Review
Publicists often use comparisons to well-known authors to convince readers to
pick up a novel by an unknown writer. In the case of
The Red Wolf Conspiracy,
this tactic does the author a disservice. Robert Redick's writing is so good and
original that neither of the comparisons listed in the book's description do it
justice. If you're expecting another
Game of Thrones or
Golden Compass,
you'll be disappointed, as
The Red Wolf Conspiracy resembles neither. If
you're looking for a simply great fantasy read, though, this is your book.
The Red Wolf Conspiracy falls neatly into the "high fantasy" genre.
Redick immerses the reader in themes and archetypical characters many will
recognize from other novels in the category (good vs. evil; the young
protagonist with a mysterious skill and/or past; the malevolent Dark Lord who...
Beyond the Book
A Beginner's Guide to Tall Ships
The Red Wolf Conspiracy takes place almost entirely aboard an immense
sailing ship (aka "tall ship") with seven decks and five sails, similar, albeit perhaps on a grander scale, to those one might envision in use during the 18
th
century. Although the book is set in a fantasy world, Redick references familiar
ship types and crew positions throughout the novel.
A tall ship* is a large traditionally rigged sailing vessel. Tall ships are defined by their rigging, their masts and, in particular, by their sails. Some of the more common ship types are:
-
Fully-Rigged: Three or more masts with square sails on each mast.
-
Barque:
Three or more masts, with square...
