Absolute power corrupts Power drives us all to some extent, but Obadiah Demurral, a power hungry vicar and sorcerer, takes the need for power to the limit in this dark thrilling fantasy about the battle between good and evil. G.P. Taylor, bravely in some people's opinions, foolishly in others, has released his debut book Shadowmancer at the same time that J.K. Rowling has released her 5th book in the best selling Harry Potter series. Some people have expressed the view that G.P Taylor is to be the next J.K. Rowling as his book does have certain similarities to the Harry Potter series. In comparison Comparing the two authors I would argue that although both have written about power, the battle between good and evil, wizardry, magical creatures and some of life's prejudices, their styles are quite different. I think that Shadowmancer could be more reasonably compared with J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings which is too about a good young man, setting out on a quest to battle evil. Shadowmancer is set quite a way back in history, which makes the slightly unbelievable creatures a little easier to imagine. The book is very descriptive, painting fantastic images in your mind and the story is full of action, adventure and fantasy. In the book, issues of different race and religions are brought in and the way some people can be prejudiced towards these is looked at. I think these are important topics in the book, perhaps trying to teach us a thing or two about our own human nature and what we choose to do with our lives. The story is very dark, reinforced perhaps by the use of vicar's devil worshipping, which adds tension to the story as the two faced sorcerer pretends to help his people. Commendation I would recommend Shadowmancer to anyone who has enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and perhaps to older teenagers who are interested in darker fantasy stories. Reviewer: Lauren Palphreyman of Burnholme Community College Is your favourite book reviewed in these pages? If not, get your slate and chalk to work, and make yourself and your best book part of the Book Club! Write a review. | 
