The Book of Waiting is an exciting epic fantasy that excels at world building. It is set in the Realm of Ephaleon on the world of Terra Nostra with mythical links to another planet (possibly Earth) via a mysterious portal.
The book revolves around young Beniamino Carnevale and much of the beginning of the book is about his early school days in the village of Stumbleton where he lives with his mother. Expecting to do nothing more than follow the other men of the village into the fields when he leaves school, Beniamino is surprised when Theodor, Professor of Magic & Ancientology at the Academium approaches him to become a student of magic.
There are many layers to this novel, from the day to day schooling of village children, the bullying suffered by Beniamino and his best friend Marigold, to the mysterious reason why Marigold is sent to live with other relatives. Who is pulling the strings behind this? Why does it matter if Beniamino and Marigold are friends or not?
Layered with this are mentions of the Hoardlands and the name of Carnevale, perhaps a distant relative of Beniamino which still strikes fear into the residents 1800 years later.
I loved all the twists and turns in this novel, the different time periods used, Cycle of Octaves for year, Octaviel for week etc. The main characters are all interesting and engaging, and I want to know more about their lives and what happens to them. Will Marigold and Beniamino get to meet again despite attempts to prevent it? Will the book of Waiting, Marieda unveil more knowledge?
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy epic fantasy, and if you haven’t read that genre before, why not give it a go? I’m looking forward to reading Book 2.
I give this book 5 stars.
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