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The Thirteenth House

(Twelve Houses #2)

Sharon Shinn

3.85 · Rating details · 5,019 ratings · 340 reviews

After joining an unlikely band of soldiers and sorcerers to rescue the kidnapped regent Romar Brendan, the shiftling Kirra returns home to learn that her half-sister, Casserah, has been proclaimed heir to the land. But when Casserah refuses to go on a social tour of great Houses, Kirra shifts into her sister's form and makes the rounds-during which she unexpectedly meets u ...more

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ebook, 496 pages

Published February 27th 2007 by Ace Books (first published March 7th 2006)

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· 5,019 ratings · 340 reviews

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Jul 09, 2018 Melindam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, wheelaton-5, fantasy-by-female-authors

Highly recommended to fans of the sword & sorcery / romantic fantasy genres.

4.5 stars

After reading the summary of the book & the reviews on goodreads, I thought I was not going to like this book much, but I am so glad to find I was wrong.

It was a great reading or rather an audiobook listening experince & Jennifer van Dyck does a fantastic job, again. Her voice is particularly suited to Sharonn Shinn’s world.

I liked Kirra in the first book, ”Mystic and Rider”, though she was far from being my fa Highly recommended to fans of the sword & sorcery / romantic fantasy genres.

4.5 stars

After reading the summary of the book & the reviews on goodreads, I thought I was not going to like this book much, but I am so glad to find I was wrong.

It was a great reading or rather an audiobook listening experince & Jennifer van Dyck does a fantastic job, again. Her voice is particularly suited to Sharonn Shinn’s world.

I liked Kirra in the first book, ”Mystic and Rider”, though she was far from being my favourite character. I still liked her in this installment, despite - and against her better judgement – her becoming involved with the married regent of Gillengaria, Romar Brendyn. I couldn’t find it in my heart to condemn her, but as their relationship is kind of futile from the very beginning, I did not find their particular storyline compelling either. Having to listen to their long and in a way pointless conversations was rather tedious. But for listening to the audiobook, I would have skipped these parts fully. I agree with other reviewers that their relationship seemed to be based much more on lust/infatuation than actual love (from Romar’s side definitely) & their hurting others as well as themselves was painfully obvious to everyone else around them.

It is a pity that Donal remained a cypher in this book with no POV. We could catch glimpses of him, but always through Kirra’s eyes and even though what I saw, I liked, he mostly stayed an absent figure, sadly character-less, while Romar’s presence, though much less positive (mostly selfish, irrational and demanding), was always strong and definite. Still, there are some rare, but wonderful & commanding scenes between Kirra and Donnal that show just how unbreakable their bond is.

However, the majority of the story (and even this part, combined with the rest) was superbly written. It was great to have the circle of friends (Senneth, Tayse, Justin, Cammon, Kirra & Donnal) back together again and experience their bond of friendship and trust growing even stronger. Their party is joined by the intriguing characters of Princess Amalie – daughter & heir of King Barryn – and her stepmother, Queen Valry, who is fiercely protective of her and who has secrets of her own. (Surely she must be from the Lyrrens).
Together they are setting off to visit the – mostly hostile or wavering - Southern Houses to introduce the princess who hasn’t set foot outside the court yet, to defend her from any danger that they might encounter on the journey. It is all superbly orchestrated by Shinn. The political tension & stakes are even higher than in the first book with Halchon Gisseltess plotting unceasingly against the King & Coralinda Gisseltess gaining even wider influence with her creepy and dangerously attractive religious fundamentalism. There are two wonderful scenes where they both try to intimidate Amalie in their own ways and she stands up to them both & shows surprising skill & delicacy in dealing with them.
Also the scene between Senneth & Halchon’s long-suffering & intimidated wife, Sabina is a great surprise and joy to read and her actual story almost had me in tears. (view spoiler) The confrontation between Halchon and Romar is spectacular & tense.

But the nicest surprise of all was the character development of Justin. Wow – that was also subtley shown, sometimes just hinted at & then suddenly you see him doing things for his friends=family that just takes your breath away. Some of his scenes with Kirra were definitely my favourites.

The end is also moving and exciting (view spoiler) but the mystic power – even though it is used for healing - & its potential threat to those without these gifts once again raises the stakes of war. ...more

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Feb 13, 2014 Christine PNW rated it it was ok · review of another edition

29/2014

Preferred book 1.

I have a problem with married men who cheat. Even if the main character is absolutely wondrously beautiful and awesome in every way, and so much more amazing that the man's wife.

Because: commitment. Integrity. Honor. ...more

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Jan 15, 2017 Melindam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-by-female-authors, fantasy, audiobook

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Apr 22, 2008 Shana rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I only read this in the sense that I desperately skipped to the end and skimmed enough middle bits that I will be able to pick up the plot when and if I choose to continue on with the third book in the series. Kirra Danalustrous, the main character of this book, wasn't even close to my favorite of the six originally introduced in Mystic and Rider, the first book in the series. However, I never expected the author to so butcher her character and make her completely repulsive to me. The entire boo I only read this in the sense that I desperately skipped to the end and skimmed enough middle bits that I will be able to pick up the plot when and if I choose to continue on with the third book in the series. Kirra Danalustrous, the main character of this book, wasn't even close to my favorite of the six originally introduced in Mystic and Rider, the first book in the series. However, I never expected the author to so butcher her character and make her completely repulsive to me. The entire book occurs with a backdrop of increasingly likely civil war and the plots that Kirra and her friends are able to uncover. The most memorable part, however, concerns Kirra's affair with Romar Brendyn, regent of the kingdom and very married man. I understand that Shinn was trying to showcase Kirra's passionate nature and that her faults are as much a part of her as any of her virtues. But I just wanted to throw the book across the room. Her stubborn clinging to the doomed relationship and her neglect of the man who loves her most in the world make Kirra almost unbearable to read about. And Romar Brendyn's insistence on continuing with the farce makes it impossible for me to see him as the charming and compelling man that Shinn clearly expects the reader to love along with Kirra. Maybe it's just me. I know it's possible to find other people attractive while you are in a committed relationship, it may even be possible to love another person. But to act on that, when it is not within the previously defined boundaries of your current relationship, just pisses me off. All that "I just couldn't control myself" excuse-making strikes me as complete bullshit. I certainly don't want to read about it. Overall verdict: Shinn keeps the upcoming war and the future fate of the kingdom of Gillengaria compelling and that, and the characters I like--likely featured in at least one of the next novels--will probably keep me reading the series. But it will take a lot for this character to redeem herself in my eyes. ...more

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Mar 02, 2011 Miss Clark rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This second book in the Twelve Houses series was one I desperately wished could have been skipped, but it was necessary to read it. There is some truly wonderful character interaction and development for Justin and Cammon, and we meet Amalie at last (and what an intriguing, fascinating character) and we see more of Valri (she has to be Lirren!), which is cool, and Senneth and Tayse are with the group. Donnal and Kirra are there as well and they all make the social rounds as they escort Amalie to This second book in the Twelve Houses series was one I desperately wished could have been skipped, but it was necessary to read it. There is some truly wonderful character interaction and development for Justin and Cammon, and we meet Amalie at last (and what an intriguing, fascinating character) and we see more of Valri (she has to be Lirren!), which is cool, and Senneth and Tayse are with the group. Donnal and Kirra are there as well and they all make the social rounds as they escort Amalie to all the Houses for balls and parties, introducing her into society and all. The book is highly political, which makes it feel a lot longer than it is, but I really like the core group and how they act around one another and what they mean to each other, which is why Kirra's actions throughout were very disturbing. I loved Casserah! Her relationship to Kirra and her very unique personality, which could have been dull and cold came across as intense, focused, calm, loving and loyal, and so very fiercely autonomous. Irrespective of all other opinions and strictures, she just is herself, more so than Kirra I felt, whose acceptance among the Houses controls her behavior more than once in the book.

Overall, Amalie is getting out and being seen and people want to kill her and/or the regent. Lots of attacks, they are all fended off, Kirra's uncle is the ringleader, Kirra is displaced as heir so Casserah is now to take over Danalustrous when the ever amazing Malcolm should step down, Halchon gets off his property and harasses Amalie and Senneth, though Amalie manages both him and his sister Coralinda beautifully and so understatedly just dismisses them, making it clear she has no fear of them. War is still looming by the end.

Kirra is attracted to Romar, the regent-to-be for his niece Amalie, and he in turn, married just a year, is clearly attracted to her. And do they say,"Well, here is a disaster waiting to happen. We should probably stay away from private dalliances and flirting every time we see each other, shouldn't we?" No, instead, they flirt half the book, then enter into an affair that lasts until the very last chapter. There are so very many things about this that bothered me. First of all, Romar is married! And the man who would be regent, the man everyone blathers on and on about being honourable and just and such a good man, is betraying his wife over and over and over. What sort of man with any honor would act in such a way? He himself says he would never harm his loved ones for anything less than the greater good of the kingdom, but he turns around and has an affair that it is made clear is injuring his wife deeply - a woman who loves him and has never done anything other than be an exemplary wife. The man is a first-rate coward and cretin and clearly, despite his protestations that he "loves" Kirra, he just wants to have her for sex. I am sorry to be so blunt, but they never talk - they just "make love". Romar has no concern for her emotional well-being (never mind his WIFE'S), but only wants to spend every possible moment with her making out. He makes it clear he will never leave his wife(Oh, he is too HONOURABLE to do something like THAT), but that he and Kirra can "be together" as much as possible, by which he means that anytime they are in the same vicinity they'll spend the night "in each other's arms". This man has no true love or concern for either woman - his wife or his mistress. He'll use them both and ultimately cares only for sating his desire for Kirra, not his love. By the end of this book I never wanted to hear the word love used again. Listening to these two misuse the word to cover their own selfish, disgusting behavior was so sickening. I wanted to yell at them the whole time to suck it up and call it what it was. So, yeah, no respect for either of those two, especially for Kirra whom up to that point I had actually liked. Which it made it all the worse. But she used her "I am an independent, restless, passionate soul" and the "I'm in looooooove" cards to excuse her behavior in willfully engaging in an illicit liaison with a man she knew was married (as happily as a man with such a screwed up personality - one which clearly was all about him - was ever going to be). She knew it was wrong, she says as much when she realized she was attracted to him, but she does it anyway and once she is in it and it just feels so good, her desires and her "need" for Romar is just so strong and suddenly it is "Love you haters and how can you deny me Love? How? How dare you have anything to say to me? I am a free spirit so you can't tell me what to do! I love him! I don't care who it hurts!" And Justin tries to tell her. Even Tayse. I was quite proud of them. Esp. Justin for calling her on it and telling her this was wrong and that she, who she really was, was lost on this path she was choosing. And Justin's whole conversation with her (chapter 32) was surprising but very needed. I was so proud of him for saying it and truly trying to help Kirra even when he knew she would just throw it back in his face. Donnal at least had the self-respect to get away from her (sort of). But Cammon and Senneth were just all sympathetic and I was pretty thoroughly fed up with that attitude. I wanted them to at least say something to her, anything rather than just comforting her whenever she was upset or saying, "Oh, this will hurt you down the road, I wish you would not put yourself through this." Yeah, true, but just reinforces the self-centered, bratty behavior that got her to that position, as if her wants and feelings are the end all and be all. There were larger things at stake and for Cammon and Senneth to be so absent from being a part of pointing that out was wrong. And then there was the whole Donnal and Kirra situation. He loves her and she just treats him like dirt, like a plaything. She takes him for granted and refuses to love him in return b/c of the disparity in their social positions and she could not bring herself to be ostracized by her peers for such a relationship. Real independent and free-spirited. Yeah. More like cowardly and pathetic. And that whole situation is never really resolved with Donnal, which I think really needs to be addressed. I just hated how horrible Kirra and other characters were throughout, masking their petty, nasty behavior in empty terms of love and care and concern and I hated how that changed my view of them. A lot of anger and frustration. So, this had a few really good moments in overall series plot story, but personally was very painful and aggravating to read and I doubt if I will ever be able to see the characters in the same way again. And I really doubt I'll read this again if I can possibly avoid it.

Advisory: Mature content. Desire to injure fictional characters may occur.

2019: I didn't really believe myself about how bad this one is. I should have.

Note to self: Do not bother reading this again just in case you missed something. You didn't. It is really vexing and makes you despise most of the characters except for Justin who has his ethics and common sense intact and is not going to shut up just because Kirra wants him to. Unlike Senneth who is all "Oh, poor girl. You really oughtn't." But won't actually tell her it is wrong. Not merely ill advised.

Team Justin all the way! ...more

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Feb 22, 2013 ❀angela rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, nook, high-fantasy, seriously-pissed-me-off, wish-list, romance

I was prepared to give this two stars, considered giving it one star when my resentment for Kirra peaked. But I'm not going to condemn this book for featuring adultery, when the author doesn't even promote it.

As King Baryn said, "Most trouble in this world is caused by people wanting something not currently in their possession." Kirra's affair with a married man wasn't about their irresistible attraction to each other and how they "just couldn't help it"; it was about Kirra overcoming her selfi ...more

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Sep 07, 2020 Charlotte marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Kirra is my GIRL. Can't wait to read about her being an icon and charmingly making terrible decisions. ...more

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Nov 27, 2007 Tina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sff-fantasy, audiobook

The Thirteenth House is the second book in the Twelve Houses series following the excellent Mystic and Rider.

Halchon Gisseltess, Marlord of one of the twelve houses, is fomenting rebellion in the south having pretty much admitted to Senneth that he wants to be king and, oh by the way, he wants to kill his wife and make Senenth his queen. His Sister Coralinda has named herself Lestra (a kind of Mother Superior) of the Daughters of the Pale Moon a Convent/cult that reveres the Moon Goddess and des The Thirteenth House is the second book in the Twelve Houses series following the excellent Mystic and Rider.

Halchon Gisseltess, Marlord of one of the twelve houses, is fomenting rebellion in the south having pretty much admitted to Senneth that he wants to be king and, oh by the way, he wants to kill his wife and make Senenth his queen. His Sister Coralinda has named herself Lestra (a kind of Mother Superior) of the Daughters of the Pale Moon a Convent/cult that reveres the Moon Goddess and despises mystics. She has her own army that she sends around to kill mystics. People whisper that King Baryn's new wife is a mystic who has ensorcelled him and that his daughter, young Princess Amalie would be unfit to reign should he die.

The band of six friends, Tayse, Senneth, Kirra, Donnal, Justin and Cammon have returned from their journeys and reported about the unrest in the realm to the King. They have separated, reluctantly, and gone on about their business. Tayse and Justin back to the elite King's guard. Cammon has settled into the royal city to learn new Mystic Skills. Senneth had been ordered by the King to reunite with her family. She does so but she drags her lover Tayse along. Kirra has been summoned by her father, the powerful Marlord Malcolm Dannalustrous to come home. So she and Donnal return to Dannan Hall.

Once there Kirra learns that her father has decided to name her younger sister Casserah as his heir. Kirra as the eldest would normally be expected to rule, but she has incurable wanderlust and wouldn't be a good ruler. But Casserah, though capable of ruling, is quite reclusive. She hates to leave Dannaloustrous lands and in these troublesome times, they need to strengthen diplomatic bonds and Casserah needs to marry. So Malcolm, Casserah and Kirra hatch a plan. Kirra will travel during the summer entertainment season shape-shifted as her sister to have people meet Casserah and possibly catch a husband. Donnal, never far from Kirra, will also accompany her.

In the meantime, The King has decided that his queen Valri and his daughter Amalie must also travel around to the twelve houses during the Summer entertainment season so that people can see them and meet them and it may allay some fears about the queen and the succession. He taps Senneth to accompany them along with the man he appoints as Regent in the case Amalie should need to rule, Romar Brendyn, and a large security detail that includes some of his elite Riders (Tayse and Justin included, natch). Cammon, having been shown to be quite valuable as a reader also accompanies them.

So the six friends find themselves once again on the road in the service of the King. Only this time instead of riding and camping in stealth, they travel in high style to go to parties and balls. And as a bonus we catch up on the friends and watch their relationship ties deepen even further. It is also nice to see the queen and the princess as characters and not just people that were talked about like in the last book. They are quite surprising characters too.

While the last book was unmistakably Senneth's story, this one is Kirra's. We learn a lot more about the sunny, feckless, fiercely loyal Serra Kirra. I enjoyed her story but I also turned each page with a bit more romantic trepidation. Not because it is a bad story, but because as a reader you sit back and watch tragedy unfold as Kirra embarks upon an ill-fated romance. As I was reading I just knew that it would not end well. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. Shinn does yet another good job to letting the story unfold, letting the stakes pile up so that the consequences will be even greater.

I highly recommend. ...more

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Feb 05, 2010 Opemi rated it it was ok · review of another edition

so the more i read the more distressed i get because i can already tell what is going to happen. I liked kirra in book one not as much as senneth but still she seemed so much more mature in book one.

When i realized that book two was going to be about her and not continuing with senneth or staring with cammon i was disappointed. I pretty much hate Kirra for the duration of the book she doesnt seem as smart or as mature, she seems silly and acts like a child. And her so called prince charming is a ...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Joy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 21c, american, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sequel to Mystic and Rider. Kirra, a shiftling, impersonates her sister during the Twelve Houses' social seasons--partly so her sister, Casserah, can stay home (which Casserah vastly prefers) and partly to help protect the princess Amalie during her tour of Gillengaria. In the process she falls in love with Romar Brendyn, Amalie's uncle and the regent-to-be. Romar is already married, however, so that can't end well.

This book had some serious structural difficulties. While the general arc (Amalie ...more

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Jan 15, 2011 Melissa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, clean-romances, fantasy, girl-adventure-magic

A great series! These are Adult fantasy, adventure, romance books that are fun, fast passed and an all around great read! You can not help but love the characters in this series.
Reread- 2/28/2017- This is my least favorite book in this series. Not because of the writing or the characters but the story line is one I personally have trouble with. The story is set around Kira one of the highest born ladys of the land, who is a little spoiled and selfish and trys hard not to be, but somethings can't ...more

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Feb 15, 2020 Barbara Dubravec rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow. I love this series so much! I think this has become one of my top fantasy series, and I'm only two books in. I just want to throw all the other ones to the side and be like "READ THESE!" Not that I would do that, but that's how I feel, because darn it this gang is the best. ...more

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Jun 11, 2014 Alyssa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, all-time-favs, favorites

Contrary to many of the other reviews... I actually loved this book. Did Kirra make poor decisions? Yes. Did Kirra act selfishly? Yes. Do I love Kirra anyway? Yes. Did she pay the consequences of her poor decisions? Yes. We all make the unwise, selfish decisions sometime in our life. We all overlook and underestimate something priceless that is right in front of us. (Ok, maybe not ALL of us, but some of us are definitely not saints and never claim to be. Mwah) And hell, she's 25. I think that wa ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Gosh, I just love Kirra! I love these characters and the love that they have for each other! I cannot wait to read the next one in the series! I don’t want it to end ♥️

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Oct 21, 2012 jD rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, fantasy_adventure_worldbuilding, fantasy_romance, fantasy_myths, 2012_5-stars

In this second installment of the Twelve Houses series, Ms. Sharon Shinn writes a lovely, though ill-advised love story. The heroine, Kira won my interest in book one so I was happy to jump into the pages of her story.

Kira is a shape-shifter and healer but most importantly, she is a daughter of one of the Twelve Houses. She is viewed by others as beautiful and restless. But for me, her intelligence and courage are what makes Kirra's such a natural heroine. Kirra is very loyal to her family, frie In this second installment of the Twelve Houses series, Ms. Sharon Shinn writes a lovely, though ill-advised love story. The heroine, Kira won my interest in book one so I was happy to jump into the pages of her story.

Kira is a shape-shifter and healer but most importantly, she is a daughter of one of the Twelve Houses. She is viewed by others as beautiful and restless. But for me, her intelligence and courage are what makes Kirra's such a natural heroine. Kirra is very loyal to her family, friends, and House. So it is no surprise to see her in the thick of things as war looms over her country and danger comes to the Mystics who are those gifted with magic. The story starts with Kirra participating in the rescue of the Regent, Romar. He surprises Kira from the start as she is wowed by his determination and willingness to take responsibility for those around him. He is a rare noble in that he has a big heart and is willing to die for his King and niece the Princess. He is perfect in every way except he is married.

Kira is not the type of woman who would screw around with someone’s husband so I was anxious how Ms. Shinn was going to make this work. As it turned out, Ms. Shinn knew Kira better than me so she had the story well in hand every turn of the page. My heart went out to these two. I wondered how it was going to work out. I also ached for Donnel, Kira’s childhood friend who is also a shifter. They are so close and it was always clear that he loved her but he was born in the wrong zip code of the kingdom. Kira was in a bind no matter which way she went. She didn’t want to fall in love but she did and it was glorious. I felt this story was very mature based on the subject matter but Ms. Shinn kept it pretty much PG-13 if not less.

Most of the book was about Kira and Donnel’s activities but eventually the band got back together. I enjoyed having Suneth, Tayse, Cammon, and Justin join the story. I love this ensemble of characters because they feel very real. The land of Gillengaria is full of adventure, political intrigue, and backstabbing nobles. There is no heavy-handed fantasy aspects that bogged down the story. I found there was plenty to stimulate this read’s imagination although some readers may want greater detail about the varied cultures that make up the realm.

At its soul, this story is about friendship for me. The relationship these characters share is a bond that many times is the difference between life and death. Of course, there are the necessary ‘tea and sympathy’ chats that further revealed the ease in which they care for one another.

As soon as I read the last few lines, I immediately went to the library to grab book three which is about Justin.
...more

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Jul 23, 2018 Katey Moore rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I was both pleasantly surprised and blown to bits by the second installment of the Twelve Houses series. I had heard mixed reviews about this particular book, but I have to say I loved it and loved Kirra more and more as the story evolved. These six characters are just too perfect, and I have already snatched up book three.

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May 03, 2020 Ameaka rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 30, 2017 Emma Rose Ribbons rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fantasy, royalty-and-aristocracy

Reread in June 2020 - I love you, Kirra.

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Reread in January 2020 - Kirra is easily the most fun-loving character in the Twelve Houses series so naturally you'd expect a light and cheerful novel for her. This book is a hard sell - Kirra makes a lot of wrong choices in this book, she doesn't travel as herself for most of it, she loses someone close to her, and it's got truly heartbreaking moments by the end. However, it was an important book for character growth and as much as I loved other books Reread in June 2020 - I love you, Kirra.

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Reread in January 2020 - Kirra is easily the most fun-loving character in the Twelve Houses series so naturally you'd expect a light and cheerful novel for her. This book is a hard sell - Kirra makes a lot of wrong choices in this book, she doesn't travel as herself for most of it, she loses someone close to her, and it's got truly heartbreaking moments by the end. However, it was an important book for character growth and as much as I loved other books more, the plot in this is just excellent, I love plots about conspiracy and betrayals, and this had plenty. Also loved all the new secondary characters and it's always a treat to see Senneth, Tayse, Cammon and Justin. Always, always. They're friends to me.

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I had to take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for the last part of this book. It's so powerful. I loved this so much. Kirra grows A LOT in this novel and we get a lot of wonderfully complex secondary characters (Casserah, Amalie, Valri, Eloise, Sabina, Kirra's family on her mother's side) and complex plots (the red fever, Cammon's newfound abilities and more). It's a rich, rich world and I couldn't love our core characters more. Justin in particular changes a lot in this book and becomes really likeable.

----- Original review

Happy 2018 everyone! I finished this yesterday right before an evening of board games and champagne. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. One of the best things I like about Sharon Shinn is that she focuses on characters developed as main protagonists in one book and then they'll become secondary characters in other books.You know them so well by the end. This book focused on Kirra Danalustrous (don't you just love this name) Kirra was my favourite character along with Senneth from the first book and it was a treat to have her back. The relationships in this are so well detailed and the political intrigue gets even better. I'm so thankful for these books. They're bringing me such happiness. I can't read anything else as long as I haven't finished the series, it feels like hanging out with friends.
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Exceptional. I have no words. This made me sob so much, so now I've got to redo my mascara, put on a red lip, a splash of scent and head off to my group of friends' New Year's Eve party. Review to come. ...more

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Apr 12, 2007 Ann rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Thirteenth House is the second book from Sharon Shinn in her Twelve Houses series. It focuses on the shapeshifter noblewoman Kira Danalustrous as she takes the form of her recluse sister and travels the court circuit as part of the entourage of recluse Princess Amalie. Also in tow are her friends from the last novel Mystic and Rider. Along the way, she discoverers forbidden love and heaps of betrayal.

From the reviews at Amazon, people either loved or hated this book. After reading those re ...more

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Apr 27, 2009 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: high-fantasy

Book Two in the Twelve House series was pretty enjoyable…for the most part. This book has a similar format, in that the six main characters (and a few extras) are again traveling through Gillengaria. Only this time they are escorting the Princess to some of the Twelve Houses to attend the summer balls. It did get a little old as they traveled from house to house, but it was still entertaining and the political intrigue kept my attention. Kirra takes on the appearance of her sister, Casserah, for Book Two in the Twelve House series was pretty enjoyable…for the most part. This book has a similar format, in that the six main characters (and a few extras) are again traveling through Gillengaria. Only this time they are escorting the Princess to some of the Twelve Houses to attend the summer balls. It did get a little old as they traveled from house to house, but it was still entertaining and the political intrigue kept my attention. Kirra takes on the appearance of her sister, Casserah, for the majority of the book. This got a little old after awhile, it would have been a good idea for a shorter time period, but I felt it was drawn out a little too long. The other six weren’t really present that much and I missed the “magic” that comes when they are all together. I’m a bit upset about the direction Kirra’s character took and am debating about reading the next books….okay, I’ll still read them because Justin is next and I’m excited to see things from his perspective. I’ve always liked Justin and if it wasn’t for Donnal, I’d want Kirra to be with him. Anyway, overall a good second book, I’d have rated it higher if it weren’t for stupid, womanizer Romar.

Spoilers & Disappointments
Kirra is one of my favorite characters, in book one I just loved Kirra’s character and was so excited to find out book two would be from her perspective. So, I was completely disappointed in her falling in love with Romar…or as I like to call him “roamer” (since he tends to roam away from his loving wife to shack up with Kirra). It was frustrating to read about their growing relationship, which to me was based more on lust than love. What they had was not love and it was unpleasant to read about. It really tainted my opinion of Kirra and I really couldn’t stand Romar. I felt so sad for Donnal, and wanted to shout at Kirra for her double standard. Claiming she couldn’t be with Donnal because he was poor and yet she could be with a married man? Duh. The last thing I’ll say is that they both got off too easy, especially Romar. He felt no guilt, remorse or anything. He got off way too easy. As for Kirra, she also got off to easy, and I don’t feel she really learned her lesson or the seriousness of her behavior. She doesn’t deserve Donnal.
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Jan 26, 2009 Michelle rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2009

Book two after 'Mystic and Rider' in the 12 Houses series was a definite surprise to me. A wonderful, good and edge of my seat surprise.

Kirra has returned home from her travels in book one, to discover that her father has decided to name her younger sister heir. But her sister Casserah is a bit of a homebody and so sends Kirra (who is a shape shifter) as Casserah to go on a tour of the different Houses to do a kind of meet and greet. Rumors of war still abound as Kirra tries to determine just w ...more

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Jan 19, 2011 Erin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-romance

I've never hated being the perspective of a main character more. And I read Twilight. Terribly vain and insensitive, I only read this one to better understand the next books better. But it was a great effort because I hate her so. Started off with a mild dislike, and ended it wanting to take a metallic bat to her face. But I digress... ...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Sasha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, quotes

But he would be back soon. He always returned to her. 88

Maybe the respite, though brief, was bountiful. Maybe it would ease the whole family through one week, or two, give them back a measure of peace, remind them that love could be free of pain. / Maybe not. Maybe the gift would be unbearably bitter as it broke in their hands, as the illness returned with redoubled force, choking the child’s lungs, twisted his limbs. Maybe magic was a bright sparkling lure that drew the unwary deep into haunted ...more

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Jan 08, 2021 Olga Godim added it · review of another edition

Shelves: did-not-finish, fantasy-scifi

DNF
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Attention: spoilers ahead!
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I tried reading this book several times. This time, I got almost to the middle, then skimmed ahead and read the last few chapters. I know how the story goes, so I feel entitled to write a review.
I disliked this book. Intensely. I have to admit that in general, I love this author. I read all her books, and re-read many of them more than once, but this novel just didn’t work for me.
The protagonist Kirra Danalustrous appeared in ot DNF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attention: spoilers ahead!
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I tried reading this book several times. This time, I got almost to the middle, then skimmed ahead and read the last few chapters. I know how the story goes, so I feel entitled to write a review.
I disliked this book. Intensely. I have to admit that in general, I love this author. I read all her books, and re-read many of them more than once, but this novel just didn’t work for me.
The protagonist Kirra Danalustrous appeared in other books of this series, and I always liked her, but in this book, her own book, she disgusted me. And not for the reason most reviewers give this novel such a low rating.
Aside from all the fantasy adventures of the plot, the main focus of the story is on Kirra’s love affair with a married man, Romar. Many reviewers disapprove of adultery on principle and point it out in their reviews. I don’t have anything against loving someone who is married. Love comes to us in all guises, no matter what our beloved’s family situation is. More: I think that in a three-sided relationship, the official marriage certificate shouldn’t matter. If of the three persons involved two have a chance to be happy together, they should grab it and resolve the situation as painlessly as possible for the third one.
On the personal level, I can’t imagine a more unhappy life for myself than if my husband loved someone else but stayed with me out of duty. Had sex with me out of duty or pity. Argh! I would’ve kicked him out the door myself. So I have no intrinsic objections to Kirra loving a married guy. She felt guilty over it, I respect that. What made me furious with her was how she resolved the conflict.
She could’ve just ended the affair if she couldn’t stand the guilt. Instead, she used her magic to erase Romar’s love for her from his head and heart. She made his affections, his joy, his passion disappear without a trace just because she could. She denied him the right to choose for himself, the right to his pain and his desires. Even the right to his memories. She nullified his free will without his knowledge. She treated him not as a man but as a toy she was free to make or break or change. And that I can’t forgive. Her actions in the end repulsed me, which led to me disliking the entire book. ...more

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Mar 20, 2010 Chachic rated it liked it · review of another edition

Originally posted here.

The Thirteenth House is the second book in the Twelve Houses series by Sharon Shinn. Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. Don't even read the summary for this book because it contains spoilers. I made the mistake of doing that and I think I would have had a better r Originally posted here.

The Thirteenth House is the second book in the Twelve Houses series by Sharon Shinn. Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. Don't even read the summary for this book because it contains spoilers. I made the mistake of doing that and I think I would have had a better reading experience if I had no idea of what was going to happen. Mystic and Rider focused on two of the six companions in the Twelve Houses series, Senneth and Tayse. The Thirteenth House is all about the serramarra Kirra and there's a bit about Donnal too because he's always beside Kirra.

The novel starts with an adventure for Kirra, Donnal, Justin and Cammon. They've been requested by the king to rescue an important figure in the realm. Kirra is her usual fun-loving self although she manages to pull off being serious in the face of danger. I really liked Kirra's character and I was looking forward to reading more about her. She's such a vibrant character, so full of life. I did enjoy the fact that the other characters were present in this one, makes me feel like the characters are old friends. We get to know more about them as the whole gang tags along with Senneth as she accompanies the princess to tour the realm. Like I said, I liked Kirra's personality but I didn't think she made wise decisions in matters of the heart. I couldn't root for her romance and was actually wondering how Sharon Shinn would pull off the ending. I was satisfied with the book as a whole. I still haven't fallen in love with the series at this point but I like it well enough to continue with the rest of the books. I would have liked to have more of Donnal in Kirra's story since he doesn't get to have his own book. I feel like we don't get to know enough about him.

In the first book, readers saw the Twelve Houses world through the stealthy travels of the companions. In this book, readers are given a glimpse of the nobility, the fine houses that they live in and the political intrigue that's tied with their way of life. The plot hinting at possible war continues with the added complication of members of the Thirteenth House, the lesser nobles of the Houses. This is the kind of series that makes you want to read the books one right after the other to grasp the overall story arc. Also, when you've invested in the characters, you just want to stick with them until you reach the end of their story. I'm actually in the middle of the third book, which is about Justin, but I've been put it on hold to read some other things. I hope to get back to it soon. Recommended for epic fantasy fans who enjoy reading series. ...more

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Feb 27, 2020 Eric Linnell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I absolutely adore these characters! This book heightens the tensions around the kingdom while giving us even more time with our favorite Mystics and Riders!

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Apr 10, 2011 Josie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I actually enjoyed this more than the first in the series, possibly because I already knew most of the characters, and didn't have to spend time thinking 'now which one is Donnal again?'
Whilst I strongly disapproved of Kirra having an affair with a married man, and her selfishness in engaging in such a relationship (not only towards Romar's wife and his social standing, but also towards Casserah, who she was disguised as, and Donnal, who clearly loved her, yet expected nothing in return, which ...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Lady Jaye rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: stars-4, authors-sharon-shinn, keeper, favorites, romantic-elements, fantasy, awesome-heroes, awesome-heroines, young-adult, magic

Beautiful.
The simple beauty of this book has struck me more forcefully now, 12 or so hours after reading the book, than it did immediately I had finished. Simply beautiful. But then again, I wouldn't expect much less from Ms. Shinn.

So.....The Thirteenth House is book 2 in the loosely-connected Twelve Houses series. This time around, it's mostly centered around Kirra. In the doing of errands for the king, Kirra meets and falls in love with Lord Romar, Princess Amalie's uncle and regent elect. Th ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Maia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I can't put this down!

I've read 2 books so far, but they both felt unfinished. The end of the books are about the "resolution" of the romantic intrigue whether positively or not, but even then it feels uncertain and leaves me kind of unsatisfied.

All that said, I really enjoy reading this serie. We found ourselves at the beginning of a war, different people with different motivations are making alliances to get rid of the king.
In the first book, the group investigated where the unrest was coming ...more

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May 31, 2015 waltzy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Ugh. The whole book is about Kirra's affair with a married man, which everyone tells her is a bad idea. Surprise: it's a bad idea. It got to the point where I was just skimming faster to see if it was over yet, which it isn't until the very end of the book.

The way it's resolved, with (view spoiler) And then after spending the entire book on this doomed affair, there isn't really a lot of buildup or development of Kirr ...more

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About Sharon Shinn

Sharon Shinn

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I’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative w I’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative writing, so I pursued a degree in journalism at Northwestern University so I’d be able to support myself while I figured out how to write fiction.

I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.

I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")

I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.

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