Published 23 March 2010
When Wayland North brings rain to Cliffton village, he is offered anything he wants. He chooses Sydelle. The skilled weaver with a fiery temper has dreamed of escaping her home but wants nothing to do with this disheaveled, disagreeable young wizard who will reveal nothing of his own past. But Sydelle and North may be their kingdom's only hope.
The pair set off for the capital, plagued by wild weather and attacks from a dark wizard. But when Sydelle learns that North may be no better than the other wizard, she must make a choice. Will Sydelle be a saviour, weaving together the frayed bonds between warring nations, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever?
You know what? I absolutely completely LOVED this book. And it makes me want to find the buzz machine and burn it right down to the ground because WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT RAVING ABOUT THIS BOOK. I mean, I know fantasty isn't everyones thing, so what i'm trying to say is this, fantasy SHOULD be everyones "thing" because I said so. Also, it would mean that everyone would have to read this rather bloody brilliant book.
Bracken draws you into the story with what seems to be little effort, both the development of the plot and of the characters was unnervingly flawless. The writing is fast paced and snappy and the dialogue made me laaaaaaaaugh. And being a fantasy fan, I am not ashamed to admit that when I opened the book and found that little map, well I went all squealy because books with kingdoms and such are the BEST.
And if it's not the intricate plot line trying to steal your breath, what with the curses and heartbreaking pasts and secrets and lies and MAGIC, then it's the characters. Syd? that girl is not taking no crap from anybody, even hot boys that can sway her with their rapier wit and fine company. This is a girl that will stand her ground and never be afraid to stand up for what she believes is right which makes me FIST PUMP SO HARD. A protagonist that is so far from a damsel in distress as you can get and I loved it. I loved her independance and fierce determination to help those who you wouldn't expect. *wink wink*
Drum roll please..........Mr Wayland North. Oh man, Syd doesn't like North in the beginning, AT ALL. I mean, I probably wouldn't like the guy who just randomly showed up in my small village and was all "so we're leaving, and by we, I mean you and me, the stranger you just met". What with all the smells emanating from him and the fact that he always seems to be rather intoxicated. So reading the interactions between the two of them was OH SO GOOD, because she always has this little bit of disgust reserved just especially for him and he always has this cocky smart thing to throw at her. Side note, I kind of liked North when he was being a beautuche, and the fact that he got drunk a lot made me like him even more. This says a lot about my character. I also would very much like a sequel. PRETTY PLEASE WITH CHERRIES ON TOP.
This is a fantasy book that shouldn't be defined by a genre. It should just be seen for what it is; a good book. From the way that we get to see Syd grow as a character from a girl unsure of her future and stuck in a small town she so desperately wants to leave, to grow into a mature girl who learns from her mistakes and understands what it means to be truly free. To all the magical mystery thrown into the story. To the tingle inducing romance that sits at the heart of the book. I can't recommend this book enough. This is a book lovers book. Read it.
No comments:
Post a Comment