Gideon's Dawn by Michael Warden

The author's book is very derivative of several other fantasy works, most specifically The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, by Stephen R. Donaldson. Warden is also a rather mediocre grammacist and storyteller. Not worth the purchase price, if you are really curious about the author's work, check your local library for a copy.

A total waste of money. This story is a blatant ripoff of Stephen R. Donaldson's great work of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. The story is too similar to not notice and the names are so similar it is ludicrous. If you are considering buying one of his books, don't. Go spend it on something worthwile like Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson.

Gideon's Dawn will unquestionably be compared with The Fellowship of the Ring. This is unfortunate, because it is neither fair to the author nor the reader. Michael Warden has most certainly been inspired by Tolkien. But his imagery is much more lucid and concise, and therefore more interesting. In my mind, his writing is more closely akin to the fictional works of C.S. Lewis. But his story has a much greater sense of realism and urgency; thus, it is more personal, more involving. Make no mistake - Warden is his own writer. He literally transforms a genre - too often trite and cliché - with two qualities the fantasy realm has desperately needed: creativity and truth.

The tapestry of images and words are woven so tightly, that Gideon's Dawn is a dynamic experience for the reader. The character development and storyline are well blended, so that neither detracts from the importance of the other. And the 'back story' is quite ingenious, but not without purpose, as it gives the story ever-present, fluid motion.

Gideon's Dawn is both captivating and soul-searching. But don't let that description scare you...it is also undeniably thrilling - my heart was literally pounding on more than one occasion! You will not want (or be able) to put this book down! ...Thus begins the dreadfully long wait for book #2.