I’ve been putting off doing this review on purpose. This is one of those books I kind of hated at first, but by the end, I had to admit it had some good moments. Still, this might be the first review here where I’m not 90%+ positive in my reaction (maybe not even 50%).
That being said, let’s get down to it…
Circle of Reign, is Jacob Cooper’s first novel. If you want the summary follow the link. It’s a bit too much for me to really explain concisely. When I picked it up on Audible (it was a Daily Deal), I was intrigued by the concept of a new epic fantasy utilizing Light & Dark in a new way, and I had no idea it was a self published work. I hold nothing against self published works, they simply aren’t my first choice when looking for books. The reviews are generally glowing, and the first hour or so of listening was really exciting! And then…it went downhill.
Don’t get me wrong, Cooper does create a complex new world. He introduces a magic system and land that I do want to learn more about, but I’m just not sold on it.
First, as another reviewer put it, he’s just begging for an editor. I just listened to the audio, so I didn’t see grammatical errors, but he occasionally uses words that just sound fancy and don’t fit. Now, I have a decent vocabulary and I like a solid, complex vocabulary in books. What Cooper does here makes it sound like he is honestly just trying too hard. He also falls into the trap of creating a language…without creating a language. He includes complicated made up words and immediately explains them with the English. Yes this can be done effectively, but here it feels clunky and forced. Again, I attribute this to just trying too hard.
Second, character development is almost non-existent. There is a brief effort with the two main characters, but I don’t feel like Cooper thinks of them as breathing creations, which characters should be to any author.
Third, the book tries to be as political as other major epic fantasy series, without actually bothering to delve into the politics much. Everything feels skimmed, brushed, but never explored. I saw a positive review that compares this book to Brandon Sanderson “except less nerdy and more gritty.” Well, it’s grittier because it is rougher in both language and especially political plot…and can’t pull off the finesse of Sanderson or George R.R. Martin. Cooper definitely is influenced by the two of these authors. However, Sanderson and Martin are all about complex plots, twists, political intrigue, and world disaster. Cooper attempts to pull on these elements, but doesn’t quite succeed.
Still, I can’t be all negative. Though it took me a long time to force myself to read, by the last third of the novel, I didn’t want to put it down. Yes, part of that was because I knew I was nearing the end, but I also got wrapped up in the action. Here Cooper starts to hint at a larger mythology, and he starts to build a battle scene that could rival other epic fantasy battles. In the end, I felt like it was a let down and a bit predictable. I am curious to see what happens next, but if he doesn’t get an editor or a mentor on his writing style, I don’t know if I can put myself through another book. It’s actually sad because Cooper really has the basic blocks to what promises to be a great concept/world/story. The execution is just lacking. However, I’m glad other people have latched onto it. His creativity certainly needs to be lauded even if he isn’t very polished. I hope he improves and succeeds eventually, but I do suggest you go into the book only if you can look past the rougher edges.
And that’s all I’ve got!
2. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
Since I took so long to complete the 4 reviews for the rest of my February books, I ended up filling some of my reading with somewhat lighthearted fair. After Wool, I couldn’t delve quickly into something very complex (just too many thoughts). So, I read Libba Bray’s second book in the Gemma Doyle series, 
Despite that, I still recommend Rebel Angels. I’ll be starting Book #3 sometime in the near future, so I can see if she strengthens anything there. I know part of the problem with the series is because it is her first. 
10. 
Merely Creative 