SummaryOne day Han Alister catches three young wizard setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet away from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against him. The amulet once belonged to the Demon King, who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece so powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.
Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna has her own battle to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of riding and hunting with her father's family. Raisa aspires to be like Hanalea, the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems that her mother has other plans for her — plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.
Afterthoughts
When I started this book, I was unsure how I would like it because it seemed to echo so many other books. Male and female main characters who each tell the story in alternating chapters — check. Subtle hints that afore mentioned characters will be love interests — check. Wizards, wolf-queen ghosts, natives who control the land's magic and a princess who actually wants to rule her kingdom — che- Wait, what?
This book, and the following series, surprised me and kept me intrigued until the end. I always enjoy the different ways authors portray magic in their stories, rarely is it the same. The story was easy to follow and threw unexpected twists, which is always a pleasure.
I enjoyed the main characters and the balance they each brought to the storytelling, as well as their personalities.
And, unlike most books and movies, I enjoyed the second, third and fourth books even more than the first. Definitely one to try.
Warnings
None.
Extras
Read the first chapter!
Chima has a bunch of resources for the series on her site.
I love your perspective on books. I laugh out loud and find myself shouting "Amen!" [well, in my head at least] with your thoughts and points. This sounds like another winner. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteSounds good! Always happy to hear about a book that breaks the mold :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting! And it says a lot that you liked the second, third and fourth books even more than the first. That's a good indication that the author knows how to craft a story.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I love that your love of books shines through in all of your posts!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing this side of you Emily! I also think it shows a good series when the rest of the series is even better than the first one! Shows it's a well-thought out series!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely know what you are talking about. You don't just read books to review them - you love books and that definitely shows.
ReplyDeleteAnother to add to my list! It's rare for me to find a series that gets better as it continues...
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