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7th out of 20 books
—
33 voters
Reader and Raelynx (Twelve Houses #4)
by
Sharon Shinn
In this novel of secret sorceries and forbidden desires, the mystic Cammon must put aside his personal feelings for Princess Amalie while he reads the souls of her suitors for any potential threats. But Cammon is unable to read Amalie, and he begins to suspect that she herself possesses magic powers-a revelation which would put her life in danger, and throw the kingdom int...more
Hardcover, 432 pages
Published
November 6th 2007
by Ace Hardcover
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I think it goes to show what an extraordinary author Sharon Shinn is because I'm giving this four stars despite my many issues with the book—especially with the main character, Amalie.
I didn't really warm up to her and I found her selfish when she refused to marry anyone but Cammon. She needed to marry a noble and forge an alliance to help secure the throne. Was that fair to her? No, of course not. But she had a duty to her country—thousands of soldiers had just died for her! She wasn't even bei...more
I didn't really warm up to her and I found her selfish when she refused to marry anyone but Cammon. She needed to marry a noble and forge an alliance to help secure the throne. Was that fair to her? No, of course not. But she had a duty to her country—thousands of soldiers had just died for her! She wasn't even bei...more
Don't let the 3-stars fool you, I loved this book. Cammon is a character that I have admired throughout the series. I have enjoyed his spirit and positive approach to everything. He is not the typical 'mooody, depressed, and introspective' fantasy lead. Refreshing.
There are many heroines in the series overall but the Princess Amalie was the focus. She and Cammon decided to fall in love and break every other rule they could in the process. It worked for me at every turn. I don't feel they were wr...more
There are many heroines in the series overall but the Princess Amalie was the focus. She and Cammon decided to fall in love and break every other rule they could in the process. It worked for me at every turn. I don't feel they were wr...more
1 like · like · see review
Another great novel in this series! I enjoyed seeing all of the characters develop further & to see lots of loose ends get tied up (the appearance of minor characters from previous novels was an especially nice tough). My sole gripe was that near the climax, my immersion in the story was broken when I felt like the characters were all idiots for not having puzzled out a problem that I felt was staring them in the face. Barring that, it was a super read!
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I would say that the dust jacket summary is a little misleading. Cammon and Amalie would be the main players in this latest tale. Cammon is a mystic who can pick up on the emotions/thoughts of others. He is summoned to observe Amalie's suitors as they come to courting for the king's daughter's hand. I had expected more courtship, but that sadly was not the case. Not that it is a terrible thing, but I just thought there'd be a lot more.
This may be my 2nd favorite story out of the series, after My...more
This may be my 2nd favorite story out of the series, after My...more
I was frustrated at the main characters and their bullheaded, morally righteous superiority complex. Interesting questions of the justification for war-- is it worth slaughtering thousands of people just to decide who will sit on the throne? When should we compromise 'true love' and personal desires for strategic advantages?-- are brushed over by making the villains entirely brutal sadistic rapists with an unthinking prejudice against mystics. Really, when Senneth rejected the offer of marrying...more
A very satisfying conclusion to the Twelve Houses series that begins with Mystic and Rider. I am fascinated by the complex politics of the world that Shinn creates. She somehow manages to balance so many competing factions (various political houses among the Twelve Houses, the royality, the Thirteenth House (which is itself variously aligned), the religious zealots who worship the Pale Mother, the mysterious Lirrenlands, among others), and yet it is never confusing or dull. As the conclusion, th...more
Jul 24, 2011
Kiersten
added it
THIS BOOK MADE ME SO HAPPY. *This review may be slightly less coherent than my usual fare due to my fangirlish rhapsodizing; if so, I apologize.*
(*Spoilers in this paragraph!*) As regards the main romance, I think it kept me in the most suspense out of all the books. Cammon and Amalie are an impossible match, but also impossible not to root for (unlike Kirra and Romar in book two, whose romance was possibly even more impossible, but also really dislikable—and unlike Senneth/Tayse, Kirra/Donnal,...more
(*Spoilers in this paragraph!*) As regards the main romance, I think it kept me in the most suspense out of all the books. Cammon and Amalie are an impossible match, but also impossible not to root for (unlike Kirra and Romar in book two, whose romance was possibly even more impossible, but also really dislikable—and unlike Senneth/Tayse, Kirra/Donnal,...more
The fourth book in the Twelfth Houses series focuses on the lovable yet quirky reader Cammon. With his unique (and very helpful) ability of being able to sense the emotions of others, Cammon has become an invaluable asset to the monarchy. Charged with discerning the true intentions of Princess Amalie's suitors, Cammon continually proves his worth and loyalty to those he loves.
However, all is not well in the Twelve Houses as war is imminent. When an audacious attack on the royal city is made ever...more
However, all is not well in the Twelve Houses as war is imminent. When an audacious attack on the royal city is made ever...more
This is the fourth book in the Twelve House series, and it is one of my favorites. It is written almost as the last in the series but I know there is one more left, although that one is from a totally different point of view. Cammon and Senneth are really the main characters in this book, I was once again delighted to hear more from Senneth. The relationship with Amalie and Cammon is no great surprise (although, for me it was lacking some of the passion or intensity of Senneth-Tayse or Kirra-Rom...more
One of the things I have greatly enjoyed about this series of books is that I don't need to reread the previous books when the next comes out. While it certainly helps to have read the others, each works well as a standalone. And each of the previous books is memorable enough that re-reading is not required.
The drawback is that Reader and Raelynx--nominally about Cammon, played double duty. It really held two stories: Cammon's growing love for Amalie and Senneth's final showdown with the Gissel...more
The drawback is that Reader and Raelynx--nominally about Cammon, played double duty. It really held two stories: Cammon's growing love for Amalie and Senneth's final showdown with the Gissel...more
This is the last book in Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses books...or at least, I think it is. It actually came out in November and I was really excited about it, but it wasn't available in any book stores here, I would have to order it online, and I was waiting for enough books to come up so the order would be more than $39 and I could get free shipping. Suffice to say, it took me a while. Anyways, each of the previous books have focused on one or two characters of a group of six. This last one was...more
So, three for four isn't bad in a tetralogy, right? The second was so disappointing, especially given how awesome the first was, but the third and fourth have more than made up for any problems I might have had with Kirra's part in the story.
I found it curious, the whole way through, that we saw everyone's point of view except Donnal's. And of the six, he's the one we know the least about. He's a shape shifter devoted to Kirra, the son of a serf and uncomfortable in the presence of lords and la...more
I found it curious, the whole way through, that we saw everyone's point of view except Donnal's. And of the six, he's the one we know the least about. He's a shape shifter devoted to Kirra, the son of a serf and uncomfortable in the presence of lords and la...more
Justin once said that when it came to unsuitable romance, Cammon would outdo them all. Little did he know how right he would turn out to be.
Cammon's spooky mind-reading abilities are needed at the palace. War is coming, and it has been decided that Princess Amalie needs a husband. Cammon is tasked with listening in on the princess's conversations with prospective suitors and sounding the alarm if any of them threaten Amalie. However, this throws him and the princess together for a great deal of...more
Cammon's spooky mind-reading abilities are needed at the palace. War is coming, and it has been decided that Princess Amalie needs a husband. Cammon is tasked with listening in on the princess's conversations with prospective suitors and sounding the alarm if any of them threaten Amalie. However, this throws him and the princess together for a great deal of...more
I read Mystic and Rider, the first book in this series. I'd forgotten too much about the characters to be drawn in easily. While the characters were all pleasant enough, there was nothing new here to catch my interest. The romance seems to be forging along predictably as I stop at about 100 pages in. There have been some small kerfuffles, but I've never felt any tension or anything that needs to be resolved. My favorite books by this author will probably remain the ones early in the Samaria seri...more
This is book four in the series. If you haven't read the others, read them first. If you have, you know Shinn's main cast of characters and how she includes them all and focuses on certain ones each time. This one is primarily Cammon's story.
I've always had a soft spot for this sweet, endearing mystic who can see the truth in the hearts of others. It's time for Princess Amalie to marry. Cammon is summoned to the palace to use his abilities to help vet her suitors. Meanwhile and to everyone's sh...more
I've always had a soft spot for this sweet, endearing mystic who can see the truth in the hearts of others. It's time for Princess Amalie to marry. Cammon is summoned to the palace to use his abilities to help vet her suitors. Meanwhile and to everyone's sh...more
I always feel guilty giving books a 3. It is "I liked it" and that's how I feel here. I'm continuing to read this series although each books gives a nice ending; so you don't have to pursue the series just to find out what happens next. You pursue it as you want to continue to read her stories. As mentioned for others in this series, it's not quite as original as the Samaria series, and as good as they are they don't hit my "knock your socks off" 5 rating. This series moves well, has well develo...more
i guess i read this for closure (gotta finish what you started!). the whole series was really just a protracted harlequin romance cloaked as fantasy. the fantasy premise itself wasn't particularly compelling (x-men, anyone?) and neither were the characters or the politics. the ending was also a bit blah.
the series is classed as young adult, so maybe that's the reason for the dumbing down. but even with archangel, which was just a bit more gripping, sharon shinn never really went into the potenti...more
the series is classed as young adult, so maybe that's the reason for the dumbing down. but even with archangel, which was just a bit more gripping, sharon shinn never really went into the potenti...more
Originally posted here.
Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn is the fourth book in the Twelve Houses series. My friend Celina of The Bookkeeper was nice enough to let me borrow her copy of this book. As always, thanks! Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. They contain spoilery bits. Seriousl...more
Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn is the fourth book in the Twelve Houses series. My friend Celina of The Bookkeeper was nice enough to let me borrow her copy of this book. As always, thanks! Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. They contain spoilery bits. Seriousl...more
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Good story. Cammon has a lot of mind control, and uses his special powers, and the cooperation of a group of his friends, to help guard the princess. It is beyond his station in life to be her friend, but she is lonely, and they like each other. Like grows to something stronger, a problem, when it is important for the princess to find a more appropriate match, especially once the kingdom is plunged into war. This book is the third in a series, and since I didn't read the other two books, I felt...more
Although the first two books in this series started out slow, this one and the previous one engaged my attention the entire time. It was worth reading the first two to get to these! I definitely enjoyed this book. I've grown to love the main characters and feel invested in their lives. Shinn provides so much detail and sets events up so particularly, I was a little disappointed at how quickly and how anti-climatic the confrontations with the main villains were. But overall, I found it to be a sa...more
Jun 18, 2011
Miss Clark
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Shelves:
adventure,
fairytale-fantasy-sci-fi-mythology
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Not bad; it's the last of the Gillengaria series, which hasn't been my favorite Shinn. Not the least because I refuse to read the one book in this series about a character having an affair with a married man. (I much preferred the Samaria series; I liked the idea of the angels!)
This was a good finale, though. Cammon was one of my favorite characters in the initial group from the first book, and I'm glad he got his HEA*. The war that had hung like a miasma, threatening throughout the entire serie...more
This was a good finale, though. Cammon was one of my favorite characters in the initial group from the first book, and I'm glad he got his HEA*. The war that had hung like a miasma, threatening throughout the entire serie...more
This is the fourth book in Shinn's Twelve Houses series. Each volume focuses on one of the six companions and this one follows the youngest--Cammon. The boy who reads souls. Heretofore, Cammon has been something of a delightful enigma. The scruffy little brother with a good heart, not an ounce of tact, and the ability to gauge a person's true intentions. In this volume, he comes into his own and it was a treat to be one up on the rest of the characters for once. To actually be inside his head. C...more
Shinn's 4th novel of the Twelve Houses is another mix of great characters, wonderful magic and evil trying to squash magical individuals. Bogs down in a few places, but the action starts up again and the ending is great!
Kirkus says: "Shinn (Dark Moon Defender, 2006, etc.) neatly and delightfully wraps up a four-volume romantic-fantasy series in which six comrades bearing exceptional magical and/or martial abilities fall in love with entirely unsuitable partners against the backdrop of a looming...more
Kirkus says: "Shinn (Dark Moon Defender, 2006, etc.) neatly and delightfully wraps up a four-volume romantic-fantasy series in which six comrades bearing exceptional magical and/or martial abilities fall in love with entirely unsuitable partners against the backdrop of a looming...more
This is the fourth book in Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses series.
This is the continuing story that began in the first book Mystic and Rider where a group of six people, conscripted by the King, were sent out to travel the countryside to see if the rumbles of unrest and rebellion in the land were true. The six, consist of Senneth (a noblewoman and strong mystic who controls fire in all its forms), Kirra (a noblewoman mystic who is a shapeshifter), Donnal (Kirra's faithful servant, son of a poacher...more
This is the continuing story that began in the first book Mystic and Rider where a group of six people, conscripted by the King, were sent out to travel the countryside to see if the rumbles of unrest and rebellion in the land were true. The six, consist of Senneth (a noblewoman and strong mystic who controls fire in all its forms), Kirra (a noblewoman mystic who is a shapeshifter), Donnal (Kirra's faithful servant, son of a poacher...more
Sharon Shinn is such an amazing writer that it almost feels like a betrayal to have to admit that I didn't like this one as much as the earlier ones. I think she rushed the ending. After 3 1/2 books of anticipation, the end of this book felt somewhat anticlimactic, despite the big showdown & battle scenes. It's hard to explain exactly why I feel this way. The best I can come up with is that Shinn is so good with character development and plot, that this book would have benefited from being t...more
Finally - a new fantasy author with many books that I haven't read yet.
Sharon Shinn does a wonderful job of creating an alternate, medieval world, complete with beings with special powers, one of my favorite themes. Reminds me a little bit of Anne McCaffrey, but without space travel. I think that Anne gave her a recommendation. Definitely a great series! I've already taken 3 more books in this series out of the library and am really looking forward to reading them.
Sharon Shinn does a wonderful job of creating an alternate, medieval world, complete with beings with special powers, one of my favorite themes. Reminds me a little bit of Anne McCaffrey, but without space travel. I think that Anne gave her a recommendation. Definitely a great series! I've already taken 3 more books in this series out of the library and am really looking forward to reading them.
4th in the series of the Twelve Houses series. The threatened conflict between the rebellious "Thirteenth Houses" and King Baryn and his loyal supporters finally erupts as the mystic Cammon becomes indispensable to the princess Amalie. The group of six friends continue hone their abilities and their respective relationships flourish despite the personal and political obstacles that they must surmount. A wonderful blend of romance, fantasy and political conflict.
I always enjoy the last book in a series, when all the questions are answered and everything gets tied up nicely. I did notice in this book that the characters were either good or bad, very in love or very not in love. There is rarely a conflicted character in shinn's works that I've noticed. So if you're looking for a deep thought provoking read, this isn't for you. However, if you're looking for a very entertaining story, this one is great.
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I’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative w...more
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“And you're not leaving," she said. "Promise me."
It was as if she had asked him to promise to keep breathing, to notice sunshine, to permit the spinning of the earth. What choice did he have? Even if he left her, she would be camped in his heart, an insistent and willful presence. She would match her strides to his on any journey he ever took; she would lie beside him on any bed.
Amalie, he said, "that's the easiest promise I've ever had to make.”
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30 people liked it
It was as if she had asked him to promise to keep breathing, to notice sunshine, to permit the spinning of the earth. What choice did he have? Even if he left her, she would be camped in his heart, an insistent and willful presence. She would match her strides to his on any journey he ever took; she would lie beside him on any bed.
Amalie, he said, "that's the easiest promise I've ever had to make.”
“Maybe I should keep you in a walled garden so you can't ever leave.'
The image this conjured up was so vivid that for a moment he couldn't think how to answer. He glanced down at her, his mouth open as if to speak, but no words came out. The truth was, he thought, feeling humble, feeling stupid, he didn't think he would mind any more than the raelynx did being kept in perpetual service to the princess. 'Men generally don't make very good pets,' he said at last, and she went off in a peal of laughter.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
The image this conjured up was so vivid that for a moment he couldn't think how to answer. He glanced down at her, his mouth open as if to speak, but no words came out. The truth was, he thought, feeling humble, feeling stupid, he didn't think he would mind any more than the raelynx did being kept in perpetual service to the princess. 'Men generally don't make very good pets,' he said at last, and she went off in a peal of laughter.”
Nov 04, 2012 03:34pm