TALES OF THE ZODIAC: THE GOAT'S TALE.

TALES OF THE ZODIAC: THE GOAT'S TALE by P.J. HETHERHOUSE.

BACK COVER BLURB: It is the distant future. Time has seen humanity rise and fall many times, seemingly unable to learn from the mistakes of the past. Now, on the brink of another decline, twelve people step forward to change the course of destiny.

The tales of the zodiac is a series inspired by Celtic mythology, Arthurian legend and, most importantly astrology. Living in a time when Mother Nature has resumed control, the human race has regressed back to its feudal past. It is here, in two civilisations gripped by political intrigue and religious fanaticism that the tales take place. We begin with Capricorn - The Goat's Tale.

- An abridged version, click on author's name to view the full synopsis.

FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter One}: My history master is a frail old man, lost amongst sackcloth robes, with skin of an almost greenish hue.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 355}: "They like to eat man who has died happy. It is very difficult but scared man tastes different. Not good. Most men die scared."

SOURCE: Received for review from the author.

MY THOUGHTS: It has to be said that I'm not personally convinced whether or not the author managed to pull off the whole Celtic/astrology thing - but then knowing little about astrology perhaps I'm not the best judge of this. However, as it is this is of little consequence as his world building is exceptionally good  and I strongly suspect will get even better.

Combining a not too dystopian future (which rather interestingly has echoes of the medieval) set in not one but two civilisations and a holy quest which sees our young hero involved in some exciting battles whilst laying the foundations for eleven more books. It could be argued that the author had over-stretched himself and yet, a story told with much aplomb, I can't say this was ever in evidence in this fast paced and humorous novel.

And then of course there are the characters. 

A motley collection for certain. Each well written, the secondary just as well as the major, the females just as well as the males. Oddly enough it wasn't so much Gruff, the hero of the piece and representing Capricorn, who captured my imagination so much as Morrigan. A great foil for Gruff and provider of much of the humour, whilst I don't want to say too much for fear of a spoiler, I'm saddened by the fate the author decided for this character.

Definitely a series to look out for. Quite different from any of the other books of this genre I have read, it will be fascinating to see how the Celtic, the Arthurian and the astrological will be brought into play in the forthcoming novels.