Pathfinder (Pathfinder #1)

Summary:

Rigg is well trained at keeping secrets. Only his father knows the truth about Rigg's strange talent for seeing the paths of people's pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him--secrets about Rigg's own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain.

Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead. He will be forced to question everything he thinks he knows, choose who to trust, and push the limits of his talent…or forfeit control of his destiny. (Summary and book cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

WHOA. Did you know that Scott Orson Card had a series besides “Ender’s Game”?  Somehow I completely missed that so I was thrilled when I saw “Pathfinder” at one of my favorite book stores.  I loved this book!  I was fascinated by the concept of paths and found myself thinking about them for long after I finished the book.

I can absolutely gush like a school girl over the sci-fi aspects of this book for hours.  I love the pseudo-science that explains each of the characters unique abilities, but much like Jules Verne, while the basic concept somewhat fits into the physical realm, science –fiction will pick up the rest of the gaps. Don’t expect to have concrete explanations of everything; you’ll just have to go with it. 

Much like “Ender’s Game”, each chapter has a mini intro commentary from a parallel story.  The first snippet I read completely threw me off as I had settled in for an epic fantasy novel.  Once you get into the story, however, it is fascinating to see how the two stories move towards each other and where they’re going to merge.  This book is definitely going to make your brain hurt at times when you attempt to keep the time-travel straight, but it is all worth it.  I cannot wait to read the next books in the series!!

Rating: 5 stars!

Who should read it? People who think “Wheel of Time meets Ender’s Game” sounds like heaven.

Want to read the whole series?

• Ruins (Pathfinder #2)

• Visitors (Pathfinder #3)