Apollo’s Review of Lichgates by S. M. Boyce
I give Lichgates by S.M. Boyce a rising sun at daybreak…in the Spring. Lots of pinkish orange hues, and bright yellow streaking the dawn sky. It is a very well-written fantasy with a unique voice.
I thought the cover art went well with the story (once you started reading), but it didn’t give any insight into the story just looking at it. A clover design with a stone in the center representing the Grimoire, a book full of knowledge and magic that the protagonist, Kara finds when she enters the realm of Ourea.
This is fantasy, so there is lots of world building, different realms, different species, and lots of magic with various rules. At first I thought I might need to take notes… No, not really. But a human might feel that way. But you don’t have to. Take notes, that is. If you just read, it all unfolds nicely.
The characters were fleshed out, and their behavior was very realistic and human. Even the ones that aren’t human act human, which might be a ploy to make them relatable to the reader. A high note for me was I didn’t have to suspend belief while the protagonist ‘took it all in’ within one or two pages. Kara freaked out, had lots of confusion, inner conflict, and disbelief which made her understandable. And Ms. Boyce did a great job of making more than just the protagonists stand out as individuals. This depth to the supporting cast prevented a two dimensional read.
Not one to gloss over details of the world of Ourea, the author built the settings with precision and detail. She included every sense out there; smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound. While this brought the scenes to life, there were times that this distracted from the story. I was more interested in what happened next and not the smell of the woods, or the trickle of the stream. However, there were times that this aspect added richness to the story, and depth to the characters (what they consistently notice adds insight to them).
I did become invested with the author’s writing. And while a quest or two is nothing unusual, nor are heavy decisions with disastrous consequences, I felt the challenges to our protagonists, and I cared about the outcomes. The pacing was good, with lots of action, and the action had purpose, not just some floundering activity to ‘develop character’. This is not a story about angst ridden teens trying to find love, or get out of school, or figure out what their purpose is in life. This is a quest to save a world, and all the people in that world.
As I said, I liked this novel. It was rich in detail, writing and story. I would recommend it.
Raye: I can hardly believe you wrote that review.
Apollo: Why?
Raye: You took the task seriously, and your assessment is quite astute. I find myself agreeing with almost everything you wrote. I don’t have anything I really want to add, or contradict.
Apollo: I’m not just a pretty face, Raye. I’m brilliant, too.
Raye: But… not very humble.
Apollo: If I pretended I was humble, it would be a lie. If you are good at something, and you know it, it’s perfectly acceptable to acknowledge it. So, we’re done here, right?
Raye: Yes. That was it. Thanks for the review.
Apollo: It was my pleasure, really. What book are we reviewing next week?
Raye: You have the list. Pick one.
Apollo: All right. Let’s do Entangled by Nikki Jefford. I like the frigid-looking girl on the cover with a white rose.
Raye: Entangled it is.
