"Well of Sorrows" by Benjain Tate

To escape a war brewing in their country, Colin and his parents take refuge in a new land. Like most immigrants, the family struggles with unjust treatment. To save his family and friends, Colin’s father grudgingly agrees to lead an expedition to expand the new lands. The wagon train trip through the Plains parallels the dangers the American pioneers faced during the westward movement of the early United States. The settlers expected to find freedom; unfortunately, they encountered hostile inhabitants, The Dwarren. Only Colin survives. Colin is saved and receives a “baptism”’ from the waters of the Well of Sorrows. He emerges with untold powers and a connection to the supernatural force of the forest and the Well.


The author seems very definite about the moral fiber of his characters; there is no grey area. During the beginning of the story, the author takes time to provide a strong back-story and significant development of the protagonist, Colin and the antagonist, Walter. Colin’s integrity is balanced by the delicious badness of his enemy Walter. Colin is not a reluctant hero, though. He just jumps right in and accepts his fate. He remains resistant to being corrupted by the power of the Well; however, it seems inevitable that he will become consumed by its control.

The author’s fantasy world seems very genuine and realistic. He creates vivid settings including: the sea side community lined with cobblestone streets, bustling docks, and rugged wilderness.

The author created a well paced battle scene by incorporating various settings and strategically placed characters. He provides different points of view and shifts time to reveal the stakeholders’ role in the epic battle of power and control. Similar to other fantasy novels I have read, I had some trouble keeping up all the names of the lords and warriors.

I anticipate Colin’s character will develop as the series proceeds. I really didn’t see any growth or change in Colin’s character as an adult. Both characters remain static: I expected Colin to be good and Walter to be bad. In turn, Colin will always need a foil to balance the stability of Well’s Life Blood. Will Colin keep hold of his humanity? How will the Well of Sorrows remain contained?

This suspenseful story will leave the reader with lingering questions and thirst to continue the adventure.

According to Penguin...An epic tale of a continent on the brink of war, and a deadly magic that waits to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world.



Colin Harten and his parents had fled across the ocean to escape the Family wars in Andover. But trouble followed them and their fellow refugees to this new land, forcing them to abandon the settled areas and head into unexplored territory-the sacred grounds of a race of underground dwellers and warriors. It was here that they would meet their doom. Driven to the borders of a dark forest, they were attacked by mysterious Shadow creatures who fed on life force. Only Colin survived to find his way to the Well of Sorrows-and to a destiny that might prove the last hope for peace in this troubled land.