'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Sigh, I suppose that's true. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling the book.... I'm talkin'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Sigh, I suppose that's true. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling the book.... I'm talking about the author.
Becca Abbott's bio sounds exciting: a writer who's been honing her craft and beginning to get her stories published, ready and willing to see where it goes. But alas, only this book ever saw the light of day (by a tiny, now-defunct publisher), and that was 15 years ago. People put a few stories out and then disappear... happens all the time. But when it's someone this talented, it stings more.
I managed to get my hands on Cethe before it was no longer available, but my bookshelf takes its fermenting job seriously, so I only just read it this week. And I loved it.
I'm reading a lot more fantasy these days but it isn't my native tongue, so wading through extensive worldbuilding can feel a lot of work. But Abbott created a complex, vivid world with an abundant history that I never found difficult to follow. Each chapter began with a short passage from their "chronicles," which was essentially both their bible and constitution. Those engaging snippets set the tone for the societal relations, system of government, and power dynamics, while also providing the historical context that gave it dimension. Either through this choice or a league of other subtle ones, she drew me into the rich tapestry of Tanyrin and its denizens without ever overwhelming me with minutiae or exposition.
All of that is great, but characters are why I read, and it was they who had me hooked. The story alternates between three excellent POVs, all of whom I consider main characters, regardless of his role or lack thereof in the romance arc. Each time the perspective changed, I never felt sorry to shift — regardless of the tenterhook I was left on — because all three voices were distinct, entertaining, and relevant to what was happening.
I did have some notes on the last quarter or so, though. It wasn't as tight as the rest, from development to proofreading. The pacing could have been polished more — some things felt a little rushed, some a little long. And while there is no cliffhanger, it truly feels like it could have been the first of (at least) a duology. Here I'm a little conflicted, because I hate everything-tied-neatly-in-a-bow endings, and I'm in no way suggesting that it should have had that. But seeds were planted, and I really want the continuation that I feel sure Abbott had in her mind.
Which brings us back to the loved and lost authors who would be top shelf autobuys, except I don't know where or who they are. Thiskeepshappeningto me, and I imagine it always will. But at least I have loved.
4+ stars. (Xia, thanks as always for knocking this one off the greedy bookshelf into my hands. Sometimes it's nice to have a gentle nudge towards a book, but I love that we're able to be downright bossy with each other and leave nudging in the dust. ...more
The world needs magic, impossible things that have no price.
In theory, I completely agree with this quote.
But when it comes to reading choices, fThe world needs magic, impossible things that have no price.
In theory, I completely agree with this quote.
But when it comes to reading choices, fantasy is a significant departure for me. Outside of young adult, I've read less than a handful of high fantasy books in my life. I want to, and I've tried quite a few times, but I find the minutiae overwhelming when it's heavy on the worldbuilding details and scant on the character-driven elements. Those magic eye puzzles are often easier to decipher.
And fantasy is a departure for this author as well; all of her previous work has been contemporary. But the quality of that previous work had convinced me that anything she writes is worth diving into. So I figured there was no better place for my next attempt at the genre.
Look at me, see me, watch me. And when I slip out of sight, take the world apart to find me.
People, I FUCKING LOVED THIS GORGEOUS STORY — the mythology-inspired universe and everything in it, from the equine creatures to the especial jargon. It was all so vividly dimensional and accessible. I adored how much of the worldbuilding was done through meta storytelling, as I met the characters and saw the world through their eyes, while they learned and grew, loved and lost.
And even better, what delighted me to no end… the amazing skills the author has demonstrated in her other books — the profound, sexy, funny, astute, unpredictable, clever, and emotional narrative — remained in full force.
Oh Suanne, kepten my kepten, you strive for excellence at a task which everyone else would settle for being mediocre. Job well done.
4.5 stars. Unbelievably good. I had high expectations, and it surpassed them.
I'm going to put an RTC pin in thislink to my book 2 review, which doesn4.5 stars. Unbelievably good. I had high expectations, and it surpassed them.
I'm going to put an RTC pin in thislink to my book 2 review, which doesn't have any spoilers even for this first volume. But in case you need more than my vague ringing endorsement, go here. It even has pretty pictures. :D
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