Everlace: Knives of the Night (A Book Review)

“Everlace: Knives of the Night” is a gripping coming-of-age story by UK author Tim Reed. The book is a YA Fantasy published in July, 2006. It may be geared toward young adults, but it is equally enjoyable for adults. The characters are unique and memorable. You have Rydal, the naive farmboy struggling with his powers of dreamwalking; Aran, the best friend and often a source of comic relief (though not in his own mind); Tralot, the wise and fatherly dwarf; Jenna, the humble princess who allows you to see the good in everyone; and Maglas, a world-weary Unicorn Knight with a strong sense of honor and duty. Rydal, being the main character, is the most developed. Hopefully we’ll gain further insight into the other characters in the next book.

I was first attracted to the book when I saw it was a fantasy written by an author with much in common with me. We’re both in our twenties, have interest in fantasy and mythology, and are the same religion. Knowing he was LDS, I knew the book would likely stick to high values. I was right. There is no excessive gore, violence, language, or sexuality. This is a clean novel well suited for the young adult audience or any adult who is tired of the moral lacking books filling today’s shelves.

The one thing that distracted me in the beginning was the grammar. There are some errors that could be caught with another proofread, but most of what I would perceive as being incorrect is merely a difference in style. Tim is from England, and there are noticeable differences in British and American grammar and spelling. However, it did not take long for the story to draw me in and I acclimatized to the British writing.

The world of Everlace has a mythology of its own. This first book only gives a glimpse into the complexity of the pantheon of gods. It’s a world filled with magic. Various types of magic users inhabit the land, each sect with its own weaknesses, none overpowering the others. The magic system is in depth and well balanced. The maps in the front of the book are hand-drawn, but show attention to detail.

Tim Reed is a wonderful storyteller. His description brings the magical world of Everlace to life. His style is witty and insightful. The story incorporates mythology and horror. Tim is adept at creating horrific situations without the need of unnecessary detail. His words drew me into the world and I didn’t want to leave. The troupe encounters many obstacles, both physical and magical, in their quest to rescue Rydal’s kidnapped sister. The book deals with the question of how sheltered people deal with the world around them, and with their own gifts, weaknesses, and threatening huge forces. The story ends on a light note, but there is foreshadowing of darker things to come.

“Knives of the Night” is the first book in a series, with three more to follow. I have become quite attached to Rydal and look forward to accompanying him further on his journey in subsequent volumes.

Everlace: Knives of the Night (A Book Review)