This is not the review I want to write, sadly.
The Book of Transformations is the third in Newton's Legends of the Red Sun series, and is the most distanced book. Unlike City of Ruin, it doesn't particularly follow on too much from the previous book, although chronologically it's set almost directly after. Whilst a few familiar characters crop up and we return to Villjamur once again, the rest of the book revolves around new characters.
Whilst the book gets off to an incredibly good start, I felt the brilliance began to fade quickly. The plotline continued the less impressive parts of City of Ruin, and I honestly felt that this almost branching out undermined the book. Newton has a strong setting, yet seems intent on peppering it with alternate realities, alien invasions and, well, I'll say no more as it'll spoil the book. Whilst the book does fit around the history of Villjamur and its peoples, I can't shake the feeling that it's been done for the sake of it, rather than a natural progression of the world.
In terms of the characters, I was hoping to have an enjoyable cast, but I must admit that I felt little compassion towards any of them. Lan, the reason I bought this book if I'm honest, started off well and interested me, but as the book progressed she changed and essentially became weaker. The other characters, whilst mostly well written, did nothing for me, either. Without Jeryd or Brynd, my two favourite characters from this series, the book didn't seem as strong.
As for Newton's writing, a ray of light does appear. His ability has once again increased, with The Book of Transformations easily being the best book on a technical level. But, as with the story, I felt some aspects did blemish the experience. As with previous books, Newton is not exactly restrained in his use of language. A number of characters seem focused on dropping as many f-bombs into each sentence as is humanly possible. One of the early scenes had a character swearing, yet there was absolutely no need for it and it didn't fit his character. It also brings me to another point. The word "Neanderthal" is thrown around in the book, especially towards the end, yet it struck me as incredibly odd. If the history of Villjamur is anything to go by then there is no way that the word would have entered the lexicon of the people. I have suspicions about the origins of the world, ones that Newton subtly hints towards, and the one explanation I can think of for the existence of the word is shot apart by events in the book. Newton does however, once again, use this book to make you question your thoughts and beliefs, with one of the major debates facing the reader being the perception of good and evil.
All in all, The Book of Transformations is a mixed bag. Newton has improved as a writer, yet the path he's taking this series down seems unnatural and perhaps forced. Whilst City of Ruin both formed and allayed those fears, The Book of Transformations just makes them more prominent. I suppose it's partially my own fault for hyping this book so much and for blasting through it in less than two days, but I can only say that I felt disappointed with this book.
