Fabulous reads – Delve into Matharu’s action-packed prequel

The Outcast, Taran Matharu, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781444939064

WITH the Summoner trilogy done and dusted, its talented author, Taran Matharu has given fans exactly what they have been begging for and dipped his toes back into the vivid universe her painstakingly created.

As the first commoner gifted with the ability to summon demons from the ether, Arcturus (remember him?) enters Vocans Academy amid a torrent of drama and soon deep lines are drawn in the sand as allies and enemies are quickly made.

I was slightly hesitant to pick up this read at first as prequels tend to feel more like a rushed cash grab than a fully realised, deep novel. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong. The book is positively addictive and Matharu’s easy flowing writing style just adds to the pace and tone of the book. While not particularly deep, the characters are strong, the story is intriguing and filled with more than a few action scenes.

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My one and only gripe is the characters found themselves in near-death situations and their sudden saving rolls felt contrived. It was as if the author hit stumbling points with his motley crew of characters and manufactured highly convenient quick-fix plans instead of a more organic approach.

After reading bits of Arcturus as a grown summoner in the main trilogy, it was interesting to see his rise to power with this prequel. If you have read any of Matharu’s other work, you are sure going to love stepping into this world. If this is your first foray with the summoner universe, expect an easy, addictive read that will have you coming back for more. 

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