‣ I started Rhapsodic with trepidation, which is attributed to the clusterf*ck called Pestilence, but thUgh, what have you done to me, Laura Thalassa?
‣ I started Rhapsodic with trepidation, which is attributed to the clusterf*ck called Pestilence, but thankfully, I enjoyed it way, way more! ‣ However, something was amiss and I can't pinpoint it. It felt like it could use some filling in, like chunks of the story were missing and the flaw was not seamless. ‣ I couldn't get a clear image of the supernatural world, of the sirens and the fae and the Bargainer himself, everything was rather muddy. ‣ I have developed a strong aversion to fae mates, courtesy of A Court of Mist and Fury, so the eye-rollings were inevitable (though not due to Laura Thalassa's fault). ‣ Callie was not an easy character to root for, mainly because I couldn't understand her decisions. The Bargainer, on the other hand, was as alluring as they come, but there are still many secrets about him and I don't think I have the patience to uncover them. ‣ The plot was very intriguing, and it was wonderfully interlaced with the romance. ‣ The chemistry between present Callie and the Bargainer was extraordinary. However, their connection when she was a teen was a tad unsettling, given than the Bargainer is (we pressume) an ancieng being. ‣ I see how talented Laura Thalassa is, but I can't love her stories, even though I want to. ...more
There was an odd mix of trepidation, hope, hesitation and eagerness that enveloped me ever since I learned of VorO how I’ve missed thee, Elise Kova!
There was an odd mix of trepidation, hope, hesitation and eagerness that enveloped me ever since I learned of Vortex Visions. For me, Air Awakens is a truly special series; the sorrows, the tragedies, the raw pain and the whirlwind of love and devastation that swept and defined the lives of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik Solaris have left a permanent mark, and returning to the world they shaped could either lead to deep contentment or utter disappointment. I should have known better, though. I should have known not to question her.
A desperate princess. A magical traveler. And a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.
Vi Solaris has never met her home. Due to a necessary political maneuver of her parents, she is forced to live as a warden of the Solaris Empire’s latest conquest; the North. As a result of her situation, she never fully belonged neither to the North nor to the South. With expectations heavy upon her, and her magic almost non-existent, with the Senate seeking political advantage and enemies at every corner, Vi’s position as the Crown Princess is precarious. When a deadly plague spreads, when dark gods appear and terrible secrets come to light, Vi finds an unexpected ally in the face of Taavin, a young man who shows her a world that she never imagined. Now equipped with mysterious powers and terrifying visions, Vi will fight, bleed, despair, try to save Solarin and the rest of her world, with the burden of its survival on her shoulders. For Fate is waiting for Vi Solaris.
Halleth. She whispered. Heal. And she did heal. She healed the void Air Awakens left when it ended, she healed the ache of goodbye and replaced the bittersweet taste of loss with skillet cake and cookies and the tang of magic.
Juth. She continued. Destruction. She wreaked havoc on tender hearts, shattered your fragile resolve and made pieces of you fall apart.
Narro Samasha. She uttered with intent. Awaken the Words. Make distant continents come alive, bestow feelings and blessings and curses on readers, invoke churning powers and stir deadly creatures from their sleep. Awaken long forgotten memories and blend them with the excitement of new adventures, new loves, new horizons. New pain.
❝ Isn’t that part of the enjoyment, though? Getting lost in something that seems as if it should be impossible?❞
Vortex Visions was both familiar and fresh; Elise Kovaexpanded the world of Air Awakens, rattled the very foundations of magic, added new elements, legends, sacred places and ungodly foes to a story of stardust and moss covered trees. Mixing politics, mystery and magic, infusing with breath a cast of diverse and multi-layered characters of intriguing backstories, she painted a gripping first instalment in green and brown shades. And since Vortex Visions is the introduction to the series, I am certain the next books will be mind-blowingly epic (and I withhold the 5th star until then).
Vi. Taavin. Andru. Ellene. Jayme. Jax. A web of friendship, secrets and loyalty interlaced with different types of love that fueled the plot. Everyone served a purpose, everyone was strategically placed in order to shape Vi’s character, and I cared about them all. Vi’s need to lead a normal life with but at the same time the desire to simply be herself defined her personality, and made her a heroine I wanted to follow. I loved her relationships, her nightly escapades, and all those times she thought of her family. Because once upon a time, her family was also my family. That’s a heavy legacy, but I am positive she’ll be able to bear it.
Vortex Visions was an encompassing journey, and I’m looking forward to the next part!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Brace yourselves, folks, we're jumping on the hype wagon!
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“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.”
First SBrace yourselves, folks, we're jumping on the hype wagon!
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“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.”
First Stop: Elfhame With all the raving reviews about The Cruel Prince, how could little ol' Katerina resist? The Hype (yes, Hype with a capital H because it's a being of its own that swallows the innocent and the weak) was a siren, luring me to dive into its dark waters, and, thankfully, I was not eaten alive. With a successful blend of modern world and faerie lore, Holly Black created a dangerous and mesmerizing tale, a gripping saga focused on intrigue, schemes and backstabbings. Jude was seven years old when a cruel fae showed up on her doorstep, murdering her parents and taking her and her sisters to the realm of the Immortals, a realm so beautiful and imposing that hid how rotten and tainted it was on the inside. Despite her best efforts, Jude was always humiliated and taunted, a worm daring to live and train among their perfect kin. And her greatest tormentor? Prince Cardan and his band of merry evil men minions. With the coronation of the next king approaching, Jude found her opportunity to shine, to grab a place for herself and hold it with her bleeding hands. But with plots set into motion, and disorienting deceptions, maybe finding her place means giving up the little humanity that's still left in her.
“Because you're like a story that hasn't happened yet. Because I want to see what you will do. I want to be part of the unfolding of the tale.”
Next stop: Lake of Backstabbing People who compare The Cruel Prince to Game of Thrones are not exaggerating. The conspiracies, the hidden agendas, and the masterful way they unfold manage to keep you at the edge of your seat thoughout the story, you sweat and sweat and wonder who has the upper hand and who is going to perish, whose blood is going to spill, who is the good guy and who the villain (well, in all honesty all of them are the villains but a girl can hope, right?), and you can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline each time those horrible creatures plot and stab and spy and then plot some more. And when all this plotting and stabbing and spying takes place in idyllic landscapes, manors and balls, you can understand why I'm such a goner.
Next stop: Temple of Hate A curious thing happened with The Cruel Prince; I didn't like the main characters. At all. Was I fascinated? Of course, they were beautiful and monstrous, and that combination sparked a flare of curiosity to see how their stories will play out, but come on, they're horrible! (expect Vivi, you go girl!)
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Beneath her frail mortal body and her too-short lifespan, Jude was a hungry, ruthless beast craving power, scheming, betraying, and wanting with a fiery need to become one the creatures that tortured her and rejected her. I was rooting for her to an extent, if only to teach those awful fae that expendable humans can outmaneuver them, but she really needs to calm down, this hunger consumed her thoughts and didn't leave place for other, more pleasant sentiments. Don't get me started on her parade of stupid decisions. And Cardan was not better. Fine YES I had a tiny crush on him (thumbs up for dark jerks who hide their pain), but that doesn't erase the fact that he's cruel, irresponsible and petty, a true bully. Madoc, Locke, Dain, Taryn, they were hideous, but let me tell you this, that is not a bad thing. Sure, I didn't particularly connect with them, but this detachment liberated me from the usual fear for their lives, or sorrow for their misfortunes, only the occassional anger and disgust. I was invested in their story and not in them, but somehow this magnified the reading experience! I was there for the bumpy ride, for the malice and the power bid, I sank my teeth into their rotten fruit and was bewitched by their depravity.
“There's always something left to lose.”
Terminal station: Vale of Fangirling The Cruel Prince was a beguiling, wicked tale of power, lust, secrets and magic. The world Holly Black painted, with her lush descriptions, the revels and the colourful creatures that came straight out of a storybook is a place worth visiting, and cherishing. Drunk on enchanted wine, exhausted from dancing in fancy dresses until my foot hurt, clammy from the swordfights but deliciously invigorated, I am all too eager to return to Elfhame and be a part of the High Court!
“If you were alive, you'd wish you had killed me.”
Once upon a time, a human girl fought in a desperate battle, Savagely beautiful.
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“If you were alive, you'd wish you had killed me.”
Once upon a time, a human girl fought in a desperate battle, and she was sliced with a blade. She died, and then she came back. She clawed her way out of the grave, with no memories of her past and some abilities that burned her and begged to be unleashed. She could only catch a glimpse of her former self when she bathed in blood, when she harnessed her newfound powers. She was death. She was destruction. Her gift was chaos. But then started to remember, and the weight of her choices and her destiny brought her to her knees. Her world had fallen apart, and the only way to prevent its demise was to find a cruel, ageless being trapped in a realm of nightmares, where reality was fluid. With time running out, she set off a journey with her mother's murderer, a broken queen and a dark faery king. Her faery king. The king had many demons to fight, but he loved her so much he defied his own insticts, his own survival. Their story, though, was not meant to have a happy ending. There are some vows you cannot break. Some enemies you cannot defeat. And some sacrifices you cannot avoid, not when the future of your world is at stake.
“As it begins in death, so shall it end in death, until the day a child of the Cailleach confronts their fate with a true lie on their lips and sacrifices that which they prize most: their heart.”
For the sake of honesty, I have to admit that my rating is rather partial. If I were completely objective, I'd say that The Fallen Kingdom was probably the weakest instalment of the Falconer trilogy, a trilogy I cherished from the first moment. I'd say that I found the story a little underdeveloped, since we spent the majority of the book inside Aileana's head, her internal struggles between compassion and brutality, instead of witnessing mindblowing battles and visiting breathtaking landscapes; that the discovery of the Book of Remembrance and the conclusion of this arc were hasty; that I dreaded yet eagerly expected scenes with wicked Kadamach that would twist and break my soul, but in the end the only difference between Kiaran and Kadamach was the hunger for human blood, not immoraliry and depravity. But I am not objective.
Are you still you?
I found beauty in this book, in its hopelessness and the terrifying path towards doom and mayhem, in the ashen sky and the parched land. I was swept by the need to dress like a pirate and dance next to a pixie that got drunk in honey and a girl who accepted her ruthlessness yet loved passionately. I walked in the corridors of an empty, desolate palace, and my hands yearned to touch its king, to comfort him and trail the marks in his body that bound him to promises with a steep price. I felt my chest swell with the overpowering longing and the connection that pulsed like a living and breathing thing between the girl and the king. I muffled the sobs that made my body tremble, and tasted my salted tears when I knew that I wasn't wrong when I thought the king and the girl were indeed a retelling of Buffy/Angel.
Let me go.
The stolen moments between Kiaran and Aileana were sweet, sensual and heartbreaking at the same time. They knew they were on borrowed time, and I knew it, but I was helpless. I was a a tangle of emotions, of hunger and desire, soaked in despair, blinded by pain and kept wishing wishing wishing that in the end my heart would be intact. But it was not. It was a bloody and sticky thing that surprisingly kept beating. But Elizabeth May's talents are not limited to the creation of heroes that own every inch of you. She also gave a human dimension to the villains. She made you care for mortals and immortals all the same. She gave you a reprieve with the funny banters and the sarcastic retorts between her rare characters. And she made you whisper to her, even after the tragedies and death and darkness
An Enchantment of Ravens is a great example of why half-stars are essent“Where are half-stars when you need them?”
- Katerina, A Frustrated Goodreader
An Enchantment of Ravens is a great example of why half-stars are essential. It does not deserve 3 stars. It was ideal to make my mind drift and explore uncharted territories, to forget all those tiny and huge daily things that make me lose my sleep. Why not give it 4 stars then, Kat? one could wonder. Well, because I feel that those past months I've matured as a reader - and reviewer - and I came to accept that 3 stars is not a bad rating, and that 4 (and especially 5) stars should be saved for the books I truly enjoy. 3 stars means that it was a pleasant reading experience, but it did not sweep me off my feet. Even though I wanted to so badly.
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In An Enchantment of Ravens, Margaret Rogerson painted in earthy pigments, inspired by the rusty autumn leaves, the story of a young artist, Isobel, and her encounter with a Fae Prince, Rook, the tornado that brought change to her otherwise stale life. They embarked on a journey that led them to dreadful beasts and cunning fae who hid their ugliness beneath fancy glamours and lavish clothes, they faced and fought their own nature, and battled against their demons, only to emerge stronger, and to experience a love powerful enough to destroy them.
“Why do we desire, above all other things, that which has the greatest power to destroy us?”
Isobel and Rook's story was marvelous, on its own. It featured a likable heroine who craved adventure, or simply something different from the endless summer and predictable routine that comprised her life, and a hero whose world was full of politics and intrigue, and love was considered a weakness. They passed various stages, from anger to mistrust to shy friendship before their feelings drowned them, and their interactions were both delightful and heated. What bothered me, though, was the feeble world-building. What other edicts did the Good Law pass? What the World Beyond was like? Why was Whimsy so special? What about the Winter Court and the Wild Hunt? Why did all Crafts physically affect the Fae so much? All of those subjects were scarcely and superficially touched, and they were mentioned as if their content was already known, I was constantly restless because something was missing. And the world-building was not the only thing missing.
There was magic. I could feel it in the air, on the tips of my fingers and my tongue, it caressed my skin but it did not consume me. The writing was whimsical, there was rare beauty in it, but it escaped my grasp. I finished An Enchantment of Ravens a week ago, but as hard as I may try to recall the feelings it provoked, and the impression it left me, I come up empty. And it saddens me to no end, because this novel was full of potential, ready to burst and burn burn burn, but it never did.
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Some leniency is required, though, because An Enchantment of Ravens is Margaret Rogerson's debut, and despite its flaws she proved that she can write, and I have to commend her for her creativity and imagination. I am positive her future works will reflect the magniture of her talent!
Tower of Dawn was everything I wanted, even though I was not aware of it before the first chapters. A Court of Mist aI was not prepared for this book.
Tower of Dawn was everything I wanted, even though I was not aware of it before the first chapters. A Court of Mist and Fury inflicted some serious damage to my relationship with Sarah J. Maas due to severe character mistreatment, shameless manipulation and a shrine built for Saint Rhysand, but this one restored my faith in her. Before reading Tower of Dawn I was furious for the delay in Throne of Glass' conclusion. For another change of ships I knew would come. I decided to dive into it for the sake of continuing the story, as if it was an unpleasant task I had to get over with. I never expected to be this invested in the new characters. I never expected the frantic heartbeat, the way my chest exploded. And I ended up full of gratitude and a little awe in front of the miracle, the wondrous feeling of finding a little gem, a flare of magic where you least expected it.
“He was Lord of Nothing. Lord of Oath-Breakers. Lord of Liars.”
Tower of Dawn follows Chaol and Nesryn's journey to the southern continent, in order to search for potential allies against the forces of Morath and a way to heal Chaol after the events of Queen of Shadows. In a foreign land, a place thriving and actually cared for by its monarchs, Chaol was forced to face the demons within, along with the court manipulations and the political games between the viziers and the possible heirs of the khaganate. There he met Yrene Towers, an unwilling Healer hating Adarlan and everything Chaol represented with a seething passion, but for reasons unknown to him decided to help him nonetheless. Nesryn, on the other hand, was restless. Even though she finally found a place to blend in despite her mixed heritage, she craved the adventure Chaol promised her but never delivered. And so, she set off on an adventure of her own. On the back of a ruk, she battled horrendous beings and came across secrets that could alter the outcome of the war to end all wars. In the city of Antica, where the Tower of Healers blessed by the Goddess loomed, in the unforgiving mountains of the famous ruk riders, Chaol and Nesryn found answers, even to questions they never dared ask.
“For wherever you need to go - and then some. The world needs more healers. ”
Healing. That's what Chaol needed, for his broken body and his broken soul, ravaged by the guilt and self-loathing that festered inside him. And Sarah, the wonderful and terrible Sarah, gave them to him. I always thought that his relationship with Aelin was not treated smoothly, that in her desperate need to make Rowan/Aelin happen, the author decided to sacrifice him. To be honest, though, I never turned against him. I just wanted Sarah to restore this beautiful, flawed character who gave up everything, his title, his honour, his men, and ended up feeling like a total waste, a disappointment and a pathetic excuse of a human being. The portayal of his inner thoughts, the broken pieces of him, was spectacular, and so was the depiction of disability, and how the emotional trauma, the constant feeling of incompetence, can wreck more havoc than the physical wound itself. I ached for him. For his trials, for his demons, for everything. His stay in the southern continent was a much-needed journey of redemption, and in the end I felt purified. Ready to conquer the world, fight the horrors of Morath and Erawan by his side. It was invigorating.
“He had made one promise. He had not broken it yet. To save them. His friend, his kingdom. He still had that. Even here at the bottom of this dark hell, he still had that.”
But Chaol was not the only one who needed to find himself. Yrene Towers, the young healer Aelin helped a lifetime ago, came to play a vital part. At first I was so angry at her, for being blind with rage and grief and failing to see that Chaol was not the one who took everything from her, that the same nation can breed both bad and good men. But as the story progressed, and her walls started crumbling, I loved the person that emerged. Her bravery, her devotion, her compassion. I keep saying that Sarah never fails to create imperfectly perfect male characters (except Rhysand, the One-Who-Makes-Mountains-Tremble), but her female characters are fantastic as well. They're badass, truly badass, and strong despite the impediments they keep facing. Nesryn is another example, and she proved again and again how brave and brilliant she is. The way her relationship with Chaol unfolded was, thankfully, well-handled, and she shone as an independent person, without Chaol's influence.
“I wish we'd had time.”
The characters introduced for the first time in Tower of Dawn were deeply intriguing, but there was one that made the others pale compared to him. Shartaq. Let's take a moment to admire the Winged Prince, who's a soft marshmallow and a fierce warrior at the same time. New crush alert, people, new crush alert (don't worry Dorian, you're still my number one bae)
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The feelings evoked while reading Tower of Dawn were all-encompassing, and I cried so many times I lost count. Tears of joy, sorrow, pain and relief stained my face, especially in the last chapters (and, to be honest, every time Chaol remembered or talked about Dorian, his brother, his king - his loyalty and love towards Dorian made my heart swell). The descriptions were vivid, and everything related to the khaganate, the history, the culture, the court intrigue, was fascinating, the new world was richly painted. I felt the freedom of riding on a ruk, and wandered in lush palaces full of spying servants and scheming nobles, grieving for a princess who was lost so young and rooting for the next heir of a prosperous kingdom. The revelations about the Valg, and the secrets contained in libraries and tombs set the road for an explosive final book. But as it's slowly sinking in how much I'll have to wait for the last instalment of the series I cherish, a series
“I will cherish always. No matter what may befall the world. No matter the oceans, or mountains, or forests in the way.”
I think I'm on the verge of depression.
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If you have any doubts about reading Tower of Dawn, get over yourselves and read it. You won't regret it.
What a great story! And it would have been even greater, if it weren't for Ms. Mackayla-call her Mac-Lane.
Allow me to explain by posing some questionsWhat a great story! And it would have been even greater, if it weren't for Ms. Mackayla-call her Mac-Lane.
Allow me to explain by posing some questions.
1) You were warned that you are going to learn how to kill Fae. What do you wear?
a) Fabulous lavender shorts with matching top and high heels-oh my God is that blood on your clothes? b)Something cozy you wouldn't mind throwing away later because, you know, mutilated bodies and stuff. c) Does it even matter? Just give me the dagger!
2) You just realized your sister's killer may be hiding in the dark neighbourhood that is inhabited by a caste of Fae that suck your life force until the only thing left of you is dried skin. What do you do?
a) Head straight to darkness without telling anyone because you're so badass that Fae should be running away from you. b) Run to the opposite direction. c) Make a solid plan and get some help.
3) You found out that the world is in danger and for reasons unknown you are one of the few who can help. Put your priorities in order:
a) Pink nail-polish, hormones, fate of the world. b) Hormones, fate of the world, pink nail-polish. c) Fate of the world, hormones, pink nail-what?
Yeap, you guessed right. Dearest Mac's answers were solid A's. If you like your heroines Barbie-like, you're going to love her. She had her moments of course, but she was shallow, impulsive and self-centered to the core. I can understand her reservations to believe in the extraordinary, her reluctance to accept her destiny and her need for closure after her sister's murder, but that's it. I can't justify every single stupid decision she made (and trust me, they were many), and her fixation on her appearance when everything was falling apart, but hey! if you are killed in your sleep you should at least be fashionable, right?
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I think, though, that I started off the wrong way. Because Darkfever was actually a deeply addictive, action-packed and ingenious story! As you can already tell, it follows the adventures of Mac, whose sister was brutally murdered in Ireland and so she decided to travel there and find the answers she was denied. But there is something ominous in the streets of Dublin, and she soon encounters creatures that came straight out of nightmares, she searches for objects of dark magic and gets in the middle of the ancient war between Men and Fae, a war that is about to be rekindled. She doesn't know who to trust. The most obvious choice is the sensual stranger who has saved her life a couple of times, but has many secrets and seems to use her for his own purposes. There is only one thing she knows for sure: the Mackayla Lane who first arrived in Ireland is not the same Mackayla Lane that will leave. If she leaves at all.
“There are two kinds of people in this world, Ms. Lane: those who survive no matter the cost, and those who are walking lambs.”
Fast-paced. Eerie. Other-worldly. And a little on the sexy side. That is Karen Marie Moning's Darkfever, and it deserves all the hype around it. Setting aside my huge dislike of Mac, I loved this wonderful and intricate world, with its rich mythology, its gothic vibe and its strong mystery element. The narration, with its ominous warnings, the foreshadowing and the way Mac talked to the reader made me even more curious about the events to come. Fae have always been fascinating, and this sinister version of them made Darkfever repulsing and seductive at the same time. And there was also Jericho Barrons.
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This man is clouded in mystery, he oozes sexuality, and he's not scared of letting Mac know what he thinks about her. The tension between them is so thick you can cut it with a knife, and I am certain explosions and earthquakes will take place in the next books. Well, count me in!
“It's what you choose to believe that makes you the person you are.”
All in all, Darkfever is a page-turner, and I'm looking forward to returning to Dublin's dark streets!...more
I tried to convince myself to stand off books for a couple of days because I read so much during last week that I could fe5 "seriously fine" stars
I tried to convince myself to stand off books for a couple of days because I read so much during last week that I could feel my brain cells turn into jelly and I was in no position to separate reality from fiction (what do you mean aliens don't exist?). But then I thought come on, one fun contemporary romance can't harm, right? I won't get trapped inside my oh-so-familiar-and-cosy-screw-the-world pink bubble. It will be a...fling. Oh boy, I was so wrong. There's no such thing as a fling when Will Clayton is involved. Only a marry-me-I-am-wife-material attachment. And a new entry in my book boyfriends list.
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“I was backroom deals and wading in muck and scandal. Will was shiny and elegant, the poster child for a new political dynasty. We couldn't have been more ill suited if we tried.”
Definitely not a match made in heaven. Being the illegitimate child of a well-esteemed Senator and the infamous politicians' mistress/ a collumnist in a blog that revealed public figures' dirty laundry/ a blooming political consultant, Jackie stayed the hell away from politicians. Until she was assigned to assist Will Clayton's campaign for Virginia State Senate and found in him the man she almost slept with last night. Awkward. Will was nothing like the politicians she knew, he was an honestly good guy, a golden and yummy, so yummy man. A man who decided he wanted her in his bed and his life. Smells like trouble. And scandal.
“We'd created something wild here ,something dark and dangerous that wound its way through me, tempting me to break every rule I'd ever set for myself. And we'd just kissed.”
Holy alien babies everywhere, this book was HOT HOT HOT. And surprisingly cute. And I say surprisingly because when your cheeks are set ablaze in the first chapters, you don't expect fluffy romance. But you get it. Mix it with politics and intrigue and dirty secrets and a talented author and boom! pure awesomeness! And you know what's the best part? William.Andrew.Clayton. [image] He is McDreamy. He is a genuinely good guy, noble, chivalrous, caring, thoughful and everything you expect from a fairytale prince. But when he is with Jackie, he is reckless, impulsive and man, he can talk dirty and make you blush. Good can be sexy people. And make you drool.
“Anyone would be lucky to be involved with you. I'm lucky you kissed me. So fucking lucky.”
You should definitely try the Capital Confessions series, Chanel Cleeton knows how to suck you in a world full of scandals, politics and steamy romance!...more
I've been trying for a while to come up with a catchy line to open this review, but then it dawned oYou can find this review and more on BookNest!
I've been trying for a while to come up with a catchy line to open this review, but then it dawned on me that Michael J. Sullivan does not need a catchy line to draw attention to his work. His marvelous writing skills, his endearing characters and their heart-pounding adventures, my eagerness to keep visiting his fantasy lands and the blissful feeling that I am home whenever I dive into his stories speak volumes, so I can't help but state the obvious; he is a master storyteller, and the world of fantasy is lucky to have him.
(Was that catchy enough?)
“If anyone had asked Royce Melborn what he hated most at that moment, he would’ve said dogs. Dogs and dwarves topped his list, both equally despised for having so much in common—each was short, vicious, and inexcusably hairy.”
In The Death of Dulgath Riyria faces a new challenge: to save Lady Dulgath from her impending assasination by acting as consultants, offering their opinion about possible ways to murder her, in order for her people to make preparations against them. And yes, it's as shady as it sounds. But it's easy money, so Royce and Hadrian set off a journey to the edge of the world, to the mysterious land of Dulgath, where it never rains and the vegetation is lush, where the Church of Nyphron tries (and fails) to establish a strong hold and the struggle for power leads to unholy alliances and unsolved murders. But the greatest mystery is Lady Dulgath herself, aloof and perseptive beyond imagination and strangely worshiped by her people, who doesn't take the threats against her seriously. And Riyria wants to know why.
These past weeks I was experiencing a reading / reviewing slump of the worst kind. I felt like I was robbed of the energy to read, to spend precious time inside a good book and let my veins fill with literatute and its wonders. The will was there, my soul ached for it to be released, to fly, but it needed a trigger, and I couldn't find it. Until the day The Death of Dulgath arrived at my doorstep, and I knew that Michael J. Sullivan would be the one to help me. It couldn't be anyone else. Every time I return to Elan I sigh with relief and contentment, I am among old and beloved friends who share with me their new adventures, who want me by their side when they unveil conspiracies and get in the way of the Church's plans, and I let them be my guides to their world because I trust them to make me feel good. They always succeed.
“So you have been paying attention." "I'm not as stupid as you think I am." "You have no idea how stupid I think you are, and honestly, we don't have time for that conversation." Hadrian scowled.”
Mixing hilarity with action, in The Death of DulgathMichael J. Sullivan serves a delicious dish of good ol' fantasy; while The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn open a portal to the origins of Riyria and the formation of the legendary duet of creative problem-solvers, the third instalment of the Riyria Chronicles is more like a standalone, an intense, sweeping adventure that makes reality seem distant and insignificant, unworthy of your attention. What, or better who, deserves your attention, is Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater; Royce is always his cynical, pragmatistic self that thinks murder is the way to deal with your problems, that acts of kindness hide nefarious motives, so naturally he is confused when help comes from unexpected places. But Hadrian, with his faith in mankind that sometimes borders stupidity, with his eagerness to do the right thing even though it will get him into trouble, is rubbing off on him. They complement each other, and while their (hilarious) dialogues consist mostly of Royce threatening to murder Hadrian, you can feel the strength of their bond, and the friendship that connects them. Even though Lady Dulgath manages to rattle Royce. Even though Hadrian is smitten with a fiesty redhead, and an ambitious nobleman tries to pin a murder on them. Others tried that too, and they all failed.
“We are more than the bodies we inhabit. They're little more than clothes, and yet we judge so much by them.”
If you're up for a fantastical tale that will lift your spirits and make you feel at ease, among friends, The Death of Dulgath is an ideal choice. Michael J. Sullivan and Riyria hold a vital piece of my heart, and I strongly wish that Mr. Sullivan will never stop delivering his enchanting stories, that the brilliant brain of his will keep producing ideas to keep Royce and Hadrian alive....more
I've been looking at my computer screen for a while, trying to find the proper words to describe Heir of Novron, but as it turns out I can't form coheI've been looking at my computer screen for a while, trying to find the proper words to describe Heir of Novron, but as it turns out I can't form coherent thoughts. Epic? Too cliché. Mind-blowing? Obviously. Extraordinary? Duh. Magnificent? Of course. Outstanding? Sure. I will ask you to allow me to be extravagant for once. Yes I am the girl who gets overly excited with almost everything she reads, who loves 90% of the books she so proudly admires in her bookselves, but this one, it's...different. It's sacred. It's a fantasy mastepiece, and a Horcrux. It holds a part of me. It contains my soul, my dreams, my tears, my happiness and my sorrow.
“Ancient stones upon the Lee Dusts of memories gone we see Once the center, once the all Lost forever, fall the wall”
From the enchanted cells of the Imperial Capital to the ancient, ruined city of Percepliquis and the tomb of Novron himself, Royce and Hadrian and Arista and the rest of our heroes discovered truths that turned their world upside down, fought for their lives and lost loved ones, while Modina tried to save mankind from a superior enemy and the Church struggled until the end to keep power, spreading the Great Lie. And the fate of them all was in the hands of two common thieves.
“Sometimes the price of dreams is achieving them.”
The circulation of Riyria Revelations is astonishing. Every character had something to offer, every hint and prophecy came true in one of the greatest (perhaps the greatest) finale in a series. Everything you expect to find in a work of fantasy is here. Mythical creatures (also known as thingy things-courtesy of Royce Melborn). Sieges. Battles. Murders. Betrayals. Elves. Dwarves. Goblins. Ancient cities full of mystery and danger. Shocking revelations (shocking is a mild description, more likely I'm-having-a-heart-attack revelations). Sacrifices. Honor. Love. Love in it's purest and most genuine forms. I couldn't be more wrong when I thought that there is no romance in these novels. It's not in the spotlight, but it's devastating, in a way that makes your insides burn but also in a way that leaves you puffy-eyed, your face stained with tears and ragged breath. And it's not just the romance. There are also the bonds of family and friendship and forgiveness even in the face of your greatest enemy.
"I wish to thank you as well, Royce." "For what?" "For reminding me that anyone, no matter what they've done, can find redemption if they seek it."
The characters are flawed, weak, strong, stubborn, meek, ambitious, deathly, cunning, noble, real. Evil is made, and so is good. Their decisions can either atone for their sins or doom them into eternal darkness.
“Happiness comes from moving toward something. When you run away, ofttimes you bring your misery with you.”
I became emotional, I felt like my guts were stabbed, I gaped in shock, I laughed, I bawled like a baby and I loved, with all my heart. They say it's the simple things in life that are the most precious, like the summer breeze or a flower or a child's laughter. Or the words of a single man. The words of Michael J. Sullivan are branded on my soul. Thank you....more
“There are no honorable causes. There is no good or evil. Evil is only what we call those who oppose us.”
The New Empire is rising. The Church uses a half-mad fake empress to unite the Realms of Men in the name of Novron. War is raging between the imperial armies and Melengar, the only Avryn kingdom that still resists, while the Nationalist rebels under the leadership of Degan Gaunt oppose the Church's strive for world domination. And a swordsman and a thief have the potential to stop their devious schemes. Or doom the world.
“You must choose between darkness and light,a nd your choice will affect many.”
You may wonder why you should read Riyria while there are so many fantasy books out there, each of them narrating a different version of the constant battle between Good and Evil. The answer is simple: Mr.Sullivan's world of fantasy is unique, beautiful, breathtaking and absolutely, undoubtedly EPIC.
Why? -Mr.Sullivan is excellent at manipulation. You don't know who is going to betray whom, who is an ally and who is a foe, and when you think you get a clear picture, your beliefs are turned upside down. During Rise of Empire, I was deceived, cheated and in the end, I stood wide eyed and my mouth hung open because I could not come to terms with what I just read. -As contradictory as it may sounds, surprises isn't the only weapon in Mr.Sullivan's arsenal. He left enough hints for the reader to sense an impending doom, a catastrophe that will change Hadrian and Royce's lives forever, but you can do nothing to stop it, just wait helpless and see. And that's even more painful than the plot twists. -Royce and Hadrian. They are an unpredictable pair, some of the greatest heroes that I have ever encountered. Hadrian is noble, tired of serving the highest bidder, he searches a greater purpose in his life. Royce on the other hand, is practical and doesn't care about morality or justice. But as his walls crumble, as we get a better perspective of the way he grew up, the lack of family and a place where he belongs, my heart breaks for him. Both Hadrian and Royce are painted so vividly that I can't help but feel that I have known them my entire life. -The female characters. I love their courage and strength and resourcefulness. Arista has turned from a spoiled princess into a fighter, a witch and a politician, a woman who takes her fate in her own hands and proves that she is no longer a damsel in distress. Thrace and Amilia are also great, but the biggest surprise for me is Gwen. Who thought that a prostitute would be a gentle, wise and caring woman, whose affection and kindness would soften the toughest thief? -Merrick. I hate him with a loathing passion, but he is cunning and a genious villain. The way he played Riyria is both frustrating and fascinating. -And of course there are the epic battles, the interesting secondary characters, the spells, the warnings and a whole new world full of adventures and dangers. And goblins.
What happens when a sarcastic thief/former assassin and an idealistic mercenary/brilliTwo words. MIND.BLOWING.
“Riyria. It's elvish for two.”
What happens when a sarcastic thief/former assassin and an idealistic mercenary/brilliant swordsman get in the way of a conspiracy for world domination?Epic fantasy at its finest,that's the answer.Include some legends about a God's heir who is going to unite the world,a plotting Church with a secret agenda,Elves who are waiting for the opportune moment to gain their lands back,swordfights,prostitutes,monks,hidden prisons and witches and that's it,you have a masterpiece in your hands and a new favorite author in Michael J. Sullivan!
“So you want us to escape from this prison,kidnap the king,cross the countryside with him in tow while dodging soldiers who I assume might not accept our side of the story,and go to another secret prison so that he can visit an inmate?”
In the mythical land of Elan,where empires rise and fall,nobles and priests scheme,Elves are mistreated by the humans and witchcraft is a vile thing,a duet of thieves has become a legend.Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater couldn't be more different.Hadrian is the talkative one,who shows compassion and kindness,who wants to do the right thing,something that's not always working for him since he is a mercenary.On the other hand,Royce is cold,sarcastic,calculative and ruthless,he lurks in the shadows and can kill without making a sound.When this bizarre duo was framed for the murder of a king and the only way to save their lives was to keep alive the prince and free a dangerous prisoner,they interfered in a grand conspiracy set to alter the governments and the structure of the realms of Men.And when they were hired to steal a magical sword from an elvish tower while a monster terrorized the nearby village,they got in the way of some very powerful people who did not tolerate such disturbances.
“Royce stared out at the tower in the middle of the river and considered why jobs involving stealing swords were never simple.”
I don't think I can properly praise Michael J. Sullivan.There was not a single moment that I was not hooked in his story,his descriptions were sufficient but not boring,his characters well-painted,the dialogues witty and the banters between Royce and Hadrian excellent and amusing!Everything about these two screamed badassery,their past was covered in mystery and secrets we have yet to discover,they were simply perfect.There was no romance,but the women in this novel were not mere tools,despite the low appreciation against their gender,and even the minor characters added some perspective and completed the spectacular world Mr.Sullivan created.
If you are into high fantasy,this is definitely a book you should read.And if you're not,it's an excellent opportunity to dive in the world of magic and epic battles.If I could give Theft of Swords more than 5 stars,I would.Because it is that good....more
It's Michael J. Sullivan. It's Royce and Hadrian. Of course it is phenomenal.
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“Wait! What is it? What is Riyria? What does it mean?” “It's
It's Michael J. Sullivan. It's Royce and Hadrian. Of course it is phenomenal.
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“Wait! What is it? What is Riyria? What does it mean?” “It's elvish...for two.”
The Rose and the Thorn had been sitting on my bookshelf for months. Reading it was a physical need, but I kept postponing it because I knew that when I gave in, I would move one step closer to the end, and a point in my life when there wouldn't be any new adventures of my favorite thieves, and that was depressing. Two days ago, I finally caved in. And it was wonderful.
“I'll make a human being out of him yet.”
For those who haven't read Riyria Revelations, The Rose and the Thorn is the gripping story of two incredibly different men who became a team, a boy that was bullied but became a hero nonetheless and a conspiracy to get rid of the royal family that was uncovered by a young prostitute and led to great losses, violence and ashes. For those who have read Riyria Revelations, this is the story of how an awkward but brave young Hilfred saved Arista and became her guard, how Royce and Hadrian met their partner in crime, Albert, and established their reputation as creative problems solvers, and why Gwen named her tavern The Rose and The Thorn. Events that were mentioned in Revelations came in the spotlight and gave us a better understanding of how and why our beloved characters were made this way, we learned more about King Amrath and we witnessed the first attempts of the villains to shape the world to their liking.
“Even if you're doing it for selfish reasons, you're still helping to save his life. It just goes to show that good can come from helping a stranger, and it proves that the world isn't so bad after all.”
Returning to Melengar was bittersweet. I was content to revisit places and people that are now a part of me, but at the same time, knowing their fates and the suffering they would endure in the future made this experience painful, heartbreaking. I was overcome with melancholy and nostalgia, I wanted to spare them from all the ugly things and the hurt, but I was helpless. So I sat aside, and let Mr. Sullivan guide me, through dark alleys and dim-lighted corridors, stables and haunted towers. I let him show me how vulnerable Hilfred had been, and how Gwen wanted to protect Royce from the first moment she met him, how cruelty is a trait of poor and rich men and women alike, but so is kindness. I participated in swordfights and plots and hideous murders and I cheered for a noble swordsman and a cruel assassin that were unaware of their potential for greatness. And I could picture Michael Sullivan winking with mischief when a connection was made between the past and the present.
“I don't think you've lost enough blood that you'd be suffering delusions yet. You must just be confused. I'm not assaulting you. I'm murdering you.”
The dialogues were witty, as per usual, and sassiness and sarcasm were all over the place. Hadrian was a soft marshmallow, Royce the human equivalent of Grumpy Cat, which resulted in constant arguing and lessons, of humanity or cruelty, depending on the teacher. The things Royce did were disturbing, but I never believed he is soulless. He has a soul, but it's buried under thick layers of darkness, mistrust, anger, rejection and bitterness, and it needs patience and effort to dig though them and reveal what a great person he can be. And this person is Gwen. Her kindness was confusing to Royce, but she made him feel something good, something different that terrified him but also liberated him.
“One day you'll remember this moment. It will have faded to a mere wisp, a ghost of a long-forgotten past, but it will return to you.”
There is a chance I teared up a little (or a lot). Michael J. Sullivan is indeed a master storyteller, and he created a vibrant world of action, adventure and friendship. Don't hesitate to give Royce and Hadrian a chance to steal your mind, your heart and your breath!...more
“You realize I'm just taking you to die?” “I hope to disappoint you.” “You won't.”
Thankfully Hadrian did disappoint Royce, and thus Riyria
“You realize I'm just taking you to die?” “I hope to disappoint you.” “You won't.”
Thankfully Hadrian did disappoint Royce, and thus Riyria was born. After a long and hectic week, getting back to Elan and reading the first adventure of my beloved pair of thieves was like coming home. Thank you Mr.Sullivan for giving us anotherhigh fantasy mastepiece!
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“Excuse me. My name is Hadrian Blackwater.” “Congratulations.” “Um... what's yours?” “Leave me alone.”
The Crown Tower offered us a great insight into the beginning of Royce and Hadrian's partnership and friendship when Arcadius paired them to steal a treasure from the Crown Tower. Meanwhile, Gwen stepped towards her freedom and shaped her future to her own liking, waiting for him, the one she was bound to help and save in more than one ways. I expected adventure and swordfights and assassinations and banters and twists and turns like only Michael J. Sullivan can write, and I got them all. I inhaled every page, I laughed and yelled with excitement and loved deeply, but there was more. Mr.Sullivan gave us more. He gave us the story of a girl who was tired of being disrespected and humiliated and manhandled, the story of a young man who gave up killing and sought a greater purpose in his life, the story of another young man who was raised by wolves and didn't hesitate to kill his problems because no one ever showed him there is another way. I witnessed the forge of heroes, my heroes, and my heart swelled with pride and love and awe.
“I believe there's a human inside that cloak, Hadrian. You just have to find a way to break through to it.”
One of the many things I admire in Mr.Sullivan's writing is his ability to create three dimensional characters, whether they're the protagonists or the helpful farmer or the savage brute. You can feel the difference between Royce and Hadrian of the past and Royce and Hadrian of the present (the Royce of Theft of Swords is a charming and pleasant fellow compared to his old self), you can see that naive and optimistic and trusting to a fault Hadrian needs Royce to survive in a cruel world, and ruthless Royce needs Hadrian to find goodness in mankind. They're the complete opposites and they had a rocky start, but what's a better way to start a friendship than stabbing a student and murdering five people? (well obviously there is a better way but that's Royce we're talking about). Mr.Sullivan didn't hold back, he showed us their ugly sides without restraint, he made us understand and sympathize with them. And there was also Gwen. Her character is a constant surprise and I was so happy to learn more about her. After all the horrors she went through, she remained kind and caring and helpful, and I cannot think of a better person to shed light into Royce's life, to mold him into a better version of himself. She's become one of my favorite female characters!
“While she called all of them ladies, Rose knew the only real lady in Medford House was Gwen DeLancy.”
Whether you're already a Riyria fan or not, The Crown Tower is the perfect opportunity to dive into a world of pure adventure and absolutely amazing characters and I can assure you,you will enjoy every single moment!...more
“Death is her burden. Wherever she goes, it follows. I'm the girl whose gift is chaos.”
And that's how a magnificent sequel is done!
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“Death is her burden. Wherever she goes, it follows. I'm the girl whose gift is chaos.”
Edinburgh is gone. The fae left nothing but blood and ashes because Aileana did not stop them. Because she failed. Now she is trapped and tortured by Lonnrach, losing pieces of herself as days, weeks, months pass by. When she finally escapes with the help of Kiaran's sister, she realizes that the war is far from over. Lonnrach is searching for the most powerful kind of magic to overthrow the righful Seelie and Unseelie rulers, and Aileana must stop him before it is too late. Caught between ancient rivalries and fae politics, fighting for what's left of humankind, torn between her love for Kiaran and the truth about his past, looking for a way to unlock the vastness of her powers, Aileana Kameron, the last Falconer, the warrior, the liar, can either save the world or end it.
“Perhaps he's my curse. Perhaps I'm his weakness. Together we left the world in ruins.”
My words are inadequate to describe this achingly beautiful and brutal book. The Vanishing Throne was one of the most wonderful, gut-wrenching and riveting reading experiences of my life. I cried and cried, because my body was not a vessel strong enough to contain the magnitude of the feelings that boiled inside me. The love, the pain, the guilt, they were tangible. They were portayed so vividly that they broke me piece by piece. Elizabeth May, tha gaol agam ort le m'uile chridhe. I love you with my whole heart (because yes I found the translation and yes I sobbed ten minutes straight).
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“Somewhere between our hunts and our kills and our kisses, he left his mark on my bones.”
The Vanishing Throne's ambience was gloomy, grim. Mystical. We faced the aftermath of a war, the struggles to survive in a place far from friendly and safe. We tasted cinder and blood, fear and despair. The fae lore was enticing, and each revelation more shocking than the previous. Mechanical monsters, vampire-like fae, a mysterious crone and two siblings whose fate was predetermined but refused to accept that. A creator and a destroyer. Light and darkness, compassion and bloodlust, an eternal dance of life and death that keeps the world in balance, a dance you could not escape, not even to take a breath.
“Aithinne wasn’t hardened by war; she was humanized by it.”
Aithinne was a remarkable character that could make you laugh and hurt, all in the same page. Except her sense of humour, she Aileana had many things in common. They were broken but they survived. Aileana wanted to escape from the mostrous, savage part of her that relished slaughter and violence. She was consumed by remorse and guilt, dealt with PTSD and fought for her memories and her soul. She grew up. And she kept kicking ass.
“You want to know what you mean to me, Kam? Every day I wonder when your human life will end, and it scares the hell out of me. You make me wish I didn’t have for ever.”
I fell in love with Kiaran in the previous book, but in this one, I understood him. I found out the reasons that made him sullen and brooding, the reasons he ran from his past and decided to kill his own kind, and my soul ached for him. There is so much depth in him, shame and anger and regrets, but he loves Aileana so fiercely and passionately that he made my heart sing. They became one of my all-time favorite couples, because despite their differences, they're connected. They're in sync. I kept re-reading their scenes, I relished their moments of vulnerability, their touches, their whispers, their kisses. They reminded me of Buffy and Angel and that scares the hell out of me. I refuse to believe they're cursed or doomed. They're meant to be.
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“Ha! There now. You're mine, Kiaran MacKay.” The way he looks at me steals my breath. He's gazing up at me like I'm powerful. Like I'm magnificent. I don't think I've ever felt more beautiful. Then he breaks my hold and he's whispering against my lips. “I am,” he tells me. “I'm yours.”
You can imagine my anguish and my sorrow when, after this terrible, devastating ending I realized I'll have to wait for months until the final book is here.
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To every single human out there, READ THIS BOOK....more
Sam no no no NO NO!! *starts sobbing* I knew this was going to happen. I warned myself not to get attached. And yet I loved Sam beyond reason, and hadSam no no no NO NO!! *starts sobbing* I knew this was going to happen. I warned myself not to get attached. And yet I loved Sam beyond reason, and had my heart broken. I shipped Celaena with Sam more than with Chaol. The hardships she endured,the pain and betrayal, they make me wonder how she trusted anyone after these. Sometimes I thought Celaena was a coward and got mad at her,but how can you blame someone that went to Hell and back? She's remarkable and brave after all! I have only one complaint; there are so many characters I fell in love with in this series that I feel like a slut! And the worst part is, I'm not even ashamed!!...more
“Don't you long for something different to happen, something so exciting and new it carries you along with it like a great tide, something tha
“Don't you long for something different to happen, something so exciting and new it carries you along with it like a great tide, something that lets your life blaze and burn so the whole world can see it?”
Where do I start?How can I put into words the magnitude of Juliet Marillier's writing?How can I explain to someone who hasn't lived through her books that Son of the Shadows left me a sobbing mess,that there were scenes so emotionally brutal and devastating that it felt like my heart was ripped from my chest and squeezed until there was no blood left?And that despite the pain and the agony,I felt pure in the end?
“Come, dear heart.Lean on me and let us walk this path together.”
Together.The Sevenwaters family,Red and Sorcha's family believed that there would be no evil in the world they could not face together.And that is precisely the reason the evil forces tried to divide them,to wreak havoc and mistrust on a family that valued their bond more than anything else.Secrets and betrayals came to light,one by one,threading a web of isolation and anger.Liadan,Sorcha's dutiful daughter,the healer with the Sight,was caught in the middle of it.For it was her the Fair Folk had been waiting for generations to help fulfill an ancient prophecy.But Liadan was no mere tool.Nor was Bran,despite everyone's efforts to convince her otherwise.Warriors,druids,mercenaries,misguided girls,they were all woven in a pattern and Liadan held the key to either destruction or salvation.
“Your actions are your own.Your choices are your own.Each of us carries a burden of guilt for decisions made or not made.You can let that rule your whole life or you can put it behind you and move on.”
This was not a happy story.Sorcha's courage and sacrifice held her family together,but they were not enough.Liadan on the other hand wasn't as willing as her mother to follow the path the Fair Folk chose for her.She was a strong and independent woman,she made her choices against everyone's warnings.But she loved fiercely,like her parents did.And while Bran wasn't Prince Charming,just a scary and equally scared man consumed by hatred and bloodlust,he was perfect for her,and she for him.
“He and I…we share a bond. Not love, exactly. It goes beyond that. He is mine as surely as sun follows moon across the sky. Mine before ever I knew he existed. Mine until death and beyond.”
I try to swallow my grief for everything that happened,but my feelings are overwhelming and difficult to control.My heart breaks for the trials my heroes had to face,but I keep admiring them for their strength.Conor made some huge mistakes,and so did Red,and Liam,and Sean,and Niahm but I cannot blame them,not when they thought they did the right thing for the people they loved.
“The world is simple in its essence. Life,death,love,hate.Desire,fulfillment.Magic.”
All of these elements combined make this story a unique one,like the tales your grandfather used to tell you by the hearth.Irish mythology entangled with high fantasy,the ancient battle between Good and Evil and the mortals in between made an extraordinary book,one of those that stay with you forever.
“All that he had of her was his memory,where he held every moment,every single moment that she had been his.That was all he had,to keep out the lonel
“All that he had of her was his memory,where he held every moment,every single moment that she had been his.That was all he had,to keep out the loneliness.”
Daughter of the Forest is one of those books.The ones that are scored on my heart,the ones that caused both my awe and respect for the story and for the author.For it takes a tremendous amount of talent and soul to write such a book.
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I recall the tale of the Six Swans,I remember being a little girl watching the animated version,and it made me so sad that the heroine had to go through so many hardships to save her brothers.Reading about it though,about Sorcha's adventures and misfortunes was something widely different.It felt like a fairytale,the descriptions and the evil witch and the Fair Folk and the brotherly love,but it was not one.Because fairytales show just the tip of the iceberg,the evil that is only necessary for the story to go on,or else the children that crave them would have trouble sleeping.It wasn't only Oonagh the villain,although this malicious woman casted the curse and brought misery to everyone.It wasn't only Richard and his ambitions.It were also those horrible men in the forest,the peasants and the household who tormented Sorcha,even the Fair Folk,who thought the mortals are toys for their amusement.But Sorcha survived.She is one the strongest and most extraordinary heroines I have ever met.So kind,so fierce,so devoted and loyal.She never had second thoughts about what she had to do to save her brothers,she put her family first.Except that one moment,when she couldn't let Red die.
“Perhaps this is what the stories meant when they called somebody heartsick. Your heart and your stomach and your whole insides felt hollow and empty and aching. ”
That is precisely how I felt during this story,especially when she bid Red farewell.This is a romance like no others.So tender yet so passionate,so impossible yet so right.I loved Red for loving and protecting Sorcha,for being patient,for being such a brave and kind man.He often brought me tears.The way Juliet Marillier unfolds the romantic element in this novel is proof enough that extended make-out sessions or sexual tension is not the only way to make a love story memorable and worthwhile.Healing someone's wounds,being there for them,being kind when the entire world shows hatred and malice,protecting them and putting their happiness above yours,this is also true love.
“He would have told her - he would have said, it matters not if you are here or there, for I see you before me every moment. I see you in the light of the water, in the swaying of the young trees in the spring wind. I see you in the shadows of the great oaks, I hear your voice in the cry of the owl at night. You are the blood in my veins, and the beating of my heart. You are my first waking thought, and my last sigh before sleeping. You are - you are bone of my bone, and breath of my breath.”
Daughter of the Forest is a book I will always cherish deeply,that will always be a part of me.There is no better gift than that....more
