Review: Lex Trent versus the Gods by Alex Bell
Law student Lex Trent’s world is inhabited by fearsome magicians, ageing crones and a menagerie of Gods and Goddesses. And while Lex is seemingly dedicated to his legal studies he’s always enjoyed a challenge – which is why he leads a double life as the notorious cat burglar ‘The Shadowman’ who has been (luckily) evading capture for years.
But Lex’s luck is about to run out because the Goddess of Fortune has selected him to be her player in the highly dangerous Games. Losing is not an option for Lex (particularly as it so often involves dying) but can he really win each of the perilous rounds? Given that the reward for doing so is money, fame and glory – all things that Lex is quite keen on – he’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure he will… and he’s certainly got good experience of cheating.
– Publishers Blurb
Given that the billing this one has been receiving comparing it to Terry Pratchett among others (which is a bit like comparing it to Shakespeare in this house!) this one had a lot to live up to.
While there are a few Pratchette-esq turns of phrase, it’s not really a comparison that suits. It’s a comic fantasy, yes, but it is one that can stand on it’s own two feet.
The imaginative world Alex Bell has created is packed with the weird and wonderful. Vindictive conjurers, old crones, a retirement village for fairy-godmothers and Gods that take human form and walk the world to meddle in their followers lives!
I’ll be honest, it wasn’t quite as unputdownable as I was hoping, but this is a really fun read, and much of that is down to the character of Lex, who is fantastic creation and a completely unrepenting scoundrel! Every time you think he might have ‘grown’-some and shown some sign of being a better person, he does something to show you just how wrong you are. 
Twelve-year-old boys are absolutely going to love Lex and his antics!
Lex Trent versus The Gods is published by Headline and is in shops now.
Other Reviews to Consider
BookZone | The Book Smugglers |
Buy: Lex Trent versus The Gods by Alex Bell, from The Book Depository.
This book was supplied by the publisher for the purposes of review.
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I’ll have to suggest this for my nephews — and, you know, I wouldn’t be a good aunt if I didn’t read it through myself first . . . just to make sure.
Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
It’s good fun this one.
This sounds like such an interesting character. I just love it when they are “unrepenting scoundrels”!
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Oh, he’s definitely unrepenting!