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The Last Days of Tian Di #1
Shade & Sorceress
Eliza knows for certain what she isn't: the powerful sorceress the learned Mancers think her to be. Or is she? Eliza is stunned to learn her father has been keeping important secrets. Her mother's death wasn't from pneumonia, but the death of all great Shang Sorceresses: killed in battle against evil forces. Even so, Eliza's lessons with the Mancers at their citadel show them what she has always known--she can't do any magic. Imprisoned in the Arctic by Eliza's mother's final brave act, the evil Xia Sorceress uses her minions to capture Eliza's father. Escaping the citadel with her best friend Nell and new friend Charlie, Eliza sets off to rescue him. They seek help from the Triumvirate, an uneasy alliance of ultimate power--the Oracle, the King of the Faeries and Swarn, the witch who delivered Eliza as a baby. They try to stop her, but she is determined. She knows she's connected to the Xia Sorceress somehow. What awaits Eliza in the Arctic prison is more horrible than she could have imagined. Abandoned by the Mancers and the Triumvirate, she must rely on her friends and her own wits and common sense to succeed in her quest.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2012
2 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Egan
12 books210 followersMy superpowers: forward momentum, list-making, simultaneously holding two opposing opinions
My weaknesses: overthinking, excessive list-making, simultaneously holding two opposing opinions
My allies: My made-for-walking-in black boots, Mick, the English Language
My enemies: decaf, low blood sugar, the passage of time
My mission: the coexistence of ambivalence and joy.
My weaknesses: overthinking, excessive list-making, simultaneously holding two opposing opinions
My allies: My made-for-walking-in black boots, Mick, the English Language
My enemies: decaf, low blood sugar, the passage of time
My mission: the coexistence of ambivalence and joy.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2013
Catherine Egan and I are reviewing each other’s books. She feels a bit like a fish out of water reviewing girls’ hockey, and I feel much the same with fantasy. It is not a genre I read much of – although I have read Tolkien, CS Lewis, JK Rowling, and others.
What I dislike in some fantasy books is the sudden procurement or appearance of a magical something or other than can do whatever is necessary at the moment. I am a disenfranchised fan of the television series Once Upon a Time. Halfway through Season Two, I tired of all the magical beans, compasses, dust, hats, mirrors, and other items that seemed to exist only to keep the plot moving and connect one episode to the next. The manipulation of these elements lacked sophistication.
It takes a masterful writer to keep his or her fantastical elements in check, and make them plausible, so the reader can suspend his or her disbelief. Egan has succeeded in doing this in Shade and Sorceress. She has carefully selected her magical items: a Vindensphere, a Book of Barriers, a vial of Faery blood, a dragon’s claw. All of them are used skillfully and are woven throughout the book to advance the plot.
However, the most important magic resides deep within a girl named Eliza Tok. Or does it exist at all? Is Eliza really the last in a line of powerful Shang Sorceresses, or is she a much-watered down version? Can she find her father, the handsome, prosaic Rom Tok, before the evil Xia sorceress harms him? These unanswered questions urge the reader climb aboard a gryphon with Eliza and best friend Nell and join her on her magical quest.
Egan creates characters the reader can deeply care about. I fell in love with Eliza and Nell on Page 2, as they consider jumping off a cliff into the ocean. Apparently a boy named Nat Fillion had done it previously. “So what if he dinnay jump? (says Nell) We can be the first, aye! What did you come here for if you dinnay want to do it?” And just like many teenaged girls I know, they do jump, and I want to jump right along with them.
The colloquialisms used by Eliza, a simple girl from Holburg, a city on the archipelago, are quaint and endearing. They help to create an image of a people very much like us, but very different from the Mancers, the scholars of Tian Di, the One World.
True, I did have some issues keeping straight the history of Tian Di, which the Mancers have split into two realms, one for humans like Eliza and one for “beings of power.” But the two maps provided by Egan’s friend Jonathan Service were very helpful as a reference.
Egan’s fantastical settings are imaginative and beautifully described. And always, there is an undertone of menace. For instance, the forest of Di Shang is populated by whispering, hissing tree wraiths. In the places to which Eliza’s adventures take her rarely is anything what it appears to be. Illusion, one of the strongest forms of magic, is woven throughout the narrative.
The pacing of Shade and Sorceress is pitch perfect. The basic plot structure is the fantasy convention of the quest. Eliza spends just enough time in each new location for the reader to get a good sense of her surroundings before she heads off to another.
A cast of characters well worth meeting populates the pages of Shade and Sorceress. One of my favourite characters was the aged Foss, Eliza’s oh-so-patient instructor at the Mancers’ Citadel. Every child should have a teacher just like him. Charlie Ash is another favourite, but I can say little about him without spoiling the surprises Egan has in store. Nia, the Xia Sorceress, is a character I love to hate. I too fell victim to her charms. Her beauty, intelligence, and menacing purpose were impossible to resist.
For me, coming of age novels are about the process through which adolescent protagonists learn to think for themselves. Who do they trust? How much of themselves can they give to someone else? When is the time to listen to adults, and when is the time to question authority?
There is much for adolescents to learn from Eliza’s exploits. Though Eliza despairs that she will never perform magic, she is one feisty heroine. As her confidence grows, she learns that she is not just a simple girl from the archipelago. Eliza has the resources within herself to save herself and the people she cares about, long after everyone else has given up. One small step makes the next one easier, and soon she has the confidence to tackle new situations and challenges, determined to find solutions. This is an important message for young people, especially adolescent girls. Egan even touches on the subject of sexual abuse, something I didn’t expect to encounter in a fantasy novel.
I believe teen (and adult!) fantasy fans will thoroughly enjoy Shade and Sorceress and eagerly await the release of The Unmaking, the second book in Catherine Egan’s trilogy, The Last Days of Tian Di.
What I dislike in some fantasy books is the sudden procurement or appearance of a magical something or other than can do whatever is necessary at the moment. I am a disenfranchised fan of the television series Once Upon a Time. Halfway through Season Two, I tired of all the magical beans, compasses, dust, hats, mirrors, and other items that seemed to exist only to keep the plot moving and connect one episode to the next. The manipulation of these elements lacked sophistication.
It takes a masterful writer to keep his or her fantastical elements in check, and make them plausible, so the reader can suspend his or her disbelief. Egan has succeeded in doing this in Shade and Sorceress. She has carefully selected her magical items: a Vindensphere, a Book of Barriers, a vial of Faery blood, a dragon’s claw. All of them are used skillfully and are woven throughout the book to advance the plot.
However, the most important magic resides deep within a girl named Eliza Tok. Or does it exist at all? Is Eliza really the last in a line of powerful Shang Sorceresses, or is she a much-watered down version? Can she find her father, the handsome, prosaic Rom Tok, before the evil Xia sorceress harms him? These unanswered questions urge the reader climb aboard a gryphon with Eliza and best friend Nell and join her on her magical quest.
Egan creates characters the reader can deeply care about. I fell in love with Eliza and Nell on Page 2, as they consider jumping off a cliff into the ocean. Apparently a boy named Nat Fillion had done it previously. “So what if he dinnay jump? (says Nell) We can be the first, aye! What did you come here for if you dinnay want to do it?” And just like many teenaged girls I know, they do jump, and I want to jump right along with them.
The colloquialisms used by Eliza, a simple girl from Holburg, a city on the archipelago, are quaint and endearing. They help to create an image of a people very much like us, but very different from the Mancers, the scholars of Tian Di, the One World.
True, I did have some issues keeping straight the history of Tian Di, which the Mancers have split into two realms, one for humans like Eliza and one for “beings of power.” But the two maps provided by Egan’s friend Jonathan Service were very helpful as a reference.
Egan’s fantastical settings are imaginative and beautifully described. And always, there is an undertone of menace. For instance, the forest of Di Shang is populated by whispering, hissing tree wraiths. In the places to which Eliza’s adventures take her rarely is anything what it appears to be. Illusion, one of the strongest forms of magic, is woven throughout the narrative.
The pacing of Shade and Sorceress is pitch perfect. The basic plot structure is the fantasy convention of the quest. Eliza spends just enough time in each new location for the reader to get a good sense of her surroundings before she heads off to another.
A cast of characters well worth meeting populates the pages of Shade and Sorceress. One of my favourite characters was the aged Foss, Eliza’s oh-so-patient instructor at the Mancers’ Citadel. Every child should have a teacher just like him. Charlie Ash is another favourite, but I can say little about him without spoiling the surprises Egan has in store. Nia, the Xia Sorceress, is a character I love to hate. I too fell victim to her charms. Her beauty, intelligence, and menacing purpose were impossible to resist.
For me, coming of age novels are about the process through which adolescent protagonists learn to think for themselves. Who do they trust? How much of themselves can they give to someone else? When is the time to listen to adults, and when is the time to question authority?
There is much for adolescents to learn from Eliza’s exploits. Though Eliza despairs that she will never perform magic, she is one feisty heroine. As her confidence grows, she learns that she is not just a simple girl from the archipelago. Eliza has the resources within herself to save herself and the people she cares about, long after everyone else has given up. One small step makes the next one easier, and soon she has the confidence to tackle new situations and challenges, determined to find solutions. This is an important message for young people, especially adolescent girls. Egan even touches on the subject of sexual abuse, something I didn’t expect to encounter in a fantasy novel.
I believe teen (and adult!) fantasy fans will thoroughly enjoy Shade and Sorceress and eagerly await the release of The Unmaking, the second book in Catherine Egan’s trilogy, The Last Days of Tian Di.
March 24, 2018
"All she was born with she possesses still. 'Wash she born with power?' Kyreth asked dryly. She is the Shang Sorceress. Last in the Line.
In spite of the Mancers' beliefs, in spite of the efforts of her kindly teacher Foss, and in spite of her portrait mysteriously appearing in the gallery of great Shang Sorceresses, Eliza knows one thing for sure: she can't do magic.
The evil Xia Sorceress is gaining power, and Eliza is the last hope for the world of Di Shang. But how can she possibly succeed with no powers of her own? Will the Mancers help? Or will Eliza and her friends Charlie and Nell really face their world's greatest evil alone?"
This is the first book in The Last Days of Tian Di trilogy. It reminded my somewhat of Phillip Pullman's Dark Matters trilogy but only in that it was about a young girl and magic. Eliza, the girl in this trilogy is 12 years old at the start of this book. She's been brought up by her father, her mother having mysteriously disappeared when she was just a toddler and she has no memories of her. She's startled to find out that her mother was, in fact, a great Sorceress and that she is supposed to be a Sorceress too, even though she can do no magic.
What follows is a lively story of her life after being found by the Mancers, who wish to train her in her sorceress ways as they did her mother and her mother's mother, etc, through the centuries. It was not much like Pullman's story but I liked it almost as much. It would be a wonderful story for a young adult to read but is also interesting for adults.
In spite of the Mancers' beliefs, in spite of the efforts of her kindly teacher Foss, and in spite of her portrait mysteriously appearing in the gallery of great Shang Sorceresses, Eliza knows one thing for sure: she can't do magic.
The evil Xia Sorceress is gaining power, and Eliza is the last hope for the world of Di Shang. But how can she possibly succeed with no powers of her own? Will the Mancers help? Or will Eliza and her friends Charlie and Nell really face their world's greatest evil alone?"
This is the first book in The Last Days of Tian Di trilogy. It reminded my somewhat of Phillip Pullman's Dark Matters trilogy but only in that it was about a young girl and magic. Eliza, the girl in this trilogy is 12 years old at the start of this book. She's been brought up by her father, her mother having mysteriously disappeared when she was just a toddler and she has no memories of her. She's startled to find out that her mother was, in fact, a great Sorceress and that she is supposed to be a Sorceress too, even though she can do no magic.
What follows is a lively story of her life after being found by the Mancers, who wish to train her in her sorceress ways as they did her mother and her mother's mother, etc, through the centuries. It was not much like Pullman's story but I liked it almost as much. It would be a wonderful story for a young adult to read but is also interesting for adults.
September 1, 2020
I liked this overall but it was a slower read for me
August 29, 2014
The Mancers, ancient scholars, magicians and mystical protectors, have come looking for Eliza Tok. Long ago, the Mancers separated the One World, Tian Di, into two, for the protection of humans. Eliza’s world is Di Shang, and the other world is Tian Xia. The Mancers want to bring Eliza to their Citadel to begin teaching her to become a sorceress like her dead mother, and help guard the Crossings between the worlds. But Eliza shows no signs of magical abilities and all she wants is to go home to her father and her friend Nell.
There are others looking for Eliza, spies of the Xia Sorceress. She is the most terrible, ruthless and evil being in the worlds. The Mancers, with the help of Eliza`s mother, imprisoned the Xia Sorceress years ago in the Arctic of Di Shang.
Finally, after what seems to be a fruitless time of study, the Mancers put Eliza to a test. They give her Shang Sorceress clothing and a staff, and send her to battle a hound of the Crossing. And “something deep inside her, deeper than a physical place, something like a tight seed buried in warmth and darkness, suddenly burst . . .” She is able to kill the creature, but her difficulties with magic are not at an end. Eliza finds out that the Xia Sorceress has snatched her father. After Nell comes to visit, Eliza learns that Charlie, the boy she thought was her friend is not what he seems at all.
Eliza, her friend Nell, and Charlie escape the Mancer Citadel and cross into Tian Xia. They hope to find a way to the evil sorceress, so that they can save Eliza’s father. Many strange and difficult things must be faced on the journey. Will Eliza ever develop her magical powers?
The book contains traditional elements of fantasy such as dragons, faeries, good and evil characters. However, the author puts her own stamp on these elements to create a unique story, which moves along at a good pace. The reader is kept guessing as to what may happen next.
Author Catherine Egan was born and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. After university, she taught English in Japan and China. She now lives in New Haven, Connecticut with her husband and children. “Shade and Sorceress” is the first book in “The Last Days of Tian Di” fantasy series.
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM
There are others looking for Eliza, spies of the Xia Sorceress. She is the most terrible, ruthless and evil being in the worlds. The Mancers, with the help of Eliza`s mother, imprisoned the Xia Sorceress years ago in the Arctic of Di Shang.
Finally, after what seems to be a fruitless time of study, the Mancers put Eliza to a test. They give her Shang Sorceress clothing and a staff, and send her to battle a hound of the Crossing. And “something deep inside her, deeper than a physical place, something like a tight seed buried in warmth and darkness, suddenly burst . . .” She is able to kill the creature, but her difficulties with magic are not at an end. Eliza finds out that the Xia Sorceress has snatched her father. After Nell comes to visit, Eliza learns that Charlie, the boy she thought was her friend is not what he seems at all.
Eliza, her friend Nell, and Charlie escape the Mancer Citadel and cross into Tian Xia. They hope to find a way to the evil sorceress, so that they can save Eliza’s father. Many strange and difficult things must be faced on the journey. Will Eliza ever develop her magical powers?
The book contains traditional elements of fantasy such as dragons, faeries, good and evil characters. However, the author puts her own stamp on these elements to create a unique story, which moves along at a good pace. The reader is kept guessing as to what may happen next.
Author Catherine Egan was born and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. After university, she taught English in Japan and China. She now lives in New Haven, Connecticut with her husband and children. “Shade and Sorceress” is the first book in “The Last Days of Tian Di” fantasy series.
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM
December 31, 2015
I should preface this review by saying that the book was written by a friend of mine, any of whose writing I have enjoyed and admired so I was expecting great things from this novel - and I was not disappointed. I would really rate this a 4.5 because it had everything I'm looking for in a YA fantasy. There was a young female protagonist who was not perfect, a best friend, a new friend that she defended even after certain events happened, love for her parents, but still not a perfect child. There was mystery, adventure, magic of different kinds, character growth and non-bratty young people, as well as exciting world-building - and even a couple of inside nods to people we know.
I have bought extra copies to give to relatives and friends and recommended it to others - and now we have to wait until September 2013 for the second book!!
August 2013 - Just re-read this book before starting the sequel and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
December 2015 - enjoyed just as much this time.
I have bought extra copies to give to relatives and friends and recommended it to others - and now we have to wait until September 2013 for the second book!!
August 2013 - Just re-read this book before starting the sequel and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
December 2015 - enjoyed just as much this time.
August 31, 2013
I should preface this review by saying that the book was written by a friend of mine, any of whose writing I have enjoyed and admired so I was expecting great things from this novel - and I was not disappointed. I would really rate this a 4.5 because it had everything I'm looking for in a YA fantasy. There was a young female protagonist who was not perfect, a best friend, a new friend that she defended even after certain events happened, love for her parents, but still not a perfect child. There was mystery, adventure, magic of different kinds, character growth and non-bratty young people, as well as exciting world-building - and even a couple of inside nods to people we know.
I have bought extra copies to give to relatives and friends and recommended it to others - and now we have to wait until September 2013 for the second book!!
August 2013 - Just re-read this book before starting the sequel and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
I have bought extra copies to give to relatives and friends and recommended it to others - and now we have to wait until September 2013 for the second book!!
August 2013 - Just re-read this book before starting the sequel and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
July 3, 2013
This is probably (?) the first YA fantasy I've read and I am so glad that the author sent me a copy of this book! Thanks Ms. Catherine!
The story is fast-paced, which I so love, because I kept on reading w/o getting bored. There are some parts though that have a LOT of adjectives which almost made me skip the whole paragraph. hehe.
Anyway, I love the protagonist because she is brave and would do everything for her love ones---even those who were once her enemy. I also like Nia even if she's evil. (accdg to the Mancers) I hope she'll become a good Sorceress in the next book! Annnd, pretty girls are not supposed to be locked away from the world, aye? :p
I would love to know what would happen next to her and all the other characters, esp. Rea and Nia!
:)
The story is fast-paced, which I so love, because I kept on reading w/o getting bored. There are some parts though that have a LOT of adjectives which almost made me skip the whole paragraph. hehe.
Anyway, I love the protagonist because she is brave and would do everything for her love ones---even those who were once her enemy. I also like Nia even if she's evil. (accdg to the Mancers) I hope she'll become a good Sorceress in the next book! Annnd, pretty girls are not supposed to be locked away from the world, aye? :p
I would love to know what would happen next to her and all the other characters, esp. Rea and Nia!
:)
December 13, 2023
A lovely start to a YA fantasy trilogy. The pacing is very well done; I didn't feel dragged down or lost at any point. The worlds are intriguing, though I did feel a little lost in Tian Xia at times. I was also a little thrown off by the mixture of Celtic and eastern mythology presented. There are faeries, but the magical world is named Tian Xia.
I also want to note that this book has a young woman of colour as the main character, and most other humans are of non-white ethnicity. Bravo!
I also want to note that this book has a young woman of colour as the main character, and most other humans are of non-white ethnicity. Bravo!
September 14, 2012
I'm going to have to think about this before I review.
October 12, 2012
Outstanding YA fantasy!
December 21, 2012
Reviewed for LMC Magazine.
Bravo for the girl of color on the cover.
Bravo for the girl of color on the cover.
May 30, 2013
Fun easy read I'm excited to read the next one
July 18, 2014
As far as fantasy goes, this wasn't too heavy with it. I'm not a big fantasy reader though. It was fun, well paced and wrapped up nicely even though you know there's two more books :)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews