The Painted Man - Peter V. Brett

The Painted Man follows three young children Into adulthood in a world where there is "Very good reason to be afraid of the dark".

Arlen is a young boy living in a world where demons rule the night by driving people into their homes which are protected only by defensive wards that keep the demons or "Corelings" out. Done with being a coward who merely waits for the Demons to materialise from the core at sun set he begins his journey to try and find ancient fighting wards that harm and kill Corelings. Arlens story is completely addictive due to his unwavering courage and curiosity!

The second child, Leesha, is just nearing womanhood at 13 where she will be married to Gared, who she has been promised to. Little does she know that life has a very different path in store for her! I am all about the strong female characters in books and found myself favouring Leesha over all the other characters! She is soft and mothering but at the same time has a determination and independence that I couldn't help but admire!

The third and last Childs story begins at a Coreling attack on his family where he is left with no parents to look after him except for a jongleur (an entertainer similar to a clown) named Arrick who takes Rojer under his wing in order to make him a Jongleur apprentice. I found myself liking Rojer more towards the very end of the book due to his character becoming stonger and less cowardly!

The story follows the three children into adult hood where their stories come together. I won't say anymore than that though so I don't spoil it for everyone!!

I would absolutely recommend this book! The characters are well developed with flaws and redeeming qualities that made me cheer for them, sympathise with them and want more and more of each and everyones story!! The premise was fantastic and the writing made it easy for me to devour and want to read the next book and the next and the next!!

The second book "The Desert Spear" has already been released, however, the third is not expected to be released until 2012 at the earliest!! The series, The Demon Cycle, will be a five part series which means a very long wait until it concludes. Regardless of this I would still recommend people to start reading now anyway because it is that good!!! Completely worth the wait!!!

I'll be reviewing "Unearthly" next by Cynthia Hand so keep an eye out!!

That's it from me for now,

Lisa Jayne :-)