Review of Parabolic Magnetic Key
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Caroline Gardiner
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- Latest Review: Parabolic Magnetic Key by Nicholas Wudtke
Review of Parabolic Magnetic Key
[Following is a volunteer review of "Parabolic Magnetic Key" by Nicholas Wudtke.]
Parabolic, Magnetic Key by Nicholas Wudtke is a fantasy novel, the first instalment in his Black Needle trilogy. Set in Garobansurov, a country on the brink of invasion from neighbouring Molisia, it follows the exploits of adventurers Mick Thraiker and Dave Ghrere. Our heroes get word that battle between the two forces is imminent and so decide to lend their fighting skills to General Ulfenkerki and the Garobansurov army. Along the way Mick and Dave’s exploits include freeing a colony of miners from the hands of Molisian soldiers, making allies and finding the magnetic key of the title. These adventures are interspersed with philosophical and scientific discussion, of which they are keen disciples.
A feature of fantasy writing is worldbuilding which is scarce in this book. The description of this world is minimal. The reader is told nothing of the politics, hierarchy, cultures or description of the land from one place to the next. It’s never explained why these two countries are at war, just that Molisia have invaded.
Battle scenes feel like they could benefit from further research such as the use of a warhammer to knock through walls instead of a weapon in combat. They feel rather simplistic using no real strategy so as a result lessens the sense of danger and tension. If the philosophical\scientific discussion and descriptions of day-to-day housekeeping were removed then the plot would appear thin. The book is also taken up with much that does little to progress the narrative. For example, the spear throwing contest between Mick and Dave that takes up more than a whole chapter (Pg 125). Some side stories don’t particularly make sense, for example the rebuilding of a bridge with the help of two small children (Pg 174).
We know very little of Mick and Dave’s life before the war; how they grew up or what shaped their lives up to this point. We assume they fight for General Ulfenkerki because their home has been invaded, but outside of this, there is little known about their politics. They have a sense of fairness and justice compelling them to join the conflict. Even so, they leave the Garobansurovian army after the first battle. The two men seem too similar, almost the same person. They’re flawless with no inner demons or secrets and there is never conflict within the friendship. Therefore, Hawk and Leopard as they’re also known, are one dimensional and bland. There is no sense of jeopardy or danger to their exploits as they prevail in every struggle. Supporting characters also lack depth. The Quintaga family just seem to exist to serve the two heroes’ purposes with no ulterior motives. Also bearing in mind that this is the first in a trilogy, there is very little in place to set up the second book.
Themes explored are the pursuit of science and reason as mentioned earlier. As is the idea of rewarded for example helping others benefits our heroes later. Friendship and brotherhood are important as seen between the two main characters and their closeness is endearing.
I feel this book could benefit from some editing especially passages which don’t add to the story and are repetitive. Spelling and punctuation are flawless but sentences are often too long and lack syntax, affecting the writing flow. As it is now, I unfortunately would not recommend this book. However, it was clearly written by someone with a passion for the genre. Fantasy fiction is competitive therefore credit must be given to those who dip a toe into writing let alone produce a trilogy. It shows great dedication and hard work which is to be commended. Comparisons to that come to mind are Joe Abercrombie or David Gemmell (particularly his Druss series).
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Parabolic Magnetic Key
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Parabolic, Magnetic Key by Nicholas Wudtke is a fantasy novel, the first instalment in his Black Needle trilogy. Set in Garobansurov, a country on the brink of invasion from neighbouring Molisia, it follows the exploits of adventurers Mick Thraiker and Dave Ghrere. Our heroes get word that battle between the two forces is imminent and so decide to lend their fighting skills to General Ulfenkerki and the Garobansurov army. Along the way Mick and Dave’s exploits include freeing a colony of miners from the hands of Molisian soldiers, making allies and finding the magnetic key of the title. These adventures are interspersed with philosophical and scientific discussion, of which they are keen disciples.
A feature of fantasy writing is worldbuilding which is scarce in this book. The description of this world is minimal. The reader is told nothing of the politics, hierarchy, cultures or description of the land from one place to the next. It’s never explained why these two countries are at war, just that Molisia have invaded.
Battle scenes feel like they could benefit from further research such as the use of a warhammer to knock through walls instead of a weapon in combat. They feel rather simplistic using no real strategy so as a result lessens the sense of danger and tension. If the philosophical\scientific discussion and descriptions of day-to-day housekeeping were removed then the plot would appear thin. The book is also taken up with much that does little to progress the narrative. For example, the spear throwing contest between Mick and Dave that takes up more than a whole chapter (Pg 125). Some side stories don’t particularly make sense, for example the rebuilding of a bridge with the help of two small children (Pg 174).
We know very little of Mick and Dave’s life before the war; how they grew up or what shaped their lives up to this point. We assume they fight for General Ulfenkerki because their home has been invaded, but outside of this, there is little known about their politics. They have a sense of fairness and justice compelling them to join the conflict. Even so, they leave the Garobansurovian army after the first battle. The two men seem too similar, almost the same person. They’re flawless with no inner demons or secrets and there is never conflict within the friendship. Therefore, Hawk and Leopard as they’re also known, are one dimensional and bland. There is no sense of jeopardy or danger to their exploits as they prevail in every struggle. Supporting characters also lack depth. The Quintaga family just seem to exist to serve the two heroes’ purposes with no ulterior motives. Also bearing in mind that this is the first in a trilogy, there is very little in place to set up the second book.
Themes explored are the pursuit of science and reason as mentioned earlier. As is the idea of rewarded for example helping others benefits our heroes later. Friendship and brotherhood are important as seen between the two main characters and their closeness is endearing.
I feel this book could benefit from some editing especially passages which don’t add to the story and are repetitive. Spelling and punctuation are flawless but sentences are often too long and lack syntax, affecting the writing flow. As it is now, I unfortunately would not recommend this book. However, it was clearly written by someone with a passion for the genre. Fantasy fiction is competitive therefore credit must be given to those who dip a toe into writing let alone produce a trilogy. It shows great dedication and hard work which is to be commended. Comparisons to that come to mind are Joe Abercrombie or David Gemmell (particularly his Druss series).
******
Parabolic Magnetic Key
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Parabolic Magnetic Key by Nicholas Wudtke
