It was impossible to read this without comparing it to Harry Potter. A young orphan who is a mage (wizard) but doesn't know it yet lives with a family of non-magic Duncelanders (muggles) who don't treat him very well. He lives in an attic (not under the stairs) and once his magic skills manifest himself he must fight and defeat a dark magician who is trying to grasp immortality. The evil mage has split off his spirit from his body and stored it elsewhere (horcrux). Bran is the key to his evil plot. Sound familiar? But unlike reviewers, I don't mind when a similar story is told in a new place and new way.There were some key differences. I appreciated that Mr. Nation did not descend to using vulgarities. I also thought it was interesting that both the non-magic world and magic world were well-aware of each other here. Mages use technology, for example. The different types of magic or "missives" were interesting and made me want to know more. On the downside, the characters in Hambric's world are not nearly as strong, distinct, or memorable. I honestly got Adi and Astara confused several times. Even so, I'd be willing to read book two.I can certainly respect Kaleb Nation for this accomplishment as a young writer. I, too, started a novel at 14. He is published. I am not. That's no small thing. Looking for a good read? I recommend Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation. He thinks it's great choice for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Fablehaven.Here's the lowdown: Bran’s mother was a criminal. Her crime was magic and magic,it seems, runs in the family. When Bran's mother gets involved with a sorcerer trying to make an evil curse, she hides her young son in a bank vault to protect him. She knows dark wizards will come after Bran because he has the power to finish the curse. Bran spends the next 8 years living with a banker's family in a town where magic is illegal. His step family mistreats him. But one day, there is a break-in and Bran is given a clue about his mother. The clue leads him to discover his own magic powers. Bran has a destiny to fulfill--it could be for good or it could be for evil. Read the book to find out!
What do You think about The Farfield Curse (2009)?
amazing :) great story and wonderfull characters. great read for young adults.
—nick
