A must-read for high fantasy lovers
938070
Deep characters in a well developed world. The story is believable and engaging and leaves the reader eager to experience the next book.
1800038
Fantasy is one of my favourite book genres, and it is always nice when i am pleasantly surprised with the quality of a novel. Such is the case with 'Eye of the Hawk', which was a wonderfully entertaining book for me.

It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel that actually feels fantastical. There is a distinct air of high fantasy here, and that for me at least is why i read fantasy novels. The detailed descriptions really bring you into the world, full of magic and mystery.

It helps that the book is backed up by a very interesting story too. No spoilers but from the very start of the book the protagonist (Hawk) faces many interesting situations involving magic, monsters and even a dragon. As the first book in a series, you might expect this book to be on the short side, but this is not the case, as i found it to be pleasingly lengthy.

Overall if you are a fan of good high fantasy (or fantasy in general), then you simply must read this book.
1246978
I had real trouble writing down my thoughts for this.  The truth is I didn't know where to start.  I think I was a bit intimidated by the fact that I was the third person to be reading this book on Goodreads and there didn't appear to be anyone else who wanted to.

I have to say that seems like a very big mistake to me since I've read the book.

This high fantasy book starts off with Katora, her family and a visit from a family friend.  From there it leads off to the start of a great adventure.  Katora is given the task of finding a rare plant and along the way has to decide if she wants to become the Guardian to the 'Elixir' - a potion that many creatures want to gain for their own nefarious gain - some believing that it gives the bearer immortality.

It seems such as simple book if you look at the lines I wrote above, but the truth is it's not.  What you fail to see is the journey.  There was just something about the plot of this book that I really started to love.  It helped that it was so well-written that I could picture some of the settings and what the characters were experiencing in my mind.

From almost the first pages, I was comparing it to some of my favorite high fantasy books, such as Eragon, and I couldn't help thinking that this book - written by a debut Indie author - was right up there with them.

Katora was a normal human - she didn't have any magical powers and neither did any of her family.  And that's what I like about her and set her apart from others I've read about.  She struggled with her quest, wondering if she was fit for it.  There were times during the books where the decisions she should have made were taken out her hands forcibly.  And on top of having to make a major life decision, she was a girl who was falling in love the first time.

Hirsten was the son of a mapmaker and he was assigned to go with Katora and her brother and sister on the quest.  He seemed rather sweet.  He wasn't a stand out character, but there so many other secondary characters that had important parts to play as well.  He had limitations with his maps, but overcome them when he and Katora were together.

There were also interesting creatures in the book.  Some that were friendly, others that were not and some that were just insane.  I was kind of disappointed that there weren't more mythical creatures in the book with it being high fantasy.

The pace of the book also disappointed me.  It seemed there were long waits in between action scenes and it gave me time, even though it really good, to get bored.  If the pace had been a little faster it would have been a book I wouldn't have been able to put down - even though I read it reasonably quickly anyway.

To say that there was a lot more to the story is true, but I don't want to give anything away to the people who may want to read it.  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes high fantasy - that's for sure.
4771804
I absolutely loved this book. I'll keep the review short and sweet and refrain from any spoilers.

Kvothe is an entertaining character with many different talents. He's smart and witty with a hint of arrogance, which gets him into trouble on more than one occasion.

The world has incredible depth and is beautifully described. It has a rich history and its own form of mythology, which you can tell Rothfuss spend a great amount of time creating.

Last but not least, the magic system is unlike anything I've ever read before. It's more than just a "flick of a wand" or wizards with pointy hats. It combines magic with math and science, and its secrets are highly protected by those who study it.

I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys fantasy and respects a unique take on magic.
536183
If you enjoyed reading the Lord of the Rings and the Wheel of Time, this book will not disappoint you. Written in a refreshingly clear style in a world populated by all manner of creatures, Terry Goodkind sets the stage for a story with characters to cheer for. While the plot is not entirely original, in that it is merely another variant of the youngester-finds-himself-involved-into-a-quest-of-epic proportions, the depth of the characters and the masterful storytelling of Terry Goodkind will keep you on the edge of your seat for many hours to come. This is a must-have for all fantasy fans!
3927393
What an amazing piece of fantasy! The author didn't spend half the book building new worlds. Instead, the story focused on the characterswho they were, their relationships, what made them tick. They were quite real and definitely three-dimensional and I loved that! I was so drawn into the conflicts, the treachery, the battles, the mission, that as soon as I finished book one, I immediately bought book 2. I'm now an addict!
4728222
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Lovers-and-Beloveds-An-Intimate-History-of-the-Greater-Kingdom/dp/0981307175/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Lovers and Beloveds: An Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom</a>&nbsp;has everything I adore in high fantasy--lush worldbuilding, political intrigue, and compelling characters--combined with something I rarely (to be honest, almost never) find in high fantasy--intelligent, well-written, relevant sex. The story's explicit content (and it is substantial) is masterfully handled with grace and elegance. Most importantly, it is always in service of the book's sweeping, dramatic narrative. Author MeiLin Miranda deploys her erotic charges in the best possible way: to reveal character, explore power dynamics, and further disclose the unique structure of the rich and fascinating society she has created. She's a damn fine writer and definitely one I'll be keeping my eye on in the future!
2693315
I am absolutely in love with this book.  This fast-paced adventure fantasy was extremely hard to put down because there were twists and turns up, down and sideways.  Some I did see coming, but others surprised me and hit me very hard.  This book is intense, inspiring, thrilling and funny.  It's not often I see so much humor in a fantasy novel that can get very grim.

I believe the biggest and best part of the appeal in this book for me is the sense of hope in humanity.  The very best and the very worst of humanity is shown, but the indomitable spirit of mankind in the face of oppression is so inspiring.  The worst needed to be shown, to understand how powerful it is when people fight for what's right.  Even when it might seem hopeless.  The world in this novel has a bleak outlook - especially since the narrative takes place some time after the kind and idealistic King Paelis has died for his attempts to reform the politics of the land, but it's wonderful to see Falcio, Kest and Brasti impart their strength to other people through their actions.

The Three Musketeers was briefly mentioned in the synopsis, and while I think it is a good comparison in terms of the action and Falcio, Kest and Brasti are all excellent fighters who work together fluidly as a team, there is much more to them individually than fighting companions - they are not perfect and interestingly they are not even perfect friends.  These characters are a perfect complement when it comes to fighting skills, but their beliefs can be somewhat at odds.  Fortunately, their banter makes for fun humorous moments despite the tension that can come up between them and then it's easy to see why they remain together.  I found these men and their friendship to be very believable and it made them fantastic characters to carry the story.

However, Falcio is the leader and the main character, and the depth to him because of his tragic past and his need to atone and live up to the principles he holds dear was very moving.  There are many satisfying moments in this book when the reader sees how capable Falcio is as a fighter and how accomplished in his understanding of people; he's also very intelligent and cunning and I think it would be easy to make a character like this too idealized, but Falcio is flawed and damaged which makes him fascinatingly multi-faceted.

Flashbacks are an important part of the narrative - through them we see what happened in Falcio's past and the origin of the Greatcoats.  I was very impressed with how the flashbacks were worked into the story.  The flashbacks supported the main story perfectly and just enough was given to keep creating all of these intensely, emotional moments - because the flashback would give some information that enhanced the present-day story.  While the reader is concerned with Falcio and his men's attempts to complete their mission, we come to gradually understand the tragedy that led up to the present and the revelations are deeply poignant.

This book is a wonderful and exciting journey.  The only hitch in the story for me was towards the end when a couple things seemed too easily resolved.  But it was a very minor issue because this story offers an intelligent examination on our humanity that I found very profound at times especially when it was juxtaposed against truly awful situations.  Don't worry though, there's lots of swashbuckling action, wit and dark humor to counter the bleakness and the possibility of excessive sentimentalism.  (I did find myself tearing up many times anyways.)  I loved most everything about this book, it was a practically perfect read for me.

(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review.  I was not compensated for this review.)
2496142
I dated this boy who loved The Wheel of Time and in an effort to impress him, I read the first and second book of the series. I hated them. Turns out, I don't particularly enjoy High Fantasy.
Fast forward over a decade, and Im married to that boy and Im reading it again, this time because it continues to be important to my husband and I want to share in the story that means so much to him
Perhaps it is age or perhaps it is because reading it via the audio book, but I find I know enjoy the story immensely. Intricate, with one of the most complex and complete worlds Ive ever entered. The level of detail is astounding. This gives the story of richness unlike anything Ive read. One might be worried the characters or plot would get buried the excessive details  and yet, they dont. In  fact, the details give the characters depth and the plot a realness that makes it hard to put the book down.
I don't need to laud this series, to be sure. The amount of fanfiction and still-active fan forums attest to the longevity of this story.
1856283
I first read The Dark is Rising as a child, and was ensnared by Susan Cooper's enchanting story of Will Stanton and his quest for the Six Signs, ensnared more deeply than any other book I had read before it.  This book introduced me to fantasy and the wonder of the Middle Ages--the author uses a unique blend of fact, fantasy, and history in this series, with some Celtic lore, some proven facts, and just enough pure magic to make it enjoyable.
The books related the quest of six people to stop the world from being taken over by the Dark after the Light has reigned in peace for so long.  The series begins with the three Drew children, Simon, Jane, and Barney, who are set upon a quest under the guidance of their forbidding Uncle Merriman, in Over Sea, Under Stone, in which their quest is to find the Holy Grail.  In the Dark is Rising, Will Stanton is introduced and, again under the guidance of Merriman, initiated as the last of the Old Ones, the guardians of the earth.  His task is to find the six Signs.  In Greenwitch, a traditional Celtic tradition is brought to light by Jane, the only girl in the group, that befriends the lonely spirit and asks for her help in deciphering the inscriptions on the grail.  The Grey King is the fourth book, and perhaps the most powerful, for it introduces Bran, a freakish albino who has never been accepted.  Will befriends Bran and finds out that Bran is not only part of the prophecies, he is key to their plans, for they must awaken the Sleepers, warriors who will aid them to fight the Dark.  And finally, the last book, Silver on the Tree, in which all of them are reunited: Simon, Jane, Barney, Will, Bran, and Merriman.  In it they discover how far the reach of the Dark is--and how powerful the Light can be.
All of the books start with poems that prophesize the actions in the books and give convoluted clues as to what will be needed to stop the dark forces of the earth from taking over the world.  Mentioned are the Holy Grail, the Six Signs, Pendragon, the Greenwitch, Sleepers, harps, an entire verse in Welsh--don't try to understand them; just enjoy them in their beauty.  When you finish the books, you'll look at them again and suddenly understand everything.
14142
This is one of the best, most enjoyable novels Ive read in a long time, and, quite honestly, the best high fantasy novel Ive ever read, period. The story begins in motion and never lets up. Helpful in this regard are the multiple story lines throughout the narrative, from the perilous voyage to the land called Seven Forges and the discovery of a kingdom of warriors long separated from the rest of the world, to the story of a young man cruelly beaten and maimed who gets a new chance at life, to the Sorcerer who advices, and in truth pretty much runs, the kingdom of Fellein. The characters are all very unique, especially the people/warriors of the Seven Forges. No cookie-cutter Tolkien-esque cut-outs to be found here. I found each character to be well thought-out and real and, most importantly, infinitely likeable. Moores brilliant writing is direct and clear, painting locations and people with concise prose that moves along and doesnt get bogged down in its own writing. With just enough humor added in for balance, this action-packed, at times violent, novel was consistently a joy to read. As a reader, the fact that I looked forward to returning to the book every day says volumes in my mind. This is what a fantasy novel should be. Im looking forward to the next in the series.
4218652
It has been way too long since I've read a high fantasy book. I love all of the other genres, but I think fantasy is my favorite. Especially when dragons are involved! And Seraphina did not disappoint in any way! I loved every part of this book, and I am a little upset with myself for not reading it sooner.

Although this book spent quite a bit of time setting up the story, I didn't struggle to get through it because the world building was just so wonderful. Everything is important to understanding why certain events happen, and by the time the plot started to move quickly I was glad that I was relatively familiar with this world. Hartman's dragons are so unique, and I think that knowing how they react to things and how they typically act is really necessary.

One of the things that I found most interesting was the inclusion of music. Since dragons are very mathematical and logic-oriented, they make incredibly skilled musicians - when it comes to hitting all the right notes and being technically correct. However, since they refuse to allow themselves to feel human emotions in their human forms, their music lacks the emotional aspect that allows people to relate to it. Seraphina's music has the best of both worlds, which makes her an incredibly talented musician. I really enjoyed reading about how Seraphina plays and how she teaches Princess Glisselda, and I can't wait to see how her musical abilities will play in to the rest of the series.

There's a little bit of romance in this book, but it's not front and center and I think that it was very well done. Seraphina's love interest is engaged to another girl, and there's nothing they can do about it...yet. Apart from romantic relationships, this book puts a pretty big emphasis on familial relationships. Seraphina is often disappointed by the lack of emotions that her family displays, especially her uncle (on her mother's side). Watching her relationships with her uncle and her father change over the course of the book was really neat, and I loved how they were just as well developed as Seraphina and Kiggs. Hartman builds her characters as elegantly as she does her world, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them grow and change even more as the series progresses.

If you're a fan of books like Graceling, Incarnate, and other high fantasy YA books, I would definitely recommend Seraphina to you. It's a beautiful book full of incredible imagery, characters, and world building and contains some of the best dragons I've ever read about. It starts out a little slow, but just give it a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed! A 5/5!
2503691
It's amazing how immersive a perfectly balanced, exciting new fantasy can be.  And it's wonderful when you can find a book like that.  Uprooted was that book for me, and it was an absolute delight - not because it was always happy, or particularly funny (although it can be, with a wry humor), but because the characters had real depth and growth, the world-building was visceral and descriptive, as were the magic elements which were described in a visual way that I found very appealing.  I also felt even more caught up in the world because it was so unclear from the beginning what kind of story this was going to be.  The plot summary just barely touches on the real and complex plot, and that element of mystery to what you are in for when you first start this book, helped draw me completely into the narrative.

Agnieszka was an extremely well written and vivid heroine.  She's strong, but a bit of a klutz and of course very uncomfortable in the surroundings she finds herself in with the Dragon.  But gradually her personality makes an impression on the Dragon's taciturnity and it was beautiful to see how much she grows throughout the course of the story.  This aspect was a major reason why I loved the book so much - it's truly a wondrous and inspiring coming of age tale for Agnieszka.  And she feels so different from the heroines I've been reading about lately.  She feels like an old soul, and I really identified with that.  Agnieszka also has a strong friendship with Kasia, but it is a realistic one, as some issues they have with each other is explored, but it only served to strengthen their friendship and it also made them completely believable as characters.

The story has many exciting plot twists and some nail-biting action scenes that made it intensely readable.  The action does not just take place at the Dragon's castle, so that there is a very solid sense of the whole world of the novel by the end of the story.  And I loved that at the different stages of the story the author introduces new characters who are just as strong and memorable as the ones we have grown to love from the beginning.

The romance is not a strong part of the plot - and seeing as the beginning has some similarities to Beauty and the Beast, I found that surprising.  But the romance aspect is there in the background, and is a wonderful part of the story because it is not the major focus.  I was much more intrigued by the world-building and the trials Agnieszka had to face, so it felt very fitting that the story revolved around that.  Although I did really love the Dragon, and wouldn't have minded knowing more about him!

I think this was literally a perfect book.  It's hard to find any fault with such flawless storytelling and characters.  It's one of my new absolute favorites, and while I feel like the story ended in a way that felt complete and satisfactory, there is a part of me that wishes there was more to read, because living in the world of this book was amazing!
3333867
This book was a treat. With the original Mistborn trilogy as my favorite high fantasy series to date, I was already excited to read this. Now that I have finished it, I can't wait for more. Sanderson has created an amazing world with equally amazing characters. The change from medieval inspired high fantasy to industrial revolution steampunk-esque was a bold choice and really helped to give this new world it's own identity. It also helps this book be more open to new readers, though long time fans will enjoy all of the slight references to the original series and characters peppered throughout. Whether you're a long time fan of Sanderson and his Mistborn series, or simply a fan of steampunk/urban fantasy stories, I think you'll find this book well worth your time.
3866742
I was recommended this book by the author herself, and I am so glad. I am a big fan of fantasy novels, but they can seem to be the same story repeated after awhile. This book is like a breath of fresh air - the plot and the characters are absolutely delightful. An absolute must read for any fantasy fan, and also for a reader looking to try the genre for the first time.
4016529
This is the first part in an epic Fantasy series set in the land of Altaica. The book drops you into an immediately tense situation as the main character, Isaura, watches an immense foreign army about to march through her home town, and she is faced with difficult decisions early on.
Isaura herself is a strong lead character, skilled at archery and healing, but never fully accepted or trusted by the village because of the colour of her skin and her 'Hill Clan' ancestry. Despite this, Isaura does everything in her power to help them in the face of this threat.
The story follows a number of viewpoint characters as they struggle to survive, and their paths diverge and interconnect as the story unfolds. At first I had some difficulty accepting so many POV characters, but each of them quickly develops their own voice, and brings a unique and interesting perspective to the story. One of Joyce's greatest strengths is her ability to write complex, realistic characters, then throw them headlong into horrible, desperate situations. It makes for great reading!
The world of Altaica is alive with detail and rich history, but it never feels like it's getting in the way of the story. In fact, it only enhances it. Generations-old conflicts and grudges are brought back into play, and affect how many of the characters act and perceive each other in the story.
The magic system, too, is fascinating and well thought out, focusing on the bonds between the human and animal worlds, and although it only really comes to the forefront towards the end of the book, it's present throughout and underpins and directs so much about the course of the story. I suspect, however, that we've only just begun to glimpse its depth.
I'm trying to keep this review spoiler-free, so I can't go into the details of my favourite moments, but there were many that stuck with me. I'll just say that the idea of the Kenati is one of the coolest I've seen in a Fantasy series, and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book.
Joyce is one of the few Fantasy authors that pays as much attention to building her characters as she does building her world and plots, and it makes Altaica one of the most satisfying Fantasy books I've read in a long time. If you're looking for a new Fantasy series with strong female leads and an author that brings a fresh take to the genre, I highly recommend Altaica.
3355969
High fantasy with a liberal helping of Roman empire, An Ember in the Ashes is going to the top of my list of favorite books read so far this year. Although they come from completely different backgrounds and have different missions and goals, Laia and Elias keep crossing paths. In the end Laia is placed before a choice. Can her choice help both people she needs to save?

Where can I start my rave about this book. Firstly, the world building is absolutely brilliant and highly believable. Although the fictional empire is based on the Roman empire, it is still unique enough to stand as a universe in its own right.

The characters are fleshed out and often very realistically flawed. As the female main character, Laia, is a girl after my own heart. Courageous and tough, yet sometimes naturally swayed by emotion, at seventeen she is already proving that she could become what her mother was, The Lioness.

Elias, except for his very normal moments of wanting to jump ship, is the ultimate hero. Even when certain death awaits him, he refuses to cross certain lines or sacrifice his personal values.

Other wonderfully crafted characters like Helen, Cook, and Izzi, make this an  unforgettable reading experience.

The author is a master at creating the kind of situations that put me, for one, on an emotional roller coaster. The hints at romance in this story are kept low key. Although magic and the paranormal feature strongly, it is incorporated in natural and believable ways.

For a read that will thrill as well as touch you deeply, I recommend An Ember in the Ashes as an absolute must-read. (Ellen Fritz)