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The Rune of Unmaking #1
The Hidden Stars
In a world devastated by the cataclysmic war between wizards and mages, the Empress Ouriána seized the throne, proclaiming herself the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon. Appointing twelve priests to perform her rites, she rules with a tight rein of dark sorcery. The priests, once men, became twisted with magic, making them monstrous—mutated. Wherever they ride they bring destruction, and one kingdom after another falls, enslaved into darkness.
Yet signs and portents appear, puzzling the seers, and a tale begins to grow. A rumor of a young girl, talented and hidden, who is destined to end Ouriána's tyrannous reign . . . if she survives long enough to do so. And a brave band of wizards and heroes ride out in search of the hidden princess, pursued by the fury of the dark goddess herself.
Yet signs and portents appear, puzzling the seers, and a tale begins to grow. A rumor of a young girl, talented and hidden, who is destined to end Ouriána's tyrannous reign . . . if she survives long enough to do so. And a brave band of wizards and heroes ride out in search of the hidden princess, pursued by the fury of the dark goddess herself.
424 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
8 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Howard
4 books19 followersMadeline Howard is the pseudonym of Teresa Edgerton, the author of many fantasy novels including the new series, The Rune of Unmaking.
Teresa's site is full of information, so if you're looking for Absolutely Everything, please visit TeresaEdgerton.com.
Teresa's site is full of information, so if you're looking for Absolutely Everything, please visit TeresaEdgerton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 23, 2013
The author's vivid, descriptive style gave me high hopes for this, but my enthusiasm faded when it took so long for things to really get rolling.
The story was buried in barely distinguishable names and places. And while the quest takes some exciting turns, the characters were oddly dry considering how much time we spent watching them circle their internal dilemmas.
Thanks to some strange combination of a broad overall focus and a tendency to delve into unnecessary detail, things eventually taper off without bringing any of the book's scattered plots together. That type of ending is a major pet peeve, which makes skipping the sequel an easier decision than it otherwise might have been.
The story was buried in barely distinguishable names and places. And while the quest takes some exciting turns, the characters were oddly dry considering how much time we spent watching them circle their internal dilemmas.
Thanks to some strange combination of a broad overall focus and a tendency to delve into unnecessary detail, things eventually taper off without bringing any of the book's scattered plots together. That type of ending is a major pet peeve, which makes skipping the sequel an easier decision than it otherwise might have been.
August 22, 2014
Admit it, when reading fantasy books (or any books for that matter), character names are just too important to be left out. On the first few chapters when we are introduced to the main character/s and authors are still trying make you feel at home inside the made-up world s/he has created, we always wanted to have that extra feel of seeing and feeling the ‘cold winds in winter’, ‘the warm breeze in midsummer night’s eve’. Or see the fallen leaves of autumn and smell the flowers bloom in spring. We imagine this as a companion of our favorite character. And we want to remember him/her as Ben or Aria or Sam or Tyrion. Something easy to read and remember.
When however names are made complicated like Faolein or Sindérian or Éireamhóine or Baillébachlein, readability of the book and the ability of the characters to be remembered drops to Zero. No matter the world-building or the plot, you just can’t be lost in the book if you struggle every time the name pops out of the page.
Yes, pronunciation guides can be helpful but why would you want to endure the lengthy and difficult names in a book? And why can’t authors name their characters with Rose or Anna or Grace, and of course my favorites Tuesday or Wednesday? WHY Baillébachlein and Éireamhóine?
One might think I am giving this a one star because of this teeny-weenie complain about names. Alas NO, for despite the really-difficult-to-pronounce-names in this book the prose is SUPERB! And who cannot love this blurb at the back cover:
In a world devastated by the cataclysmic war between wizards and mages, the Empress Ouriána seized the throne, proclaiming herself the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon. Appointing twelve priests to perform her rites, she rules with a tight rein of dark sorcery. The priests, once men, became twisted with magic, making them monstrous—mutated. Wherever they ride they bring destruction, and one kingdom after another falls, enslaved into darkness.
Yet signs and portents appear, puzzling the seers, and a tale begins to grow. A rumor of a young girl, talented and hidden, who is destined to end Ouriána's tyrannous reign . . . if she survives long enough to do so. And a brave band of wizards and heroes ride out in search of the hidden princess, pursued by the fury of the dark goddess herself.
Yep, we’ve seen, read and heard it all! But it just never seizes to amaze the imagination with Light hopelessly fighting against Darkness. And maybe GRRMartin was right when he said: “We read fantasy to find the colors again, I think. To taste strong spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us, to the child who dreamt that one day he would hunt the forests of the night, and feast beneath the hollow hills, and find a love to last forever.”
I personally continue to dream. This gets me going at times. But in my dream, people are named with really- easy-to-pronounce-and-remember-names! :)
When however names are made complicated like Faolein or Sindérian or Éireamhóine or Baillébachlein, readability of the book and the ability of the characters to be remembered drops to Zero. No matter the world-building or the plot, you just can’t be lost in the book if you struggle every time the name pops out of the page.
Yes, pronunciation guides can be helpful but why would you want to endure the lengthy and difficult names in a book? And why can’t authors name their characters with Rose or Anna or Grace, and of course my favorites Tuesday or Wednesday? WHY Baillébachlein and Éireamhóine?
One might think I am giving this a one star because of this teeny-weenie complain about names. Alas NO, for despite the really-difficult-to-pronounce-names in this book the prose is SUPERB! And who cannot love this blurb at the back cover:
In a world devastated by the cataclysmic war between wizards and mages, the Empress Ouriána seized the throne, proclaiming herself the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon. Appointing twelve priests to perform her rites, she rules with a tight rein of dark sorcery. The priests, once men, became twisted with magic, making them monstrous—mutated. Wherever they ride they bring destruction, and one kingdom after another falls, enslaved into darkness.
Yet signs and portents appear, puzzling the seers, and a tale begins to grow. A rumor of a young girl, talented and hidden, who is destined to end Ouriána's tyrannous reign . . . if she survives long enough to do so. And a brave band of wizards and heroes ride out in search of the hidden princess, pursued by the fury of the dark goddess herself.
Yep, we’ve seen, read and heard it all! But it just never seizes to amaze the imagination with Light hopelessly fighting against Darkness. And maybe GRRMartin was right when he said: “We read fantasy to find the colors again, I think. To taste strong spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us, to the child who dreamt that one day he would hunt the forests of the night, and feast beneath the hollow hills, and find a love to last forever.”
I personally continue to dream. This gets me going at times. But in my dream, people are named with really- easy-to-pronounce-and-remember-names! :)
January 3, 2008
Finally! A book with strong female characters that are NOT Xena wanna-be's or buxom sluts. This author is a very talented story teller that transports you to her fantsy world created after a large battle where magic fractured the land. The hero is a female wizard & the hero she is looking for is a lost princess that has healing powers. The villian is a female queen that has mutated male servants with her power and corruption. There are some good male leads who are very "be still my heart" mighty warriors. I would classify this book as a mystery if it were not for all the magic and terrible beasty animals. Romance is hinted at but has not blossomed in this first book. Book 2 has just come out and I am very excited to read it as there are some awesome cliff hanger endings in the first book. I say endings because the main characters are in differnet locations at the end of the book. This author is a female Tolkien. A must read!
March 10, 2019
3.5-4 with nostalgia factored inOk. I read this book when i was v small and i LOVED it and then. I never read the sequel. Apparently this was for the best bc the trilogy isnt completed but i still decided to reread it. I get /why/ i liked it so much, its full of MAGIC and MYSTERIES and BIRDS but also i can only pronounce 10% of the names and i dont fully understand anything thats happening. Obvs wasnt a problem for baby me, but now im just baffed. Maybe i should actually read the second one but since this series might not ever be completed maybe i shldnt
September 8, 2014
This is a rather typical fantasy novel, though that isn't altogether bad. The story is similar to other books of this genre, but there's something about it that made me feel compelled to go on anyway, despite that. The book suffers from quite a number of fantasy cliches and can be quite predictable, but it's still actually rather good, even with those handicaps.
The narrative flows well and the plot moves at a steady pace. I never felt bored, or that things were getting stretched too long, or even that there was too much filler. As a matter of fact, I don't feel like this book really HAS any filler! Even so, there seems to be something missing that I can't place my finger on. I also think that there could have been just a tiny bit more for description than there was. Some parts give just the right amount of it, and sometimes, there's just not quite enough.
The biggest problem I have with this book is with the names. They can be miserable to try to pronounce, and the author insists on calling the names of everyONE and everyTHING we visit or meet! When you have to read these complicated names over and over, it trips up the narrative badly. I think she was going for unique, but I think she went too far there.
I enjoyed this and am not disappointed I read it. Looking forward to the next book!
The narrative flows well and the plot moves at a steady pace. I never felt bored, or that things were getting stretched too long, or even that there was too much filler. As a matter of fact, I don't feel like this book really HAS any filler! Even so, there seems to be something missing that I can't place my finger on. I also think that there could have been just a tiny bit more for description than there was. Some parts give just the right amount of it, and sometimes, there's just not quite enough.
The biggest problem I have with this book is with the names. They can be miserable to try to pronounce, and the author insists on calling the names of everyONE and everyTHING we visit or meet! When you have to read these complicated names over and over, it trips up the narrative badly. I think she was going for unique, but I think she went too far there.
I enjoyed this and am not disappointed I read it. Looking forward to the next book!
August 16, 2013
I read this book while on a train, and thought it was decently entertaining. It felt like this was a story that has been told before, but I'll considering following up on the sequels if anybody else recommends them to me. For now though, I'm leaving it behind in a hostel and swapping it out for something new. In my opinion, leaving the story off at the climax without resolving any of the plot justifies losing interest anyway.
October 24, 2025
This started out as a promising sword and sorcery, led by a female protagonist. Very slow book, doesn't pick up until more than halfway through, and then ends on a cliff-hanger. The story wasn't particularly unique, and by the time the second book came out 3+ years later, I no longer had any interest.
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November 30, 2023got halfway through the book and they were *still* traveling so I stopped reading alas. Was hoping for more since I love good protagonists! sadface.
January 14, 2014
Right firstly, me being me, I did not like some of the names in this story. The author draws heavily on celtic names and my mind goes blank when I try to rponounce them. But this is just a little thing, and it is not all of the names, a couple of them are really superb.
More seriously the story itself is a typical fantasy set up, with a dark force beginning to move against the world and the desperate main characters oing their best to save the world. Of course this a pattern that a lot of books follow and as in all cases it is the way the story is told that makes the difference.
In this instance the evil force is well advanced, already in a position of power and it is the rest of the unconquered world that are doing their best to overthrow the rule of someone who has become so powerful that she is almost a goddess walking the world. When a child is born that might just be the saviour of the world it becomes a race against time, as the evil forces try and destroy her, while the good try to save, culminating in a dramatic and incredibly well written showdown on a mountaintop. And all this is in the opening few chapters.
The Hidden Stars introduces and paints a picture of a rich fantasy world, with some compelling and interesting characters, not to mention an excellent story that draws the reader in and keeps them reading. Parts of the writing amost feel as though it is being delivered in a conversational tone, making it feel more intimate.
There is not, as is often the case overlong novel, instead it is the right mix of history, magic and conflict, that tells its story wonderfully, giving a world that feels well developed and drawn perfectly giving the right amount of background and depth to mak it feel real without dragging it down.
An excellent, enjoyable read that definately leaves you wanting more. A sequel that will be read.
More seriously the story itself is a typical fantasy set up, with a dark force beginning to move against the world and the desperate main characters oing their best to save the world. Of course this a pattern that a lot of books follow and as in all cases it is the way the story is told that makes the difference.
In this instance the evil force is well advanced, already in a position of power and it is the rest of the unconquered world that are doing their best to overthrow the rule of someone who has become so powerful that she is almost a goddess walking the world. When a child is born that might just be the saviour of the world it becomes a race against time, as the evil forces try and destroy her, while the good try to save, culminating in a dramatic and incredibly well written showdown on a mountaintop. And all this is in the opening few chapters.
The Hidden Stars introduces and paints a picture of a rich fantasy world, with some compelling and interesting characters, not to mention an excellent story that draws the reader in and keeps them reading. Parts of the writing amost feel as though it is being delivered in a conversational tone, making it feel more intimate.
There is not, as is often the case overlong novel, instead it is the right mix of history, magic and conflict, that tells its story wonderfully, giving a world that feels well developed and drawn perfectly giving the right amount of background and depth to mak it feel real without dragging it down.
An excellent, enjoyable read that definately leaves you wanting more. A sequel that will be read.
July 31, 2014
This wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t a very good book either. It definitely had potential, but mostly, it lacked depth. The characters, the places and cultures, everything was just very superficial and didn’t catch my interest at all. I was mildly entertained and that was all. But the concept of the story was actually pretty good (albeit in a super typical high fantasy plot kinda way) but it wasn’t really developed enough, which is a shame.
Also, there were several issues that made the reading a bit tedious. First of all; the names. WHY would you chose to give people and places these ridiculously long, unpronounceable names AND not put a pronunciation guide at the end of the book??? It’s not that hard! Same thing with a map! I think this is the first fantasy book that I’ve ever read that doesn’t come with a guide map. The author creates all these mysterious lands and countries and places, and you’re expected to remember them, and their relations to each other, but you’re not even given a visual of how things look. I dunno, just seems kinda lazy to me.
But other than that I had no real issue with the book. It was just kinda boring. And it stops right in the middle of the story (because of course, there is book 2), but it wasn’t exciting enough to make me want to read the second book. Sorry.
Also, there were several issues that made the reading a bit tedious. First of all; the names. WHY would you chose to give people and places these ridiculously long, unpronounceable names AND not put a pronunciation guide at the end of the book??? It’s not that hard! Same thing with a map! I think this is the first fantasy book that I’ve ever read that doesn’t come with a guide map. The author creates all these mysterious lands and countries and places, and you’re expected to remember them, and their relations to each other, but you’re not even given a visual of how things look. I dunno, just seems kinda lazy to me.
But other than that I had no real issue with the book. It was just kinda boring. And it stops right in the middle of the story (because of course, there is book 2), but it wasn’t exciting enough to make me want to read the second book. Sorry.
October 10, 2009
A good fanatasy story, that has traces of an epic storyline. Some very strong female leads that, seem all to human, instead of seen to often buxom female or all-powerful mary-sue. Hints of romance, that lend to the plot without being overdone or overworked. I'm curious though as to how the main villian of the story became the villian, as to me it seems almost as other forces are at work. The characters are much more complex then what we first see and I'm interested and how they will evolve as the story continues. I suggest anyone who enjoys a good fantasy to raed this story, you won't be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2009
Many years ago there was a war, a war that ended in mutual destruction for both parties. This was a magical war. Now those who survived live with the aftermath. One of the new powers is the Empress Ouriana, proclaiming herself the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon, using black magic to control her people and trying to control more and more of the world.
There's a prophesied one, who may be a young girl, who it is hoped will defeat the empress, but the empress knows about the prophecy and is determined to stop her. A band of heroes are determined to fight for the prophecy.
Yes parts of it were a bit predictable but I enjoyed the read.
There's a prophesied one, who may be a young girl, who it is hoped will defeat the empress, but the empress knows about the prophecy and is determined to stop her. A band of heroes are determined to fight for the prophecy.
Yes parts of it were a bit predictable but I enjoyed the read.
August 2, 2008
An archetypal fantasy story, complete with impossible-to-pronounce names and even more confusing world geography. We have the forces of good battling evil in an almost hopeless scenario where it seems at every turn evil will triumph. The story and plot seem almost Tolkenesque; with a group of travelers sojourning through hostile lands, chased by dark agents of a supreme evil in search of a hidden weapon... In spite of a story we've seen before, Howard manages to put her own spin on it. If you're bored reading the usual erotica filled fantasy novels of the age, pick this one up.
June 7, 2013
Fascinating book that I well enjoyed, with interesting characters and a solid-feeling world... but it feels as if only have a tale has been told! The book began many stories and resolved none of them, leaving the reader hungry for more of the trilogy, which is good, but unsatisfied with this book in and of itself, which is a bit frustrating.
As I imagine this might be a pattern that's will make the second book similarly unsatisfying, I would hold off on beginning this series until Madeline Howard finishes the third part of the trilogy, to avoid being left hanging indefinitely.
As I imagine this might be a pattern that's will make the second book similarly unsatisfying, I would hold off on beginning this series until Madeline Howard finishes the third part of the trilogy, to avoid being left hanging indefinitely.
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July 13, 2013Not a bad read, you can tell the author spent a lot of time developing and intricate layout of the land and history of the characters prior to writing the book. It would have helped if they included the map with the book instead of needing to search the web for it. Wasn't much for the ending, it was a mad rush to get to the end and didn't make a lot of sense. I am looking for book two and am in hopes of some progress on reuniting the lost princess with the "good guys" and battling the evil queen/sorceress.
May 27, 2019
May 2019 re-read: As enjoyable second time around. It is important to note that JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, without exception, is regarded as a benchmark for all fantasy writing, so it is therefore not too surprising to find anomalies in many novels, particularly those with a strong Celtic focus.
An astonishingly satisfying read, intense, complex, with a remarkably intricate plot, redolent of Lord of the Rings, that begged to be read at leisure and thoroughly savoured.
An astonishingly satisfying read, intense, complex, with a remarkably intricate plot, redolent of Lord of the Rings, that begged to be read at leisure and thoroughly savoured.
February 13, 2009
It actually took me a two days to read this book. I liked it but I found that it was jumping around too much. Just after a few pages I was thrown into another characters story. Which it turned out in the end to be okay but becuase there were so many things to follow this book could be considered difficult to follow
July 30, 2013
i gave this a decent go (90+ pages) as i have a fondness for Edgerton's The Goblin Moon & its sequel - earlyish exemplars of fantasy not featuring elves, castles or polysyllablebabble names. sadly this one does feature all three and although i was willing to suspend disbelief for a while, there were just too many umlauts for me.
June 18, 2015
A champion is needed and all signs and portents hint of young girl hidden and talented. It is race against time whether the heroes finds her first or the monsters who want to use her for dark goddess. It started up slow but had a strong finish with great characters and adventures. On to book two: A Dark Sacrifice.
November 4, 2009
well, i just finished this book today. I like how it's going to different stories...it makes it more interesting. Unfortunately i got this at a bookstore that sells random books.....so now I have to try to find the other 2. It's amazing and full of hope.
September 14, 2011
I'm not really sure if I liked this book or not. It does have strong female characters, but the book jumps around quite a bit and it's a little hard to follow.
I didn't like it enough to want to search out the other books in the series.
I didn't like it enough to want to search out the other books in the series.
April 20, 2008
basic genre fantasy, nothing special
September 12, 2008
Not so great that I want to read the next one, and not so awful that I put it down.
May 15, 2015
I loved this book right from the first and couldn't put it down till the last page!
Read
July 26, 2012got halfway through the book and they were *still* traveling so I stopped reading alas. Was hoping for more since I love good protagonists! sadface.
September 29, 2014
will this or won't this ever end
December 19, 2014
Well written, but just couldn't get into it. It was hard to finish
Read
November 28, 2015gave up on this one, I don't think I even got halfway through, just clearing it out of the "currently reading" bin
February 17, 2016
Ready for next one
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews