Review by Nicolesmith327 -- Roan by E. R. Barr

Nicolesmith327 · Post by **Nicolesmith327** » 07 Jul 2019, 23:05

[Following is a volunteer review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Review of Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer by E.R. Barr

The first few chapters of Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer give the reader a feel of magical realism, where reality and fantasy blend and cross over to become something more. E.R. Barr takes Conor, the protagonist, on a journey of self-discovery. In the beginning, Conor is a typical teenager living in Chicago with his mother. Unfortunately, his mother is not well and has a mysterious past that Conor encounters the night of her death. Upon her death, Conor is sent to live with his only living relative, Aunt Emily, who lives in a little town in southern Wisconsin called Tinker’s Grove. Here he meets new friends, makes powerful enemies and discovers some unsettling truths about himself. Along the way, Conor must accept the role he is destined to play in the battle between good and evil as the town becomes a feasting ground for a creature of legend.

Conor’s journey from the Chicago streets of today to the Celtic legends of Tinker’s Grove is what makes this novel step into the world of magical realism. Like Conor, it is hard for the reader to determine what is fantasy and what is reality. Science and magic mix to create a world within, yet separate from, our reality. This bridge between reality and fantasy is what makes this novel truly fascinating to read, because often the reader is just as uncertain of what is real.

One point of contention is that Conor is kept in the dark throughout the story about his role in the world shattering events to come. Many of the people around him seem to have insight into his future that they are reluctant to share with him. This is one point I disliked about the novel, since the reader is kept in the dark as well. Because the townspeople refuse to tell Conor about his past and his role in the events to come, Conor makes a few monumental mistakes. This reverse dramatic irony does not seem logical. I only hope that in the other installments of this series that E. R. Barr eventually explains why we are kept in the dark or why certain help is not given when Conor wishes for it.

I give this novel a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. This rating is simply because there are a few grammatical errors, as well as a few name changes that cause confusion. I feel that a quick overview with an editorial eye would alleviate these minor issues. Though these errors are minor, they do take the reader out of the story momentarily, breaking the otherwise excellent story telling.

Furthermore, the best audience for Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer, would be young adults that enjoy fantasy novels. In addition, I believe the descriptive setting would also appeal to those young adults that enjoy outdoor adventure novels. Overall the story is a very intriguing story that stretches the mind and is a great introduction into the world of Conor Archer.

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Roan
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