Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

The Magic in the Weaving ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Magic in the Weaving ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #1, Circle of Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

I could read this book a thousand times over, and still enjoy it each and every time. There is just something about Pierce’s writing and world building that is just like a big hug. I absolutely adore her stories, and The Circle of Magic, for whatever reason, is a series that I particularly love. Probably because it is about four young individuals who have always felt like they don’t quite belong, for whatever reason. And then they find their Found Family, and discover their inner powers. As a young girl, this was a potent message (I never quite felt like I fit), and even as an adult, it’s a reminder that somewhere, somehow there is a tribe out there for you.

I love that the Circle of Magic series starts off with Sandry. Not only is she the one to weave their magics together, but she is also integral to weaving their relationships together. I loved reading about her story, her growing into her powers and discovering what she can do. Plus, it was so much fun reading about Sandry’s growth and powers, with the lens and understanding of what is to come. It’s always fun rereading a story with an understanding of some of the hints and nuances to come, but it’s even better when the author has crafted a book which gives you something a little different with each reread.

As much as I know and love this story, I always kind of forget how late in the tale their intertwining comes. Most of this story is actually about the four coming into their powers and bonding. It’s not until right at the end that this complication is added. And it’s not until later books in the series that you really start to realise how big of a moment this is. It’s a beautiful way to set up a series – starting with the four becoming a bit more comfortable in their own skins, and discovering who they are. Then, throwing in an extra little dash of chaos at the very end which will fuel the rest of the series.

Although I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read and reread this book, and entire series. And yet, even though I know exactly what is going to happen, I still can’t manage to put this down. There is something about the story and the words that still has me feeling excited, tense and looking forward to what is to come. I don’t know what it is, but I won’t question it, there’s not many times I can go back and revisit a childhood favourite so frequently and with so much love.

<- More Tamora PierceThe Power in the Storm ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sabriel ReRead by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Sabriel ReRead
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Abhorsen #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Necromancers
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1995

Thoughts

I will read and reread Sabriel and the Old Kingdom trilogy forever and ever and enjoy it each and every time. There is something about this that is just like pulling on a nice, warm blanket and cuddling in. Plus, there’s now the greater Abhorsen series that I haven’t actually read yet. So not only was this reread wonderfully fun and comforting, but it will also lead perfectly into reading more of the books that I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely can’t wait!

Sabriel’s journey to not only growing into her powers as the Abhorsen, but also growing into herself is one that has really withstood time well. Not all of the books that I loved as a teenager have really standed against time all that well, but this one most definitely has. And, for some reason, the fact that this is a book about a young woman, but written by a man? It just makes it that much better. I mean, Nix is able to seamlessly write a great coming of age story that appeals to generations and genders. Something that not everyone is able to do, and when I first read this, I didn’t really feel like there were many female writers writing stories of this calibre and being a coming of age story (I’m sure there were, but I just didn’t have access to them).

As I mentioned, I really love that this is the first strong women / coming of age story that I read in the fantasy genre. I would count Pierce’s work amongst this, but there is something a lot more mature about the story lines of the Old Kingdom trilogy. Sabriel is one of those books that I will definitely share with my children, it is a fantastic story and one that I absolutely adore. It is unforgettable and wonderfully enjoyable. The fact that it deals with death and the idea that everything and everyone must pass on at some point was really powerful and interesting. I enjoyed that aspect in past reads, but now, as an adult who is dealing with loss in their life, I really liked this message. And it is such an important one – everyone, everything and every moment has its time. And we all need reminders of that every now and again.

Nix is phenomenal at his world crafting and character creation. Every single aspect of this story feels lovingly created and the imagery of the world that you are inhabiting on this journey just jumps off the pages. This alone would make me absolutely adore this story and the start of this series. But then, Nix effortlessly combines this talent of description and creation with non-stop action. It is constant, it is engaging and it makes it almost impossible to put this book down. Even when I’ve already read it before and actually know what is going to happen.

<- More Garth NixLirael ->

Image source: Garth Nix

The Ruins of Gorlan ReRead by John Flanagan

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Overview

Title: The Ruins of Gorlan ReRead
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I absolutely adored The Ranger’s Apprentice series as a young adult, and I seem to be on a bit of a revisit with well-loved series lately. So I was interested to see how this would hit now that I’m that bit older. Luckily (because it’s always dangerous revisiting well-loved things from your adolescence), I loved The Ruins of Gorlan every bit as much on this reread. It was just as fantastic, fun and hard to put down as I remembered, but with a whole lot more nuances that I thoroughly enjoyed picking up on as an adult.

Will, for me, is still that quintessential misfit / coming of age type story. He just doesn’t quite fit the mold with anyone else, and is always on the outskirts. Even amongst his year-mates who are in a very similar boat, Willl still just doesn’t quite fit. Honestly, it’s probably why I related to him so damn strongly as a preteen – I’ve never quite fit in either. And then, he finds his home amongst all of the others who don’t quite fit either – a fantastic way to remind everyone that we all have our tribe, it can just take us a whole lot longer to find them sometimes.

Alongside all of Will’s training and the absolutely brilliant description of archery (I’m an archer, most books get it wrong), I love that this is a story about finding your place in the world. Although, as much as, as an adult, I focus a lot on characterisation and character development, this is also entirely about the battle and the weaponry. I mean, knife throwing and archery were already going to pull me in. But conspiracies and that last, final, epic battle? These are all moments that I loved as an adolescent, and just adore as an adult.

As much as I loved Will finding his place and beginning to grow into himself as a man, I also adored Horace’s redemption arc. Horace starts out as a kind of horrible bully. He was completely set up to be the typical antagonist in the story, and he did work as that for a fair portion of it. But, as in real life, he realised that a lot of his actions weren’t okay. I loved his redemption arc, and that he ultimately ends up being a true friend to Will. It just melts my heart every time, and is so wonderfully heart melting.

<- More John FlanaganThe Burning Bridge ReRead ->

Image source: Pinterest

Can’t Get Enough by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Can’t Get Enough
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #0.1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

Shalin and Ailean are honestly a hilarious couple, and I really enjoyed their romance. They definitely break the mold of the dragons in their world, plus, I love that, having read Dragon Actually, they are the ancestors of one of the characters. It just drives home the beautiful layers that have been constructed in this world. And drives home that I need to read some more of these books at the moment, rather than leaving them in the TBR pile…

To start with, it felt a little like Shalin the Innocent was a somewhat suited title, but I love how quickly Aiken is able to completely dissolve that notion. I love how gently Aiken is able to lead the reader to the realisation that this is a very misleading title. And then, you realise just how vindictive and violent Shalin actually is at times. It takes the story from the whole virgin to the rake feel, right into a tale of two well-matched dragons falling in love and finding their own, unique version of happily ever after.

As with many romances, as the story unfolds, you realise that not only is Shalin’s reputation unearned, but so is Ailean’s. His might have been sightly closer to reality, but it is still kind of harsh in moments. I like that his reputation is a big part of just what his character development needs, and the not-so-quiet voice that makes him strive to be better. And also destroys his self confidence at times. The clash between Shalin and Ailean’s perceived realities and the way in which they fuel some of the conflict was brilliant, something I absolutely adored and felt like drove the story beautifully.

Everything about Ailean’s clan and family is absolutely insane, which, if I’m being honest is what I pick up the books by Aiken (Laurenston) for. I mean, ultimately, when they decide that Shalin is one of them, they just… effortlessly band together to kill the competition. With no hesitation, no judgement, just unrestrained glee. It was somewhat manic, but I loved it anyway.

<- More G.A. AikenA Tale of Two Dragons ->

Image source: Kobo

In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1984

Thoughts

Something about Pierce’s writing is always a fantastic comfort read. It is always a return to a well-loved world, kind of like wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. The perfect way to relax and destress after an intense day. And a series that I tend to reread every year or two. This time, rereading this series as a mother and with the eye towards being able to one day share this with my daughter made it all that much more special. If anything, reading through this lens gave me even more comfort as I got to travel along with Alanna in her second set of adventures.

In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna’s adventures as a squire. It’s about first loves and the fact that she ultimately has to choose to embrace the fact that she is a woman. Where The First Adventure was all about Alanna taking a dive into a foreign world and hiding as a man. In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna living with herself as she is. This is such a brilliant coming of age story – I love that to begin with, Alanna is all about denying her femininity and trying to be something she’s not. Then, as she grows up, she realises that there’s a whole aspect of herself that she has to embrace. It’s only the beginning, but, as someone who was never sure how her femininity fit in with the things she loved, it’s something I absolutely adored reading about.

I remember Alanna’s time in war being much longer and more intense than it actually is. Mostly, her time in war and her first forays as a full-blooded warrior are rather quick. Only a few chapters for a part of the story I remember incredibly well. What I most liked about all of this though, is that in a world that is very much built on class, Alanna doesn’t feel that she is above anyone else. Rather, she spends the entirety of her time with those without a speck of noble blood in their veins. She doesn’t assume that an accident of birth makes her special, and I love how immediately connected that makes you feel to her.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread this story and this series, I love it each and every time. Not only is there comfort in the familiar words, there is also some great messages within Alanna’s coming of age story. There’s a reason I can’t wait to share this series with my daughter. And there’s a reason I keep coming back to this stories again and again and again.

<- Alanna: The First Adventure ReReadThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness Quartet #1, Tortall #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1983

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I step into the world of Tortall, I am stupidly happy and it feels like visiting an old friend. Honestly, this was the author and series that played a huge part in diving into the reading obsession I now have as an adult. And, with each new reading, different facets come to light for me. Different points in my life reflect within the story that I’m reading and I find new parts to love about it. I really can’t wait to share this series with my children, particularly my daughter.

I love that throughout this story, Alanna begins with rejecting the fact that she’s female. Indeed, every moment and development that highlights it makes her frustrated and upset. Yet, by the end of it, having proven herself alongside Jonathan, she finally realises that her gender doesn’t define her. Rather, it’s just something that she is, like being small and a red head. It’s a great reminder to all girls out there that we can be female and feminine, but also a warrior and enjoy arts that aren’t traditionally (stodgily) called “feminine”. As someone who practices Martial Arts, I can absolutely appreciate this duology.

The friendships Alanna makes at this point shape the rest of her life. And I love that at the beginning she feels like she has to be like everyone else to fit into her friendship circle. The moment when Raoul points out that they like her because she’s different has so much meaning for me. Even as an adult, it’s nice to be reminded that we are all loved for our differences as well as our similarities. And in Alanna’s case, she can be entirely who she wants to be (with the whole still hiding that she’s a girl thing), without giving up her friends. Even when the few who find out her hidden identity choose to still love her as she is. Honestly, Jon, Raoul, Gary and George are exactly the kind of friends I hope all people find at some point in their lives. They’re sweet, supportive and accepting of all of Alanna’s little nuances.

Whilst Alanna: The First Adventure doesn’t have a strict beginning, middle and end like some stories that I read, it is still impossible to put down. It jumps from moment to moment in Alanna’s first few years as a page and shows the different challenges she overcomes. There is also so much character driven growth throughout that by the end I was cheering and smiling to know that she ultimately won the day in accepting herself for everything that she is, small, short-tempered, red-headed and female.

<- More Tamora PierceIn the Hand of the Goddess ReRead ->

Image source: HarperReach

Ever Night by Gena Showalter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Ever Night
Author: Gena Showalter
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

At the beginning of this novella, I was a bit… disturbed by the idea that Rose was going to fall for the weird abductor guy. I mean, it was a bit Stockholm Syndrome-y and made me start this story with a feeling of total ick. But then, as I got to know the two characters, I decided that I actually loved this. There was something kind of fun and cute about this story, and, even though the beginning was uncomfortable, I settled into this and was really disappointed that it had to end.

I thought that the idea of being forced to transport oneself into an alternate world every year on your birthday was brilliant and incredibly imaginative. I ended up really loving the world building in this and seriously enjoyed this novella. I love that its two worlds built around somewhat familiar ones. Yet, fear and misunderstandings have led to murder and mayhem throughout the two groups of peoples. An thoroughly enjoyable world that left me smiling and wanting more and more after I turned that final page.

Honestly, although I knew just who Rose would end up with the end, I didn’t quite expect how they were going to end up. Neither did I expect their conflict resolution at the end. It was a really great way to tie up a romantic and lustful novella. This is the first story I’ve read by Showalter, even if I have multiples of her stories on my shelves. And, I’m glad to say that I’ve got more of her stories to continue on with. Now to dive into them and the rest of my TBR.

<- On the HuntThe Collector ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: About a Dragon
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Like most of the couples written by G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston), Talaith and Breic are an absolutely hilarious couple. I mean, I love that literally all they do from the very first moment is argue and bicker. Even when they finally admit their feelings for one another, they still bicker and argue. Their dynamic is so different to the first Dragon Kin couple, and I love how their personalities shine through.

Although it was obvious from the beginning that Talaith had secrets and was being threatened, I was really surprised when the existence of her daughter came to light. Just like her mother, she’s a handful, and I can’t wait to see how her bright light burns later in the series (I assume that she’ll get her own story at some point). Where Talaith and Breic’s relationship was entertaining, their relationship with her daughter was even more humorous. I can’t imagine suddenly meeting my daughter at sixteen, filled with moxie and attitude. Definitely an entertaining character who I am already in love with.

As with Dragon Actually, the epilogue of About a Dragon introduces the next couple in the series. I’m honestly in love with each of the siblings, so I couldn’t wait to see which one would be featured. I honestly can’t wait for Gwenvael’s story – he’s an absolute fool and kind of dense. Which, of course, is why I am a little bit obsessed with him. Plus, there are plans afoot from the gods which everyone is going to play a part in – again, something I can’t wait to dive further into.

Honestly, this book had me giggling and smiling throughout. I mean, it’s a romance filled with mayhem, murder and lots of sassy, arguing fun. It’s hilarious and was a great diversion from real life. Plus, there’s a great plot line of evil and selfish gods and goddesses. Yet another wonderful story in a fantastic series, leaving me happy and content when I turn the final page.

<- Dragon ActuallyWhat a Dragon Should Know ->

Image source: G.A. Aiken

Caitlin and the Mirror Witch by Mari Ann Caudill

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Caitlin and the Mirror Witch
Author: Mari Ann Caudill
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow,
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was a pretty easy read. One that I enjoyed, but wouldn’t necessarily dive into again. Enjoyable, but not loveable is what I’d classify this as. Mostly because it was kind of predictable, and didn’t have anything that made me fall madly in love with it. It wasn’t deplorable, and it was well written though.

The very premise of this story, that a bad witch in a mirror tricks a girl into a spell, and she needs true love’s kiss to break it… I don’t know, I read a lot, so this felt entirely over done. Most of the time when I read a story with this kind of premise, there’s a bit of character growth. Or some kind of twist. Or a great world built around a fairly common fairy tale story line. I’m not sure if it was my mood when reading this, or the length of the story, but there was none of this.

All in all, this was a nice happily ever after story and a quick read. One that I wouldn’t suggest people don’t read, but I definitely have far more engaging stories on my shelves.

<- More fantasyMore medieval fantasy ->

Image source: Kobo

A Royal Affair by V.E. Schwab

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: A Royal Affair
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #0.5
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I’ve heard heaps about the Shades of Magic series, and it’s even been on my wishlist for a while. But I just haven’t gotten around to actually digging into it. Which, of course, made this a great short story and teaser to make me want to dig into this series, and author (since I’ve never read anything by Schwab before). A Darker Shade of Magic is definitely another book that is now sitting on top of my TBR.

Even though you know that there isn’t going to be a happy ending at the end of this story – there’s just a not-happy tone to the whole tale, it’s still a great read. And honestly, the ending was actually a whole lot sadder than what I was anticipating. It also made me ridiculously mad at Alucard’s family. I mean, wow, I’ve read some horrible families. But I think that this one actually took the cake. It physically hurt my heart in some moments to read about how horrifyingly they treat their own kin.

Although it was Alucard that I really felt the connection to (because it’s all told from his point of view), Rhy was still an intriguing and wonderful character. I honestly can’t get the image of gold dust out of my mind, even a day or so after reading this story. There is something about him and the naïve hope that was about that makes me want to find out that this couple gets a good ending…

<- LiberiaThe Takeback Tango ->

Image source: Goodreads