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The Warded Man

Book 1 in the series:The Demon Cycle

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'The Warded Man' in the series 'The Demon Cycle' by author Peter V. Brett is a fantasy novel set in a world terrorized by demons that rise every night to hunt people. The story follows three main characters as they navigate through a dark and dangerous world, with intricate world-building and character development. The plot revolves around the characters' journey from adolescence to adulthood, their struggles, motivations, and sacrifices in a world where demons threaten their existence every night.

The book is praised for its unique concept of demons rising from the core of the earth every night, the intricate magic system of wards used for protection, and the character-driven storytelling that delves deep into the motivations and struggles of the protagonists. Readers appreciate the strong characterization, interesting plot, solid world-building, and original story that keeps them engaged and eager to read more.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, each with distinct backgrounds and motivations that drive the story forward.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and descriptive, effectively portraying characters and their struggles within a uniquely crafted world.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a world where demons attack at night, following the journeys of three individuals who seek to reclaim humanity's fight against these dark forces and learn to become heroes.

Setting:

Set in a dark, post-apocalyptic world, the setting is defined by the omnipresent threat of demons and the reliance on magical wards for survival.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slowly for character establishment but accelerates well into an engaging, action-packed narrative.
Arlen paused in his work, looking up at the lavender wash of the dawn sky. Mist still clung to the air, bringing with it a damp, acrid taste that was all too familiar. A quiet dread built in his gut a...

Notes:

The Warded Man is also known as The Painted Man in the UK.
The story is set in a world where demons rise every night to hunt humans.
Humans protect themselves from demons using magical wards, but these can fail.
The novel follows three main characters: Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer, over time from childhood to adulthood.
Arlen is motivated by the trauma of losing his mother to a demon, while Leesha seeks independence and Rojer seeks acceptance.
The narrative is a blend of horror and fantasy, presenting a dark tone throughout.
There are strong themes related to fear, cowardice, and the struggle for humanity to reclaim its agency against demons.
The book explores complex themes regarding sexuality, including a controversial rape scene that has sparked debate among readers.
The Warded Man is the first book in what is planned to be a five-book series, known as The Demon Cycle.
Peter V. Brett is recognized for his detailed world-building and unique magic system.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The story includes themes of violence, trauma, and sexual violence which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance is present but not the primary focus, contributing to character development rather than dominating the plot.

From The Publisher:

As darkness falls after sunset, the corelings rise-demons who possess supernatural powers and burn with a consuming hatred of humanity.

For hundreds of years the demons have terrorized the night, slowly culling the human herd that shelters behind magical wards-symbols of power whose origins are lost in myth and whose protection is terrifyingly fragile. It was not always this way. Once, men and women battled the corelings on equal terms, but those days are gone. Night by night the demons grow stronger, while human numbers dwindle under their relentless assault. Now, with hope for the future fading, three young survivors of vicious demon attacks will dare the impossible, stepping beyond the crumbling safety of the wards to risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Together, they will stand against the night.

Look for Peter V. Brett's complete Demon Cycle:

THE WARDED MAN | THE DESERT SPEAR | THE DAYLIGHT WAR | THE SKULL THRONE | THE CORE

Ratings (73)

Incredible (12)
Loved It (27)
Liked It (20)
It Was OK (10)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (127):

Read It (77)
Want To Read (36)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (13)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
2 months

“The Warded Man” by Peter V. Brett is a captivating fantasy novel that transports the reader to a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, besieged by demonic creatures that rise from the core of the earth every night. The only thing that keeps them at bay are ancient symbols of protection, called wards, that can repel or trap the demons. But the wards are not enough to stop the relentless tide of darkness, and people live in fear and despair, hiding behind warded walls and hoping for a savior.

The story follows three main characters, Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer, who each have their own dreams and struggles in this harsh world. Arlen is a young boy who witnesses the horror of a demon attack on his village and vows to find a way to fight back. He becomes a messenger, a brave and adventurous profession that travels between the scattered settlements, delivering news and goods. Along the way, he learns about the lost secrets of the combat wards, ancient symbols that can harm or kill the demons. He decides to tattoo these wards on his body, becoming a living weapon and a legend: the Warded Man.

Leesha is a girl who lives in a small town where she is expected to marry and bear children. She dreams of becoming a healer and learning about the medicinal herbs and potions that can cure diseases and injuries. She faces many challenges and hardships, such as losing her reputation, being betrayed by her family, and surviving a brutal invasion by a fanatical desert tribe. She eventually meets Arlen and joins him in his quest to save humanity.

Rojer is a boy who loses his family and his hand in a demon attack. He is rescued by a jongleur, a traveling entertainer who teaches him how to play music and perform tricks. Rojer discovers that he has a rare talent: his music can soothe or enrage the demons, giving him some control over them. He uses his skill to help people defend themselves against the nightly attacks, but he also suffers from loneliness and self-doubt. He meets Leesha and Arlen and becomes their friend and ally.

“The Warded Man” is an engaging and thrilling book that combines elements of horror, action, romance, and mystery. The author creates a vivid and immersive world with rich details and lore. The characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their own flaws and strengths. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader hooked until the end. The audiobook version is narrated by Pete Bradbury, who does an excellent job of bringing the story to life with his voice and expression.

“The Warded Man” is a book that will appeal to fans of fantasy, horror, and adventure genres. It is the first book in the Demon Cycle series, which continues with “The Desert Spear,” “The Daylight War,” “The Skull Throne,” and “The Core.” I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping and original story with memorable characters and an epic scope.

 
Incredible
5 months

Character work, worldbuilding, robust themes, it's got it all. Take monster spawning mechanics and enlarge it into a epic fantasy world and this is what you get.

My full video review with detailed thoughts is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ1eUywzUyk

 

About the Author:

Peter V. Brett is the internationally bestselling author of the Demon Cycle series, which has sold more than 2.5 million copies in twenty-five languages worldwide. The novels in the series are The Warded Man, The Desert Spear, The Daylight War,…

 
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