The Warded Man

 The Warded Man is the debut novel of Peter V. Brett.  This is a very entertaining read, and although it does follow many of the traditions of fantasy their are some original aspects, especially the world itself.

  There are three characters which the story follows, but one receives an overwhelming focus, this is Arlen.

 The world is very important to the story here, but to explain it does constitute something of a spoiler.

Arlen is raised in a remote village, the villages only contact with the outside world is via an rare rider that braves the night to bring them supplies and letters.

 In Arlen's world demons rise at night, anyone caught outside is easy prey for the demons, and humans are slowly loosing ground against them.  Their only defense are wards which they inscribe around their homes, these wards prevent the demons from entering.  But if the ward is obscured or destroyed all defense is gone.

 In addition to Arlen the story also follows Leesha, a woman trained as a village healer, she is a solid character, not developed quite as much as Arlen, but possibly in the sequel?  The last character is Rojer, he's an entertainer/musician, but his character receives little attention, and as a result is the least interesting.

 A good entertaining read, the writing is solid if not spectacular, and Brett presents an exciting main character with Arlen, along with unique world.

 I am mildly fearful that any sequels might not hold up as well, but hoping Brett will surprise me.

9.0/10