I’m not sure I really would have picked this one out myself, but I was given the Highwayman, by R.A. Salvatore as a gift. Having read some of his other novels (The Icewind Dale Trilogy, the Dark Elf Trilogy, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones), I have to say that I wasn’t sure what to expect. Some of his books were rather enjoyable including the books with his notable star character Drizzt Do’Urden. His novelization of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, on the other hand, was a bit weak, especially towards the end where I continue to believe (for his sake) that he was running out of time.
The Highwayman is the first book in the Saga of the First King. It sets up the story of the title character Bransen, the son of a monk and a martial artist. Bran, monk of Blessed Abelle, is sent on a mission where he falls in love with and marries Sen Wi, a martial artist. Their marriage, however, is not sanctioned by the Church, and both of them end up being tragic heroes, dying not long after the birth of their son, Bransen. Bransen, having injuries sustained while in the womb, has difficulties with the local populace as well as with the monks who are forced against their will to raise and protect him. Bransen, however, has some of the knowledge of his mother’s martial arts skills, and, as things progress, becomes a formidable fighter.