What do you think?
Rate this book
Heretic #1
The Wrong Way Down
Sometimes the right way turns all wrong. I saw his body lying there. My teacher, my mentor, my friend - face down in a pool of his own blood. His white robes were starched brown with dried blood, his throat cut open by the thieves who'd stolen the spiritual artifact we'd been entrusted to protect. The Blessed Mystery smiles, we caught one of the two thieves, and it is my duty to escort this foul woman to the garrison for interrogation. God, how I thirst for revenge! I cannot afford the luxury of anger, for it is my duty and responsibility to love. I am a priestess on the side of light. However, this hate, it is so heavy...it is too heavy.
- GenresFantasy
230 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2011
4 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jake Elliot
11 books18 followersJake Elliot is a hybrid author who generally writes dark fiction with mildly sarcastic and ironic edges. With one short film, eight short stories, and three novels to his credit, he considers himself accomplished in a grossly over-saturated market. When not writing twisted little stories, or working for ‘the man,’ Jake and his wife enjoy going on real life adventures. World travelers, they have visited Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria—all of these experiences stain and bleed into Jake’s writings—but sometimes only as wisps and smudged fingerprints.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 9, 2012
I'll be brutally honest, since I know the author would expect nothing less (he is published by the same company that I am, though we have never met, and he read and reviewed my novel as well). It took me about two or three chapters to get my feet firmly planted in this alternative world. Once I did, I was sold. The best part about this novel is the main character, Popalia. At first, I really didn't like her. She is whiny and stubborn and a bit self righteous. But then I realized that the author intended her to start out that way so that she had a starting point to grow upon -- After all. she had been raised in a church and fed with a silver spoon. Wynkker, her trusty elf, served as her voice of reason, and some comic relief.
I did not realize that this book was just the beginning, and I think it is important to know that going in. I figured it out when I hit the 75% mark and realized that there weren't enough pages left for Popalia and Wynkker to fulfill their duties. Perhaps there should be a "Book One" in the title.
To give Jake Elliot a grandiose comparison, I would compare this to The Eye of the World, Jordan started out that lengthy saga with a simple story about a farm boy and look where it went from there.
Here's the gist (no spoilers), two thieves steal a sacred item. One is caught and the other gets away (with the item). While escorting the captured thief from the church to the nearest city, she escapes. Not wanting to turn back, Popalia and Wynkker pursue her, and this is the tale of that pursuit.
Now that I have my bearings on Jake Elliot's writing style, I expect at least two more books in this series -- possibly more if the subplots lead to a deeper understanding of this world, or a war breaks out around the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, it is a great read for fantasy fans. I just hope Mr. Elliot doesn't make me wait two years for each installment like Jordan did!
I did not realize that this book was just the beginning, and I think it is important to know that going in. I figured it out when I hit the 75% mark and realized that there weren't enough pages left for Popalia and Wynkker to fulfill their duties. Perhaps there should be a "Book One" in the title.
To give Jake Elliot a grandiose comparison, I would compare this to The Eye of the World, Jordan started out that lengthy saga with a simple story about a farm boy and look where it went from there.
Here's the gist (no spoilers), two thieves steal a sacred item. One is caught and the other gets away (with the item). While escorting the captured thief from the church to the nearest city, she escapes. Not wanting to turn back, Popalia and Wynkker pursue her, and this is the tale of that pursuit.
Now that I have my bearings on Jake Elliot's writing style, I expect at least two more books in this series -- possibly more if the subplots lead to a deeper understanding of this world, or a war breaks out around the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, it is a great read for fantasy fans. I just hope Mr. Elliot doesn't make me wait two years for each installment like Jordan did!
November 2, 2012
Jake Elliot's fantasy epic begins with a robbery of a holy relic/sceptre at Popalia's (heroine of the story) church. She and her father have high-standing clergy roles and feel responsible for not being able to stop the thieves from killing a dear friend. One of the robbers, Katia, does not escape, but her accomplice, Thorngen, is the one who has their mystical sceptre. Popalia and Wynkkur, an elf/sidekick who also works at the church, set out to take Katia, their new prisoner, to another town for justice. Katia escapes, setting off a full-blown adventure for Popalia and Wynkkur. They make friends with an elven community and track Katia down to Capitol City where things really get hairy. Without giving anything away, things look dire for the main characters until the very end. Mr. Elliot resolves the story but leaves the door wide open for a sequel.
MY THOUGHTS: Mr. Elliot has a gift for similes and metaphors which he uses at the perfect moments when describing the places Wynnkhur and Popalia travel to. He deftly gives characterization through dialogue so well, that dialogue tags become almost unnecessary. His writing is vivid and clear, keeping me engaged in the story from page one to the very end.
Humor was sparingly inserted throughout the story. I felt as if I knew the characters by the middle of the book. The action was nonstop. I also liked the stories the elves told their tribe. It reminded me of Native American lore. Jake also used themes of racism between various species described in the story which made it even more interesting. The ending had a terrific twist that I did not see coming. About the only thing I would criticize is the YA feel of the book-clean language, virgin character, fantasy/elves, and toned-down violence because Mr. Elliot told me the other novels in this series are R-rated which is very misleading. But I'll forgive him. Sometimes writing takes on a different direction from where one begins. This is a magical book that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to adults who love fantasy.
MY THOUGHTS: Mr. Elliot has a gift for similes and metaphors which he uses at the perfect moments when describing the places Wynnkhur and Popalia travel to. He deftly gives characterization through dialogue so well, that dialogue tags become almost unnecessary. His writing is vivid and clear, keeping me engaged in the story from page one to the very end.
Humor was sparingly inserted throughout the story. I felt as if I knew the characters by the middle of the book. The action was nonstop. I also liked the stories the elves told their tribe. It reminded me of Native American lore. Jake also used themes of racism between various species described in the story which made it even more interesting. The ending had a terrific twist that I did not see coming. About the only thing I would criticize is the YA feel of the book-clean language, virgin character, fantasy/elves, and toned-down violence because Mr. Elliot told me the other novels in this series are R-rated which is very misleading. But I'll forgive him. Sometimes writing takes on a different direction from where one begins. This is a magical book that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to adults who love fantasy.
December 20, 2012
This review was originally posted on my blog (http://legionwood.wordpress.com/2012/...)
When I received a free PDF of Jake Elliot’s debut novel The Wrong Way Down (published by Damnation Books), I wasn’t really expecting anything different out of the genre. On first glance, The Wrong Way Down doesn’t appear to be anything other than a typical fantasy adventure full of swords, sorcery, elven mages and slippery rogues. However, despite this, I found that The Wrong Way Down actually manages to be an enjoyable read. Although Elliot’s debut novel won’t hold much appeal for those who aren’t already fans of the oft-used conventions of traditional fantasy, it’s still an exciting, fast paced action adventure story with lots of plot twists, well written action scenes and a slight hint of horror that those tired of the epic scale and slow paced, sweeping plotlines of modern fantasy will enjoy.
The Wrong Way Down tells the story of a young priestess, Popalia, who must embark on a quest after a religious artifact protected by her order (The Blessed Mystery) is stolen by a pair of hired thieves. Although one of the thieves is apprehended during the heist, the second thief escapes, and its up to Popalia (along with two hired mercenaries and a naive elven magician) to go out into the world and bring them, and the stolen artifact, back. What follows isn’t an epic quest to the edge of the world, and nor is it a complex story of political intrigue. The Wrong Way Down is a fast paced chase story, and Elliot does a great job of keeping his readers entertained while also keeping the scope of his novel simple and manageable for those who just want to be swept away on a fun adventure (The Wrong Way Down is only 80,000 words long – much shorter than the typical 1000 page fantasy tome).
Sword fights, flames, sinister looking faces superimposed into the background… this book has it all!
For the most part, Elliot’s writing in The Wrong Way Down is pretty solid, and the book is a very strong effort as far as debut novels go, but there are some aspects of the writing that could do with some tighter editing. The novel is written in a third person, present tense style, which helps to keep the writing fast paced and exciting, and this style is used masterfully in the action scenes. However, I did notice a considerable number of passages scattered throughout the book where this was spoiled by overwriting. Elliot uses description well at certain points of the book to establish atmosphere, and I enjoyed his skill with constructing imagery, but there are a lot of otherwise mundane sentences padded out with needless adjectives. This doesn’t detract from the story, but it does make the pace of the novel seem inconsistent, and it would have been a lot better if these parts were written a little more tightly.
In terms of story and dialogue, Elliot also does a decent job, with the adventure remaining engaging through the entire book (if a little short lived) and there are a few plot twists that may catch the reader by surprise. Unfortunately, The Wrong Way Down does suffer from a few issues with characterisation, and the characters don’t seem to have very interesting character arcs (Wynkkur the elven mage, for example, becomes a stronger character over the course of the novel but then retreats to a similar position to where he began), though they are well written, and the dialogue is never boring. It would’ve also been nice if the book’s antagonists were fleshed out more, as we never quite learn what their motives are, or their perspective on the book’s events, which would have made them more interesting foils for the protagonist. As it stands now, we’re made to dislike them simply because we’re told to, but we never really know why. This may be forgiven because, as I understand, The Wrong Way Down is the first book in a planned series, which may resolve these loose ends in a later volume, but looking at this book as a stand-alone story, it’s disappointing that there are things that still feel unresolved at the end.
Bottom line: the best part about this book is its fast paced action. If you’re a fantasy fan who wants a quick, exciting adventure to see you through the weekend, this book is for you. I did enjoy it, despite the fact that it doesn’t make much of an attempt to buck the typical fantasy tropes. If you’re looking for something that does something you’ve never seen before with the genre, or a Game of Thrones-esque novel with chapters of backstory, deep political drama or grand battles between nations for the fate of the world, Jake Elliot’s debut novel isn’t it. The Wrong Way Down is a book that seeks to take its reader on a quick thrill ride, and nothing more. If you want lots of fighting, a quick pace that doesn’t let up and simply to be entertained, you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.
When I received a free PDF of Jake Elliot’s debut novel The Wrong Way Down (published by Damnation Books), I wasn’t really expecting anything different out of the genre. On first glance, The Wrong Way Down doesn’t appear to be anything other than a typical fantasy adventure full of swords, sorcery, elven mages and slippery rogues. However, despite this, I found that The Wrong Way Down actually manages to be an enjoyable read. Although Elliot’s debut novel won’t hold much appeal for those who aren’t already fans of the oft-used conventions of traditional fantasy, it’s still an exciting, fast paced action adventure story with lots of plot twists, well written action scenes and a slight hint of horror that those tired of the epic scale and slow paced, sweeping plotlines of modern fantasy will enjoy.
The Wrong Way Down tells the story of a young priestess, Popalia, who must embark on a quest after a religious artifact protected by her order (The Blessed Mystery) is stolen by a pair of hired thieves. Although one of the thieves is apprehended during the heist, the second thief escapes, and its up to Popalia (along with two hired mercenaries and a naive elven magician) to go out into the world and bring them, and the stolen artifact, back. What follows isn’t an epic quest to the edge of the world, and nor is it a complex story of political intrigue. The Wrong Way Down is a fast paced chase story, and Elliot does a great job of keeping his readers entertained while also keeping the scope of his novel simple and manageable for those who just want to be swept away on a fun adventure (The Wrong Way Down is only 80,000 words long – much shorter than the typical 1000 page fantasy tome).
Sword fights, flames, sinister looking faces superimposed into the background… this book has it all!
For the most part, Elliot’s writing in The Wrong Way Down is pretty solid, and the book is a very strong effort as far as debut novels go, but there are some aspects of the writing that could do with some tighter editing. The novel is written in a third person, present tense style, which helps to keep the writing fast paced and exciting, and this style is used masterfully in the action scenes. However, I did notice a considerable number of passages scattered throughout the book where this was spoiled by overwriting. Elliot uses description well at certain points of the book to establish atmosphere, and I enjoyed his skill with constructing imagery, but there are a lot of otherwise mundane sentences padded out with needless adjectives. This doesn’t detract from the story, but it does make the pace of the novel seem inconsistent, and it would have been a lot better if these parts were written a little more tightly.
In terms of story and dialogue, Elliot also does a decent job, with the adventure remaining engaging through the entire book (if a little short lived) and there are a few plot twists that may catch the reader by surprise. Unfortunately, The Wrong Way Down does suffer from a few issues with characterisation, and the characters don’t seem to have very interesting character arcs (Wynkkur the elven mage, for example, becomes a stronger character over the course of the novel but then retreats to a similar position to where he began), though they are well written, and the dialogue is never boring. It would’ve also been nice if the book’s antagonists were fleshed out more, as we never quite learn what their motives are, or their perspective on the book’s events, which would have made them more interesting foils for the protagonist. As it stands now, we’re made to dislike them simply because we’re told to, but we never really know why. This may be forgiven because, as I understand, The Wrong Way Down is the first book in a planned series, which may resolve these loose ends in a later volume, but looking at this book as a stand-alone story, it’s disappointing that there are things that still feel unresolved at the end.
Bottom line: the best part about this book is its fast paced action. If you’re a fantasy fan who wants a quick, exciting adventure to see you through the weekend, this book is for you. I did enjoy it, despite the fact that it doesn’t make much of an attempt to buck the typical fantasy tropes. If you’re looking for something that does something you’ve never seen before with the genre, or a Game of Thrones-esque novel with chapters of backstory, deep political drama or grand battles between nations for the fate of the world, Jake Elliot’s debut novel isn’t it. The Wrong Way Down is a book that seeks to take its reader on a quick thrill ride, and nothing more. If you want lots of fighting, a quick pace that doesn’t let up and simply to be entertained, you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.
May 23, 2015
(I traded books with Jake Elliot with the expectation to receive, and give, an honest review.)
I haven't read anything remotely FANTASY in a while, but I know Jake, know he's a great writer, so I signed on to get a copy and read this first book of what I understand will end up being an ongoing series.
I love a great JOURNEY story. THE WRONG WAY DOWN doesn't disappoint in that aspect.
The story starts with introducing the main characters, Popalia and her elf friend, Wynkkur. They go on a mission to find a holy relic after it's been stolen from Popalia's holy order. Popalia is a bit annoying in the beginning of the tale due to she hasn't gotten out much where-as, Wynn, as an elf being let into human territories, is a bit more worldly wise....which is a bit of fun when the two are out on the road together.
Again, I very much liked the story. I like Jake's writing style and flair for telling a good story.
But, yup, here is comes, the big HOWEVER...
Maybe it was just me, rusty from not reading HIGH FANTASY for such a long time, but it seemed like the tale kind of slogged along for many many chapters without getting anywhere. YES, I know Mr. Elliot was in the process of BUILDING POPALIA AND WYNN'S WORLD (and it honestly does a great job at this in the book without throwing you too far away from the main storyline) but, I don't know, to me the story didn't grab me until later chapters when Popalia and Wynn enter the Captiol City, and then things really got cooking (literally) at Carouser's Sleep Inn, and The Golden Grain where the adventuring pair meets, who will become an addition to their team: Seth and Raenyl.
To me when the reader (me) got to this junction in the book, THAT's when it got really interesting to me, because a lot of things started happening and the book and storyline really got moving. Popalia and Wynn don't get to Capitol City until Chapter 18. (No fears though, 40 chapters long.)
I guess I need a tale to really POP for me to keep my attention. I know Elliot can do this, I simply struggled until things got to the popping point.
The only other complaint is the antagonist, the one in the beginning of the story, the one Popalia and Wynn inadvertently lose when the person escapes during their travel across land. To me, the escaped antagonist is kind of forgotten beyond that point. Yes, Mr. Elliot loops back around and you find out some interesting items about the antag (which gets our protags in plenty of hot water), but I just felt we (the reader) lose sight of who Popalia and Wynn are pursuing and what the actual mission is.
I know this is a revised version of the novel. All in all, it is well done. Elliot could probably run through it again to tighten and clean up a bit more, but all in all, it does read well.
Overall, other than my bitchings, I did enjoy THE WRONG WAY DOWN. It slowly grew on me, again perhaps because I hadn't read any FANTASY tales in so long (my bad). After I completed the book, and let things simmer, I can say I do have a hunger to keep reading the series to see where Mr. Elliot takes this.
I'll end by saying: if you like HIGH FANTASY, ADVENTURE FANTASY and good JOURNEY narrative, THE WRONG WAY DOWN is the right book for you.
Also, I really like the cover art. It is awesome and very professional and grabs the eye, makes me want to pick up the book. Carter Reid did a great job!!
I haven't read anything remotely FANTASY in a while, but I know Jake, know he's a great writer, so I signed on to get a copy and read this first book of what I understand will end up being an ongoing series.
I love a great JOURNEY story. THE WRONG WAY DOWN doesn't disappoint in that aspect.
The story starts with introducing the main characters, Popalia and her elf friend, Wynkkur. They go on a mission to find a holy relic after it's been stolen from Popalia's holy order. Popalia is a bit annoying in the beginning of the tale due to she hasn't gotten out much where-as, Wynn, as an elf being let into human territories, is a bit more worldly wise....which is a bit of fun when the two are out on the road together.
Again, I very much liked the story. I like Jake's writing style and flair for telling a good story.
But, yup, here is comes, the big HOWEVER...
Maybe it was just me, rusty from not reading HIGH FANTASY for such a long time, but it seemed like the tale kind of slogged along for many many chapters without getting anywhere. YES, I know Mr. Elliot was in the process of BUILDING POPALIA AND WYNN'S WORLD (and it honestly does a great job at this in the book without throwing you too far away from the main storyline) but, I don't know, to me the story didn't grab me until later chapters when Popalia and Wynn enter the Captiol City, and then things really got cooking (literally) at Carouser's Sleep Inn, and The Golden Grain where the adventuring pair meets, who will become an addition to their team: Seth and Raenyl.
To me when the reader (me) got to this junction in the book, THAT's when it got really interesting to me, because a lot of things started happening and the book and storyline really got moving. Popalia and Wynn don't get to Capitol City until Chapter 18. (No fears though, 40 chapters long.)
I guess I need a tale to really POP for me to keep my attention. I know Elliot can do this, I simply struggled until things got to the popping point.
The only other complaint is the antagonist, the one in the beginning of the story, the one Popalia and Wynn inadvertently lose when the person escapes during their travel across land. To me, the escaped antagonist is kind of forgotten beyond that point. Yes, Mr. Elliot loops back around and you find out some interesting items about the antag (which gets our protags in plenty of hot water), but I just felt we (the reader) lose sight of who Popalia and Wynn are pursuing and what the actual mission is.
I know this is a revised version of the novel. All in all, it is well done. Elliot could probably run through it again to tighten and clean up a bit more, but all in all, it does read well.
Overall, other than my bitchings, I did enjoy THE WRONG WAY DOWN. It slowly grew on me, again perhaps because I hadn't read any FANTASY tales in so long (my bad). After I completed the book, and let things simmer, I can say I do have a hunger to keep reading the series to see where Mr. Elliot takes this.
I'll end by saying: if you like HIGH FANTASY, ADVENTURE FANTASY and good JOURNEY narrative, THE WRONG WAY DOWN is the right book for you.
Also, I really like the cover art. It is awesome and very professional and grabs the eye, makes me want to pick up the book. Carter Reid did a great job!!
September 7, 2012
A great read by a new author. Quick paced, great characters, compelling plot. It's always refreshing to have a strong female protagonist, and Popolia doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read Jake Elliot's next offering!
What my stars mean:
5 stars... this book changed the way I view life. It made me a better thinker/reader/writer/person. It holds a special place in my heart
4 stars... this book is great... I would read it again, it exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to others.
3 stars... this is a good book. It delivered what it promised. 3 stars is a good thing, not a disparagement.
2 stars... meh, I finished it, that's all I can say. It's just alright
1 star... don't even bother...
February 20, 2016
Jake Elliot's The Wrong Way Down is a story about a priestess on a mission to reclaim a unique artifact that has been stolen from her temple. With the help of an elf who is uncomfortable and unpracticed with magic, Priestess Popalia follows her heart and her god to wherever they might lead.
I don't read many fantasy adventure books, but this one held my attention all the way through the end and even prompted me to read the sequel (Crossing Mother's Grave) so that I could find out more. This would be a great read for those who enjoy the R.A. Salvatore Legend of Drizzit books, or who enjoy casual role playing games like Pathfinder and Dungeons and Dragons.
I don't read many fantasy adventure books, but this one held my attention all the way through the end and even prompted me to read the sequel (Crossing Mother's Grave) so that I could find out more. This would be a great read for those who enjoy the R.A. Salvatore Legend of Drizzit books, or who enjoy casual role playing games like Pathfinder and Dungeons and Dragons.
June 27, 2012
I received The Wrong Way Down free through Goodreads First Reads.
I very much enjoyed The Wrong Way Down. To me, the way the main character matured as the story progressed and the way the elves were portrayed were the highlights of the novel.
One of the reasons why I didn't rate The Wrong Way Down 5 stars is because of Jake Elliot's writing style. The way some of the sentences were phrased, took a little getting used to and this slowed the story for me.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by Mr. Elliot.
I very much enjoyed The Wrong Way Down. To me, the way the main character matured as the story progressed and the way the elves were portrayed were the highlights of the novel.
One of the reasons why I didn't rate The Wrong Way Down 5 stars is because of Jake Elliot's writing style. The way some of the sentences were phrased, took a little getting used to and this slowed the story for me.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by Mr. Elliot.
June 29, 2012
Really well written. I was a bit ambivalent to reading it because the writer is my closest friend's cousin and I was sincerely surprised that by the end of the book I couldn't put it down and was begging for more!
December 13, 2018
I didn't want to just star and run, so here is a brief review. Jake Elliot is a fine writer and fantasy readers should pick up his books. I however, really dislike elves. Not Jake's elves, but the elvish race as a whole. Why? I don't know. It might be something miswired in my geek-brain.
In conclusion, The Wrong Way Down is a fine book, and if you are into journeying adventures with elvish guides, then this will be the story for you.
In conclusion, The Wrong Way Down is a fine book, and if you are into journeying adventures with elvish guides, then this will be the story for you.
August 7, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads First-Reads and now that I’ve finished it, I can honestly say that I am really happy that I was the winner of this book because I found it not only enjoyable throughout the majority of the book, but I enjoyed the humor and character development as well. It was a little slow building up to the main conflict (chasing Katia to get back what was stolen and track down Thorgen), but once they got to the Capitol City, the story just got better and better, and I found it harder and harder to put the book down.
I really liked the humor that was presented in the book. It felt natural to me in a sense as that’s what people would say or do in those types of situations if they were to provide humor. The characters were all original in their own ways and didn’t seem flat, which is a very nice addition to the story. The last fourth of the book kept me on edge and I had to keep reading to know what happens next, and the way it was written helped make it harder to stop reading. The way it was written was very detailed and yet subtle with the descriptions and explanations, making it easier to read and just as interesting, which is an amazing thing. I also really enjoyed the story, it’s simple and to the point while providing a lot of originality and plot to keep me interested as a reader.
The only things I didn’t really like about it was the length in which it took for the book to really take off. It didn’t get promising until they reached the Capitol City, which is like the first third of the book just going by. Everything after that was really good, but prior was harder to get through and I almost found myself forcing myself to read it just to finish the book. Once I got to the Capitol City it just took off and became more and more amazing.
Good character development, good story, good action, and great descriptions. The only reason I don’t rate it 5/5 is because the story took too long to get to where it needed to go in order to keep me reading without stop.
Overall 4.5/5
I really liked the humor that was presented in the book. It felt natural to me in a sense as that’s what people would say or do in those types of situations if they were to provide humor. The characters were all original in their own ways and didn’t seem flat, which is a very nice addition to the story. The last fourth of the book kept me on edge and I had to keep reading to know what happens next, and the way it was written helped make it harder to stop reading. The way it was written was very detailed and yet subtle with the descriptions and explanations, making it easier to read and just as interesting, which is an amazing thing. I also really enjoyed the story, it’s simple and to the point while providing a lot of originality and plot to keep me interested as a reader.
The only things I didn’t really like about it was the length in which it took for the book to really take off. It didn’t get promising until they reached the Capitol City, which is like the first third of the book just going by. Everything after that was really good, but prior was harder to get through and I almost found myself forcing myself to read it just to finish the book. Once I got to the Capitol City it just took off and became more and more amazing.
Good character development, good story, good action, and great descriptions. The only reason I don’t rate it 5/5 is because the story took too long to get to where it needed to go in order to keep me reading without stop.
Overall 4.5/5
July 1, 2012
I am generally not a frequent reader of fantasy fiction, but The Wrong Way Down is an enjoyable read. The beginning of the novel is a bit reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code in its style of writing. Two thieves break into a remote monastery, kill a priest and steal a sacred artifact. One thief gets away with the artifact, the other thief is caught. Co-protagonists Popalia and Wynkkur set out on a journey to take the thief to the garrison for punishment and to recover the stolen artifact, but their adventure doesn’t go as well as planned…
The story is great both for the depth of its characters and for the excitement of the storyline. Oftentimes when I read male novelists, I am disappointed by their portrayal of female characters, but this is not the case with The Wrong Way Down. The young priestess Popalia is strong-willed and adventurous, and antagonist Katia is a foul-mouthed bully who puts up a strong fight. There is enough action in the book to move the plot along at a good pace, and the author has gone to noticeable lengths to develop and describe the cultures and religions of both clans of elves and tribes of humans. The only downside of the book is that the editing is not spot-on, and there are dozens of typographical errors. This doesn’t take away from your enjoyment of the story, but it’s a bit burdensome especially if you’re an editor in your day job.
The story is great both for the depth of its characters and for the excitement of the storyline. Oftentimes when I read male novelists, I am disappointed by their portrayal of female characters, but this is not the case with The Wrong Way Down. The young priestess Popalia is strong-willed and adventurous, and antagonist Katia is a foul-mouthed bully who puts up a strong fight. There is enough action in the book to move the plot along at a good pace, and the author has gone to noticeable lengths to develop and describe the cultures and religions of both clans of elves and tribes of humans. The only downside of the book is that the editing is not spot-on, and there are dozens of typographical errors. This doesn’t take away from your enjoyment of the story, but it’s a bit burdensome especially if you’re an editor in your day job.
November 28, 2012
My review here.
December 9, 2014
Portland Book Review said -- http://www.portlandbookreview.com/the...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews