From the Bookshelf of Building a SciFi/Fantasy Library…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
I picked up this one because Celaena Sardothian basically promised to kick the ass of anyone who didn't read this series. I found the first book solid but a little slow, as Shinn lays the groundwork for the world and the system of magic. The characters and setting seemed a little like retreads of other fantasy mainstays at first, but seem to grow in depth as the book and series go on. I found myself moving right on to the second book after finishing this one, so that's generally a good sign!
...more
I liked this book. Like all Sharon Shinn novels it was intriguing and very readable. But it didn't stand out for me like some of her novels and concepts have. Compared to angels, biological weapons and cute YA comedies, swords and socery fantasy tales don't really stand out.
Basically a group of five mystics (sort of sorcerers with various powers) and King's Riders (elite warriers) are sent on a 'quest' to scout out the mood of the nation and the posibility that the nobles will rebel against the ...more
Basically a group of five mystics (sort of sorcerers with various powers) and King's Riders (elite warriers) are sent on a 'quest' to scout out the mood of the nation and the posibility that the nobles will rebel against the ...more
This was the first book of Ms. Shinn's that I have read, and I enjoyed it immensely. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series, and checking out the rest of her books. The romance angle was a nice addition to the quest, and the characters are distinct and well-developed.
For the record, my 5 star rating does not quite equal "amazing", but is more along the lines of "great" versus a "very good" 4 stars. This is trivial to most, I'm sure, but there you are.
Cheers,
--derek ...more
For the record, my 5 star rating does not quite equal "amazing", but is more along the lines of "great" versus a "very good" 4 stars. This is trivial to most, I'm sure, but there you are.
Cheers,
--derek ...more
Sharon Shinn is one of my great "comfort" authors, mixing likeable characters, creative worldbuilding, and a touch of romance into her science fiction. For this series, she turns to more traditional fantasy, bringing new life into old tropes. In Gillengaria, "mystics"(people with magical abilities)are treated with suspicion and prejudice, even subject to witch hunts. The king of Gillengaria has assembled a diverse group to investigate unrest in the Southern lands of his kingdom. Among them are t
...more
Fantasy with a romance writer's flair. It's a good ride, though my personal favorite parts were when the stoic male protagonist feels different than he ever had before after the vulnerable female protagonist needs some rescuing. He'll never be the same!
...more
Joy! A whole series! Good dialog, solid characters, story moves ahead quite briskly. In fact, it merrily skips past some inconsistencies and unlikelihoods; not recommended for Type As. This first one has something of the classic romance formula: they try so hard not to like each other, but can't overcome their attraction. Doesn't swamp the plot though, there's plenty else going on with other characters.
...more
Jan 05, 2009
Jessica
marked it as to-read
Jan 14, 2010
Clickety
marked it as to-hold
Feb 19, 2010
Izlinda
marked it as to-read
Dec 16, 2010
Gaijinmama
marked it as to-read
Dec 07, 2011
Nicky
marked it as to-read
Jun 16, 2012
Cassie
marked it as to-read
May 26, 2014
Amy
marked it as z-decided-not-to-read
Jan 17, 2016
Tonia
marked it as to-read
Jan 05, 2021
Amber
marked it as to-read
