The Mark of Ran (The Sea Beggars Book 1)

First off, Paul's theory of the Gods abandoning humanity is an interesting one, but not new. He gains originality on creating a different version of shape-shifting creatures.I would have loved to see more details about this new race though.There is little in way of plot of the story, but lots of adventure. The description was a bit light, but enough where I can picture most of the characters. But, the scenery was fairly well shaped.Now to the characters.Rol- I liked him, but there was little depth or emotional growth. I did not think his wanting to kill Psellos genuine enough. He is at least quick-thinking, and not whiny like a lot of heroes his age.I did not feel that he aged properly, I think Paul rushed through much of his learning and exprience...He did not show enough of Rol's powers, or why he was different than other Heroes.Rowen-I was attracted by her strength, her will power, and her character. This person was well done, and had lots of emotions. I was rooting for her, more than Rol. Yet, not enough was done about her either. I wished to read more about how she became the feared Prince killing machine she turned out to be.Psellos-- your typical "villain" character. He's nothing special, but, darned, if I would've loved to see more of his ancient blood to be revealed later on or talked about here.Action--it was decent. The sea scenes were worthy of many sea-going movies, and even equal to Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World.If you love the sea, or love sea-action--this is the book for you!Not bad over all, but not great.

Lets put it this way: The book sits unfinished collecting dust on my coffee table with about thirty-five pages left. I will not completely bash it, for it is an honorable introduction for some to sci-fi, but for those who are veterans of the genre, don't expect too much.I picked up the book because I was interested at some 'On-the-sea' writing and was convinced by other reviews that this book was just what I was looking for. Well, thankfully it is pretty easy reading, because I did not want to spend much time on it. I will finish it one of these days, but I am not excited to find out what happens to the very predictable storyline...which is full of outrageous coincidences. For instance: a ship in the distance breaks apart on the rocks, all sailors are lost except for one man, the same man Rol, the lead character, befriended in a bar two years ago. Its a bit wishy-washy and not epic in the least.Beginners only.

Excellent writing, well-developed characters and intriguing plots make this a truly "adult" fantasy. Add detailed technical knowledge of sailing and "The Mark of Ran" is an interesting read, as well. The plot is familiar: young, persecuted hero runs away from bigoted community, learns amazing skills from mysterious, evil mentor, falls in love, escapes, fights bad guys, survives perils and so forth. There are plenty of variations on these themes to ensure that Rol's (the hero's) story does not become a cliché. I won't give them away. Just get a comfy chair and prepare for a good escape novel!

A deeply personal nautically-flavored fantasy that hints, promises, and suggests at epicness to come. Kearney gives both delight and sorrow, loveable privateers and black-hearted sorcerers, the tragically scarred trying their best to find a place in a hostile world. An improvement over his earlier work I'm every way, from the world building to the characterization to the sweep of combat.

Started a bit slow but licks up well. Not a book for a teen due to the sexual descriptions. story picks up in the last third and motivates you to read the next book.

Holy smokes, but what a fantastic epic fantasy tale!This is about as good as it gets, folks. I bought this book and its sequel here used - and it was worth every penny and more!Kearney does an excellent job of weaving an epic tale that I wished he'd finished with a final 3rd book of what should have been a trilogy.It has it all: great story, memorable characters, lots of action and adventure, epic and tragic love story, etc...If you haven't read this - you are missing out.

This was a very good book, with lots of fighting. Rofl (the main man) was not a very likeable person, but in the end he did the right thing. I'm waiting to read another book in this seriesto see if Rol and his sister, Rosen, get together again.

There are two different stories in this book, and for the reader, almost independent. The first is the coming of age of a young man, with a fast, furious pace who ends in a bloodbath, and the start of a new life. The second one, far better than its predecessor is in the line of Forrester, Pope, naval adventure intertwined with magic. Very interesting and convincing to follow the next installment.

I could only be, again, happy with what I got for my money!I really hope Paul Kearney will become a David Gemmell so he can earn a living out of writing fantasy...He is absolutely fantastic at the way he presents things!Great book, enjoyable hours I had going through the story.

Its a book ! Not read yet but looks fine

Why this book hasn't received more acclaim is beyond me. It surpasses 90% of the other fantasy out at the moment. First book since Joe Abercrombie thats kept me reading into the early hours. A sublime effort and highly recommended.

Gritty fantasy is all the rave, nowadays, but, all in all, it's rosy fantasy clichès turned negative. For marine fantasy, read "Earthsea" of Ursula K. Le Guin, much more poetic. The first part is intriguing, the second part rather rushed, most parts look like a resumè of a narrative, rather than narrative. A disappointment, really.

i say er not sure as well i cant quite decide weather i liked this ook or didnt. It starts as normal and then after the first few pages it transforms into a twilight book. Also the sailing refrences were many and pontless in my view. i quickly got boared by the sailing refrences and would have much rather just had simple words. If you like your books like your nights out, wild and weired then you will enjoy this if not then keep looking.