Recently, I was given a large selection of kindle books. After finishing the Mortal Instruments books, I decided to select a new book to read at random. I noticed the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks (an author whom I'd previously not heard of) and soon started it. Now that I've finished three books I thoroughly enjoyed, I feel (mostly) able to compile reasons to read them without exposing the plot. Hopefully.
Firstly, Weeks has created an entirely new world. As an amateur student writer, I understand how difficult it is to create and write an entirely new world different from the one which people already know. However, Weeks has created a solid new world which incorporates the idea of magic without sounding childish or vague. There are differing 'levels' of magic within the novels, something the inhabitants of his world are all aware of, yet not everyone is magical. Furthermore, the story is set on the continent of Midcyru, which is split into various countries (although the main focus is on Cenaria). Some versions of the novels include a small map, showing the level of thought and consideration that has gone into creating this world.
Weeks is clearly an excellent writer, in my opinion. As mentioned before, the novels contain magic that doesn't come across as childish or just another witch/wizard novel. Therefore, adults can also enjoy these novels. Each character develops throughout the trilogy, especially evident in Kylar who is the main focus throughout. Weeks' characters are not by any means unbelievable or overly perfect - most have been brought up in a corrupt society, and the reader can see how such corruption has affected them. In addition, each country within Midcyru has different religions and it also clear how this impacts on characters.
Throughout all three novels, Weeks maintains a strong plot line which progresses and twists occasionally. He also writes the novels from different character's perspectives (in third person narrative) so the reader can see how each character's story progresses at any given time, and how they tie in together. The main characters stories all seem to connect with each other, which gradually becomes more evident throughout; one chapter the reader is with Kylar, the next with Dorian, and in the next their two stories collide.
Without giving too much away, the novels are fantastic and allow the reader to make connections with each of the characters and become fully immersed in the story. My opinion? They're well worth a read.
