Dirk Strasser

I recently received a copy of Zenith: The First Book of Ascension by Dirk Strasser. In many ways it is a classic quest fantasy, but it deals with deeper issues as well. The protagonist, Atreau, and his twin must set out to reach the top of the mountain during Zenith, aka summer solstice. Along the way, he learns many lessons from many teachers, some of them intentional. Although some of the philosophy Atreau is exposed to is very Zen and inclusive, it does not reflect the reality of his show more world at this time. Rather, the world of Ascension is sharply fragmented, not the least between men and women. I thought this was going to be a good-old-boys story until near the end, when it becomes so much more. I really enjoyed the different philosophical underpinnings to the story, which added a great deal of richness and depth to the tale. As this is the first in a trilogy, there is much left unresolved, but Zenith is a fully satisfying book. show less

So I won a copy of another book (an anthology) from this same author by LibraryThing... but mr.Strasser sent me the wrong link and I ended up getting a copy of Equinox and WOW!
Thanks the gods by this coz I've been devouring this book since I got it. I even prioritized it over all my other books that are halfway done.

Even if I don't feel comfortable to review a book before finish reading it, Equinox is one of those rare cases that you simply can't go wrong. Specially coz it's in the middle of show more a series.
But even if I didn't read the first book (yet!), I doubt it would change my mind about this one.

Equinox is full of fantasy, mysteries, a lot of hope, war for secrets, charming characters (though MC can be kinda irritating in some parts) and endless adventure!

Dirk Strasser is a storyteller! A damn good one (!) that makes you feel like the book is reading itself to you and not by you.

I can't end this review before comparing Dirk Strasser's captivating Storytelling style to the one present on Michael Ende's "Die Unendliche Geschichte" (Neverending Story) novel!
(And, no, I'm not saying that because there's an "Atreu" in Ascension at all, please! haha)

So, for what I've read of Strasser until now... if you liked Ende's famous novel, you will certainly enjoy Strasser's Ascension series.
And I'm looking forward to add hardcover editions of the series to my personal library! show less

Man oh man I won this book in exchange for a review and I am so glad I did. Even though I wanted to kill the main character cos I personally thought him a pain in the rear, I enjoyed joining him on his adventure. Can't wait to read what's next.

This novel follows the coming of age quest of one twin as he learns about a mysterious power. He suffers a series of misadventures as the quest goes along. I was reminded a bit of the Stone and the Flute (though Bemmann's story was a little better). It definitely sets up for follow on books, but I'm not sure that I will be looking for them.