Thursday, May 19, 2011

Review: Brandon Marlowe and the Spirit Snatcher by Eric Livingston


Title:
Brandon Marlowe and the Spirit Snatcher
Author:        Eric Livingston
Publisher:
iUniverse, Incorporated
Pub Date:

02/11/2011
ISBN:
1450292208
Pages:          216



It's hard enough being a teenage boy, let alone a teenage boy with supernatural powers derived from Gods. In ancient times, the Gods warred with the Titans. The Titans fell, but the Gods' need for power never ceased. Soon, they channeled their powers into humans, known as "Demigods," who could fight their fights for them. Brandon Marlowe is among the cherished few, but life is no easier for him than other boys.

He attends school in Tartarus, where a hidden training center exists to cater to these special children. There, Brandon is surrounded by other kids, who are raised and trained to fight the remaining evil Gods and their Demon minions. In Brandon's world, threats are always emerging, and he must be prepared. Soon, he will be ready-sent to battle, like so many before him, in a war to save the human race.

However, Brandon's troubles are much closer to home. His older brother has died, and no one knows why. As Brandon prepares to enter the massive battle of God versus man, it becomes his mission to discover the cause of his brother's death and to punish the guilty. But will his quest for vengeance get in the way of his divine battle? And will his world collapse beneath the weight of the truth?



(Summary and cover via Goodreads)
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When I first read the book description, I thought this was going to be a Percy Jackson clone. However, it was much different. Brandon Marlowe is an elemental titan, and he has power over the wind. He attends a school in Tartarus where he is learning to fight. When we first meet Brandon, he is starting a new school year where he is sorted into a class. When Brandon joins a "squad" with two other students, his adventure really begins.

I enjoyed this book very much. Brandon is very sure of himself and his abilities, and this makes for a lot of action. Brandon, his friends, and his squad are great fun. Scene changes could seem a bit abrupt at times, but they certainly kept the action going at a quick pace. There were a few mysteries that were never quite answered, and I desperately want to know the answers to them. This book had some very interesting concepts that felt original and fun. I hope the author keeps writing, because I definitely want to see what happens next!

Copy of book won in online contest.

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