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1st out of 13 books
—
4 voters
The Spirit Lens (Collegia Magica #1)
by
Carol Berg (Goodreads Author)
In a kingdom on the verge of a grand renaissance, where natural science has supplanted failing sorcery, someone aims to revive a savage rivalry...
For Portier de Savin-Duplais, failed student of magic, sorcery's decline into ambiguity and cheap illusion is but a culmination of life's bitter disappointments. Reduced to tending the library at Sabria's last collegia magica, he...more
For Portier de Savin-Duplais, failed student of magic, sorcery's decline into ambiguity and cheap illusion is but a culmination of life's bitter disappointments. Reduced to tending the library at Sabria's last collegia magica, he...more
Paperback, 464 pages
Published
January 5th 2010
by Roc Trade
(first published December 4th 2009)
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4 Stars
This was a 3 star book at times and 5 stars at other times. I had a difficult time with this one as I found myself frequently putting it down, skipping full sentences and paragraphs, and my mind was often wandering. Yes, this could have been my fault and a reread may be in the future for this one, but I really believe that there was something missing in this story that kept it from being better. I really enjoyed the main characters, Portier, Ilario, and the angry mage Dante. There were mo...more
This was a 3 star book at times and 5 stars at other times. I had a difficult time with this one as I found myself frequently putting it down, skipping full sentences and paragraphs, and my mind was often wandering. Yes, this could have been my fault and a reread may be in the future for this one, but I really believe that there was something missing in this story that kept it from being better. I really enjoyed the main characters, Portier, Ilario, and the angry mage Dante. There were mo...more
4.5 stars - Another beautiful book by Carol Berg. I enjoyed her Lighthouse Duet immensely and was equally thrilled with this book. There are certainly similar themes – family, blood, betrayal, societal strictures and competing core values – but The Spirit Lens weaves them in a new and interesting way.
In this Renaissance-type fantasy we see the practitioners of magic and science opposed to one another creating civil unrest. Science is moving ahead and magic is clearly falling out of favor. Howeve...more
In this Renaissance-type fantasy we see the practitioners of magic and science opposed to one another creating civil unrest. Science is moving ahead and magic is clearly falling out of favor. Howeve...more
3 likes · like · see review
Like a rocky coast during a hurricane, I was pummeled by similes in every paragraph. They sprung up like unwanted daisies in my yard. They teemed like vermin. They swarmed like bees. They were like ants at a picnic, knots in a discount lumber pile, seagulls at a bait shack , and snakes in that Indiana Jones movie.
Also? This book is as interesting as watching paint dry. And that paint is beige.
Also? This book is as interesting as watching paint dry. And that paint is beige.
2 likes · like · see review
Huh, what?
That was me listening to this book. The narrator did a bad, bad job. His voice for Ilario was shrill and really, really unnecessary. I wish he would have used his inside-voice for the whole thing, because I can still hear him in my brain, kinda like the time I got Britney Spears' "Toxic" stuck in my head.
My experience listening to it was punctuated by moments of sheer terror as the narrator's Ilario jolted me out of sleep, napping time, a moment of eyelid resting, or other such times...more
5 likes · like · see review
2 1/2
A sort of cop-procedural type mystery story set in a fantasy setting, with Portier being the king's spy to try and find out the truth behind an assassination attempt along with Ilario, the fop, and Dante, the taciturn mage.
It was very slow going at first with some, imo, extraneous world building and belabored set-up. It did pick up about half-way through, though, which is what saved it from a full 2-star rating.
The mystery part of it was interesting enough, though based on some reviews I re...more
A sort of cop-procedural type mystery story set in a fantasy setting, with Portier being the king's spy to try and find out the truth behind an assassination attempt along with Ilario, the fop, and Dante, the taciturn mage.
It was very slow going at first with some, imo, extraneous world building and belabored set-up. It did pick up about half-way through, though, which is what saved it from a full 2-star rating.
The mystery part of it was interesting enough, though based on some reviews I re...more
I found this book to be too slow paced, the main character doubted himself thoughout which began to grate on me over time, and as a librarian, I was very irritated with the treatment of my profession. Aside from that, it was interesting and the world-building was clear and good. I wouldn't reread it, but I wouldn't warn people not to buy it.
My main problem with the book: librarianship is often used in fiction as shorthand for a personality type (cautious and timid), or as an example of a situati...more
My main problem with the book: librarianship is often used in fiction as shorthand for a personality type (cautious and timid), or as an example of a situati...more
5 likes · like · see review
I bought this one on its release day (Jan 5th) with high hopes, but though it intrigued me, i felt that it was too dependent on its quirky humor and light gags for its enjoyment so I kept putting it down; however I still planned to decide soon either to immerse into it or fast read and drop and after a while the novel drops its lighter pretense, picks up considerably and it gets extremely good; though fully concluding its main thread, it sets up a very, very interesting sequel
A solid A and high...more
A solid A and high...more
A librarian/archivist at the Collegia Magica takes on the investigation of a series of murders and the disappearance of the King's right hand man, with help from a foppish lordling and a powerful but decidedly pissy sorceror. Reminiscent in tone, setting and types of characters to NAME OF THE ROSE.
Not her best book (others may disagree), but some of Berg's best writing. The tale was just too gritty for my taste. Berg obviously loves words and uses them well.
Love the voice of the POV character. His humor and humanity made him sympathetic ... even when he wasn't. Only once "broke character" which he castigated himself for the rest of the book, but it was way out of character for him.
Love the misdirection--some of which Portier catches, some of which he doesn't.
Cover art quibble: who is this...more
Love the voice of the POV character. His humor and humanity made him sympathetic ... even when he wasn't. Only once "broke character" which he castigated himself for the rest of the book, but it was way out of character for him.
Love the misdirection--some of which Portier catches, some of which he doesn't.
Cover art quibble: who is this...more
2 likes · like · see review
I spotted the second book on the rack at the supermarket, and I knew I just HAD read this trilogy. I had read Transformation years ago (another supermarket rack find) and was impressed with Berg's writing even then, although the vagaries of my reading life resulted in "more Berg books" getting relegated further and further down on my reading list. Until, as I said, I spotted The Soul Mirror and read the cover blurb.
I do need to warn other readers: this is not an "easy" read. The prose is dense,...more
I do need to warn other readers: this is not an "easy" read. The prose is dense,...more
I bought this one because I accidentally picked up the second one first. Now I wish I'd never got either. I figured: attractive looking person on cover with strange magical accoutrements, a description on the back of magical conspiracy, what could be bad about that? But it was so. So. Boring.
Despite being in (apparently) grave danger, the characters, even minor ones we'd never see again, often stopped to give page long speeches. The dialogue was way overwrought. The POV character was whiny and...more
Despite being in (apparently) grave danger, the characters, even minor ones we'd never see again, often stopped to give page long speeches. The dialogue was way overwrought. The POV character was whiny and...more
I don't know...I wanted to like this book, I really did, but it just didn't work out like I wanted.
All of the characters were one dimensional and dull. Even when some additional characterization was added, it was kind of latched onto the side and never really explored.
Plus, someone needs to talk to Portier about his investigation skills. It was like 'all the evidence points to so and so, so they must be the culprit'. Then new information came to light and 'oh no, now this person looks guilty an...more
All of the characters were one dimensional and dull. Even when some additional characterization was added, it was kind of latched onto the side and never really explored.
Plus, someone needs to talk to Portier about his investigation skills. It was like 'all the evidence points to so and so, so they must be the culprit'. Then new information came to light and 'oh no, now this person looks guilty an...more
In Carol Berg's latest fantasy, it's magic vs. science, with the latter coming into popularity in the kingdom of Sabria. When this results in magicians' attempt to assassinate Sabria's King Philippe, he enlists the help of his very-distant cousin to uncover the traitors, and to determine if his wife is somehow behind the attempt.
Portier de Savin-Duplais agrees to help the King, and hits the ground running. The stuff he uncovers places his own life at risk, and he finds himself looking for plots...more
Portier de Savin-Duplais agrees to help the King, and hits the ground running. The stuff he uncovers places his own life at risk, and he finds himself looking for plots...more
Let me start by saying I really enjoy Carol Berg as a writer. I absolutely loved her Rai Kirah series and also loved the second book in the Lighthouse Duet (the first one was a bit of a drag). But, for some reason, I had a very difficult time with this book. I didn't care about the plot, did not like the characters, and struggled through each page.
This book is about Portier de Savin-Duplais; a failed magical student who is called upon to help solve the mystery of an attempted assassination of th...more
This book is about Portier de Savin-Duplais; a failed magical student who is called upon to help solve the mystery of an attempted assassination of th...more
Review:
I bought this book simply because it got Carol Berg's name on it. I am an old Carol Berg fan and absolutely love her Lighthouse doulogy. I wanted to enjoy more of that wonderful reading time the likes which the Lighthouse doulogy gave me... thus the purchase of this series... But, I've had this book in my TBR shelves for the longest time. I tried picking it up a few times, however I just couldn't get into the story. After sometime I finally decided to cheat and download the audio version...more
I bought this book simply because it got Carol Berg's name on it. I am an old Carol Berg fan and absolutely love her Lighthouse doulogy. I wanted to enjoy more of that wonderful reading time the likes which the Lighthouse doulogy gave me... thus the purchase of this series... But, I've had this book in my TBR shelves for the longest time. I tried picking it up a few times, however I just couldn't get into the story. After sometime I finally decided to cheat and download the audio version...more
I have always been a fan of Carol Berg's books - ever since I picked up a copy of her Rai'kirah saga, in a used bookstore many years ago.
This book, is a perfect illustration of why.
Her ability to build believable worlds and characters is unparalleled in the writing world. From the first word to the last, her worlds live and breathe, their magic is alive, the characters suck you in and won't let you go.
With that said - this book continues all of those traditions and really begins to add on fur...more
This book, is a perfect illustration of why.
Her ability to build believable worlds and characters is unparalleled in the writing world. From the first word to the last, her worlds live and breathe, their magic is alive, the characters suck you in and won't let you go.
With that said - this book continues all of those traditions and really begins to add on fur...more
This riveting story features Portier, a librarian of a magic college and failed magic student. He is charged with untangling a conspiracy of murder, intrigue and the appalling use of unholy magic. His two assistants in this undertaking are a court dandy and a very cranky mage. Together they unravel a horrendous plot that would unleash chaos in the world and forever change their perceptions of themselves.
Carol Berg beautifully tells the story of how our past can hinder us in our present undertaki...more
Carol Berg beautifully tells the story of how our past can hinder us in our present undertaki...more
I feel a little weird about giving this book (and its sequel) 5 stars, because they are not, and do not aim to be, Great Literature. This book certainly does not have the depth and layers of Eco's 'The Name of the Rose,' although it shares a similar atmosphere. However, for sheer entertainment value - I just love Berg's writing, and this is definitely one of her best.
It's a well-crafted genre mystery, with wizards.
Intrigue and plot twists abound, and there a lots of clues to put together and fi...more
It's a well-crafted genre mystery, with wizards.
Intrigue and plot twists abound, and there a lots of clues to put together and fi...more
A failed magic student turned meek librarian, a crude, rude magician turned outcast and hermit, and a foolish fop become unlikely allies in attempting to uncover vile practices and unspeakable necromancy aimed at King and Crown in this first book of the Collegia Magica. All have murky issues in their pasts, and none of them are what they seem. NOTHING is what it seems in this fantasy of illusion. Set in a world just beginning to discover the physical sciences and still feeling the scars from a h...more
I finally finished this book. It was really good, just um... fat. This is categorized as Sci Fi, although we would call it Adult Fantasy if that did not bring strange things to mind. It is fantasy all the way, not sci fi at all. Set in a world where some "Blood Families" have magical ability or talent, but the Blood Wars devastated the country and the King is firmly in the scientific camp. The Collegia Magica licences mages by "collaring" them after their examination with a thin silver collar wh...more
I enjoyed the book well enough. I've read a few of Carol Berg's books. This wasn't my favorite, but there are aspects that I really liked.
I liked the 3 main characters well enough. I sympathized with the narrator--he went through a lot of stuff! The twist of magic and different ways to practice magic were very interesting and well planned. I like the Scarlet Pimpernel character. Even though that is a well used plot, Berg did that well. I was relieved that character was there.
Some of the events...more
I liked the 3 main characters well enough. I sympathized with the narrator--he went through a lot of stuff! The twist of magic and different ways to practice magic were very interesting and well planned. I like the Scarlet Pimpernel character. Even though that is a well used plot, Berg did that well. I was relieved that character was there.
Some of the events...more
Since this book is written by my favorite author there wasn't a chance that I would not like it, but I found out that I did not like it as much as her earlier work. I really liked Portier and I liked Ilario even more but I wished there was more evidence of ther friendship. But what I really missed was the beautiful world of The Lighthouse series. Not the world itself but the the vivid souroundings and powerful magic that existed there. Even though I found the plot in The Spirit Lens very interes...more
Carol Berg certainly writes very compelling characters.... a mystery in a fantasy setting! Nice twist. So far she's refrained from torturing the lead character. But I'm sure she'd do that soon since she does that to every. single. leading character in her books!
I ended up really liking this story, of a librarian turned investigator of a mystery involving magic and murder and treason. It helped that I like the main character a lot, probably because he's a very intelligent and capable person. It took me a few minutes to accept the idea that an archivist who spent the past decade sequestered in a library would be so good at interrogation and politicking and other social niceties... but I suppose everyone has some hidden talents. :) I enjoyed the story des...more
I would give this 2.5 stars if the option were available....it's an interesting plot line and I read the description of the second book and am not sure if I'll read it...that too sounds like an interesting plot line, but...I wasn't crazy about the author's writing style...it was overwritten, as in too much filler and also the language was too flowery and trying to be "in period" too hard..this took away from the storyline quite a bit and made some details almost obscured. Also, the main characte...more
Mar 26, 2011
heardtheowl
marked it as unfinished
I'm reading this as slowly as possible to draw it out as long as I can!
This is extremely hard to do since I was hooked after the first paragraph and by pg 17, totally into the characters and story.
I Love This Author!!!
This is extremely hard to do since I was hooked after the first paragraph and by pg 17, totally into the characters and story.
I Love This Author!!!
In the Renaissance like kingdom of Sabria failed magician turned librarian and cousin to King Phillipe, Portier de Savin-Duplais is tasked by his royal brethren to root out the traitors who have attempted to take his life. What follows is a solid mystery tale within a beautifully realized world fraught with tension between science and magic. With The Spirit Lens Berg has created a fantastic new setting and kicked off what looks to be an entertaining and original series.
The real strength of The S...more
The real strength of The S...more
I liked this one a lot. Not as good as the lighthouse duet but I really liked the mystery aspect of it. It's not often you get a true mystery in a fantasy novel. I can't wait for the sequel with Anne; I really like her.
I loved this fantasy detective story. The hero is a failed magician-turned-librarian who is hired by his very distant cousin, the king, to discreetly investigate some strange magical goings-on. His sidekicks are complex people with secrets. The villains are suitably scary.
Although this is the first of a series, it can be read alone. The heroine of the second book (which I bought as soon as I finished this one) is a minor character in the first book, with her own story. That said, some of the wra...more
Although this is the first of a series, it can be read alone. The heroine of the second book (which I bought as soon as I finished this one) is a minor character in the first book, with her own story. That said, some of the wra...more
You are thrust into the world where Sabria resides quickly and eagerly as you read the pages of The Spirit Lens and the plot never lets you go or gives you time to want to put down the book!! You follow Portier’s path along with him as he tries to solve the mystery he’d been directed to by the king of Sabria. The Spirit Lens is a gripping story with much to offer. The ending brings the strands of the story together neatly, with a few left over to start the second book in this trilogy. Read this...more
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Carol Berg is the author of the epic fantasy
The Books of the Rai-kirah, The Bridge of D'Arnath Quartet, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award winning Lighthouse Duet - Flesh and Spirit and Breath and Bone - the standalone novel Song of the Beast , and the three novels of the Collegia Magica.
Berg holds a degree in mathematics from Rice University, and a degree in computer science from the University of Col...more
More about Carol Berg...
The Books of the Rai-kirah, The Bridge of D'Arnath Quartet, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award winning Lighthouse Duet - Flesh and Spirit and Breath and Bone - the standalone novel Song of the Beast , and the three novels of the Collegia Magica.
Berg holds a degree in mathematics from Rice University, and a degree in computer science from the University of Col...more
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