Title: Thornbear
Author: Michael G. Manning
First published October 18, 2014
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.28
Overview
In the land of wizards and politics, Gram Thornbear is struggling to find his footing as the son of the late-hero, Dorian Thornbear. Castle Cameron seems like a safe haven, but Gram knows that he must make his own path to greatness.
As he faces the challenges of love and heartbreak, Gram’s choices will not only shape his own destiny but also uphold the legacy of his family. For those who threaten the ones protected by a Thornbear, there will be consequences.
Will Gram rise to the occasion and become a hero in his own right?
About the Author
Michael Manning grew up in Cleveland, Texas, spending most of his time reading fantasy and science fiction, conducting experiments in his backyard, and avoiding schoolwork. He attended Sam Houston State University, where he discovered his love of beer and playing role-playing games.
His family refers to this time as ‘the lost year’, but Michael considers it his best year ever.
After a few unsatisfying jobs, Michael returned to college and was accepted into the University of Houston Honors program. He earned a degree in pharmacy and became a licensed pharmacist.
However, his free-spirited nature and love for breaking the rules didn’t mesh well with the precision and safety required in his profession. He ended up working as a pharmacist in correctional managed care for the State of Texas, giving drugs to prisoners.
After several years, Michael became bored and taught himself about programming, networking, and database design and administration. Although his supervisors initially discouraged him from designing programs to help his coworkers, they eventually let him do what he wanted because it was working out well for them.
Years later, Michael wrote a book called ‘The Blacksmith’s Son’. It gained a following, and people started telling others about it.
Eventually, Michael decided to give up his career as a pharmacist/programmer and focus on writing full-time. His wife was supportive, but didn’t believe he could make money as a writer.
Michael proved her wrong, and she admitted to the ruse.
Today, Michael lives at home with his wife, teenage twins, a giant moose-poodle, two yorkies, a green-cheeked conure, a massive prehistoric tortoise, and a head full of imaginary people. He keeps fish, but doesn’t like talking about them.
Editoral Review
In “Thornbear,” Michael G. Manning delivers a thrilling and immersive tale of magic, war, and coming-of-age.
Manning is a prolific author with a talent for crafting complex and engaging stories, and “Thornbear” is no exception. This book marks the beginning of his “Champions of the Dawning Dragons” series, which promises to captivate readers with its elaborate world-building and unforgettable characters.
Set in a fantastical land called Andomhaim, “Thornbear” introduces the reader to many fascinating creatures, such as shapeshifters, dragons, and giants. The story centers on a young boy named Gram, who is discovering his magical abilities and embarking on a dangerous journey to save his town from a powerful enemy.
Along the way, he meets several allies, including a wise mentor named Rellen and a fierce warrior named Sophia. Together, they must navigate treacherous terrain and face formidable foes, all while trying to uncover the truth about their pasts and destinies.
One of the strengths of “Thornbear” is Manning’s skillful use of foreshadowing and world-building. He creates a vivid and intricate world that is full of history, myth, and mystery.
His descriptions of Andomhaim’s geography, culture, and magic systems are immersive and detailed, making it easy for the reader to visualize every scene. Additionally, the characters are well-drawn and nuanced, each with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations.
Gram, in particular, is an endearing protagonist who is easy to root for, despite his stubbornness and naivety at times. The dialogues are also witty and entertaining, adding depth to the characters and enhancing the plot’s momentum.
On the other hand, the plot of “Thornbear” can be somewhat predictable and formulaic. There are common tropes and plot twists that will be familiar to fans of the fantasy genre, and some plot threads are left unresolved or rushed.
The pacing can also be inconsistent, with some parts dragging on longer than necessary, while others feel rushed or underdeveloped. However, these shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book, and Manning still manages to deliver an exciting and satisfying adventure.
Overall, “Thornbear” is a must-read for fans of high fantasy and epic sagas. It strikes a delicate balance between action, drama, and romance, and its underlying themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice are universal and poignant.
Manning’s prose is fluid and engaging, and he infuses the story with humor, heart, and suspense. If you’re looking for a gripping and satisfying fantasy read, “Thornbear” won’t disappoint.
Rating: 4/5
