Snakewood by Adrian Selby

It is always interesting trying out a new author, whether they are established or not, as you are never quite sure what you are going to get. This debut novel from Adrian Selby is extremely ambitious for a first venture into the fantasy genre, in scope, style and content.

'Snakewood' centres around the exploits of a band of mercenaries known as Kailen's Twenty and is told almost entirely in flashback as they are hunted down, one by one, by a mystery assailant. I don't usually have an issue with this is a plot device but there are some strange timeline jumps throughout which do not begin to make any sense until close to the end.

Being, basically, a tale of revenge you would expect a certain amount of violence. Be that as it may this is a brutally violent and bloodthirsty book with the slave scenes in particular being very difficult to read. The same can be said for the language used throughout - much too often and too extreme. The mixes and brews used by virtually every character, though original and imaginative, unfortunately become quite tedious. Several explanations are fine but when it is each time one is used then it just gets too much.

There are some great characters here particularly Kigan. His sections are very good with his actions and reasons being clearly defined and the gradual changes to his persona are smoothly written. Gant and Shale were good fun though, for me, a bit more needed to be said of why they were so close (although to be fair this is partially addressed as the finale approaches). I would have liked to know a bit more about Kailen and the Twenty and while the flashback scenes are genuinely entertaining they are not enough to give Kailen any real depth.

Mr Selby has created a fascinating debut with a very definite style and a wealth of detail. He uses some convincing changes of writing style to show different character viewpoints, from the soldier Gant to the educated Kailen and the confusion of Kigan. There is a lot of scope to return to this world despite the fact that most characters do not make it to the end.

Definitely one for those with a strong stomach, Snakewood shows a lot of potential and I will be waiting with interest to see what comes next from Adrian Selby.