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From Mountains of Ice
Sylvio spent the past decade banished from Simare’s court, stripped of land, ancestral home and title – from Minister of National Security to back-country bowyer. But not any bowyer; Sylvio creates bows from laminations of wood and human bone, bows that are said to speak, bows known as the legendary arcossi. And now, after a decade, he is called back to the capitol, summoned by his Prince whom he suspects is a patricide and insane. His very life is in danger and with it the country he has served through all his days. From Mountains of Ice is a story of love, endurance and the meaning of honour. From Mountains of Ice is an entertaining and original fantasy from Lorina Stephens, highly recommended. -Midwest Book Review …a non-stop ride filled with surprises at every turn. -The Little Red Reviewer Among the best fantasy books I’ve read in quite some time. -Brian Rathbone The Dawning of Power
- GenresFantasy
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
About the author
Lorina Stephens
21 books73 followersLorina Stephens has worked as editor, freelance journalist for national and regional print media, been a festival organizer, publicist, lectures on many historical topics from textiles to domestic technologies, teaches, and continues to work as a writer and artist.
Her short fiction has appeared in Polar Borealis, On Spec, Strangers Among Us, Postscripts to Darkness, Neo-Opsis, Stories of the Deluge, and Sword & Sorceress X.
Book credits include:
Tesseracts 22: Alchemy and Artifacts, co-editor with Susan MacGregor, Edge Publishing, 2019
The Rose Guardian, Five Rivers Publishing, 2019
Caliban, Five Rivers Publishing, 2018
Stonehouse Cooks, Five Rivers Publishing, 2011,
From Mountains of Ice, Five Rivers Publishing, 2009,
And the Angels Sang, Five Rivers Publishing, 2008,
Shadow Song, Five Rivers Publishing, 2008,
Recipes of a Dumb Housewife, Lulu Publishing 2007,
Credit River Valley, Boston Mills Press 1994
Touring the Giant’s Rib: A Guide to the Niagara Escarpment; Boston Mills Press 1993
You can follow her at:
fiveriverspublishing.com
@LorinaStephens
https://www.facebook.com/LorinaStephen...
Her short fiction has appeared in Polar Borealis, On Spec, Strangers Among Us, Postscripts to Darkness, Neo-Opsis, Stories of the Deluge, and Sword & Sorceress X.
Book credits include:
Tesseracts 22: Alchemy and Artifacts, co-editor with Susan MacGregor, Edge Publishing, 2019
The Rose Guardian, Five Rivers Publishing, 2019
Caliban, Five Rivers Publishing, 2018
Stonehouse Cooks, Five Rivers Publishing, 2011,
From Mountains of Ice, Five Rivers Publishing, 2009,
And the Angels Sang, Five Rivers Publishing, 2008,
Shadow Song, Five Rivers Publishing, 2008,
Recipes of a Dumb Housewife, Lulu Publishing 2007,
Credit River Valley, Boston Mills Press 1994
Touring the Giant’s Rib: A Guide to the Niagara Escarpment; Boston Mills Press 1993
You can follow her at:
fiveriverspublishing.com
@LorinaStephens
https://www.facebook.com/LorinaStephen...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 15, 2009
This is one of those books that needs to be reviewed on a number of levels seperately. While the book is from the fantasy genre according to the cover, it was really a fictionalized historical drama with a bit of mysticism that wouldn't be out of place on an episode of the Ghost Whisperer (from what I can tell of from the commercials) - no orcs or dragons, just some early 16th century talking with the dead.
The story I found pretty intriguing - Italian kingdoms from the 1500's or so that as any nation-states do have various factions battling for supremacy. One in particular has a prince become King through a bit of chicanery, and the prince leads the country to ruin. One of the trusted advisors from the bygone happy times is exiled during this period, and when it looks like he may be called upon to save the kingdom, is subject to a torturous and humiliating fate that he has to overcome using powers he didn't really dwell on previously. While others look to simply revolt, he uses the nations long history of certain abilities to right the ship, and somewhat sacrifices himself in the process, although all in all it's a happy ending to a pretty good story arc. The only proble with the story....I just typed the plot of Gladiator (the Russel Crowe movie) as well as the plot of this novel. May not be a complete ripoff, but a few too many similarities. All in all though, I thought the story was 4 stars worthy since using an all-time classic movie as a guide for a book isn't the worst idea I've seen.
The writing style, on the other hand, I just couldn't get in tune with. Early on I found it clunky (there's a word I'm sure the NY Times Book Review doesn't contain very often), with run-on type sentences next to two word phrases. On several occasions I had to backup and re-read a few sentences because the style of the writing had lead me to lose track of what was actually being described. As I got deeper into the story, I either got used to it, or it got better, but wasn't bothered as much. However, like a Tom Robbins book (although vastly different style), I have to review the style here seperately and can only give it 2 stars.
The tipping point for not going with the average 3 of the story vs writing style was found in my Sports Illustrated magazines. Doesn't make much sense, but when I finished the book, I had two SI's backed up plus a third coming the next day. The reason this is of note is that it means it took me three weeks to read what should have been a two-three day book. As much as I did find the story interesting, the fact that I couldn't knock out 100 pages at a time is a telling sign that there's just something off about this one. When I was able to read a 1000+ page "deep" novel like 2066 in less time than this 300 page fictionalized story took, there's something wrong. Thus, had to mark down to the 2 star level. There's definitely something here of value, but for me was buried under too much to really shine (and once I figured out the Gladiator parallels, it became a bit tough to be positive in total about the experience of reading this.)
The story I found pretty intriguing - Italian kingdoms from the 1500's or so that as any nation-states do have various factions battling for supremacy. One in particular has a prince become King through a bit of chicanery, and the prince leads the country to ruin. One of the trusted advisors from the bygone happy times is exiled during this period, and when it looks like he may be called upon to save the kingdom, is subject to a torturous and humiliating fate that he has to overcome using powers he didn't really dwell on previously. While others look to simply revolt, he uses the nations long history of certain abilities to right the ship, and somewhat sacrifices himself in the process, although all in all it's a happy ending to a pretty good story arc. The only proble with the story....I just typed the plot of Gladiator (the Russel Crowe movie) as well as the plot of this novel. May not be a complete ripoff, but a few too many similarities. All in all though, I thought the story was 4 stars worthy since using an all-time classic movie as a guide for a book isn't the worst idea I've seen.
The writing style, on the other hand, I just couldn't get in tune with. Early on I found it clunky (there's a word I'm sure the NY Times Book Review doesn't contain very often), with run-on type sentences next to two word phrases. On several occasions I had to backup and re-read a few sentences because the style of the writing had lead me to lose track of what was actually being described. As I got deeper into the story, I either got used to it, or it got better, but wasn't bothered as much. However, like a Tom Robbins book (although vastly different style), I have to review the style here seperately and can only give it 2 stars.
The tipping point for not going with the average 3 of the story vs writing style was found in my Sports Illustrated magazines. Doesn't make much sense, but when I finished the book, I had two SI's backed up plus a third coming the next day. The reason this is of note is that it means it took me three weeks to read what should have been a two-three day book. As much as I did find the story interesting, the fact that I couldn't knock out 100 pages at a time is a telling sign that there's just something off about this one. When I was able to read a 1000+ page "deep" novel like 2066 in less time than this 300 page fictionalized story took, there's something wrong. Thus, had to mark down to the 2 star level. There's definitely something here of value, but for me was buried under too much to really shine (and once I figured out the Gladiator parallels, it became a bit tough to be positive in total about the experience of reading this.)
March 7, 2011
""This stave of yew was something he knew. This he could coerce, cajole into something of beauty and value to his village and himself. Once he had encompassed more, shouldered more, had the weight of command and governmen and actions that dealt in very real human lives, and very real human deaths. Once. Not so long ago. With a different prince, in another life.
Again he returned to the stave, his finger lingering over the pale slivers of bone he'd laminted between layers of yew. Not just any bone there. The tibia of Vincenze's sister. He felt like a ghoul, despe the respect he'd gained as one of the rare few bowyers who could make the legendary acrossi. This was a skill he didn't seek. It sought him. And still he didn't understand how it was the dead could whisper to him, sigh in the background of his mind like whispers lost in he chatter of fall leaves.
He traced the lie of her bone, like a plae silver thread gleaming between layers of yew, feeling her spirit stir, aware of his reverence for the ancestors that watched over them all and hoping they knew i was ouf of ove for the and this land he plied his trade.
Beware!" -pg 7 "From Mountains of Ice"
It has been a while since I have read any fantasy novels. This one is well researched and a powerful read.
Again he returned to the stave, his finger lingering over the pale slivers of bone he'd laminted between layers of yew. Not just any bone there. The tibia of Vincenze's sister. He felt like a ghoul, despe the respect he'd gained as one of the rare few bowyers who could make the legendary acrossi. This was a skill he didn't seek. It sought him. And still he didn't understand how it was the dead could whisper to him, sigh in the background of his mind like whispers lost in he chatter of fall leaves.
He traced the lie of her bone, like a plae silver thread gleaming between layers of yew, feeling her spirit stir, aware of his reverence for the ancestors that watched over them all and hoping they knew i was ouf of ove for the and this land he plied his trade.
Beware!" -pg 7 "From Mountains of Ice"
It has been a while since I have read any fantasy novels. This one is well researched and a powerful read.
August 9, 2012
I received this book for free in exchange for a review.
From Mountains of Ice was a very well written book and an interesting read. The story was a good one but I perhaps wished it included more of the story behind the cucullatus which was a very interesting part of the book. The main character Sylvio was a good man and I became attached to him and his wife. I could have used a little more insight into the antagonist, Carmelo, who I felt that I should feel sorry for or should have been more angry at, but didn`t have enough time with him or background information to be able to feel anything for him.
This is not a fast read, requiring attention paid to details to be able to follow the story line. At times the author uses words that I had to stop and re-read the paragraph so that I could understand the meaning. It would have probably read easier (for me :} at least) if the language was a bit simplified.
Overall a good read and enjoyable story.
From Mountains of Ice was a very well written book and an interesting read. The story was a good one but I perhaps wished it included more of the story behind the cucullatus which was a very interesting part of the book. The main character Sylvio was a good man and I became attached to him and his wife. I could have used a little more insight into the antagonist, Carmelo, who I felt that I should feel sorry for or should have been more angry at, but didn`t have enough time with him or background information to be able to feel anything for him.
This is not a fast read, requiring attention paid to details to be able to follow the story line. At times the author uses words that I had to stop and re-read the paragraph so that I could understand the meaning. It would have probably read easier (for me :} at least) if the language was a bit simplified.
Overall a good read and enjoyable story.
April 17, 2021
This book was an excellent read. The world and its culture and mythology are fully realized. The characters are compelling and the story is riveting. If I had one complaint it would be that it’s too short. I wanted much more.
August 24, 2012
This book was a poor match for me. I became interested in reading it when I learned the hero was a bowyer and known for his skill at laminating his bows with slices of human bone, making weapons the dead could speak through — which is a ridiculously awesome-sounding premise — but the archery elements were pretty glossed over and I got less and less excited about the book as I read on. It's a very internally driven novel. I usually like books with a sharp focus on the characters, but I found the hero bland and uncertain which gave me little to focus on. Stephens seems to find politics fascinating and spent a lot of time exploring the economic aspects of her world, but reading those elements didn't move me to the same levels of enthusiasm.
I liked the flair of Italian Renaissance this story had, but not the writing style. Stephens' habit of sentence fragments drove me batty.
Two stars. I honestly didn't enjoy it, but your opinion may vary. I'd recommend Curse of the Chalion over it, though.
Quotes pulled from ISBN 9780986563027.
Additionals: to write out after reading one other recommended indy book.
A finished ecopy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, given through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program.
I liked the flair of Italian Renaissance this story had, but not the writing style. Stephens' habit of sentence fragments drove me batty.
At that he turned again to the possibility of trade talks, of the threat those Breenai still posed, out there beyond the mountains, plotting his ancestors knew what. Like the mountains themselves they were. An immensity instinctive in the bones and never really known. [p. 16]The story attempt seemed grand and broad, but the book never coalesced into coherence and the end result was book not terribly gripping for me. This would have been a DNF except for the fact I owed it a review.
Not just any bone there. The tibia of Vincenze's sister. He felt like a ghoul, despite the respect he'd gained as one of the rare few bowyers who could make the legendary arcossi. This was a skill he didn't seek. It sought him. [p. 17]
Two stars. I honestly didn't enjoy it, but your opinion may vary. I'd recommend Curse of the Chalion over it, though.
Quotes pulled from ISBN 9780986563027.
Additionals: to write out after reading one other recommended indy book.
A finished ecopy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, given through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program.
July 18, 2011
I received this book just in time to start vacation - and discovered that I'm now mere miles from the location of the author/self publisher. Which has nothing to do with the book, but demonstrates that it's a small and often weird world...
Stephens' setting of a world in which the dead can speak to the living through "bone-speakers" is a refreshing new (at least to me) concept. The basic principle is fairly standard fantasy - a prince whose dissolute lifestyle is ruining his country with larger neighbours who want to absorb the little principality and encourage his debt. The prince's actions lead to incipient revolution, but the addition of the bonespeakers to the mix adds a third side between the privileged and the oppressed - now the dead have a voice.
Sylvio di Danuto has to learn to tread a careful path between revolution & anarchy, to find a solution to his country's problems where the cure is not worse than the disease. In a fantasy, that's easily done. What's not so easily done is to convince the reader that - human nature being what it is - such a path is achievable in a "real" world. Lorina Stephens manages this very handily. I was sure, as I came close to the end of the book, that she was either going to have to resort to a deus ex machina, or a sequel (I'm not sure which I like less...), but no, without changing the pace we arrive at a very satisfying (if not necessarily happy) ending.
My only complaint comes from some of the interior whinging of the main character. When branded as a traitor - by agents of the aggressor nation - he considers his life to be essentially over, because everybody will know his shame. Yet, what reasoning person can consider that being branded a traitor by your enemies is shameful? Yeah, I know, people are rarely reasonable, but I expected better of him.
Stephens' setting of a world in which the dead can speak to the living through "bone-speakers" is a refreshing new (at least to me) concept. The basic principle is fairly standard fantasy - a prince whose dissolute lifestyle is ruining his country with larger neighbours who want to absorb the little principality and encourage his debt. The prince's actions lead to incipient revolution, but the addition of the bonespeakers to the mix adds a third side between the privileged and the oppressed - now the dead have a voice.
Sylvio di Danuto has to learn to tread a careful path between revolution & anarchy, to find a solution to his country's problems where the cure is not worse than the disease. In a fantasy, that's easily done. What's not so easily done is to convince the reader that - human nature being what it is - such a path is achievable in a "real" world. Lorina Stephens manages this very handily. I was sure, as I came close to the end of the book, that she was either going to have to resort to a deus ex machina, or a sequel (I'm not sure which I like less...), but no, without changing the pace we arrive at a very satisfying (if not necessarily happy) ending.
My only complaint comes from some of the interior whinging of the main character. When branded as a traitor - by agents of the aggressor nation - he considers his life to be essentially over, because everybody will know his shame. Yet, what reasoning person can consider that being branded a traitor by your enemies is shameful? Yeah, I know, people are rarely reasonable, but I expected better of him.
November 1, 2012
This is another book that I have to give a very mixed review to, mostly because the writing was kind of poor, when the concept was strong and interesting. I used to think that all I needed was a good idea to write about and I too could become an author. Books like this make me realize that a good idea isn't enough if you don't have the writing chops to back it up.
What drew me to this novel was the idea of a fantasy setting that was very similar to a real time and place in our world, in this case Renaissance Italy. My favourite Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay does this so well; I really wanted to find another author who could pull off this tricky setting. Stephens doesn't really draw me into the setting and as a result the world seems confused and complicated, with little to ground you in the story. I often thought that something as simple as a map illustration would have been beneficial, especially as the story gets geo-political.
About a third of the way through the story, finally the action picks up, but it fails to go anywhere. It wasn't episodic enough for me, more like a long string of events that don't seem to lead anywhere.
I did like the protagonist Sylvio, although he and his wife Aletta were a little too perfect as characters. What I wanted more than anything was more time with them to get to know them better. Carmelo's back story sounded intriguing if only the reader got a bit more of it to explain his actions. This is particularly hard to overcome because the plot rests so much on why he hates Sylvio.
With a rushed ending and next to no plot moments that I can even remember having read the book a few weeks ago, I can't recommend this book.
I received this book for review from Librarything Early Reviewers Giveaway.
What drew me to this novel was the idea of a fantasy setting that was very similar to a real time and place in our world, in this case Renaissance Italy. My favourite Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay does this so well; I really wanted to find another author who could pull off this tricky setting. Stephens doesn't really draw me into the setting and as a result the world seems confused and complicated, with little to ground you in the story. I often thought that something as simple as a map illustration would have been beneficial, especially as the story gets geo-political.
About a third of the way through the story, finally the action picks up, but it fails to go anywhere. It wasn't episodic enough for me, more like a long string of events that don't seem to lead anywhere.
I did like the protagonist Sylvio, although he and his wife Aletta were a little too perfect as characters. What I wanted more than anything was more time with them to get to know them better. Carmelo's back story sounded intriguing if only the reader got a bit more of it to explain his actions. This is particularly hard to overcome because the plot rests so much on why he hates Sylvio.
With a rushed ending and next to no plot moments that I can even remember having read the book a few weeks ago, I can't recommend this book.
I received this book for review from Librarything Early Reviewers Giveaway.
September 28, 2009
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
When I read the first couple of pages this book I was a bit concerned as I was bombarded with terms I did not know. Very soon, however, this problem disappeared and the story slipped into an excellent read.
The story is well described and set in a medieval fantasy world with a strong italian flavour. This strong feeling of Italian culture gives it a depth and believability. Weaved throughout this are interesting ideas such as people being able to communicate with the dead through their bones and people able to determine if someone is telling the truth or lying by sensing their feelings when they are talking to them.
The backdrop for the story is of a struggle between nations, an insane king, and the struggle of people on all sides to try to restore peace and a balance to their world. Ms Stephens has the ability to paint a very vivid picture without being verbose making the read an enjoyable one.
At the end of the book there is an excellent afterword where the author gives an insight into the process of writing the book and even a rundown of the music she was listening to providing an even greater sense of what she is trying to convey.
When I read the first couple of pages this book I was a bit concerned as I was bombarded with terms I did not know. Very soon, however, this problem disappeared and the story slipped into an excellent read.
The story is well described and set in a medieval fantasy world with a strong italian flavour. This strong feeling of Italian culture gives it a depth and believability. Weaved throughout this are interesting ideas such as people being able to communicate with the dead through their bones and people able to determine if someone is telling the truth or lying by sensing their feelings when they are talking to them.
The backdrop for the story is of a struggle between nations, an insane king, and the struggle of people on all sides to try to restore peace and a balance to their world. Ms Stephens has the ability to paint a very vivid picture without being verbose making the read an enjoyable one.
At the end of the book there is an excellent afterword where the author gives an insight into the process of writing the book and even a rundown of the music she was listening to providing an even greater sense of what she is trying to convey.
September 12, 2011
Lorina Stephens Did a wonderful job on this book.
Sylvio had lived in a land of Reena as he the teacher to a young prince Carmelo.Prince Carmelo has a few tragedies happen in his life and becomes the ruler in the process banishes Sylvio from the country.
Sylvio his wife Aletta. end up in a small country which is ruled over by Reena. Well it seems Sylvio and his wife are well know before the get to this small land and are received and welcomed with open arms. Aletta is a truth seer who swore that she would never use her skills on Sylvio.
Sylvio is a bow makes that puts a small piece of bone in the bow that help the user get what they are aiming for. I can not tell you why. you should read to find out.
Well Sylvio is called back to his home land and finds out that the Prince is seeking to do him harm so he is whisked away to the mountains while Aletta is whisked to by boat to the other side of them for safety. While on his trip of the 8mountain with his friend and comrade Vincenze many hazards meet them.
Well needless to say Sylvio finds himself and his friend on one adventure after another all through the book so I have to say you truly should pick up the book and go on their adventures with them
Sylvio had lived in a land of Reena as he the teacher to a young prince Carmelo.Prince Carmelo has a few tragedies happen in his life and becomes the ruler in the process banishes Sylvio from the country.
Sylvio his wife Aletta. end up in a small country which is ruled over by Reena. Well it seems Sylvio and his wife are well know before the get to this small land and are received and welcomed with open arms. Aletta is a truth seer who swore that she would never use her skills on Sylvio.
Sylvio is a bow makes that puts a small piece of bone in the bow that help the user get what they are aiming for. I can not tell you why. you should read to find out.
Well Sylvio is called back to his home land and finds out that the Prince is seeking to do him harm so he is whisked away to the mountains while Aletta is whisked to by boat to the other side of them for safety. While on his trip of the 8mountain with his friend and comrade Vincenze many hazards meet them.
Well needless to say Sylvio finds himself and his friend on one adventure after another all through the book so I have to say you truly should pick up the book and go on their adventures with them
July 24, 2011
Sylvio di Danuto was banned from Simare's court a decade ago. Stripped of all lands and titles, he lives quietly with his wife, Aletta, in Danuto. But when he gets a summons to return to court, he knows something is wrong. He suspects the prince is insane and may have killed his father. Now Sylvio is faced with tough choices which will effect, not only him, but the entire country.
From Mountains of Ice is set in a world that resembles the Italian Renaissance. It is a story about love: love between a man and a woman, for friends and country, for one's ancestors, and what happens when love and hate become entangled. It is also about honour and justice and sacrifice and the need to make difficult decision in difficult times.
I have only one small problem with this book. Stephens occasionally uses modern words which seem out of place in this otherwise beautifully written story. Soccer may have been played during the Renaissance but I found it somewhat jarring here. However, Stephens doesn't do this very often; certainly not often enough to keep me from recommending this book to all lovers of well-written fantasy.
From Mountains of Ice is set in a world that resembles the Italian Renaissance. It is a story about love: love between a man and a woman, for friends and country, for one's ancestors, and what happens when love and hate become entangled. It is also about honour and justice and sacrifice and the need to make difficult decision in difficult times.
I have only one small problem with this book. Stephens occasionally uses modern words which seem out of place in this otherwise beautifully written story. Soccer may have been played during the Renaissance but I found it somewhat jarring here. However, Stephens doesn't do this very often; certainly not often enough to keep me from recommending this book to all lovers of well-written fantasy.
July 25, 2011
On the blurb of this book it says 'a new cultural fantasy novel of love, endurance and the meaning of honour, set in an Italian Renaissance world' which is exactly what is deliviered in this book! I won it on Goodreads First Reads and was ecstatic when it arrived in the post as I was desperate to read it. I had high expectations of this book, and did it live up to these expectations?....Yes, it was everything I anticipated and more.
Lorina Stephens has written an origional novel which captivates the reader into the world of Sylvio and Aletta. Each character was well developed throughout the novel and as well as the united journey they all took, each person also endured their own personal journey of enlightenment and self acceptance. One of my favourite characters has to be little Passerapina who is faced with the challenging fate of being a bone speaker though despite this she is a fluffy character who is full of positive energy and the innocence of a child.
This novel will delight any avid reader and I reccommend that you read it.
Lorina Stephens has written an origional novel which captivates the reader into the world of Sylvio and Aletta. Each character was well developed throughout the novel and as well as the united journey they all took, each person also endured their own personal journey of enlightenment and self acceptance. One of my favourite characters has to be little Passerapina who is faced with the challenging fate of being a bone speaker though despite this she is a fluffy character who is full of positive energy and the innocence of a child.
This novel will delight any avid reader and I reccommend that you read it.
July 25, 2011
The alternate universe that Lorina Stephens has created as the setting for FROM MOUNTAINS OF ICE is an Italian rennaissance world in which communing with the dead and ancestor worship is an important part of society and Christianity does not exist. Simare, where this story takes place, has an insane monarch and the neighboring country of Breena seems on the verge of taking it over. This is the state of things when events force Sylvio Danuto, the former Minister of National Security, to do something to save his country.
Although the story generated tension and the interplay of religion and politics was interesting, I thought that the book was only good not great. If Goodreads had 1/2 stars, I would have given it two and one half, but I rounded up to three for inventiveness. Thanks Goodreads for another First Reads win!
Although the story generated tension and the interplay of religion and politics was interesting, I thought that the book was only good not great. If Goodreads had 1/2 stars, I would have given it two and one half, but I rounded up to three for inventiveness. Thanks Goodreads for another First Reads win!
September 16, 2009
By no means think of this as a very accurate review. How could it be? I didn't actually finish the book - in fact I didn't even complete the first half. I can only offer that the first half that I did read didn't do enough to retain my interest. If I hadn't won this on a giveaway I probably wouldn't have got as far as I did - but I persisted because I wanted to at least try to repay the free book with a review. Unfortunately I failed. I put the book down three times on the first page. Eventually it just got too hard to resist the pull of other things I could be reading, instead of this one that never really kept me in its world.
April 15, 2017
I liked this, but was not overly thrilled by it. I think there should have been a bit more explanation about the cuculatti--were they priests?-- but over all a fairly good read. Sadly for me, it became a bit too easy for me to put this down and a bit hard for me to pick it up again, so it will perhaps find others to ensnare as I sign it up for Bookcrossing and it journeys ever onward. :)
I did win this as a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks for the oppourtunity!
I did win this as a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks for the oppourtunity!
December 31, 2011
I received this book in a giveaway. If you are a fan of historical fiction/fantasy this a good book for you. If you can imagine the world from assassin's creed with witty dialogue and good character development you get this book. As you read you must keep track of everything otherwise when the action begins you will be really confused. This book is not slow to start and will engage you from the beginning.
September 12, 2011
it started out slow for me, couldn't really get into it because of all the politics. Although things started to pick up once sylvio was called back to the city.. i think its a good read overall, however, the political stuff did put me off in the beginning.. it was a bit tooo much.
overall rating for this book, 3.5 stars!
overall rating for this book, 3.5 stars!
October 31, 2009
First rate fantasy; I liked that the hero is a retired government minister, reluctantly brought back to help out in a national emergency, in contrast to the usual coming of age rubbish. Strong female characters, interesting magical system, Italian Renaissance setting. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2011
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway but unfortunately i just couldn't get into it. To be fair it is rather different from my usual genre so that's probably why but i will say that it was really well written!
April 11, 2013
I got this book free as a giveaway and wished I enjoyed it a little more than I did. The storyline wasn't bad but it wasn't incredibly exciting. The names of the people and places could get confusing if you don't pay close attention. Overall it was ok.
September 17, 2009
While this is generally not my favorite genre of book I did enjoy this one. The storyline is really interesting and the characters were very well developed.
April 11, 2011
likeeeeeeee..............ok
September 6, 2011
It was difficult to understand at first and i had to put it down and come back to it later, but in the end I enjoyed the story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews