Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Night is death and the sun brings life. Literally. Such is the world in the debut novel of Peter V. Brett, The Warded Man (published as The Painted Man in the UK), the first of an unnamed series. At night, the demons (or corelings, as they are called) come and kill everybody in sight. Man's only hope are wards (arcane writings that stop demons). Therefore every house is warded, as is every city wall. But it is small comfort to the populace as wards may fail (writings may fade, or get covered by dirt or some other materials) and when the demons get through, those lucky enough die quickly. Only few men dare come out at night, these are the Messengers. They are those who dare the night, guarded by their wards out on the road between cities. They bring letters, news and trade goods from one place to another – they are the lifeline of cities in man's eternal battle with the Core (or Hell). But man is losing the fight against the demons. For reasons, wards may fail, men get killed (or “cored”) every night. Humanity's numbers are getting smaller.
The Warded Man is the story of three young children. One is Arlen, forever haunted by the memory of what he perceives as his father's betrayal. He runs away from his home, somehow manages to survive, and strives to become a Messenger, traveling from place to place, refusing to let the demons imprison him in one place.
Another is Leesha, stifled by the traditional role of girls in her society, chooses to learn to become a Gatherer (or a healer). And with that knowledge comes not only the healing arts, but some simple sciences in making materials and chemicals that could not only affect human biology but also harm corelings. She will learn that among the Gatherers' knowledge are hidden some of the long-forgotten science that once have been able to defeat demons and allow men to be safe at night.
The last child is Rojer, who would be orphaned by a coreling attack of his village. Fate will make him tread the path of a Jongleur (an entertainer), valued for the happiness they bring (however short) through their performances, allowing people for a moment to forget their dark troubles, and through their storytelling give a small sense of hope (however fleeting) that somehow things will change.
At a glance, readers may groan about another coming-of-age type of story. But Peter V. Brett has ably managed to pull it off through his well-rounded characters. His is a captivating tale, albeit a dark one. There are very few light moments in it. In fact, it is almost a story without hope, and there is quite a heavy atmosphere to it. However, many readers would surely be absorbed by the tale.
The author tackles many themes. One would be courage. What does it really mean to be really brave against what many would perceive as a hopeless situation where the penalty for a wrong move would be death. How much would people be willing to sacrifice in the face of certain death? For friends, for family, for love, if the only possible outcome is one's own destruction? Is heroism just another name for idiocy? Brett tackles this question as honestly as he possibly can. What does it mean to be truly free?
One other theme that is sprinkled all throughout the book is the question of Religion and Atheism / Science and Faith . This theme is taken up in the story and Brett approaches it from both sides and from all angles using all arguments used by all. This is a question unresolved by the end of the story and is going to be a central theme of the whole series and some people would certainly bristle whenever this subject comes up.
The Warded Man is certainly a very impressive debut work. The last time this reviewer felt compelled with a story as this one may have to go back and point to George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones. It is dark, but it is a great read. And it places Peter V. Brett high among the tier of contemporary fantasy writers. Highly recommended.
