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Monument
After unwittingly stealing a mysterious artifact possessed of unimaginable power, a drunken vagrant suddenly discovers that the fate of the world is in his hands. Reprint.
454 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 16, 2018
First published in 2002, so a bit after George R R Martin started his 'Song of Ice and Fire' but before grimdark fantasy became a bandwagon, "Monument" holds a special place in my remembrance as one of the first modern fantasies that made me such a huge fan of the genre. Re-reading it though is a bittersweet experience, as the world created by Ian Graham is as vividly dark and dangerous as I remembered and its protagonist as despicable and irrepressible as an unfolding natural cataclysm, but the plot sort of comes apart at the seams towards the end of the story. It's a case of a very cool setting that deserved, in my opinion, a stronger punchline. Not that the conclusion is a poor one, especially if you like to find a core message in a book. In this case the kernel of the story is how to break the endless cycle of violence where dark deeds give birth to vendettas spawning successive generations and only the most ruthless have a chance of surviving.
Drink had bloated him. Over his belt sagged an ale gut – a flaccid drum of flesh, straining against his tunic. His face was swollen. And never a handsome man, he now resembled a boar. His nose had been broken so frequently in drunken brawls that it had crumpled into a snout. His beard – thick, tangled, lice-thronged – was the dull black of a tusker's pelt. His slightly hunched shoulders, barrel chest, and lumbering movement added to his porcine appearance. Only his eyes looked fully human. Set in watery, bloodshot whites, the green irises were sharp, attentive. They glittered insolently.
We first meet Balas on the lowest rung of the social scale – a homeless drunkard and petty thief, as far from the clean image of the Arthurian knight-hero as you can possibly get. Yet the fate of Druine may rest on his burly shoulders and on his huge beer belly. Not that Balas has any higher ideals to pursue : he is just trying to survive against impossible odds, being chased far and wide over Druine by the all powerful Pilgrim Church theocracy and their armies. The McGuffin or 'monument' from the title is a priceless artifact that Balas steals from a monk trying to save him (a hint of 'Les Miserables' here?).
... a black iron disc, about four inches across. In the centre nestled a blue gemstone, measuring an inch from side to side. Near the disc's edge, four more stones – blood red this time – were inset at the cardinal compass points.
In an intriguing development, the artefact that starts the whole debacle is lost to Balas very early in the proceedings, but not early enough to avoid getting noticed by the Inquisition-like leaders of the Pilgrim Church. And in the world of Druine the Pilgrim Church controls everything with iron fist and burning stake, plus a few other secret tools that Balas is unfortunate enough to discover for himself. Yet Balas, the lowest of the low, has an ace up his ragged sleeve : when you have nothing to lose, you either lay down and die or you start fighting back. Killing is apparently the thing Balas is best at, killing and having absolutely no scruples about fighting dirty, lying and betraying everybody when cornered. He is bad news both to his enemies and to the few people who are trying to help him.
You are a wicked man. Yet you thrive. Many have tried to kill you – yet you have escaped them all. My father, however, died. He was fair-hearted, ... But he died. And it was a painful death. There is no logic to this. No sense. No reason. I can only assume everything is just a cosmic joke. And to be happy, you must choose whether to laugh or weep.
A good part of the novel is explicit gore, with a bodycount higher than a Rambo movie, yet Mr. Graham somehow manages to make the quest about more than mere survival. A key to unlock the mystery of Balas is to spot the difference between the Gospels of the original pilgrims (founders of the current religion) and how their teachings have been twisted in the rise of the political and repressive Church. But I should probably let potential readers discover these answers by themselves, if they are interested in this style of dark fantasy and are not turned off by detailed scenes of carnage.
For my money, I believe this novel deserves more recognition and a wider audience. I may have had some problems with the ending , but for a debut novel "Monument" is truly memorable.
November 21, 2015
this is the review I posted on www.fantasyliterature.com and Amazon years ago.
When Ballas is nearly beaten to death, kind strangers give him life-saving medical attention. He repays their charity by robbing them. But there's more to the stolen artifact then just priceless gemstones. It holds ancient secrets the ruling religious leaders will stop at nothing to keep hidden. Ballas quickly becomes the most hated and feared man in the empire. He is hunted with a brutal relentlessness that equals only that of Ballas himself. His only chance for survival is escape to a mythical land on the far side of an impassable mountain range -- the only place beyond the power of the Church of the Four Pilgrims.
Ballas is a vagrant with no greater interest than his next means of getting drunk or hiring a prostitute. He's big, bad, and a kind of ugly that only looks more natural beat-up. Besides the ability to consume mass amounts of alcohol, his only talent is for violence and a spiteful survivability. He's not a psychopath or unjustly cruel, but he has no qualms about killing whenever he deems it necessary. You have to dig so deep to find any redeeming qualities in Ballas, that what you do find is questionable.
Call me twisted, but I love this guy.
The action is savage. Sometimes I even dreaded what might be Ballas's next course of action -- expecting the worst but still hoping he'd show some compassion. I read with anticipation -- looking for any revelation about what turned him into such a dreg of humanity. While I did have some predictions about the conclusion, I wasn't sure if Mr. Graham would have the gahones to end this the only way he should. I won't tell you if he does.
Whether we admit it or not, there something to be appreciated in stories like this. It appeals to that little devil on our shoulder that begs to fly the bird at authority or punch out that jerk who cut you off in traffic.
It took a gutsy author to write this story and it's just not right that Monument hasn't gotten more notice. However, I must admit, I guess it takes a certain kind of dark understanding to enjoy. Word is, Mr. Graham is currently working on a prequel, and I'm anxious to read it and anything else he'll write in the future.
When Ballas is nearly beaten to death, kind strangers give him life-saving medical attention. He repays their charity by robbing them. But there's more to the stolen artifact then just priceless gemstones. It holds ancient secrets the ruling religious leaders will stop at nothing to keep hidden. Ballas quickly becomes the most hated and feared man in the empire. He is hunted with a brutal relentlessness that equals only that of Ballas himself. His only chance for survival is escape to a mythical land on the far side of an impassable mountain range -- the only place beyond the power of the Church of the Four Pilgrims.
Ballas is a vagrant with no greater interest than his next means of getting drunk or hiring a prostitute. He's big, bad, and a kind of ugly that only looks more natural beat-up. Besides the ability to consume mass amounts of alcohol, his only talent is for violence and a spiteful survivability. He's not a psychopath or unjustly cruel, but he has no qualms about killing whenever he deems it necessary. You have to dig so deep to find any redeeming qualities in Ballas, that what you do find is questionable.
Call me twisted, but I love this guy.
The action is savage. Sometimes I even dreaded what might be Ballas's next course of action -- expecting the worst but still hoping he'd show some compassion. I read with anticipation -- looking for any revelation about what turned him into such a dreg of humanity. While I did have some predictions about the conclusion, I wasn't sure if Mr. Graham would have the gahones to end this the only way he should. I won't tell you if he does.
Whether we admit it or not, there something to be appreciated in stories like this. It appeals to that little devil on our shoulder that begs to fly the bird at authority or punch out that jerk who cut you off in traffic.
It took a gutsy author to write this story and it's just not right that Monument hasn't gotten more notice. However, I must admit, I guess it takes a certain kind of dark understanding to enjoy. Word is, Mr. Graham is currently working on a prequel, and I'm anxious to read it and anything else he'll write in the future.
June 2, 2012
The full article of the review is available in this link:
http://bookunderthesun.blogspot.sg/20...
When I finished reading Monument, a profound sense of sadness lingered within me. This story is unlike any other fantasy novels which I had feasted upon; this is way darker and within each page, death looms and hope is an optimist's dream. There were no heroes in the story, nor were there villains; everyone carried their own darkness, and it was obvious that everyone was far from perfect.
The story revolved around the person known as Ballas - a vagrant, a drunk, a vermin, a scum; in him lied the vices of all men, and while he was the protagonist of the story, he was not a hero. As such, he was beaten to within an inch of his life when the story began, and a priest took pity upon him and ministered to his wound. Ballas was no stranger to disrespect and violent treatment from people around him, but being treated kindly was something new, and he was uncomfortable with it. His nature took hold, and from those who treated him kindly, he stole.
A praise to Graham - his art of storytelling is uncommon yet extraordinary, and the characters are all unlike any other story. Most stories satisfied themselves with a protagonist that is noble or heroic, and set off those stories through some noble quests. Of course there were the not-so-heroic ones, who acted more like anti-heroes yet still possess their own reason and will end the story with a heroic and noble deed to save the day. Monument did no such thing. The protagonist is as much a villain as you can get, yet his actions and motives perplexed me; whenever you thought that there is a hero lying within the heart of Ballas, his next deed will leave you questioning his motive.
As interesting as protagonists go, Ballas was the most unusual one. I seldom come across a character as selfish and uncaring as he did, and none as ruthless. He was not an anti-hero, which is usually associated with a protagonist lacking the archetypal heroic demeanor; Ballas was just downright self-serving, and will stop at nothing to get whatever he wants. He will betray everyone if he thinks that it will serve himself and save his hide. He will help no one, and everyone was a tool to him for aiding him on his path to Belthirran, the fabled Land Beyond the Mountains in Monument, a rumored land which he struggled hard to reach in order to escape from the powers-to-be. All this bring us to the story - a chronology of his blood-stained path to Belthirran, killing and betraying all the way to his destination.
Monument is definitely a change of scenery from the usual fantasy stories. Be warned though, do not expect a happy ending to it, nor expect that Ballas be your favorite hero of the year. If you are looking for a fresh story that is extraordinary, then do get your hands on this.
http://bookunderthesun.blogspot.sg/20...
When I finished reading Monument, a profound sense of sadness lingered within me. This story is unlike any other fantasy novels which I had feasted upon; this is way darker and within each page, death looms and hope is an optimist's dream. There were no heroes in the story, nor were there villains; everyone carried their own darkness, and it was obvious that everyone was far from perfect.
The story revolved around the person known as Ballas - a vagrant, a drunk, a vermin, a scum; in him lied the vices of all men, and while he was the protagonist of the story, he was not a hero. As such, he was beaten to within an inch of his life when the story began, and a priest took pity upon him and ministered to his wound. Ballas was no stranger to disrespect and violent treatment from people around him, but being treated kindly was something new, and he was uncomfortable with it. His nature took hold, and from those who treated him kindly, he stole.
A praise to Graham - his art of storytelling is uncommon yet extraordinary, and the characters are all unlike any other story. Most stories satisfied themselves with a protagonist that is noble or heroic, and set off those stories through some noble quests. Of course there were the not-so-heroic ones, who acted more like anti-heroes yet still possess their own reason and will end the story with a heroic and noble deed to save the day. Monument did no such thing. The protagonist is as much a villain as you can get, yet his actions and motives perplexed me; whenever you thought that there is a hero lying within the heart of Ballas, his next deed will leave you questioning his motive.
As interesting as protagonists go, Ballas was the most unusual one. I seldom come across a character as selfish and uncaring as he did, and none as ruthless. He was not an anti-hero, which is usually associated with a protagonist lacking the archetypal heroic demeanor; Ballas was just downright self-serving, and will stop at nothing to get whatever he wants. He will betray everyone if he thinks that it will serve himself and save his hide. He will help no one, and everyone was a tool to him for aiding him on his path to Belthirran, the fabled Land Beyond the Mountains in Monument, a rumored land which he struggled hard to reach in order to escape from the powers-to-be. All this bring us to the story - a chronology of his blood-stained path to Belthirran, killing and betraying all the way to his destination.
Monument is definitely a change of scenery from the usual fantasy stories. Be warned though, do not expect a happy ending to it, nor expect that Ballas be your favorite hero of the year. If you are looking for a fresh story that is extraordinary, then do get your hands on this.
September 12, 2024
Lots of running in a land filled with only Rowan trees and the occasional Oak.
January 15, 2014
I got this book nearly a decade but to the credit of Ian Graham I find myself re-reading it at least once a year.
Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, amongst others, have made the anti-hero the trend in fantasy nowadays but I have a far fonder spot for Ballas. He is what he is, and doesn't seek the sympathy of the reader like many other anti-heroes. He reminds me a little of Bester's Gully Foyle, which is of course a good thing.
I won't delve into too many details of the plot but after robbing a valuable artifact Ballas finds himself on the run and hunted throughout the land. Whilst the book doesn't go into too much detail concerning the lore and history of the world it is set in, it doesn't detract from the story, and is somewhat refreshing considering how heavy other fantasy authors can lay it on in that regard.
The ending itself I enjoyed immensely and the book as a whole. It's a real shame Ian Graham has yet to write another book.
Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, amongst others, have made the anti-hero the trend in fantasy nowadays but I have a far fonder spot for Ballas. He is what he is, and doesn't seek the sympathy of the reader like many other anti-heroes. He reminds me a little of Bester's Gully Foyle, which is of course a good thing.
I won't delve into too many details of the plot but after robbing a valuable artifact Ballas finds himself on the run and hunted throughout the land. Whilst the book doesn't go into too much detail concerning the lore and history of the world it is set in, it doesn't detract from the story, and is somewhat refreshing considering how heavy other fantasy authors can lay it on in that regard.
The ending itself I enjoyed immensely and the book as a whole. It's a real shame Ian Graham has yet to write another book.
June 30, 2023
Writing a hero is easy. Writing a bad guy is a little harder, but writing a true morally grey main character is so difficult I have to give major props to Graham.
Ballas is not a good guy. He is selfish and ruthless and has no regard for others or their wellbeing unless he can directly benefit from them. And yet, the reader still bonds with him, and "roots" for him throughout his journey.
Running from the church and their corrupt rulers, for there is no offense too arbitrary that they will not kill over, Ballas and his unwilling companions traverse what is known of the world to seek absolution beyond the edge.
Monument is certainly in the top three books I've read in 2023. It is gruesome, and raw, and an epic journey you will want to keep reading.
Ballas is not a good guy. He is selfish and ruthless and has no regard for others or their wellbeing unless he can directly benefit from them. And yet, the reader still bonds with him, and "roots" for him throughout his journey.
Running from the church and their corrupt rulers, for there is no offense too arbitrary that they will not kill over, Ballas and his unwilling companions traverse what is known of the world to seek absolution beyond the edge.
Monument is certainly in the top three books I've read in 2023. It is gruesome, and raw, and an epic journey you will want to keep reading.
February 10, 2020
3.5 / 5
Monument is a debut fantasy novel by Ian Graham. It recounts the story of Ballas, a vagrant who challenges luck and fate by actions immoral and risky. When Ballas robs a temple and steals an important artifact, he sets in motion events that spiral downwards and put him in a series of awful situations.
As far as characters go, Ballas is one of the most awful and despicable characters that exist. The author sets a challenge to himself by having such a character being the main protagonist of the novel. As a reader, it's hard to almost impossible to like Ballas, his actions and justifications are just the opposite of what one would expect from the typical fantasy novel hero. But Graham keeps the carrot dangling in front of us readers the whole time, he makes us feel as if redemption is just at the next chapter, he gives us hope that Ballas will become better. Does Ballas eventually ? I won't say anything, it would be a spoiler if I did and it's part of the book's appeal to find that out.
Of course, there are other characters in the novel but they also have their faults and shortcomings. This makes the novel both interesting, exciting and frustrating at times. Also, I don't really agree with the way that Stockholm syndrome develops...
The plot is a bit black and white. It starts very interestingly, with a lot of mystery, magic and momentum. So many things happen at the first third of the book, and we want to know more, we want to see what happens. I could not stop reading at the beginning. The middle third loses some of the momentum. New characters are introduced but the mystery and excitement is left behind and it becomes often a bit repetitive. The last third.... well it's a bit crazy and unexpected and we get many answers. But is it satisfying? Well, not as much as I hoped but to each his own.
Writing is one of the strongest parts of this book. Graham is simply amazing, and considering that was his first novel, it makes all that even more impressive. Let me say this in a different way: "This is the debut of an unknown author publishing an unknown book about the worst, scummiest and most awful protagonist ever, doing horrible things... And I couldn't stop reading! How can an inexperienced author write so smoothly, fluently, effortlessly, giving as much detail as is always needed ? I didn't expect to like the writing... but I loved it!"
Interestingly, Graham tackles some more philosophical matters, especially in some exchanges and dialogues of his characters. Most have to do with religion, tradition, faith, and their opposites (!). Graham doesn't necessarily take a stance but it throws the question in there and lets the reader think and choose his answers. I thought that was a very nice way to make a simple fantasy book feel deeper and have an extra layer of depth without being assertive or pedantic.
In conclusion, if one wants to read a fantasy book about realistic character with few redeeming qualities with excellent writing and a few philosophical overtones, this is a great choice! I can honestly say that I haven't ever read a book like that. I really liked it and I recommend it!
3.5 / 5
Monument is a debut fantasy novel by Ian Graham. It recounts the story of Ballas, a vagrant who challenges luck and fate by actions immoral and risky. When Ballas robs a temple and steals an important artifact, he sets in motion events that spiral downwards and put him in a series of awful situations.
As far as characters go, Ballas is one of the most awful and despicable characters that exist. The author sets a challenge to himself by having such a character being the main protagonist of the novel. As a reader, it's hard to almost impossible to like Ballas, his actions and justifications are just the opposite of what one would expect from the typical fantasy novel hero. But Graham keeps the carrot dangling in front of us readers the whole time, he makes us feel as if redemption is just at the next chapter, he gives us hope that Ballas will become better. Does Ballas eventually ? I won't say anything, it would be a spoiler if I did and it's part of the book's appeal to find that out.
Of course, there are other characters in the novel but they also have their faults and shortcomings. This makes the novel both interesting, exciting and frustrating at times. Also, I don't really agree with the way that Stockholm syndrome develops...
The plot is a bit black and white. It starts very interestingly, with a lot of mystery, magic and momentum. So many things happen at the first third of the book, and we want to know more, we want to see what happens. I could not stop reading at the beginning. The middle third loses some of the momentum. New characters are introduced but the mystery and excitement is left behind and it becomes often a bit repetitive. The last third.... well it's a bit crazy and unexpected and we get many answers. But is it satisfying? Well, not as much as I hoped but to each his own.
Writing is one of the strongest parts of this book. Graham is simply amazing, and considering that was his first novel, it makes all that even more impressive. Let me say this in a different way: "This is the debut of an unknown author publishing an unknown book about the worst, scummiest and most awful protagonist ever, doing horrible things... And I couldn't stop reading! How can an inexperienced author write so smoothly, fluently, effortlessly, giving as much detail as is always needed ? I didn't expect to like the writing... but I loved it!"
Interestingly, Graham tackles some more philosophical matters, especially in some exchanges and dialogues of his characters. Most have to do with religion, tradition, faith, and their opposites (!). Graham doesn't necessarily take a stance but it throws the question in there and lets the reader think and choose his answers. I thought that was a very nice way to make a simple fantasy book feel deeper and have an extra layer of depth without being assertive or pedantic.
In conclusion, if one wants to read a fantasy book about realistic character with few redeeming qualities with excellent writing and a few philosophical overtones, this is a great choice! I can honestly say that I haven't ever read a book like that. I really liked it and I recommend it!
3.5 / 5
February 3, 2008
Monument is one of those books you pick up when you're looking to break away from cutesy fantasy filled with elves, dwarves, and men with swords. It's a somewhat bleak tale, but if you're looking for something different you may like to consider it.
Ballas is in every respect an anti-hero. Ballas is a liar, a thief who kills indiscriminately and cheats everyone and anyone to accomplish his own ends. One particular act of thievery leaves him the most wanted man in the country. It's another tale of a wanted man hunted down across a vast land, the difference being that this time we're seeing things from the bad guy's side (not to say that there actually are any good guys in the novel).
Ballas appears to be motivated by greed, self-preservation, and little else. He is a despicable person, with a cunning intelligence which demands respect even though you'll be wondering why you're rooting for such an evil man. Just as it seems that Ballas may be having a change of heart and may even do something vaguely honorable, he disappoints us again. However, I have to admire the author for this. A change of heart and redemption would have spelled disaster for this novel.
I got no real sense of place in this novel. The cities and towns came to me vividly, but I have few remembrances of country areas. Towns and cities are all bleak, dirty, disease-ridden, crime-filled hellholes. The lack of a map was a disappointment to me, as I'm a geography nut who has to know where every place is located, even in a fictional world.
Definitely check this book out if you're tired with the ordinary fantasy formula. It's not a book to leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling at the end but it is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly stale genre.
Ballas is in every respect an anti-hero. Ballas is a liar, a thief who kills indiscriminately and cheats everyone and anyone to accomplish his own ends. One particular act of thievery leaves him the most wanted man in the country. It's another tale of a wanted man hunted down across a vast land, the difference being that this time we're seeing things from the bad guy's side (not to say that there actually are any good guys in the novel).
Ballas appears to be motivated by greed, self-preservation, and little else. He is a despicable person, with a cunning intelligence which demands respect even though you'll be wondering why you're rooting for such an evil man. Just as it seems that Ballas may be having a change of heart and may even do something vaguely honorable, he disappoints us again. However, I have to admire the author for this. A change of heart and redemption would have spelled disaster for this novel.
I got no real sense of place in this novel. The cities and towns came to me vividly, but I have few remembrances of country areas. Towns and cities are all bleak, dirty, disease-ridden, crime-filled hellholes. The lack of a map was a disappointment to me, as I'm a geography nut who has to know where every place is located, even in a fictional world.
Definitely check this book out if you're tired with the ordinary fantasy formula. It's not a book to leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling at the end but it is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly stale genre.
September 20, 2010
It's a rare occurence when a despicable character can hold your interest throughout an entire story, but such is the case with this tale. Anhaga Ballas is a vagrant, a drunk, a thief and a killer; I did not like him at all. Ballas had been imprisoned by the Pilgrim Church of Druine for killing a man who worked for them. When he sees a fellow prisoner meet a horrific fate, Ballas makes his escape and is therafter pursued by the wardens of the church. His one wish is to flee to the fabled land of Belthirran, a goal which leads him on a long journey of death and destruction, but one he is determined to reach. However, his story becomes a compelling look at how fiercely someone can hold on to their own existence at all costs, no matter how dreadful and obnoxious that life.
August 28, 2017
Herman Hesse flavored sword & sorcery
August 11, 2022
This book had been lounging on my shelf for a few years now, having bought it secondhand on a whim, I was somewhat putt off by the cover and rather bland title to sit down and start reading. I felt like I had to be in a specific mood to read a more old school fantasy story, imagine my surprise to discover that that cover, is a total lie!
The figure on the cover, who is he supposed to be? the only character that comes to mind is barely in this, while the floating orb he keeps levitating above his hand? Does not appear in the book. So..... who decided on this cover? Because there are other covers that do show the main character and the object of his worries so why settle on this bland cover that has no relation to the actual story? Likewise, the title, this does refer to something in the book but once again I am not fully sold on that, it does not do the story and main character justice.
Getting to the main character and story; the main character is a middle aged, overweight violent selfish drunk vagrant. I disliked him from the start because he reminds me of a person I know in real life whom I despise. But I pushed beyond that initial loathing and the thing is, your not supposed to like him. He is a deplorable figure whose two sole redeeming factors are, that he is not a rapist (something I feared to happen for quite a while) and he is a relentless survivor. This book is about the struggle for survival of a man you do not want to see succeed, yet Ian Graham depicts the actions of the church/ theocratic council in such a light that you don't really want them to win either. This makes for quite a tense story set in a grim world that suits the main character just fine.
The ending was a surprise and I won't spoil it, but safe to say that for me, the main character isn't redeemed. The ending wants to make Ballas seem less foul than he has been portrayed but no, for me his actions throughout the book and his general persona can't be redeemed with the ending plot twist. I was genuinely surprised how captivated I was for a character I genuinely dislike, but his manic drive for survival kinda swept me up and when finished I felt happy I had stuck to it and not given up in the first two chapters.
The figure on the cover, who is he supposed to be? the only character that comes to mind is barely in this, while the floating orb he keeps levitating above his hand? Does not appear in the book. So..... who decided on this cover? Because there are other covers that do show the main character and the object of his worries so why settle on this bland cover that has no relation to the actual story? Likewise, the title, this does refer to something in the book but once again I am not fully sold on that, it does not do the story and main character justice.
Getting to the main character and story; the main character is a middle aged, overweight violent selfish drunk vagrant. I disliked him from the start because he reminds me of a person I know in real life whom I despise. But I pushed beyond that initial loathing and the thing is, your not supposed to like him. He is a deplorable figure whose two sole redeeming factors are, that he is not a rapist (something I feared to happen for quite a while) and he is a relentless survivor. This book is about the struggle for survival of a man you do not want to see succeed, yet Ian Graham depicts the actions of the church/ theocratic council in such a light that you don't really want them to win either. This makes for quite a tense story set in a grim world that suits the main character just fine.
The ending was a surprise and I won't spoil it, but safe to say that for me, the main character isn't redeemed. The ending wants to make Ballas seem less foul than he has been portrayed but no, for me his actions throughout the book and his general persona can't be redeemed with the ending plot twist. I was genuinely surprised how captivated I was for a character I genuinely dislike, but his manic drive for survival kinda swept me up and when finished I felt happy I had stuck to it and not given up in the first two chapters.
July 20, 2022
One of the best novels i ever read.. Between its covers a story that is like no other!
I enjoyed reading every chapter.. Laughed, got excited, was wondering where the Ballas came from and where is he going.. Each chapter reveals more exciting events and make the dilemma more complicated.. Worth the read.. And the End of the Novel was the biggest blast, and i really loved it till the end.
I enjoyed reading every chapter.. Laughed, got excited, was wondering where the Ballas came from and where is he going.. Each chapter reveals more exciting events and make the dilemma more complicated.. Worth the read.. And the End of the Novel was the biggest blast, and i really loved it till the end.
December 17, 2017
I found this book randomly while perusing the shelves at my local Barnes and Noble back in 2005. I instantly fell in love with the darkness and anti-hero characteristics of the protagonist. This was one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels.
June 24, 2021
I loved this book. It is fantasy, but in a way in which an adult man might enjoy it. For instance, it is realistic, no Mary Sue that can overpower any man. Everyone is an asshole, no heroes. Just like the real world.
November 22, 2017
You know what's my favourite thing about this book? The main character's main move is a kick in the nuts of his opponent. I mean, fuck. come on :). That's fucking awesome.
October 4, 2019
Grimy, Gritty, Great!!
October 15, 2020
Read this as a young adult and I enjoyed the anti-hero theme which was rare to find. I wish this writer was more prolific.
November 5, 2021
Grimdark done right. Loved everything about this book.
August 16, 2020
I liked this book more than I probably should have considering what a shit Ballas is. 😂
I can't really say the plot hooked me much, but the characters definitely did.
I can't really say the plot hooked me much, but the characters definitely did.
July 11, 2008
I love books with great cover art. This cover by Jerry Vandersteldt is rather simple really, yet I find myself drawn to it, or into it, rather; drawn into the mysteries that it presents...who is this mysterious priestly character? Where is he, in a library, a temple, a monastery? What is the significance of the magical blue light that he is conjuring? What depths of knowledge are contained within the mysterious tomes and parchments cluttered upon the table and shelves. What about that skull on the top shelf in the background? Is there some significance to it? This painting presents many mysteries - and impels the viewer to dive into the book, searching for answers.
Stylistically, I love the Rembrandt-like use of light - the light from the magical blue light reflecting off the man's face and hand, the candlelight reflecting off the parchment on the table and off the man's robe, the moonlight filtering in through the window and illuminating the book shelf and stone archways. Very nice - and quite hypnotizing.
Ironically, light is something that for the most part is absent from the book itself. The scene depicted in the cover painting is not a scene straight out of book. However, it does illustrate a number of elements from the book; mysteries that end up being central to the book's conclusion. That being said - readers beware. The majestic mood conjured by the cover is not representative of the book as a whole. Monument is a very dark, brutally violent, action packed fantasy adventure. There are magical priests like the cover character in the novel, but they are not the main characters. In fact magic itself plays a minor role in the book, for in the world that Ian Graham depicts magic is outlawed. The main character of the novel is in fact a rather revolting unlikable brute with few (if any) redeeming qualities. Regardless, Graham has written an engaging adventure tale that will suck you in. Even with my strong dislike for the main character early on, I was engrossed by the the unfolding tale and couldn't put the book down. My only complaint would be that few clues about the true nature of what's going on are revealed throughout the course of the story. Thus from one perspective it may seem as if there is no point to the action of the tale until the final chapter or two when all is revealed in one extended "so-that's-what-it-all-meant" dialogue.
This is a great first novel and I have eagerly waited for a second from Ian Graham. Unfortunately, I haven't found one. Don't suppose he has a profile on goodreads...
Stylistically, I love the Rembrandt-like use of light - the light from the magical blue light reflecting off the man's face and hand, the candlelight reflecting off the parchment on the table and off the man's robe, the moonlight filtering in through the window and illuminating the book shelf and stone archways. Very nice - and quite hypnotizing.
Ironically, light is something that for the most part is absent from the book itself. The scene depicted in the cover painting is not a scene straight out of book. However, it does illustrate a number of elements from the book; mysteries that end up being central to the book's conclusion. That being said - readers beware. The majestic mood conjured by the cover is not representative of the book as a whole. Monument is a very dark, brutally violent, action packed fantasy adventure. There are magical priests like the cover character in the novel, but they are not the main characters. In fact magic itself plays a minor role in the book, for in the world that Ian Graham depicts magic is outlawed. The main character of the novel is in fact a rather revolting unlikable brute with few (if any) redeeming qualities. Regardless, Graham has written an engaging adventure tale that will suck you in. Even with my strong dislike for the main character early on, I was engrossed by the the unfolding tale and couldn't put the book down. My only complaint would be that few clues about the true nature of what's going on are revealed throughout the course of the story. Thus from one perspective it may seem as if there is no point to the action of the tale until the final chapter or two when all is revealed in one extended "so-that's-what-it-all-meant" dialogue.
This is a great first novel and I have eagerly waited for a second from Ian Graham. Unfortunately, I haven't found one. Don't suppose he has a profile on goodreads...
February 1, 2013
So I finished this book this morning. It was pretty good. Not like the best thing ever, but a nice little story. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. For first novels, the authors tend to have good ideas for a story but they almost never pull off the ending well. I think Graham did a really good job with it. The rest of the book was maybe longer than it needed to be. Many of the fighting and struggling-to-survive-almost-trapped-and-killed-but-managed-to-escape scenes were kind of the same thing over and over again, and the ending was quite abrupt and short, but I liked it overall. I'm glad the author didn't spend a whole lot of time going over Ballas's back story. Just a very brief explanation at the end that explains so much about Ballas and his life. I think that was well done. I gave this four stars, but really I'd say 3.5 I didn't want to just give it a three, though.
So the most interesting thing about this book is that the main character, our "hero" is such a complete jerk. He is completely self-centered. He feels no guilt about hurting anyone who gets in his way or inconveniences him. People frequently help him (as he is always on the brink of freezing to death from passing out drunk), and he repays them by hitting them on head and robbing them! I frequently felt myself feeling sorry for anyone who encountered Ballas, and never truly felt connected or commiserated with Ballas himself. Despite that, I enjoyed reading the story from his point of view. Definitely an interesting take on an anti-hero.
So the most interesting thing about this book is that the main character, our "hero" is such a complete jerk. He is completely self-centered. He feels no guilt about hurting anyone who gets in his way or inconveniences him. People frequently help him (as he is always on the brink of freezing to death from passing out drunk), and he repays them by hitting them on head and robbing them! I frequently felt myself feeling sorry for anyone who encountered Ballas, and never truly felt connected or commiserated with Ballas himself. Despite that, I enjoyed reading the story from his point of view. Definitely an interesting take on an anti-hero.
January 23, 2017
There is something special about a book when the protagonist can repeatedly steal from, threaten, or-and I swear this happens at least three or four times-punch out innocents in order to satisfy his own objectives and still feel worth rooting for. How? The world Anhaga Ballas finds himself in is not that of a young adult or children's fantasy. The world is brutal, dark, and ominous. Even those spaces not explicitly disturbing, places described as being pleasant/rustic, still feel as if they are presenting an illusion, a curtain to hide the darkness. A pleasant village adjacent to a menacing swamp filled with man-eating eels, for example. We do not see this world through the eyes of a casual adventurer permitted to go wherever he pleases in the name of heroism. Even if the world Ballas inhabits is not truly so disturbing, we certainly do not see it in such a way. This, I think, is where this book truly shines. Even if the reader does not like Ballas, they will feel his anger, his desperation, his paranoia. His fears will become theirs, and they will see everything in the book through a crimson colored filter. Nothing is safe and escape is all that matters. Only when the trials and tribulations presented from this perspective are looked back upon does the reader truly understand how tragic the final pages of this book are.
This sounds like a rant but I'm posting it anyway. Please, if you love dark fantasy in any form read this book!
This sounds like a rant but I'm posting it anyway. Please, if you love dark fantasy in any form read this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2015
What a delight to finally read a fantasy book with no redemption arc! I was even a bit disappointed that the ending shows us Ballas in a new, more heroic, light, but fortunately it didn't change how unlikable he was (of course, I love him! But it's precisely because almost nothing is likable about him). I really enjoyed that he wasn't doing all those things out of the gentleness of his heart, and that it was more about timing than chivalry or whatever good motivation. It was a nice change, a bit of fresh air even for someone like me, who loves fantasy and its tropes to pieces.
[spoiler]I'm also so grateful for those moments where he tricks people into their death! It was refreshing to see a "hero" who knows his only chance at surviving is to sacrifice others and doesn't mind doing so. He's a jerk, but he's human: he prefers to make certain he'll survive than to try a heroic gesture which might put his life at stake. And, of course, I loved that the book stays true to Ballas's attitude and personality right through the end; had he saved the day to protect the world, it wouldn't have been such a good book![/spoiler]
In short, Ian Graham did a great job with this story but his real success is Ballas, a character I wish we could see more in books!
[spoiler]I'm also so grateful for those moments where he tricks people into their death! It was refreshing to see a "hero" who knows his only chance at surviving is to sacrifice others and doesn't mind doing so. He's a jerk, but he's human: he prefers to make certain he'll survive than to try a heroic gesture which might put his life at stake. And, of course, I loved that the book stays true to Ballas's attitude and personality right through the end; had he saved the day to protect the world, it wouldn't have been such a good book![/spoiler]
In short, Ian Graham did a great job with this story but his real success is Ballas, a character I wish we could see more in books!
October 5, 2013
I love that when I was younger and everyone always said "Don't judge a book by its cover!" and I listened. I think I actually enjoy books with terrible covers more than awesome ones, it's like it sets the bar slightly lower for me so when the book is good I'm pleasantly surprised.
That being said, this book looks awesome! That wizard is giving me such a smugly skeptical look. Must read.
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So the cover has NOTHING to do with this book. It's mostly about a drunken lout with a vague background that is only ever hinted at (and a page of explanation about 3 pages from the end of the book) who kills and kills and kills. Lots of rather boring violence; I ended up skimming the last half of the book.
That being said, this book looks awesome! That wizard is giving me such a smugly skeptical look. Must read.
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So the cover has NOTHING to do with this book. It's mostly about a drunken lout with a vague background that is only ever hinted at (and a page of explanation about 3 pages from the end of the book) who kills and kills and kills. Lots of rather boring violence; I ended up skimming the last half of the book.
March 13, 2016
I felt compelled to finish this book, even though I didn't like the main character. I kept wanting a redemption of some sort... which "kinda" comes through in the end. The one thing that kept me reading to the bitter end (and really it took me forever to finish because I just didn't care about the main character) is to try and tie in the artifact that he originally stole that set him on his path. I never did figure it out. But I like the world that Mr Graham created just enough to 'maybe' read the next book....
May 30, 2021
Unlike anything I've read. It has a mean sting. Read till the end and you'll be rewarded.
May 28, 2016
A pretty interesting read, and with decent pacing, but it suffers somewhat from repetitiveness. The main character gets into a number of fights and they mostly go the same way: a headbutt, gut stabbings, and inevitably a thrown sword that hits the last guy in the back as he runs away. Despite the battles getting a little dull I did enjoy the book and would like to read more of the author's work.
May 30, 2008
At first I wasn't impressed with the book, but I wasn't going to put it down cuz i was out of new books. After a bit it really took off, just took the author a while to use character development, but in the end it's needed. Excellent book with a twist you may or may not see.
August 5, 2016
An awesome concept, but a little poorly executed. The main character is supposed to be non-likable but it's pretty clear from a few pages in where that's going and that he's a far "better" man than his history implies. A little too telegraphed.
December 17, 2012
One of the very best books that i have read.
great conflicted protagonist.... or is he the antagonist. :)
i think mostly guys will enjoy this book as there is a lot of violence and Ballas is always on the run from the law.
i loved every moment of it and it ramps up to an exciting twisted climax.
great conflicted protagonist.... or is he the antagonist. :)
i think mostly guys will enjoy this book as there is a lot of violence and Ballas is always on the run from the law.
i loved every moment of it and it ramps up to an exciting twisted climax.
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