lkmreads's review
3.0
Okay, I couldn't decide to give this 3 or four stars, because really, it's worth three and a half to me.
I should start off by saying that, for me, it was hard to read- not because it's badly written, because it's got the same prose as her other books, however it was just a little bit dull at parts. Sections I felt stretched out more than I cared to read about them.
I should also point out it's different from the other books from her I've read so far, Dark Jewels most of all. That's how it felt. Different.
Sure, we still have the fantasy setting, roads/bridges/what-have-you connecting fantasy land and "human" land (in some of her series more human than in others), but this one felt much closer to home, so to speak. So we deal with humans, and witches, and faes (and a side assortment of wood sprites and the like).
Also the way the story and characters on the other series seemed more... well, seemed stronger, and in this one it did not feel as strong. They did not feel as strong.
Despite the dull moments, I enjoyed the read. It was a good book, a nice story, and I have to say, the first half of the book I had expected things to develop slightly differently, and was pleased with the way it ended- ("They had it coming").
I could get to like only one, maybe stretch it out to two of the characters, none of which were actually the main ones, but where important altogether.
The bad guy annoyed me and I really disliked him, I guess it's good, that's what a bad guy is supposed to make you feel, right?
Good book, not excellent, would still recommend her other series over this one, and yes, I'd still buy the next books of Tir Alainn to see how it develops further, but I hold no great expectations nor need to read them -nowwwww- like I did with the others.
I should start off by saying that, for me, it was hard to read- not because it's badly written, because it's got the same prose as her other books, however it was just a little bit dull at parts. Sections I felt stretched out more than I cared to read about them.
I should also point out it's different from the other books from her I've read so far, Dark Jewels most of all. That's how it felt. Different.
Sure, we still have the fantasy setting, roads/bridges/what-have-you connecting fantasy land and "human" land (in some of her series more human than in others), but this one felt much closer to home, so to speak. So we deal with humans, and witches, and faes (and a side assortment of wood sprites and the like).
Also the way the story and characters on the other series seemed more... well, seemed stronger, and in this one it did not feel as strong. They did not feel as strong.
Despite the dull moments, I enjoyed the read. It was a good book, a nice story, and I have to say, the first half of the book I had expected things to develop slightly differently, and was pleased with the way it ended- ("They had it coming").
I could get to like only one, maybe stretch it out to two of the characters, none of which were actually the main ones, but where important altogether.
The bad guy annoyed me and I really disliked him, I guess it's good, that's what a bad guy is supposed to make you feel, right?
Good book, not excellent, would still recommend her other series over this one, and yes, I'd still buy the next books of Tir Alainn to see how it develops further, but I hold no great expectations nor need to read them -nowwwww- like I did with the others.
lisalark's review
4.0
While not one of my favorite Bishop books, this was satisfying and engaging on a 3+ hour flight. If you like Bishop, expect familiar tropes and character arcs. A 3.5 if that were an option.
mewsie's review
4.0
In the land of Sylvalan, an evil force is making its way across the country. The Master Inquistor Aldopho--the Witch's Hammer--is intent on clearing the country of the supposedly "evil" witches. Many women, innocent of the charges brought against them, are brutally murdered (reminescent of the witch burnings in our own history). With the death of the witches, the Shining Roads between the Old Places and the land of the fae are starting to close. However, the fae think the witches are doing something to close the roads, and not their deaths.
Ari is a young witch who lives in the vale of Brightwood, one of the Old Places. She had led a simple life until the Summer Moon when she unknowingly takes a fae lover, Lucian, the Lord of the Sun. When the fae discovers that she is a witch, the fae become suspicious and are determined to learn what they can about her. What they don't know is how quickly the Inquisitor is making his way to Brightwood and that their clan is at risk to lose their only connection to the real world.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I actually picked it up in the used book section of the local Barnes & Noble. I had heard a little about the author but wasn't willing to spend full price for one of her books. Now that I've read it, it would've been worth full price. Bishop does a great job of portraying the fae as a cold, distant, arrogant race that could care less about the humans. The contrast with the personality of Ari (more simple, down to earth, and caring) and the fae leads to some interesting situations. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
Ari is a young witch who lives in the vale of Brightwood, one of the Old Places. She had led a simple life until the Summer Moon when she unknowingly takes a fae lover, Lucian, the Lord of the Sun. When the fae discovers that she is a witch, the fae become suspicious and are determined to learn what they can about her. What they don't know is how quickly the Inquisitor is making his way to Brightwood and that their clan is at risk to lose their only connection to the real world.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I actually picked it up in the used book section of the local Barnes & Noble. I had heard a little about the author but wasn't willing to spend full price for one of her books. Now that I've read it, it would've been worth full price. Bishop does a great job of portraying the fae as a cold, distant, arrogant race that could care less about the humans. The contrast with the personality of Ari (more simple, down to earth, and caring) and the fae leads to some interesting situations. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
littlewit's review against another edition
4.0
Completely enjoyed the story. Although, I am not sure I can be bothered to finish the series. :)
cowmingo's review
5.0
I haven't cried for that long after a book in a long time. However long Amazon takes to send me the next 2 is way too long.
stephs_bookshelf's review
5.0
I started this series because I can't get my hands on Queen of the Darkness, and now I'm hooked on this series too and I can't find Shadows and Light; totally unfair.
wildflowerz76's review
3.0
I read this for the Vaginal Fantasy Book Club, March 2016.
I'm not gonna lie Marge, I almost lemmed this one. I was so bored in the beginning. I'd previously read Daughter of the Blood by this author and didn't care for it in the LEAST. I also own Sebastian, which I haven't been able to make myself read yet. I must have forgotten about all that because I probably wouldn't have gotten this one had I remembered.
But, there's good news. I warmed up to this one after a bit. I never loved it and I got really tired of the woman-hating cartoon character villain. Most of the fae were also highly annoying. I didn't get the attraction between Ari and Neall either. But in the end, this was okay. It doesn't make me want to read any more, but I don't feel like I wasted my time reading it. So, yeah.
I'm not gonna lie Marge, I almost lemmed this one. I was so bored in the beginning. I'd previously read Daughter of the Blood by this author and didn't care for it in the LEAST. I also own Sebastian, which I haven't been able to make myself read yet. I must have forgotten about all that because I probably wouldn't have gotten this one had I remembered.
But, there's good news. I warmed up to this one after a bit. I never loved it and I got really tired of the woman-hating cartoon character villain. Most of the fae were also highly annoying. I didn't get the attraction between Ari and Neall either. But in the end, this was okay. It doesn't make me want to read any more, but I don't feel like I wasted my time reading it. So, yeah.
lauraethacker's review
4.0
Witches, Fae & Small Folk
This book is a slow burn. It changes perspective between a few characters. I enjoyed the character & world building. The ending was a pleasant surprise.
This book is a slow burn. It changes perspective between a few characters. I enjoyed the character & world building. The ending was a pleasant surprise.