Well of Sorrows, which attracts the forces of good and evil alike.
The first part of the book focuses on Colin and his family as they struggle to survive in the slums of Portstown. The story gathers momentum when they are forced to emigrate west. Portents of disaster create a sense of...more
The first part of the book focuses on Colin and his family as they struggle to survive in the slums of Portstown. The story gathers momentum when they are forced to emigrate west. Portents of disaster create a sense of...more
To escape a war brewing in their country, Colin and his parents take refuge in a new land. Like most immigrants, the family struggles with unjust treatment. To save his family and friends, Colin’s father grudgingly agrees to lead an expedition to expand the new lands. The wagon train trip through the Plains parallels the dangers the American pioneers faced during the westward movement of the early United States. The settlers expected to find freedom; unfortunately, they encountered hostile inhab...more
I hate coming down hard on books by relatively unknown writers; given my 'druthers, I'd much prefer to pass over them in silence. At the same time, if a writer goes to the trouble of sending me a review copy (even an electronic copy), it seems disrespectful to ignore it.
So I've struggled with this review, and not only because I have been "friends" with the author (or rather, with his pseudonym) on Livejournal for a while, but because it became clear in the reading that Benjamin Tate's heart is v...more
So I've struggled with this review, and not only because I have been "friends" with the author (or rather, with his pseudonym) on Livejournal for a while, but because it became clear in the reading that Benjamin Tate's heart is v...more
A great tale about realistic characters with genuine inner struggles facing serious external conflicts. The descriptions, unique customs, and histories really flesh this world out. I thoroughly liked the magic system, including its limitations and costs. No spells or wands here.
The action was great and never seemed gratuitous. I really liked how the protagonist resolves the final conflict. I won't say how, but it was a breath of fresh air for the genre.
The action was great and never seemed gratuitous. I really liked how the protagonist resolves the final conflict. I won't say how, but it was a breath of fresh air for the genre.
Let me start off this review by saying that I really loved this book. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it but it kept me on my toes throughout the book.
The book begins with the story of Colin Harten emigrating, along with his family from strife-filled Andover to the new lands over the ocean to the east. There immigrants like the Harten family face discrimination in the new provinces from the respectable “old blood” of Portstown. Bullied and beaten, Colin fights back which leads to hi...more
The book begins with the story of Colin Harten emigrating, along with his family from strife-filled Andover to the new lands over the ocean to the east. There immigrants like the Harten family face discrimination in the new provinces from the respectable “old blood” of Portstown. Bullied and beaten, Colin fights back which leads to hi...more
Although there were many pivotal events to begin with, I wouldn’t say it was action packed. Instead the story built up to a crescendo. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of.
The story was also very surprising. I thought it would head in one direction then it would boom into another. Tate (the pen name of Joshua Palmatier) always had you on your heels because you never knew what might happen next.
As for the characters? They were a delightful cast that were like a rich stew that had simmered for...more
The story was also very surprising. I thought it would head in one direction then it would boom into another. Tate (the pen name of Joshua Palmatier) always had you on your heels because you never knew what might happen next.
As for the characters? They were a delightful cast that were like a rich stew that had simmered for...more
With so much urban fantasy saturating the market these days, it's really nice to see that a good ol' fashioned fantasy novel can still show up on the shelves. Like, say, Benjamin Tate's Well of Sorrows.
Well of Sorrows tells the story of Colin, a boy who's come with his parents across the sea to a new country, fleeing war in their homeland--only to discover that the city where they've settled has no use whatsoever for the influx of refugees. Violence eventually ensues, and Colin's father must lea...more
Well of Sorrows tells the story of Colin, a boy who's come with his parents across the sea to a new country, fleeing war in their homeland--only to discover that the city where they've settled has no use whatsoever for the influx of refugees. Violence eventually ensues, and Colin's father must lea...more
A pretty apt title, since the main character of the book on his best days gets beat up...and the fun just keeps coming for him.
Well of Sorrows takes place in a new world, across two countries, with some intriguing world building. There is a bit of familiarity to some of it, but enough of a twist to much of it to keep it fresh and interesting.
At first glance, it appears the story is divided into two halves, but what is quickly discovered is that the story is moved forward in a way that allows t...more
Well of Sorrows takes place in a new world, across two countries, with some intriguing world building. There is a bit of familiarity to some of it, but enough of a twist to much of it to keep it fresh and interesting.
At first glance, it appears the story is divided into two halves, but what is quickly discovered is that the story is moved forward in a way that allows t...more
I know what I would get when picking up this book. The trilogy the writer did before got me hooked. So when I found out there was another book from him, I just had to rush and get it.
The story is about Colin and his journey. It is one rocky life, for he doesn't get anything easy. He gets beaten up and needs to do things no-one should need to do. Still in the dark times he lives in he finds friends and fights beside them. He has his own way to live life.
I loved this book. I really did. It is a ke...more
The story is about Colin and his journey. It is one rocky life, for he doesn't get anything easy. He gets beaten up and needs to do things no-one should need to do. Still in the dark times he lives in he finds friends and fights beside them. He has his own way to live life.
I loved this book. I really did. It is a ke...more
Really wavered between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The blurb at goodreads and most of the book sites not inaccurate but a very slim portion of what's going on in the book. The first third of the book is almost trope pioneer-trail/wagon-train stuff once the family leaves Andover to settle in the new world--think another wave of settlers post Mayflower/pilgrim/Plymouyh-Rock. Well-written and with vivid characters to root for or against--but to be honest due to personal prejudice (from getting stuck...more
Really wavered between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The blurb at goodreads and most of the book sites not inaccurate but a very slim portion of what's going on in the book. The first third of the book is almost trope pioneer-trail/wagon-train stuff once the family leaves Andover to settle in the new world--think another wave of settlers post Mayflower/pilgrim/Plymouyh-Rock. Well-written and with vivid characters to root for or against--but to be honest due to personal prejudice (from getting stuck...more
Colin Harten isn't happy in his new home of Portstown. His parents have brought him over the sea to the New World to escape an anticipated war in Andover. Some of the problems of Andover follow them. In Portstown, only those favored by the ruling Proprietor's Family are given the prime jobs and preferred homes. Colin's family is stuck in Lean-to, a rough tent-city of outcasts. Bullied to his breaking point, Colin fights back. Unfortunately his enemy is the son of the Proprietor, and Colin is har...more
I will admit when I first started reading thing book I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. It just couldn't get into it but new I had the duty of finishing it anyways. I'm glad that I continued with it because it was an amazing story. I do have to say that I hope the author intends to have a sequel to the book or I will be extremely disappointed with the ending. I hate being left hanging :-)
First 1/3 seems to be complety meaningless to the rest of the story, sort of... Only at the end does it come around and makes some sense.
Still a decent read, but not the action packed steam rolling train I thought I would get.
Still a decent read, but not the action packed steam rolling train I thought I would get.
I'm sad that this book is over but I read through it at a furious pace. It was pretty awesome. This was a book that I randomly bought and started to read....and then could not put down. I love it when I stumble upon a book that delights me so. Highly recommended. And there's a sequel too!
KOBOBOOKS
Reviewed at Fantasy Literature.
Reviewed at Fantasy Literature.
This one started off very well, but lost me sometime during the interminable fighting up on the plain. I don't think I'm going to rush to pick up book 2.
Benjamin Tate weaves a good tale in the "Well of Sorrows". A great start for a new writer. I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
Looking for something that DOESN'T define fantasy as: must have elvish, orcish, dragonish characters? This one's for you.
This was a free book that I won in a contest that the author signed and shipped to me. I was really worried that I wouldn't like it, but I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the next one.
first reads winner
The first half of this book was so wonderful and unique, it was heart-breaking when the whole thing jumped a hundred years in the future and turned into elves vs. trolls vs. humans cliche 101. God only knows what Tate was thinking.
A bit of a rough beginning, but really started rolling along and finished up excellently. Full review upcoming on Novelnaut.
May 15, 2013
Mika Mckeena
is currently reading it
Apr 06, 2013
Mona
is currently reading it
Apr 06, 2013
Bevirlyn Vidal
marked it as to-read
Mar 29, 2013
Patrick Mccall
marked it as to-read
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