Rating: 
Summary: Promising beginning dissolves into a plot-less bore.
Review: I found this book a complete trial to read. Beautiful descriptions and a wonderful world based on the use of a material that behaves like a magnet with opposite polarity to the earth got things off to a great start. But then...well, more beautiful descriptions spill from the pages - more, and more - coming on so densely I started to dread picking the thing up. I kept slogging on, waiting for the plot to begin, wishing I cared a little more about these flat characters and static plot. But I never did. A potentially poignant moment when the most distinctive character is killed is ruined by being relegated to a second-hand account. A new "hero" is introduced, and he is so blandly perfect he's nauseating. A fantasy-cliche walk through spooky tunnels with a large creature lurking in its lower levels tries to throw in some action in the end. Then the hideous heroine gets a magical mud facial and - surprise, surprise - she's beautiful! Grand finale! (zzzzzz) There is no doubt Dart-Thorton has tremendous talent for lyrical prose and description, and I wish her well in her future writing career. But unless someone convinces me that the plot and characters of this trilogy get logarithmically more compelling, I won't be spending further money on it.
Rating: 
Summary: I was drawn completely into another world
Review: One of the reasons I read fantasy is to take a break, for a while from the real world. Few fantasy writers - with the notable exception of Tolkien - have been able to provide me with a world that is convincing enough and satisfying enough to become totally absorbed in.
Dart-Thornton has done it, and done it perfectly. Outstandingly! While I was lost in the pages of The Ill-Made Mute hours would pass by in a flash. I didn't ewant to leave that world, the world of Erith. I just kept turning the pages, wanting more and secretly hoping the story would never end.
I want to go to Erith right away.
I guess the only way I can do that is to wait until Book 2 is published. Bring it on!
Rating: 
Summary: Something of a meandering string quartet - not a symphony
Review: This is a beautifully (some might say rather lavishly) written book. Unlike many fantasies written nowadays, this isn't full of earth-shaking battles, huge cosmic upsets and the like. It's chamber music as opposed to a full-blown symphony. The story focuses on the adventures of a young girl who is not only bereft of memory and speech, but also facially scarred. This "ill-made mute" (a wonderful title, by the way) sets out on a quest to rediscover herself in a world that can best be described as classic folklore come to life. That means trolls, sprites, goblins, and like ("wights", as Dart-Thornton collectively calls them). It means all sorts of pranks, words games and occasionally genuinely frightening magical occurances -just like in those old fairy tales your mom read read to you on winter evenings, when the world was young and no stain yet on the moon was seen. There is, to be truthful, hardly a surprising moment in the book. The plot certainly doesn't deserve much admiration (it's mainly a collection of essentially unconnected episodes), whilst the chosen fantasy backdrop is per definition unoriginal, relying as it does almost exclusively on - you guessed it - mainstay folklore. However, the book certainly does make a refreshing change to all those "epics" being published at the moment. It's fun, occasionally mildly poignant, and, as mentioned, lovingly written. Like the material it's based on, it's a good read on a cold night. Curl up and enjoy; you'll not be disappointed. (Final note: this is the first volume in a trilogy. And yes, I have to admit that there's this "epic" quality lurking vaguely in the background, as all those confounded wights seem to be gathering for some sort of onslaught against humanity. Ah well, as long as Dart-Thornton actually manages to confne herself to three books...)
Rating:
Summary: Lovely lovely book
Review: The main character is introduced horribly injured and reduced to miserable dependency in a harsh and rigidly straified society (almost Gormenghast-like). Then, leaving the 'safety' of this closed world, gradully restored to awakening sense of self in a rich, detailed, wonderful, dangerous world. Best read in ages. Can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Lyrical and spellbinding
Review: This book is not Tolkien, though it's one of the very few books that grabbed me in the way that Tolkien's do... and it's certainly earned its place on my (virtual) bookshelf. Dart-Thornton has such a lyrical way with words; she weaves a rich, compelling world. If you submit and let yourself get caught up in what she writes, then you'll be taken on an incredible journey. You will either love it or not. If you're disappointed by a lot of mainstream, mass-market fantasy today, then The Ill-Made Mute is something you'll want to read. It tells the story its own way, without resorting to the clichés or predictably of other, less imaginative books. The plot meanders, and things happen... This is not a book for the impatient. The story drops off abruptly at the ending, but it is a nice ending. The beginning is as much an introduction to the world for us as it is for our foundling, the lead character; if you're not well stuck into the book by then then it's not for you. I'm reviewing the e-book version here, since that's what I bought; somewhat appropriate, since the author apparently got her writing career started over the Internet.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable!
Review: I read this book on vacation, lost myself in it as I hadn't been able to do with a book for so long. This is a wonderful read, full of vivid imagery. It was like the fairy tales we grew up with had come to life. Months after reading THE ILL-MADE MUTE, many scenes stay with me. My kudos to the author for giving the reader such a mesmerizing treat. I regret that it took me so long to post here, to tell other readers just what a rare find this book is. I can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL
Review: This book did have some flaws, but I just didn't care. The story was so spell-binding and the imagery so gorgeous that I put the critic in me aside and allowed myself to enjoy the experience. I have long become tired of the formula fantasy book, and I found Dart-Thorton's style different and inspiring. Wildly imaginative,vivid, beautiful, the list could go on and on. Surprisingly literary for a fantasy book, which may be a problem for readers used to Dungeons and Dragons. And how refreshing to have a deformed heroine winning the affection of a beautiful male instead of the other way around!
Imrhien somehow manages to be a loveable and interesting character despite the fact that she doesn't say a word throughout most of the book. The author seems to know her characters thoroughly, giving us just enough of them to make us want more.
One problem...the next book isn't out until next year, so how am I going to cope with Thorn-withdrawals?
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Great book. I really liked it and would recomend it to anyone. It opens up a whole new world.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I haven't found such a good fantasy with romance in years! I can't wait until the rest of the series comes out!
Rating:
Summary: I can't get enough of books like this.
Review: Not that I have ever before read a book like this. It's unique. A discovery. A world populated with amazing creatures, moving in amazing scenery. I want to go there! This story is lovely, it's magical, it's enthralling. I read it twice for twice the enjoyment. Read it. You might get hooked, like me.
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