Jak Fuller is an orphan boy, traveling town to town, looking for a home. He transports his few possessions in a wheelbarrow, mainly a sizable collection of books he inherited from a past caretaker and mentor. When he enters Fort Lasthall, a town he is mysteriously drawn to, he knocks on a door to ask about work and is taken in. While at first, it seems good fortune has been blessed upon him, we later discover it was fate and powerful magic that had drawn him there, starting him on a dark journey throughout his years to manhood.
A Thousand Roads is a unique tale that delves deep into the character of Jak. We can relate to him and see much of ourselves in him. Because of this, he becomes a real person to us. He craves the adventures he’s read about in his books but is conflicted and fearful of taking the leap. Most often, he opts to follow the dreams of others instead; the safer road, or so it seems. The story is philosophical and spiritual at times, but their discourse is part of the growth of Jak as a person. Good versus evil, faith, trusting in others, and seeking a purpose in life are all powerful themes that are well explored here.
The world the author builds for us is likewise complex. It’s well textured and alive with memorable supporting characters and settings on a large scale. It’s a dark world though; very dark indeed. There are several factions pitted against each other and it’s difficult for Jak to decipher which one holds the most promise for a better world for all. Little by little, though, Jak is drawn further into the realm of dark magic with the promise of light at the end. The end will justify the means? No, it doesn’t, and Jak has to learn this the hard way. He becomes so consumed by the dark magic that he loses his own identity. Ultimately though, he resists and finally chooses his own path; his own road.
The novel is lengthy and may at first seem daunting to some, but rest assured, Jak’s continuous development and the adventures he goes through keep the story pacing steady. While there may have been cuts that the author could have made for brevity, the desire to see what happens to Jak next keeps the reader moving forward. It’s because we care so much about Jak as a person and can identify with him so deeply that the reader will never reach a point where they want to give up and put the book down. In fact, quite the opposite, you find yourself looking forward to spending a slice of each day in Jak’s world, like visiting with a childhood friend you’ve grown up with. I do offer a warning though. More sensitive readers may wish to look elsewhere. The novel can be very graphic at times with disturbing imagery and scenes. There is also explicit sexual content in places that may not suit some.
Overall, A Thousand Roads is a reading adventure well worth taking the time to experience. The author’s dedication and passion are evident throughout and are the mark of a fine storyteller. The epic tale he spins is a praiseworthy debut novel and leaves us wondering what will be next.
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
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