#cursor's fury

Codex Alera by Jim Butcher

I’ve been a big fan of Jim Butcher’s writing for years and years, but up until now have only read his Dresden Files series.  It was time for me to jump head first into more of his writing.  

A little backstory on this series; Jim was bet that he couldn’t write a good story based off a lame idea.  Jim upped the ante when he countered that he could do just that, but based off two lame ideas chosen by the challenger.  The ideas ended up being “The Lost Roman Legion” and “Pokemon”.

Is it precisely based off the idea of The Lost Roman Legion?  Inconclusive....but  the Roman inspiration is not only evident, but on prominent display.  Much of the story is also military based, however my previous knowledge on the Lost Roman Legion is too insufficient to say yes or no.

Throughout the setting and landscape that this story is part of roam “Furies”.  My initial interpretation of their description more closely resembled Elemental creatures similar to those you’d find in Dungeons and Dragons or other fantasy style games. At the same time, the appearance of these wild forces in nature, and the populations ability to harness their power and abilities was very much reminiscent of Pokemon. 

The story was good pushing into great at times, I enjoyed the variety of characters and races that made up the world.   The story line centers around Tavi, a lowly shepard living on the edge of wilderness, and showcases his rise to power and fame through the politics of Alera.