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Well of Sorrows #1
Well of Sorrows
An epic tale of a continent on the brink of war, and a deadly magic that waits to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world.
Colin Harten and his parents had fled across the ocean to escape the Family wars in Andover. But trouble followed them and their fellow refugees to this new land, forcing them to abandon the settled areas and head into unexplored territory-the sacred grounds of a race of underground dwellers and warriors. It was here that they would meet their doom. Driven to the borders of a dark forest, they were attacked by mysterious Shadow creatures who fed on life force. Only Colin survived to find his way to the Well of Sorrows-and to a destiny that might prove the last hope for peace in this troubled land.
Colin Harten and his parents had fled across the ocean to escape the Family wars in Andover. But trouble followed them and their fellow refugees to this new land, forcing them to abandon the settled areas and head into unexplored territory-the sacred grounds of a race of underground dwellers and warriors. It was here that they would meet their doom. Driven to the borders of a dark forest, they were attacked by mysterious Shadow creatures who fed on life force. Only Colin survived to find his way to the Well of Sorrows-and to a destiny that might prove the last hope for peace in this troubled land.
648 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 3, 2010
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 the plot to develop at a fast clip. Instead of throwing a ton of what could be a very complicated (and potentially dull)amount of information at the reader about past wars and the finer details of three different cultures and religions, Tate the reader with enough information as the story goes along.
A fast moving and interesting read. Well worth it.
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 the plot to develop at a fast clip. Instead of throwing a ton of what could be a very complicated (and potentially dull)amount of information at the reader about past wars and the finer details of three different cultures and religions, Tate the reader with enough information as the story goes along.
A fast moving and interesting read. Well worth it.
May 14, 2010
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 lead a group of their people out to try to found a new settlement. But there are strange and dangerous things out in the plains, things which have caused previous settlers to never be seen again.
Colin's family's group of course finds these dangerous things. And Colin's life is irretrievably changed.
I could go on from there, but that would be significant spoilerage. I will however say that this is only really the first stretch of the book; the main storyline is what happens long after these events. And I can add that the worldbuilding is the primary thing that appealed to me about Tate's work. The idea of an overseas colony, complete with strife between it and the motherland, is not new to fantasy to be sure. But it's handled well here and with a nice balance between a realistic feel and just enough magic to remind you that oh yeah, this is in fact a fantasy novel--not to mention that there are two non-human races that initially will probably strike most readers as thinly disguised elves and dwarves. Tate's names for them, the Alvritshai and the dwarren, do not exactly dispel that impression. (That said, the dwarren are not miners, which helps a lot.)
Much of the book hinges upon the volatile relations between the humans, the Alvritshai, and the dwarren, and this is really where it shone for me. I was less invested in Colin's acquisition of magical powers that enabled him to be the prime person to stop the blossoming warfare, mostly because his acquisition of them is primarily off-camera and so I had to adjust hard to jump from "Colin as youth" to "Colin as man with magical ability". Aeren, one of the lords of the Alvritshai, becomes a more accessible character in the latter stretches of the book.
Lastly, I'll note that Tate had a bit too much "as you know Bob" type dialogue in various conversations, such as an Alvritshai character using a given term and then immediately following it with the term's definition--in conversation to another Alvritshai. But that was pretty much the only issue I had with any of the writing at all, and I'll definitely be coming back for the next book in the series. 'Cause this ain't done, not by a long shot. And I do need to know what happens next! Four stars.
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 lead a group of their people out to try to found a new settlement. But there are strange and dangerous things out in the plains, things which have caused previous settlers to never be seen again.
Colin's family's group of course finds these dangerous things. And Colin's life is irretrievably changed.
I could go on from there, but that would be significant spoilerage. I will however say that this is only really the first stretch of the book; the main storyline is what happens long after these events. And I can add that the worldbuilding is the primary thing that appealed to me about Tate's work. The idea of an overseas colony, complete with strife between it and the motherland, is not new to fantasy to be sure. But it's handled well here and with a nice balance between a realistic feel and just enough magic to remind you that oh yeah, this is in fact a fantasy novel--not to mention that there are two non-human races that initially will probably strike most readers as thinly disguised elves and dwarves. Tate's names for them, the Alvritshai and the dwarren, do not exactly dispel that impression. (That said, the dwarren are not miners, which helps a lot.)
Much of the book hinges upon the volatile relations between the humans, the Alvritshai, and the dwarren, and this is really where it shone for me. I was less invested in Colin's acquisition of magical powers that enabled him to be the prime person to stop the blossoming warfare, mostly because his acquisition of them is primarily off-camera and so I had to adjust hard to jump from "Colin as youth" to "Colin as man with magical ability". Aeren, one of the lords of the Alvritshai, becomes a more accessible character in the latter stretches of the book.
Lastly, I'll note that Tate had a bit too much "as you know Bob" type dialogue in various conversations, such as an Alvritshai character using a given term and then immediately following it with the term's definition--in conversation to another Alvritshai. But that was pretty much the only issue I had with any of the writing at all, and I'll definitely be coming back for the next book in the series. 'Cause this ain't done, not by a long shot. And I do need to know what happens next! Four stars.
April 16, 2012
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 or die) and fleeing tyranny and homeland wars.
Unfortunately, as in history, the immigrants land in the middle of a disputed territory, although they are free from the disputes until they venture westward away from the settlements, which again, true to history, were ruled by despots who were drunk on power.
To escape abuses of power, Colin and his family agree to explore westward, and blunder into a war. There they accidentally meet up with 2 other races. The elves (Aeren) and dwarves (Dwarren) have been fighting for centuries in the area where our protagonists and his family blunder. To escape they flee into a forbidden area, and here is where it quite blatantly becomes its own story.
I wanted to rate this higher, because it was very interesting, but felt that the first half of the story, as given above, was mostly a retelling of the invasion of North America by Europeans. In the second half, the story becomes a more epic tale of heroism and fate, although I would have enjoyed it more if the the main character had grown from the boy of 12 he was when the story started to a more mature thinker. He was too locked in his past for most of the story, although the growth he achieved redeemed most of the story.
I did feel there was too much detail in places, and although it wound up nicely, it quite obviously will demand a sequel.
Unfortunately, as in history, the immigrants land in the middle of a disputed territory, although they are free from the disputes until they venture westward away from the settlements, which again, true to history, were ruled by despots who were drunk on power.
To escape abuses of power, Colin and his family agree to explore westward, and blunder into a war. There they accidentally meet up with 2 other races. The elves (Aeren) and dwarves (Dwarren) have been fighting for centuries in the area where our protagonists and his family blunder. To escape they flee into a forbidden area, and here is where it quite blatantly becomes its own story.
I wanted to rate this higher, because it was very interesting, but felt that the first half of the story, as given above, was mostly a retelling of the invasion of North America by Europeans. In the second half, the story becomes a more epic tale of heroism and fate, although I would have enjoyed it more if the the main character had grown from the boy of 12 he was when the story started to a more mature thinker. He was too locked in his past for most of the story, although the growth he achieved redeemed most of the story.
I did feel there was too much detail in places, and although it wound up nicely, it quite obviously will demand a sequel.
February 17, 2012
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 hours on end. They had depth and they were vibrant and full of life. From the moment I started reading about Colin, he practically leapt off the page at me.
The world building was amazing as well. There were three dominant races. The Dwarren, the Alvritshai, and the Humans. The environment and the detail given to the Dwarren and Alritshai were impressive. The Humans and their culture had enough detail that I could almost experience the towns where the events transpired.
Magic isn’t inherent in the world of Tate’s, which makes it all the more special when it does appear. I thought this was a very special touch in a fantasy novel when magic has become all the more prevalent in such stories. The ingenuity given to the storyline was also remarkable.
I enjoyed this book so much that since the next book isn’t in Kindle format I ordered the paperback. This is truly a rare occurrence for me. I never read anything in paper anymore. It’s a true testament to how much I enjoyed this book.
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 hours on end. They had depth and they were vibrant and full of life. From the moment I started reading about Colin, he practically leapt off the page at me.
The world building was amazing as well. There were three dominant races. The Dwarren, the Alvritshai, and the Humans. The environment and the detail given to the Dwarren and Alritshai were impressive. The Humans and their culture had enough detail that I could almost experience the towns where the events transpired.
Magic isn’t inherent in the world of Tate’s, which makes it all the more special when it does appear. I thought this was a very special touch in a fantasy novel when magic has become all the more prevalent in such stories. The ingenuity given to the storyline was also remarkable.
I enjoyed this book so much that since the next book isn’t in Kindle format I ordered the paperback. This is truly a rare occurrence for me. I never read anything in paper anymore. It’s a true testament to how much I enjoyed this book.
June 3, 2010
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.
December 18, 2021
Five things:
- Settlers of Catan vibes
- Wagon train
- Magical forest powers
- Messing with time
- Cultural clashes
- Settlers of Catan vibes
- Wagon train
- Magical forest powers
- Messing with time
- Cultural clashes
February 28, 2015
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 harshly punished. At the same time, Lean-to's inhabitants clash with the Proprietor's forces over the discriminatory treatment. The people of Lean-to are given an ultimatum and leave Portstown to explore the dangerous interior of the continent, claiming land for the Proprietor's Family, but being given a chance to make a better life for themselves.
Bizarre storms and rumors of fierce natives don't stop the expedition from venturing up the Escarpment. It isn't long before they encounter the Alvritshai and Dwarren and discover the fate of previous expeditions. As the second section of the novel begins, Colin has changed (literally) and is far removed from the kid he once was. His journey as the protagonist of the novel takes a unique path.
Elements of the stereotypical epic fantasy novel might include a naive young hero, elves and dwarves, mysterious evil, and battles involving multiple armies. In Well of Sorrows, there are elements of all these things, but Benjamin Tate is able to arrange these components in a fresh way that makes for a rousing tale of exploration, politics, and war.
The magic that develops was surprising. Small spoiler: When Colin gains the ability to stop or slow time, this gives him power and aggravates his emotional scars. It's like an addiction in its irresistible allure and, whether he sees it coming or not, the price he pays for its use. Colin's power appears similar in nature to the evil that emerges, and I imagine that in the next volume, his internal battles will become tougher.
I'm not sure if it's really a criticism since it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this novel, but I couldn't help but draw parallels between the Alvritshai and elves, and the Dwarren and dwarves. There may be readers who have an allergy to anything remotely elvish or dwarvish. In this story's world, these non-human races have their own creative qualities that bring them to life and make them unique. One of my favorite touches was how the Dwarren ride small antelope native to the plains, rather than some fantastical beasts.
After the nail-biting opening section, in which the settlers from Portstown set off into the unknown, I felt like the pacing slowed. However, the Alvritshai and the Dwarren are introduced in greater detail, and Colin has to regain his bearings. I had already grown interested enough in Colin's predicament that this didn't keep me from reading onward.
Well of Sorrows is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I plan to read the next volume when it is available. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy where the elves get muddy and the hero struggles against both internal and external problems. There is a lot of originality here, but as the title implies, it is a dark tale, and I'm not sure how Colin will fare in the end.
Bizarre storms and rumors of fierce natives don't stop the expedition from venturing up the Escarpment. It isn't long before they encounter the Alvritshai and Dwarren and discover the fate of previous expeditions. As the second section of the novel begins, Colin has changed (literally) and is far removed from the kid he once was. His journey as the protagonist of the novel takes a unique path.
Elements of the stereotypical epic fantasy novel might include a naive young hero, elves and dwarves, mysterious evil, and battles involving multiple armies. In Well of Sorrows, there are elements of all these things, but Benjamin Tate is able to arrange these components in a fresh way that makes for a rousing tale of exploration, politics, and war.
The magic that develops was surprising. Small spoiler: When Colin gains the ability to stop or slow time, this gives him power and aggravates his emotional scars. It's like an addiction in its irresistible allure and, whether he sees it coming or not, the price he pays for its use. Colin's power appears similar in nature to the evil that emerges, and I imagine that in the next volume, his internal battles will become tougher.
I'm not sure if it's really a criticism since it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this novel, but I couldn't help but draw parallels between the Alvritshai and elves, and the Dwarren and dwarves. There may be readers who have an allergy to anything remotely elvish or dwarvish. In this story's world, these non-human races have their own creative qualities that bring them to life and make them unique. One of my favorite touches was how the Dwarren ride small antelope native to the plains, rather than some fantastical beasts.
After the nail-biting opening section, in which the settlers from Portstown set off into the unknown, I felt like the pacing slowed. However, the Alvritshai and the Dwarren are introduced in greater detail, and Colin has to regain his bearings. I had already grown interested enough in Colin's predicament that this didn't keep me from reading onward.
Well of Sorrows is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I plan to read the next volume when it is available. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy where the elves get muddy and the hero struggles against both internal and external problems. There is a lot of originality here, but as the title implies, it is a dark tale, and I'm not sure how Colin will fare in the end.
March 30, 2010
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 inhabitants, The Dwarren. Only Colin survives. Colin is saved and receives a “baptism”’ from the waters of the Well of Sorrows. He emerges with untold powers and a connection to the supernatural force of the forest and the Well.
The author seems very definite about the moral fiber of his characters; there is no grey area. During the beginning of the story, the author takes time to provide a strong back-story and significant development of the protagonist, Colin and the antagonist, Walter. Colin’s integrity is balanced by the delicious badness of his enemy Walter. Colin is not a reluctant hero, though. He just jumps right in and accepts his fate. He remains resistant to being corrupted by the power of the Well; however, it seems inevitable that he will become consumed by its control.
The author’s fantasy world seems very genuine and realistic. He creates vivid settings including: the sea side community lined with cobblestone streets, bustling docks, and rugged wilderness.
The author created a well paced battle scene by incorporating various settings and strategically placed characters. He provides different points of view and shifts time to reveal the stakeholders’ role in the epic battle of power and control. Similar to other fantasy novels I have read, I had some trouble keeping up all the names of the lords and warriors.
I anticipate Colin’s character will develop as the series proceeds. I really didn’t see any growth or change in Colin’s character as an adult. Both characters remain static: I expected Colin to be good and Walter to be bad. In turn, Colin will always need a foil to balance the stability of Well’s Life Blood. Will Colin keep hold of his humanity? How will the Well of Sorrows remain contained?
This suspenseful story will leave the reader with lingering questions and thirst to continue the adventure.
The author seems very definite about the moral fiber of his characters; there is no grey area. During the beginning of the story, the author takes time to provide a strong back-story and significant development of the protagonist, Colin and the antagonist, Walter. Colin’s integrity is balanced by the delicious badness of his enemy Walter. Colin is not a reluctant hero, though. He just jumps right in and accepts his fate. He remains resistant to being corrupted by the power of the Well; however, it seems inevitable that he will become consumed by its control.
The author’s fantasy world seems very genuine and realistic. He creates vivid settings including: the sea side community lined with cobblestone streets, bustling docks, and rugged wilderness.
The author created a well paced battle scene by incorporating various settings and strategically placed characters. He provides different points of view and shifts time to reveal the stakeholders’ role in the epic battle of power and control. Similar to other fantasy novels I have read, I had some trouble keeping up all the names of the lords and warriors.
I anticipate Colin’s character will develop as the series proceeds. I really didn’t see any growth or change in Colin’s character as an adult. Both characters remain static: I expected Colin to be good and Walter to be bad. In turn, Colin will always need a foil to balance the stability of Well’s Life Blood. Will Colin keep hold of his humanity? How will the Well of Sorrows remain contained?
This suspenseful story will leave the reader with lingering questions and thirst to continue the adventure.
May 25, 2011
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 imminent doom that is fulfilled when the wagon train is attacked. Colin is rescued by mysterious beings, but his fate is almost as tragic as that of the other colonists.
We spend only a chapter at the Well, but in it, Tate brilliantly encapsulates the passage of time, sets up the forces seeking dominion over the Well – and Colin – and establishes Colin’s resolution to leave before he succumbs to the Well’s power completely.
The final half of the book focuses on the struggles of the three races for supremacy. Occasionally, I wished Colin was more front and center, but he plays a pivotal role in this struggle and readers who were pulled in by his personal saga will still find the socio-political one fascinating.
This is where Tate shines. He boldly rethinks the conventional fantasy tropes to create a world that is complex and original. His dwarren and Alvritshai bear only a passing resemblance to traditional dwarves and elves, just as his “wild, wild West” is recognizable only by the covered wagons that traverse it and the “gaezels” that inhabit its grasslands. The stakes are high in this world and the political machinations feel as real as the characters who are caught up in them.
As you might expect from the first book of a trilogy, this one gives us a provisional “happy” ending and the promise of future havoc. While I am interested in the fate of the three races, I will keep reading to learn whether Colin will resist the lure of the Well or fall prey to its power. Given Tate’s penchant for dark, brooding narrative, there will be no easy resolution. In his world, victory requires sacrifice and magic exacts a brutal cost. I am eager to see just how high the price will be.
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 imminent doom that is fulfilled when the wagon train is attacked. Colin is rescued by mysterious beings, but his fate is almost as tragic as that of the other colonists.
We spend only a chapter at the Well, but in it, Tate brilliantly encapsulates the passage of time, sets up the forces seeking dominion over the Well – and Colin – and establishes Colin’s resolution to leave before he succumbs to the Well’s power completely.
The final half of the book focuses on the struggles of the three races for supremacy. Occasionally, I wished Colin was more front and center, but he plays a pivotal role in this struggle and readers who were pulled in by his personal saga will still find the socio-political one fascinating.
This is where Tate shines. He boldly rethinks the conventional fantasy tropes to create a world that is complex and original. His dwarren and Alvritshai bear only a passing resemblance to traditional dwarves and elves, just as his “wild, wild West” is recognizable only by the covered wagons that traverse it and the “gaezels” that inhabit its grasslands. The stakes are high in this world and the political machinations feel as real as the characters who are caught up in them.
As you might expect from the first book of a trilogy, this one gives us a provisional “happy” ending and the promise of future havoc. While I am interested in the fate of the three races, I will keep reading to learn whether Colin will resist the lure of the Well or fall prey to its power. Given Tate’s penchant for dark, brooding narrative, there will be no easy resolution. In his world, victory requires sacrifice and magic exacts a brutal cost. I am eager to see just how high the price will be.
July 10, 2016
I very much enjoyed the world-building in this novel. Instead of the typical, European-based fantasy, this story has roots in the New World, with humans coming over and intruding on the land of the Dwarren and the Alvritshai.
Colin is a young boy who is bullied by the bastard son of the town magistrate. Colin figures out how to fight back though, after his father teaches him how to use a sling. Colin uses the sling to beat Walter, his bully, up, only to get punished for his attack. His actions lead to his family being banished from the city, sent west to make a new city out on the plains, from where no previous wagon train has returned. Unfortunately for Colin, Walter is also sent along, as head of the wagon train.
The wagon train fights its way into the west, with Colin becoming friends with, and starting to fall in love with, one of the girls on the train, Karen. But the farther west they go, the more problems happen, until they get caught up in a Dwarren battleground, which drives the wagon train toward the woods, where their guides, a small party of Alvritshai, has been trying to keep them from going. By the time they realize why they shouldn't be near the woods, something terrible happens.
The story skips ahead almost a generation then, and Colin is an old man, and still suffering from depression. He realizes something bad is happening in the land, and thinks he should try to do something about it. He re-enters the world, only to find out much has changed, but things have also stayed very much the same in the mutual hatred between the humans, the dwarren and the Alvritshai. Except one of the Alvritshai recognizes Colin as the little boy he'd once known, and decides to take Colin with him in hopes that Colin can provide better insight into humans.
A very interesting story. I wish there had been more female characters, because the three or four in the tale were a lot of fun. Colin and his companions are well drawn, and I could feel their frustrations and sorrows.
Colin is a young boy who is bullied by the bastard son of the town magistrate. Colin figures out how to fight back though, after his father teaches him how to use a sling. Colin uses the sling to beat Walter, his bully, up, only to get punished for his attack. His actions lead to his family being banished from the city, sent west to make a new city out on the plains, from where no previous wagon train has returned. Unfortunately for Colin, Walter is also sent along, as head of the wagon train.
The wagon train fights its way into the west, with Colin becoming friends with, and starting to fall in love with, one of the girls on the train, Karen. But the farther west they go, the more problems happen, until they get caught up in a Dwarren battleground, which drives the wagon train toward the woods, where their guides, a small party of Alvritshai, has been trying to keep them from going. By the time they realize why they shouldn't be near the woods, something terrible happens.
The story skips ahead almost a generation then, and Colin is an old man, and still suffering from depression. He realizes something bad is happening in the land, and thinks he should try to do something about it. He re-enters the world, only to find out much has changed, but things have also stayed very much the same in the mutual hatred between the humans, the dwarren and the Alvritshai. Except one of the Alvritshai recognizes Colin as the little boy he'd once known, and decides to take Colin with him in hopes that Colin can provide better insight into humans.
A very interesting story. I wish there had been more female characters, because the three or four in the tale were a lot of fun. Colin and his companions are well drawn, and I could feel their frustrations and sorrows.
August 10, 2010
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 his family's eventual decision to head east over the land in search of new land to claim for the Proprietor of Portstown. This first section then follows Colin and all the families who head east with him.
After disaster strikes, Colin drinks from the Well of Sorrows and transforms into something ...else. He also learns that the deadly Shadows that live in the eastern forest are hungry to possess the Well of Sorrows and have developed “wraiths” to assist them in their plans.
His eventual return to Portstown leads him to join a group of Alvritshai, one of three races he encountered during the trip east over the plains. The second half of the book then turns to the larger issues of revenge and political intrigue among the three major races: human, Alvritshai and the stout and war-like Dwarren.
In the background, Tate drops hints of war back in Andover over the “Rose” - a potential weapon.
Well of Sorrows is well written and captivating. It blends realism and fantasy beautifully. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, the book surprised me yet no surprise was jarring – the twists and turns were seamless and inevitable. My one (minor) complaint was the *some* of the dialogue was a little wooden and not natural. It was a little too much Tate trying to tell us something through dialogue. However, this is a small glitch in an otherwise fully developed fantasy book. I look forward to the second book in the series.
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 his family's eventual decision to head east over the land in search of new land to claim for the Proprietor of Portstown. This first section then follows Colin and all the families who head east with him.
After disaster strikes, Colin drinks from the Well of Sorrows and transforms into something ...else. He also learns that the deadly Shadows that live in the eastern forest are hungry to possess the Well of Sorrows and have developed “wraiths” to assist them in their plans.
His eventual return to Portstown leads him to join a group of Alvritshai, one of three races he encountered during the trip east over the plains. The second half of the book then turns to the larger issues of revenge and political intrigue among the three major races: human, Alvritshai and the stout and war-like Dwarren.
In the background, Tate drops hints of war back in Andover over the “Rose” - a potential weapon.
Well of Sorrows is well written and captivating. It blends realism and fantasy beautifully. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, the book surprised me yet no surprise was jarring – the twists and turns were seamless and inevitable. My one (minor) complaint was the *some* of the dialogue was a little wooden and not natural. It was a little too much Tate trying to tell us something through dialogue. However, this is a small glitch in an otherwise fully developed fantasy book. I look forward to the second book in the series.
January 12, 2012
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 very much in the right place.
Well of Sorrows tries hard to play with, and even to reverse, many of epic fantasy's tired tropes. The protagonist is more peace-maker than warrior, and in plays of scenes of glorious battle we are given the blood and the shit and the brutality of hand-to-hand combat.
Unfortunately, good intentions alone don't make for good art. Well of Sorrows suffers from shallow characterization, structural confusion and world-building that is not remotely convincing. Click here for my full review (hardly any spoilers).
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 very much in the right place.
Well of Sorrows tries hard to play with, and even to reverse, many of epic fantasy's tired tropes. The protagonist is more peace-maker than warrior, and in plays of scenes of glorious battle we are given the blood and the shit and the brutality of hand-to-hand combat.
Unfortunately, good intentions alone don't make for good art. Well of Sorrows suffers from shallow characterization, structural confusion and world-building that is not remotely convincing. Click here for my full review (hardly any spoilers).
January 1, 2012
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 keeper, just like the trilogy.
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 keeper, just like the trilogy.
February 1, 2015
Probably closer to a 2.5, and not done with it yet. The story is good, the characters interesting, the setting nicely done. However, it's written for a younger age than I expected (not sure why, but I did expect it to be for an older audience). Just when things got interesting, there's a break in the action that reduces the tension too far for me. And a number of the pov switches, especially in the second half of the book, chop the story up more than necessary.
I will be passing the book on to my autistic son when I finish, but I'm not sure I'm interested in purchasing the next one.
I will be passing the book on to my autistic son when I finish, but I'm not sure I'm interested in purchasing the next one.
October 25, 2015
Well of Sorrows is a well-developed story with mostly interesting characters. There are enough mysteries and reveals to keep you interested for the whole book and I found the world to be well-realized and believable. The writing isn't perfect, for instance the author has a tendency to repeat words or phrases several times within a small section of the book and then never repeat them again. The story jumps around quite a bit, following several different characters back and forth, making it sometimes difficult to keep track of where everyone is. Overall, this is a fun and easy read.
June 24, 2011
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 :-)
November 9, 2013
It felt like two different books and could have been split in half without the story suffering. I would have liked to see the author start from the second half of the book then weave the first half story into it. I think it would be more interesting and suspenseful that way. I don't know if I want to read book two.
January 1, 2012
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!
January 2, 2012
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.
January 5, 2012
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.
Want to read
May 24, 2011first reads winner
August 22, 2011
Looking for something that DOESN'T define fantasy as: must have elvish, orcish, dragonish characters? This one's for you.
December 17, 2011
A bit of a rough beginning, but really started rolling along and finished up excellently. Full review upcoming on Novelnaut.
February 13, 2012
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.
April 19, 2012
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.
January 16, 2013
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.
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