The Relic Master - Catherine Fisher

by Harbinger,

I decided to read something short and snappy the other day, as I am still going through the Road to Wigan Pier, and wanted a break from it. I remembered a book languishing somewhere abouts in a darkened corner of my room (trust me my room has many darkened corners). I vaguely remembered reading some time ago, so long ago I could not really remember the story. I normally have a good memory for stories. So it was like a rediscovery, and I can tell you the book shall not be disappearing again, it deserves better than that. As I motioned it is a short book only about 214 pages, but well worth trying.

The Relic Master, is Volume one of a fantasy series called the Book of the Crow written by Catherine Fisher, who I know little about but wish to know more of. Rafael Morel (Raffi for short) and his master Galen Harn, are two members of a banned order. The Order had once been powerful but was defeated long ago by the Watch a brutal organisation that claims the magics of the Order and their relics are nothing but an illusion. The surviving members of the Order are forced to hide and look after the relics of the Makers to keep them from the watch. One day Galen decides to head for the always dark city of Tasceron in the hope of finding the Crow, which it is hoped will defeat the watch and help Galen who has lost his powers. Along the way they encounter a mysterious traveller Crays Arrin and strange creature called a Sekoi.

The cast of major characters is obviously small, which works to the advantage of the author. In a book of limited size she is able to give a great deal in interactions between the characters. The book is alos remarkably detailed for such a short story. somtimes descriptions do get lost but she seems to be relying on you filling the space with your imagination which is fine.

Galen Harn, is a Relic Master formly one of the highest positions in the order. An accident stripped him of his power, leaving him bad tempered and and unpredictable. At times he behaves as if he wants to be caught and killed. However he is very cunning and sees things other people do not, despite the loss of his power.

Raffael Morel or Raffi for short, is Galen's apprentice. Galen occasionally, grudgingly admits that he has much potential. Raffi unlike Galen is often the more pragmatic of the two as he is the only one with any real power. He will go where Galen leads, but he has grave reservations about going to Tasceron which he feels (not without reason) is a suicidal mission.

Carys Arrin, is a mysterious girl who joins Raffi and Galen claiming that her father has been taken by the Watch. At times her perspective on the story is put to the reader through the use of her diary, which adds interest. I can't say to much about her as it may spoil the story, for that I apologise.

Short, snappy and engaging certainly a good book for those who don't get as much time to read as they would like.

So give it ago see you guys next time.

TTFN