I wanted to give this book 4.5 stars, which to me is the true rating, but I couldn't so I rounded up. I like fantasy occasionally but I wouldn't describe myself as a fan of the genre. Trollen Rose was fantasy how I like it--grounded in reality with elements of magic. Rev, our heroine, steals slaves and ends up getting arrested for it. His journey to free the rest of the slaves leads to him to a quest for the Trollen Rose, which will allow his people to rule. Using a magic disc, Rev teams with his romantic interest, Stara to acquire the Rose. I liked the pace of this book, and appreciated how simple the author made understanding this world. I didn't feel bogged down with detailed descriptions of the kingdom, but I understood it's complexities. The ending, surprised me then surprised me again. A nice read. P.M.F. Johnson Trollen Rose, by PMF Johnson, is a high fantasy novel in the Saga of Sinnesemota series (second book). I read it without having read the first novel (Disk of Dragons), and I would certainly recommend reading the first book in the series first. You will be able to get into the story and the characters without having read the first book, but I would definitely have preferred to read them in chronological order.
Being high fantasy, the novel is filled with all sorts of exotic beings (including dragons), various types of magic and battles big and small. The main story follows the rogue Rev, and his companions in a quest to free the slaves in a slaver city. Also, he is looking for the famed Trollen Rose, which will grant its keeper the title of Emperor.
I liked the book, the main plot appeals to me and I find the characters to be developed and interesting. There is romance, as Rev is rescued by a beautiful princess. I will certainly recommend this book to fans of high fantasy.
P.M.F. Johnson A good story line that has already been elaborated on by other reviewers so I won't rewrite their words. This book is definitely worth a read though I would start with the first in the series as to get to know the characters better. Trollen Rose jumps straight into the action and is a fantasy world populated by races and monsters that will enchant you. The author has a great imagination and has created a world that is seamless and makes sense. I would have given a better rating but I personally could not get in to the style of the author, unfortunately it did not resonate with me despite the fact that it is indeed written well. I don't think that should put you off though as there is nothing wrong with the writing itself. This is a great book for any lover of high fantasy. P.M.F. Johnson I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. It is populated by several species - humans, orcen, trollen (males and females kept separated although ...), elves (mostly nasty), and non- mortal beings although this seems to also include dragons who perhaps can take on other shapes and possibly the vampyren about whom we are told very little and that seems to be all right. A number of other things are not clear, particularly what motivates the various parties.
Nine Artifacts are mentioned, but I am certain only about two of them. There appears also to be a parallel world or universe, but it is not clear to this reader if the author has determined how the characters might cross from one to the other. It seems that only the main character does and that is perhaps due to the Artifact that he carries. On the other hand, it is clear he has no control over that Artifact or its presence. He is a practitioner of shi, something akin to the force. But it appears he is still taking lessons at it.
The fight scenes have an air of inevitability to them. It is not clear, for instance, why there are some guards with amethyst-encrusted spears. No one else seems to have anything of that sort and they don't seem to have any special function.
One applauds the attack on slave trade and in general readers will sympathize with the sentiment that only the care of larger forces may protect us ...in every heart is an impulse towards the good and the kind... [and that] allows us to live together, tolerate, respect even love one another. But is this what drives the MC? Something in the exposition seems to be lacking.
The MC has an accomplice (actually several, but this one is special), the product of inter-species breeding. She seems actually to be unique, but nothing is made of this so perhaps it is best not to notice. Her motives are somewhat weak; something along the lines of well I took some courses in that so I should be the one to do this. Only this means to wield the Rose--the power to rule the world.
And how is she attracted to the MC? Because he had manners, even under torture in the dungeon, he had treated her with courtesy and respect. It is clear her two other suitors lack those amiable qualities.
Despite all this, I was charmed by the story and wanted to read on. The author must have done something right. P.M.F. Johnson This was one of the better high fantasy novels I have read in a long time. One big reason was the first act. The place where we get to know the characters and their world. A big problem I have with a lot of fantasy is the authors spend a huge amount of time building their world, then spend pages and pages detailing it in their books.
In Trollen Rose, it is clear Johnson spent a long time building his world, but gave us just the amount of detail we needed to visualize it, without getting bogged down in unnecessary minutiae. I was able to dive right in and be part of his world without getting bored by the small stuff.
Fantasy and sci-fi writers might want to study his technique in how to get readers into their world.
The final act was a little too high fantasy for me, I'd prefer more action. I fan of fantasy would probably disagree, so I'm giving it points on that. If you are a fantasy fan you'll probably like it.
The problem I had with this book was the middle, the pacing slowed down and we spent a lot of time inside several characters heads. I've read books where this would put me to sleep, in this book it was just a minor annoyance as I wanted it to speed up. If the middle were as good as the beginning and end, it would get a five star.
Even with the pacing in the middle, I give it four stars. I good read with good writing. I can see how fantasy fans might want to follow Johnson's writing.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. P.M.F. Johnson
Rev Caern seeks the Trollen Rose, an ancient magical artifact that is key to founding an empire of justice. But the Oracle wants to imprison him, the White-Sashers wants to enslave him, and the dragon who protects the Rose wants him dead! Trollen Rose (Saga of Sinnesemota, #2)
Trollen rose was a great read. I hadn't read the first of the series but I was able to dive right in without any issues. P.M.F. Johnson has moments of brilliance with his writing. I have to admit that every now and then things slowed down a bit too much for my taste but the exciting moments kept me coming back for more. And the characters were great to get to know as well.
If anything, I think the writer could work a bit on their pacing and clear up a few rough edges, but the story is there and when it shines through it shines well.
I received a complimentary version of this book for an honest review. P.M.F. Johnson
SUMMARY Trollen Rose (Saga of Sinnesemota, #2)
