“Divine Invention” by Linden Forster –BOOK REVIEW

About “Divine Invention” by Linden Forster::

“”If you’re here to rescue me, could you be quick about it, I don’t know when the git who hit me will be back. If you’re the git, I am prepared to cooperate.”

Most stories begin with either an unforeseen turn of events or a problem.
Krank has a problem. For centuries, the people of the island have lived on the animals and plants to be found there. It was bliss and so the population grew. It was not until very recently anyone noticed that the quantity of plants and animals had not. The delicate balance of the ecosystem has tipped and food is dwindling.
The King assigned the island’s two resident self-proclaimed geniuses, the Creators, to find a solution. The fruits of their labour ripen into the invention of the world’s first aquatic transportation device and promises to provide passage from the island to search further afield for food and resources.
So, there it is. Problem solved. End of story. Barring any unforeseen turn of events…”

Most well-written fantasy epics tend toward lengthy descriptions of the scenery/setting, something I’ve already voiced is not my preferred style of reading. However, Linden Forster somehow manages to keep his writing in a perfect balance of this traditional genre trademark and a quick-paced focus on unraveling events. Even if the plot had been lacking, this is enough for me to give the author and his work many kudos.

But the plot and character development were far from lacking.

It seemed a simple enough premise; an isolated society learns how to construct a boat (or as it is coined in the story, a ‘floyancy’) and ventures from home in search of resources, yet this book is definitely not simple. The characters are all unique and interesting in their own way, especially the sassy Aereon who never fails to have a witty or inspiring remark in even the gravest situations.

It’s abundantly clear that the author put great thought into each and every person in the story, with a perfect mixture of straight-forward character analysis and allowing dialogue and actions to present each individual. At this point in time, we’re all very used to the generic species of these tales: humans, dwarves, cave monsters, etc, so honestly, I didn’t figure much to be different here. In another unexpected surprise, the lore of all these creatures and their kingdoms is both colorful and fresh.

********BELOW ARE MY THOUGHTS ON THE PLOT/EVENTS AND MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS; WHILE I TRY TO REMAIN AS VAGUE AS I CAN, DO NOT READ IF YOU THINK IT MAY RUIN YOUR READING EXPERIENCE********

For example, the dwarves, a typically hardy and gluttonous people may fit this stereotype in ‘Divine Invention,’ but there is much more to it. We’re introduced to a society of gender-less beings with an incredible work ethic with respect to honoring their people both past and present. They live removed from the general confines of day and night that dictates every other known race, and judge age and the passage of time solely on the length of their beards.

As their beards hit the ground, it is explained that a second life is about to begin, in which the dwarf will gradually (literally) turn to stone. The greatest of dwarves will eventually take root in the earth and become a new mountain for his descendants to be born of fire, grow, and live within. This is just a basic summary. The author explains it far better; and dwarves aren’t the only interesting species therein.

Even the different humans, though namely the central residents of the Kingdom of Krank, have a back-story and society that I personally feel was meant to comment on many varying aspects of our own histories and ideologies in the ‘real world.’ This is just my personal conjecture and may not have been the author’s intention, but there seemed to be parallels in regard to differing government types, views on progression, development, and even religion/philosophy.

The only negative thing I could comment is that the plot is, at times, a bit predictable. However, I can’t even really say that. The assurance of the survival of different characters as well as how others within the story will react to certain events doesn’t take away from how captivating the story is and let’s be honest, everything written is a bit predictable if you take a moment to think about it.

In the end, ‘Divine Invention’ was well written, intriguing, and perfectly presented. I’m definitely looking forward to Book Two in ‘The Hero’s Arc.’

You can purchase the ebook here: https://amzn.to/2VHFwxA

Linden Forster can also be found on:
Twitter: @LindenForster
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindenforster/
and his personal website: lindenforster.wordpress.com

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~Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden

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