kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
3.0
3,5*
This story sucked me in right away. I clicked with the main character soon and eagerly followed her throughout the book. The plot was interesting, and did not feel like the 20th reread of the always same story, though some of the twists I saw coming a long way. I don't know if I simply have read too many fantasy books by now, or if the foreshadowing was a bit heavy.
There was a part about 1/3 though when the book felt a bit slow to me, and it took me days to get over, but once I passed that I devoured it in no time.
The end picked up again, so I am very curious now and will make sure to pick up the next book, to find out what happens to my two favorite characters!
I can recommend this story to anyone who wants a break from all the grimdark and series with a whole encyclopedia of characters to keep track of.
Added bonus - a dragon in the last part of the book!
This story sucked me in right away. I clicked with the main character soon and eagerly followed her throughout the book. The plot was interesting, and did not feel like the 20th reread of the always same story, though some of the twists I saw coming a long way. I don't know if I simply have read too many fantasy books by now, or if the foreshadowing was a bit heavy.
There was a part about 1/3 though when the book felt a bit slow to me, and it took me days to get over, but once I passed that I devoured it in no time.
The end picked up again, so I am very curious now and will make sure to pick up the next book, to find out what happens to my two favorite characters!
I can recommend this story to anyone who wants a break from all the grimdark and series with a whole encyclopedia of characters to keep track of.
Added bonus - a dragon in the last part of the book!
grmatthews's review against another edition
A traditional fantasy tale with an heir to throne, some long-lived sorcerers and prophecy/curse to be fulfilled. The pace is good, I enjoyed the first half a little more than the second, and I liked the travel to different parts of the world - different cultures and landscapes. The tales told throughout the book gives the reader a sense of history and deepen the world building.
paigelchristie's review against another edition
4.0
Steven Poore's The Heir to the North is as delightful as it is unexpected. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the author's post in a online fantasy group, and I was not disappointed.
From the beginning, both the protagonist and pacing are unique, a slow burn that divides into unexpected twists and lets the reader share the heroine's surprise and uncertainty, fear and wonder, as she journeys to knew cities and lands. Despite limited choices, Cassia lays claim to her own autonomy and in doing so makes herself invaluable in the quest she has been forced to undertake. Though forces move around her over which she has little control or understanding, she maintains her curiosity and her dreams, and never wavers from the idea that she will achieve freedom and her dreams.
Well written and smartly plotted, this novel is perfect for an reader with an appreciation of the power of stories, and a love for unique characters. I loved it and will be looking for more of Poore's work.
From the beginning, both the protagonist and pacing are unique, a slow burn that divides into unexpected twists and lets the reader share the heroine's surprise and uncertainty, fear and wonder, as she journeys to knew cities and lands. Despite limited choices, Cassia lays claim to her own autonomy and in doing so makes herself invaluable in the quest she has been forced to undertake. Though forces move around her over which she has little control or understanding, she maintains her curiosity and her dreams, and never wavers from the idea that she will achieve freedom and her dreams.
Well written and smartly plotted, this novel is perfect for an reader with an appreciation of the power of stories, and a love for unique characters. I loved it and will be looking for more of Poore's work.
tawallah's review
4.0
Well, this duology has gotten off to a great start. Even though I received this from the author, my opinions are not swayed by this. Despite that cover which doesn’t quite work with the narrative, this is a solid well written epic fantasy. It predominantly focuses on Cassia, who travels with her father Norrow and yearns to be a storyteller as well. Actually a better storyteller than he is. Life has not been kind to Norrow and by extension Cassia but things change when they are in Keskor and meet Baum and Meredith. Cassia is naive girl but her inquisitiveness and grit propels on adventures beyond her dreams.
Poore crafts a world that is vivid and detailed. He even takes time to deal with differences in custom, language and culture. That attention to detail was great. This is a slower paced novel and think most readers will be able to predict certain outcomes early. And it should appeal to both persons new to genre or seasoned readers looking for something different. It is a clean novel, minimal romance.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven plots. There is a magical system but easy to understand though the rules aren’t explained.
Poore crafts a world that is vivid and detailed. He even takes time to deal with differences in custom, language and culture. That attention to detail was great. This is a slower paced novel and think most readers will be able to predict certain outcomes early. And it should appeal to both persons new to genre or seasoned readers looking for something different. It is a clean novel, minimal romance.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven plots. There is a magical system but easy to understand though the rules aren’t explained.
writingcoe's review
5.0
I absolutely devoured this book; it’s fresh, original, and I didn’t see any of the twists coming. I think HTTN may have even surpassed The Copper Promise and Spark & Carousel in my estimation! It’s an exciting, brilliant and entertaining read that is absolutely worth picking up.
The writing is excellent; the places and descriptions are fabulous, and the entire world has history behind it. You feel that each place has an untold story, and even the throwaway lines of brief description about a particular land give you a sense if it.
I love the way the plot turns; the baddie isn’t bad, the goodie isn’t good, the hero isn’t a hero. Having the story from Cassia’s perspective lends a nice twist to the “hero quest” trait, and is a nice POV. The plot rolls along nicely, and never feels forced; the twists are unexpected (at least to me) and I was kept interested all the way through. Cassia’s change is nicely done and we grow along with her; Meredith is an interesting character, and Baum is tangled, deep and believable. I won’t spoiler but will say that the other main character is excellently done; wry and interesting and poignant. Steven J Poore certainly managed a 180 degree shift in my feelings, apparently effortlessly!
The writing is excellent; the places and descriptions are fabulous, and the entire world has history behind it. You feel that each place has an untold story, and even the throwaway lines of brief description about a particular land give you a sense if it.
I love the way the plot turns; the baddie isn’t bad, the goodie isn’t good, the hero isn’t a hero. Having the story from Cassia’s perspective lends a nice twist to the “hero quest” trait, and is a nice POV. The plot rolls along nicely, and never feels forced; the twists are unexpected (at least to me) and I was kept interested all the way through. Cassia’s change is nicely done and we grow along with her; Meredith is an interesting character, and Baum is tangled, deep and believable. I won’t spoiler but will say that the other main character is excellently done; wry and interesting and poignant. Steven J Poore certainly managed a 180 degree shift in my feelings, apparently effortlessly!
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