Rating: 
Summary: An exciting and unusual book.
Review: This is an original and unusually well-written story. I was impressed with the author's ability to create such a real world and convincing characters. Bron is a tragic hero who is nearly defeated by his own conviction that he can dominate events. Liliane is an appealing and sympathetic heroine. The story grips you from the start, and it's hard to put the book down. Victoria Strauss is a really fine writer with a beautiful style. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an above-average fantasy novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Many strong points, but ultimately frustrating
Review: This is one of the most beautifully-written books I have ever read. The gorgeous writing cloaks an incredible story. The plot description sounded to me like a typical schlock fantasy novel, and I bought the book only because I had been told the writing was wonderful. The writing *is* wonderful, but the plot and characters are great, also.In this book, there are two viewpoint characters who never get to be "on the same side". Each one has a life and a story, and these do intersect, but there are no easy reconciliations of their radically different viewpoints. Moreover, the two characters change significantly from their first introductions. The changes are well-motivated and believable. I am stunned by this book -- it's incredibly good. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, the author surprised me, but none of the surprises seemed egregious. The plot is seamless, and I cared about both main characters, even though they were in opposition to one another. In the end, however, the real strength of the book is in the writing, which surpasses even the plot and the characterization.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling writing, beautiful story
Review: This is one of the most beautifully-written books I have ever read. The gorgeous writing cloaks an incredible story. The plot description sounded to me like a typical schlock fantasy novel, and I bought the book only because I had been told the writing was wonderful. The writing *is* wonderful, but the plot and characters are great, also. In this book, there are two viewpoint characters who never get to be "on the same side". Each one has a life and a story, and these do intersect, but there are no easy reconciliations of their radically different viewpoints. Moreover, the two characters change significantly from their first introductions. The changes are well-motivated and believable. I am stunned by this book -- it's incredibly good. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, the author surprised me, but none of the surprises seemed egregious. The plot is seamless, and I cared about both main characters, even though they were in opposition to one another. In the end, however, the real strength of the book is in the writing, which surpasses even the plot and the characterization.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, misleading back cover
Review: Unpredictable, imaginative, nicely written... What else can I say? It was a great book. Now I have to read the sequel. Too bad the third one isn't going to be published. :(
The back cover doesn't describe this book accurately. This is a definite must-read.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, misleading back cover
Review: Unpredictable, imaginative, nicely written... What else can I say? It was a great book. Now I have to read the sequel. Too bad the third one isn't going to be published. :(
The back cover doesn't describe this book accurately. This is a definite must-read.
Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this instant classic.
Review: Victoria Strauss burst on the scene with this absolutely fantastic novel. The novel is based in a society that is terrified of "Hand Power," meaning that technological advances are heretical offenses. "Mind Power" is where the young are taught the ways of life. It's the story of one man who fights against the powerful religious zealots who rule his world, rising through their ranks and leaning their secrets. An absolutely fabulous read. I could not put the book down and await any further work from Victoria Strauss. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: When I first started this book I saw many of the typical fantasy themes: the lost magical artifact of incredible power, and the boy born of prophesy to change the world. Then suddenly the action kicked in and the whole plot was turned on its head. Wow. I loved the world, so richly portrayed and thoughtfully flesh-out. I loved the main character, who was never predictable, always rethinking his notion of the world. I loved the suspense of what is in many ways a spy story - that rush of being deep within the lion's den and the fear of immanent discovery. As a reader you get to see the point of view of two very different people, both of whom are sympathetic and engaging. Can they both "win" or will one inevitably bring the downfall of the other? By the end of this book, I had to shut myself away from the world and read non-stop. The last page had me so moved I was wiping away a tear. This is a great book, with a strong, character-driven plot, always surprising and never dull!
Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: When I first started this book I saw many of the typical fantasy themes: the lost magical artifact of incredible power, and the boy born of prophesy to change the world. Then suddenly the action kicked in and the whole plot was turned on its head. Wow. I loved the world, so richly portrayed and thoughtfully flesh-out. I loved the main character, who was never predictable, always rethinking his notion of the world. I loved the suspense of what is in many ways a spy story - that rush of being deep within the lion's den and the fear of immanent discovery. As a reader you get to see the point of view of two very different people, both of whom are sympathetic and engaging. Can they both "win" or will one inevitably bring the downfall of the other? By the end of this book, I had to shut myself away from the world and read non-stop. The last page had me so moved I was wiping away a tear. This is a great book, with a strong, character-driven plot, always surprising and never dull!
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