Synopsis:
The brothers Nathan and Luca are mysteriously transported to a foreign world which is very different to Earth. The new (to them) world is called Syndrial, and it is ruled by priests and gods and goddesses.

Nathan finds that he has magic, and that he is considered to be the saviour of this world if he can learn to control his magic and find a powerful book: the book of names.

He and Luca face great danger in trying to achieve that goal.

What I think:
Although the idea that the real, secret names hold power, and that whoever knows them can wield power over the person holding them is not a novel idea, the way it is presented in this book is novel and intriguing.

Syndrial is a colourful world, and it is a world of inequality. The ruling priests pretty much do what they want, and they don't shy away from being very cruel in order to get even more powerful. The gods don't usually interfere, and it is up to a couple of semi-gods to stop the priests.

I was drawn into the book right from the start, and there wasn't a dull moment.

There are very many twists and turns, and nothing is as it appears. Poor Nathan has to learn the hard way, and in the end he has to make a very difficult decision about a loved one.

Scott Bennett did a marvellous job at narrating the story, his characters were convincing, his pace exactly right, just the way I like it.

Going by the subtitle (Casters of Syndrial, Book 1) it seems to be the start of a series; however, it can well be read as a standalone -- there's no mean cliffhanger, which is great.

This was my first book by both the author and the narrator, and I'll certainly check out more of their works.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this audio book and I chose to willingly post an honest review. ( )