Review: Lex Trent versus the Gods - Alex Bell

Cheats never prosper.  At least that's what everyone else would have you believe.  But Lex Trent knows better.  Lex knows that, with a bit of luck, the quickest route to success is to lie, swindle and cheat all the way to the top.

Unfortunately Lex has taken his scams a step too far...  Rather than see his neck in a noose, he's forced to go on the run in a world of irritable Gods, fearsome magicians and strange beasts.

But luck is still on his side, just.

The God's favourite pastime is The Games... and Lex has just become one of the human playing pieces.  With fame, glory and untold wealth at stake, Lex isn't going to lose (especially as that so often involves dying) - in fact, he fully intends to beat the Gods at their own game.

The Lex Trent Chronicles:
Lex Trent versus the Gods
Book 2 (as yet unnamed) is due to be published in 2011

Visit Alex Bell's website for more information

Review:
This is a great start to a new series and Alex Bell has created a detailed world rich in myths, legends and fairy tales.  It reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, not so much in the details but in the sheer scope of the world created.  I'm very much looking forward to reading more about the Globe & it's cast of characters.

Lex Trent is a conman and a thief, he's always had a lucky streak but when things go wrong in the middle of a museum robbery he finds himself in trouble with the police.  He ends up on the run from the law but Lady Luck hasn't deserted him - in fact she has decided to use him as her player in a game of the Gods.  With assistance from an unlikely source he is going to have to take part in the dangerous games even though there is a high risk of death if he doesn't succeed.  Danger doesn't frighten Lex though and he is determined to win at any cost.

Lex isn't your typical hero - he is a selfish, arrogant, adrenaline junkie who makes it very hard for you to like him at times.  In fact there were times when I was just begging for him to be taken down a peg or two and then proceeded to cheer when he was!  Having said that as the story evolves we start to find out more about why Lex is the way he is and you can't help but want things to go well for him.  There is also a great cast of supporting characters who add depth to to the story - I particularly liked Lucius & Schmidt & hope we get to learn more about them both in the future.

The action is a little slow to start but once the game is underway the story is fast paced with plenty of twists along the way.  I loved the way mythical & fairy tale creatures are woven into the story - you really never could tell who - or what - would turn up next.  I'm already looking forward to reading Lex's next adventure!

Source: Recieved for review from publisher Headline

Other reviews of this book:
Nayu's Reading Corner
Rhiana Reads
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