Casting Shadows by J. Kelley Anderson

Synopsis

Edward Kelley wants to destroy the world. His family is dead and his odd habits have made him a pariah in the small town of Hurst, Ohio. After the unexpected arrival of an anonymous package, Edward quickly discovers the tools to forge his malevolent fantasies into reality. Yet, he soon finds that he is not the villain of his own story and, with the help of a surrogate grandmother, an undead servant, and a foul-mouthed cop, he is fast on the road to becoming an unlikely hero. Casting Shadows is a quirky amalgamation of Contemporary Fantasy and Magical Realism, with a sprinkling of Classical Literature, Necromancy, and Russian Folklore added for good measure.

Review:

I don't think I have read many books involving necromancy, or rather necromancy as a man elements. I know there are series out there, and some of them are really good according to many of the opinions of others. So I was glad to have the chance to try it out, after all I know a lot of people that love necromancers, and hey I even played a necromancer in Guild Wars (not well mind you). 

Anyways on to the book. Edward is very much a broken guy, he has had some bad things happen to him in his life, and his grief would of course make him find an outlet for that grief. Although he does act out in a rather interesting, and of course oh so paranormal way. 

I have to say first and foremost, that the author does some pretty quality writing, and the descriptions within the book are really good. The descriptions are very vivid and I think it makes it all the more easier for a reader to connect with the setting and the world when the descriptions are so vivid and entertaining to read. 

On the other hand, every book does have at least one thing that can be improved upon. My biggest issue on this one is that I think it need a little bit of editing. I can handle a couple mistakes in a book, after all major publishing houses publish books all the time with one or two errors. But when I notice things more often then normal, at that point I think it's time the book should be sent to an editor. 

That being said the book is still pretty good even with the minor editing issues. I really like some of the other characters in the book besides Edward. Edward is a flawed character from the beginning, so it makes sense that he comes across that to the reader. Although I think he does have a bit of a immature streak, and that I think he needs to grow up. But Edward as a character evolves throughout the book, so that also helps out. 

The book is a pretty quick read, and it is an enjoyable ride. I found it fun and interesting to try out the whole necromancy concept, which was actually way more fun that I anticipated. I would have to say I think anyone who enjoys urban fantasy will probably enjoy this book.