Melke is a wraith, which means she has the abilty to walk unseen. After being forced to steal a necklace, she is hunted down by the victim of the c...
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Feb 15, 2008
Glenn
rated it: 
As the synopsis indicated, it's a book about fire-breathing salamanders, magic, and wraiths who have the ability to go unseen. There wasn't much on goodreads or other web sites to really give me an idea whether or not to trust my instincts and pass this one by so I decided to take one for the team and buy it. You owe me one!
The good news, at least for me, is that it was a quick read, even at 450 pages. The reason why it was a quick read is because nothing really happens. The intens More...
The good news, at least for me, is that it was a quick read, even at 450 pages. The reason why it was a quick read is because nothing really happens. The intens More...
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Aug 28, 2008
Gail
rated it: 
This is a fantasy novel, with romantic elements. L.M. Bujold, in her speech, talked about how fantasy and SF are about politics, and the bigger, more earth-shattering the arena, the better. This story has a Small, personal arena. The heroine has stolen a necklace which she is giving to salamanders (two-legged beings connected to the fire element) to retrieve her brother from them. He was caught when he tried to steal from them. But when she gets him back, he's badly injured and dying.
The n More...
The n More...
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 27, 2011
t'Sade
rated it: 
This was a lovely story. Dark, depressing, and scraping the bottom of life, but still wonderful. The world development was light and the story only covers a few days of plot, but I found myself engrossed with the intensely depressed characters who were all filled with self-deprecating fear and despair.
And yet, I wanted to read it, to finish it. It was like a train accident that ended on a happy note.
The magical powers in the book were well done, without them dominating the pl More...
And yet, I wanted to read it, to finish it. It was like a train accident that ended on a happy note.
The magical powers in the book were well done, without them dominating the pl More...
Jul 10, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
Melke is a wraith, which means she has the ability to walk unseen. After being forced to steal a necklace, she is hunted down by the victim of the crime, Bastian sal Vere. He explains that the necklace was strung with tears, and that without it, Bastian cannot break the curse that is destroying his family. He orders Melke to regain the necklace, in exchange for her brother to be healed. But she had given the necklace to the salamanders, the fire breathing creatures that live undergroun More...
Jan 18, 2012
Hilary
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 28, 2011
Tal
rated it:
Melke is a wraith, which means she has the abilty to walk unseen. After being forced to steal a necklace, she is hunted down by the victim of the crime, Bastian sal Vere. He explains that the necklace was strung with tears, and that without it, Bastian cannot break the curse that is destroying his family. He orders Melke to regain the necklace, in exchange for her brother to be healed. But she had given the necklace to the salamanders, the fire breathing creatures that live underground. She must
More...
Sep 19, 2010
Sharon
rated it: 
Melke is a wraith she steals a necklace so she can save her brother who is greiviously injured. Bastian the previous owner of the necklace makes a deal, he will take her brother to a healer if she steals the necklace back.
I loved this novel & read it from front to back in a day, her story telling sucks you in. It's not soppy either, the characters are multi faceted & flawed, the prose real & magical creatures terrifying. Melke is between a rock & hard place but she rises to the the More...
I loved this novel & read it from front to back in a day, her story telling sucks you in. It's not soppy either, the characters are multi faceted & flawed, the prose real & magical creatures terrifying. Melke is between a rock & hard place but she rises to the the More...
Nov 09, 2010
Rea
rated it:
Basically this book followed the evolution of two love stories; one between the hero and the heroine and that between his sister and her brother. I liked the setting of the story and the premise of beings connected to the elementals (though earth and air were not touched upon much) but I didn't like how often the heroine would chastise herself for what felt like pages on end. I get that she feels guilty, but does she need to feel guilty that often?
I have to admit that I didn't enjoy th More...
I have to admit that I didn't enjoy th More...
Feb 25, 2009
Liviu
rated it:
This one is a true romantic fantasy and depends a lot on the tropes of romance. I like a lot Ms. Gee style and The Laurentine Spy was a big positive surprise for 09, while this one is about a **** 1/2 for the strong characters and the prose.
Otherwise the fantasy elements are light and it truly could have been recast in any historical environment with slight changes (some discriminated minority instead of wraiths, some powerful noble instead of the vengeful water spirits...)
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Otherwise the fantasy elements are light and it truly could have been recast in any historical environment with slight changes (some discriminated minority instead of wraiths, some powerful noble instead of the vengeful water spirits...)
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Mar 31, 2011
LaVerne
rated it:
I was attracted to this book firstly because Emily is a fellow New Zealander, and secondly, because of that GORGEOUS cover. The cover hints at what lies between the pages. It is certainly a little bit dark and moody.
I'm not usually a fan of fantasy, but this story captivated me from the first page. The writing is smooth, effortless and so beautiful. The characters are memorable and the only reason I haven't given it a five is because of an uncomfortable scene I just couldn't get out More...
I'm not usually a fan of fantasy, but this story captivated me from the first page. The writing is smooth, effortless and so beautiful. The characters are memorable and the only reason I haven't given it a five is because of an uncomfortable scene I just couldn't get out More...
Jun 03, 2011
Maggie
rated it:
This is a book about what happens after a girl with invisibility powers steals a precious necklace. Sounds like a fun, swashbuckling adventure? Nah, nothing much happens, actually. Almost all the events take place in a farm. This is all about interacting characters and learning to overcome prejudices and blind hatred. There's a bit of romance, somewhere between the lines, and some little magic. It's actually nice to have such things happen to common people and cut it out already with the kings a
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Nov 07, 2011
Doreene
rated it:
First time I read this author. Story about loss, acceptance, hate, predjuice, and pain. A wraith called Melke will steal to save her brother. As a wraith she can stay unseen to slip into any room and steal whatever she would like. On this fatefull journey she is going to steal a necklace that will save her brothre's life but will condemn another to a horror so unimaginable it cannot be spoken about.
A good read from a new author for me. She delves into homosexuality and the power of More...
A good read from a new author for me. She delves into homosexuality and the power of More...
Jul 03, 2011
LitAddictedBrit
rated it:
This wasn't at all the book that I was expecting it to be. That isn't to say it isn't good; it is. However, I picked it up after having my heart broken by The Girl at the Lion D'Or, expecting some light relief and, I'll admit, a little fantasy frivolity.
The plot was fairly simple but it worked. There weren't any huge surprises so, for me, this was all about the characters and how they interact.
I loved all of the different species in this novel - there was something almost myt More...
The plot was fairly simple but it worked. There weren't any huge surprises so, for me, this was all about the characters and how they interact.
I loved all of the different species in this novel - there was something almost myt More...
Apr 30, 2010
Neko :3
rated it:
I think my problem with this book was the fact that it was more focused on the development of the characters rather than an actual story line. It was well over half way through the book before the first exciting event happend.
Seeing the characters changing opinions of eachother and growing together was quite interesting, but the book became a bit dry as there was just no pace of events.
Also I found the book rather dark and without anything humorous to lighten the mood.
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Seeing the characters changing opinions of eachother and growing together was quite interesting, but the book became a bit dry as there was just no pace of events.
Also I found the book rather dark and without anything humorous to lighten the mood.
More...
Mar 05, 2008
Nicole
rated it:
Emily Gee is a new author in the fantasy world. being that this is the only book she's written thus far (although she does have another in the works, "Witch-Eye")i'd say she's marvellously proved herself as being a fantastic story-teller. she kept me in suspense and wonder the entire time, because she gave nothing away. it was impossible to hypothesize as to what lurked around the corner, the book was completely unpredictable. i love that in a book. she provided that element of chaos i
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Oct 18, 2009
Lokien
rated it:
A good story. Very much a new fairy tail. with legend and lore. The characters were so real and believable. you were in there heads and hearts the whole way. This book may be a little graphic for some, however i feel it was done tastfully, while still being true to the passion and sometimes horror of the moments and events. definatly one to keep on the shelf. A reall good example of what motivates people and how our own actions define the conequences and corse of our lifes.
Sep 01, 2010
Erica
rated it:
I understand some of the criticism this book has received--not much action and most of the book takes place at a farmstead where the heroine's brother lies ill. However, I found the slow development of the relationship between the H/H touching and believable. Over the duration of a week or so, the hero, who harbors some strong antipathy toward the heroine--she's something called a 'wraith'--comes to appreciate her as a person. The heroine, meanwhile, is struggling with her own issues--she's been
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Jul 03, 2010
Gemma
rated it:
Interesting fantasy novel in which magic can be both a gift and a literal curse. The focus romance evolves slowly, sometimes a bit too slowly, but the balance of power is very definitely slanted towards the traditionally powerless; indeed, though violence and rape are a constant threat, the only two characters who end up being raped are both male. I'd read another of her books.
Jul 27, 2009
Miss Clark
rated it:
If I had a minus-star, I'd give this book that. Not at all what I thought it would be like. I thoroughly disliked it and would not recommend it. Writing was paltry, the characterizations hackneyed, the plot was forced, there was much immorality (and in such a vulgar manner.) The background was scanty, details on her world were few and far between. Stay far away from it!
Feb 15, 2010
Latharia
rated it:
Emily Gee is a new author for me & while I enjoyed the universe & its cast of characters, I was disappointed in the pacing of the story. It seemed to unfold in agonizing slowness, or maybe that was reflected in how both main characters seemed a bit too steeped in self-loathing for me. I enjoyed reading it, but would've liked a faster pace & more development.
Nov 09, 2011
Akaria
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 24, 2011
Haley
rated it:
I was very pleased with Miss. Gee's first novel, Thief with no Shadow. I was infact more pleased with this then with The Sentenial Mage and I was not dissapointed in the least by that. This novel is finely written and has a strong set of characters. I enjoyed it throughly.
Jan 03, 2012
Trish
rated it:
I read this one a few years ago, and fell in love with it. After rereading it, I still found it to be a wonderful story. This is one of those books that make the reader really care about the characters. (Unless you have no soul :) )
May 03, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
I expected this book to be ho-hum chick lit and was pleasantly surprised by its range and characterizations. It was definitely worth reading, and not just by the crowd who like vampires and werewolves and so forth.
Dec 01, 2008
Shauna
rated it:
I enjoyed the book but wished it wasn't so slow-paced. The book could have been half as long and contained just as much plot. The world building was good, and I wish Gee had included more about her world.
Oct 29, 2009
Janeen
rated it:
Nicely written, but so much hatred, despair, shame, and abject rage that I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked. If I'd read this one first, I wouldn't have read The Laurentine Spy!
Nov 06, 2010
Ellen
rated it:
I would like to recommend this book to everyone! It was an awesome read, quite interesting storyline and the characters were quite enjoyable as well.
A very lovely book.
A very lovely book.
Nov 22, 2009
Shimmerpop
rated it:
I loved this book! The plot was really good and the people were really interesting. I hope she writes many more novels for me to read!!!
Jun 28, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
I loved the story and the idea of wraiths. The creatures are fun and the characters are unforgettable.
May 06, 2009
Theresa
rated it: 
I liked the attempt to make the characters real but it lacked believability for me.
