The Compass Rose (One Rose Trilogy, Book 1)

by Gail Dayton (Goodreads author)

book data

66 ratings, 3.85 average rating, 13 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		39%
4		25%
3		22%
2		4%
1		7%

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published

March 1st 2005 by Luna

binding

Paperback, 464 pages

isbn

0373802161 (isbn13: 9780373802166)

description

The legends of the Godstruck were just that -- legends.

Until, in an attempt to defend her people, Captain Kallista Varyl called on the One for aid a

...more

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01/04/08

Rachel rated it:

Nice try, but de-evolves into magic orgies.

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07/11/08

Amy rated it:

Read in July, 2008

Liked the book overall, but the writing just wasn't very tight in places. She had a really good opportunity to explore the concept of ilian, and just didn't - she opted for titillation over world-building. I'm not sure she really know where she wanted to take the book. I read the two follow-ups and was a bit disappointed; she had a fantastic idea but the story just got away from her. It would have benefited by being twice as long and twice as detailed. Oh well.

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05/03/08

Jennifer Wardrip rated it:

bookshelves: personal-read

Have you ever read a book that immediately wrapped you up in its magic and refused to let you go? That's what happened to me with Gail Dayton's THE COMPASS ROSE, the first in the One Rose Trilogy. From amazing characterizations to a world unlike any you've read about before, this book takes you straight into the heart of the story and makes you a part of the action, the mystery, the romance, and the unimaginable magic that is the nation of Adara.

Kallista Varyl is a Captain in the Ad...more Have you ever read a book that immediately wrapped you up in its magic and refused to let you go? That's what happened to me with Gail Dayton's THE COMPASS ROSE, the first in the One Rose Trilogy. From amazing characterizations to a world unlike any you've read about before, this book takes you straight into the heart of the story and makes you a part of the action, the mystery, the romance, and the unimaginable magic that is the nation of Adara.

Kallista Varyl is a Captain in the Adaran army, a woman intent on saving her city from the invading warriors of their neighboring kingdom, Tibre. The army of Tibre, unlike that of Adara, relies on man-made instruments such as guns and cannons to win its battles, instead of the magic that Kallista and her people use. Now, though, outnumbered over ten to one, magic doesn't seem to be enough-until Kallista, in desperation, calls upon a power that was thought to be only legend, and changes the course of history.

Kallista, beyond being a warrior, is also a naitan, a magic wielder. Some have even called her a witch. But her normal magic powers aren't enough to out-battle and out-smart the hordes of the Tibre army, and so she calls upon the One Goddess, something that her kingdom's myths and legends are made of. Only it wasn't a legend, as after calling upon the powers that be, the entire Tibre army is struck dead where they stand-all, that is, except for Stone, a warrior who stirs within Kallista feelings she's never before experienced.

Now she's conquered the rival Tibre warriors, but she's left with even more questions than answers. With a mysterious mark on her neck and the brooding Stone, Kallista faces her elders-only to find out that she's been Godstruck, an occurrence that hasn't happened in her nation for over a thousand years. With power beyond belief, Kallista must learn to control the magic that has made her the fulfillment of a prophecy, for she is now the one destined to save her people from the Tibre, and their demon-possessed king.

As if defeating the evil king and harnessing her powers weren't enough, the ruler of Adara decrees that all six Godstruck players, not limited to Kallista and Stone, marry and form an instant magical family. They're then ordered to infiltrate the kingdom of Tibre to overthrow its king, and everything that such a coup entails.

Gail Dayton has created a magical world unlike anything I've ever experienced. The strange sense of family that abounds in Adara becomes understandable as the story unfolds. The bond that Kallista and Stone share goes beyond mere passion and intertwines with their combined magic. The secondary characters in this book are so real that without them, the book wouldn't be the same. I can honestly say that I'm eagerly anticipating the continuation of this story with the release of THE BARBED ROSE. (less)

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08/10/07

Heather rated it:

This book started out wonderfully. the first two characters to be introduced were interesting and complex, the world was well-put together, The author threw in an interesting supernatural twist....and then it flopped. It was as though she simply couldn't get from point a to point b and keep things intersting. It became WAY too much about sex and WAY too much about Kalista. She was already egotistical and the story in the book just encouraged her. Everything revolved around Kalista. Blich.
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05/09/09

E. rated it:

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in May, 2009

An interesting introduction to the complex society that governs the country of Adara which has a military system that includes women in positions of power and wielders of magic called naitans along with their respective bodyguards challenged by other countries such as Tibre which disdains magic use in favor of mechanical and scientific methods and consider women to be incapable of holding positions of authority. Various denizens of each country discover that they have to shed their preconceived...more

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11/08/08

Kim rated it:

bookshelves: fiction, goodreads-author-friend, sword-and-sorcery, you-so-fucking-have-to-read-this

Read in November, 2008

recommended to Kim by: anyone who loves good fantasy with strong women.

This reminded me of the style of Tamora Pierce and her "Imortals". This is the first book of 3 and it is SO GOOD! Kallista is a captain, a woman, and a naitan, what would be called a mage or witch. She is put into a journey not of her making when she is chosen by the One, the deity that her land worships. She gathers friends and lovers along the way that are also chosen by the One. Book also includes a who's who list and a glossary of terms.

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01/19/09

Liz rated it:

Read in January, 2009

At first I wasn't sure I like it, but I decided to keep reading and it became less about war and more about friendship and love.

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05/02/09

Simetra is currently reading it

bookshelves: currently-reading

So far I love this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the other two in the trilogy

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02/25/09

Barbara M. rated it:

Read in March, 2009

Love/Hate??? I loved the "idea" of the book...and hated that I didn't really like it...It started slow... got better...got a little better, then it just couldn't keep my attention. I think what hurt this book for me was I never connected with any of the characters. They all seemed really bored with no personalities. I normally enjoy series like these (C.L. Wilson; just to name one)but not this time.

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