Carrion by Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #BookReview #20BooksofSummer20 #3

Carrion

Graeme Cumming

(Review written 27/06/2020)

I have to say that considering Carrion isn’t my usual kind of read I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read, and loved, Graeme Cumming’s previous book Ravens Gathering I was very much looking forward to reading Carrion. I was even more intrigued knowing that it was going to be so much different to Ravens Gathering. There are a couple of similarities though such as the birds which did their job of creeping me out in this book as much as they did in the last!

How amazing is that cover by the way!!?

I definitely think this book benefits from spending enough time completely immersing yourself in the story. I started it well then found myself not having as much time as I’d like to read it over the following few days, going to bed too late etc. which really frustrates me, but from about half way I found more time to read larger amounts, and I easily found myself completely captivated. It’s a wonderfully entertaining story to get yourself lost in and forget about the real world for a while.

It is quite violent at times and certain parts make for uncomfortable reading, but these scenes just serve to highlight the evil nature of certain characters.

There are some excellent characters throughout this story. Not all likeable, of course, but all quite fascinating and with fabulous names. I think Willow was my favourite character.

The story moves along at quite some speed as it is so full of action. The danger Salin and his friends face in their quest is quite terrifying at times and there are some devastating losses along the way. Salin is a brave and intelligent soul.

I was particularly disturbed by the sorcerer, the beast, and also the Troll. I have to say that I was most impressed when I found out what the beast really was. I honestly never twigged. Very clever writing!

Time inevitably brings change and sometimes that change can be immense in such a short space of time, but everything evolves at the pace it is meant to and to interrupt evolution in any way could have a catastrophic effect. There are always going to be people in this world who thrive on power and do everything in their power to upset the natural order of the world. Maybe there is an ‘order’ who keep their eye on us and make sure we don’t interfere with our destiny. Who knows!? It certainly makes you think. I know this is fiction, but still….

I loved that the message to Salin was to

“Choose your words carefully. Words have power”.

This is true on so many levels. In the case of Carrion these words have the power to transport you to another place and time where you can experience the action, adventure, suspense and intrigue of a story full of magic and mystery.

I highly recommend.