Book Review: Ogden: A Tale for the End of Time by Ben G. Price

"Ogden: A Tale for The End of Time" is a fantasy story that took me by surprise and reaffirmed why I love the indie fantasy genre.

In a genre often crowded with familiar tropes and retold narratives this novel, penned by Ben G. Price, intertwines classic storytelling with a rich tapestry of magical creatures and elemental magic, all while championing the cause of environmental protection in a completely non preachy way.

This book was simply well written, original and one that is criminally underated and unheard of in the indie fantasy community. This is one of those books that deserves to be read (And I don’t say that lightly).

Set in an 18th-century world where magic and non-human entities are scorned, the story introduces us to Ogden, a baby troll discovered abandoned in the woods. Unlike any typical character in fantasy literature, Ogden's journey from an orphaned troll to being adopted by a respected landowner and growing up in a grand countryside manor, is narrated with such warmth and depth that it instantly endears him to readers. His attempts to navigate human society, coupled with his innate magical essence, render Ogden an unforgettable character who symbolizes much more than just an anomaly in a human-centric world.

What sets this novel apart is not just its unique protagonist or its magical elements but how seamlessly it weaves in its themes of environmentalism and societal acceptance. The parallel drawn between Ogden's struggle for acceptance is both poignant and thought-provoking. The narrative is unique as we view everything via the eyes of a troll. Normally monsters are canon fodder against fantasy heroes, these Trolls have a deep culture and are so well developed I think they’ve now jumped up my list of favourite fantasy creatures.

Ben G. Price's narrative prowess shines throughout the book, demonstrating that fantasy literature can be both a portal to imaginative realms and a mirror reflecting our own world's challenges. Deep down this story is a call to action, wrapped in a cloak of fantasy, that urges readers to reconsider their relationship with nature and the non-human world. And I say again, it’s done in a way that is clever, not guilt trippy or in your face but is thought provoking.

The characters are well developed and the pacing is good. I mean, if I could read it in a single weekend and it held my attention then it did something right!

In conclusion, "Ogden: A Tale for The End of Time" is an excellent novel. It is a novel that dares to dream of a world where the magic of nature is revered and protected. With its endearing protagonist, enchanting narrative, and powerful yet subtle message of environmental preservation, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that entertains and inspires.

I highly recommended this book for readers seeking a novel that is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre.