Official Review: Hippocrates and The Hobgoblin

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 19 Feb 2019, 13:31

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hippocrates and The Hobgoblin" by C.S. Colvin.]

4 out of 4 stars

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I absolutely loved reading Hippocrates and the Hobgoblin by C.S. Colvin and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new fantasy read. I can’t think of anyone outside of non-fantasy lovers who wouldn’t enjoy this story. Colvin has created a captivating world called Mürindür, where the souls who have died on Earth are given a second chance at redemption before passing on to either the Endüerduul (place of paradise) or the Undüavalle (place of torment).

Hippocrates is what is called a Luxatio, someone who elects to forfeit eternal peace in Endüerduul; instead, he continues to be reborn on Earth in order to contribute to the betterment of mankind. Among the Luxatio are artists, scientists, inventors, humanitarians, and doctors. While on Earth, Hippocrates—known on Earth as Creed—does not remember who he really is, but after being pulled back to Mürindür, his memory slowly returns. There, he and his best friend, Ojin, a hobgoblin, strive to protect Hippocrates’ wife and unborn child, fight the evil forces of Leterum and Acrom, and care for the Vagus, lost souls who took their own lives on Earth.

This book has all the makings of an epic fantasy series, and I’m dying to read the sequel as soon as it’s published. One of the things I liked most were the descriptions of Mürindür, which were distinct and beautiful, making the whole place come to life. Colvin is a master writer who knows how to paint a vivid portrait of the book’s setting as well as how to create captivating characters. The plot is full of action, romance, and philosophical conflict. I liked the many battle scenes, and I couldn’t help but think of The Lord of the Rings series, as these scenes were just as striking and noteworthy as those written by Tolkien.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I thought it was extremely well written. With such an extensive and detailed storyline, it’s impressive that there were no plot holes. The very occasional grammatical error does not merit the loss of a star and did not stand out enough to detract from the book. An example lies in the line, “The princess appeared to have find” (pg 295), where “find” should be “found.” There was truly nothing that I didn’t like about this book.

The book’s pace was well regulated, as there was never too much action or too much dialogue. Rather, all elements felt evenly balanced, and despite it being a bigger book, I flew through it and wanted more at the end. While I love fantasy, it is perhaps the genre in which I’m pickiest, rarely finding a stand-out series with which I want to stick. I’m happy to say that in Colvin I have found a new favorite author, and I look forward to seeing what comes next in this spectacular series.

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Hippocrates and The Hobgoblin
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Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 22 Feb 2019, 01:30

This is a very cool premise! I love fantasies that can include Earth and still be deep-fantasy books. I don't think that's an easy task, so kudos to the author for getting it so right!
From this glowing review, it's going on my 'to read' list

I loved your review - thanks!

Chikari · Post by **Chikari** » 22 Feb 2019, 04:16

Your review makes this book sound amazing! I can't wait to read it myself. I always enjoy a great fantasy adventure.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 22 Feb 2019, 09:28

High praise, indeed! A book that's balanced? Definitely rare. There's usually a bit too much of one thing or another. It sounds exciting, and I'll be putting it on my list. Thanks!

DogoMulla · Post by **DogoMulla** » 22 Feb 2019, 20:06

Sounds interesting. Surely, we all deserve a 'Mürindür' seeing how things are currently. Again, if it's a bigger book and still you want more, I'm obliged to believe your view. Nice review.

T_stone · Post by **T_stone** » 22 Feb 2019, 20:54

This is a good fantasy novel with amazing characters, and a good plot. I can't wait to read this one. Thank you for the review

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 23 Feb 2019, 06:42

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 01:30 This is a very cool premise! I love fantasies that can include Earth and still be deep-fantasy books. I don't think that's an easy task, so kudos to the author for getting it so right!
From this glowing review, it's going on my 'to read' list
I loved your review - thanks!

Yes! It was so fun to read. Thanks for commenting!

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 23 Feb 2019, 06:43

Chikari wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 04:16 Your review makes this book sound amazing! I can't wait to read it myself. I always enjoy a great fantasy adventure.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks for commenting.

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 23 Feb 2019, 06:44

kandscreeley wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 09:28 High praise, indeed! A book that's balanced? Definitely rare. There's usually a bit too much of one thing or another. It sounds exciting, and I'll be putting it on my list. Thanks!

Agreed—balanced books are rare. Great! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for commenting.

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 23 Feb 2019, 06:44

DogoMulla wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 20:06 Sounds interesting. Surely, we all deserve a 'Mürindür' seeing how things are currently. Again, if it's a bigger book and still you want more, I'm obliged to believe your view. Nice review.

Definitely. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.

Camille Turner · Post by **Camille Turner** » 23 Feb 2019, 06:45

T_stone wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 20:54 This is a good fantasy novel with amazing characters, and a good plot. I can't wait to read this one. Thank you for the review

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Thanks for reading and commenting.

J.R. Ward · Post by **Cheshire_wolf** » 26 Feb 2019, 15:46

kandscreeley wrote: ↑22 Feb 2019, 09:28 High praise, indeed! A book that's balanced? Definitely rare. There's usually a bit too much of one thing or another. It sounds exciting, and I'll be putting it on my list. Thanks!

I concur it's very rare to find a book that is balanced. And you said it's on par with J. R. R. Tolkien? That is some high praise. I look forward to reading this now after such a review. Thank you.