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Legends of Muirwood #1
The Wretched of Muirwood
Imagine a world where words are so precious they are only etched in gold, and only the privileged are allowed to learn how to read. Muirwood Abbey is one of the few places where learners are taught to read and engrave, and thirteen year-old Lia wants nothing more than to learn both of these skills—yet she is a wretched, an orphan, and doomed to remain in the Aldermaston’s kitchen, forbidden to read and subject to his authority. Her future is destined for preparing recipes in a privileged household until, unexpectedly, a mysterious knight-maston abandons the wounded squire Colvin at the Aldermaston’s kitchen in the middle of the night. Soon after, Sheriff Almaguer comes hunting for Colvin, and Lia is thrust into the greatest adventure of her life as she and the squire are forced into a partnership that brings her closer to her dream—and Colvin closer to his fear of dying on the battlefield. The Wretched of Muirwood is the first book of the Muirwood Trilogy.
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2011
3991 people are currently reading
9527 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
126 books5,216 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,413 reviews
October 5, 2012
I stumbled onto Amazon with a overfilled glass of Malbec looking for something, anything, to stave off the boredom of Sunday evening. After clicking around a bit, I chanced across this book.
Now, the nebulous "they" always tell us to never judge a book by its cover, but in my particular state of mind, the term "wretched" jumped out at me. The reviews were good, and the price tag better, so I purchased, and it whispered over to my Droid.
The best part about this book is that it's well-written and imaginative without drawing immodest attention to being both. The strong female character doesn't feel forced. I'm reminded of Joss Whedon's excellent strong females in that they seem to come by it naturally, rather than the author's creating some sort of Xena-type character that is beautiful, strong, self-reliant and essentially perfect. Lia, in this book, is certainly normal, balanced and imperfect.
And that's why I liked her. She wasn't given insipid lines or trite character flaws. Colvin was a bit of a jerk, but this masked underlying determination and fear. Their adventure was a pleasure to read, and my shoulders drooped a tad when I learned there were only three books. However, perhaps more books would have caused this adventure to devolve into red-eyed tedium not unlike Robert Jordan's ill-fated series.
Thankfully, this is not so.
Now, the nebulous "they" always tell us to never judge a book by its cover, but in my particular state of mind, the term "wretched" jumped out at me. The reviews were good, and the price tag better, so I purchased, and it whispered over to my Droid.
The best part about this book is that it's well-written and imaginative without drawing immodest attention to being both. The strong female character doesn't feel forced. I'm reminded of Joss Whedon's excellent strong females in that they seem to come by it naturally, rather than the author's creating some sort of Xena-type character that is beautiful, strong, self-reliant and essentially perfect. Lia, in this book, is certainly normal, balanced and imperfect.
And that's why I liked her. She wasn't given insipid lines or trite character flaws. Colvin was a bit of a jerk, but this masked underlying determination and fear. Their adventure was a pleasure to read, and my shoulders drooped a tad when I learned there were only three books. However, perhaps more books would have caused this adventure to devolve into red-eyed tedium not unlike Robert Jordan's ill-fated series.
Thankfully, this is not so.
February 19, 2017
*SIGH*
I wanted to LOVE this book, as it was recommended to me by a dear friend of mine. But I don't think we were meant for each other, sadly.
I want to stress that it wasn't BAD, I just don't think it was memorable . Which is kind of a problem when it comes to fantasy, in my opinion.
The main issue I see is that this is a foundation novel, it spends most of it's time setting up the premise for the novels to come. And it does nothing to disguise that fact. So very little action, lots of introductions.
The second, third, and fourth issues are that I didn't care a whole bunch about most of what was introduced. I have a hard time even summarizing what this novel is about?
There's a magical force called the Medium... and you can sort of harness it? It depends on your lineage... but you can fuck up the power really easily & lock it up? If you worry too much? And there's a King and a squire and an orphan... and??? They wanna stop a fight from happening at a place? And keep the squire from dying? I don't know...
MEH.
I know the author had some religious influences in there, but I'm not a religious person by any means so I wasn't really able to pick up on them. The MC was a Mary Sue in more ways than one.
And there was a moment where the MC's just get a lot of information about their purpose dumped onto them from a VERY random source.
I just...
I think I'm going to give the second book a try before completely writing off this series. Partially because I've heard the series gets better, which can tend to be the case when the first of a series is a foundation novel. So we'll see where it goes!
I wanted to LOVE this book, as it was recommended to me by a dear friend of mine. But I don't think we were meant for each other, sadly.
I want to stress that it wasn't BAD, I just don't think it was memorable . Which is kind of a problem when it comes to fantasy, in my opinion.
The main issue I see is that this is a foundation novel, it spends most of it's time setting up the premise for the novels to come. And it does nothing to disguise that fact. So very little action, lots of introductions.
The second, third, and fourth issues are that I didn't care a whole bunch about most of what was introduced. I have a hard time even summarizing what this novel is about?
There's a magical force called the Medium... and you can sort of harness it? It depends on your lineage... but you can fuck up the power really easily & lock it up? If you worry too much? And there's a King and a squire and an orphan... and??? They wanna stop a fight from happening at a place? And keep the squire from dying? I don't know...
MEH.
I know the author had some religious influences in there, but I'm not a religious person by any means so I wasn't really able to pick up on them. The MC was a Mary Sue in more ways than one.
And there was a moment where the MC's just get a lot of information about their purpose dumped onto them from a VERY random source.
I just...
I think I'm going to give the second book a try before completely writing off this series. Partially because I've heard the series gets better, which can tend to be the case when the first of a series is a foundation novel. So we'll see where it goes!
February 18, 2013
Like looking at a kid's paint-by-number project. Yeah, it's fine. All the colors are there, in the right places, mostly staying inside the lines. It's exactly what I expect, exactly what I predicted it would look like when the brush first hit the page. I can't say I'm disappointed. I'm just not excited.
Lia's actually pretty interesting at first because she bucks the safe path and takes some big risks to get what she wants. Ironically, it's when she's out on the road and her life is actually in danger that she becomes boring. Part of the premise of this world is that the "Medium" controls all and people who surrender their will to it are taken care of. Okay, I get that and it makes sense enough in this world, but talk about boring. Lia stops making anything happen and just obeys. I could read the New Testament for that sort of thing.
There are three settings: the Abbey where Lia starts out, the swamp, and the final town/outskirt/thing where a battle happens. The Abbey is decently drawn and so are the characters there. The swamp exists . . . being swampy and spooky, I guess. She never actually enters the town at the end; we never see a single building and I relied on images of Braveheart to picture the scene (appropriate, since the battle also steals liberally from Braveheart). There is mythology (more like religion) in this world that is given to the reader through exposition. That's okay because our protagonist doesn't know this stuff and needs it explained to her. Somehow, though, this book manages the most cliche plot of any fantasy novel (kid of unknown origin with power beyond what she should have sets out on a journey with a mysterious stranger she hates but actually kind of likes and they struggle to get from A to B) while at the same time being one of the smallest, most poorly filled in worlds I've ever read.
Abbey, swamp, outskirts of random town. That's it.
Who is this king? How much land does he control? What is the capital? How far is it? Who are the mastons? What do other people think of them? We never see another town, what regular people think, how the "medium" works in the world outside our main characters.
Tie it all up with unnecessarily murky prophecy and a premise that guarantees a Deus ex Machina ending and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..... Ah, dozed off. Did I miss anything?
Nope.
Lia's actually pretty interesting at first because she bucks the safe path and takes some big risks to get what she wants. Ironically, it's when she's out on the road and her life is actually in danger that she becomes boring. Part of the premise of this world is that the "Medium" controls all and people who surrender their will to it are taken care of. Okay, I get that and it makes sense enough in this world, but talk about boring. Lia stops making anything happen and just obeys. I could read the New Testament for that sort of thing.
There are three settings: the Abbey where Lia starts out, the swamp, and the final town/outskirt/thing where a battle happens. The Abbey is decently drawn and so are the characters there. The swamp exists . . . being swampy and spooky, I guess. She never actually enters the town at the end; we never see a single building and I relied on images of Braveheart to picture the scene (appropriate, since the battle also steals liberally from Braveheart). There is mythology (more like religion) in this world that is given to the reader through exposition. That's okay because our protagonist doesn't know this stuff and needs it explained to her. Somehow, though, this book manages the most cliche plot of any fantasy novel (kid of unknown origin with power beyond what she should have sets out on a journey with a mysterious stranger she hates but actually kind of likes and they struggle to get from A to B) while at the same time being one of the smallest, most poorly filled in worlds I've ever read.
Abbey, swamp, outskirts of random town. That's it.
Who is this king? How much land does he control? What is the capital? How far is it? Who are the mastons? What do other people think of them? We never see another town, what regular people think, how the "medium" works in the world outside our main characters.
Tie it all up with unnecessarily murky prophecy and a premise that guarantees a Deus ex Machina ending and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..... Ah, dozed off. Did I miss anything?
Nope.
March 5, 2017
Fantasy, with recognizable religious messages — mainly Mormon undercurrents. Faith versus fear. Family, ancestry, resurrection. Clean living. The Medium represents the Spirit, or God. The "myriad ones" are demons.
Told in 3rd person mostly from Lia, a 13-year old heroine, a "wretched" without family history.
At first I thought the book was going to be quite intriguing, with the empty tombs, the floating boulder, the gargoyle "leering" from every rock. I liked Lia, and felt for the decisions she had to make. The abbey kitchen, orchard, and cemetery felt real, as did the secret tunnels.
Then the characters, the plot elements, the fantastical world building — It all began to diminish, giving way to a message of "never ever doubt" and "have no fear" and "I will deliver you" etc.
I have no problem with inspirational stories and "virtuous characters" but the plot became too predictable once Lea discovered The Medium within her. Too many acts of god. The wins came too easily and too thoroughly. And I wasn't too crazy about Corvin.
Told in 3rd person mostly from Lia, a 13-year old heroine, a "wretched" without family history.
At first I thought the book was going to be quite intriguing, with the empty tombs, the floating boulder, the gargoyle "leering" from every rock. I liked Lia, and felt for the decisions she had to make. The abbey kitchen, orchard, and cemetery felt real, as did the secret tunnels.
Then the characters, the plot elements, the fantastical world building — It all began to diminish, giving way to a message of "never ever doubt" and "have no fear" and "I will deliver you" etc.
I have no problem with inspirational stories and "virtuous characters" but the plot became too predictable once Lea discovered The Medium within her. Too many acts of god. The wins came too easily and too thoroughly. And I wasn't too crazy about Corvin.
August 1, 2016
Executive Summary: A decent fantasy story. Quick and easy reading. Nothing especially great, but has me interested enough to jump right into book 2.
Audio book: This is the first book I've listened to read by Kate Rudd. Ms. Rudd is a good reader, but nothing spectacular.
She sort of does voices for some of the Male characters, but seemed to read all the female characters in her own voice.
She has a clear and pleasant sounding voice, but I didn't find her performance to add anything extra to the book as I have with other readers.
Full Review
This is the first book I am reviewing for SFF Audio. I chose this book primarily because it was short, and because it had a female protagonist.
Apart from picking a girl to center the story around, this book follows many of the common fantasy tropes including the "young unknown thrust into adventure to discover they are more than they realize".
The world Mr. Wheeler has created is one where no matter your station (King or Innkeeper) knowing your family line is VERY important. So much so that they distinguish between normal Orphans and Wretcheds (Orphans whose parentage is unknown).
Wretched are often abandoned to the various Abbey's around the world and sheltered until they turn 18, at which point they must make their way in the world.
Wretched's take their last names from their assigned role. Our protagonist, Lia Cook, a young girl of 13, has been assigned to work in the kitchens. In particular, she is assigned to smaller of two kitchens, which serves the head of the Abbey, referred to as the Aldermaston.
Lea wants nothing more in life than to become a learner and to gain the ability to read and write. As a wretched however, this is denied to her.
One night, a knight comes pounding on the door seeking help for his young squire, and Lea's life is changed, forever.
The rest of the story pretty much follows in a fairly cookie-cutter fashion. It's a short book, so there isn't a lot of world building. We learn things as Lea does.
This is the first book I've read by Mr. Wheeler. His writing style doesn't jump out at me as exceptional, but it is well done. His characters have reasonable depth for such a short book and varying personalities.
The magic system feels original to me, based on various statues referred to as "Leerings" by commoners, or Gargoyles by the learned. They are carved for a specific action based on an element (water, fire, etc) and are meant as a focus to use "The Medium".
The ending is a bit predictable, but as this is rather short story, I still found it enjoyable and have already jumped into the second book.
Audio book: This is the first book I've listened to read by Kate Rudd. Ms. Rudd is a good reader, but nothing spectacular.
She sort of does voices for some of the Male characters, but seemed to read all the female characters in her own voice.
She has a clear and pleasant sounding voice, but I didn't find her performance to add anything extra to the book as I have with other readers.
Full Review
This is the first book I am reviewing for SFF Audio. I chose this book primarily because it was short, and because it had a female protagonist.
Apart from picking a girl to center the story around, this book follows many of the common fantasy tropes including the "young unknown thrust into adventure to discover they are more than they realize".
The world Mr. Wheeler has created is one where no matter your station (King or Innkeeper) knowing your family line is VERY important. So much so that they distinguish between normal Orphans and Wretcheds (Orphans whose parentage is unknown).
Wretched are often abandoned to the various Abbey's around the world and sheltered until they turn 18, at which point they must make their way in the world.
Wretched's take their last names from their assigned role. Our protagonist, Lia Cook, a young girl of 13, has been assigned to work in the kitchens. In particular, she is assigned to smaller of two kitchens, which serves the head of the Abbey, referred to as the Aldermaston.
Lea wants nothing more in life than to become a learner and to gain the ability to read and write. As a wretched however, this is denied to her.
One night, a knight comes pounding on the door seeking help for his young squire, and Lea's life is changed, forever.
The rest of the story pretty much follows in a fairly cookie-cutter fashion. It's a short book, so there isn't a lot of world building. We learn things as Lea does.
This is the first book I've read by Mr. Wheeler. His writing style doesn't jump out at me as exceptional, but it is well done. His characters have reasonable depth for such a short book and varying personalities.
The magic system feels original to me, based on various statues referred to as "Leerings" by commoners, or Gargoyles by the learned. They are carved for a specific action based on an element (water, fire, etc) and are meant as a focus to use "The Medium".
The ending is a bit predictable, but as this is rather short story, I still found it enjoyable and have already jumped into the second book.
June 26, 2013
I don't really do very good reviews. I guess this is more of a comment than a review, so I hope you don't mind but I HAD to let people know about this book! I was a bit skeptical at first because I bought it on my Kindle for about $3.00. I read the little sample that Amazon provides and was intrigued! Well, I started the book on Friday night and finished it on Saturday afternoon! I could NOT put it down! I haven't cared so much about characters in a book since I read Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince and Dragon Star stories. I laughed and cried and just fell in love with Jeff Wheeler's writing style and the characters he has created! I have read a lot of fantasy books and I feel that I can honestly say that this book is in my top ten of all time favorites! I am almost done with book 2 and have already purchased book 3. I know that I will check out all of Mr. Wheeler's books and I'm pretty sure that I will enjoy them as much as his Muirwood series. Bravo Mr. Wheeler!
May 18, 2013
I am a lover of fantasy and sci-fi!
But not this book.
This book was annoying on so many levels. There is an emotionally abusive male main character. The female main character doesn't dare touch or talk to him for fear of his unpredictable outlashes of abuse. But she continues to serve him, coddle him, heal him, save his life, allowing the abuse. It is a terrible example for any young adult to identify with.
Then there's the writing itself. Tiresome, poorly worded, uninteresting lengthy descriptions of settings make up about a third of the book.
One third is the long, long, long, meandering, boring pieces of prose at the beginning of each chapter.
The other third is the story. It could easily have been shortened to a novelette. But it displayed a weak-minded authorship, belittling religious practices into goofy fantasy application.
But not this book.
This book was annoying on so many levels. There is an emotionally abusive male main character. The female main character doesn't dare touch or talk to him for fear of his unpredictable outlashes of abuse. But she continues to serve him, coddle him, heal him, save his life, allowing the abuse. It is a terrible example for any young adult to identify with.
Then there's the writing itself. Tiresome, poorly worded, uninteresting lengthy descriptions of settings make up about a third of the book.
One third is the long, long, long, meandering, boring pieces of prose at the beginning of each chapter.
The other third is the story. It could easily have been shortened to a novelette. But it displayed a weak-minded authorship, belittling religious practices into goofy fantasy application.
July 14, 2020
In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write. All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises. The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right. At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.
“There is wisdom in climbing mountains... For they teach us how truly small we are.”
3.5 stars.
I've been enjoying Jeff Wheeler's Kingfountain series and it's tied to this one, so I decided to read it as well. Just like the Kingfountain series I enjoyed this one, but it took me a while longer to really become absorbed in the story. Lia is a great protagonist, and I liked her will to learn and better herself, but Colvin was not as easy to like. He was cranky and mean to Lia at times, but he did grow on me towards the end.
It seems Wheeler has a pattern for his book series in that the first book is always more of a set up for the rest of the series. The main characters start out at a young age (Lia is 13 here), and then there is a gap of several years between each book. I don't mind the way it's been done in the other books I've read, and I'm interested to see if the pattern holds true for this series as well. I'm also wondering if the relationship between Lia and Colvin will end up turning into a romance later. There was some tension there, but nothing blatant. Right now with Lia being 13 and Colvin maybe around 18 or 19 it would be uncomfortable to say the least.
I found the leering stones, and the medium in the book both interesting. In the beginning the leering stones reminded me of gargoyles, but then as I read they took on a more human shape. The medium was also a bit interesting in that it surrounds everything and seems to have a will of its own. It kind of reminded me of the force in Star Wars a little but more pervasive.
Overall I liked this and I would recommend it if you are in the mood for a simple, clean fantasy.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
“There is wisdom in climbing mountains... For they teach us how truly small we are.”
3.5 stars.
I've been enjoying Jeff Wheeler's Kingfountain series and it's tied to this one, so I decided to read it as well. Just like the Kingfountain series I enjoyed this one, but it took me a while longer to really become absorbed in the story. Lia is a great protagonist, and I liked her will to learn and better herself, but Colvin was not as easy to like. He was cranky and mean to Lia at times, but he did grow on me towards the end.
It seems Wheeler has a pattern for his book series in that the first book is always more of a set up for the rest of the series. The main characters start out at a young age (Lia is 13 here), and then there is a gap of several years between each book. I don't mind the way it's been done in the other books I've read, and I'm interested to see if the pattern holds true for this series as well. I'm also wondering if the relationship between Lia and Colvin will end up turning into a romance later. There was some tension there, but nothing blatant. Right now with Lia being 13 and Colvin maybe around 18 or 19 it would be uncomfortable to say the least.
I found the leering stones, and the medium in the book both interesting. In the beginning the leering stones reminded me of gargoyles, but then as I read they took on a more human shape. The medium was also a bit interesting in that it surrounds everything and seems to have a will of its own. It kind of reminded me of the force in Star Wars a little but more pervasive.
Overall I liked this and I would recommend it if you are in the mood for a simple, clean fantasy.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
March 12, 2013
Originally posted at FanLit.
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The Wretched of Muirwood is a book that I wouldn’t normally have picked up. It’s the opening installment of a trilogy that was first self-published by Jeff Wheeler through Createspace (an Amazon company) after being rejected by the traditional publishing houses Wheeler pitched it to. The book was later picked up by 47North, Amazon’s speculative fiction imprint. I’ve been skeptical of 47North titles because Amazon imprints don’t go through the normal publishing process, and because I was not pleased with the last couple of 47North novels I read. Personally, I love the idea of being able to self-publish, but as a reviewer, I can attest to the fact that most (but not all) self-published work I’ve encountered that wasn’t from an already well-known author has been… less than stellar. Far less than stellar. That’s because self-publishing doesn’t involve all those folks whose job it is to vet the work before it gets to the reader (agents, editors, slush-pile readers, and publicists).
But Kindle Direct Publishing has led to a new model that Amazon has been trying for a couple of years now. Authors self-publish their books in Kindle format and keep complete control, pricing their book as they like. Amazon tracks the sales (and, I assume, the reviews) of these self-published books and offers contracts to authors whose books are doing well. Thus, authors have the burden of doing the self-promotion, often taking a monetary risk by giving away a lot of free e-copies to get attention, and those people getting the free copies are acting as Amazon’s slush-pile readers. A pretty good system for Amazon and for authors who are willing to do the work and who, presumably, have a product good enough to get the reviews they need. This is what happened to Jeff Wheeler; he gave away lots of free copies of The Wretched of Muirwood, got great reviews, and got Amazon’s attention. The Wretched of Muirwood came to my attention because Brilliance Audio (another Amazon company as of 2007) has been producing 47North titles on audio and sending me review copies. The cover of The Wretched of Muirwood is attractive and it’s narrated by actress Kate Rudd, which I thought was promising, so I gave it a go.
That’s a really long introduction to Jeff Wheeler’s debut novel, which is a story about a girl named Lia who works in the kitchen of an abbey. More than anything Lia wishes she could be one of the students at the abbey, but she’s an orphan and is not allowed to study. When she saves the life of a young man named Colvin, she ends up accompanying him on a trip to meet up with a band of noblemen who oppose the tyrannical king. Along the way Lia discovers that she has some skills with magic and maybe even a Destiny.
For readers who love the traditional tropes of epic fantasy and are looking for another story in which a humble young protagonist starts out illiterately baking bread in the kitchen of an ancient abbey but ends up as a warrior in an epic supernatural battle between good and evil, The Wretched of Muirwood is likely to please. It’s well-written (not beautiful, but certainly miles better than most self-published work I’ve read), has a nice setting, an interesting story, and moves at a good pace.
The greatest strength of The Wretched of Muirwood is the characters. Lia is a pleasant protagonist — she’s smart, eager to learn, courageous, and nice to be around, but she’s not too perfect, at least at first. Other characters have their own distinct personalities and make a good supporting cast. None of them are anything we haven’t seen before in this type of epic fantasy, but they are pleasant to read about.
Those who are looking for something new will find that The Wretched of Muirwood doesn’t stand out. This was exactly the issue I had with the last couple of 47North novels I read, though The Wretched of Muirwood is better. The story could have benefited from something special, like an original magic system. Wheeler’s magic consists of a nebulous energy called the Medium, which has its own mission and helps those who believe in it, similar to The Force in Star Wars or, more likely, the Christian Holy Spirit. After reading about Jeff Wheeler and discovering that he’s a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I suspect that parts of his story may be metaphor for LDS doctrine. (I can’t say for sure since I’m unfamiliar with teaching that goes beyond what’s found in the Bible.)
Jeff Wheeler originally pitched The Wretched of Muirwood as a young adult novel and I think that target audience will enjoy the book most and will want to read Lia’s further adventures in the next novel, The Blight of Muirwood. Brilliance Audio sent me the whole trilogy and I liked The Wretched of Muirwood well enough to give that second novel a try. Kate Rudd does a great job with the narration. She has a superior ear for the rhythm of the story and she can convincingly read both male and female parts.
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The Wretched of Muirwood is a book that I wouldn’t normally have picked up. It’s the opening installment of a trilogy that was first self-published by Jeff Wheeler through Createspace (an Amazon company) after being rejected by the traditional publishing houses Wheeler pitched it to. The book was later picked up by 47North, Amazon’s speculative fiction imprint. I’ve been skeptical of 47North titles because Amazon imprints don’t go through the normal publishing process, and because I was not pleased with the last couple of 47North novels I read. Personally, I love the idea of being able to self-publish, but as a reviewer, I can attest to the fact that most (but not all) self-published work I’ve encountered that wasn’t from an already well-known author has been… less than stellar. Far less than stellar. That’s because self-publishing doesn’t involve all those folks whose job it is to vet the work before it gets to the reader (agents, editors, slush-pile readers, and publicists).
But Kindle Direct Publishing has led to a new model that Amazon has been trying for a couple of years now. Authors self-publish their books in Kindle format and keep complete control, pricing their book as they like. Amazon tracks the sales (and, I assume, the reviews) of these self-published books and offers contracts to authors whose books are doing well. Thus, authors have the burden of doing the self-promotion, often taking a monetary risk by giving away a lot of free e-copies to get attention, and those people getting the free copies are acting as Amazon’s slush-pile readers. A pretty good system for Amazon and for authors who are willing to do the work and who, presumably, have a product good enough to get the reviews they need. This is what happened to Jeff Wheeler; he gave away lots of free copies of The Wretched of Muirwood, got great reviews, and got Amazon’s attention. The Wretched of Muirwood came to my attention because Brilliance Audio (another Amazon company as of 2007) has been producing 47North titles on audio and sending me review copies. The cover of The Wretched of Muirwood is attractive and it’s narrated by actress Kate Rudd, which I thought was promising, so I gave it a go.
That’s a really long introduction to Jeff Wheeler’s debut novel, which is a story about a girl named Lia who works in the kitchen of an abbey. More than anything Lia wishes she could be one of the students at the abbey, but she’s an orphan and is not allowed to study. When she saves the life of a young man named Colvin, she ends up accompanying him on a trip to meet up with a band of noblemen who oppose the tyrannical king. Along the way Lia discovers that she has some skills with magic and maybe even a Destiny.
For readers who love the traditional tropes of epic fantasy and are looking for another story in which a humble young protagonist starts out illiterately baking bread in the kitchen of an ancient abbey but ends up as a warrior in an epic supernatural battle between good and evil, The Wretched of Muirwood is likely to please. It’s well-written (not beautiful, but certainly miles better than most self-published work I’ve read), has a nice setting, an interesting story, and moves at a good pace.
The greatest strength of The Wretched of Muirwood is the characters. Lia is a pleasant protagonist — she’s smart, eager to learn, courageous, and nice to be around, but she’s not too perfect, at least at first. Other characters have their own distinct personalities and make a good supporting cast. None of them are anything we haven’t seen before in this type of epic fantasy, but they are pleasant to read about.
Those who are looking for something new will find that The Wretched of Muirwood doesn’t stand out. This was exactly the issue I had with the last couple of 47North novels I read, though The Wretched of Muirwood is better. The story could have benefited from something special, like an original magic system. Wheeler’s magic consists of a nebulous energy called the Medium, which has its own mission and helps those who believe in it, similar to The Force in Star Wars or, more likely, the Christian Holy Spirit. After reading about Jeff Wheeler and discovering that he’s a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I suspect that parts of his story may be metaphor for LDS doctrine. (I can’t say for sure since I’m unfamiliar with teaching that goes beyond what’s found in the Bible.)
Jeff Wheeler originally pitched The Wretched of Muirwood as a young adult novel and I think that target audience will enjoy the book most and will want to read Lia’s further adventures in the next novel, The Blight of Muirwood. Brilliance Audio sent me the whole trilogy and I liked The Wretched of Muirwood well enough to give that second novel a try. Kate Rudd does a great job with the narration. She has a superior ear for the rhythm of the story and she can convincingly read both male and female parts.
March 31, 2017
I recently found Jeff Wheeler completely by accident when Amazon was doing a promotional push of his new Kingfountain series. I was intrigued by his "clean fantasy" branding (honestly, I'm a bit over grimdark), and an interview he did in "hostile territory" at the Grim Tidings Podcast showed him to be an intelligent, interesting man.
So I came into this series with every intention of loving it.
The beginning was pretty good. It reminded me of the first chapters of Anthony Ryan's Blood Song, but with a compelling female lead. The magic system ("a fantasy version of the Force") was interesting, and the opening action scene (featuring a huge stone hanging in midair) left me breathless.
But halfway through the book, I got this odd feeling that I was missing something. That there was more to all this than merely a fantasy story. The Medium, in particular, (the "Force" in this world) was acting in ways that made me squirmy. Could it be? Was I being preached to?
Well, maybe. I have to say that, as a former seminarian, I'm pretty well versed in the religions of the world. So when I found out that Jeff Wheeler is a bishop in the LDS church, that explained a lot to me. Is Mr. Wheeler intentionally using his story to preach his faith to others? I don't think so. I think his faith just spills out in his fiction, because it can't not spill out him.
In that sense, I don't think that his books are Mormon allegories (like Narnia is most definitely a Christian allegory). Rather, I think he's more of the Tolkien school, where the Catholicity of the author comes out to the discerning reader, but never smacks people over the head.
So that's not why the book is only a tepid three stars. As much as I wanted to love the story, I was never fully carried away. I read it quickly and without stopping much, but the ending was very "deus ex machina," and honestly I never felt that the lead characters were in any danger. It's a problem with clean fiction, because the easy route of violence to create tension isn't usable. In this book at least, I though the author didn't quite manage it.
But I'm reading book 2 with pleasure, so I do recommend this series. I'm curious to see how it turns out.
So I came into this series with every intention of loving it.
The beginning was pretty good. It reminded me of the first chapters of Anthony Ryan's Blood Song, but with a compelling female lead. The magic system ("a fantasy version of the Force") was interesting, and the opening action scene (featuring a huge stone hanging in midair) left me breathless.
But halfway through the book, I got this odd feeling that I was missing something. That there was more to all this than merely a fantasy story. The Medium, in particular, (the "Force" in this world) was acting in ways that made me squirmy. Could it be? Was I being preached to?
Well, maybe. I have to say that, as a former seminarian, I'm pretty well versed in the religions of the world. So when I found out that Jeff Wheeler is a bishop in the LDS church, that explained a lot to me. Is Mr. Wheeler intentionally using his story to preach his faith to others? I don't think so. I think his faith just spills out in his fiction, because it can't not spill out him.
In that sense, I don't think that his books are Mormon allegories (like Narnia is most definitely a Christian allegory). Rather, I think he's more of the Tolkien school, where the Catholicity of the author comes out to the discerning reader, but never smacks people over the head.
So that's not why the book is only a tepid three stars. As much as I wanted to love the story, I was never fully carried away. I read it quickly and without stopping much, but the ending was very "deus ex machina," and honestly I never felt that the lead characters were in any danger. It's a problem with clean fiction, because the easy route of violence to create tension isn't usable. In this book at least, I though the author didn't quite manage it.
But I'm reading book 2 with pleasure, so I do recommend this series. I'm curious to see how it turns out.
July 17, 2012
What a wonderful surprise this book was and so glad to have chanced upon it! To think that I borrowed it for $0 on Kindle. I feel guilty that something so precious is available for free. I am on to the second book in the series, 'Blight of Muirwood,' again 'unputdownable'.
Writing style is marvelous, added to that is this enticing story-line, marriage between Pride and Prejudice and brand new Fantasy with a slew of characters who jump off the book ,grabbing your attention from page 1. I could not imagine why the book was not on Best sellers list yet. So I did a bit of research and what do I find? The author, Jeff Wheeler self-published through Amazon and has just bagged a new contract. Kudos to have taken the Highway without a GPS and reached the destination!
Can't wait to embark upon my next journey with Lia - Book # 3.
Writing style is marvelous, added to that is this enticing story-line, marriage between Pride and Prejudice and brand new Fantasy with a slew of characters who jump off the book ,grabbing your attention from page 1. I could not imagine why the book was not on Best sellers list yet. So I did a bit of research and what do I find? The author, Jeff Wheeler self-published through Amazon and has just bagged a new contract. Kudos to have taken the Highway without a GPS and reached the destination!
Can't wait to embark upon my next journey with Lia - Book # 3.
August 23, 2012
Stumbled across this trilogy completely by happenstance and now I can't imagine my life without the books. I'm currently reading The Blight of Muirwood.
Graceful language, lovable characters (Pasqua and Jon Hunter and Colvin Price, the Earl of Forshee, and Lia herself. I adore Lia), a world of magic and belief so uniquely and enticingly arranged/rearranged, Lia's mysterious past and lineage. *squee* And such lovely, lovely lessons and applications on the law of attraction a.k.a 'What you think about, you bring about' a.k.a The Secret..
Every kid/teen/adult-- everyone!-- should read this. The story will delight and captivate and if they take the lessons to heart the same way we've memorized Harry Potter spells, the world would be a much better and happier place.
Graceful language, lovable characters (Pasqua and Jon Hunter and Colvin Price, the Earl of Forshee, and Lia herself. I adore Lia), a world of magic and belief so uniquely and enticingly arranged/rearranged, Lia's mysterious past and lineage. *squee* And such lovely, lovely lessons and applications on the law of attraction a.k.a 'What you think about, you bring about' a.k.a The Secret..
Every kid/teen/adult-- everyone!-- should read this. The story will delight and captivate and if they take the lessons to heart the same way we've memorized Harry Potter spells, the world would be a much better and happier place.
April 4, 2017
I liked it...didn't love it.
The pacing was good, and the magic was intriguing. I enjoyed that importance of self confidence and courage in the acceptance of the medium. It felt a little to "convenient" at times but I'm not entirely sure what age this book is geared towards.
The thing that I didn't get, was that Colvin was an ASS to her most of the book, and she just keeps saving him and following him??? Huh??? A THANK YOU would do just fine. I get that she wants to read, but he was an A-hole way before he offered to teach her.
I'm sorry, did I just save your life? I believe I did... stop being an asshole!
All in all, I'll continue with the series, I mean...who is she, really???
The pacing was good, and the magic was intriguing. I enjoyed that importance of self confidence and courage in the acceptance of the medium. It felt a little to "convenient" at times but I'm not entirely sure what age this book is geared towards.
The thing that I didn't get, was that Colvin was an ASS to her most of the book, and she just keeps saving him and following him??? Huh??? A THANK YOU would do just fine. I get that she wants to read, but he was an A-hole way before he offered to teach her.
I'm sorry, did I just save your life? I believe I did... stop being an asshole!
All in all, I'll continue with the series, I mean...who is she, really???
May 14, 2022
3.5 stars rounded down to 3. I really, really wish that Goodreads would allow halves in the ratings.
This was a quick read, with likeable characters. I'm probably not going to read the rest of the series, though.
There's really not much I can say in this review about the content other than the fact that there is nothing really original about it. Also, it's smut-free with no expletives. Oh, I forgot! And this is one of those types of stories that has a character get whooped on one page but then the same character runs around like nothing happened a few pages later. That's so unrealistic.
Most importantly, this was a free book so I can't complain!
This was a quick read, with likeable characters. I'm probably not going to read the rest of the series, though.
There's really not much I can say in this review about the content other than the fact that there is nothing really original about it. Also, it's smut-free with no expletives. Oh, I forgot! And this is one of those types of stories that has a character get whooped on one page but then the same character runs around like nothing happened a few pages later. That's so unrealistic.
Most importantly, this was a free book so I can't complain!
February 3, 2013
A very fun story, but so BLATANTLY Mormon in its inspiration that it's almost a copyright infringement, seems like. I would have given it more stars had it been a bit less in-your-face, copied-directly-from-scripture. LDS fantasy writers have a hard time creating worlds with different paradigms than those of our faith, but this one was the worst. Even if he had changed the wording on some stuff, since some phrases were taken straight from the scriptures. The glasses that mount on a breastplate to translate languages was definitely taking it too far, though - too specifically and obviously copied. A few other things were a bit inappropriate because of the sacred nature of their real-life use. I'll still read this again, but I hope in the future Jeff tones down the in-your-face Mormon-ness a bit.
September 11, 2014
It is a pretty cute, simple and quick. This is my second fantasy series (first was LOTR, which I didn't complete as I'd watched the movie version). And just like LOTR it also it is the journey of unknown land by our protagonist.
So Lia is a 13 year old wretched who was found at Muirwood Abbey when she was a little child. Now she works as a cook in the kitchen. Lia has only one wish for which to fulfill she would do anything. Because she is a wretched she is not allowed to educate. She wants nothing more than to learn read and write. One day opportunity comes knocking on her door when Lia decides to help a young squire and a start of new life for her.
Lia is very young and kind yet cunning for her age. Without any education she is very strong with magic, even learners are not that good with it. She is very courageous. Most of the time she did things without thinking about the result.
Our second main character is Colvin Price, the young squire. He appears to be arrogant and cruel in start. But as the story progresses he became kind, helping and caring. He is very brave and keeps making efforts to make himself a better warrior.
They both have strong feelings for their family members. Colvin wants his sister to be informed about his death in the war (if how it ends for him). His love and fondness for his sister is palpable. On the other hand Lia doesn't value much the love of the people with who raised her. But once she leave the Abbey, the realization hit her like a bolt how she much she loved and missed them. Her fear that they'll disown her when she returns to Abbey is almost hurtful.
Story was good but it could've been even better if author has done efforts to tell more about characters. There is not much about the cruel king and I kept wondering why he is personified as cruel. Most of the story revolve around Lia and Colvin's journey but when the journey ends there was so little about their destination and what they did there.
Still it is a very good story. I have some questions now after this, hope I'll get my answers in the second book.
So Lia is a 13 year old wretched who was found at Muirwood Abbey when she was a little child. Now she works as a cook in the kitchen. Lia has only one wish for which to fulfill she would do anything. Because she is a wretched she is not allowed to educate. She wants nothing more than to learn read and write. One day opportunity comes knocking on her door when Lia decides to help a young squire and a start of new life for her.
Lia is very young and kind yet cunning for her age. Without any education she is very strong with magic, even learners are not that good with it. She is very courageous. Most of the time she did things without thinking about the result.
Our second main character is Colvin Price, the young squire. He appears to be arrogant and cruel in start. But as the story progresses he became kind, helping and caring. He is very brave and keeps making efforts to make himself a better warrior.
They both have strong feelings for their family members. Colvin wants his sister to be informed about his death in the war (if how it ends for him). His love and fondness for his sister is palpable. On the other hand Lia doesn't value much the love of the people with who raised her. But once she leave the Abbey, the realization hit her like a bolt how she much she loved and missed them. Her fear that they'll disown her when she returns to Abbey is almost hurtful.
Story was good but it could've been even better if author has done efforts to tell more about characters. There is not much about the cruel king and I kept wondering why he is personified as cruel. Most of the story revolve around Lia and Colvin's journey but when the journey ends there was so little about their destination and what they did there.
Still it is a very good story. I have some questions now after this, hope I'll get my answers in the second book.
March 1, 2013
Today I am reviewing "The Wretched of Muirwood" by Jeff Wheeler. Published in 2011, this is the first book in a series, Legends of Muirwood.
The Blurb:
In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write. All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises. The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right. At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.
My Review:
Lia Cook is an abandoned child, left on the doorstep of an abbey as an infant. She is goodhearted, and hardworking. In many ways she loves her life, but more than anything she yearns to read and write. When Colvin is left in the kitchen, Lia hides him, though she doesn't know why. Lia and Colvin distrust each other, and Lia frequently regrets hiding him, but she does it anyway. Colvin has knowledge that Lia craves; even untrained, Lia has a raw power over magic that Colvin desires. In the world of Idumea, magic is known as "the medium" and few can bend it to their will easily, even with training.
Wheeler has created a viable and logical system of magic in the medium, and it is one of the most unique systems I've ever read. The medium is in and around everything. There is a spiritual quality to it. It is much more earthy than "the force" of Star Wars fame, and while there are certain superficial similarities, the medium is ponderous, heavy and pervasive.
The King (who is never named so far as I was able to see) is cruel, ruling with absolute power, and has turned the medium to his evil uses. Sheriff Almaguer is the king's man, heart and soul. He hunts "traitors"--those who would stand against the evil King. Garen Demont, leader of the rebellion, has returned from exile, with an army, intending to rid the land of the cruel king.
Many events conspire, which end up with Lia stealing an object of great value from the Aldermaston. She helps Colvin escape, only to run into crazed man who says that she must guide Colvin to Winterrowd, where a great slaughter will happen. From this man, Colvin discovers that Demont has only a tenth of the forces that the King has, and has to get to Winterrowd to warn him.
The evil Sheriff Almaguer uses an amulet to bend the medium to his will, and he knows who Lia's parents were. Taunting her and withholding the full complete knowledge of who her parents were, the sheriff hunts Lia as much as he does Colvin.
This is a compelling, well written book. Lia, Colvin and indeed, all the characters in this book are clear, and vivid. The story immediately draws you in, keeping you turning the pages, impatient to find out what will happen next. The mood of the tale is dark, but there is intense love for family here; Lia's love for adopted family who is the staff at the Abbey, and Colvin for his sister who knows not what he is doing. They wish to protect them, but "the medium" may not allow it.
I highly recommend The Wretched of Muirwood--you will want to buy the rest of the trilogy while you are at it!
The Blurb:
In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write. All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises. The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right. At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.
My Review:
Lia Cook is an abandoned child, left on the doorstep of an abbey as an infant. She is goodhearted, and hardworking. In many ways she loves her life, but more than anything she yearns to read and write. When Colvin is left in the kitchen, Lia hides him, though she doesn't know why. Lia and Colvin distrust each other, and Lia frequently regrets hiding him, but she does it anyway. Colvin has knowledge that Lia craves; even untrained, Lia has a raw power over magic that Colvin desires. In the world of Idumea, magic is known as "the medium" and few can bend it to their will easily, even with training.
Wheeler has created a viable and logical system of magic in the medium, and it is one of the most unique systems I've ever read. The medium is in and around everything. There is a spiritual quality to it. It is much more earthy than "the force" of Star Wars fame, and while there are certain superficial similarities, the medium is ponderous, heavy and pervasive.
The King (who is never named so far as I was able to see) is cruel, ruling with absolute power, and has turned the medium to his evil uses. Sheriff Almaguer is the king's man, heart and soul. He hunts "traitors"--those who would stand against the evil King. Garen Demont, leader of the rebellion, has returned from exile, with an army, intending to rid the land of the cruel king.
Many events conspire, which end up with Lia stealing an object of great value from the Aldermaston. She helps Colvin escape, only to run into crazed man who says that she must guide Colvin to Winterrowd, where a great slaughter will happen. From this man, Colvin discovers that Demont has only a tenth of the forces that the King has, and has to get to Winterrowd to warn him.
The evil Sheriff Almaguer uses an amulet to bend the medium to his will, and he knows who Lia's parents were. Taunting her and withholding the full complete knowledge of who her parents were, the sheriff hunts Lia as much as he does Colvin.
This is a compelling, well written book. Lia, Colvin and indeed, all the characters in this book are clear, and vivid. The story immediately draws you in, keeping you turning the pages, impatient to find out what will happen next. The mood of the tale is dark, but there is intense love for family here; Lia's love for adopted family who is the staff at the Abbey, and Colvin for his sister who knows not what he is doing. They wish to protect them, but "the medium" may not allow it.
I highly recommend The Wretched of Muirwood--you will want to buy the rest of the trilogy while you are at it!
July 7, 2012
I decided to read this book because Clarion reviews gave it a five star rating. I usually don’t go by what critics say, but in an effort to be more supportive of independent writers, and since it was in a genre well within my comfort zone, I gave it a try. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed.
The story is well written and draws you in right from the start. The story takes place in a world different from our own with some of our older philosophies mixed in. At first, the world appears to be a typical medieval historical type setting. As you progress further into the story, you find out that there is magic in this world. It is referred to as “The Medium.” The Medium is capable of doing everything from brining water for you to do laundry to raising the dead.
The main protagonist is named Lia, a thirteen-year-old girl with an unknown family line and snarky attitude. With no knowledge of her bloodlines, Lia is one of the wretched. The wretched are the outcasts of the society and taken care of by the abbeys. Lia’s ambition in life is to learn how to read, something being a wretched does not afford her.
The plot begins when a wounded man is brought to her and placed under her care for a few days. Turns out, he is instrumental in bringing down the evil king that rules the land. I guess there always has to be an evil king to start the conflict.
Overall, I would say the story is well written, had interesting characters, and moved the plot along pretty well. Wheeler did a lot of research to write this book. He notes it all in the author’s note at the end. The main protagonist Lia is has a strong enough personality to be interesting but demure enough to be likeable. She is smart, gifted, and capable of putting others needs before her own.
The bad points were few but present. Towards the end of the story, the undertone of the book took a direction I am not comfortable taking. It was getting a bit preachy for me. The meaning of the story could be summed up like this. “Just have faith and everything will work out no matter what situation you’re in.” The medium apparently is the one making all the plans about what happens in the world and shapes the events. The good guys of the story are just the instruments of the mediums will as where the bad guys are the ones who try to control the medium themselves. I am all for letting people believe what they will, but I am not sure that belongs in a fantasy novel. That is just a knit-pick complaint on my part though. At the end of the day it’s author’s prerogative.
The other thing that bothered me more was the sexual tension between Lia and Colvin, the injured man in her kitchen. I’m all for characters having sexual tension, but remember that Lia is thirteen. Colvin is young but an undetermined age. We find out in the end that he is older than seventeen.
I do recommend this book for people who want to read a slightly different fantasy novel, or for people who like to see religious influence in stories.
The story is well written and draws you in right from the start. The story takes place in a world different from our own with some of our older philosophies mixed in. At first, the world appears to be a typical medieval historical type setting. As you progress further into the story, you find out that there is magic in this world. It is referred to as “The Medium.” The Medium is capable of doing everything from brining water for you to do laundry to raising the dead.
The main protagonist is named Lia, a thirteen-year-old girl with an unknown family line and snarky attitude. With no knowledge of her bloodlines, Lia is one of the wretched. The wretched are the outcasts of the society and taken care of by the abbeys. Lia’s ambition in life is to learn how to read, something being a wretched does not afford her.
The plot begins when a wounded man is brought to her and placed under her care for a few days. Turns out, he is instrumental in bringing down the evil king that rules the land. I guess there always has to be an evil king to start the conflict.
Overall, I would say the story is well written, had interesting characters, and moved the plot along pretty well. Wheeler did a lot of research to write this book. He notes it all in the author’s note at the end. The main protagonist Lia is has a strong enough personality to be interesting but demure enough to be likeable. She is smart, gifted, and capable of putting others needs before her own.
The bad points were few but present. Towards the end of the story, the undertone of the book took a direction I am not comfortable taking. It was getting a bit preachy for me. The meaning of the story could be summed up like this. “Just have faith and everything will work out no matter what situation you’re in.” The medium apparently is the one making all the plans about what happens in the world and shapes the events. The good guys of the story are just the instruments of the mediums will as where the bad guys are the ones who try to control the medium themselves. I am all for letting people believe what they will, but I am not sure that belongs in a fantasy novel. That is just a knit-pick complaint on my part though. At the end of the day it’s author’s prerogative.
The other thing that bothered me more was the sexual tension between Lia and Colvin, the injured man in her kitchen. I’m all for characters having sexual tension, but remember that Lia is thirteen. Colvin is young but an undetermined age. We find out in the end that he is older than seventeen.
I do recommend this book for people who want to read a slightly different fantasy novel, or for people who like to see religious influence in stories.
November 25, 2019
I went into this one blind, as is my newfound tradition this year, and as much as I enjoyed The Wretched of Muirwood I was not blown away.
There are Orphans, and there are Wretcheds. While an orphan's parents are dead, wretcheds are simply abandoned by their families.
In the world Wheeler has created, the magic, which is called the Medium has power over all things, and only the Mastons and Learners are able to wield it.
Lia, a rather mouthy wretched who is very powerful in the Medium, and wants to learn to read more than anything else has her routine life as a helper in Muirwood Abbey interrupted, and pretty much turned upside down when she agrees to take in and nurse an injured stranger.
Putting into consideration the bunch of annoying protagonists I’ve found myself stuck with in the past 2 months, Lia is quite a refreshing character who speaks her mind and is honest about her motivations. She’s clever for her age, with a penchant for getting into trouble. At first, I hated how she always had to take her friend, Sowe down with her, but in time I understood that she’s the imperfect heroine who yawns a lot, and even came to expect such selfishness from her.
Her struggle with the Myriad Ones on her journey with the injured stranger mentioned earlier was simply beautiful and real. This brings me to the problem I had with the book: WORLD BUILDING.
The concept of the Muirwood and how the world worked is fascinating, but too much of it was too confusing too many times. There were talks of countries, and kingdoms and villages, and mastons, and the Medium that did not exactly blend and I was left wondering where what was where and what some things meant. The brief expositions left at the end of every chapter helped, but the writing just did not conjure a strong enough image in my mind.
There are Orphans, and there are Wretcheds. While an orphan's parents are dead, wretcheds are simply abandoned by their families.
In the world Wheeler has created, the magic, which is called the Medium has power over all things, and only the Mastons and Learners are able to wield it.
Lia, a rather mouthy wretched who is very powerful in the Medium, and wants to learn to read more than anything else has her routine life as a helper in Muirwood Abbey interrupted, and pretty much turned upside down when she agrees to take in and nurse an injured stranger.
Putting into consideration the bunch of annoying protagonists I’ve found myself stuck with in the past 2 months, Lia is quite a refreshing character who speaks her mind and is honest about her motivations. She’s clever for her age, with a penchant for getting into trouble. At first, I hated how she always had to take her friend, Sowe down with her, but in time I understood that she’s the imperfect heroine who yawns a lot, and even came to expect such selfishness from her.
Her struggle with the Myriad Ones on her journey with the injured stranger mentioned earlier was simply beautiful and real. This brings me to the problem I had with the book: WORLD BUILDING.
The concept of the Muirwood and how the world worked is fascinating, but too much of it was too confusing too many times. There were talks of countries, and kingdoms and villages, and mastons, and the Medium that did not exactly blend and I was left wondering where what was where and what some things meant. The brief expositions left at the end of every chapter helped, but the writing just did not conjure a strong enough image in my mind.
August 16, 2012
I enjoyed this read. A medieval setting in a fantasy world ... it was a little slow to start for me, having to learn the characters and customs. In the author's note at the end of book 1, he states that he collects "snippets of wisdom" from our own history (religious and philosophical)and weaved them into this series. There were several things that did sound familiar (any LDS reader will likely see parallels to BOM stories)and the Law of Attraction ... "That which you fix your heart to, believing with all your desire you will get, you will." I did highlight several quotes during reading that hit home to me ... but I'm not sure how much they came from this author or are some of his collection from existing texts, especially the words of wisdom from "Cuthbert Renowden" included at the end of most chapters (check out some of the quotes ... http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/...). (Just on a GoodReads note, I am LOVING reading the various quotes from a book I just finished!)
Up to this point in my life, I LOVED series ... loved knowing which book I was going to read next rather than having to pick something at random. Now however, with my new digital library overflowing, I find myself somewhat anxious to complete a book and continue on to something new. As I was reading, I was debating whether I would continue on with the series immediately. I think I will, while I'm still in this world, I think I'll find out what happens :)
I have started the next book in the series, which takes up RIGHT where this one leaves off (in Chapter 1) ... then jumps a year as Chapter 2 begins ...
Up to this point in my life, I LOVED series ... loved knowing which book I was going to read next rather than having to pick something at random. Now however, with my new digital library overflowing, I find myself somewhat anxious to complete a book and continue on to something new. As I was reading, I was debating whether I would continue on with the series immediately. I think I will, while I'm still in this world, I think I'll find out what happens :)
I have started the next book in the series, which takes up RIGHT where this one leaves off (in Chapter 1) ... then jumps a year as Chapter 2 begins ...
October 24, 2013
(Minor Spoilers, nothing plot revealing at all, but beware)
This book was amazing! I was working my way through The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson) when I picked this book up to read during my lunch break. I could not put it down.
The Religion and Magic systems are very unique from other books I've read. The whole setting just breathes a sense of awe, depth and history. Wheeler really appeals to your senses, making you feel like you are in Pasqua's kitchen, or walking the ancient Abbey grounds.
The characters show great depth. You see them going through a great range of emotions and conditions, and Jeff Wheeler does a great job of showing dialogue or conversations between characters. You watch Lia grow from a timid Wretched into something great. I'm a grown man, but I admit... I cried at the climax. It was very satisfying, and the development was natural.
Best of all, Jeff Wheeler doesn't use any cheap tricks like some authors do. He reveals a realistic, gritty medieval world without it being over-the-top with distracting violence or anything like that. It's also a very positive story, but it manages to avoid a lot of the white-washed attributes of many other fantasy stories.
I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy fantasy of any kind, read it. If you like Brandon Sanderson's deep plotting, but also like Patrick Rothfuss's eloquent storytelling, Read this book.
This book was amazing! I was working my way through The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson) when I picked this book up to read during my lunch break. I could not put it down.
The Religion and Magic systems are very unique from other books I've read. The whole setting just breathes a sense of awe, depth and history. Wheeler really appeals to your senses, making you feel like you are in Pasqua's kitchen, or walking the ancient Abbey grounds.
The characters show great depth. You see them going through a great range of emotions and conditions, and Jeff Wheeler does a great job of showing dialogue or conversations between characters. You watch Lia grow from a timid Wretched into something great. I'm a grown man, but I admit... I cried at the climax. It was very satisfying, and the development was natural.
Best of all, Jeff Wheeler doesn't use any cheap tricks like some authors do. He reveals a realistic, gritty medieval world without it being over-the-top with distracting violence or anything like that. It's also a very positive story, but it manages to avoid a lot of the white-washed attributes of many other fantasy stories.
I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy fantasy of any kind, read it. If you like Brandon Sanderson's deep plotting, but also like Patrick Rothfuss's eloquent storytelling, Read this book.
February 22, 2013
My favorite of the trilogy, mostly because when I started to read I could not put this book down. Except I had to, which was annoying - darn work! I loved the unfolding of this story, loved Lia and very much enjoyed traveling along beside her, and positively am envious of the magic system Mr. Wheeler has created.
This trilogy proved a lot to me - as a self-published author, Mr. Wheeler showed me there are true treasures out there. And, that those treasures can find enormous success even without the big-name publisher push (or maybe because of?). I know Mr. Wheeler's books are now out/about to be out with a new publisher, and I hope he finds even more success as he is a definite must-buy author for me now.
What has impressed me the most though about this trilogy, and the other books Mr. Wheeler has written, is how little time he has each week to devote to writing yet look at all he has accomplished! Hats off to him for that, and for showing me that I certainly can carve out one night a week too, to devote to writing.
This trilogy proved a lot to me - as a self-published author, Mr. Wheeler showed me there are true treasures out there. And, that those treasures can find enormous success even without the big-name publisher push (or maybe because of?). I know Mr. Wheeler's books are now out/about to be out with a new publisher, and I hope he finds even more success as he is a definite must-buy author for me now.
What has impressed me the most though about this trilogy, and the other books Mr. Wheeler has written, is how little time he has each week to devote to writing yet look at all he has accomplished! Hats off to him for that, and for showing me that I certainly can carve out one night a week too, to devote to writing.
May 18, 2012
The premise of this book teased me with such potential. The idea of a world where words were so precious that they could only be engraved in gold, where those who don't have proven parental pedigree are deemed "wretched" is compelling. Add in the magical aspects of a special power called the Medium, and I should have been sold on this book from the get-go. I found myself so disappointed by this book. After reading the ENTIRE book, I still have no clue why words are only engraved in gold. What's to prevent someone from scratching letters in dust, clay or any other surface? I also ended up really disliking the portrayal of the Medium. For something that was supposed to be akin to God, it was far too removed and impersonal for me to care. It may have been more like the Star Wars "force" I suppose, but definitely not anything like the God I know. It just prevented me from getting into the story.
January 16, 2020
Our novel opens with a storm. A man, John Hunter, comes into the kitchen to tell the chef, Pasqua, to make up 500 loaves of bread. A massive storm is outside and causing havoc - people will be heading to Muirwood Abbey for sustenance. Meanwhile, young Lia Cook, a Wretched (an abandoned child/orphan), overhears and steals one of the rings that John Hunter dug up from outside.
Fast forward to when our young protagonist is 13: Lia Cook hears a pounding at the kitchen door. What looks like a Knight has what appears to be a young squire, who is severely wounded. The Knight then tells her to care for the nameless man and leaves.
As I write this review, I truly feel myself standing with my feet planted on two sides of a chasm. On one side, I can see all the flaws of this young adult fantasy, the cliches, the stereotypes, the goofiness and I want to go into each bit - the character elements that don't work, the magic that makes no sense, the worldbuilding that falls flat, how the story is basically the same one regurgitated time and time again. On the other side, I have clear insight and can see that this is hardly the worst that has been released in the Young Adult Fantasy market - in fact, in some ways, it's much better, because the book doesn't revolve around that damned Love Triangle that's so prevalent in Young Adult fiction. So bear with me for what might be a disjointed review - I haven't properly reviewed a book in some time, so my gears are rusty.
I just finished this audiobook, and my overall thoughts can be boiled down to this: "A rather average, unnoteworthy, inoffensive fantasy for Young Adults that doesn't take too many chances, but also doesn't do anything so bad you feel your soul wither away". So if you want my quick and dirty review: if you don't have high expectations for your fantasy, you don't want any sex, and you don't mind some violence (in so much as knowing thousands die, don't worry there aren't gruesome descriptions of said violence), then this is likely going to be right up your alley. However, if you were hoping for maybe a twist on the fantasy formula or a new insight into magic or maybe fantastic worldbuilding - move along.
Our main characters are Lia and Colvin (who for too long in this book insists on not telling Lia his name because he's totally emo or something). Neither character really rises above their fantasy stereotype - Lia is a hair's breadth away from being a Mary Sue, the rejected orphan who can use the magic (because I'm not calling this magic system "Medium" as it sounds positively ludicrous) better than people who are 3 times her age with years of training and can use the alethiometer - I mean, the "Orb" - better than anyone around her because of her Unwavering Faith. The biggest reason I don't give her the Mary Sue title is that she's something of a selfish brat, which may seem like an insult, but honestly really isn't. She totally is fine with throwing her friend, Soa (seeing other reviews spell is Sowe makes me cringe and reject that reality), under the bus to get punished for Lia's own actions, she steals, she lies, she is ungrateful for the rather cush life she lives in the Abbey (sure, she's a servant, but it's obvious to the reader that Pasqua and the Aldermasten actually care for her, even if Lia is too short-sighted and young to take note), and she isn't crippled in her actions by pants-lust with Colvin. So sure, she's obnoxious in that everything she does is better than everyone around her, but this is a escapism fantasy, so I'll give her her awesomeness.
If anything, the worse crime lies in Colvin, a smarmy a$$ brat of a Knight trainee who never once convinced me why anyone should care one twit whether he was alive. Firstly, the boy wasn't that good at Doing the MagicMost of the book is about hiding him from the Bad Guys - the King who does Bad Stuff and his minions, including the Sheriff who does More Bad Stuff - but there are so many things about the overarching plot that don't make sense. Why does the King want him, the son of an Earl? Colvin was never as good at the Magic as Lia - nor did it seem like he was the best Magic Knight in the land, so why would the King spend so much resources on a single boy from a single land? Why did the Knight dump Colvin at the Kitchen? The Magic Made Me Do It?
This leads to probably my biggest complaint and really what made me drop this from 3 stars for the first half to 2 stars: The Magic (AKA the Medium in the book). The magic system is a complete contradiction. You can wield it to do anything - but it must be what the magic wants to do, else it won't happen. And if you force the magic, the magic gets pouty and runs away. And if you EVER doubt AT ALL, then the magic is gone. You must have 100% unwavering faith and ZERO fear in order for the magic to give you all the good things that it wants. For all the power this magic had, never once did it just outright come to the characters and say, "You need to do XYZ". It was always a guessing game - but goddess forbid you ever doubt about this! Did you interpret what the magic was saying correctly? Even asking that question is expressing doubt!
Lia can wield the magic so well because she never doubts - that is until Colvin comes along and throws a monkey wrench into her faith. But fortunately, he can lay hands on her and vanquish the doubt just in time for her to combust all their enemies with absolutely no casualties on the Good Guy Side. Deus ex machina much? Why does Colvin even exist again? Why do the Good Guys need him?
Let me wind this back a bit; really the book isn't that bad. No, it's not the most creative book on the planet. No, I didn't care for the book - but really, that was only the last half, the first half wasn't bad. The characters aren't complex and fascinating; the story isn't thrilling and compelling; the magic system is fickle and enigmatic. This wouldn't be the worst book to give a child - though honestly, I'd probably recommend the ones that came first, the Chronicles of Narnia, the Golden Compass, heck, I kept thinking of Jay Lake's "Green" before giving them what is almost the fan fiction version of those. For myself, I returned this audiobook to get the credit back and won't be checking in on the further adventures of Lia and Colvin.
(Not that it really has any bearings on this particular story, but I hear that Wheeler is Mormon and that this book and the rest of the trilogy are imbued with Mormon theology. I couldn't necessarily tell it was Mormon theology, but I could tell that there were religious undertones. It wasn't bad in this book, but I hear it is stronger in the latter ones. This only partially influences why I won't continue with the series.)
Fast forward to when our young protagonist is 13: Lia Cook hears a pounding at the kitchen door. What looks like a Knight has what appears to be a young squire, who is severely wounded. The Knight then tells her to care for the nameless man and leaves.
As I write this review, I truly feel myself standing with my feet planted on two sides of a chasm. On one side, I can see all the flaws of this young adult fantasy, the cliches, the stereotypes, the goofiness and I want to go into each bit - the character elements that don't work, the magic that makes no sense, the worldbuilding that falls flat, how the story is basically the same one regurgitated time and time again. On the other side, I have clear insight and can see that this is hardly the worst that has been released in the Young Adult Fantasy market - in fact, in some ways, it's much better, because the book doesn't revolve around that damned Love Triangle that's so prevalent in Young Adult fiction. So bear with me for what might be a disjointed review - I haven't properly reviewed a book in some time, so my gears are rusty.
I just finished this audiobook, and my overall thoughts can be boiled down to this: "A rather average, unnoteworthy, inoffensive fantasy for Young Adults that doesn't take too many chances, but also doesn't do anything so bad you feel your soul wither away". So if you want my quick and dirty review: if you don't have high expectations for your fantasy, you don't want any sex, and you don't mind some violence (in so much as knowing thousands die, don't worry there aren't gruesome descriptions of said violence), then this is likely going to be right up your alley. However, if you were hoping for maybe a twist on the fantasy formula or a new insight into magic or maybe fantastic worldbuilding - move along.
Our main characters are Lia and Colvin (who for too long in this book insists on not telling Lia his name because he's totally emo or something). Neither character really rises above their fantasy stereotype - Lia is a hair's breadth away from being a Mary Sue, the rejected orphan who can use the magic (because I'm not calling this magic system "Medium" as it sounds positively ludicrous) better than people who are 3 times her age with years of training and can use the alethiometer - I mean, the "Orb" - better than anyone around her because of her Unwavering Faith. The biggest reason I don't give her the Mary Sue title is that she's something of a selfish brat, which may seem like an insult, but honestly really isn't. She totally is fine with throwing her friend, Soa (seeing other reviews spell is Sowe makes me cringe and reject that reality), under the bus to get punished for Lia's own actions, she steals, she lies, she is ungrateful for the rather cush life she lives in the Abbey (sure, she's a servant, but it's obvious to the reader that Pasqua and the Aldermasten actually care for her, even if Lia is too short-sighted and young to take note), and she isn't crippled in her actions by pants-lust with Colvin. So sure, she's obnoxious in that everything she does is better than everyone around her, but this is a escapism fantasy, so I'll give her her awesomeness.
If anything, the worse crime lies in Colvin, a smarmy a$$ brat of a Knight trainee who never once convinced me why anyone should care one twit whether he was alive. Firstly, the boy wasn't that good at Doing the MagicMost of the book is about hiding him from the Bad Guys - the King who does Bad Stuff and his minions, including the Sheriff who does More Bad Stuff - but there are so many things about the overarching plot that don't make sense. Why does the King want him, the son of an Earl? Colvin was never as good at the Magic as Lia - nor did it seem like he was the best Magic Knight in the land, so why would the King spend so much resources on a single boy from a single land? Why did the Knight dump Colvin at the Kitchen? The Magic Made Me Do It?
This leads to probably my biggest complaint and really what made me drop this from 3 stars for the first half to 2 stars: The Magic (AKA the Medium in the book). The magic system is a complete contradiction. You can wield it to do anything - but it must be what the magic wants to do, else it won't happen. And if you force the magic, the magic gets pouty and runs away. And if you EVER doubt AT ALL, then the magic is gone. You must have 100% unwavering faith and ZERO fear in order for the magic to give you all the good things that it wants. For all the power this magic had, never once did it just outright come to the characters and say, "You need to do XYZ". It was always a guessing game - but goddess forbid you ever doubt about this! Did you interpret what the magic was saying correctly? Even asking that question is expressing doubt!
Lia can wield the magic so well because she never doubts - that is until Colvin comes along and throws a monkey wrench into her faith. But fortunately, he can lay hands on her and vanquish the doubt just in time for her to combust all their enemies with absolutely no casualties on the Good Guy Side. Deus ex machina much? Why does Colvin even exist again? Why do the Good Guys need him?
Let me wind this back a bit; really the book isn't that bad. No, it's not the most creative book on the planet. No, I didn't care for the book - but really, that was only the last half, the first half wasn't bad. The characters aren't complex and fascinating; the story isn't thrilling and compelling; the magic system is fickle and enigmatic. This wouldn't be the worst book to give a child - though honestly, I'd probably recommend the ones that came first, the Chronicles of Narnia, the Golden Compass, heck, I kept thinking of Jay Lake's "Green" before giving them what is almost the fan fiction version of those. For myself, I returned this audiobook to get the credit back and won't be checking in on the further adventures of Lia and Colvin.
(Not that it really has any bearings on this particular story, but I hear that Wheeler is Mormon and that this book and the rest of the trilogy are imbued with Mormon theology. I couldn't necessarily tell it was Mormon theology, but I could tell that there were religious undertones. It wasn't bad in this book, but I hear it is stronger in the latter ones. This only partially influences why I won't continue with the series.)
March 5, 2013
4 Stars
This is a fantastic and fun young adult fantasy featuring an amazing young girl named Lia. It also has an interesting magic system.
Review to come...
This is a fantastic and fun young adult fantasy featuring an amazing young girl named Lia. It also has an interesting magic system.
Review to come...
September 10, 2018
I didn't like it.
Se a fuller (but still brief) review at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0UVL...
The Book Goblin
Se a fuller (but still brief) review at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0UVL...
The Book Goblin
December 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
For just finding this at my library it was pretty good. the only thing that i didn't like about this is thoughts/ info before each chapter. it seemed to take me out of the story every time i read them even tho they gave information. i really like Lia she is a very interesting chara. i like how strong she is and kinda cocky in a way. im hoping she gets to understand what she has and i hope she learns about her family and how to control what she has. i cannot wait to see what happens to her
For just finding this at my library it was pretty good. the only thing that i didn't like about this is thoughts/ info before each chapter. it seemed to take me out of the story every time i read them even tho they gave information. i really like Lia she is a very interesting chara. i like how strong she is and kinda cocky in a way. im hoping she gets to understand what she has and i hope she learns about her family and how to control what she has. i cannot wait to see what happens to her
November 3, 2012
I love this series. It is cleanly written and, while it goes beyond allegory and into theology, it never felt moralising to me. That said, it is young adult fiction and ought to be classified as a five star 'light read'. I don't mean that as a put-down, just to make sure readers don't walk in with expectations too high and miss the story.
I once heard an author say that he knew that most books never got published, so he only hoped to write a story he'd be happy to have in a box in the attic. The Muirwood Trilogy has that same clean feel to me, like it was written for the sake of the story, not for the hope of popularity.
I especially love it that the author said that his characters had minds of their own and busted into scenes when he wasn't expecting them.
The series held strong all the way through. Apparently Mr Wheeler was true to the story and its characters and they never faltered.
Thanks to Mr Wheeler for being a writer on Wednesday nights.
I once heard an author say that he knew that most books never got published, so he only hoped to write a story he'd be happy to have in a box in the attic. The Muirwood Trilogy has that same clean feel to me, like it was written for the sake of the story, not for the hope of popularity.
I especially love it that the author said that his characters had minds of their own and busted into scenes when he wasn't expecting them.
The series held strong all the way through. Apparently Mr Wheeler was true to the story and its characters and they never faltered.
Thanks to Mr Wheeler for being a writer on Wednesday nights.
August 31, 2014
I LOVED this trilogy. It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a series so much. One reason I love it is because this series stays strong through the end. The characters have stayed with me long after I closed the book.
I'm not sure how to describe this trilogy other than it is a romance about good verses evil. At first I felt a little strange when the characters discussed their religion, but after talking with several people I realized how little I know about other religions. Many religions have sacred ceremonies or rites of passage that their members go through. Keeping an open mind, it was neat to draw parallels to my religion.
The romantic tension in this book is so thick you could slice it!
I'm not sure how to describe this trilogy other than it is a romance about good verses evil. At first I felt a little strange when the characters discussed their religion, but after talking with several people I realized how little I know about other religions. Many religions have sacred ceremonies or rites of passage that their members go through. Keeping an open mind, it was neat to draw parallels to my religion.
The romantic tension in this book is so thick you could slice it!
February 18, 2012
It was free on my kindle, which always makes it easier to try something new and unknown! My rating is based on my level of expectation, and the enjoyment I got out of reading this book. This is a fantasy story, with a little historical realism. The protagonist /narrator works in the kitchen of an abbey, but that abbey is not quite typical of usual abbeys. I liked that the author didn't explain everything straight out, you had to read along and wait for the world to be revealed. There were some religious aspects, but I didn't find them offensive, because there is usually some sort of spirituality in fantasy. I will be reading the rest of the trilogy, for sure.
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