Lichgates (The Grimoire Saga, #1)

Apr 13, 2012 Tanja (Tanychy) St. Delphi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, arc-galleys, fantasy, my-little-library

edit: You can also find my review here http://jacitamati.blogspot.com/

I started reading this book slowly, so I could enjoy in it longer. But today I started reading it and I totally lost myself in it. Before I could stop myself I finished this book and 3 hours just passed like that. I feel like I woke up from a dream.

At the beginning of the book it reminded me of Narnia and then I thought it has some connections with The Lord of the Rigs, and also I could see some stuff I saw in books for kids o...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Christie Rich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult-title

What a fun adventure Kara's journey turned out to be. She's smart and sassy and this is how she looks to me:

Next is Braeden in one of his many forms:

Having just lost her mother, Kara is looking for an escape. When she goes hiking one fine afternoon and stumbles on a lichgate her life turns upside down. She is immediately drawn into an adventure of a lifetime and doesn't look back, well, mostly. She is trapped by a book that makes her its guardian. Along with the book comes a lot of responsibil...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2012 J. Sharp rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anybody who has ever met me knows that what I like about books are characters. I still like plot-driven books, but I really enjoy well-rounded characters with some complexity.
S. M. Boyce has succeeded, in the best of ways, to create a complex, mysterious world that is peopled by complex characters that pop off the page and spark. The main character, Kara, is a young woman who stumbles on a hidden world, through a gate that separates our world from the world of Ourea. There she finds out that sh...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2011 Kirkus MacGowan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! What a creative mind. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know S.M. Boyce the past few months and I can tell you, it doesn’t end here. Her mind is constantly teeming with new ideas.

The reader gets a great taste of that in Grimoire: Lichgates. Every chapter is filled with new and unique monsters, races, or lands. No orcs and elves here.

The one area I enjoyed most, which just so happens to be the area I had the biggest issue with, is her dialogue. It’s quirky, funny, and really gives the reade...more

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Jessica Fortunato rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought the novel Lichgates (Book One in the Grimoire Trilogy) about two weeks ago. All I knew at the time was the brief synopsis given on Amazon, and that I liked the author, S.M Boyce very much.
Here is the tale, and I warn you now, I cannot do it justice in one measly paragraph:

“Kara Magari is just a regular girl on a hike. One day she chooses to take the way less traveled by (not always the best idea Mr. Frost) and stumbles through a Lichgate. What is a Lichgate you may ask? It is a portal,...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, favorites, omg-that-was-great, arc, fantasy, can-t-wait-for-next-book, magic, adventure

I really enjoyed this book once I sat down read it (previously it was when I had five minutes here or there). I liked this book because it was different. There is something refreshing about an author who creates her how world. To many fantasy or urban fantasy have the same run of the mill storylines and characters. But not this story. The author has created an exciting mystical world. The writing allow me to envision it perfectly. I wanted to have my own adventure in Boyce's land. I really liked...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, own-it

Ultra quick synopsis: Kara likes to hike and while on holiday with her father, happens upon a door in a mountain. Through a series of events, Kara finds The Grimoire and becomes The Vagabond in a new world where everything can be deadly and people don't always look like what they are. The people have waited a thousand years for the next vagabond and now that she is here there are those who would use her and those who would kill her. Kara must decide who to trust if she is going to live to try to...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Shawn Wickersheim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A richly detailed, wildly imaginative, fantasy adventure with a cast of unique and interesting characters. I look forward to reading more by S.M. Boyce.

I know, I know, this is in no way a long review, however, I'm better at discussing a book with someone rather than 'reviewing' it. I guess it comes from working at a bookstore. Yes, I can give customers a 'quick' review of a book, but I'd rather 'talk' books with someone.

What did you think about the dialogue?

Overall, I felt it was some of the b...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 16, 2011 Rich Weatherly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Imagine a fantasy novel with a taste of Lord of the Rings, Narnia and Harry Potter. You might sense the influences that must have guided debut author S.M. Boyce. From beautifully crafted descriptions and exposition to action packed thrills, it's all there: fight scenes that work, magic, shape shifting creatures, time-shifts and a cast of likable good guys offset by terrifying opponents.

Main character Kara Magari stumbles on an ancient book while hiking on a mountain trail. The talking book, the...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 27, 2012 Angel Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It amazes me how someone could be so creative to invent a world, keep track of characters, what they do, and where they live. Each character being able to accomplish different magic and living in different worlds. I don't normally read these types of books I'm a fan of the murder mystery/suspense as you can tell from my reading list so I wasn't sure going into this book if I was going to like it or not. I'm glad I took the time to read it because I thought it was GREAT! Can't wait to read the ne...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 05, 2012 Alison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Grimoire is a great start to a series; it begins fast and furious, then gives you short pauses to catch your breath and process the information. I enjoyed the two main characters and many of the secondary characters are so interesting you want to stop the story and find out about them as well. I hope in the next two books we get to explore those folks some more. On the author's blog is listed more information about the world of Ourea. So get reading!

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 26, 2012 Tahlia Newland rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Lichgates is a vibrant, imaginative story of a world hidden within our world and accessed via a kind of portal called a Lichgate. Kara Magari is hiking along a hidden trail when she comes upon a Lichgate. She steps through and finds herself in Ourea, a world of mountains covered in deep forests and peppered with caves and massive waterfalls. She falls into a library and discovers the Grimoire, a magical book that has been hidden for 1,000 years. It turns its own pages, answers any question asked...more Lichgates is a vibrant, imaginative story of a world hidden within our world and accessed via a kind of portal called a Lichgate. Kara Magari is hiking along a hidden trail when she comes upon a Lichgate. She steps through and finds herself in Ourea, a world of mountains covered in deep forests and peppered with caves and massive waterfalls. She falls into a library and discovers the Grimoire, a magical book that has been hidden for 1,000 years. It turns its own pages, answers any question asked of it, and contain the images of a variety of magical creatures which can be called from the book into reality.
When she opens it, she becomes the new Vagabond, the bearer of the Grimoire and is tasked to continue the previous Vagabonds work of bringing peace to Ourea. The trouble is that the four different races all want to control the Vagabond and have access to the Grimoire’s secrets.

She meets Braeden Drakonin, a native of Ourea, and reluctant prince of one of the races. He’s spent his life trying to run from his evil father and hiding the nature of his heritage. He hopes that the Grimoire will free him from his father’s control, so he aims to stay with Kara until he gets a chance to use it. But he ends up becoming her protector and only ally in a dangerous world.

Of the four races, only one is anything like humans, and none of them can be trusted. They live in amazing cities, one under the ocean and one built in huge trees. The world the author has built in this story is exceptional.

This is very much the first book in what promises to be an epic. Lichgate establishes the world, the task and the complex nature of the issues involved. As the story evolves so does our understanding of Braeden’s personal challenge, one that echoes that of every child seeking autonomy from their parents, but in this case, the situation is painful and desperate.

The book held my interest and I enjoyed and grew close to all the characters. I particularly loved Flick, the little creature with the huge eyes and fury tail (I’m a sucker for that kind of character), and the characters of each of Kara’s strange animal mounts and the relationship between them was beautifully done.

The book didn’t so much end as just stop, which I didn’t mind because it was a good place to stop and clearly we are just beginning the story. I finished it quite satisfied with the pace of the plot and the balance of action to character and relationship building scenes.

The only issues I had with the book were that although they were well done, the descriptions could have been tightened up a bit and made less repetitive, and there were some typos. Nothing that can’t be easily fixed and I hope it will be. I’d like to give it 5 stars, but because of these issues which admittedly may not be noticed by other readers, I’m sticking with four. Anyone who likes high fantasy will enjoy this book, especially if you’re looking for what is clearly going to be a good long ride through a wondrous world.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite-books, received-to-review, arc-copies, kindle

My Review: 5/5*
Amazing, amazing, amazing! I am SO glad that I requested a copy of this to review: a book hasn’t captured me so much since Rowling’s Harry Potter. The book tells the tale of the twenty year old figure of Kara Magari and the shocking world she stumbles upon unexpectedly on one of her many hikes. She is thrown into the wonderful, dangerous and beautiful world of Ourea: a world in which she now carries the heavy responsibility of restoring the world’s peace. She has been chosen as th...more My Review: 5/5*
Amazing, amazing, amazing! I am SO glad that I requested a copy of this to review: a book hasn’t captured me so much since Rowling’s Harry Potter. The book tells the tale of the twenty year old figure of Kara Magari and the shocking world she stumbles upon unexpectedly on one of her many hikes. She is thrown into the wonderful, dangerous and beautiful world of Ourea: a world in which she now carries the heavy responsibility of restoring the world’s peace. She has been chosen as the new Vagabond.
Throughout the book, we are introduced to many of Boyce’s creatures: yakon, races which make up Ourea, isen, the soul stealers, and the drenowith, the muses. These characters make up the hierarchical world of Ourea in which Kara must travel and battle against in order to complete her task. We are introduced to three of the ‘worlds’ within Ourea on Kara’s journey in which she is given the task of uniting the Bloods (what would be a King) to the same cause as that of the Vagabond herself and the skewed motives of the Blood, Gavin – that of war against the Stelian race.
This novel absolutely blew me away. Boyce manages to capture the magic of this world perfectly, making the reader aware of the dangers surrounding the task forced upon Kara. The characters themselves are far from transparent allowing me to completely empathise with the struggles facing both Kara and Braeden. The relationship which develops between these two characters is strong and unwavering. The trust issues held by Kara was refreshing to read, so different from the majority of books that I have read lately in which the female protagonist instantly trusts the new male figure which comes in their lives. The struggle captured between both characters is hypnotic as we watch Kara struggle to adjust to this new world and her new responsibilities, and Braeden struggle to fight his what seems to be inevitable rise to become the Blood of the land in which Ourea is hoping to war with.
The main thing which relieved me with the book, as I will admit that I had my worries upon reading that Kara was now to be the next Vagabond, that she did not dwell on the fact that she was now given this role. Boyce successfully provided the right amount of confusion, frustration and terror into her discovery, but kept the figure of her protagonist as a strong, feisty figure who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Kara, despite being in an unfamiliar world, never once succumbs to the ‘proper’ rules of the world and maintains her modern-world female attitude: her biggest rebellion being that of continuing to wear trousers. This may seem as something trivial but this is just the beginning of the readers introduction to the strong, passionate figure of Boyce’s heroine.
This book was truly incredibly and I don’t feel that my review or any review can do it true justice. I cannot wait to read the second book of this trilogy: Treason.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 01, 2012 Penumbra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arr-the-nexus, 251-plus-pages, character-demons, character-emotionally-damaged, character-family-members, character-royalty-or-titled, character-teenagers, death, format-ebook, good-formatting, family-issues, fantasy, free-ebook, gateways-portals, het, little-or-no-smexing, magical-beings-and-creatures, main-character-likeable, main-couple-likeable, own, pov-multiple-viewpoints, pov-switches-viewpoint, pov-teenage-female, pov-teenage-male, pov-third-person, read-in-2012, reviewed, series, secondary-characters-likeable, series-first-book, shifters, supernatural-abilities, taboo-torture, violence, young-adult-fantasy, young-adult, publisher-delphi-publishing, shifters-werewolves

I was given a copy of this book to read through The Nexus for an honest review, thank you.

(view spoiler)...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Alexia Purdy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arr-review, fantasy, reviewed, so-can-t-wait-to-read, some-sort-of-paranormal

This book was provided to me by the author for free in exchange for an honest review via the ARR program for The Nexus group on Goodreads.
You can see my review on my blog: http://alexiapurdy.blogspot.com/2012/...

Wow, the world building on this one was breathtaking. The world of Ourea is just full of so many things. Surprises are around every corner! Kara stumbles into this parallel world and finds herself becoming a Vagabond: A legendary and special being who has the ability to call a book calle...more

1 like · like · see review

May 29, 2012 Noeleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Noeleen by: s.m. boyce

"I fell for the characters in The Grimoire Lichgates, in particular the very complicated character of Braeden. Boyce creates a world that is not only believable, in line with our own but is not overly complicated. I have spent time understanding the whys and wherefores of new worlds in many science fiction novels and found that Boyce brings to the forefront a world that is seamless and believable. As Kara and Braeden move through Ourea, we learn about it, the people and rules, and it comes alive...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, review

I love discovering new worlds! Adventures, missions, you name it, everything that has to do with a hero or in this case, a heroine, to bring balance to the world. One of the things that I enjoy to see is how that person struggles to understand the new “world” in which she finds herself, who tries to use magic, to survive in a totally different atmosphere from the one she’s used to and to learn how to get along with it.

The story starts when Kara is hiking in an unfamiliar path, a routine she usua...more I love discovering new worlds! Adventures, missions, you name it, everything that has to do with a hero or in this case, a heroine, to bring balance to the world. One of the things that I enjoy to see is how that person struggles to understand the new “world” in which she finds herself, who tries to use magic, to survive in a totally different atmosphere from the one she’s used to and to learn how to get along with it.

The story starts when Kara is hiking in an unfamiliar path, a routine she usually does to keep herself from thinking about her mother’s death caused by a car accident. She comes up short when she finds a gazebo called a “Lichgate” where she takes a minute to rest and to explore this new find. Coming across with a door, and having no alternative than to go through it when an electric storm makes its way fast, she falls rather roughly into a room where she finds a book which changes her life drastically.

The Grimoire knows everything you need to know about Ourea, a magical world filled with creatures unknown to the human world, divided into kingdoms where a Blood (royalty) reigns. This book was created by a man who called himself the Vagabond, who wished to pour all of his knowledge about this world and to try and bring peace among the Blood’s kingdoms. It would also serve as a guide to that person who is worthy to be the new Vagabond once its owner would pass away. This is a very ingenious book, I mean, you could practically ask it any question and it would answer straight away by turning its pages to show the right answer. It’s also the home of a large amount of "pets" that the past Vagabond gathered through his travels.

Having been chosen by the Grimoire itself, indicates that Kara is a very capable person to bring stability to the world of Ourea, she has the power within herself, even though she doubts it.
I like the way she thinks and her sudden decisions, although sometimes she may be a bit stubborn, thus getting her into minor problems, but I think she just fights and stands for what she believes in. Not everyone can manage such a thing when difficult situations arise.

Now Braeden, my favorite character of the book, is quite a charming fellow. Okay, he may have anger issues, his true form is a terrifying creature with red eyes and when he’s near his father he might get controlled by him and probably attempts to kill you, but other than that, he is an awesome guy! He can change forms, fight well and even though he comes from the darkest creatures, his heart is noble. He’s perfect for Kara, right?

The relationship between Braeden and Kara was a great addition to the story. Each character had their own conflicts and it was nice to read how even though they are very different, they do well for each other. And the best part, their “love interest” is not overwhelming throughout the book, you know it’s there, but it doesn’t distract you from what’s going on.

I highly anticipate reading the sequel, I want to know what’s going to happen, for this is a book that I will reread again soon, to find more details that I might have overlooked in my desperate attempt to know Kara’s and Braeden’s next move.

S.M. Boyce, thank you for this great adventure and the opportunity to enjoy it! I now find myself wondering if there is a Lichgate nearby...
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Stephen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, series-i-want-to-continue

Lichgates, Part 1 of the Grimoire Trilogy captivated my imagination from the moment I began reading.

I am a big fan of epic fantasy. Feist's RiftWar, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and similar stories with vast new worlds to discover have been a staple of my reading experience since I was a teenager. My true favorites, however, have been the epics that brought a person from our world and dropped them into the middle of the fantasy world. Lichgates compares well with such greats as Alice in Wonderl...more Lichgates, Part 1 of the Grimoire Trilogy captivated my imagination from the moment I began reading.

I am a big fan of epic fantasy. Feist's RiftWar, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and similar stories with vast new worlds to discover have been a staple of my reading experience since I was a teenager. My true favorites, however, have been the epics that brought a person from our world and dropped them into the middle of the fantasy world. Lichgates compares well with such greats as Alice in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, and even The Wizard of Oz.

The main character, Kara, is a college student from our world who accidentally (or maybe not so accidentally) finds her way into Ourea. This new world does not have real humans, instead it has several competing races. One race, the yakona, is comprised of many variations of humanoids from winged bird-men, to water breathing fish people. Each variant group of yakona has their own kingdom that lays separate from the others. They remain hidden and secluded as a security measure...to protect them from the evil yakona of The Stele.

Kara is joined by the rogue heir to the Stele throne, Braeden, as the adventures unfold. But action and magic are only part of the amazing story. Political intrigue, espionage, romance, and mystery elements all appear within these pages. There is something for almost any reader. In addition to all of this wonderful content, the book is geared to a Young Adult audience, so violence, language, and 'adult' situations are kept to a level that is appropriate for most readers!

Kara is written so well. Readers see her inner insecurities, vulnerabilities, and fears while also witnessing her strong resolve to keep them hidden from the denizens of Ourea. I particularly enjoyed her adamant stand against the misogynistic cultures she runs into in the yakona kingdoms. Kara realizes that she is a complete outsider and fights her fears to portray a strong front in her relations with the kings (Bloods) and representatives of the yakona world.

A new favorite for me! I can't wait for the next book in the Trilogy! Highly Recommended!

(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 04, 2012 Nikki Jefford rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Alice in Wonderland meets Lord of the Rings

Kara literally falls down the “rabbit” hole and from there has all manner of creature and kingdoms to contend with as she makes her way through the lichgates of Ourea.

As with my favorite sci fi stories, there’s much more going on beneath the surface of The Grimoire. Once Kara is chosen as the new keeper of the Grimoire she becomes a vagabond and envoy to all the kingdoms of Ourea. Her mission of peace and discovery (just where does she belong and what...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Luna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A few weeks ago, I was given a Kindle as a belated birthday gift. Initially, this present was anything but wanted. I’ve always been stubbornly against getting an E-reader as I always felt that they were awkward and impersonal. Mind you, all these opinions were formed without ever having tried an E-read. However, though part of my itched to return the present, I knew that I could not without causing offense. So I settled, and decided to use the Kindle as an expensive dictionary(which was a bless...more A few weeks ago, I was given a Kindle as a belated birthday gift. Initially, this present was anything but wanted. I’ve always been stubbornly against getting an E-reader as I always felt that they were awkward and impersonal. Mind you, all these opinions were formed without ever having tried an E-read. However, though part of my itched to return the present, I knew that I could not without causing offense. So I settled, and decided to use the Kindle as an expensive dictionary(which was a blessing, as my former electronic dictionary broke from over use). Eventually however, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to actually try and read something on it. The Gutenberg Project is my new best friend. After a difficult adjustment period, I realized that E-readers aren’t quite the devils I thought they were. They are definitely more environmentally friendly than printed books, though they lack some of the comfort. And I’m all about the environment(I want to be safe from an future Ent uprisings). And it is a good thing I have an E-reader too, since it would seem as there are oodles of E-book giveaways for willing readers. One such giveaway(entered via Goodreads) gifted my with a book called “The Grimoire: Lichgates” by S.M.Boyce. Now, I love free things, so naturally I set out to savor my free prize as soon as my schedule would allow me.
The basic premise of the “Lichgates” is a very common one, and it’s a type of story I happen to really enjoy: girl/boy enters a strange magical world and has to somehow survive. There are many variations of this basic plot point, and it’s been retold a variety of ways for the simple fact that we fantasy readers always dream of being thrust into similar circumstances. In the case of “Lichgates”, it is a girl named Kara Magari is taken from modern America into a magical world called Ourea, which seems to exist alongside of our own but hosts a variety of different magical creatures and races. Ourea is entered through a lichgate—a magical portal that connects our world to Ourea, and connects the different world of Ourea to eachother. Readers get very little chance to know Kara before a rush of events finds her in an underground library and the new Vagabond. From the library she is pulled into a face paced adventure that is full of twist and turns, deceit, bustling love, and creatures from her worst nightmares. If I had to compare “Lichgates” to any other stories, I would call it a cross between some of L.J.Smith’s Night World books(“Black Dawn” specifically comes to mind) and the television series Avatar:The Last Airbender. If you’re not familiar with A:TLA(mind you, I’m not referring to the shoddy, disgraceful live-action adaptation), the basic premise is that an Avatar is born into a world of people with the ability to control the elements in order to help maintain piece in the four lands. The Vagabond’s role is not too dissimilar, though there is no reincarnation involved.
Overall, I really liked “Lichgates” and had very few complaints or irritations with the story. The story is an interesting variation on a well known premise(girl/boy finds themselves in strange magical world) with a believably human main character. One of my first complaints with the books was the initial pacing. The beginning of the story had very little set-up before readers were suddenly taken to a very confusing situation. Now, this sort of face-paced narrative isn’t always a bad thing. Infact, it makes sense from a certain perspective. If you want readers to understand how chaotic the events were for the character, naturally it stands to reason that you would write in a fast and somewhat chaotic ways. I used to hate this in books, having grown up on long epics and classics that took their time to get to the point. I have come to appreciate it in first person narrative like the Percy Jackson books, but it just felt a little out of place in this story. This is really more of a personal nitpicking though, and it didn’t really detract from the story. My second minor complaint involved certain objects that Kara has to find in the story. These objects are supposed to be secret and are meant to lead her to a place that only she as a Vagabond should know how. So, if these objects were so important you’d expect them to be a bear to find, right? Erm, no. Infact, some of the objects are even gifted to her, and the ones that she has to find on her own she finds with little difficulty. It makes you wonder how it was that only one person had ever found one of these “well hidden” objects before. I kept waiting for Boyce to give an explanation for why Kara was able to find these artifacts so easily, perhaps linking it to her unique powers as a Vagabond. But no explanation came. Once again, this doesn’t really detract from the intrigue of the story too much. It was just a little amusing and mildly eye-brow raising. As a whole however, this is a really engaging story. True, I felt that it moved too quickly in certain places(especially during moments of conflict in the story), but the tale itself was still very engrossing and I found myself trying to guess what plot twist would happen next. The romance in the story is mild and developed and a steady pace as well, which is very refreshing. Basically, if you like some of the darkness of Night World but the curiosities of Alice in Wonderland, you’ll probably love this book. Did I mention that the main female character isn’t a twat? Because if you’re anything like me, having a strong female lead is a must in a book. This book is available in both print and E-book format, though the print is a tad pricey, on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Still not convinced if you want to give this book a try? Visit S.M.Boyce’s website for a much more engaging description.

Rating: 4/5

Visit my fledgling review blog: http://www.looneylunaravenreveiws.blo...

(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 29, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was lucky enough to win this eBook during the Lichgates Hidden World Blog Tour.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from it and what I discovered was a seriously amazing story, I was drawn into the magical world of Ourea pretty much straight away! It was action-packed, dark, dangerous and so intriguing, the wonderful descriptions of all the places in Ourea meant that I could picture everything vividly, it really captured my imagination.

I had many different theories and possible outcomes racing through...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2012 Fel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review by Felicia Wetzig (find more here.)

The Grimoire: Lichgates is a Fantasy novel by S.M. Boyce. Fantasy is not usually my thing (I can only think of The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, and The Witch and the Wombat), but I left this book ready for more. Every time a question is answered or a problem resolved a new one pops up in its place. The wonderful thing is, even in a foreign world of magic and strange creatures, things make sense.

Kara is a college student, hiking through the Rocky Mo...more Review by Felicia Wetzig (find more here.)

The Grimoire: Lichgates is a Fantasy novel by S.M. Boyce. Fantasy is not usually my thing (I can only think of The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, and The Witch and the Wombat), but I left this book ready for more. Every time a question is answered or a problem resolved a new one pops up in its place. The wonderful thing is, even in a foreign world of magic and strange creatures, things make sense.

Kara is a college student, hiking through the Rocky Mountains while on break, she stumbles upon a mysterious gazebo in the middle of the woods which leads to a door in the side of a mountain. Extenuating circumstances convince her to open the door, inside she becomes trapped in a library and finds a strange book – The Grimoire. By opening the book, she unknowingly took on a great responsibility and becomes bound to another world, Ourea. This world is filled with beautiful sites and exotic creatures, but it is also a very dangerous place, especially for the keeper of the Grimoire.

One of the first people Kara meets is Braeden. Braeden has led a very complicated life, dependent on the lies he must tell every day to stay alive. The Grimoire holds an opportunity for him to escape this life, and his fate. He becomes Kara’s protector, doing everything in his power to earn her trust and keep her and the Grimoire safe.

The great thing about this fantasy novel is the inclusion of a “human” experiencing this world for the first time. Readers get to experience her skepticism and wonder as she learns about this new world. Kara, in light of her current situation, comes of as a strong and determined character. She may not have what it takes to protect Ourea yet, but she has a lot to learn. I spent most of the novel wondering about Braeden–he seemed sincere, but his ultimate intentions were murky for a while. I loved him, I wanted to believe in him, but I always had a bit of doubt in the back of my mind. Despite my cynicism, my favorite scenes involved the rapport between Braeden and Kara. He is someone she can be herself with, and relate to. Through some parts of the story it is unclear how their relationship will develop, whether he’ll remain a protector figure or evolve into something else. It all creates a wonderful tension in the background of Kara’s much larger struggles.

Okay, I normally find something to complain about right? Well, I’m actually finding that incredibly difficult, maybe if I was a fantasy lover who had spent my entire life reading fantasy novels there would be something that stood out. I can’t find it. The world Boyce built in this novel was fantastic, the story flowed, and I certainly didn’t want to put it down. There were a few things that just seemed too convenient, but I could live with it.

My recommendation – go out and buy this book now. I had it on my Kindle for weeks before I got a chance to read it, but take my advice – don’t wait!(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2012 Tess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First posted here: http://tessmw.blogspot.com/2012/03/li...

If you are ready to get yourself lost into a world of fantasy this book is for you!

Boyce does not waste any time jumping right into Lichgates. I don't think I was prepared to go head first into the story which left me a little frazzled and confused at the beginning, but then when Braeden came on the scene everything cleared up! (Welcome to My Pathway to Books where you will always hear about the Hot guy in the story :D ) I really loved t...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 15, 2012 L_manning rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kara is living a relatively normal life. She is dealing with some things, but overall she's ok. Well, that is until one day when she's wandering through the woods. She stumbles into a random cave and finds an old book. That talks to her. Kara soon finds herself in an entirely different world, known as Ourea. Traveling to a new world is not without it's perils, and Kara is very quickly caught up in things she doesn't even understand. Being declared the new "Vagabond," Kara must use skills old and...more Kara is living a relatively normal life. She is dealing with some things, but overall she's ok. Well, that is until one day when she's wandering through the woods. She stumbles into a random cave and finds an old book. That talks to her. Kara soon finds herself in an entirely different world, known as Ourea. Traveling to a new world is not without it's perils, and Kara is very quickly caught up in things she doesn't even understand. Being declared the new "Vagabond," Kara must use skills old and new to try and keep Ourea from falling apart. With her grimoire and a handsome prince at her side, Kara will take on some amazing new challenges while discovering her place in this new world.

I found this book a bit hard to get into, because I felt like I had just been dropped into the middle of something at the beginning. I didn't quite get what was going on, and things just felt a little choppy. Once I got settled into the story though, things became much smoother. By the end of the book I was not ready for it to end. Kara was definitely someone I could relate to. She was thrown into this new world and new role, and she took it rather well. Having someone to discover Ourea with helped to increase my understanding of this new place. Braeden was also very cool. He's more than just your average royal. He has layers and some very interesting issues he has to deal with.

There is so much creativity in this book. The world and the peoples who populate it are unique and original. I almost feel like there could be a whole book on just the history and politics of Ourea. They have a lot going on. Visiting the different realms with Kara was fascinating as well. There are also new creatures to discover, and of course there's a lot of magic. All of these elements combine together to make a very interesting book. The end sets up for the next book perfectly. It has a clear ending, but it leaves things open enough that you want to come back and learn more. Fans of fantasy will definitely find tons to enjoy in this book, so be sure to check it out.

Book provided for review.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I went on a hike and found a whole new world... I would probably hyperventilate, throw up, and basically freak out. Kara Magari has a similar reaction when she actually finds herself trapped in a room with a book that tells her that she can’t go home. Seriously? She does what any normal human being would do-- she tries to make her own destiny. With the help of Braeden, a mysterious man with a horrifying past, Kara comes to terms with her new abilities. And, she learns what it means to be the...more If I went on a hike and found a whole new world... I would probably hyperventilate, throw up, and basically freak out. Kara Magari has a similar reaction when she actually finds herself trapped in a room with a book that tells her that she can’t go home. Seriously? She does what any normal human being would do-- she tries to make her own destiny. With the help of Braeden, a mysterious man with a horrifying past, Kara comes to terms with her new abilities. And, she learns what it means to be the Vagabond…

The first thing that strikes me while reading Lichgates is that Boyce’s writing style is very detailed. I really enjoy how she describes the woods and that, right from the beginning, I know how Kara thinks. I am quickly introduced to her likes and dislikes, her strengths and her weaknesses. When Kara is first transported into Ourea, she pretty much flips out and breaks down. I really, really like this. If Kara just blindly accepts everything that happens to her, she seems an idiot. If she isn’t scared when her world is completely shaken, then she appears an unbelievable character! The fact that she has flaws and doesn’t try to hide them makes me like her that much more. Kara isn’t perfect, and she does make mistakes throughout the book, but she learns from them and grows as a character.

Braeden is a very interesting character. I mean, just look at his name! It screams unique, original, and special, which he is. But, he’s also so much more. Braeden, like Kara, is a slave to circumstance. Throughout Lichgates I see varying sides of Braeden. Sometimes I want to hug and comfort him, while other times I want to punch him in the face. He is definitely stubborn but, to travel with Kara, he has to be! Braeden has a protective streak that is endearing, and he creates those “awww” moments as I read.

Lichgates captures my attention. Boyce reveals details about Kara’s and Braeden’s lives at different times during the story, so I don’t know everything about them up front. This means that while I’m reading I get to figure out not only this new, unfamiliar, world but also the characters. This keeps me in suspense and full of intrigue. While reading Lichgates, I notice that some of the dialogue seems forced and awkward. This only happens in a few places, and I notice it more when Kara and Braeden are off somewhere alone. They seem to say things in a more awkward way, or speak very differently from how they normally speak. Lichgates is the first book in The Grimoire Trilogy, and though certain things have closure and are accomplished, I feel the book serves more to stage the next books than to present an actual self-contained story. Lichgates is definitely a great read that I highly recommend to fantasy lovers!

The Cover:

When I first see this cover, I am very unimpressed. To begin with, it’s brown. Yes, I’m pointing out the obvious, but it bothers me! It doesn’t catch my eye, and if I were to see it at the library, I probably wouldn’t pick it up. However, after reading Lichgates, I see why this cover was chosen. It is obviously fashioned after the ancient Grimoire and is meant to resemble its cover. So, the cover definitely fits the book; I just didn’t understand this before reading it!

I give Lichgates 4.5 out of 5 stars: Very Highly Recommended!

More of my reviews here: www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com (less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Aeicha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

THREE WORDS: Superb World Building

MY REVIEW: S.M. Boyce’s Lichgates, the first book in the Grimoire Trilogy, is a lush fantasy, rich in vibrant details, excellent world-building and stellar writing.

Twenty-year old Kara accidently walks through a gate into the beautiful, but dangerous world of Ourea, and discovers the Grimoire, a book that turns its own pages and answers any question asked of it. The Grimoire contains the soul of the first Vagabond, a powerful being, and upon finding this book Ka...more
THREE WORDS: Superb World Building

MY REVIEW: S.M. Boyce’s Lichgates, the first book in the Grimoire Trilogy, is a lush fantasy, rich in vibrant details, excellent world-building and stellar writing.

Twenty-year old Kara accidently walks through a gate into the beautiful, but dangerous world of Ourea, and discovers the Grimoire, a book that turns its own pages and answers any question asked of it. The Grimoire contains the soul of the first Vagabond, a powerful being, and upon finding this book Kara becomes the new Vagabond and keeper of its secrets. Kara soon finds that being the Vagabond is anything but easy and that the different kingdoms of Ourea are out to control her and the Grimoire’s power. Kara finds an ally in Braeden, a native of Ourea who has deadly secrets of his own. Together, Kara and Braeden set out to bring peace to Ourea and must battle with many demons (both literal and figurative) along the way.

Lichgates is a wonderfully crafted and executed first volume in the Grimoire Trilogy. Boyce offers readers an exciting and enthralling mix of fantasy, humor and romance. The fantasy world Boyce has created in Lichgates is inventive, refreshing and captivatingly imaginative.

The story paces nicely throughout the book, and Boyce takes the time to introduce readers to her world and characters without dumping too much information, backstory or plot onto readers at one time. Boyce’s writing is smart, impressive and entertaining; she clearly understands the fantasy genre well. And the author does a fantastic job of balancing fantasy with real life situations, humor with the serious, and action scenes with more personal, intimate and character defining moments.

As I stated above, the world-building in this book is superb. The magical and mysterious world of Ourea simply comes alive through Boyce’s writing. I had no trouble being able to imagine every detail of this world, but the world-building goes beyond just the vivid physical description. Boyce has added very important historical, political and cultural layers to her world of Ourea, and its individual kingdoms, creating a very dimensional, believable and well defined world.

There is a large cast of characters, but the story revolves mostly around a few key characters, all of which are compelling in their own ways. Kara is an easily relatable and likable heroine. She’s smart, brave and capable, but she’s also flawed. Kara is far from perfect- she’s stubborn, speaks without thinking, rash and a bit reckless-but I love that about her because a) it makes her so relatable and b) it gives her a lot of room to grow as a character. And her character does evolve and grow, and naturally so. Braeden is such an intriguing character because there’s a great deal of depth to him and struggle within him, which, again, is a testament to Boyce’s fine writing. He’s definitely a swoon-worthy character, but I liked that my swooning over him didn’t keep me from questioning his motives and loyalty. As a duo, Kara and Braeden make for an enticing and amusing pair; there’s a natural chemistry and spark between these two.

The fantasy elements are truly fantastical, wondrous and an exciting blend of the whimsical and the dark. I was pleasantly surprised with the humor within this book and how much I actually laughed. Kara has a sharp, acerbic wit that comes out at the perfect times and is very amusing. The action is pretty awesome; Boyce certainly knows how to write a thrilling, violent fight scene!

The book wraps up nicely, offering answers and explanations to many of the questions presented in the beginning, while at the same time creating many more. The ending is satisfying, yet will leave readers ready and wanting for more.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed delving into this book and cannot wait to see where Kara’s story goes. S.M. Boyce proves to be a wonderful new voice in fantasy. Lichgates is a grand and captivating first volume in what is sure to be a standout fantasy trilogy.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Noree Cosper rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, new-adult, great-books-from-great-authors

Premise: When hiking in the Rocky Mountains, Kara Magari steps through a magical portal that takes her to the hidden world of Ourea. She becomes the master of the Grimoire, a book that will answer any question she asks of it. Now, as the Vagabond, Kara must unite Ourea while everyone in it seeks to use her to their own ends or kill her if they can't.

The Good:

Worldbuilding: First let me say that as a child I always daydreamed of traveling to another world and having adventures there. Not only doe...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Robert Zimmermann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing-books-amazing-authors, favorite-books-of-2012

The Grimoire: Lichgates is the first book in The Grimoire Trilogy. In this first book the author, S.M. Boyce, throws Kara (the main character) and the reader into an entirely new work called Ourea. To get to this world, Lichgates are necessary. They are portals linking our world to the dangerous, yet beautiful, kingdoms of Ourea. They are scattered all over both worlds and it is through one of them in the Rocky Mountains that Kara stumbles.

Upon falling into an underground library, Kara finds wai...more The Grimoire: Lichgates is the first book in The Grimoire Trilogy. In this first book the author, S.M. Boyce, throws Kara (the main character) and the reader into an entirely new work called Ourea. To get to this world, Lichgates are necessary. They are portals linking our world to the dangerous, yet beautiful, kingdoms of Ourea. They are scattered all over both worlds and it is through one of them in the Rocky Mountains that Kara stumbles.

Upon falling into an underground library, Kara finds waiting for her an old red leather book. The book is very magical. On it is a necklace with a pendant that looks like four crescent moons configured in the shape of a four-leaf clover. This book is so magical that there are blank pages throughout, but when asked the right questions the pages flip to a sections and words appear with an answer.

This book is one of Kara’s only defenses against what lies in wait for her in Ourea. Upon opening the book, she has become the center of every kingdom’s focus; she is the Vagabond. Her purpose in this strange world is to reunite the four kingdoms in peace, fulfilling the goal of the first Vagabond who died a thousand years before.

This concept really caught me from the beginning. Like I said I was hooked from reading the first chapter alone. It takes a lot to do that with most books. Part of what kept me reading was the fact that this book doesn’t wait to get the reader into the action. There is no lead in chapters, no foreshadowing, no mercy. Kara is hiking one minute and in Ourea fighting for her life the next. Every time throughout the book it seems that there will be some time to relax (for the characters and readers alike) something happens. It’s almost impossible to put this book down. Lucky for me I was able to force the book down, which allowed me to savor every experience it held; there are many.

I loved many elements of this book. First off the setting made me want to visit Ourea. I know this is impossible (not only because it’s not a real place) because if I went there, I’d most likely die (more on that soon.) Ourea is like the worlds of most fantastical stories. It has it’s beautiful landscapes, luxurious castles, and even a dreary kingdom no one wants to acknowledge. It’s landscapes include forests, a kingdom nestled on top of a vertigo inducing multi mile high cliff, and even a kingdom found in a magical dome on the bottom of an ocean guarded by sharks. And it’s not just the places themselves that I fell in love with, it’s the way Boyce’s words describe them. I can’t do it justice in my own words, you’ll have to take my word for it or read the book. Her words paint a picture of every aspect allowing the reader to soak in the images.

The setting wasn’t the only exciting part of the book. There are also the various creatures of the land. To mention a few there are griffins, dragons, something Kara says is similar to a squirrel, and one of my favorites a flaer named Rowthe. I liked him a lot because he’s a huge dog like creature. Of course he has a unique ability, but I’m going to let you find that one out, it’s just really cool.

The characters Kara encounters are very hard to figure out. This helps the story be what is it more than anything else. The Grimoire from the beginning warns Kara that she can’t trust anyone in Ourea. A lot of the times it seems like the characters can be figured out and trusted, but then there’s either a subtle or drastic hint to the contrary. As a reader I was always jumping to conclusions about a character only to change my opinion soon after. I’m still waiting for a character to make a turn for the worse, but we’ll see if that happens.

Kara’s journey takes the reader all over Ourea and she meets a variety of good and evil. She even has encounters with the evil King, Blood Carden. He is the father of Kara’s companion Braeden. I guess I should have mention him by now. Carden is the ruler of the Stele, the banished kingdom who reeks havoc on Ourea even through a banishment. Braeden, his son, escaped from his father’s kingdom twelve years earlier and has been hiding elsewhere ever since. But the ever present questions in my mind was whether or not he was one to be trusted. When would the evil in his blood consume him, if at all? For most of the book I kept liking and trusting him, but wanted to keep an eye on him for Kara’s sake (not that I could have helped here, that’s just silly she’s in a book.) There is also a growing connection between Kara and the mysterious Braeden which leads to some complications in the relationship of him as protector and one of her few friends.

To wrap this up, The Grimoire: Lichgates is on my top five favorite books I have read this year and possibly in recent years. I keep reading great books so this list should be extended to at least ten. I loved the story, I loved the setting, I loved everything about this book. The only problem that I had with it is that I didn’t have the next book to read. I only hope that the day comes when I can read book two, then book three, sooner than it will.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is an enchanting high fantasy that draws on the essence of both The Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland, plot devices from Stargate SG-1 and Narnia, and a quest like that of Luke Skywalker's. One of my first thoughts while reading it was if I were a filmmaker recreating this story, I would treat it in a matter similar to Watership Down...showing the human dimension in live action, and Ourea's scenes animated (Final Fantasy style at that). Simply, it would be very hard to render a...more This book is an enchanting high fantasy that draws on the essence of both The Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland, plot devices from Stargate SG-1 and Narnia, and a quest like that of Luke Skywalker's. One of my first thoughts while reading it was if I were a filmmaker recreating this story, I would treat it in a matter similar to Watership Down...showing the human dimension in live action, and Ourea's scenes animated (Final Fantasy style at that). Simply, it would be very hard to render a world as beautiful as the one Ms. Boyce has created on Earth. Soaring towered cities...one of them UNDERWATER. Even the elements that are brutal are beautiful.

The author balances the wonder out by injecting a healthy dose of humanity at its worst. None of the people trust each other, as main character Kara discovers early on. In what I consider the strongest scene of the book, a slender queen on an afternoon stroll finds herself face to face her people's worst enemy...a man easily four-times her size and she battles him with wits and steel. Lorraine is beautiful, wise, capable of unconditional love and forgiveness, but beneath her skin, she is ruthless as her opponent. Every ruler of Ourea is, because every throne requires it.

But, Lichgates is not without its problems. The ratio of narration to dialog (with far more narrative) is unusual in a Young Adult novel. I also found the chapters to be unbalanced. The main character's struggle with guilt and death is appropriate, and expertly handled by the author, as are the philosophical questions regarding free will and genocide. But as the story requires introducing the reader to settings, races, creatures, magic, all while following the main character on a quest that runs parallel to this, plus rounding out an number of characters, the author was almost required to "tell" much of the story opposed to "show" to get it all in a YA length story. I felt a bit let down by how quickly events and discoveries came. Also, in the prose, there are brilliant passages that ignite all of the senses, followed by sections I refrained from skimming. They didn't hold my interest, but because the author drops very subtle hints, I was concerned that I'd miss something important.

At the end, I was very happy to have picked up this book and delighted with the story when I finished it. My quibbles with the prose could be fixed in a another round of editing, but I feel it would be a shame for another reader to pass the story by because I feel that way. I am looking forward to the next book in The Grimoire story. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 StorySeekers rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tour, danny-shelf, 2011

This is fantasy at it’s best! I know I am only 16 and probably don’t know a lot about well… a lot of things. Fantasy was my way to escape this. In fantasy books, you don’t have to be science wiz or experienced teenager. Fantasy writers set the world for you and you become a part of it.

Now I know some people have said this book reminded them of Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and many other great fantasies. To me, however, this book reminded me of Eragon. When I first started reading Era...more This is fantasy at it’s best! I know I am only 16 and probably don’t know a lot about well… a lot of things. Fantasy was my way to escape this. In fantasy books, you don’t have to be science wiz or experienced teenager. Fantasy writers set the world for you and you become a part of it.

Now I know some people have said this book reminded them of Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and many other great fantasies. To me, however, this book reminded me of Eragon. When I first started reading Eragon, I was thrilled by everything that happened. My excitement grew more and more as the story continue, and I felt like I was a part of it. That’s exactly how The Grimoire made me feel.

The first chapter, which is found here, had me hooked. Thank you for S. M. Boyce for providing me a copy so I could continue on with this fantastical story.

While Kara is hiking one day, she comes across a gazebo in the forest. She steps through it and comes across a door. This leads her into a falling through a hole and landing in a library. She finds the Grimoire and becomes the Vagabond of the world Ourea. When she asks the Grimoire questions, it provides her an answer. Since she picked up the Grimoire, she can no longer go back to her life on Earth. She is no longer just Kara, but a magical being and one that is supposed to help Ourea.

In the book, I felt like I was right there with Kara and Braeden experiencing everything, because I didn't know what was going to happen next. Every chapter you learn more about the world of Ourea and the dangers that are there. I was so scared for Kara at most points but some of her reactions to things happening were fun to read. The world of Ourea is a world I want to experience!

Besides the mystery and fantasy, we have a romance going on. If you know me, I am not a big fan for instant loves. In Lichgates, the romance is slowly building and it gets me more interested in both the characters.

I highly recommended this to all fantasy lovers! S. M. Boyce, I am now a huge fan, and can't wait for the sequel to come!(less)

2 likes · like · see review

topics	posts	views	last activity
Giveaway Alert: AUTOGRAPHED print edition of Lichgates (Ends June 30, 2012)	4	13	30 de May 16:16
LICHGATES free on Amazon May 24-25, 2012	1	5	18 de May 21:45
Shut Up & Read: Free ebook 4/21/2012	1	12	20 de Abr 09:30
Building a SciFi/...: Giveaway: Lichgates by S.M. Boyce eBook - Ends March 30	1	5	22 de Mar 09:20

title link	preview: Lichgates
avg rating	preview: Lichgates Goodreads rating: 4.24 (281 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12900806-lichgates?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361498170l/12900806.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12900806-lichgates?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Lichgates by S.M. Boyce[/url]

Lichgates (The Grimoire Saga #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (7)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About S.M. Boyce

Books by S.M. Boyce

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Lichgates

Quotes from Lichgates