Tobin Loshento

Tsom is a young pickpocket in a world ruled by the five families of the Katar whose power comes from the rings they wear. When Tsom accidentally steals one of these rings, he is forced to go on the run. Soon, though, as he meets members of the rebellion, he discovers he has powers of his own that may make him the saviour they have all been looking for. Unfortunately, his power comes with a cost and, unless he learns to control it, he may not be able to stay alive long enough to succeed.

The Katar Legacy is the debut novel by author Tobin Loshento and it’s a promising start to what looks to be a very good series. The magic system is interesting and the world-building is complex. Because this is the first in the series, much time is spent introducing us to the characters (and there are many) and the events that led up to those in the story. At times, this made for confusion and tended to slow the story down but this is not unusual in an epic fantasy book like this and once the reader has met all the main characters and learned all of their back stories, the book really took off for me. If the first half took me days, the second half was devoured in an afternoon. Definitely an entertaining read for fans of writers like Roger Zalazny.… (meer)

The Story

When your world is turmoiled by a war that has too many sides to count, you often want to stay out of the picture. That is what Tsom plans to do. He is a small time thief and though the rumours of the daemons puts fear into most - he is more concerned with not getting caught. Getting caught would mean an encounter with the Katar.

However, it seems the world has a different plan for Tsom. Not only can he not avoid becoming part of the struggle, but he finds himself in the centre, with prying eyes waiting and expecting the most from him - more sacrifice than should be asked of anyone.

It may have all started with a simple pick-pocket, albeit of an unlucky (for Tsom) Katar target, but his jewelled prize brought on an entirely new existence to Tsom, bringing out a part of him he never really acknowledged the existence of.

Before he has time to escape it, a series of cataclysmic events lands him in the mix with one side of the war effort. Luckily, he finds a few things make the journey worthwhile - their hatred of the Katar is just as strong as his, his discovery of love and a new found need to discover his true self, with the help of another like him.

The journey of Tsom introduces Death, gods, rifts in planes and ka manipulation beyond any belief - but will it be enough to save the world, and humankind, from both the fabled enemy and the leeching Katar?

What I Thought

I was hooked on this book the moment I started. The detail and wording flow together so seamlessly, that you forget you are not a part of their world. I was often left still thinking and feeling for Loshento's world and people long after I had (regrettably) put the book away for another evening.

The characters and plot were so gripping that it felt so real you thought you were going to feel your ka being siphoned for the next move. Like pawns in a chess match, Loshento was able to weave a masterful story, which had all the moves laid out, set for a perfect ending. He has not scrimped on any of the characters - flaws and all- or the storyline, explaining even the fear and actions by the townspeople, with regards to the actions of the main characters.

I feel that the story was told in a way that accurately described war on our earth- there are never just two sides, all parts must be planned meticulously and played out, those plans never go as expected and the outcomes of them (or their failure) has a ripple effect of the rest of the world.

The fantasy nature was excellently written as well. It was believable, grabbing me and making me a part of the story. I also enjoyed the pace of the story. Though it was action-packed, and had a fair pace, it also made the time for all the detail needed to make the story whole.

OVERALL: I believe I have a new addiction. The final pages wound up my excitement and engagement in to the story so well that I don't know how much I will be able to sleep before reading the next instalment in The Katar Series!

In my opinion, this book is suitable for those 16 and above (maybe younger within reason) as it has some severe brutality in some of the war scenes. I would highly recommend it to all, above that age, as it is one of the best written book I have read in a while. Highly addicting.… (meer)