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Purgatory #0
How Blended are Dust and Fire
Geraint of Family Tumen, kereit Halaka, Kypchak Kishyn comes of age in the summer of the Tanaiste, the gathering of all the Dhervina in the sacred valley at the center of the world. It is the summer when he will learn if he is to be accepted as full Dherina, or banished.
As he enters the valley, he discovers he has an unusual gift – the ability to hear crystal, an ability usually held only by the femal Guardians of the Dhervina.
Unfortunately, he was born a dhavara in a family of normal sized people and into the Dhervina, a nomadic people, who consider dhavaras to be ostuda (bad luck).
At the same time, his sister Brys joins the Khutulun, the female-only kereit with far-reaching and shadowy powers.
This story tells what happens in the summer of the Tanaiste, how Geraint discovers his Talent and what happens when dreams and fear collide.
As he enters the valley, he discovers he has an unusual gift – the ability to hear crystal, an ability usually held only by the femal Guardians of the Dhervina.
Unfortunately, he was born a dhavara in a family of normal sized people and into the Dhervina, a nomadic people, who consider dhavaras to be ostuda (bad luck).
At the same time, his sister Brys joins the Khutulun, the female-only kereit with far-reaching and shadowy powers.
This story tells what happens in the summer of the Tanaiste, how Geraint discovers his Talent and what happens when dreams and fear collide.
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 1, 2013
I received this e-book for free from the author. I was excited to get a copy of it and was more excited that I liked it as much as I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative and imaginative story about Geriant and his sister, Brys. I was easily drawn into the lives of these various groups of people who all gathered together for the Tamiste. There were betrayals, changes, revenge, excitement, murder, and friendships. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The only drawback to the story was the numerous names throughout that were hard to keep track of; but most of those names weren't necessary to know in relation to being able to follow the story.
The only drawback to the story was the numerous names throughout that were hard to keep track of; but most of those names weren't necessary to know in relation to being able to follow the story.
June 13, 2013
This beautiful fantasy tale has a deeply ingrained historical/ tribal feel to it that is truly compelling.
I was incredibly impressed by this delightful debut novel which oozes inspired creative vision, and blends fantasy with historical elements and mythology for a refreshing outcome. As an avid reader of high/ epic fantasy, other works such as ‘Wolfskin’ by Juliet Marillier were instantly brought to mind as it similarly has an archaic feel to it. The breathtakingly complex world-building was so wonderfully rich that I took delight in completely loosing myself, within something so vivid and so real. With the narrative being so acutely character-driven, I felt the poignancy and deep-emotive passages really strongly ~ moving me inwardly. The way in which the author explores relationships and self-discovery is so perceptive that I found it easy to connect with the writing, empathize with the characters and become entangled within an unforgettable story.
The first book of Purgatory is about Geraint of Family Tumen, kereit Halaka, Kypchak Kishyn who comes of age in the summer of the Tanaiste, the gathering of all the Dhervina in the sacred valley at the center of the world. It is the summer when he will learn if he is to be accepted as full Dherina, or banished. As he enters the valley, he discovers he has an unusual gift – the ability to hear crystal, an ability usually held only by the femal Guardians of the Dhervina. Unfortunately, he was born a dhavara in a family of normal sized people and into the Dhervina, a nomadic people, who consider dhavaras to be ostuda (bad luck). At the same time, his sister Brys joins the Khutulun, the female-only kereit with far-reaching and shadowy powers.
This story tells what happens in the summer of the Tanaiste, how Geraint discovers his Talent and what happens when dreams and fear collide.
I would highly recommend this book to all who seek a sensational encounter through the page and delight in well-written tales full of powerful, thought-provoking meaning and reflective connotation. What I would say is that the use of language can at times be somewhat confusing, as there is no glossary of terms or even a prologue which might help to create an explanation at the beginning of the book. I would strongly recommend that the author perhaps does concider this, as her story is so intricately detailed that it may be just that extra ‘something’ to make this really good read into something exceptionally ‘great’.
* I won a copy of “How Blended are Dust and Fire” through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
~ I would like to thank the author for this great privilege and opportunity.
June 21, 2013
(This review may contain spoilers).
This wasn't a really long book, but I did find it very well-written. The entire book was clearly building up to what happened to the end - and I could almost see the whole thing coming. I really felt for Geraint, knowing something of what he went through as an outcast.
People hate and fear anything different and that they don't understand. That came across pretty well in this book. Many of the characters, I disliked - even Seren. Her attitude put me in mind of the people just as bad as those who do bad things - who might not do something wrong, but instead, they do nothing. Or just walk away. (Evil occurs when good men do nothing).
I did think there were too many different points of view. It was an interesting style choice to have the characters instead of chapters, but most of the time, things changed so quickly that I barely had a chance to get into someone's head. The only person I could truly emphasise with was Geraint. Perhaps Rhian, too. I certainly felt sorry for her.
I would have liked a bit more explanation about the culture and the different words used. I didn't find much of a background - and although it worked well to be thrust into the action immediately, I didn't get a chance to relate with anyone other than the main characters. The more interesting villains are the ones who think they're doing the right thing - but nothing of that really came through, even with Andras.
I think I would have liked to see the book a bit longer and more of an explanation of the world given. I did like Geraint's affinity with the crystal and I was relieved to see that Brys still cared for her brother, even after she made her vows. Unfortunately, I wasn't really affected by many of the character deaths, because I didn't know them all that well.
I would be interested in reading more of the books in this series and getting to know more about the whole and the characters within. I think this book served pretty well as an introduction, despite some of the things that I wasn't as keen on.
This wasn't a really long book, but I did find it very well-written. The entire book was clearly building up to what happened to the end - and I could almost see the whole thing coming. I really felt for Geraint, knowing something of what he went through as an outcast.
People hate and fear anything different and that they don't understand. That came across pretty well in this book. Many of the characters, I disliked - even Seren. Her attitude put me in mind of the people just as bad as those who do bad things - who might not do something wrong, but instead, they do nothing. Or just walk away. (Evil occurs when good men do nothing).
I did think there were too many different points of view. It was an interesting style choice to have the characters instead of chapters, but most of the time, things changed so quickly that I barely had a chance to get into someone's head. The only person I could truly emphasise with was Geraint. Perhaps Rhian, too. I certainly felt sorry for her.
I would have liked a bit more explanation about the culture and the different words used. I didn't find much of a background - and although it worked well to be thrust into the action immediately, I didn't get a chance to relate with anyone other than the main characters. The more interesting villains are the ones who think they're doing the right thing - but nothing of that really came through, even with Andras.
I think I would have liked to see the book a bit longer and more of an explanation of the world given. I did like Geraint's affinity with the crystal and I was relieved to see that Brys still cared for her brother, even after she made her vows. Unfortunately, I wasn't really affected by many of the character deaths, because I didn't know them all that well.
I would be interested in reading more of the books in this series and getting to know more about the whole and the characters within. I think this book served pretty well as an introduction, despite some of the things that I wasn't as keen on.
October 24, 2013
“How Blended are Dust and Fire” by Kieran McKendrick has easily became one of my favorite YA fantasy books. Geraint is coming of age, but he isn’t like everyone else. He is deeply afraid he will either be banished or killed because of what he is. When entering the sacred valley he finds he has an unusual gift, something he isn’t supposed to have. What happens next will change his life forever.
This is a world to become immersed within. McKendrick is an absolutely fantastic writer. You would never know this is her debut novel. For a YA novel, there is a surprising amount of depth and detail. The character development was remarkable. I liked Geraint; I hurt for him and rooted for him. I wanted him to succeed and find a way to not only survive but also find happiness. Every character was realistic and evoked emotions in me. The characters were easy to connect with and become involved in their trials and tribulations.
This is a book for fantasy lovers. The world was immeasurably detailed and breathtakingly complex. McKendrick also does a beautiful job including thought-provoking and important issues. The issues are intertwined skillfully within the plot, which allows them to feel like part of the world.
If you love fantasy, you need to read this book. It is not just a YA novel; it is one for all ages. Its depth and detail leaves nothing lacking.
The only thing I can say is for those of you who like having all the answers this may not be the book for you. There is no glossary of terms, which leaves the reader guessing, although I was able to figure out the meaning of the more important terms. I found the added language and mystery to add to the overall experience, learning of the world and the people and customs within it.
Read this book, you wont regret it.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a world to become immersed within. McKendrick is an absolutely fantastic writer. You would never know this is her debut novel. For a YA novel, there is a surprising amount of depth and detail. The character development was remarkable. I liked Geraint; I hurt for him and rooted for him. I wanted him to succeed and find a way to not only survive but also find happiness. Every character was realistic and evoked emotions in me. The characters were easy to connect with and become involved in their trials and tribulations.
This is a book for fantasy lovers. The world was immeasurably detailed and breathtakingly complex. McKendrick also does a beautiful job including thought-provoking and important issues. The issues are intertwined skillfully within the plot, which allows them to feel like part of the world.
If you love fantasy, you need to read this book. It is not just a YA novel; it is one for all ages. Its depth and detail leaves nothing lacking.
The only thing I can say is for those of you who like having all the answers this may not be the book for you. There is no glossary of terms, which leaves the reader guessing, although I was able to figure out the meaning of the more important terms. I found the added language and mystery to add to the overall experience, learning of the world and the people and customs within it.
Read this book, you wont regret it.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2013
I received an e-copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It's really more 3.5 stars instead of just 3, but I didn't want to give it 4. My main reason for this rating is because there were so many made-up words the people used, and most were not explained. In any given sentence there could be anywhere from two to five words of in the language, and half of them I had to figure out for myself. If an author is going to go to the trouble of creating new terms for things, they should not be left to the readers' imaginations. Be specific and explain without truly explaining. I got so lost between all the words that started with "dher" or whatever that it became difficult to tell what the story was trying to tell me.
That language issue aside, the book was a wonderful fantasy novel, a prequel from what I read in the end-note, which sets up nicely for the rest of the series (which I will have to seek out and read now). It was a rather quick read at only 105 pages in the e-edition.
Setting it apart from many other novels is the chapter set-up. Each "chapter" is actually just a character's name, followed by either a few paragraphs or up to a few pages of a character's experience. At times, some characters were introduced out of the blue with these sections, which was a bit confusing. But I actually liked it this way, because the reader gets to experience the chaos of the festival that all the characters are experiencing. It also made for a swifter read. I'm curious how the rest of the series is set up - whether it's like this book, or in normal chapter set-ups.
Recommended for fantasy lovers, over 18 because of violence and sex. If you are capable of diving into a new language and adjusting your vocabulary to it, all the better.
It's really more 3.5 stars instead of just 3, but I didn't want to give it 4. My main reason for this rating is because there were so many made-up words the people used, and most were not explained. In any given sentence there could be anywhere from two to five words of in the language, and half of them I had to figure out for myself. If an author is going to go to the trouble of creating new terms for things, they should not be left to the readers' imaginations. Be specific and explain without truly explaining. I got so lost between all the words that started with "dher" or whatever that it became difficult to tell what the story was trying to tell me.
That language issue aside, the book was a wonderful fantasy novel, a prequel from what I read in the end-note, which sets up nicely for the rest of the series (which I will have to seek out and read now). It was a rather quick read at only 105 pages in the e-edition.
Setting it apart from many other novels is the chapter set-up. Each "chapter" is actually just a character's name, followed by either a few paragraphs or up to a few pages of a character's experience. At times, some characters were introduced out of the blue with these sections, which was a bit confusing. But I actually liked it this way, because the reader gets to experience the chaos of the festival that all the characters are experiencing. It also made for a swifter read. I'm curious how the rest of the series is set up - whether it's like this book, or in normal chapter set-ups.
Recommended for fantasy lovers, over 18 because of violence and sex. If you are capable of diving into a new language and adjusting your vocabulary to it, all the better.
September 12, 2013
3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy from the author as part of the Goodreads First-read programme!
How Blended Are Dust and Fire is a beautiful story which has the beginnings of a great fantasy saga.
As a prequel, the book introduces Geraint Tumen and the story of the Dhervina; they are a cross between magical and spiritual beings. Geraint has a rather unique gift which sets him aside from others of his kind.
The book is told from the perspective of not just Geraint, but also several other characters including Seren, Brys, Rhian, Andras and Tegan. This was both interesting because it's always good to get inside character's heads, but at the same time it was often a bit confusing. I also found all the names and terms in McKendrick's new language a bit confusing at first, but you do get used to it (although perhaps a glossary would help for the next book).
The story was really touching and I soon found myself engrossed. I really like Geraint, but I kept changing my mind about Seren. The thing which really stands out about How Blended Are Dust and Fire is McKendrick's world building! We're introduced to the strange and wonderful festival and the Dhervina's culture: including a new language and mythology.
An important element is McKendrick's analysis of evil. In his world there are MANY different types of evil and badness, and it was interesting seeing it all unfold.
It's difficult to go into too many details without giving too much away, but with his world building, McKendrick has nicely set up the rest of the story in this short and intriguing book and I will definitely be reading the series.
I received a copy from the author as part of the Goodreads First-read programme!
How Blended Are Dust and Fire is a beautiful story which has the beginnings of a great fantasy saga.
As a prequel, the book introduces Geraint Tumen and the story of the Dhervina; they are a cross between magical and spiritual beings. Geraint has a rather unique gift which sets him aside from others of his kind.
The book is told from the perspective of not just Geraint, but also several other characters including Seren, Brys, Rhian, Andras and Tegan. This was both interesting because it's always good to get inside character's heads, but at the same time it was often a bit confusing. I also found all the names and terms in McKendrick's new language a bit confusing at first, but you do get used to it (although perhaps a glossary would help for the next book).
The story was really touching and I soon found myself engrossed. I really like Geraint, but I kept changing my mind about Seren. The thing which really stands out about How Blended Are Dust and Fire is McKendrick's world building! We're introduced to the strange and wonderful festival and the Dhervina's culture: including a new language and mythology.
An important element is McKendrick's analysis of evil. In his world there are MANY different types of evil and badness, and it was interesting seeing it all unfold.
It's difficult to go into too many details without giving too much away, but with his world building, McKendrick has nicely set up the rest of the story in this short and intriguing book and I will definitely be reading the series.
March 21, 2014
This prequel to the Purgatory Series has me hooked. Excellent book. The story follows Geraint and his sister Brys. Geraint is not like the rest of his people and therefore a cast-off or in their time, a curse. Some want him banished. He comes of age and strange things start happening to him which a Guardian notices. His sister Brys, no longer having to take care and watch out for him, now that he is of age starts down the chosen path of her future. Can't wait to read the series.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
June 29, 2013
I received a coupon for this book from the author and read the book while on holiday and loved it. It was interesting to see parts of the story through different viewpoints throughout the book as it really helped give the reader a grasp of the whole picture rather than what was known by a single character. Although this book is quite short the story itself is not compromised you can still get a good feel of the circumstances and history of the little tribe like society.
June 23, 2013
What initially drawn me to the story was the book cover, its beautifully done and very attractive. The story itself how ever, wasn't so good. I dutifully tried my best to go thorough the pages, but it was a very tedious job indeed.
I will try my luck with this book a bit later and see if anything will change for me.
I will try my luck with this book a bit later and see if anything will change for me.
May 2, 2014
What a great Prequel, but now I am longing for more!!! Short book, quick read, leaves you wanting the next book.
Fun to see the different points of view of the characters. The author does a good job of developing these characters and you can start to figure out the good vs the bad right away.
FYI - I won this book in a giveaway - all thoughts and reviews are my own.
Fun to see the different points of view of the characters. The author does a good job of developing these characters and you can start to figure out the good vs the bad right away.
FYI - I won this book in a giveaway - all thoughts and reviews are my own.
July 10, 2013
I won this book on a goodreads giveaway first reads. I really enjoyed reading the book I liked the story and the charcters I thought it was a very good read. I also love the front cover :)
August 15, 2013
*won this on Goodreads*
Not really what i thought it was going to be, but not a bad read, good book for fantasy lovers
Not really what i thought it was going to be, but not a bad read, good book for fantasy lovers
June 18, 2013
Great fantasy! I absolutely loved the world that Kieran McKendrick created. I look forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews