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A review of book I: WebMage
I haven't done one of these in a while.

Web Mage (Ravirn Book 1)
by Kelly McCullough (Author)
Rating: 2 stars out of 4 (Enjoyed it, recommend it, won't read it again, won't buy it if I lose it/willing to sell it)
* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: Ace (July 25, 2006)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0441014259
* ISBN-13: 978-0441014255
* Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches

As the title suggests, the novel "Web mage" is a mixing of myth and technology. The novel fits squarely between science fiction and fantasy -- making its exact categorization difficult. Set in something akin to the current day, the Fates (Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) use their own version of the internet to provide themselves and their over-large families the abilities of teleportation and mass communication. Their magic is "coded" like programs, and run with the help of their familiars - goblins (laptops) and trolls (mainframes).

The story unfolds from somewhere between the first person of the main character, and the third person of the spectator. The author often gives us the main characters thoughts as well as brief descriptions of the reactions of others around him. The informal style of writing used in this novel lends itself to quick familiarization with the main character and a presumed understanding of the world in which he lives. Fortunately, the author is skillfully able to modify that world view, explaining how new things work and correcting the main characters misconceptions as he learns the truth. Our sympathy and understanding of this fictional world is greatly assisted by the fact that Ravirn's world and ours only differs slightly under the surface.

The story is reminiscent of a coming of age tale -- Ravirn is a screw-up, bright but unfocused. He is placed in an untenable situation, and in the act of extracting himself he finds love, friendship, and wisdom. Effectively, he grows up. The story is made interesting by several turns of Fate; no that's not a pun--the three Fates are actual characters in the book. They have their own goals and plots, and Ravirn is a favored grandson of Lachesis, and a near-nemesis of Atropos. Atropos proposes a deal that Ravirn must turn down or go against everything he holds dear.

But his saying no is just the start of the story; what happens next is the interesting part.

Its secondary theme is that of self determination and free will. While subtlety applied, it is a theme that is briefly explored and used as much as a plot device as a contemporary idea. While not applied in a contemporary way, the goblins and trolls in this world are far more than just objects. And while the term "familiar" is one to which all fantasy fans should understand--we learn that in this world it means something far more than what we assume.

As the first book in a series, it is a stand-alone story that introduces you the main characters, and the world. It is a setting of discord and strife, and Ravirn is determined to make his place in the world, while Atropos tries to maintain order in her own way. While the author relies more on dialog and allowing the reader inside Ravirn's mind more than description, it is still a well written novel.

There are currently three books available in the series in paperpack (CodeSpell, Cybermancy) and one coming in May of 2009 (MythoOS), and one due in June 2010 (SpellCrash).

If you are looking for something fun, slightly different and interesting to read, then I recommend reading WebMage by Kelly Mccullough.

Edited the title, tags and the rating.