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katmarhan's review
3.0
7/10 There were strong elements to this book—the main character, Bridget, and the settings in our world and Isavalta. Being a lighthouse lover, I enjoyed the sections on Sand Island and in Bayfield, places I have visited. I would have liked a map of Isavalta and its neighbors. The method of weaving magic, literally by weaving, was a fresh take. And there was plenty of plotting and palace intrigue, not to mention power plays by those who are beyond mortal.
So why not a higher rating? Other than Bridget, and to some extent Kalami, none of the characters had much depth or nuance. There were too many mysteries and unanswered questions, elements that were not addressed directly and didn’t become clear in context. I realize there are sequels, but I felt like a number of things were either glossed over or left unexplained and/or incomplete.
So why not a higher rating? Other than Bridget, and to some extent Kalami, none of the characters had much depth or nuance. There were too many mysteries and unanswered questions, elements that were not addressed directly and didn’t become clear in context. I realize there are sequels, but I felt like a number of things were either glossed over or left unexplained and/or incomplete.
aprille_storychick's review
2.0
Book #24 of 2008. I found this a bit dull at first, but got swept into the stories a few chapters in. I found some elements stiff and predictable at times. The dialogue,intended to be late 19th century, seems forced at times. But the story is good. My favorite is when Bridget weaves spells through the air via dance. I love the idea and the image. I will most likely pick up the second book.
ejimenez's review
4.0
Slow to build, and in many ways not what I expected. At times it felt like there were too many plotlines and too many players (I don't love complicated court intrigue scenarios), but it paid off in the resolution.
miramanga's review
4.0
I read the final book of this trilogy first so this was a bit of a forensic foray. I am happy to report that knowing how the story ends didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book in the least.
I'm keen to read Sarah Zettel's other books, and I was glad to find her website so I can see what she writes next! Was a little disappointed to see that her LiveJournal had been deleted however ;)
I'm keen to read Sarah Zettel's other books, and I was glad to find her website so I can see what she writes next! Was a little disappointed to see that her LiveJournal had been deleted however ;)
mapetiteliseuse's review
1.0
I almost reevaluated my one star rating planned for this book after seeing the most recent reviews giving it 4 or 5. Im aware that there's a chance I have just read SO much fantasy and have such firm favourites that I'm likely to be overly critical.. But then I didn't feel that way when I gave Percheron 5 stars last month.
So one star it is.
I think the books introduction is too long, too much time is spent getting Bridget to the place where he story will begin. Not only that but the intro is where you should begin to fall in love with the lead character(s) and that just never happened.
I didn't appreciate the various settings either.. Shoreside Wisconsin esque countryside to a land feeling almost gothic and a little Persian. Very confusing.
What I did like, no, love, was the authors creativity in how magic is weaved (literally) in to the plot. This felt original and gave the book a uniqueness that almost warrants a second star. It's so easy to go for wand waving, or 'the gift' or something recycled when conveying magical ability, but this originality was appreciated.
Too much going on.. Animal spirits, character history, character future, demons and bad blood.
I won't be reading book two.
So one star it is.
I think the books introduction is too long, too much time is spent getting Bridget to the place where he story will begin. Not only that but the intro is where you should begin to fall in love with the lead character(s) and that just never happened.
I didn't appreciate the various settings either.. Shoreside Wisconsin esque countryside to a land feeling almost gothic and a little Persian. Very confusing.
What I did like, no, love, was the authors creativity in how magic is weaved (literally) in to the plot. This felt original and gave the book a uniqueness that almost warrants a second star. It's so easy to go for wand waving, or 'the gift' or something recycled when conveying magical ability, but this originality was appreciated.
Too much going on.. Animal spirits, character history, character future, demons and bad blood.
I won't be reading book two.
lsneal's review
4.0
Loved the well-crafted magic system and structure of the worlds in this novel, as well as the gradual revelations about the plot and characters.
malkav11's review
5.0
What a fantastic fantasy world. Plenty of complex intrigue, shifting character allegiances, and dastardly deeds motivated by entirely understandable and in some ways even noble motivations. Combine that with a unique magic system and I was thoroughly delighted. I look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
jkh107's review
4.0
Enjoyable fantasy--if you like magic + court intrigue, this is for you. I really liked it.
chally's review
5.0
What I like most about this book – series, in fact – is the unusual setting. So many fantasy books are set in the same sort of western European, pseudo-medieval setting. These books begin in late nineteenth-century America but the majority of the story takes place in an alternate world made up of cultures drawn from Russian, Indian and Chinese history. Immediately the world feels richer, more colourful and infinitely more interesting than many books I’ve read in recent years.
Furthermore, some elements of real-world mythology are woven into the plot. Our characters – Bridget Lederle, the woman who didn’t know she was a sorceress, and the sorcerers Kalami and Sakra – periodically visit The Land of Death and Spirit, a sort of alternate plane ruled by the Great Powers. Baba Yaga is one of these, in her chicken-legged house, and fox-spirits play an important role in the story. The dangers and trickiness of this place are well presented; it’s easy to appreciate that in this world, magic is not something which everyone would love to have, but in fact deeply dangerous.
The characters are excellent. Bridget herself borders on a touch of cliche – she’s unwittingly the world’s most powerful sorceress, if only she knew how to use it – but she’s complex enough to seem real. It’s easy to identify with Empress Ananda, supposedly the most powerful woman in the empire of Isavalta but rendered powerless and afraid. But I was most impressed with the dowager empress, Medeoan, a villain without meaning to be. She’s one of the most complicated and interesting characters I’ve come across in some time.
The tangle of politics, magic and individual desires makes for an intriguing tale and there are some good twists in the plot. This book still deserves a place among my top favourite fantasy novels.
Furthermore, some elements of real-world mythology are woven into the plot. Our characters – Bridget Lederle, the woman who didn’t know she was a sorceress, and the sorcerers Kalami and Sakra – periodically visit The Land of Death and Spirit, a sort of alternate plane ruled by the Great Powers. Baba Yaga is one of these, in her chicken-legged house, and fox-spirits play an important role in the story. The dangers and trickiness of this place are well presented; it’s easy to appreciate that in this world, magic is not something which everyone would love to have, but in fact deeply dangerous.
The characters are excellent. Bridget herself borders on a touch of cliche – she’s unwittingly the world’s most powerful sorceress, if only she knew how to use it – but she’s complex enough to seem real. It’s easy to identify with Empress Ananda, supposedly the most powerful woman in the empire of Isavalta but rendered powerless and afraid. But I was most impressed with the dowager empress, Medeoan, a villain without meaning to be. She’s one of the most complicated and interesting characters I’ve come across in some time.
The tangle of politics, magic and individual desires makes for an intriguing tale and there are some good twists in the plot. This book still deserves a place among my top favourite fantasy novels.