I've done a book review. In fact the last one was my second post since starting the blog. And though it was incredible, John Dies at the End did NOT manage to stay at number one throughout the entire year. The book (Or series really) that managed to take number one for the year 2010 (Though it was not published in 2010, I just read them then, hey a rhyme!) is The Codex Alera by Jim Butcher.
Not only did the Codex displace JDatE as my book of the year, it is now fearlessly fighting with the Ender Quartet by Orson Scott Card for my favorite series of books in any year, ever.
Butcher's characters are wonderful and (Though a little predictable) some of the most loved ones I've ever experienced. His plots and stories and subplots are all fantastically interwoven and I can not remember ever being drawn this far into a story to the point where I bought the first 5 books TWICE (Once in print once in E-Book) just so I could have them on a shelf and carry them all around together.
Even if you aren't that interested in fantasy, please, do yourself a favor and read them.
The full story from Book 1: Furies of Calderon to Book 6: First Lord's Fury follows citizens of the little known Calderon Valley, a place so isolated from the rest of Alera that it is often only remembered as the place the Princep's of the realm died. As the story goes along young Tavi, our main protagonist, ever starry eyed and filled with will and hope stumbles on to a plot to overthrow the realm that has lasted and withstood all threats for 1000 years. This boy Tavi who unlike the ENTIRE population of the rest of Alera is without his own furies.
On to the topic of furies Butcher is very different from your standard Tolkien-esque fantasy filled with dwarves, elves, and trolls. As a matter of fact not one of those creatures is to be found in The Codex. Instead you will be treated to the monstrous yet wise Canim, a giant race that can only be described as wolves who walk upright and stand nearly 10 feet tall. And also to the viscious Icemen of the North, who have been warring with Alera past the time when anyone remembers why. The Marat also are of critical importance, looked on as savages but who are wise, strong, and lead a much simpler and as they are inclined to think (And are probably right) better life than most Aleran fools. And a dark enemy, older than all of the land of Carna, whose name still brings fear to even the most skilled and fortified warriors.
But as the last paragraph alludes to the furies are what set Alerans apart. They are spirits of the earth, sky, water, metal and flame. Alerans alone control them, giving them strength, speed, unnatural extended youth, and the power to become masters of their own land. It is in Tavi that we find will and courage and a quick wit are true weapons, and no amount of furycraft can replace a sharp mind and an unbreakable spirit.
6 out of 5. 10 out of 5. Amazing series and one everyone should at least try before the die. I loved it from cover to cover, and it will always hold a cherished place on my shelf, and in my heart.
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