Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: From the moment I started this series I noticed that it was different, the writing style is so gorgeous that it entirely changed my own. The characters are so real and so wonderful that once I finished the book I could not wait for the next book. April sure is a long time away.
Rating: 
Summary: A reasonable attempt to emulate more scholarly writers
Review: Generally I dislike criticising books but I am afraid some of the language usage in the Lady of the Sorrows is disappointing. I would certainly never claim that the author's vocabulary is not impressively voluminous, however, she does have a tendancy to use some words in - to put it politely - a very liberal way. It is quite possible that she is perfectly aware of the slightly grating tone in some of her sentences (I wouldn't dream of damping down poetic expression!) but it does make reading her book something of a chore. That is not necessarily a disadvantageous trait (Gene Wolfe and James Joyce both write books that are incredibly difficult to follow in places) but Ms. Dart-Thornton's meagre plot twists seem not to justify the effort.
Despite this failing, I would not wish to discourage readers from attempting this trilogy and I, personally, will reserve my final decision for after I have read the final installment.
Rating:
Summary: A reasonable attempt to emulate more scholarly writers
Review: Generally I dislike criticising books but I am afraid some of the language usage in the Lady of the Sorrows is disappointing. I would certainly never claim that the author's vocabulary is not impressively voluminous, however, she does have a tendancy to use some words in - to put it politely - a very liberal way. It is quite possible that she is perfectly aware of the slightly grating tone in some of her sentences (I wouldn't dream of damping down poetic expression!) but it does make reading her book something of a chore. That is not necessarily a disadvantageous trait (Gene Wolfe and James Joyce both write books that are incredibly difficult to follow in places) but Ms. Dart-Thornton's meagre plot twists seem not to justify the effort.
Despite this failing, I would not wish to discourage readers from attempting this trilogy and I, personally, will reserve my final decision for after I have read the final installment.
Rating: 
Summary: Hardback - Waste of money
Review: I bought the hardback and sincerely regretted it! ....!
The language was archaic with the 'Thee' 'thous' 'prithees' you just could not empathise with the characters! To me the story was a bunch of folk and fairy tales compiled with the authors characters inserted and experiencing them first hand. It would have been better reading a fairy tale book. The mystery of the main character is nothing amazing infact down right dissappointing. In conclusion, disappointing, boring and a bloddy waste of money!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Simply remarkable.. astonishing!
Review: I can not even find among the best words to describe Cecilia Dart-Thornton's wonderful talent of writing epic fantasy novels. Book 1 and Book 2 of the Bitterbynde Trilogy have just been amazing. The way the author brings to life the characters is just purely magnificent. A trilogy so rich in detail and so brilliantly put, Cecilia will rise to the top of the list of the greatest fantasy writers ever.
Rating:
Summary: More! More!
Review: I can't get enough of this series. The Ill-Made Mute was brilliant and I had doubts that book 2, the Lady of the Sorrows, could live up to the high standard of the first book.I was wrong. The second book is even better. The detail, the research, the spectacular imagery, the unexpected twists - I am ACHING to read the third and final book in the series and can't wait till it comes out. This is the best and most unusual fantasy I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Lyrical fantastical.
Review: I could just drift along on the author's prose, but her imagination is so far out there ahead of me that I am wowed over and over again by the story. The mythological and folkloric creatures that inhabit this world can be very deadly AND beautiful. I love this heroine and these books so much that I have them in both paperback and hardcover.
Rating: 
Summary: Many threads deftly woven
Review: I enjoyed the Ill-Made Mute so much, I was prepared to be disappointed by the next installment, but my fears were unfounded. Dart-Thornton has taken threads of story from Celtic and European myths, landscapes from fairytale and the Australian bush and characters that transcend the stereotype. I won't discuss the plot - suffice to say there are a few moments when you will stop and think "A-Ha! Thats why...." Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Nothing Ill made about this story.
Review: I have always hated the way all reviewers compared fantasy books to Lord of the Rings when they want to convince an audience to give a new title a go; i mean how could anything compare to Tolkiens epic fantasy! Well, this one does! I've read a lot since reading Lord of the Rings and none have come close; until now! I can't wait to read the final chapter in this beautifully written tale of romance, intrigue, action and mythology so intricately woven. A masterpiece that will endure and delight countless generations.
Rating:
Summary: My thoughts of "The Lady of the Sorrows"
Review: I have sadly just ended the novel, "The Lady of the Sorrows", and I must say that I'm very impressed with the quality and depth of Ms. Dart-Thornton's work. She was not only descriptive and informative, but the plot surprised me just when I was getting into the rhthym of things. It also included a few romantic parts. This book enthralled me in every way, and I hope that Ms. Dart-Thornton continues her magnificent work. I really can't wait to read the final book, "The Battle of Evernight."
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