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Kindar's Cure
Princess Kindar of Anost dreams of playing the hero and succeeding to her mother’s throne. But dreams are for fools. Reality involves two healthy sisters and a wasting disease of suffocating cough that’s killing her by inches. When her elder sister is murdered, the blame falls on Kindar, putting her head on the chopping block.
No one who survives eighteen years of choke lung lacks determination. A novice wizard, Maladonis Bin, approaches with a vision—a cure in a barren land of volcanic fumes. As choices go, a charming bootlicker that trips over his own feet isn’t the best option, but beggars can’t be choosers. Kindar escapes with Mal and several longtime attendants only to have her eyes opened that her country faces dark times.
Her mother’s decision to close the prosperous mines spurs poverty and joblessness, inciting rebellion and opening Anost to foreign invasion. As Mal urges her toward a cure that will prove his visions, suddenly, an ally turns traitor, delivering Kindar to a rebel army, who have their own plans for a sickly princess.
With the killer poised to strike again, the rebels bearing down, and the country falling apart, she must weigh her personal hunt for a cure against saving her people.
No one who survives eighteen years of choke lung lacks determination. A novice wizard, Maladonis Bin, approaches with a vision—a cure in a barren land of volcanic fumes. As choices go, a charming bootlicker that trips over his own feet isn’t the best option, but beggars can’t be choosers. Kindar escapes with Mal and several longtime attendants only to have her eyes opened that her country faces dark times.
Her mother’s decision to close the prosperous mines spurs poverty and joblessness, inciting rebellion and opening Anost to foreign invasion. As Mal urges her toward a cure that will prove his visions, suddenly, an ally turns traitor, delivering Kindar to a rebel army, who have their own plans for a sickly princess.
With the killer poised to strike again, the rebels bearing down, and the country falling apart, she must weigh her personal hunt for a cure against saving her people.
314 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2013
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426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 5, 2013
A life-long fan of the fantasy genre, I've been waiting on reading something a little bit different for a while. Although falling within the realm of medieval fantasy, Kindar's Cure isn't bound to the conventions of the sub-genre. There is a princess, yes. But she's certainly not your typical damsel in distress. This one does her own rescuing, thank you very much!
Without spoiling too many of the intricate twists and reveals, the novel centers around Princess Kindar Stefanous, the middle of three sisters and the only sibling who has spent her entire life debilitated by an illness called Choke Lung. Life suddenly becomes more complicated when Kindar's eldest sister is murdered. Departing for her own safety, Kindar takes advantage of the situation and goes on a quest with a variety of unlikely accomplices to seek a cure for her 'illness'.
Although the plot sounds straightforward, it isn't. Twists and turns abound! This is a story where the characters grow as the pages progress. Kindar isn't entirely likeable in the beginning (I found her a bit too stuffy), but I think that's an important aspect of the tale: her growth and development as she discovers who she really is--and, perhaps even more importantly, who she could be. My other favourite characters were Henry, Mal and Lindy. The ending both simultaneously kicks you in the gut and then tugs on your heart strings.
I really, really hope there's another part to this tale!
Without spoiling too many of the intricate twists and reveals, the novel centers around Princess Kindar Stefanous, the middle of three sisters and the only sibling who has spent her entire life debilitated by an illness called Choke Lung. Life suddenly becomes more complicated when Kindar's eldest sister is murdered. Departing for her own safety, Kindar takes advantage of the situation and goes on a quest with a variety of unlikely accomplices to seek a cure for her 'illness'.
Although the plot sounds straightforward, it isn't. Twists and turns abound! This is a story where the characters grow as the pages progress. Kindar isn't entirely likeable in the beginning (I found her a bit too stuffy), but I think that's an important aspect of the tale: her growth and development as she discovers who she really is--and, perhaps even more importantly, who she could be. My other favourite characters were Henry, Mal and Lindy. The ending both simultaneously kicks you in the gut and then tugs on your heart strings.
I really, really hope there's another part to this tale!
September 17, 2020
A new angle on the chosen one/ prophesy plot.
What I liked:
Matriarchal society, including male harem, was a fun twist on an overused tyrant trope. Apparently even women can be pigs.
The heroine isn’t whiny, or spoiled. She is also a realistic fighter. Her abilities are completely believable, as are the odds in the battles.
Although the book is long, the plot followed a logical progression, with very few unnecessary scenes. I never felt like the story dragged.
The mystery unraveled at a good pace, and didn’t require a monologue explanation at the end. I particularly enjoyed how well the author dropped clues pointing to a particular suspect and then moved focus to that suspect who uncovered the clues that lead to the next one. The author never sent the reader down blind alleys or jumped to another progression of clues without completing the current storyline.
The book also had two villains with two different motivations, which gave the ending an unexpected twist.
What I didn’t like:
Heroine isn’t particularly likable for the first half of the book. I found it difficult to connect with her. While I realize her vocation required her to be reserved and aloof to other characters, I would have liked more personality infused into her internal dialogue.
I’m picky about villains and I found the main villain’s character and motivations to be inconsistent. The author shows the villain develop empathy for Kindar, and then inexplicably becomes a sadist at the end. His actions are also illogical. He had multiple opportunities to complete his quest much sooner and with far less risk to himself, making the climatic scene feel somewhat contrived.
Overall I enjoyed this novel. I am a huge fantasy lover, and I’m always looking for strong female characters that represent positive feminist ideals. Kindar is intelligent and capable, rather than just being pretty. She takes control of her fate, rather than waiting to be rescued. If you are looking for a high fantasy with a realistic strong female lead, then you will enjoy Kindar's Cure.
What I liked:
Matriarchal society, including male harem, was a fun twist on an overused tyrant trope. Apparently even women can be pigs.
The heroine isn’t whiny, or spoiled. She is also a realistic fighter. Her abilities are completely believable, as are the odds in the battles.
Although the book is long, the plot followed a logical progression, with very few unnecessary scenes. I never felt like the story dragged.
The mystery unraveled at a good pace, and didn’t require a monologue explanation at the end. I particularly enjoyed how well the author dropped clues pointing to a particular suspect and then moved focus to that suspect who uncovered the clues that lead to the next one. The author never sent the reader down blind alleys or jumped to another progression of clues without completing the current storyline.
The book also had two villains with two different motivations, which gave the ending an unexpected twist.
What I didn’t like:
Heroine isn’t particularly likable for the first half of the book. I found it difficult to connect with her. While I realize her vocation required her to be reserved and aloof to other characters, I would have liked more personality infused into her internal dialogue.
I’m picky about villains and I found the main villain’s character and motivations to be inconsistent. The author shows the villain develop empathy for Kindar, and then inexplicably becomes a sadist at the end. His actions are also illogical. He had multiple opportunities to complete his quest much sooner and with far less risk to himself, making the climatic scene feel somewhat contrived.
Overall I enjoyed this novel. I am a huge fantasy lover, and I’m always looking for strong female characters that represent positive feminist ideals. Kindar is intelligent and capable, rather than just being pretty. She takes control of her fate, rather than waiting to be rescued. If you are looking for a high fantasy with a realistic strong female lead, then you will enjoy Kindar's Cure.
March 20, 2014
Review first published on my blog, Pieces of Whimsy.
This book was fantastic and it was nothing at all like I expected! It was dark and gritty and the author wasn't afraid of writing characters who were twisted and vile and just down-right awful to behold; and this of course made me love the book!
I am a lover of all fantasy whether it's light, dark, silly, or twisted, but my favourite kind of fantasy is epic/high fantasy where there are daring quests, questionable wizards, magical kingdoms, dangerous prophecies, and heroes/heroines you can't help but root for! I just love the danger and adventure and romance of these stories and I was so happy when Kindar's Cure delivered on all fronts!
There are a lot of different elements to this novel and there's always someone plotting and planning, so I don't wan't to divulge much of the story in case I spoil something. I will say however that the story and characters are really engaging and you never know from one minute to the next what's going to happen. There were a few little plot points that I guessed, but most of it took me completely by surprise. The characters were also wonderful, each with their own unique personality and traits - all very believable - and I loved following Kindar's journey!
This is definitely a case of don't judge a book by its cover. Though the cover of Kindar's Cure isn't bad, it doesn't incite the same wonderful, dark, fantastical feelings as the book - the book is definitely not all sunshine and pony rides as the cover may lead you to believe. If you love fantasy and are looking for something new to read then I'd definitely recommend Kindar's Cure. I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed the story.
This book was fantastic and it was nothing at all like I expected! It was dark and gritty and the author wasn't afraid of writing characters who were twisted and vile and just down-right awful to behold; and this of course made me love the book!
I am a lover of all fantasy whether it's light, dark, silly, or twisted, but my favourite kind of fantasy is epic/high fantasy where there are daring quests, questionable wizards, magical kingdoms, dangerous prophecies, and heroes/heroines you can't help but root for! I just love the danger and adventure and romance of these stories and I was so happy when Kindar's Cure delivered on all fronts!
There are a lot of different elements to this novel and there's always someone plotting and planning, so I don't wan't to divulge much of the story in case I spoil something. I will say however that the story and characters are really engaging and you never know from one minute to the next what's going to happen. There were a few little plot points that I guessed, but most of it took me completely by surprise. The characters were also wonderful, each with their own unique personality and traits - all very believable - and I loved following Kindar's journey!
This is definitely a case of don't judge a book by its cover. Though the cover of Kindar's Cure isn't bad, it doesn't incite the same wonderful, dark, fantastical feelings as the book - the book is definitely not all sunshine and pony rides as the cover may lead you to believe. If you love fantasy and are looking for something new to read then I'd definitely recommend Kindar's Cure. I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed the story.
January 5, 2014
I received a free ebook copy of _Kindar's Cure_ from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a lot of epic fantasy before (like, a LOT a lot) and given that, I'm very familiar with some of its most common tropes (please note that I use the word "tropes" and not "clichés" very purposefully; there is a difference, and I want Ms. Hauck to get credit for knowing and executing that difference). _Kindar's Cure_ plays off some of the most common tropes of epic fantasy in inventive ways, and though it was a book I never felt as wholly drawn into as I wanted, I can see it would have a well-earned appeal to others.
We have a distant, cold princess living a life of intrigue and mistrust in a troubled imperial court. Check. We have events that lead her to leave that insulated world and brave life outside the palace, accompanied by only a handful of trusted servants (and one mysterious and untrustworthy guide). Check. We have a prophecy that seems to revolve around her actions. Check. We have a series of events that tests and reveals true loyalties, at the same time propelling the distant, cold princess down a growth arc toward true friendship and leaderly-ness. Check.
What Hauck does to complicate that trope-checklist is make our princess fatally ill, her departure from the castle a flight from a conspiracy that seems set to make her first a criminal and soon after a corpse (no ordinary trip through the countryside gone awry here), and the prophecy an instrument of torture for both heroes and villains as its vagueness tickles the worst fears and loftiest ambitions.
All of that is pretty much 4-star material, I think. My personal problem was that I just didn't get invested in the characters. Kindar is strong-willed and learns what it takes to be kindly and loyal, too, but I feel as if I've seen that many times before in epic fantasy. Two male characters that seem well-positioned to form a love triangle (kind of happens, not really) stand out from one another with appropriate starkness, even down to the contrast of hair and eye color. The rest of the cast felt a little like stock characters: stubborn old self-deprecating handmaid; nervous and cowardly scribe; arrogant and insane empress (think Cersei Lannister with many more shrieky tantrums); an array of all-too-pleased-with-themselves manipulators and palm-greasers. Ms. Hauck takes up the necessary ingredients of much of epic fantasy and puts her own deft touch on them (and considering the longevity of the epic tradition, this IS hard to do -- 'nothing new under the sun' and all that); but the story followed a cast of characters that mostly left me a little cold. One character in particular (further details withheld to avoid spoilers) eventually revealed a sequence of motives and actions so arcane and so difficult to reconcile with certain earlier events in the text, I had trouble taking them seriously at the end, which was a problem as these motives and actions lead directly to the climax.
I want to stress that I'm pretty picky about characters, and that I strongly suspect the things that bothered me about _Kindar's Cure_ would probably qualify as small potatoes to other readers. Don't let an inventive premise languish unread because of me, certainly! When YOU'RE done reading, I'd like to know your take on this cast of characters. I love a good book chat.
Thank you for sharing your book with me, Michelle!
I've read a lot of epic fantasy before (like, a LOT a lot) and given that, I'm very familiar with some of its most common tropes (please note that I use the word "tropes" and not "clichés" very purposefully; there is a difference, and I want Ms. Hauck to get credit for knowing and executing that difference). _Kindar's Cure_ plays off some of the most common tropes of epic fantasy in inventive ways, and though it was a book I never felt as wholly drawn into as I wanted, I can see it would have a well-earned appeal to others.
We have a distant, cold princess living a life of intrigue and mistrust in a troubled imperial court. Check. We have events that lead her to leave that insulated world and brave life outside the palace, accompanied by only a handful of trusted servants (and one mysterious and untrustworthy guide). Check. We have a prophecy that seems to revolve around her actions. Check. We have a series of events that tests and reveals true loyalties, at the same time propelling the distant, cold princess down a growth arc toward true friendship and leaderly-ness. Check.
What Hauck does to complicate that trope-checklist is make our princess fatally ill, her departure from the castle a flight from a conspiracy that seems set to make her first a criminal and soon after a corpse (no ordinary trip through the countryside gone awry here), and the prophecy an instrument of torture for both heroes and villains as its vagueness tickles the worst fears and loftiest ambitions.
All of that is pretty much 4-star material, I think. My personal problem was that I just didn't get invested in the characters. Kindar is strong-willed and learns what it takes to be kindly and loyal, too, but I feel as if I've seen that many times before in epic fantasy. Two male characters that seem well-positioned to form a love triangle (kind of happens, not really) stand out from one another with appropriate starkness, even down to the contrast of hair and eye color. The rest of the cast felt a little like stock characters: stubborn old self-deprecating handmaid; nervous and cowardly scribe; arrogant and insane empress (think Cersei Lannister with many more shrieky tantrums); an array of all-too-pleased-with-themselves manipulators and palm-greasers. Ms. Hauck takes up the necessary ingredients of much of epic fantasy and puts her own deft touch on them (and considering the longevity of the epic tradition, this IS hard to do -- 'nothing new under the sun' and all that); but the story followed a cast of characters that mostly left me a little cold. One character in particular (further details withheld to avoid spoilers) eventually revealed a sequence of motives and actions so arcane and so difficult to reconcile with certain earlier events in the text, I had trouble taking them seriously at the end, which was a problem as these motives and actions lead directly to the climax.
I want to stress that I'm pretty picky about characters, and that I strongly suspect the things that bothered me about _Kindar's Cure_ would probably qualify as small potatoes to other readers. Don't let an inventive premise languish unread because of me, certainly! When YOU'RE done reading, I'd like to know your take on this cast of characters. I love a good book chat.
Thank you for sharing your book with me, Michelle!
February 28, 2014
In this fantasy, Empress Eugenie dismissed her husband Lord Andrex from court, once she'd had three daughters, so the resentful man plots against her with the generals. One of them comes up with the idea of using the Empress's daughters as leverage against her. The eldest daughter is being wed to cement a political alliance, despite which assassins stalk the castle. The middle daughter, Kindar, fights for position, for she has a chesty cough called choke lung which worsens steadily. She will never be betrothed if she's sickly.
Kindar is suspected of jealous plotting against her married sister and is sent away from court, supposedly for her own safety. The determined princess secretly arranges to travel with young wizard Maladonis, who thinks that the smoke emanating from a volcano in far off Cushwair may heal her lungs. Her maid of honour takes her place in the carriage, wearing fine robes, and Kindar rides off in plain garments with her sword by her side. Soon she has to fight for her life.
The land is troubled, for the mines that provide steel and prosperity are worked out, leaving impoverished miners. Neighbouring lands are becoming aggressive while the generals plot revolt. The illness besetting Kindar appears to be one which kills poor children, but the wizard begins to suspect that some agent has been worsening - or causing - the symptoms. Who would wish the princess harm?
I liked the well-drawn characters and situations. Kindar's imperious coldness isn't her fault; it's her upbringing. Once she leaves the palace, learns who she can trust and meets the ordinary folk, her attitudes change. Wizard Mal works for whoever pays him, but his heart is in the right place. Magic is not common, and the users are distrusted by most. The Empress is a selfish, imperious bully, in a reversal of the gender role. Women in the palace exploit men in a harem, and Kindar comes face to face with one of her past amores outside in the real world. By searching for a cure for her ailment, and the answers to a prophecy, Kindar undertakes a far greater journey of the self. Imagery is potent, violence almost the norm and perhaps overdone for my taste. KINDAR'S CURE is the first book from Indiana author Michelle Hauk, and I look forward to reading more fantasy romances.
Kindar is suspected of jealous plotting against her married sister and is sent away from court, supposedly for her own safety. The determined princess secretly arranges to travel with young wizard Maladonis, who thinks that the smoke emanating from a volcano in far off Cushwair may heal her lungs. Her maid of honour takes her place in the carriage, wearing fine robes, and Kindar rides off in plain garments with her sword by her side. Soon she has to fight for her life.
The land is troubled, for the mines that provide steel and prosperity are worked out, leaving impoverished miners. Neighbouring lands are becoming aggressive while the generals plot revolt. The illness besetting Kindar appears to be one which kills poor children, but the wizard begins to suspect that some agent has been worsening - or causing - the symptoms. Who would wish the princess harm?
I liked the well-drawn characters and situations. Kindar's imperious coldness isn't her fault; it's her upbringing. Once she leaves the palace, learns who she can trust and meets the ordinary folk, her attitudes change. Wizard Mal works for whoever pays him, but his heart is in the right place. Magic is not common, and the users are distrusted by most. The Empress is a selfish, imperious bully, in a reversal of the gender role. Women in the palace exploit men in a harem, and Kindar comes face to face with one of her past amores outside in the real world. By searching for a cure for her ailment, and the answers to a prophecy, Kindar undertakes a far greater journey of the self. Imagery is potent, violence almost the norm and perhaps overdone for my taste. KINDAR'S CURE is the first book from Indiana author Michelle Hauk, and I look forward to reading more fantasy romances.
February 1, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog.
It's rare that I find a book based on description alone that interests me enough to want to review it her. Normally my blog focuses on theater, theater education and arts advocacy (as I'm sure many of you know) but while preparing my own, recently complete blog tour, I read the description to this book, Kindar's Cure by Michelle Hauck.
High fantasy? I like high fantasy.
Female protagonist? We certainly don't see enough of those these days.
Rulership is a matriarchy? Color me highly interested!
So I signed up to review the book and got a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the top I was almost put off. I was having trouble reading it on my kindle (I like a black background and the formatting for this required the white background). I also wasn't too keen on the cover (not there there is anything wrong with it, it just...didn't grab me.) But I had agreed to read this and I'm glad I did.
The story is as follows: Kindar is the middle child The second of three daughters of the queen. She is also beset with a constant cough that makes her ineligible to rule. But that isn't a problem, she's the second. But a series of circumstances put her in a fight for the throne from a series of unseen forces.
Characters grow, change and evolve as they experience life outside the protected castle and learn around a rich setting and terrific world building.
For fans of fantasy or looking for a strong, well written female hero, I recommend KINDAR'S CURE.
KINDAR'S CURE can be purchased on Amazon for $6.95.
It's rare that I find a book based on description alone that interests me enough to want to review it her. Normally my blog focuses on theater, theater education and arts advocacy (as I'm sure many of you know) but while preparing my own, recently complete blog tour, I read the description to this book, Kindar's Cure by Michelle Hauck.
High fantasy? I like high fantasy.
Female protagonist? We certainly don't see enough of those these days.
Rulership is a matriarchy? Color me highly interested!
So I signed up to review the book and got a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the top I was almost put off. I was having trouble reading it on my kindle (I like a black background and the formatting for this required the white background). I also wasn't too keen on the cover (not there there is anything wrong with it, it just...didn't grab me.) But I had agreed to read this and I'm glad I did.
The story is as follows: Kindar is the middle child The second of three daughters of the queen. She is also beset with a constant cough that makes her ineligible to rule. But that isn't a problem, she's the second. But a series of circumstances put her in a fight for the throne from a series of unseen forces.
Characters grow, change and evolve as they experience life outside the protected castle and learn around a rich setting and terrific world building.
For fans of fantasy or looking for a strong, well written female hero, I recommend KINDAR'S CURE.
KINDAR'S CURE can be purchased on Amazon for $6.95.
March 12, 2015
The reviewer was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.
Kindar is a princess, and she’s dying. When a wizard approaches her with a vision for a cure, it’s great news. But there’s a problem…she will have to slip out from under her cruel mother’s thumb and go on a dangerous quest to save her own life.
Kindar suffers from lung choke, a normally fatal disease that she has been fighting her entire life. It makes her appear weak, which in turn makes her feel unworthy. Her mother, the empress, has evil intentions toward her three daughters. These three daughters point to an omen, a promise of a savior, and mommy dearest doesn’t want to share power with any of her offspring. When Kindar’s comfortable palace world starts to unravel and a young wizard promises her a cure, she begins a journey that puts her on the path to becoming the woman her mother feared.
Along the way, Kindar must decide who to trust, whom she must fear, and what truly is most important.
I love a good fantasy story, to get swept away to mythical places and follow along on grand adventures. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Game of Thrones series are some of my favorite books.
In Kindar’s Cure, I thought Michelle Hauck did an excellent job of bringing the reader into her world of fighting countries, double crossing wizards, magic, and an ancient omen.
.I liked this story. It was easy to get sucked into Kindar’s journey and appreciate the choices she had to make. It reminded me of The Game of Thrones in that it highlighted strong female characters and their struggle to obtain power. Their choices are often marked by deep devotion for their loved ones and the people they serve.
If you’re looking for a well rounded fantasy with strong female leads, definitely read Kindar’s Cure.
Kindar is a princess, and she’s dying. When a wizard approaches her with a vision for a cure, it’s great news. But there’s a problem…she will have to slip out from under her cruel mother’s thumb and go on a dangerous quest to save her own life.
Kindar suffers from lung choke, a normally fatal disease that she has been fighting her entire life. It makes her appear weak, which in turn makes her feel unworthy. Her mother, the empress, has evil intentions toward her three daughters. These three daughters point to an omen, a promise of a savior, and mommy dearest doesn’t want to share power with any of her offspring. When Kindar’s comfortable palace world starts to unravel and a young wizard promises her a cure, she begins a journey that puts her on the path to becoming the woman her mother feared.
Along the way, Kindar must decide who to trust, whom she must fear, and what truly is most important.
I love a good fantasy story, to get swept away to mythical places and follow along on grand adventures. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Game of Thrones series are some of my favorite books.
In Kindar’s Cure, I thought Michelle Hauck did an excellent job of bringing the reader into her world of fighting countries, double crossing wizards, magic, and an ancient omen.
.I liked this story. It was easy to get sucked into Kindar’s journey and appreciate the choices she had to make. It reminded me of The Game of Thrones in that it highlighted strong female characters and their struggle to obtain power. Their choices are often marked by deep devotion for their loved ones and the people they serve.
If you’re looking for a well rounded fantasy with strong female leads, definitely read Kindar’s Cure.
December 27, 2013
I have been following Michelle Hauck's blog for a while and her promotion of an upcoming contest prompted me to take a closer look at this story, which I downloaded on Kindle.
Kindar is a princess suffering from a terminal lung disease who becomes a suspect when her older sister is murdered, sparking an adventure to seek a cure for her illness and clear her name. Kindar's illness and her royal upbringing forced her to be aloof and dependent, but through her adventure she learns to become strong and more considerate in a very believable way. She is not a warrior, in fact she cannot succeed without help, but she is not helpless, either, so I do like her character and her growth. There are a few overbearing characters that are a little predictable.
I love reading fantasy stories and this one uses some traditional elements of epic fantasy (think sorcerers and prophecies about saviors) while blending unique elements (like a matriarchal world and male harems). The unique elements are intriguing, though I found it hard to wrap my mind around the idea that princesses would be allowed, even encouraged, to take lovers prior to marriage. Reference is also made to a character being a lesbian as a illumination of that character's struggles in an inclusive nod to modern society common to many current YA novels. Not essential to the plot, but it does help Kindar to understand the character better.
One of the things I liked the most were the unpredictable plot twists, particularly the development and resolution of the choke lung thread. There are several villains and potential love interests and the storytelling is so good it is hard to judge who is going to ultimately be the mastermind behind the tragedies and who Kindar is going to trust with her heart.
Kindar is a princess suffering from a terminal lung disease who becomes a suspect when her older sister is murdered, sparking an adventure to seek a cure for her illness and clear her name. Kindar's illness and her royal upbringing forced her to be aloof and dependent, but through her adventure she learns to become strong and more considerate in a very believable way. She is not a warrior, in fact she cannot succeed without help, but she is not helpless, either, so I do like her character and her growth. There are a few overbearing characters that are a little predictable.
I love reading fantasy stories and this one uses some traditional elements of epic fantasy (think sorcerers and prophecies about saviors) while blending unique elements (like a matriarchal world and male harems). The unique elements are intriguing, though I found it hard to wrap my mind around the idea that princesses would be allowed, even encouraged, to take lovers prior to marriage. Reference is also made to a character being a lesbian as a illumination of that character's struggles in an inclusive nod to modern society common to many current YA novels. Not essential to the plot, but it does help Kindar to understand the character better.
One of the things I liked the most were the unpredictable plot twists, particularly the development and resolution of the choke lung thread. There are several villains and potential love interests and the storytelling is so good it is hard to judge who is going to ultimately be the mastermind behind the tragedies and who Kindar is going to trust with her heart.
July 23, 2016
Kindar's Cure by Michelle Hauck. This book was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review
Kindar is a princess without a lot of luck. The second of three sisters and born cursed with the affliction chokelung (a disease which usually kills in infancy), Kindar exists as an afterthought, a burden. Kindar's life takes a drastic turn following her eldest sister's marriage as life long truths come into question and motives become a swirling storm in which Kindar must find her footing or drown.
I tried so hard to like this book.
Honest.
Even now as I reflect back upon the components of the story, I am perplexed why I struggled with this novel
and why it took three times longer than it should have to read through.
Kindar is a likeable character who shows all the necessary growth but the way her character thought and the way her disability was handled felt uncomfortable for me as a reader with a disability.
The plot with ancient omen's and a daring quest should hold the attention and, I know for many it would yet, I found the omen to feel, almost distracting at times, as though it were tacked on.
The male characters were also disappointing.
The premise of Mal confused me greatly. Kindar's personality didn't not warrant, even in her initial desperation for the man's guidance, her continued tolerance of his presence as the story progressed.
Camden, though a secondary character still one of importance, felt like an afterthought as his story intersected with Kindar's. Even Henry, the amore felt too one directional (one dimensional?) after reading of the female characters.
I think Kindar's Cure has a strong potential audience as it does have so many strong qualities, unfortunately I'm not the audience.
2.5 stars
Kindar is a princess without a lot of luck. The second of three sisters and born cursed with the affliction chokelung (a disease which usually kills in infancy), Kindar exists as an afterthought, a burden. Kindar's life takes a drastic turn following her eldest sister's marriage as life long truths come into question and motives become a swirling storm in which Kindar must find her footing or drown.
I tried so hard to like this book.
Honest.
Even now as I reflect back upon the components of the story, I am perplexed why I struggled with this novel
and why it took three times longer than it should have to read through.
Kindar is a likeable character who shows all the necessary growth but the way her character thought and the way her disability was handled felt uncomfortable for me as a reader with a disability.
The plot with ancient omen's and a daring quest should hold the attention and, I know for many it would yet, I found the omen to feel, almost distracting at times, as though it were tacked on.
The male characters were also disappointing.
The premise of Mal confused me greatly. Kindar's personality didn't not warrant, even in her initial desperation for the man's guidance, her continued tolerance of his presence as the story progressed.
Camden, though a secondary character still one of importance, felt like an afterthought as his story intersected with Kindar's. Even Henry, the amore felt too one directional (one dimensional?) after reading of the female characters.
I think Kindar's Cure has a strong potential audience as it does have so many strong qualities, unfortunately I'm not the audience.
2.5 stars
July 11, 2014
I took a look at the sample of Kindar’s Cure, a lovely book by Michelle Hauck, and several things lured me right in: the princess (Kindar) suffers from a congenital disease called the Choke Lung. That made her stand out right away from the plethora of princesses in fantasy and medieval fiction.
Second, in Kindar’s Cure the ruling class is a matriarchy. Furthermore, the women rulers own a harem of males called ‘amores’ – Kindar has her own special amore who becomes central to the story. A heroine who wasn’t put up in an ivory tower to marinate in her own purity intrigued me. Plus, the concept of the amores wasn’t there for mere salacious purposes or smut for smut’s sake; there was a reason for that portion of the storyline.
Kindar’s Cure was extremely interesting, turning back on itself in quite a few hairpin curves. I was taken in by one character and appalled by another – in other words, I had a personal reaction to the plot arcs. That shows the story telling was successful.
I do feel there could have been a bit more editing for Cure. Sentence structure was, at times, too repetitive and choppy. I pinpointed several paragraphs that could have benefited from a skillful red pen to really make the voice sing. As well, there was a section of head hopping in the final chapters so abrupt it made my mind whirl. However, neither of these caveats is really serious; in fact I’m being a nit-picking editor to mention them at all. In the end, I would give Kindar’s Cure a solid four stars with an added half star for the strong, feminine characters.
Second, in Kindar’s Cure the ruling class is a matriarchy. Furthermore, the women rulers own a harem of males called ‘amores’ – Kindar has her own special amore who becomes central to the story. A heroine who wasn’t put up in an ivory tower to marinate in her own purity intrigued me. Plus, the concept of the amores wasn’t there for mere salacious purposes or smut for smut’s sake; there was a reason for that portion of the storyline.
Kindar’s Cure was extremely interesting, turning back on itself in quite a few hairpin curves. I was taken in by one character and appalled by another – in other words, I had a personal reaction to the plot arcs. That shows the story telling was successful.
I do feel there could have been a bit more editing for Cure. Sentence structure was, at times, too repetitive and choppy. I pinpointed several paragraphs that could have benefited from a skillful red pen to really make the voice sing. As well, there was a section of head hopping in the final chapters so abrupt it made my mind whirl. However, neither of these caveats is really serious; in fact I’m being a nit-picking editor to mention them at all. In the end, I would give Kindar’s Cure a solid four stars with an added half star for the strong, feminine characters.
June 5, 2014
This was a fantastic story. Mal was, for me, a bit hard to read, and I felt at the end that…well, not to give anything away, but I felt he must have been a wonderful actor. I loved Sir Henry – he reminded me strongly of Seymour. And other characters reminded me often of people I’ve known or characters I’ve written, which was great for a couple of reasons: 1. It made them feel realistic; and 2. It was good research for my own writing. I’ll admit to feeling a little hungover after this book; I’m still pondering it a bit and I finished it Thursday night.
However, I feel like the Cushwair rebellion could maybe have been resolved a bit better. Aside from Grant’s troops chasing Kindar and company back to the Anost border, the actual rebellion and its status are never really touched on again. Farthos and Samberland each get their mention by the end, but unless marrying Sir Henry is supposed to fix things, I’m not sure how the situation with Cushwair was resolved. And maybe that was it – if that’s the case, then yay! But I read this in the midst of my massive sinus/ear infection medication haze, so some of the book’s subtleties may have eluded me.
Except for the blood. That one didn’t, and I was right proud of myself for catching it. :)
So, what did I think? Great characterization, good action scenes, lots of snappy dialogue – all in all, I loved it and am glad to have read it.
However, I feel like the Cushwair rebellion could maybe have been resolved a bit better. Aside from Grant’s troops chasing Kindar and company back to the Anost border, the actual rebellion and its status are never really touched on again. Farthos and Samberland each get their mention by the end, but unless marrying Sir Henry is supposed to fix things, I’m not sure how the situation with Cushwair was resolved. And maybe that was it – if that’s the case, then yay! But I read this in the midst of my massive sinus/ear infection medication haze, so some of the book’s subtleties may have eluded me.
Except for the blood. That one didn’t, and I was right proud of myself for catching it. :)
So, what did I think? Great characterization, good action scenes, lots of snappy dialogue – all in all, I loved it and am glad to have read it.
January 8, 2014
If you think of a book like a meal, then this is a full on Turkish three hour affair with words rather than food. But the dishes are amazingly delicious.
I'm of the opinion that publisher's and readers are looking for two different things in books. Publishers look for a book that they can convince you to read. You may not like it or think it was okay, but they are happy that they sold the book. A few good ones will say yes I also want them to like it so they will get others to read it, but that's the extent of it.
Readers, they want a book they enjoy reading. It's two way different things and you know it! This is not a book from a big publisher. It may not even look to you to be worth a read. A sick princess? WEAK! But you'd be wrong. And shouting at me. Stop it.
I enjoyed every page of this extensive feast of words. I found a fault or two with the plot, but they were small and forgivable. Really, what book is without those?
I'd definitely read it again, and I probably will. Enjoy this one people. Forget how it looks on the outside, it tastes amazing.
P.S. I received a free copy of this work in exchange for a honest review. While I did give it a glowing one, I felt it worth it.
I'm of the opinion that publisher's and readers are looking for two different things in books. Publishers look for a book that they can convince you to read. You may not like it or think it was okay, but they are happy that they sold the book. A few good ones will say yes I also want them to like it so they will get others to read it, but that's the extent of it.
Readers, they want a book they enjoy reading. It's two way different things and you know it! This is not a book from a big publisher. It may not even look to you to be worth a read. A sick princess? WEAK! But you'd be wrong. And shouting at me. Stop it.
I enjoyed every page of this extensive feast of words. I found a fault or two with the plot, but they were small and forgivable. Really, what book is without those?
I'd definitely read it again, and I probably will. Enjoy this one people. Forget how it looks on the outside, it tastes amazing.
P.S. I received a free copy of this work in exchange for a honest review. While I did give it a glowing one, I felt it worth it.
December 16, 2013
A fantastical read!
I'm so extremely picky on my fantasy reads, so when one comes along like Kindar's Cure that I just truly enjoy, I get excited. My absolute favorite part of this story is Kindar herself. I've read a lot of books lately where you see very little character growth, something that drives me crazy. But here, we see Kindar really evolve and grow into a character that you love, admire, and truly want to succeed.
The story is told seamlessly, something that isn't easily done in the genre. I love Michelle's style and creativity. She pulled me into her world effortlessly, which is a must for me. The world is well developed and the characters suck you in. I cared about Kindar and her quest. I needed to see it through to the end. The pacing prevented me from putting this book down.
I love this debut from Michelle and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I'm so extremely picky on my fantasy reads, so when one comes along like Kindar's Cure that I just truly enjoy, I get excited. My absolute favorite part of this story is Kindar herself. I've read a lot of books lately where you see very little character growth, something that drives me crazy. But here, we see Kindar really evolve and grow into a character that you love, admire, and truly want to succeed.
The story is told seamlessly, something that isn't easily done in the genre. I love Michelle's style and creativity. She pulled me into her world effortlessly, which is a must for me. The world is well developed and the characters suck you in. I cared about Kindar and her quest. I needed to see it through to the end. The pacing prevented me from putting this book down.
I love this debut from Michelle and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
December 29, 2013
I've never been one for medieval fantasy stories, but the premise intrigued me and I decided to give it a try. This isn't at all what I expected for a classic medieval fantasy. It's not filled with the typical formulas for the genre and the world building is fantastic. It wasn't stiff like a lot of medieval fantasy seems to be either.
I loved Kindar. She was fierce and strong, but not crazily strong or anything like that. She had problems, she was real, but she strived to solve her problems. I loved that she wasn't waiting for a Prince Charming to do everything for her either. That's my type of girl.
If you read Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta and loved it, then this is a book you'll enjoy.
I loved Kindar. She was fierce and strong, but not crazily strong or anything like that. She had problems, she was real, but she strived to solve her problems. I loved that she wasn't waiting for a Prince Charming to do everything for her either. That's my type of girl.
If you read Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta and loved it, then this is a book you'll enjoy.
December 28, 2013
A typical case of "Don't judge a book by its cover". Yes, I do admit to being put off by the (to me) kitschy photo of a beautiful blond girl in a wide dress on a horse. Until I started reading, that is. The story sucked me right in. Incidentally I picked it up when a really bad cough kept me from sleeping, and I immediately sympathised with Kindar who suffers from a lifelong coughing affliction that should have killed her years earlier.
Kindar's world, its political geography with enmities and alliances, intrigues and rebels, is intricately drawn, helped by the changing points of view.
This book definitely qualifies as unputdownable with twists and turns that make you read on breathlessly "just one more chapter".
If I say more, I'll have to tick the spoiler box...
Kindar's world, its political geography with enmities and alliances, intrigues and rebels, is intricately drawn, helped by the changing points of view.
This book definitely qualifies as unputdownable with twists and turns that make you read on breathlessly "just one more chapter".
If I say more, I'll have to tick the spoiler box...
January 14, 2014
There is much to love about Kindar's Cure, including the title character. A strong young woman who undergoes enormous changes during the course of the book, Kindar learns not only who she is but who she is destined to be. I often found myself uncertain what to think about the wizards in this book -- meaning their roles weren't obvious or predictable, which is a good thing -- and I loved how Kindar learns about governing and being seen as a beloved empress as she essentially has to grow up on the fly. My only problems were related to some typos and what I believe were editing issues that pulled me out of the story momentarily. Otherwise, a strong showing!
December 27, 2013
Kindar is not your ordinary princess. The illness that has plagued her since birth has taken a toll on her both physically and emotionally. When presented with the opportunity to find a cure, she jumps at the opportunity. Of course, this sets off a chain of events that allows Kindar to grow into the woman she's meant to be instead of the woman everyone expects. Packed with action, adventure, intrigue, and a rich set of secondary characters, Kindar's Cure kept me flipping the pages like a madwoman until I reached the end.
November 21, 2013
I'm biased when it comes to this book. I loved it from the very first time my critique partner sent it over. I fell for the characters and the romance. The strong heroine drew me in. This story reminded me of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. When it came out, I was thrilled to see how much the story had evolved from that first read. It was even better than I remembered. This story is something that I want my daughter to read, because a good fantasy can inspire a lifetime of love.
November 24, 2013
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great adventure. As a person that doesn’t normally read epic fantasy I was pleasantly surprised. I was quickly drawn into Kindar’s world and her plight. I wanted to slap a few people along the way, as I bet many will, once they read this book. The author does a superb job in spinning her words together with intrigue and clarity. I really enjoyed this book. =)
I will certainly be on the lookout for future works from Michelle.
I will certainly be on the lookout for future works from Michelle.
November 22, 2013
Such a good story. I got pulled in right away. Full of intrigue but easy to follow the plot. Kindar is a very likeable character and I was interested to see what would happen next. Infused with clever comedy and good action scenes. Also a cute romance that isn't cheesy. I would highly recommend this one!
December 16, 2013
Very intriguing, with its numerous plot twists. Sometimes I really can't distinguish whose evil and good; I wouldn't want to be Kindar's shoes at that point. I love the unique idea of the matriarchal world and the romance is not cliche. I'd recommend this to any fantasy reader.
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April 7, 2015While high fantasy is not my go-to genre of choice, I loved how Kindar's Cure kept me guessing the whole way through. I love to be surprised, and this book surprised me several times. If you enjoy high fantasy, I highly recommend it.
September 12, 2016
This is the first fantasy book I've picked up in a while and this book made me want to get hooked on the genre all over again! The writing is superb and it grabbed me from the first chapter.
Princess Kindar is smart, witty, realistic, perfectly flawed, and DYING. Yes please! I'm not going to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. The main character is not always likable which is okay. That's one of the things I loved about her! I plan to recommend this to my book club next month. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Princess Kindar is smart, witty, realistic, perfectly flawed, and DYING. Yes please! I'm not going to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. The main character is not always likable which is okay. That's one of the things I loved about her! I plan to recommend this to my book club next month. I can't wait to read more from this author!
February 17, 2015
It makes me sad to rate Kindar's Cure two stars. I wanted to like this book as I follow the author's blog; it's what kept me reading after I struggled through the first chapter. While Kindar's journey is interesting, and the strength she eventually draws upon unique, I never felt invested in her character. Often the dialogue came across as directed and heavy handed instead of natural and character driven. I missed the motivations behind Mal's ultimate goal and behind Henry's return to Cushwair. I was disappointed in the lines of prophesy vaguely explained, if at all. Several times I had to reread passages to keep track of which pronoun referred to whom, and sometimes which line of dialogue belonged to whom. The writing itself did not meet expectations. I had to work to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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