Myrren's Gift (The Quickening, #1) in Aussie Readers

Mar 04, 2025 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-author, provided-by-publisher, arc-are, 2025-challenges

I was thrilled to receive Myrren’s Gift, a reissue of the first book in Fiona McIntosh’s trilogy, The Quickening. Years ago I read The Scrivener’s Tale, a stand alone novel set in the same world but centuries later, and I adored it. I’ve always meant to read the series but obviously got sidetracked, and I’m planning to correct that now.

Myrren’s Gift is set in the imaginative landscape of Morgravia and opens as fourteen year old Wyl Thirsk is called to take up the mantle of his birthright as Comm I was thrilled to receive Myrren’s Gift, a reissue of the first book in Fiona McIntosh’s trilogy, The Quickening. Years ago I read The Scrivener’s Tale, a stand alone novel set in the same world but centuries later, and I adored it. I’ve always meant to read the series but obviously got sidetracked, and I’m planning to correct that now.

Myrren’s Gift is set in the imaginative landscape of Morgravia and opens as fourteen year old Wyl Thirsk is called to take up the mantle of his birthright as Commander of the Morgravian Army after the death of his father. Wyl, good-natured, principled and a talented swordsman, quickly earns the respect of the King and his court, but the lasting enmity of the black-hearted crown Prince Celimus. Their differences are never so obvious than when Prince Celimus delights in the brutal torture of a young woman accused of being a witch, while Wyl attempts to ameliorate it, unwittingly earning himself a gift from the dying girl that will change everything.

This novel bears several of the hallmarks of the epic fantasy genre including intricate world-building, magic, court intrigue, tense conflicts, and the heart of a fair maiden to win, but it also has a sword & sorcery feel as Wyl embarks on a heroic quest to save his kingdom from the avaricious rule of Celimus.

Strong characterisation gives us a hero, albeit one with a unique twist, to rally behind, and a villain, or two, to despise. The main characters generally have well-crafted backstories and a layer of complexity, while the minor characters are easily categorised as either good or evil. I grew very fond of Fynch, a young boy who pledges his loyalty to Wyl; and of Wyl’s dog, who has a raft of enigmatic abilities.

McIntosh isn’t afraid to describe the brutal aspects of her fantasy world. There are elements of the story which may offend sensitive readers in the present climate, however I also suspect some critics willingly, or otherwise, overlook the nuance of the authors intention.

Not a short book at around 500 pages, the story nevertheless moves forward at a lively pace. I was caught up in the tension of the plot, reading it in one sitting. I wasn’t surprised to find it ended on a cliffhanger, luckily I can move straight on to the reissued editions of Blood and Memory and Bridge of Souls.

An entertaining and thrilling fantasy adventure, Myrren’s Gift is a great read from an accomplished storyteller. ...more

1 like · Like · see review