Advanced copy received via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

Initially I was going to rate this down to 4.5* but I've decided to keep it at the whole 5 stars. I just think that the one single issue I had with it was really minor and overall didn't really have any impact on how much I enjoyed it in the end. That issue was the slight lack of world building at the start. I was a little unclear as to what kind of setting the story was based in and the type of infrastructure I was supposed to imagine. But since I almost immediately became absorbed by Kellen and his plight to ignite his magic it seemed quite insignificant in the end. Also some of it did become clearer the further I progressed.

Firstly I just want to say that I love Castell's adult series, The Greatcoats. And I could see that Spellslinger was written in his same humorous style. Spellslinger would make a great introduction to Castell's writing. It was a fast paced roller coaster ride of action and adventure with masses of magic, mischief and mayhem thrown in. Some of it was so fantastical and surreal I found myself questioning what I just read. Castell has this ability to have you laughing out loud one minute, then casting you into the darkest depths of despair the next. Though I reckon I must have spent half this read with a massive grin on my face because it was just my kind of funny.

My favourite character has to be the sarcastic and sardonic squirrel cat. Seriously, I want one! And of course I also loved the feisty but wise Ferius Parfax who was a little mysterious and a whole lot of intriguing. I love how Castell can make you wish to be part of a band of misfits and outcasts through their banter alone.

I'm certainly looking forward to picking up Shadowcaster later this year and continuing Kellen's story. Castell has become a firm auto-buy author for sure!

Spellslinger is yet another triumph for Sebastien de Castell (such a great name for a fantasy author!) The book is made up of short, quick chapters, which propel the tale along at a great pace. I can understand why this would appeal to a YA audience, but there's more than enough there for adult readers.

The cast is great. We have a hero with weaknesses and flaws, a witty companion and a mysterious friend. It all fits together seamlessly, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.

The highest compliment i can give this book, however, is that it reads as if it was written by Brandon Sanderson. If i hadn't had seen de Castell's name on the front, i would have been convinced that this was another Sanderson success. The magic system is well thought out and believable, and the world building is utterly convincing,

Bring on book 2!