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Medair (Medair #1-2)

by Andrea K. Höst (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 61 ratings · 18 reviews

The complete epic fantasy "Medair" duology, containing the Aurealis Awards finalist "The Silence of Medair" and the heart-rending conclusion "Voice of the Lost".

Time stole Victory.

Medair an Rynstar returned too late to drive back the Ibisian invasion. Centuries too late.

When friend and enemy have become the same thing, what use are the weapons Medair planned to use to prot...more

Kindle Edition

Published by Andrea K. Hösth (first published January 1st 2011)

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Apr 14, 2013 Mallori rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5
This duology was enjoyable, but a bit confusing for me. I enjoyed the first book- The silence of Medair- immensely. It had great and credible world building, the idea of Heralds with their satchels was fascinating, and I loved the idea that the heroine was not a hero, but simply a loyal Imperial messenger driven to desperation. What a heartbreaking and intriguing place to pick up a story- the complete failure of an everyday person in her attempt to save all that she knew due to an ill-fated t...more 3.5
This duology was enjoyable, but a bit confusing for me. I enjoyed the first book- The silence of Medair- immensely. It had great and credible world building, the idea of Heralds with their satchels was fascinating, and I loved the idea that the heroine was not a hero, but simply a loyal Imperial messenger driven to desperation. What a heartbreaking and intriguing place to pick up a story- the complete failure of an everyday person in her attempt to save all that she knew due to an ill-fated twist of magic.
I really liked that the set up allowed Host to ask interesting questions about hanging onto the wounds and prejudices of the past, and whether you can hate a culture that has become you own.

However, the reason I have reservations in my love for the Medair duology is twofold- I felt that it started like an adventure fantasy, but the second book ended like a love story. While I was somewhat satisfied with the emotional arc that Medair went through and the resolution of her relationships, I was frustrated because I felt like it just ended with "And they lived mostly happily ever after..." I wanted more- the world is left in a pretty messed up state and I would have liked to have seen some resolution there.

Which highlights my second point - Host made some pretty strange choices in plotting the direciton of the story. What starts as an interestingly twisted fantasy gets twisted and then twisted again and then twisted again, so that they story was somewhat random and almost out of shape.
Again, it allowed Host to ask and explore interesting questions- would your life be different or better if you didn't let other people's opinions shape your self worth? - but I felt more like the author was pulling random levers than taking me on a carefully plotted joureny with Medair, and that was at time uncomfortable.

Don't let my reservations stop you from reading these books though- I did enjoy and would definitely recommend it as an entertaining and truely interesting take on a fantasy story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the later Touchstone series, which had just as many twists but was maybe better plotted. I plan to continue reading Andrea Host's catalogue since I have enjoyed the interesting stories she tells. (less)

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Jun 22, 2012 ala rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, fantasy

It's exciting to be finally able to give a five star rating to a book -- with the explosion of paranormal and the urban fantasy genre, good ones seem hard to come by recently. But I found this one captivating. Though it builds on the potentially trite theme of forbidden love, it rises far above the formulaic, instead using the theme to probe deeper questions of anger, forgiveness, loyalty, honor and love.

Medair is a re-publishing of two books in one: The Silence of Medair and The Voice of the L...more It's exciting to be finally able to give a five star rating to a book -- with the explosion of paranormal and the urban fantasy genre, good ones seem hard to come by recently. But I found this one captivating. Though it builds on the potentially trite theme of forbidden love, it rises far above the formulaic, instead using the theme to probe deeper questions of anger, forgiveness, loyalty, honor and love.

Medair is a re-publishing of two books in one: The Silence of Medair and The Voice of the Lost. However neither one is even remotely stand-alone, so I recommend getting this compound volume.

The book opens about a year after Medair returns from a quest for a magical horn to save the empire she serves as a herald from the invading Ibisians. Though her quest was successful, she has returned 500 years too late. Her side lost and the once-invaders are now as much a part of the new country she comes home to as the indigenous population is. She struggles to lay down the cause she fought for, the resentment she feels for the Ibisians and understand her new role -- what does it mean for her to serve her empire so long after the one she swore allegiance to was drastically changed?

(Warning: possible spoilers below)
Events throw her reluctantly in with an Ibisian nobleman, one who reminds her too much of the king who conquered her people. Host uses Medair's ambivalent dealings with both men, the one from the present and recollections of Ibisian king to probe feelings of loss and anger and the possibility of forgiveness and acceptance. I love how Host moves between present and recalled events to unfold both current and back-story. No info dumping here. Instead dramatic recollections are skillfully woven into the story thread and serve explain Medair and her issues.

Medair is a real and likable character, trying hard to do the right thing in a situation where the choices are no longer clear. Her struggles and moral dilemmas seem real to me (if perhaps a touch repetitive, but I can over look this). She is a strong heroine, but avoids the superhumanness that's can be an annoying trap in this genre. I especially like how she tries to be honest with herself when she probes her motivations -- how shame, desire for the approval of others, mixes with her sense of duty, her desires. She has some blind spots, but these are also developed in interesting ways -- the-lady-doth- protest-too-much sort of thing.

I also love the world created, with complex cultures and traditions. I also have a soft spot for authors who make up enough new words that they offer the reader a glossary. (I personally hate having things over-explained in the story itself. Just enough is given in context to make most aspects understandable here.)

I should admit that this book has a number of flaws, some of them I would complain about bitterly in the case of most books. But this one has so much going for it, I would almost prefer to ignore them... I kind of felt that too much went on in the second book -- we go from one dramatic change to another. This was primarily a character-driven novel such that the action served to put the characters in situations where they might change and grow. This was done masterfully in the first book, but the second I felt like a number of things were over-the-top and served more as a distraction from what the characters were doing, unless this was supposed to be a prequel to another series or something. Toning it down would have made for a more believable and powerful backdrop for the character development. I also have a beef with the secondary characters. Though not as one-dimensional as often is the case, they were done a disservice by the Medair-only POV. Their problems were not focused on enough to make them truly compelling. Finally, the Decian uprising was entirely unconvincing to me. Why were they so unhappy again if the Ibisian rulers were so just? How did the king know how to use wild magic if no-one else knew how? Why now? Way too many loose ends... And finally, how was it that Medair's invisibility ring was destroyed in one chapter and then remarkably was used again 4 chapters later??? -- think this is a sign that a better editor was in order.

In spite of these problems, this is the best book I've read in a long time. The love story is masterfully told. Starting so subtly you hardly see it coming. It grows so gradually you almost don't notice. And then there is a twist that's like -- holy crap I totally didn't see that coming but explains so much! Amazing. Antithesis of Bella-Edward insta-love BS.

Anyway, this one really stuck with me. I finished it and had to go back and re-read a bunch of parts of it (I almost _never_ do that) and it was even better the second time through. Highly recommended.(less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Marcel rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who wants to read a great story

Shelves: fantasy, australian-literature, romance, read-2012

Medair is another great book by Andrea K. Höst. It combines the two books The Silence of Medair and Voice of the Lost in one. The story flows well and you don't want to put the book down once started. The story centers on Medair and the difficult choices she has to make and how along the way she finds love. There is a lot of action and adventure. The story shows how mixing two cultures and letting them mould together over a few centuries you end up with something new which maintains elements of...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, indie-books

This is two novels in one, except it isn't really as the two read like halves of a whole rather than as two separate stories. It's one story, about hatred, forgiveness & forbearance, and I did love reading it. I docked it one star because I did get bogged down in fantasy conventions a few times (mainly far too many made up words) and the ending threw me rather, but don't let that put you off. This is a book very much worth reading. There are so many regions of our own world that are plagued...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Sassapphras rated it 5 of 5 stars

I would first like to say that I love this author. I was introduced to her through her Touchstone trilogy, which I absolutely adore! Wanting more of that, I picked up the Medair Duology. I admit that my love for the Touchstone trilogy surpasses this series, but these books were still really very good. I will definitely be reading more from Ms. Höst. Her writing style grabs my attention and doesn't let go.

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Oct 28, 2012 Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-adult-fiction-non-erotica, favorites

Medair is one of those rare books where I felt like someone could knock me out and induce amnesia - so that I can read the book all over again! The experience was beyond pleasant and I liked how the author surprised me through the plot twists in the story. On that note, it might just be me because I put in effort not to try and anticipate what would happen next but immerse myself in the story (Hey! That's what escapism is all about yeah?). So it depends what gets you going, the pleasure of a nov...more Medair is one of those rare books where I felt like someone could knock me out and induce amnesia - so that I can read the book all over again! The experience was beyond pleasant and I liked how the author surprised me through the plot twists in the story. On that note, it might just be me because I put in effort not to try and anticipate what would happen next but immerse myself in the story (Hey! That's what escapism is all about yeah?). So it depends what gets you going, the pleasure of a novel experience vs. getting a kick out of knowing your predictions came true.

I liked both The Silence of Medair and The Voice of the Lost simply because the length was just right. Not too lengthy and it ended just at the right spot for the fantasy to continue its course in my own head. The story also gives me a deep sense of nostalgia. 500 years passed and what's left behind? I like how the story started by capitalizing on Medair's failure and Andrea K. Host did not hesitate to let us know how much she regrets her mistake though... I suppose if she developed a psychological disorder like PTSD or perhaps suffers from repression that manifests itself in a million tiny weird quirks would make her traumatic experience more realistic. But her honesty to being a coward was real enough for me. I also like how secretive Medair had to be, and how a particular male protagonist had subtly attempted to uncover her mystery.

I would say that the character development was mainly emphasized on Medair and it did suggest that the author put in a lot of thought when writing the book. The language use was excellent as well. I don't really appreciate what other authors do to make ancient/fantasy folk talk or behave like today's modern Hollywood. I like the subtle romance between the characters and I appreciate the cultural differences between Farakkians (humans) and the Ibisians (white skinned, blue spine humanoid beings). I appreciate the effort she put into creating this 'alien' race (didn't really mention if they were from outer space).

I also like the ending! It was one of those.. 'too much to ask for but the author made it happen' type. Probably the only unreal thing I believe existed in this unreal world! Did I give too much hint?

What I didn't like?
1. Not enough physical action (be it at self-defense, violence or in war)
2. A time difference of 500 years would warrant A WHOLE LOT more of changes than what the author described albeit they were relevant (ie. emergence of new 'Gods' and the disappearance of some old lands)
3. Where did the Hoard even came from?! (once you've read the book.. you'll know)
(less)

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Feb 12, 2012 Turtles rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-historical

This is both books of Medair in one, both were really brilliant. The story which unfolded is certainly one I haven't had the pleasure to read before. Medair was a very well written and complex girl. She made decisions which were so difficult and with a sense of justice many cannot claim. I thought it was well thought out by the author to get two or three sides of an event and those reasonings stand throughout the book, 500 years later and after that crazy fire. The fantasy setting was lovely and...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Estara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: those who enjoy fantasy, thinking of consequences, action and romance

Recommended to Estara by: Li

Shelves: ebook, read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. During the holidays I finally found time to read Medair, which I had been braced against a bit - even though I've much enjoyed all the other books of the author I've read so far - because of the basic plot of hopelessness for the heroine. This whole review is utterly FULL of spoilers:

The first book, which was nominated for an Auralis award, introduces the action plot of a kingdom in danger from outside forces which it attempts to defeat or stop by looking for all kinds of things which may height...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Li rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, read-in-2012

I probably do sound like a bit of a broken record when it comes to Andrea K Höst, but I have fallen in love with pretty much all of her books.

MEDAIR has adventure, magic, and love (with a healthy dollop of angst), and I was drawn into Medair's world from the start. I loved the premise of "what happens if the hero(ine) fails to save the world" combined with the Sleeping Beauty spin - Medair emerges from her version of an enchanted sleep half a century after the war. The world is much changed and...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Jack rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I really like Host. She writes YA-ish stuff, but it's good. Medair isn't a storybook heroine. She's a young woman who returns from a quest, successful, and discovers not victory, not even ashes, just irrelevance. That's how you take a YA quest story and make it your own. It's a bit like if "Palading of Souls" had gone terribly wrong, and how the paladin ekes out a victory despite failure.

Besides, I have a fond spot for duologies that announce themselves, especially if they're well done.

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Apr 01, 2013 C rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

What an imagination Andrea Höst has! Each series she writes of a different world, each world fully realized with detailed descriptions, new traditions, customs, cultures, languages... I have a particular soft spot for any science fiction or fantasy so marvelously complete.

I think the first, The Silence of Medair, was far more polished. But the second, Voice of the Lost, for all its niggling problems, completely blew me away.

These books are by no means stand alone and in my opinion would be bet...more

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Nov 08, 2011 Danae1972 rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really like this author's style of writing, it allows you to immerse yourself in her main character and feel the emotions. My only complaint about these books is that I'd like to have seen a little more about what happens next.

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Apr 21, 2012 Jamethiel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Interesting premise and plot, made for an addicting read as I couldn't wait to see what choices the main character would make. Neat twists and turns to the world as well, would be interesting to see what happens next.

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May 13, 2012 Dikaye rated it 4 of 5 stars

4-1/2 Stars

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Mar 31, 2013 Dorothy Parker rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Not mytast

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Feb 19, 2012 Emily Leathers rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who enjoys fantasy

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, fiction, kindle, magic, read-preview, self-published, owned

Exactly the quality and enjoyment that I've come to expect from Andrea Host. The world and story were well done, and I loved watching Medair's emotional development on top of it.

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Jan 23, 2013 Mandy Crouch rated it 5 of 5 stars

Top ten favorite books ever. Unexpectedly thoughtful, suspenseful, melancholy and romantic. Presents philosophical dilemmas in a believable manner (assuming suspension of belief re: world creation and plot, of course). I never write reviews but I felt I had to here.

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May 08, 2013 Sugarcat rated it 5 of 5 stars

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May 05, 2013 Daisy rated it 5 of 5 stars

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May 01, 2013 A Goddess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

Apr 30, 2013 Deborah Hinkle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Apr 28, 2013 Josh rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Apr 20, 2013 Patricia Guy rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Apr 03, 2013 Catie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Apr 02, 2013 Ramona rated it 3 of 5 stars

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About Andrea K. Höst

Born in Sweden and raised in Australia, Andrea K Höst currently lives in Sydney. She writes fantasy, but wanders occasionally into science fantasy.

Her novel "The Silence of Medair" was a finalist for the 2010 Aurealis Award for best fantasy novel.

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Medair (Medair #1-2)

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