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The Mapping of Markesh - Paul Tonks Book Review

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Review Summary
The Mapping of Markesh is a fantasy fiction novel of epic/adventure style. It follows a mixed expedition of Elves, dwarves and humans as they are tasked to map the hidden continent of Markesh. Markesh lies beyond the great rocks, rocks raised long ago in an effort to contain the terror within. It is not long before the expedition finds themselves embroiled in the conflicts of the many tribes of Markesh and an inevitable clash with the Ajya-na-ku grows ever nearer.

The Ajya-na-ku, the self proclaimed society of Owls have terrorised the continent and their disappearance from the ports around the opening of the great rocks some twenty years past only helped nurture local rumour and superstition; such stories merely helped fuel interest in the goings on within these hidden lands. However behind the tales a truth lies hidden and the Ajya-na-ku have started their campaign. A campaign to secure the ancient tombs and release the fore-fathers, the dreaded Coeur-vu-du (The heart of magic) is under way and soon the expedition realise their coming to Markesh is no mere chance happening.

Following the release of the first of the ancients, the expedition joins forces with the dwarf armies of Markesh and together they fight to hold back the Ajya-na-ku. A final stand is made along a rocky pass which is flanked by the dwarf caved city of Matrosse. This city controls the route to Kumbran, the site on the cathedral like mountain which bears the tomb of the dragon lord, Dagtorn; and should Matrosse fall the way will lie open and Dagtorn, the worst of the Coeur-vu-du shall turn the mighty dragons.

Paul Tonks, Resident Scholar


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Detailed literary breakdown of The Mapping of Markesh
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Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 20%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%




Tone of book - cynical or dry-wit
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story Yes
Plotlets: - roaming fantasy world, battling hostile monsters
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status: - mage/magician
Age: - 20's-30's
Has magical/special powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character: - can talk to animals
How sensitive is this character? - middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - an organization
Age: - long-lived adults
Profession/status: - slaver
Has magical powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells
Eccentric: Yes - obsessed - deluded - emotionally unstable - wild
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a substantial amount
How sensitive is this character? - mean, arrogant
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Setting
Earth setting: - during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - rotating 1st
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
Most similar books to The Mapping of Markesh
The Kingless Land by Ed Greenwood
Dark Moon by David Gemmell
The Wizard by Gene Wolfe
Lure of the Basilisk by Lawrence Watt-Evans
Trollslayer by William King




Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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