Arcana is the name of a so-called terrorist group in an alternative Britain where magic has been outlawed, and those who practice it must do so in secret, threatened by the possibility of awful torture and brutal execution. It’s the witch hunts of old ramped up for modern times; there’s even a special police unit, the M-Forcers, who deal specifically with such crimes, some of its members possessed with an unhealthy enthusiasm for their work.
Callum McGuire is the latest recruit to the M-Forcers, and his first day is a baptism of fire for him and the reader, both given a glimpse of how brutal this regime truly is. As doubt creeps in, Callum finds himself involved in a police raid that goes terribly wrong, forcing him to question his motivations; we’re offered glimpses of his past, while in the present Callum discovers feelings for his new neighbour Ferne. Their relationship brings events to a head, forcing Callum to make a choice that will have consequences for everyone. What unfolds is an urban fantasy that, while heavy on some of the usual archetypes – a wise old mentor figure, for instance, plays a big part in Callum’s journey – reads like Harry Potter versus The Sweeny; gritty, entertaining, and with some gentle moments amongst all the spells, explosions and bloodshed.
Arcana is an imaginative story written with Paul Kane’s usual fast pace and lean prose, giving an interesting spin on the ‘chosen one’ tradition that is more often seen in epic fantasy, while commenting on the nature of prejudice and how it corrupts. Kane’s work with characters is always of a high standard and this is no exception; even the minor players are well-crafted, imbued with a sense of their own purpose within the story that unfolds, and feature in some beautifully-written scenes that allow them to shine. Above all, Arcana is a hugely entertaining read, a real rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that keep the pages turning until the very end, and another work of high quality from this prolific author.
ARCANA / AUTHOR: PAUL KANE / PUBLISHER: WORDFIRE PRESS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
