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Troll-magic
Prince Kellor, cursed by the troll-witch Mandine to live as a north-bear, wrestles with the challenges of his beast form. Pain wracks his body. Unpredictable rages blur his mind. And straight thinking proves elusive, confusing his search for the loopholes that every curse possesses.
His curse turns on the choices of his childhood friend Elle. She once shared Kellor's idyllic rambles through the wilderlands. She now loves all things musical. Might Kellor persuade her to neglect her own dreams to confront his lethal nightmare? Should he?
But no troll-witch permits her prey to escape with ease. The illusory loopholes in Mandine's curse all twist back to its entombing heart.
J.M. Ney Grimm tells a lyrical Beauty and the Beast tale, rife with moments of shining glory, dark magnificence, and unexpected significance. The fate of an empire, a people, and a world unfurls from Kellor's deeds and Elle's choices.
His curse turns on the choices of his childhood friend Elle. She once shared Kellor's idyllic rambles through the wilderlands. She now loves all things musical. Might Kellor persuade her to neglect her own dreams to confront his lethal nightmare? Should he?
But no troll-witch permits her prey to escape with ease. The illusory loopholes in Mandine's curse all twist back to its entombing heart.
J.M. Ney Grimm tells a lyrical Beauty and the Beast tale, rife with moments of shining glory, dark magnificence, and unexpected significance. The fate of an empire, a people, and a world unfurls from Kellor's deeds and Elle's choices.
444 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2011
About the author
J.M. Ney-Grimm
71 books120 followersJ.M. Ney-Grimm lives with her husband and children in Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She’s learning about zero-carb eating, container gardening, and the discounted benefits of getting vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. The rest of the time she reads Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold, plays boardgames like Settlers of Catan, rears her twins, and writes stories set in the magical realms of myth, fantasy, and the far future.
Look for her novels and novellas at your favorite bookstore—online or on Main Street.
Look for her novels and novellas at your favorite bookstore—online or on Main Street.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 22, 2013
Troll-magic is a very enjoyable, interesting and thoughtful re-telling of a Norse fairy tale. The author takes the idea of a man turned into a bear and the woman who might free him (a Beauty and the Beast myth) and fleshes it out into a rich narrative, where magic has rules and people are complex.
One of the best things is the magic, which is studied in the same way science is studied in this world. Ney-Grimm weaves the story on many levels – showing how the integration of magic affects the overall society, families, the Beauty and Beast couple, and the individual as well. I appreciated the large cast of characters in the story - this Beauty and the Beast tale takes place in a busy world where friends and family are involved and have their own motives and storylines.
There is action, and it can be exciting, but the real heart of the story is character growth. The characters feel real and complicated, and the changes in the storyline are earned through their development. (But be aware there are times when the story becomes quiet, and the emphasis is on inner reflection and insight). As for the Beauty and the Beast couple, their story is heartwarming and a little sexy.
I thought that the author was very skilled, and her writing, at times quite lyrical. Her descriptions of nature are lovely. Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip. If you like their stories, you will most likely enjoy Troll-magic. I know that I plan to read Ney-Grimm's other works; I'm really pleased to have discovered her!
In summary, if you're looking for an intelligent, fun and interesting read, I highly recommend this book.
One of the best things is the magic, which is studied in the same way science is studied in this world. Ney-Grimm weaves the story on many levels – showing how the integration of magic affects the overall society, families, the Beauty and Beast couple, and the individual as well. I appreciated the large cast of characters in the story - this Beauty and the Beast tale takes place in a busy world where friends and family are involved and have their own motives and storylines.
There is action, and it can be exciting, but the real heart of the story is character growth. The characters feel real and complicated, and the changes in the storyline are earned through their development. (But be aware there are times when the story becomes quiet, and the emphasis is on inner reflection and insight). As for the Beauty and the Beast couple, their story is heartwarming and a little sexy.
I thought that the author was very skilled, and her writing, at times quite lyrical. Her descriptions of nature are lovely. Her work compares favorably with Robin McKinley and Patricia McKillip. If you like their stories, you will most likely enjoy Troll-magic. I know that I plan to read Ney-Grimm's other works; I'm really pleased to have discovered her!
In summary, if you're looking for an intelligent, fun and interesting read, I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2013
I don't usually read much fantasy, let alone Norse fantasy. I think my only exposure to the topic thus far over the course of my thirty years was watching "David the Gnome" on Nickelodeon as a kid--his fox, Swift, was always the coolest!
That all changed when I read "Troll-magic." From the start, Ney-Grimm paints a vivid, lush picture worth of the Peter Jackson treatment. The style and tone of the frequent, rich descriptions drew me into a world filled with magic that has severe consequences attached to it. It's more than that, though: a coming-of-age story with elements of Steampunk make it a great tale for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.
As a reviewer above noted, the story does begin a bit slow, with many characters to keep track of. Additionally, I'm admittedly a bit of a "movie reader"--the numerous descriptions, though generally very well-written, did take away from the pacing in spots, especially toward the end when the action kept me turning pages.
But overall, "Troll-magic" was a (very polished) page-turner that I enjoyed thoroughly, and will recommend to others.
That all changed when I read "Troll-magic." From the start, Ney-Grimm paints a vivid, lush picture worth of the Peter Jackson treatment. The style and tone of the frequent, rich descriptions drew me into a world filled with magic that has severe consequences attached to it. It's more than that, though: a coming-of-age story with elements of Steampunk make it a great tale for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.
As a reviewer above noted, the story does begin a bit slow, with many characters to keep track of. Additionally, I'm admittedly a bit of a "movie reader"--the numerous descriptions, though generally very well-written, did take away from the pacing in spots, especially toward the end when the action kept me turning pages.
But overall, "Troll-magic" was a (very polished) page-turner that I enjoyed thoroughly, and will recommend to others.
September 11, 2021
This is a mostly clean retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon with a fairly heavy fantasy slant and intricate world building. The story was sweet but I found it a little too slow for my tastes.
I received an ARC of this and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2013
As I've come to expect of J. M. Ney-Grimm's writing, Troll Magic has a certain poetic style I've yet to come across elsewhere. Descriptions are ornate and evocative, characters are natural and complex, and the plot is presented in a very relaxed way--you slide into things without pretence or complication, enjoying the narrative as it gently tugs you along.
The style serves the plot and themes well. Troll Magic is about attaining your dreams and the roadblocks that sometimes get in our way; accordingly, there's a dreamy, almost fairy tale sort of tone to this book. You get the impression that grand things are happening, but the scope of it isn't so large that you lose the forest for the trees. It's very approachable, and simply a fun read.
The characters are complex, but (again) approachable. The best thing about this book is that you can delve as deeply as you want into the themes and characters, and still find a lot to think about and discuss--or you can just read along the surface and get a great deal of enjoyment. Kellor in particular was a great character; conflicted, heroic, but also shy and timid in his own way. He's an excellent example of how difficult it can be to pursue your dreams: it's all very well and good to say "just go do it," but not as easy in practise to follow through.
There are a couple of parallel plots in this book that tie up neatly in the end--but I'm not sure they needed to. As I read the book, I was hoping for the plots to converge, but in retrospect they could just as well have stayed separate. They each give a different perspective of pursuing your dreams--how that pursuit can depend just as much on circumstance and resources as sheer will--and keeping them separate could have served to highlight that difference. But, as it is, it still works very well.
Overall, an excellent book. This one is considerably longer than Ney-Grimm's other works, but it shows her maturity as a writer, and she still manages to keep that wonderful ethereal tone.
The style serves the plot and themes well. Troll Magic is about attaining your dreams and the roadblocks that sometimes get in our way; accordingly, there's a dreamy, almost fairy tale sort of tone to this book. You get the impression that grand things are happening, but the scope of it isn't so large that you lose the forest for the trees. It's very approachable, and simply a fun read.
The characters are complex, but (again) approachable. The best thing about this book is that you can delve as deeply as you want into the themes and characters, and still find a lot to think about and discuss--or you can just read along the surface and get a great deal of enjoyment. Kellor in particular was a great character; conflicted, heroic, but also shy and timid in his own way. He's an excellent example of how difficult it can be to pursue your dreams: it's all very well and good to say "just go do it," but not as easy in practise to follow through.
There are a couple of parallel plots in this book that tie up neatly in the end--but I'm not sure they needed to. As I read the book, I was hoping for the plots to converge, but in retrospect they could just as well have stayed separate. They each give a different perspective of pursuing your dreams--how that pursuit can depend just as much on circumstance and resources as sheer will--and keeping them separate could have served to highlight that difference. But, as it is, it still works very well.
Overall, an excellent book. This one is considerably longer than Ney-Grimm's other works, but it shows her maturity as a writer, and she still manages to keep that wonderful ethereal tone.
May 20, 2013
I don't usually read traditional fantasy, so was a bit apprehensive about this. But I needn't have worried. The book didn't start off with 400 pages of back story, but cut right into the action.
The books uses the term trolls, but it redefines it. Troll are people who were trying to do a forbidden magic, and have damaged their bodies a a result. They turn into violent, aggressive beings, who have to ultimately be killed.
The book starts off with a Prince who has been cursed to become a polar bear in the day, and man at night. To escape his curse, he must spend a year with his childhood friend, sharing his bed with her. While the story is based on a Nordic tale, this is one of the versions of the story that became Beauty and the Beast.
The heroine, Elle, is no Disney Princess, however. She doesn't sit passively, waiting to fall in love with the hero. She has her own goals for helping the Prince. For one, she wants to help her teacher survive the troll disease. Second, she wants to escape her poor background and become a musician. The Prince offers her a chance to practice everyday. Of course, they have to deal with all the dark magic that surrounds them first...
The book had a good pace from the start, and I was going to give it 5 stars. However, the middle really sags, and there are pages upon pages where nothing but tea drinking and swimming happens. Similarly, the Epilogue is redundant(and very long), and can easily be skipped. The book should have ended when the heroine rescues the hero (like I said, not a Disney story).
Other than that, this is a very good book. The magic system is really interesting, and really got me thinking. Other than a few places, the book moves really fast, and keeps you gripped.
Strongly recommended.
The books uses the term trolls, but it redefines it. Troll are people who were trying to do a forbidden magic, and have damaged their bodies a a result. They turn into violent, aggressive beings, who have to ultimately be killed.
The book starts off with a Prince who has been cursed to become a polar bear in the day, and man at night. To escape his curse, he must spend a year with his childhood friend, sharing his bed with her. While the story is based on a Nordic tale, this is one of the versions of the story that became Beauty and the Beast.
The heroine, Elle, is no Disney Princess, however. She doesn't sit passively, waiting to fall in love with the hero. She has her own goals for helping the Prince. For one, she wants to help her teacher survive the troll disease. Second, she wants to escape her poor background and become a musician. The Prince offers her a chance to practice everyday. Of course, they have to deal with all the dark magic that surrounds them first...
The book had a good pace from the start, and I was going to give it 5 stars. However, the middle really sags, and there are pages upon pages where nothing but tea drinking and swimming happens. Similarly, the Epilogue is redundant(and very long), and can easily be skipped. The book should have ended when the heroine rescues the hero (like I said, not a Disney story).
Other than that, this is a very good book. The magic system is really interesting, and really got me thinking. Other than a few places, the book moves really fast, and keeps you gripped.
Strongly recommended.
March 15, 2012
I really liked this book. Anyone who is familiar with the fairy tale this book is based on will recognize the basic plot, but there are some intriguing twists added. The concept of troll-magic is well done.
Some of the character growth shown through conversations instead of actions seems a little forced, but this book is still very entertaining, enough so that I am looking forward to reading others by this author.
Some of the character growth shown through conversations instead of actions seems a little forced, but this book is still very entertaining, enough so that I am looking forward to reading others by this author.
May 12, 2013
An interesting and unique story that's part fantasy quest/part fairy tale. A bit slow to start but otherwise, a fine read.
August 9, 2021
The author's writing is rich with detail, full of evocative imagery. I was so lost in her exploration of troll-magic that I lost sight of the story of Kellor and Ella. If you enjoy the rich prose of classical British authors like Jane Austen or Emile Bronte, I think you will like this.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2019
This book made a really interesting twist on what a troll is. I really enjoyed it even though at some point I was hoping that the storyline would come together faster, but this is just my personal issue of always being impatient. Overall I really liked it and think it is a great read.
April 1, 2013
I really tried with this book, but after 150 pages I could not get into it. It was disjointed with several stories and I knew it would all come together eventually, but it was taking too long. It's back on the shelf and perhaps I'll tackle it another day.
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April 2, 2013I received a free copy of this book in a giveaway and review to come.(Unfortunately I have a few books on the go, but I will be taking a cruise in May 2013, so that should free up some time for me) Thanks to J.M. Ney-Grimm for the book and the lovely card in the mail
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews