Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

Plain Magic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Plain Magic
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Bored and lonely, I wandered into the village and found an unexpected arrival.

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Synopsis

Tonya is supposed to be a sacrificial virgin, but she doesn’t want to follow the village’s traditions. Luckily, a passing traveller helps her out and introduces her to a bright, new world.

Thoughts

This was a fantastic spin on the traditional sacrificing a virgin to the dragon story. Like all of Pierce’s stories, Plain Magic champions the strength of women and integrity over all else. Tonya’s frustration at being trapped in a small village where her mentors refuse to teach her only heighten the inequality and strength of Tonya’s character. As the sacrificial virgin, she contrasts against every ideal that these tales normally purport for such a symbol – she is not malleable, completely pure, or helpless.

Lindri’s acts of plain magic and willingness to teach Tonya beautifully contrast the stubborn and unyielding attitudes of the villagers. Even Tonya’s own father is willing to submit to the folly of sacrificing his daughter to a creature to save the village. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and the story has a wonderful, if not completely expected, happy ending.

<- Time of Proving Review Mimic Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

The Realm of the Gods by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-realm-of-the-gods

Title: The Realm of the Gods
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #4, Tortall #17
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1996
5th sentence, 74th page: “Lord Weiryn,” said Numair, “it would help if you were to explain what will happen if we make a mistake in these places.”

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Synopsis

Daine is god-born and destined to walk a difficult path. When the barriers between the realms disappear, Tortall falls under siege from all sides. Uusoae, the Queen of Chaos, is waging a war against the greater gods, a fight to end it all. Desperate to save the kingdom, Daine must join the war and brave the consequences, for children born of gods tread dangerously in mortal realms.

Thoughts

What a stunning conclusion to an already amazing quartet. Daine’s heritage, war and place in life are finally cemented by her trip to the realm of the gods – literally. Even her powers fully come to the fore in this tale as she grasps who she is and what she is able to do. Finally, the Immortals War reaches its conclusion, Daine becomes an adult and Ozorne is bought to justice.

Ozorne’s prejudice and inability to grasp that others are as powerful as he is are the catalysts which bring about his downfall. Likewise, it’s Daine’s loyalty to the people she loves and bravery to carry out justice that give her an edge over the manipulative slime-ball that plagues her life for the years over which The Immortals Quartet takes place. The humility of the heroine is what eventually triumphs over the self-righteousness of the villain, and in doing so reminds us that it is staying true to ourselves and our family (the chosen and the biological) is what will truly help us to triumph in life.

Even though I have read this novel more times than I can count over the past ten years (the first time I discovered Tamora Pierce’s books), I still can’t quite find the words to explain how phenomenal this story is. I love the entire series, but there is something about this conclusion, and Daine’s newly blossomed romance that leaves me happily fulfilled after I finish the last page. Partly it’s my love of the character, partly the powerful message of ecology and love that is purported throughout, but mostly, this is just a wonderful conclusion. It neatly ties up the entire storyline without completely closing of the future. It is a story that leaves you with a feeling of contentment and wonder, a reminder that no matter what, you should do right by yourself, the people and which surround you.

<- The Emperor Mage Review First Test Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Emperor Mage by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-emperor-mage

Title: The Emperor Mage
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #3, Tortall #16
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1994
5th sentence, 74th page: Daine, feeling cross, realised immediately she had arranged things so no one would be able to distract Numair from Varice herself.

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Synopsis

Emperor Ozorne ripped open the gates between realms, releasing a plague of immortals to savage Tortall. Now he talks of making amends and, for her kingdom’s sake, Daine must attend the peace conference – somehow keeping her magic in check. But one of the gods has chosen Daine as the bringer of retribution. With a gift given by the Graveyard Hag, Daine intends to create havoc in Carthak. Her magic is wild and unpredictable, and Daine is very, very angry.

Thoughts

The politics of war perplex me, for example, you’re not technically at war until both sides admit that you are – at least, that’s one of the main things that I learnt from The Emperor Mage. That, and you really shouldn’t piss off someone with power. Or underestimate them for that matter.

Ozorne is an excellent villain throughout this series, although, it isn’t until The Emperor Mage that we get to know him more intimately. His self-centred tendencies lead him to make horrible decision after horrible decision, eventually leading him into the wrath of the gods. But, it is his inability to recognise and realise his flaws that truly make him a force with whom Daine must constantly battle. Although at the beginning of the story, he shows a very nice and misunderstood public face, the gradual degradation of this reminds us that not is all as it seems. And, that even as an adult, if you’re too spoilt, you can become your own demise.

Of all of the animals and characters that Daine experiences throughout her journeys in The Immortals Quartet, it is the hyenas that I love the most. Probably because I am inherently fascinated by them in real life – how can you not be drawn in by such unique creatures? Their pivotal role in the story was stunningly executed, and the removal of some of the stigma that often surrounds the hyena. Although, Pierce also attempts to do this with bats and wolves throughout the story. A reminder that unlike humans, animals do everything for a reason.

<- The Hidden Girl Review The Realm of the Gods Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Wild Magic

Title: Wild Magic
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Immortals Quartet #1, Tortall #12
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1992
5th sentence, 74th page: “Please, Horsemistress -” It was Miri.

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Synopsis

Daine has been running from her past, from the murder of her family and the madness that followed. She has a special magic, but she must learn to control it, especially now that creatures of nightmare and legend – not seen in the mortal realm since they were banished centuries ago – are returning to the skies. Daine needs to be ready, or else see friends and home destroyed once more…

Thoughts

Tamora Pierce is one of the first authors I truly became obsessed with. Her books are the first I can remember just devouring and spending hours reading at a time. So, any book of hers is going to get a good review from me. And, The Immortals Quartet is probably one of my favourite Tortall stories. Probably because there is a heavy emphasis on the natural world and animals.

The Immortals Quartet is the first series that ever made me seriously consider my relationship to animals and the natural world. Sure, it was something that people talked about, but I was kind of a head in the clouds kind of kid (I’m still a head in the clouds kind of adult to be honest). Being able to communicate with animals and understand how humans can have an impact on their lives was a really big moment for me, and although I’m not vegetarian, I am very aware of where my food comes from and the conditions that the animals live in before they are slaughtered. Daine is literally the voice of the animals, and for me it was a potent reminder that we are the voices of our furry friends.

Aside from being able to talk to animals, Daine has another power that I am incredibly envious of – she’s an amazing archer. I’ve always wanted to be a crack shot, and the fact that this hero combines talking with animals with amazing weaponry skills and a pure, innocent outlook on life has always made me completely envious. Probably another reason why I love this series so much – archery has long been a passion of mine and I love Pierce’s description of the sport. It is one of the most realistic descriptions of archery that I have read (aside from John Flanagan’s Rangers Apprentice series).

Wild Magic also introduces the idea of Stormwings to the Tortall world. The idea of these terrifying creatures that feed on war and despair is kind of terrifying. The fact that they act as our predators makes them all the more interesting. I’ve long believed that humans are the only evil creatures (a philosophical debate for another day), and so the very personification of these evils in a literary creature really appealed to me. Although, as in real life, they don’t actually stop people from being horrific towards each other.

<- Lioness Rampant Review Wolf-Speaker Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-kings-of-clonmel

Title: The Kings of Clonmel
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #8
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Then, on the far bank, the ground rose again to create the natural defensive position where Redmont stood – massive, solid and beginning to glow red in the late afternoon sun.

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Synopsis

Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it’s with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A false religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt’s past help them in their mission?

One Ranger can stop a riot, but this time two Rangers may not be enough…

Thoughts

It was really enjoyable to delve into Halt’s history and his past. He is the perfect enigmatic mentor for Will (and even Horace), so his history and what led him to become the mysterious hero that we love and know has fascinated me since the inklings of it in Oakleaf Bearers. The presence of his twin brother, and the reminder that no matter how many genes two people have in common, they can still become completely different characters. Halt’s steadfastness and admirable sense of self are severely juxtaposed by his brother’s entire persona – a great reminder that it is our choices that create us, not our parentage.

The Kings of Clonmel is the beginning of another great story arc in The Ranger’s Apprentice series. The presence of the Outsiders, and more specifically, Tennyson lead to an even more sinister storyline for Halt throughout Halt’s Peril. However, it is the idea of cults, mass hysteria and the ease with which people can believe a lie that really pulls you in. Although we all like to believe that there is absolutely no way in which we could be taken in by such baloney, even Will and Horace admit to how alluring such a group is. It is a great reminder that we are all susceptible to mass opinion and can be fooled when the circumstances are right.

I loved Will’s new assignment in this story – his removal from Redmont in The Sorcerer in the North and The Siege of Macindaw just didn’t seem quite right to me. Especially after he falls for Alyss, so his return to his home and the masterful juggling of the Ranger Corps to allow for this left me feeling incredibly happy and grateful for Flanagan’s ability to manipulate his characters. Aside from the pursuit of The Outsiders in Halt’s Peril, it is Will’s new role based at Redmont that makes me keen to open the pages of the next Ranger’s Apprentice book.

<- The Roamers Review Halt’s Peril Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

eraks-ransom

Title: Erak’s Ransom
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘So is Alyss.

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Synopsis

When the Skandian Oberjarl is taken hostage during a raid on the desert land of Arrida, his second-in-command Svengal, asks the Araluans for help. Halt and Will must go with him to deliver the ransom and The Princess Cassandra – or Evanlyn, as Will knows her – persuades her father to let her go with them. Horace and the Ranger Gilan round out the group to make sure that Evanlyn is well protected. But will violent sandstorms, warring tribes and danger at every turn keep them from reaching Erak in time?

Thoughts

It was fun to flash back in time after the conclusion of The Siege of Macindaw. Will’s last year as a Ranger was always going to be an important story, if not just for his graduation, but also his hopes and dreams for his own future. The fact that this gets wrapped up with rescuing Erak from another fascinating nationality (the Arridi) just added to the feeling of excitement and closure at Will’s final year of apprenticeship.

Horace and Will’s reuniting with Evanlyn and their joy at being able to adventure together again added to the joy of the story. Especially for Will and Evanlyn, the removal of the stigmas and airs attached to their status in life helped them to finally rejoin in friendship. It is also nice to see the transition of Will’s feelings from Evanlyn to Alyss, whilst he and the princess are still close, there is no romantic entanglement left. This not only makes the storyline of The Sorcerer in the North and The Siege of Macindaw more justifiable – Will didn’t suddenly fall for Alyss, but instead slowly let the feelings grow.

I’ve always loved the relationship and connection between Will and Tug, as someone who feels that her pets are a part of her family, this ideal is incredibly welcome. The idea that an animal is more than a pet or service animal is welcome, and the lengths to which Will is willing to go to rescue his friend and companion is a great reminder of how important these creatures are in our lives.

<- The Siege of Macindaw Review The Roamers Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-siege-of-macindaw

Title: The Siege of Macindaw
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘There was some mention of food?’ he reminded them.

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Synopsis

In this desolate northern fief, where can Will find the fighting men he needs to overcome the traitorous Sir Keren and his band of criminals? Across the border, the fierce Scotti tribesmen are waiting for the signal that Castle Macindaw is in friendly hands, and the way is clear to mount a full-scale attack.

Time is running out. Will’s courage and ingenuity – and the arrival of an old friend – may be the only things that stand in their way.

Will is determined to rescue Alyss – even if it means laying siege to an enemy castle!

Thoughts

The depth of Will’s care for his loved ones becomes blatantly obvious in The Siege of Macindaw. The lengths to which he is willing to go to rescue Alyss are remarkable, and the depth of his conviction throughout this story is incredibly endearing. It is also a great hallmark of the man that Flanagan was able to effortlessly create out of the boy who started out confused and scared in The Ruins of Gorlan.

Keren’s ability to quickly hold sway over Alyss’ mind and attention was a new technique in this medieval world that doesn’t quite employ magic, but rather a medieval approach to life. Malcolm’s eventual explanation of this seemingly mystical control fit perfectly into the ideal of mind over matter, and the power of persuasion. Alyss’ strength and ability to fight such control is admirable and shows that it’s not only men who can be powerful and strong, but women too. The ability of Alyss, Will and Horace to all use their individual talents to triumph and maintain their integrity in such a difficult situation.

Although this is a great fantasy series, I love the fact that Flanagan creates scenarios which feel completely plausible. Need to overtake a castle? Don’t have enough men to do it? Will is able to figure out a way that is believable – it is not so fantastical that it is painful to try to imagine. There is something so special about being able to imagine the characters acting in flawed and plausible ways – not just suddenly having the answer to all of their problems, but having to fight for it and struggle until they are able to triumph over their adversaries.

<- The Sorcerer in the North Review Erak’s Ransom Review ->
Image source: Ranger’s Apprentice Wiki

The Sorcerer in the North by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-sorcerer-in-the-nort

Title: The Sorcerer in the North
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Oh dear,’ said Alyss to Will.

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Synopsis

Five years have passed since the Skandians and the Araluans made their treaty, and Will has finally become a Ranger, with his own fief to look after. He soon learns that even sleepy little islands have problems to keep him on his toes.

Then he and his old friend Alyss are thrown into a terrifying new adventure, investigating the truth behind rumours of sorcery in a remote northern fief. As he stands in Grimsdell Wood, with the horrific, ghostly Night Warrior looming above him, will must ask himself one question: is there a rational explanation… or does sorcery really exist?

On his first top-secret mission, can will save a new ally from a terrible curse?

Thoughts

The first four books in The Ranger’s Apprentice series focus on Will’s apprenticeship, and therefore, a lot of the time, it is Halt that eventually gets him out of the slightly tricky situations in which he finds himself. However, as a newly qualified Ranger, Will must find his own style and strength on his first solo mission. This progression of Will’s place in society is so seamless, that it isn’t until at least halfway through the book that you realise that you are half waiting for Halt to appear out of nowhere to offer some friendly advice and guidance.

People’s perceptions on how you look, how you act, how you seem very quickly tend to inform their ideas about your ‘worth’, or even whether you are a good person or bad. The Sorcerer in the North highlights this, turning those you feel to be villains into the good guys, and the seemingly jovial into the traitors. It is a great reminder that not is all as it seems – especially in a world of espionage and war. I loved this sudden of turning of perceptions within the story, especially since I am one that often gets judged very quickly for the way that she looks.

Alyss has been present from the very first Ranger’s Apprentice story, however, it is only now that she is grown that we get to genuinely meet and admire her. Although she appears to be simply a politician, Flanagan echoes his comments on perceptions by showing her to be a strong and deceptive young woman. Her ability to act as another and partake in the ‘cloak and dagger’ of spy-work is incredibly enjoyable to read, and I can’t wait to see what role she plays in The Siege of Macindaw.

<- Oakleaf Bearers Review The Siege of Macindaw Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Oakleaf Bearers by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

oakleaf-bearers

Title: Oakleaf Bearers
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Evanlyn and Will fell ravenously on the savoury stew that the Ranger had prepared and for a while there was silence, broken only by the sound of dedicated eating.

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Synopsis

Just as spring approaches and Will and Evanlyn can finally escape Skania, Evanlyn is carried off by mysterious horsemen. Will sets out after them, but one boy against six Temujai warriors is impossible odds – even for a Ranger’s apprentice. Halt and Horace arrive just in time. But there’s no time to celebrate the reunion as Halt realises these Temujai are only scouts for a massive invasion force. The four Araluans must work together with the Skandians to defeat the invaders – if the Oberjarl will accept their help.

Can sworn enemies fight side by side to save their lives and their kingdoms?

Thoughts

John Flanagan does a wonderful job of taking a nationality as it would have lived and existed in pre-modern times and twisting them to suit his Ranger’s Apprentice series. The Skandians are a fantastic mimicry of the Vikings and manage to capture your interest from the very beginning. However, it is in Oakleaf Bearers that this talent is truly highlighted – the Gallicans and Temujai bring eerily familiar flavours to the tale of Will, Halt, Evanlyn and Horace’s exploits across the seas. Yet, he manages to set these antagonist peoples up in a way that isn’t insulting or degrading to the French and Mongolians upon whom he based these peoples. They may be the bad guys, but they have their own families and ways of life, which Flanagan makes obvious.

Flanagan and his Ranger’s Apprentice series is wonderful at highlighting that each person, each character has his or her own strength. And it is this that always helps win the day, not their need to fit in or be like each other, but rather, their diversity which allows a happy ending at the conclusion of each book. Having Will, Evanlyn and Horace back together for the first time in almost a year, this is really shown. Will and Horace are the warriors, each in their own manner, but without Evanlyn, they too would have been overrun by the Temujai warriors. Her instincts, her resilience and her inner fire help this vibrant, young woman contribute to the saving of the day. The fact that she is a Princess just helps to show that Flanagan has a good understanding that we all have different strengths that we really should play to.

<- The Inkwell and the Dagger Review The Sorcerer in the North Review ->
Image source: Faraway Nearby Books

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

the-icebound-land

Title: The Icebound Land
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: His heavy saxe knife and throwing knife were easy to hand under his cloak, and he carried his longbow strung, resting across the pommel of his saddle, in Ranger fashion.

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Synopsis

Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as the captives of the fearsome Skandian wolfship captain, Erak. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise – even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers, Halt is joined by Horace as he travels through Gallica towards Skandia. On their way, they are constantly challenged by freelance knights – otherwise known as thieving thugs. Horace knows a thing or two about combat, though, and he soon begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. But will they be in time to rescue Will from a life of slavery?

Thoughts

This series really begins to read as one continuous story in the third instalment – the journey that Will and Evanlyn take in this novel begins immediately after the end of The Burning Bridge. Likewise, the end of this tale blends seamlessly into The Oakleaf Bearers. Sometimes this is an incredibly odd and sometimes unenjoyable tactic in an authors writing, however, Flanagan is able to pull it off seamlessly. I spent the time reading this not only turning the pages eagerly to find out what happens next in the chapter, but also to get to the next chapter to read the secondary storyline.

The Icebound Land explores a few very serious issues in a nice, easily accessible way through Will and Evanlyn’s capture. Firstly, there is the idea of slavery and their removal from everything that they know and love. Although Erak and his crew show a lot of care and kindness towards the two young people, they ultimately act as the villains for most of the tale. No act of kindness can erase the cruelty in creating slaves of two previously free individuals. Then, and for me, more emotively, the idea of drugs and drug addiction is explored. Will’s shambling, keening figure throughout the long journey to safety is such a stark contrast to the lively and fun boy that he begins as. It is heart breaking and quite difficult to read. And if it is that difficult to imagine a fictional character undergoing such a harsh change and ordeal, then the idea of someone you know and love going through this is far more potent and soul-crushing.

Lastly, The Icebound Land shows the depths of Halt’s loyalty and care towards his young charge. Although the first two books in the series show that there is a relationship, it is in this tale that the connection between both Will and Halt is truly illustrated. That’s not to discount Horace’s steadfast loyalty and maturity as the four characters’ race to find one another before the trail goes cold.

<- The Burning Bridge Review The Inkwell and the Dagger Review ->
Image source: Reading for the Masses