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Liked It “Read another by this author not knowing it was a series (got the point halfway thru the book) so I figured I'd start at the beginning. Really liked it. Sort of medieval, magic, friends, fantasy.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I can’t be very disappointed with Sharon Shinn, but I can be a little.
maydiwayatangnawawala wrote this review Monday, July 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Dialogue that sounds rehearsed, as if being read aloud from a history book. Characters that blend into one another. Actions and responses that seem lifted from previous stories.
It’s as if her heart wasn’t in this book the way it was in Archangel, Angel-Seeker, and the Shape-Changer’s Wife. I fear all her other work will always come short of these titles; but, I wish, not this short.
The plot is fine enough, though, easily sustainable to several sequels. From whispers, rumors of a mystic Queen manipulating the King’s heart and actions have grown to fuel a religious fervor against so-called children of the devil. The Daughters of the Pale Mother and a few Southern Houses have taken advantage of religious fanaticism and political ambition to stir up thoughts of war. The King has charged his trusted Riders to protect the mystics, led by Fire-starter Senneth, as they scout out the lay of the people’s loyalties, especially among the 12 noble Houses.
In that journey, mystics and riders rescue a boy who can sense thoughts and emotions and a legendary raelynx, discover the atrocities committed in the countryside in the Pale Mother’s name, and form a camaraderie—and more than camaraderie between Senneth and a Rider—that could hold the key to Gillengaria’s ultimate fate.
There are lots of interesting elements here. I just didn’t look forward to seeing more of the same Sharon Shinn characters just clothed by different names under a different setting. I hope this dismal characterization is just a fluke, and would be corrected in future volumes.
”“Read another by this author not knowing it was a series (got the point halfway thru the book) so I figured I'd start at the beginning. Really liked it. Sort of medieval, magic, friends, fantasy.”
Charlene V wrote this review Wednesday, April 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“An enjoyable story. A bit predicable, but since it was a good story it's ok. Obviously there are more to come as the author left some pieces open for more story line. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story with shape shifters, sword play, politics, romance, danger etc.”
Marguerite M wrote this review Saturday, April 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I loved Senneth and Tayse, and give the book four stars on the strength of their characters alone, because otherwise it's pretty lightweight for a fantasy epic. I have sympathy, because I fear I can't write intriguing politics either, but as a result I tend to avoid making politics the center of my stories.”
PhoenixFalls wrote this review Sunday, April 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is an awesome book. This book proves that you can have a good story line without foul language and smut.”
Breezysla wrote this review Wednesday, September 10 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Compelling characters despite their somewhat formulaic nature. An enjoyable, unchallenging read.”
Andrea M wrote this review Monday, January 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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