Bran Hambric The Farfield Curse is a young adult book, suitable for adults. It's a sort of Harry Potter type universe in another dimension once removed. (It takes place in a 'regular' city.)
Bran Hambric was found at six years old, orphaned in a bank vault. How he got there is the subject of the prologue. Fast forward, and chapter one finds him up on the roof with his foster father watching for the 'robber' who has attempted to enter his house. This pitiful creature plays a part throughout the book.
He is not mistreated to the extent Harry Potter is, but his domain is the attic.
Imagine having magic powers in a city that has outlawed all magic and magicians.
Imagine learning that you have magic powers -- and how to control them and call them forth -- in such a city.
Imagine finding out that your mother was a criminal involved in a terrible scheme...was there a shred of good left in her? after all, she saved Bran...
Imagine a nemesis that is similar to Voldemort, but different.
Add in assorted gnomes (who actually travel as in the gnome pictures we see vacationing); lots of mysterious persons after Bran for nefarious reasons; magicians; a mysterious young girl; an older woman with a secret of her own; a foster mother who is a hypochondriac...and more. There is humor, friendship, loyalty.
I think the whole book swings on this:
Will you just give up when things get hard? Let them force you to forget who you are? Or will you find the courage to make the choice...and be a hero? p 190 Rosie to Bran
This is quoted or referred to more than once. It's not a bad reminder for all of us. Heroic deeds happen; they aren't really planned.
Have you read this book?
Strengths: interesting story.
Weaknesses: Parts of the story were not adequately explained even by the end. Some was confusing.
I expect they will make a movie. And I will go see it the opening night.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
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