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Luthiel's Song #1
Dreams of the Ringed Vale
Luthiel's Song is an epic fantasy novel for young adults. It is the first in a series of seven. Below is a description of the story... First Summer's Eve has come and all elves celebrate as the black moon's shadow fades from the world. It is also Luthiel's fifteenth birthday. With it come two extraordinary and dangerous surprises: a Wyrd Stone, its silvery heart a window into a world of dreams and nightmares, and a Blade Dancer, dreaded protector of the Faelands, who bears a dark message. Instead of celebration, Luthiel is given a terrible choice: if she does nothing, someone she loves deeply will die. Or to save a life, she can break the most perilous law of the Faelands, and venture alone to the Vale of Mists. If she chooses the journey, she must race Othalas -- eldest and most feared of all the werewolves -- past great back spiders who weave webs out of nightmares, through glittering mists with the power to reshape flesh, and at last into death by the teeth of dark and ancient Vyrl, who feed on the blood of elves. Either choice will bring death -- unless Luthiel can find the secret in her remarkable Stone, a secret that even the nightmares fear.
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2005
About the author
Robert Fanney
4 books631 followersRobert Fannéy was born on November 4, 1972 in Southeastern Virginia. He lived in Virginia Beach, VA for much of his younger life and currently resides in Washington Grove, MD with his wife, Catherine, and two talkative Maine Coon cats.
The scenic Seashore State Park and the frothy Atlantic Ocean bordered Robert's world as a child. Ever changing and full of mystery, both were an inspiration to Robert as he set out to create the fantastic settings of Oesha and the Vale of Mists. A surfer since a very young age, Robert has felt a deep connection with nature and finds that his most spiritual times are while sitting on a tiny surfboard upon a vast ocean or laying on the sand beneath an even vaster sea of stars.
As a teen, Robert often wrote short stories and poems about his adventures. He made frequent trips to the library and book store and read widely. Some of his favorite books were Michael Ende's The Neverending Story, Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising, Roger Zelazney's Chronicles of Amber, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain.
Robert was also inspired by the strong women in his life and, while attending the gothic Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, (1991-1995) he began writing a female epic fantasy which he later named Luthiel's Song. Despite numerous hardships, Robert continued to write throughout much of his adult life. He worked at a number of different jobs -- waiting tables, serving as a police officer, and even working as a coordinating editor and author for a well known niche publisher -- Jane's Information Group. During his time at Jane's Robert edited and contributed to over 15 books and magazines and co-authored Jane's Citizen Safety Guide.
Robert was able to put his experience -- both in writing and in life -- to good use and finally, after nine years, Robert had a completed first novel. With the help of his friend Matthew Friedman, an amazing artist by the name of Siya Oum, and his wife Catherine, Robert decided to publish independently. He started a boutique publishing house named Dark Forest Press and in six months produced a professional quality fantasy novel (2005).
Robert then set out to promote the book himself, beginning with online promotion and talks at local venues. By 2011, Robert had given over 300 presentations at libraries, schools, and bookstores, appeared on local and national television including CSPAN's BookTV and independently sold over 32,000 copies.
Robert has also recently completed book 2 in the Luthiel's Song series -- The War of Mists -- and is now working on book 3 -- The Nightmares of Winter.
If you'd like to find out more about Luthiel's Song, you may do so by visiting these websites:
www.luthielssong.com
www.facebook.com/luthielssong
www.myspace.com/luthielssong
The scenic Seashore State Park and the frothy Atlantic Ocean bordered Robert's world as a child. Ever changing and full of mystery, both were an inspiration to Robert as he set out to create the fantastic settings of Oesha and the Vale of Mists. A surfer since a very young age, Robert has felt a deep connection with nature and finds that his most spiritual times are while sitting on a tiny surfboard upon a vast ocean or laying on the sand beneath an even vaster sea of stars.
As a teen, Robert often wrote short stories and poems about his adventures. He made frequent trips to the library and book store and read widely. Some of his favorite books were Michael Ende's The Neverending Story, Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising, Roger Zelazney's Chronicles of Amber, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain.
Robert was also inspired by the strong women in his life and, while attending the gothic Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, (1991-1995) he began writing a female epic fantasy which he later named Luthiel's Song. Despite numerous hardships, Robert continued to write throughout much of his adult life. He worked at a number of different jobs -- waiting tables, serving as a police officer, and even working as a coordinating editor and author for a well known niche publisher -- Jane's Information Group. During his time at Jane's Robert edited and contributed to over 15 books and magazines and co-authored Jane's Citizen Safety Guide.
Robert was able to put his experience -- both in writing and in life -- to good use and finally, after nine years, Robert had a completed first novel. With the help of his friend Matthew Friedman, an amazing artist by the name of Siya Oum, and his wife Catherine, Robert decided to publish independently. He started a boutique publishing house named Dark Forest Press and in six months produced a professional quality fantasy novel (2005).
Robert then set out to promote the book himself, beginning with online promotion and talks at local venues. By 2011, Robert had given over 300 presentations at libraries, schools, and bookstores, appeared on local and national television including CSPAN's BookTV and independently sold over 32,000 copies.
Robert has also recently completed book 2 in the Luthiel's Song series -- The War of Mists -- and is now working on book 3 -- The Nightmares of Winter.
If you'd like to find out more about Luthiel's Song, you may do so by visiting these websites:
www.luthielssong.com
www.facebook.com/luthielssong
www.myspace.com/luthielssong
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
May 3, 2008
It finally came in!
This is not just a book, it is an entire fantasy world. In the back there is a glossary of terms used, an appendix of the suns and moons, and an appendix of the elfin runes ... their language and markings compared to our alphabet. The world Robert Fanney has managed to create is amazing in and of itself. There are two incredible pictures of the main character Luthiel, and I didn't see 'illustrated by' anywhere, so he must have drawn them. They are seriously incredible and I found myself staring at them.
This book builds and builds and then it ends .. the main characters are about to go into battle and I am very anxious for the next book to come out. I don't want to reveal too much about the story, but Luthiel is about to turn 15 when her whole world changes. She is a very loving and self sacrificing person, and she willingly puts her life at stake to save someone she loves. Through her journey, she learns who she really is both in character and blood.
On the surface this is a great fantasy story, but it is also pretty deep. This is one of my favorite parts about right and wrong ...'Intentional wrongdoing is denial of personal truth ... when you harm others you deprive the most important part of yourself .. the part of you that hungers for love and to give love. Many do not think of it as a need but it is as necessary as air and light, as essential as earth and water. It is the very design of life to support other life and to grow greater by the support of other living things...'
I am recommending this book, and very much looking forward to 'The War of Mists'. Thank you Ron!!
This is not just a book, it is an entire fantasy world. In the back there is a glossary of terms used, an appendix of the suns and moons, and an appendix of the elfin runes ... their language and markings compared to our alphabet. The world Robert Fanney has managed to create is amazing in and of itself. There are two incredible pictures of the main character Luthiel, and I didn't see 'illustrated by' anywhere, so he must have drawn them. They are seriously incredible and I found myself staring at them.
This book builds and builds and then it ends .. the main characters are about to go into battle and I am very anxious for the next book to come out. I don't want to reveal too much about the story, but Luthiel is about to turn 15 when her whole world changes. She is a very loving and self sacrificing person, and she willingly puts her life at stake to save someone she loves. Through her journey, she learns who she really is both in character and blood.
On the surface this is a great fantasy story, but it is also pretty deep. This is one of my favorite parts about right and wrong ...'Intentional wrongdoing is denial of personal truth ... when you harm others you deprive the most important part of yourself .. the part of you that hungers for love and to give love. Many do not think of it as a need but it is as necessary as air and light, as essential as earth and water. It is the very design of life to support other life and to grow greater by the support of other living things...'
I am recommending this book, and very much looking forward to 'The War of Mists'. Thank you Ron!!
May 31, 2007
This delightful tale is the story of a young girl named Luthiel who is forced to go on a dangerous and frightening adventure that is sure to result in her own death. No, forced is a bad word to describe what this delightful heroine does. She goes on this treacherous adventure because it is simply what she has to do. The alternative is unacceptable to her, and as the story unfolds the stakes become even higher than she ever imagined.
As other reviewers have said, Luthiel is an absolutely amazing heroine. She isn't a fearless warrior who goes on an adventure and faces death because she has something to prove or thirsts for the chance to be a hero. Luthiel is a young girl who BECOMES a hero because she's willing to sacrifice herself and face unthinkable fear and frustration to save the life of someone she loves very much. She's one of the most, perhaps even the most, honest and immediately likable female characters that I've ever read in this genre because despite all that she does and the world that she lives in she's amazingly NORMAL.
I can't possibly forget to mention how amazingly well written this book is. Robert Fanney weaves this tale through a colorful, vivid, breathtaking world that will suck you in and make you wish that you could hop into the pages and become a character to help Luthiel along her way.
Even if fantasy isn't your "thing," I would give this book a try. It contains magic, fantastic creatures, and an imaginary world but it also contains more heart and real life magic than anything that I have read in quite a while. Unlike many books that are out there, Luthiel's Song: Dreams of the Ringed Vale makes you think. At least, it made me think. It made me think about the nature of love and sacrifice, and what I would do to save a life if given the chance.
I honestly think that this book has the potential to be the first of a series that will become absolutely huge (think Harry Potter or Eragon huge) someday. Buy yourself a copy of this one so you can say that you knew about it and loved it way back when.
As other reviewers have said, Luthiel is an absolutely amazing heroine. She isn't a fearless warrior who goes on an adventure and faces death because she has something to prove or thirsts for the chance to be a hero. Luthiel is a young girl who BECOMES a hero because she's willing to sacrifice herself and face unthinkable fear and frustration to save the life of someone she loves very much. She's one of the most, perhaps even the most, honest and immediately likable female characters that I've ever read in this genre because despite all that she does and the world that she lives in she's amazingly NORMAL.
I can't possibly forget to mention how amazingly well written this book is. Robert Fanney weaves this tale through a colorful, vivid, breathtaking world that will suck you in and make you wish that you could hop into the pages and become a character to help Luthiel along her way.
Even if fantasy isn't your "thing," I would give this book a try. It contains magic, fantastic creatures, and an imaginary world but it also contains more heart and real life magic than anything that I have read in quite a while. Unlike many books that are out there, Luthiel's Song: Dreams of the Ringed Vale makes you think. At least, it made me think. It made me think about the nature of love and sacrifice, and what I would do to save a life if given the chance.
I honestly think that this book has the potential to be the first of a series that will become absolutely huge (think Harry Potter or Eragon huge) someday. Buy yourself a copy of this one so you can say that you knew about it and loved it way back when.
November 20, 2008
I was getting tired of reading fantasy novels with male leads and female leads that just didn't seem real to me when I happened to stumble on this book. I'm really glad I did!
A debut novel by a somewhat unknown author, this book had me from page one. The characters seemed real, genuine, and completely convincing. Luthiel is a heroine with traits that exemplify female heroics -- she's not just another buxom sword wielding lady dressed out in skimpy armor.
Not only was the story and main character fantastic, I encountered a number of things in this book that I've never run into previously in a fantasy novel. The Vyrl, for example, were a masterwork of depth and creativity. The dragon was a refreshing change of pace from the norm. And if you don't fall in love with the werewolf then there's something wrong with you.
Honestly, a must read for anyone who enjoys great fantasy.
A debut novel by a somewhat unknown author, this book had me from page one. The characters seemed real, genuine, and completely convincing. Luthiel is a heroine with traits that exemplify female heroics -- she's not just another buxom sword wielding lady dressed out in skimpy armor.
Not only was the story and main character fantastic, I encountered a number of things in this book that I've never run into previously in a fantasy novel. The Vyrl, for example, were a masterwork of depth and creativity. The dragon was a refreshing change of pace from the norm. And if you don't fall in love with the werewolf then there's something wrong with you.
Honestly, a must read for anyone who enjoys great fantasy.
June 12, 2007
If you love fantasy novels, this book covers it, you will love it as I did, I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and genuine, a sense of a true heart. I highly recommend it. Dare to dream as Luthiel does. You will be glad you read this book.
It is a fresh and delightful look towards allies least expected. An adventure in heroism, as a young teen elf, named Luthiel, sets out to save someone she loves. Her life as well as others lives are in the balance. This young 15 year old elf, encounters wizards, werewolves, a tiny dragon and others on her quest.
This book is truly a must read, you will be looking for more.
It is a delightful credit to Fantasy Novels.
It is a fresh and delightful look towards allies least expected. An adventure in heroism, as a young teen elf, named Luthiel, sets out to save someone she loves. Her life as well as others lives are in the balance. This young 15 year old elf, encounters wizards, werewolves, a tiny dragon and others on her quest.
This book is truly a must read, you will be looking for more.
It is a delightful credit to Fantasy Novels.
March 19, 2008
The author came to my school a couple of weeks ago. I got the book and couldn't put it down. Started at about 5 PM 12 hours later I was thinking about playing hookie. This book will keep you up all night!
February 23, 2008
This book really surprised me. It started out with a traditional story line and then I found myself in an entirely different place altogether. But it wasn't jarring. I was smoothly swept away.
The author's world is filled with fantasy archetypes but they all somehow seem unique and have depth. If you're looking for a story and characters that will really surprise and delight you don't pass up this book.
The only shame is that a major publisher hasn't picked up on this author and put some real heat behind his work. But small presses have done double time in the past. I'm waiting anxiously for the second installment!
The author's world is filled with fantasy archetypes but they all somehow seem unique and have depth. If you're looking for a story and characters that will really surprise and delight you don't pass up this book.
The only shame is that a major publisher hasn't picked up on this author and put some real heat behind his work. But small presses have done double time in the past. I'm waiting anxiously for the second installment!
May 31, 2007
From the first page to the final page this book was absolutely amazing. In it were many things I've never seen in a work of this kind before. The Vyrl, in my opinion, were a masterwork. A must read for fantasy lovers.
May 10, 2008
I have not read anything with a elf since LOR. I caught the author on cspan one morning seemed like a bright chap and was pleasently surprised to see him on goodreads. Luthiel's Song is a well written novel with a engaging premise and a dynamic storyline. The style was as lush and layered as the world it protrayed. It was a joy to read and I highly recommend it. Enjoy.
March 1, 2008
Unlike some, I'm a huge fan of elves and angels. This book had both in ways I hadn't yet imagined. So magical and yet at the same time somehow down to earth this book reminded me what it was like to feel wonder again while standing with feet firmly planted.
April 16, 2013
Not too long ago, I read A Game of Thrones, an excellent fantasy novel with exceptional world building (with fantasy elements kept in moderation--just the way I like it), intrigue and suspense provided by a complex plot, and fully realized characters. That sucker grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
As a fantasy, Luthiel's Song failed because it lacked all of the above. It didn't grab me. Hell, it barely groped me. It was like the awkward boy who took you to the 10th grade dance and was so set on making a good impression that he barely made an impression at all. By the end of the night, you would have welcomed an attempt at copping a cheap feel because it would have given you a good story the next day to tell your friends and verify that he did, in fact, know of the existence of the bases. Suffice it to say, this book did not give me a good story to tell my friends. And I began to wonder if it even knew where the bases were.
In Luthiel's Song, the fantasy world was overkill and full of self-referential terms and concepts that are seldom clearly explained. Granted, that could have also been because tedium set in early on and I found myself not caring much about piecing all that mumbo-jumbo together. (Oh, and you know what really irks me? When fantasy novels have a "helpful" appendix in the back and half the words and terms you look up aren't listed.) We have elves, we have werewolves, we have talking animals, we have giant killer spiders, we have giants, we have dragons, we have fallen-angels-who-have-become-vampires, we have ghosts, we have wizards, we have valkyries, we have magic crystals, we have swords that are important enough to have names, we have portals between worlds. It's a bit like the author won a shopping spree at Ghouls R' Us. In other words, we have every fantasy trope and cliche under the two suns of Oesha (yup, even two suns).
The problem with all of this fantasy "clutter" is it leads to the second problem: weak characterization. The characters never really differentiate themselves based upon personality. We never know much about Luthiel other than, as an orphan, she has always felt out of place (and, like all orphans, she will predictably turn out to be more than she seems) and she loves her sister, Leowin, so much that she's willing to offer her life in her sister's stead when Leowin is chosen as a sacrifice for the Vyrl. Cue the adventure in which Luthiel will learn about herself as she encounters mystical threats and finds unlikely allies. Yawn.
Now, all of this might be a little more entertaining to someone who hasn't glutted themselves on fantasy as I have over the years. Most of this is predictable with a very "been there, done that" flavor. It's not necessarily that bad, but it's not necessarily that good. Instead of moving on to the next book in the series, I think it may be time to check out George R. R. Martin's A Clash of Kings. After all, those Lannisters know where the bases are.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
As a fantasy, Luthiel's Song failed because it lacked all of the above. It didn't grab me. Hell, it barely groped me. It was like the awkward boy who took you to the 10th grade dance and was so set on making a good impression that he barely made an impression at all. By the end of the night, you would have welcomed an attempt at copping a cheap feel because it would have given you a good story the next day to tell your friends and verify that he did, in fact, know of the existence of the bases. Suffice it to say, this book did not give me a good story to tell my friends. And I began to wonder if it even knew where the bases were.
In Luthiel's Song, the fantasy world was overkill and full of self-referential terms and concepts that are seldom clearly explained. Granted, that could have also been because tedium set in early on and I found myself not caring much about piecing all that mumbo-jumbo together. (Oh, and you know what really irks me? When fantasy novels have a "helpful" appendix in the back and half the words and terms you look up aren't listed.) We have elves, we have werewolves, we have talking animals, we have giant killer spiders, we have giants, we have dragons, we have fallen-angels-who-have-become-vampires, we have ghosts, we have wizards, we have valkyries, we have magic crystals, we have swords that are important enough to have names, we have portals between worlds. It's a bit like the author won a shopping spree at Ghouls R' Us. In other words, we have every fantasy trope and cliche under the two suns of Oesha (yup, even two suns).
The problem with all of this fantasy "clutter" is it leads to the second problem: weak characterization. The characters never really differentiate themselves based upon personality. We never know much about Luthiel other than, as an orphan, she has always felt out of place (and, like all orphans, she will predictably turn out to be more than she seems) and she loves her sister, Leowin, so much that she's willing to offer her life in her sister's stead when Leowin is chosen as a sacrifice for the Vyrl. Cue the adventure in which Luthiel will learn about herself as she encounters mystical threats and finds unlikely allies. Yawn.
Now, all of this might be a little more entertaining to someone who hasn't glutted themselves on fantasy as I have over the years. Most of this is predictable with a very "been there, done that" flavor. It's not necessarily that bad, but it's not necessarily that good. Instead of moving on to the next book in the series, I think it may be time to check out George R. R. Martin's A Clash of Kings. After all, those Lannisters know where the bases are.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
February 25, 2008
This is probably my favorite book of all time. It is not just a book about elves -- though the ones depicted in this story are, in my opinion, really unique -- it is more about a magical world that takes traditional myths and paints them in a subtly new way.
What made me really love this book though, were the characters. They were all so rich and colorful. They have depth, complexity, and deep reasons for being what they are. Though it is a tale about good vrs evil, it does not define good and evil in absolute terms.
Aside from its rich depth the story is also just plain good fun. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book and to anyone who also loves a good story.
What made me really love this book though, were the characters. They were all so rich and colorful. They have depth, complexity, and deep reasons for being what they are. Though it is a tale about good vrs evil, it does not define good and evil in absolute terms.
Aside from its rich depth the story is also just plain good fun. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book and to anyone who also loves a good story.
April 17, 2009
This book is amazing! I'm a real lover of fantasy stories. The downside to this is a number of the plot lines seem very similar to one another. Not the case with Luthiel's Song! The story kept surprising me! When you add in the fact that this is a real page-turner and you can't help but be deeply affected by some of the characters, this book is rapidly becoming my new favorite!
May 14, 2008
I stumbled upon this book entirely by accident. I was searching for blogs about elves and I read a wonderful rant by the author about people who discriminate against elves. I've met people like that and I think they're pretty silly. So I was intrigued by the writer and I ordered his book.
What I discovered was something extraordinary. The world of Luthiel's Song is a beautiful as it is original. The characters and stories are very compelling to me. I say stories because, even though the main character is Luthiel, each of the supporting characters has enough depth to have their own book written about them.
The adventure takes you along a path that is very difficult to predict and I found myself surprised by every twist and turn in this amazing journey.
One thing for readers to note -- this is the first book in the series. So it doesn't wrap up perfectly at the end. Quite the contrary, it sets the stage deliciously for the second volume in the series leaving the reader with a lot to imagine and anticipate. I admired the writer for his bravery in writing the ending in such a way. There's so much pressure these days to have everything wrap up, Disney-like, in a perfect little package. Well this story will leave you wanting and hoping for more. I am certain the final end of the Luthiel's Song series will be all the more satisfying for it!
Definitely a story for those who want to enter a new world and have their imaginations stimulated. I loved Luthiel's Song so much this is now my new favorite book. Hopefully, you will share my experience!
What I discovered was something extraordinary. The world of Luthiel's Song is a beautiful as it is original. The characters and stories are very compelling to me. I say stories because, even though the main character is Luthiel, each of the supporting characters has enough depth to have their own book written about them.
The adventure takes you along a path that is very difficult to predict and I found myself surprised by every twist and turn in this amazing journey.
One thing for readers to note -- this is the first book in the series. So it doesn't wrap up perfectly at the end. Quite the contrary, it sets the stage deliciously for the second volume in the series leaving the reader with a lot to imagine and anticipate. I admired the writer for his bravery in writing the ending in such a way. There's so much pressure these days to have everything wrap up, Disney-like, in a perfect little package. Well this story will leave you wanting and hoping for more. I am certain the final end of the Luthiel's Song series will be all the more satisfying for it!
Definitely a story for those who want to enter a new world and have their imaginations stimulated. I loved Luthiel's Song so much this is now my new favorite book. Hopefully, you will share my experience!
April 3, 2008
I just read this a couple of days ago and man was I blown away. I feel I have in my hands a new fantasy classic. The characters and story were amazing.
The story starts off with a moment of happy abandon but rapidly transitions into a fast paced adventure where Luthiel must make some hard choices if she's going to help the ones she loves.
A must read for any fantasy lover!
The story starts off with a moment of happy abandon but rapidly transitions into a fast paced adventure where Luthiel must make some hard choices if she's going to help the ones she loves.
A must read for any fantasy lover!
February 27, 2008
This book was great! I don't think there was a character I didn't like and some of my favorites happened to be the minor ones.
April 4, 2008
Luthiel's Song is tough to match in High Fantasy. The events are extraordinary, the characters very real to me. Lovely writing that brings back a sense of a time forgotten.
June 2, 2007
i love this book book and i think everyone should read it.. its probably oe of the best books i've ever read
March 18, 2008
Absolutely amazing! I was lucky to meet the author on a school trip. I can't wait for the next book.
June 25, 2010
3.5 stars. A well done, original YA fantasy epic in the tradition of Tolkien. I enjoyed it.
August 2, 2008
I'm new to goodreads and I'm pleased to see people here have discovered this amazing book. Luthiel's Song is not one of the best known fantasy stories, nor is it a mainstream book. But the quality of its story and the heart of its characters makes it so much more. I uncovered this treasure while wandering through a local library looking for something new. The librarian handed me a battered copy of what would become my new favorite fantasy.
Reader beware! If you like carousing and savoring a story, you might have a little trouble with Luthiel's Song. On my first reading it grabbed hold of me and I couldn't put it down. Some hours later I was finished!
I recently checked it out again. The cover is falling off due to love and much use. I'm happy to say it is just as good the second time.
Reader beware! If you like carousing and savoring a story, you might have a little trouble with Luthiel's Song. On my first reading it grabbed hold of me and I couldn't put it down. Some hours later I was finished!
I recently checked it out again. The cover is falling off due to love and much use. I'm happy to say it is just as good the second time.
December 8, 2008
A daughter of a friend recommended this book to me and I must say it was absolutely fantastic. First off, I loved the ending as it gave me so much to look forward to in the second book. Often, series artificially end each book as if there is very little to follow. One of the things I loved about Lord of the Rings was that the books ended in good places but left room for more. Luthiel's Song does just this. Secondly, there were many, many surprises in this book. At first, after reading the back cover, I thought it would work out like a conventional fantasy story. Not at all! If you read this book, expect many twists and turns along the way. Finally, expect to fall in love with the characters, even the ones who aren't the main focus of the story. I found so much richness in each personality I encountered in this beautiful tale and can't wait to read more. Right now, I'm re-reading the story just to make certain I didn't miss anything!
December 29, 2008
I enjoyed this book immensely from the moment I picked it up. Within the first few pages, I was completely engrossed. Each character is so life-like, and Luthiel, the reluctant heroine, is dazzling. I love the imagery in this book. I could picture even the smallest details in my mind's eye with ease. The story itself flows smoothly, sweeping the reader along through both light and shadow. A wonderful read, that has left me wanting more. I cannot wait to see where Luthiel's journey takes her next.
May 13, 2009
This book is a tale about a 15 year old orphen who goes on a journey to discover who she is. Though she does not realize at the beginning but she is truly an amazing and inspiring character! I was introduced to this at the bookclub at Plaza Middle School, after I read the first page I was captivated. My bookclub calls the elfin languge "Fanney's code". This book is the best book in the entire world!
August 21, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - And I am not normally a fantasy reader! The story was really good, and the character of Luthiel is absolutely loveable! Im looking forward to the next book. Im trying to get my thirteen-year-old son to read it now:)
March 18, 2008
Awesome!
September 16, 2015
This is one of those books that I downloaded several years ago when I first got my Kindle, which then languished there as I persisted in just... not using it, and which I come to now with little memory of what interested me at the time. At a guess - it was free or cheap in the Fantasy Ebooks section. That's a lot of what motivated me at the time.
As gambles go, this was... a decent one.
The thing is that this book is fairly straightforward and predictable for most of its length, right up until the cut-off cliffhanger ending which is building towards a series that... may never be finished, if the lack of movement since 2009 is any indication.
I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but I will say that most of the major plot twists are evident from a great distance. To Robert Fanney's credit, though, as the story hits its stride this becomes less and less of a problem. Undeniably, this book could have used more rounds of revision and polish (and maturation), but what he's attempting to do with the characters of Luthiel and the Vyrl is well-intentioned and shows great promise. I particularly liked the way Luthiel's identity and sense of self-worth was handled, as in the following:
Essentially, her internal conflict comes from not believing that she has value, and what makes her a particularly admirable character is that she is dead-set on using whatever she has to offer to help others she cares about. While it's not always handled gracefully in writing ('show, don't tell' is a maxim I'm particularly fond of for emotional states, and which this book could use more of), it comes through strongly and makes her likeable to read about and root for.
The worldbuilding is... there are seeds of interesting ideas (the mists of the Vale changing those too long exposed to them, for instance) but much of it feels derivative, close cousin to every other fantasy elf world, with all the elements that have become commonplace thanks to Tolkien imitators and D&D-style tabletop games. (forest-dwelling elves? giant spiders? isolationist wizards? werewolves, and a powerful group of enemies that could easily be Ringwraiths but that they speak? check, check, check, check, and check.) There's another step away that needs to be taken to make this setting stand out, and it's not there yet.
After reaching the end of the book, I thought I might want to continue the series, but as I was unable to track down news of anything more recent than 2009, it's probably not worth the effort. I do think Fanney has the framework of ideas/execution to become a more polished writer, but that may not be where his life has taken him in the time since writing the first two books of this series.
As gambles go, this was... a decent one.
The thing is that this book is fairly straightforward and predictable for most of its length, right up until the cut-off cliffhanger ending which is building towards a series that... may never be finished, if the lack of movement since 2009 is any indication.
I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but I will say that most of the major plot twists are evident from a great distance. To Robert Fanney's credit, though, as the story hits its stride this becomes less and less of a problem. Undeniably, this book could have used more rounds of revision and polish (and maturation), but what he's attempting to do with the characters of Luthiel and the Vyrl is well-intentioned and shows great promise. I particularly liked the way Luthiel's identity and sense of self-worth was handled, as in the following:
"She has so much more to lose than I."
"Does she? Are you not also a part of that family? Do you love life less than her? Or is your life of less importance simply because you are an orphan?"
...
Somebody didn't want me, she thought. I was just a castaway.
Essentially, her internal conflict comes from not believing that she has value, and what makes her a particularly admirable character is that she is dead-set on using whatever she has to offer to help others she cares about. While it's not always handled gracefully in writing ('show, don't tell' is a maxim I'm particularly fond of for emotional states, and which this book could use more of), it comes through strongly and makes her likeable to read about and root for.
The worldbuilding is... there are seeds of interesting ideas (the mists of the Vale changing those too long exposed to them, for instance) but much of it feels derivative, close cousin to every other fantasy elf world, with all the elements that have become commonplace thanks to Tolkien imitators and D&D-style tabletop games. (forest-dwelling elves? giant spiders? isolationist wizards? werewolves, and a powerful group of enemies that could easily be Ringwraiths but that they speak? check, check, check, check, and check.) There's another step away that needs to be taken to make this setting stand out, and it's not there yet.
After reaching the end of the book, I thought I might want to continue the series, but as I was unable to track down news of anything more recent than 2009, it's probably not worth the effort. I do think Fanney has the framework of ideas/execution to become a more polished writer, but that may not be where his life has taken him in the time since writing the first two books of this series.
February 12, 2009
I was a little apprehensive at first--I don't always enjoy when there is a glossary or any type of appendix in a book. However, I've been wanting to read this one for a while--I got the Boston Public Library to purchase it. (Yay!)I started into it with high hopes and...
I was on page 300-something, finished the book, and now I have to get the sequel to see what happens! The story is interesting, fast-paced, and pretty inventive.
I'm not the biggest fan of epic fantasy books because of how many made-up words there are but it wasn't terribly hard to keep up with this one and, like I said, it was a ridiculously quick read.
I was on page 300-something, finished the book, and now I have to get the sequel to see what happens! The story is interesting, fast-paced, and pretty inventive.
I'm not the biggest fan of epic fantasy books because of how many made-up words there are but it wasn't terribly hard to keep up with this one and, like I said, it was a ridiculously quick read.
August 16, 2009
About a year ago, I set out to find a solid, female-led novel. I'd gotten my fill of fist-pumping testosterone action, and I was looking for a little bit of girl power to serve as a change of pace. I excitedly ventured into Barnes and Noble, to find the book that would satisfy this desire.
I won't name the first book I bought. In fact, I won't even name the second book that I bought several weeks later. I won't name them, because I didn't finish either of them. I couldn't finish either of them. They went on my shelf, never to be read (or cared about) again.
They were terrible. So much for girl power.
Or so I thought...
I then stumbled upon Luthiel's Song: Dreams of Ringed Vale. In short, it is the story of a young elf named Luthiel, a girl who is given the opportunity to essentially sacrifice herself to save the life of her sister. How? By replacing her sister as a sacrifice, to be handed over to the bloodthirsty monsters known as the Vyrl. You see, the Vyrl demand these sacrifices. If these demands are not met...let's just say bad things tend to happen to the general populace.
I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to pick up a novel, start reading it, and by the fifth page have decided that only the slow and painful death of the main character will make the book worthwhile. Some authors simply don't get it. No one wants to empathize with a character that begs to be hated. Do we love cruel characters? Of course. They add so much to the story. But you see, that's the whole point. They add to the story. They aren't the story. Being in the thoughts of a main character that you utterly despise is one of the most irritating aspects of literature. That's not a problem in Dreams of the Ringed Vale (hereby shortened to DotRV).
Luthiel, as a protagonist, is immediately likeable. She's good-natured, she's loyal, and she's flawed. Without flaws, a character isn't real. Luthiel has just enough to make her the perfect underdog girl to root for. You want to read on, because you want to see her succeed. You want to see her victorious. You want to see things work out for her in the end.
That's one of the great things about this story. It's a good story. It's genuine, and it's the kind of thing you can get behind. It's the story of a girl who--whether she realizes it or not--is trying to be her sister's hero. That's unconditional love, and that's a very refreshing thing to read about. In a literary world full of gimmicks, grandeur, and garbage, DotRV stands out in the crowd as decidedly straightforward and pure. Not many authors have the self-confidence (or morality) to write something like that. Fannéy pulls it off like a pro.
I won't talk much about secondary characters, as to not inadvertently give anything away, but I will say this: they're diverse and they're excellent. Make no mistake...you're going to get attached to someone other than Luthiel. It's going to happen.
There is one thing I'll caution you about, though. If you're looking for a book that's going to wrap itself up by the last page, by design DotRV isn't for you. This is the first book in a series, and it's obvious that in order for this story to be told, it's going to take more than one book. Since I'm a fan of series literature, I find this perfect. If you're a fan of the whole "all TV dramas must fix themselves in 30 minutes" thing, this book won't satisfy you. It'll leave you thirty for more, which is the point.
The story is heartfelt, the progression isn't cookie-cutter predictable, and the characters are memorable. The bottom line?
This is a very good book.
For parental references, this book is perfectly safe for a child to read. There's not a lick of profanity or sexuality. You may purchase it without a weight on your conscience.
I won't name the first book I bought. In fact, I won't even name the second book that I bought several weeks later. I won't name them, because I didn't finish either of them. I couldn't finish either of them. They went on my shelf, never to be read (or cared about) again.
They were terrible. So much for girl power.
Or so I thought...
I then stumbled upon Luthiel's Song: Dreams of Ringed Vale. In short, it is the story of a young elf named Luthiel, a girl who is given the opportunity to essentially sacrifice herself to save the life of her sister. How? By replacing her sister as a sacrifice, to be handed over to the bloodthirsty monsters known as the Vyrl. You see, the Vyrl demand these sacrifices. If these demands are not met...let's just say bad things tend to happen to the general populace.
I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to pick up a novel, start reading it, and by the fifth page have decided that only the slow and painful death of the main character will make the book worthwhile. Some authors simply don't get it. No one wants to empathize with a character that begs to be hated. Do we love cruel characters? Of course. They add so much to the story. But you see, that's the whole point. They add to the story. They aren't the story. Being in the thoughts of a main character that you utterly despise is one of the most irritating aspects of literature. That's not a problem in Dreams of the Ringed Vale (hereby shortened to DotRV).
Luthiel, as a protagonist, is immediately likeable. She's good-natured, she's loyal, and she's flawed. Without flaws, a character isn't real. Luthiel has just enough to make her the perfect underdog girl to root for. You want to read on, because you want to see her succeed. You want to see her victorious. You want to see things work out for her in the end.
That's one of the great things about this story. It's a good story. It's genuine, and it's the kind of thing you can get behind. It's the story of a girl who--whether she realizes it or not--is trying to be her sister's hero. That's unconditional love, and that's a very refreshing thing to read about. In a literary world full of gimmicks, grandeur, and garbage, DotRV stands out in the crowd as decidedly straightforward and pure. Not many authors have the self-confidence (or morality) to write something like that. Fannéy pulls it off like a pro.
I won't talk much about secondary characters, as to not inadvertently give anything away, but I will say this: they're diverse and they're excellent. Make no mistake...you're going to get attached to someone other than Luthiel. It's going to happen.
There is one thing I'll caution you about, though. If you're looking for a book that's going to wrap itself up by the last page, by design DotRV isn't for you. This is the first book in a series, and it's obvious that in order for this story to be told, it's going to take more than one book. Since I'm a fan of series literature, I find this perfect. If you're a fan of the whole "all TV dramas must fix themselves in 30 minutes" thing, this book won't satisfy you. It'll leave you thirty for more, which is the point.
The story is heartfelt, the progression isn't cookie-cutter predictable, and the characters are memorable. The bottom line?
This is a very good book.
For parental references, this book is perfectly safe for a child to read. There's not a lick of profanity or sexuality. You may purchase it without a weight on your conscience.
April 2, 2016
I've a love/hate relationship with high fantasy. These authors have the opportunity to bend reality so every book has the potential to expand the imagination beyond the known horizon. Problem is years spent reading the genre makes it difficult to appreciate originality in the genre as there’s little I haven’t seen.
Othalas’ description of the Vyrl summoning “fell beasts from the depths – creatures of living flame called Malcor – who burned with the fire of their bodies” was eerily reminiscent of Durin’s Bane in the depths of Khazad-dûm. Each of the Seven is the keeper of a Wyrd Stone, which in Fanney’s universe is a magical artifact that was “corrupted by black art leaving [the owner] bent – body, mind and spirit.” They are essentially dead men walking, bonded to Zalos’ will and if you’re not yet thinking of the Nazgûl, I salute you. The shards of Aeowinar may have been crystal, but the familial connection between the original wielder and the latter parallels Narsil’s journey from Elendil to Aragorn. Instances such as these naturally made it difficult to remain fully engaged in Fanney’s work, but it doesn’t end with Tolkien.
The properties of the Wyrd Stone and the notion of a girl exorcising seven ‘demons’ also brought the Indigo Saga by Louise Cooper to my mind. As punishment for breaking an ancient law, Anghara Kaligsdaughter is charged with finding and eliminating the seven evil beings she released from the Tower of Regrets and one of the few tools at her disposal is a stone that both guides and aides her in her quest.
The writing itself is less mature than I like, but I’m not a young adult so I suppose I can’t split too many hairs. The phrasing is awkward and repetitive in places, but I’m not sure that sort of thing matters to Fanney’s target audience. I did like the characters. Lutheil isn’t perfect and boasts a truly unique motivation. Othalas, Vanye, and Melkion were equally atypical and I enjoyed the unusual quality their interactions brought the narrative, but that alone doesn’t outweigh the things I struggled with during my reading.
Othalas’ description of the Vyrl summoning “fell beasts from the depths – creatures of living flame called Malcor – who burned with the fire of their bodies” was eerily reminiscent of Durin’s Bane in the depths of Khazad-dûm. Each of the Seven is the keeper of a Wyrd Stone, which in Fanney’s universe is a magical artifact that was “corrupted by black art leaving [the owner] bent – body, mind and spirit.” They are essentially dead men walking, bonded to Zalos’ will and if you’re not yet thinking of the Nazgûl, I salute you. The shards of Aeowinar may have been crystal, but the familial connection between the original wielder and the latter parallels Narsil’s journey from Elendil to Aragorn. Instances such as these naturally made it difficult to remain fully engaged in Fanney’s work, but it doesn’t end with Tolkien.
The properties of the Wyrd Stone and the notion of a girl exorcising seven ‘demons’ also brought the Indigo Saga by Louise Cooper to my mind. As punishment for breaking an ancient law, Anghara Kaligsdaughter is charged with finding and eliminating the seven evil beings she released from the Tower of Regrets and one of the few tools at her disposal is a stone that both guides and aides her in her quest.
The writing itself is less mature than I like, but I’m not a young adult so I suppose I can’t split too many hairs. The phrasing is awkward and repetitive in places, but I’m not sure that sort of thing matters to Fanney’s target audience. I did like the characters. Lutheil isn’t perfect and boasts a truly unique motivation. Othalas, Vanye, and Melkion were equally atypical and I enjoyed the unusual quality their interactions brought the narrative, but that alone doesn’t outweigh the things I struggled with during my reading.
August 21, 2010
Fantasy is not normally my genre HOWEVER Luthiel's Song and Robert Fanney may just add it to my repertoire. I absolutely fell in love with Othalas and his gruff and grumpy way of showing his affection for his young Mistress Lutheil. He reminds me of my own dog who is Malamute/wolf with white eyes.
There are several morsels of very sage advice that come from very unlikely places such as the Vyrl, a very ravenous, blood thirsty beast of a race, and a 15 year old child just learning of her royal heritage.
I loved the dedication and included myself in it:
TO ALL OF THOSE WOMEN~
STRONG ENOUGH TO BE HEROES;
FAIR ENOUGH TO BE LADIES
THIS SONG IS FOR YOU
With Luthiel and her new found talisman and having her whole life, felt as if she never fit in, she has found herself adopted by a werewolf, a Sorcerer, The Vyrl, a rehabilitated Elf, and a stunted Dragon. One should have such a rich family tree.
Although, I found some of the names a bit difficult to pronounce, it was the beginning of a beautiful Epic and a Female Epic at that!
I have recommend it to my teenage daughter and will recommend to anyone looking for something to escape from the status quo. Gives you something to think about. What would you do faced with a decision between your life and and the life of someone you love? Could you exchange it for theirs? Would you? Hmmm.
Bravo Robert! Already half way through the next one! 8)
Ethos
Good Fortune
Dora
௵
My own Rune
There are several morsels of very sage advice that come from very unlikely places such as the Vyrl, a very ravenous, blood thirsty beast of a race, and a 15 year old child just learning of her royal heritage.
I loved the dedication and included myself in it:
TO ALL OF THOSE WOMEN~
STRONG ENOUGH TO BE HEROES;
FAIR ENOUGH TO BE LADIES
THIS SONG IS FOR YOU
With Luthiel and her new found talisman and having her whole life, felt as if she never fit in, she has found herself adopted by a werewolf, a Sorcerer, The Vyrl, a rehabilitated Elf, and a stunted Dragon. One should have such a rich family tree.
Although, I found some of the names a bit difficult to pronounce, it was the beginning of a beautiful Epic and a Female Epic at that!
I have recommend it to my teenage daughter and will recommend to anyone looking for something to escape from the status quo. Gives you something to think about. What would you do faced with a decision between your life and and the life of someone you love? Could you exchange it for theirs? Would you? Hmmm.
Bravo Robert! Already half way through the next one! 8)
Ethos
Good Fortune
Dora
௵
My own Rune
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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