The Brazen Gambit

This book is rare for a number of reasons. Not only is it one of the few books about the world of the Dark Sun, but it is also by a very well known author of non-gaming fiction. The combination is actually quite good, the author does a good job of bringing Athas to life in interesting ways.

Pavek is your average, no scratch that, your under-average templar. To the average person in Athas (this particular world), templars are considered the "evil" police force. Though Pavek is not necessarily a bad person, he's no saintly hero either. On a particular night relaxing in a tavern, a woman is murdered. Truthfully, Pavek had no responsibility to find the truth behind the circumstances, but ends up trying to figure out the small puzzle. But when he is assigned to find out what is happening to Ral's Breath (the cure-all medicine that everyone takes), he finds himself way over his head and a fugitive in his own city. Now Pavek must figure out a way to counter the conspiracy he's uncovered as well as learn a new way of life.

My show more initial reaction was that since this was a series, I should save myself the trouble and get all five books to read at once. I then discovered that each book is basically stand alone. From the first sentence, the only thing I wanted to do was to return the book and move on with my life. However, I managed to read past the first couple of pages, and I am so glad I did. Disregarding the opening scene, the book is filled with action, adventure, magic, and a conspiracy. Lynn Abbey doesn't hesitate to drag her lead character through hell and back; this only strengthens him as a person and helps the reader see how realistic her characters are.

I will say that for the grammatically correct the book is a mild nightmare. Her writing style is a bit eccentric, but good nonetheless. So take heart and try to disregard the few grammar mistakes and spelling errors. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat..

For a spoiler, I did expect the final confrontation to be a bit larger than it ended up; however, reality is not always like a Hollywood movie, and her book mirrors something that could realistically happen if you were on another planet called Athas.

All in all, the story is a good read. If you get discouraged when reading the first few pages, just press on... it does get a lot better. show less

After finding himself the odd man out in a palace conspiracy, a templar exiles himself from the court and joins forces with an outlaw band of clerics that may be tied to the corrupt Veiled Alliance. Original.
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