Lunarmancer by Jake Bennett - REVIEW
A review by Victoria Walsh
Lunarmancer by Jake Bennett is a fantastical journey that weaves shape-shifting, telepathy, mind reading, transformation, and ghosts into a detailed story filled with depth and mind-expanding concepts in a quest to find The Anodyne Stone. Readers are introduced to a world where curses affect teleporters, and creatures with no arms and legs, referred to as "foul beasts," roam freely to live rent-free in our imagination.
The plot is enriched by an amulet, time travellers, bounty hunters, an elvish bounty hunter, a Temporal Knight, and an ochre, humanoid golem. Bennet paints a vivid picture of a land where grand-looking coins called reptibloons, issued by dragons, are the currency and where pirates, crystalline swords, and marmosets add layers of intrigue.
The narrative is compelling, with strange birthmarks leading to reconciliations and colonies of scorpions with heavily armoured exoskeletons and completely red eyes, making a chilling addition. Poison, massive scythes of energy, and dark blue portals keep the action high. At the same time, elements like skeletons, dungeons, workhouses for enslaved people and debtors in private prisons add a darker tone. The concept of the Somnium Carcerum, a dream prison, introduces a unique twist ( I may have read too much into it). The story follows a lineage of sorcerers and sorceresses called Lunarmancers, who absorb moonlight to gain strength, making for an engaging and original fantasy read.
Bennett's world-building is remarkable. The mural that leads to questions of prophecy, particularly regarding weredragons, adds a mythic layer to the story. The appearance of siblings unknown to the protagonist and the reveal of an anointed one keep readers on their toes. The whimsical mention of a baby wrapped in bread, not being a sandwich, adds a touch of humour amid the intense plot. Weddings and deaths interwoven with the main plot bring a human element to the otherwise mystical tale.
Lunarmancer is a thinking person’s young adult novel. You can see that Bennett loves fantasy and mystery with a Steampunk lilt. It’s clear that gaming comes in handy, and I would put good money on the chances that he is a Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy fan. These dark fantasy RPGs are very representative of Bennett’s narrative.
The author's love for Star Trek and Tolkien is evident (it also says so in his bio at the back of the book) in how he constructs his universe. The influence of these science fiction and fantasy giants can be seen in complex societies and richly detailed seas and landscapes. Bennet’s skilful blend of magical realism and futuristic elements creates a unique reading experience that fans of both genres should appreciate, if not applaud.
One of the standout features of Lunarmancer is how Bennett handles the concept of time travel. Time travellers add a layer of complexity to the narrative, smoothly intertwining past, present, and future. Portals open and close, allowing ‘temporal knights’ and other characters to emerge safely and adding more depth to the storyline.
The characters are well-developed, with each possessing unique abilities and traits that make them memorable. We like them; they are so well written that we can invest in them. The elvish bounty hunter adds a touch of traditional fantasy, while the inclusion of an ochre, humanoid golem provides a sci-fi contrast. The interplay between these characters and their individual quests and journeys makes for a rich story right from the off. A dramatis personae would be helpful (especially for older readers) as the cast list is lengthy and slightly complicated.
Bennett does a fantastic job of integrating various elements of folklore and mythology into his story. The scorpions, with their black exoskeletons and red eyes, resemble mythological creatures, adding mystique to the world he has created. The crystalline sword, a symbol of power and purity, fits perfectly into the tale, adding hope and symbolism.
The book's pace is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, more reflective scenes. Sleeping in a web hammock as the best way to get a good night's sleep is a creative touch that adds to the story's fantastical elements but seems like a brilliant 21st-century cure for insomnia brought on by scrolling. The dream sequences in the Somnium Carcerum, or dream prison, are exceptionally well-written, providing a deeper look into the characters’ subconscious minds (I think), or maybe it’s a play on Latin. Whatever it is, the book asks you to read between the lines.
Lunarmancer by Jake Bennett is a masterful blend of fantasy and science fiction with a nod to the steampunk world. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plot, it offers readers an immersive experience. Whether you're a Star Trek, Tolkien or Frank Herbert fan or just love a good fantasy tale, Lunarmancer is a book you should not miss (especially if you’re 12-18). Bennett’s talent for storytelling and imaginative vision make this a standout read in the fantasy genre. The illustrations are, however, not so good, proving that we can’t all be good at everything.
