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Earth's Pendulum #2
Through Kestrel's Eyes
Through Kestrel’s Eyes, the sequel to Back From Chaos in the Earth’s Pendulum trilogy begins seventeen years later. The peace that followed the end of the Red Plague is shattered when the lords of Gharn and Leith are toppled by traitors, throwing the land into chaosLiannis, the goddess Earth’s seer, her apprenticeship interrupted by the death of her mentor, must help restore the Balance. Until it is, Earth’s power is weakened, preventing Earth from sustaining the rains needed for good harvests. Drought and famine result.Liannis battles self-doubt and the lure of forbidden romance and deep loss as she faces tests that take her to the brink of her endurance. But Earth sends a kestrel that allows Liannis to see with her eyes and a white horse to carry her, both with the ability to mind-speak. Time is short. The people with starve if Earth cannot heal and the Balance cannot be restored.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2011
36 people want to read
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December 11, 2019
Yvonne Hertzberger is one of those writers whose prose inspires confidence. She has a way of pulling you into her story with ease, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere and characters she has created without your worrying whether the magic will wear off before the story ends. She writes whole worlds into being, for multi-faceted and complete characters easy to love. I admired many of the characters Hertzberger introduced in “Back from Chaos,” and was pleased to see some of them return in “Through Kestrel’s Eyes.” Two of my favorites, Brensa and Klast, are given the fullest of returns since their daughter, Liannis, is the heroine of this second book. But even more, we are given the opportunity to see that the product of their union is a perfect composite of the best features of her parents.
Liannis drives the story, as she takes us through the growing pains of coming into her gifts as a seer. This supernatural element is one of the strongest aspects of the story because Hertzberger doesn’t take the easy road. Rather she shows the struggle it entails, the physical toll it takes on Liannis, as well as the sacrifices she must make to serve Earth. This tension is kept taut throughout the story, allowing us to be privy to Liannis’s experience, while at the same time wrestling with the burden too. There are other elements of the story that enrich the mythos Hertzberger is building, such as the sendings Earth gives Liannis, and her familiars, Kira and Cloud.
As with “Back from Chaos,” this second book in the “Earth’s Pendulum” series leaves you satisfied, and yet sets up a world so rich you will desire to return to it, especially as love promises to bloom at the end. I am looking forward to “The Dreamt Child,” ready and waiting on my Kindle.
Liannis drives the story, as she takes us through the growing pains of coming into her gifts as a seer. This supernatural element is one of the strongest aspects of the story because Hertzberger doesn’t take the easy road. Rather she shows the struggle it entails, the physical toll it takes on Liannis, as well as the sacrifices she must make to serve Earth. This tension is kept taut throughout the story, allowing us to be privy to Liannis’s experience, while at the same time wrestling with the burden too. There are other elements of the story that enrich the mythos Hertzberger is building, such as the sendings Earth gives Liannis, and her familiars, Kira and Cloud.
As with “Back from Chaos,” this second book in the “Earth’s Pendulum” series leaves you satisfied, and yet sets up a world so rich you will desire to return to it, especially as love promises to bloom at the end. I am looking forward to “The Dreamt Child,” ready and waiting on my Kindle.
January 19, 2012
Through Kestrel's Eyes continues the Earth's Pendulum fantasy series of novels by Yvonne Hertzberger. The first in the series is Back from Chaos.
The saga continues, told from the first person narrative of Liannis, a woman seer who is connected with the Earth Mother.
"Liannis, the goddess Earth’s seer, her apprenticeship interrupted by the death of her mentor, must help restore the Balance. Until it is, Earth’s power is weakened, preventing Earth from sustaining the rains needed for good harvests. Drought and famine result."
Like the first novel of the series, I found this to be a quick read. The events impact the rise and fall of kingdoms: coup d'etat, abuse of the populace, drought, famine, and plague. Discovering how all this balances out is what turns the pages, for activities that do not support nature weaken natural forces so that imbalances occur. For the seer Liannis, helping restore that balance is her life's task.
One tag given to this novel is "fantasy romance," and I feel that is accurate. Along with the civilization-affecting challenges of the novel are also the individual characters and their quest for happiness. The author Hertzberger focuses on women in this novel, and although this was in many ways illuminating for me, a male reader, I found myself lacking a character I truly identified with.
Liannis is the main character, yet because of her role as speaker for Earth, her characterization becomes elevated beyond the human in many ways. What balances this is the seer's relationship with her servant Merrist, a soldier who loses a leg in battle and who then must revise his concept of self and role in life. Merrist was actually the character I connected to most.
As a romantic fantasy, the novel's individual characterizations revolve around love: the love relationships between the adults in the novel (from book 1 of the trilogy), a young prince and princess, and the hints of forbidden love between Liannis and Merrist. These are compelling characterizations but not completely fulfilling for me. I suppose I found the social and political conflicts more compelling.
Other areas that moved the novel to "romance fantasy" and more for women readers were the following: a beautiful woman who courted power by flirting with two princes; a neglected and abused mother who fears her husband; a pig of a rapist who takes advantage of the political chaos; women abused by the political leaders; the healing and nursing necessary after revolution; and a wedding with a very important dress. These conflicts and events were, in many ways, the story. They make the story but also skew the story, in my opinion. Thank God for Merrist and his rehabilitation.
However, I did read this book quickly and did not want to put it down. As in the first book, I wanted to find out what happened next. I wanted to find Earth placed back in balance. Hertzberger does an excellent job of including the individual stories within the epic events of the series. The magic of Liannis is realistic within the context of the novel. She has visions sent from Mother Earth, and she relays the information to the significant leaders. This works quite well.
The perspective of this novel, though, is more a woman's. If you greatly enjoyed England's marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton (and I watched along with my wife), then you will find corresponding events in this novel: save your kingdom and find love. I considered giving this novel a "3-star" rating, but decided that my personal bias shouldn't color my evaluation. It's actually a technically more proficient novel than the first in the series and deserves an equal "4-star" rating.
Thinking about some hints delivered in the novel, I'm wondering where the third novel of the trilogy will take us. That's an excellent sign.
The saga continues, told from the first person narrative of Liannis, a woman seer who is connected with the Earth Mother.
"Liannis, the goddess Earth’s seer, her apprenticeship interrupted by the death of her mentor, must help restore the Balance. Until it is, Earth’s power is weakened, preventing Earth from sustaining the rains needed for good harvests. Drought and famine result."
Like the first novel of the series, I found this to be a quick read. The events impact the rise and fall of kingdoms: coup d'etat, abuse of the populace, drought, famine, and plague. Discovering how all this balances out is what turns the pages, for activities that do not support nature weaken natural forces so that imbalances occur. For the seer Liannis, helping restore that balance is her life's task.
One tag given to this novel is "fantasy romance," and I feel that is accurate. Along with the civilization-affecting challenges of the novel are also the individual characters and their quest for happiness. The author Hertzberger focuses on women in this novel, and although this was in many ways illuminating for me, a male reader, I found myself lacking a character I truly identified with.
Liannis is the main character, yet because of her role as speaker for Earth, her characterization becomes elevated beyond the human in many ways. What balances this is the seer's relationship with her servant Merrist, a soldier who loses a leg in battle and who then must revise his concept of self and role in life. Merrist was actually the character I connected to most.
As a romantic fantasy, the novel's individual characterizations revolve around love: the love relationships between the adults in the novel (from book 1 of the trilogy), a young prince and princess, and the hints of forbidden love between Liannis and Merrist. These are compelling characterizations but not completely fulfilling for me. I suppose I found the social and political conflicts more compelling.
Other areas that moved the novel to "romance fantasy" and more for women readers were the following: a beautiful woman who courted power by flirting with two princes; a neglected and abused mother who fears her husband; a pig of a rapist who takes advantage of the political chaos; women abused by the political leaders; the healing and nursing necessary after revolution; and a wedding with a very important dress. These conflicts and events were, in many ways, the story. They make the story but also skew the story, in my opinion. Thank God for Merrist and his rehabilitation.
However, I did read this book quickly and did not want to put it down. As in the first book, I wanted to find out what happened next. I wanted to find Earth placed back in balance. Hertzberger does an excellent job of including the individual stories within the epic events of the series. The magic of Liannis is realistic within the context of the novel. She has visions sent from Mother Earth, and she relays the information to the significant leaders. This works quite well.
The perspective of this novel, though, is more a woman's. If you greatly enjoyed England's marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton (and I watched along with my wife), then you will find corresponding events in this novel: save your kingdom and find love. I considered giving this novel a "3-star" rating, but decided that my personal bias shouldn't color my evaluation. It's actually a technically more proficient novel than the first in the series and deserves an equal "4-star" rating.
Thinking about some hints delivered in the novel, I'm wondering where the third novel of the trilogy will take us. That's an excellent sign.
February 25, 2015
"I fear it is our nature to take by force what we cannot have by right. It has always been thus."
This story does not skip a beat as I was drawn right back into this amazing series, Earth's Pendulum. Book two, Through Kestrel's Eyes. Author Yvonne Hertzberger tells a rapturous tale that is smart and yet easy to follow. The characters come alive on the pages and I felt their emotions. I loved the twists that kept me guessing and the intimate details that were shared throughout. Made me feel like I was a spy, seeing things that I shouldn't.
There is a sophistication to the writing that takes you along at a pace that is smooth and steady. This second book in ways is better than the first because I can see how the authors craft has improved, not that it was lacking in the first place. Usually, you fall in love with the first book in a series and often the second book disappoints. Not the case here. In a way, it was a more rewarding experience because I already felt tied to some of the characters from first book, Back From Chaos.
This is a beautiful series that is full of surprises, fantasy and adventure.
This story does not skip a beat as I was drawn right back into this amazing series, Earth's Pendulum. Book two, Through Kestrel's Eyes. Author Yvonne Hertzberger tells a rapturous tale that is smart and yet easy to follow. The characters come alive on the pages and I felt their emotions. I loved the twists that kept me guessing and the intimate details that were shared throughout. Made me feel like I was a spy, seeing things that I shouldn't.
There is a sophistication to the writing that takes you along at a pace that is smooth and steady. This second book in ways is better than the first because I can see how the authors craft has improved, not that it was lacking in the first place. Usually, you fall in love with the first book in a series and often the second book disappoints. Not the case here. In a way, it was a more rewarding experience because I already felt tied to some of the characters from first book, Back From Chaos.
This is a beautiful series that is full of surprises, fantasy and adventure.
November 4, 2014
Through Kestrel’s Eyes is the second book of the Earth’s Pendulum Series by Yvonne Hertzberger. I reviewed the first book, Back from Chaos back in August. All the major characters are back, except in this book, the story is a first-person narrative as told by Klast and Bresna’s daughter, a seer named Liannis.
Liannis is a young woman, newly come into her responsibilities. Chief among her abilities include the gift of foresight, usually given to her in a series of dreams from Mother Earth, and the ability to truth-tell, which she uses if a prisoner needs to be interrogated, of if someone’s loyalty is called into question.
The seer works for Earth, a goddess personified, who uses Liannis as an intermediary to maintain balance. Earth’s ability to provide for her inhabitants is strained by man’s refusal to live in harmony with one another. War, and man’s desire to subjugate a defensless populace, causes Earth to suffer, which in turn leads to drought and famine.
The book is roughly a two year span, between Liannis’ taking up the mantle of seer from her mentor, and the trails Bargia, her home, faces with the neighboring demenses, (what we would think of as a kingdom.) Though she has pledged no allegiance to any lord, having grown up in Bargia, she works primarily with Lord Gaelen and his allies.
Trouble comes to Bargia on two fronts, first from Lieth, where a weak lord is disposed and a ruthless despot assumes power, abusing the populace for his own enjoyment. Then from Gharn, where the lord has also been deposed but Dugal, his heir, seeks to reclaim his birthright. Lord Gaelen must choose where to focus his attention, Bargia not strong enough to fight two separate battles, though both threaten not only Bargia’s safety, but Earth’s ability to provide.
Through the conflicts, drought plagues the lands, putting further hardships on the land, making achieving a lasting peace all the more important. Liannis works tirelessly, even putting not only herself in danger, but also her loved ones, all for the sake of Mother Earth. At risk is not only her home demense of Bargia and her allies, but the survival of all mankind.
First let me say that trying to summarize the book is almost an impossible task, as there’s so much going on, with a cast of characters that come together to create a rich and complicated story. At its heart is our seer, Liannis, aided by a young man Merriest, who had the misfortune of losing a leg in his first battle.
There’s also the added dynamic of the seer and her parents, her father Klast, Gaelen’s most trusted adviser and spy, and Bresna, Lady’s Marja’s best friend. Woven into is her familiarity with the ruling family, and her duty to remain impartial for the service of Earth.
The story is much more about about the necessary evils a country must fight in order to achieve a lasting peace. It’s about the suffering her people endure, and how dependent the population is to her leadership for their survival.
But for me, the crux of the book is the Liannis’ personal relationships, not only with family and friends, but all those she serves. There’s a depth of warmth that is at once real and moving. She cares, and through her made me care. She loves, and I came to love her and the rest of the characters as well. The added friction of a potential romantic attachment, one that she believes to be taboo, is familiar and should resonate with everyone.
Through Kestrel’s Eyes is a well-written novel, as is the rest of the series. It moved me to laughter and to tears. I loved it so much that I immediately read the third -though you have to wait for my review – and I immediately wrote the author to tell her how much I loved her books.
It should be no wonder that I should rate this book highly, 5 out of 5 stars. Even after reading it for a second time, I couldn’t contain my emotions, my eyes tearing up from Liannis trials, that I had to stop often to dry them. It isn’t to often that a book does that to me. I cannot recommend this book enough.
http://joehinojosa.com/book-review/
Liannis is a young woman, newly come into her responsibilities. Chief among her abilities include the gift of foresight, usually given to her in a series of dreams from Mother Earth, and the ability to truth-tell, which she uses if a prisoner needs to be interrogated, of if someone’s loyalty is called into question.
The seer works for Earth, a goddess personified, who uses Liannis as an intermediary to maintain balance. Earth’s ability to provide for her inhabitants is strained by man’s refusal to live in harmony with one another. War, and man’s desire to subjugate a defensless populace, causes Earth to suffer, which in turn leads to drought and famine.
The book is roughly a two year span, between Liannis’ taking up the mantle of seer from her mentor, and the trails Bargia, her home, faces with the neighboring demenses, (what we would think of as a kingdom.) Though she has pledged no allegiance to any lord, having grown up in Bargia, she works primarily with Lord Gaelen and his allies.
Trouble comes to Bargia on two fronts, first from Lieth, where a weak lord is disposed and a ruthless despot assumes power, abusing the populace for his own enjoyment. Then from Gharn, where the lord has also been deposed but Dugal, his heir, seeks to reclaim his birthright. Lord Gaelen must choose where to focus his attention, Bargia not strong enough to fight two separate battles, though both threaten not only Bargia’s safety, but Earth’s ability to provide.
Through the conflicts, drought plagues the lands, putting further hardships on the land, making achieving a lasting peace all the more important. Liannis works tirelessly, even putting not only herself in danger, but also her loved ones, all for the sake of Mother Earth. At risk is not only her home demense of Bargia and her allies, but the survival of all mankind.
First let me say that trying to summarize the book is almost an impossible task, as there’s so much going on, with a cast of characters that come together to create a rich and complicated story. At its heart is our seer, Liannis, aided by a young man Merriest, who had the misfortune of losing a leg in his first battle.
There’s also the added dynamic of the seer and her parents, her father Klast, Gaelen’s most trusted adviser and spy, and Bresna, Lady’s Marja’s best friend. Woven into is her familiarity with the ruling family, and her duty to remain impartial for the service of Earth.
The story is much more about about the necessary evils a country must fight in order to achieve a lasting peace. It’s about the suffering her people endure, and how dependent the population is to her leadership for their survival.
But for me, the crux of the book is the Liannis’ personal relationships, not only with family and friends, but all those she serves. There’s a depth of warmth that is at once real and moving. She cares, and through her made me care. She loves, and I came to love her and the rest of the characters as well. The added friction of a potential romantic attachment, one that she believes to be taboo, is familiar and should resonate with everyone.
Through Kestrel’s Eyes is a well-written novel, as is the rest of the series. It moved me to laughter and to tears. I loved it so much that I immediately read the third -though you have to wait for my review – and I immediately wrote the author to tell her how much I loved her books.
It should be no wonder that I should rate this book highly, 5 out of 5 stars. Even after reading it for a second time, I couldn’t contain my emotions, my eyes tearing up from Liannis trials, that I had to stop often to dry them. It isn’t to often that a book does that to me. I cannot recommend this book enough.
http://joehinojosa.com/book-review/
July 5, 2012
As with the first book we have murder, romance, intrigue, a coup-de-etat and chapters that are really too short for this reader. Not only that, but I’m terribly mad at this book. Not that it was horrible, or badly written, or that it made me roll my eyes and curse any and all indie-writers. Far from it. Left field far from it.
This story rejoins our characters seventeen years later. Klast has since retired from his position as master spy and has a seer daughter, Liannis, with Brensa. Gaelen and Marja are older both with children of their own and Bargia and Catania are at peace with a good harvest. But, all is not well. In the kingdom of Liethe, there is unrest that quickly festers into a open wound that must be cleansed. The story is told from Lianna’s point of view introducing new characters and new dangers that must be overcome to see the Earth restored to her natural Balance.
Again, another quick read that focuses on the characters, allowing the plot to build through them rather than the usual plot/character development seen in most books. Through them the reader is able to understand the world and the part she plays in the goings on of the books. A great story that had just one flaw.
It Sopranoed me.
Right in the middle of the damn plot.
Has Earth’s balance been restored? What’s going to happen to Merrist and Liannis (Klast’s and Brensa’s seer daughter)? What about Lieth, the demesne whose corrupted leader wound up getting his country infected with the Plague and burned to the ground? What’s going to happen to it?
What about Brensa? I know what happens to Klast and I cried like a little kid.
These are the questions that must be answered, that have me hoping the third installment comes out rather quickly.
The wonderful thing about the series is it’s just not about the characters driving the story. Earth, the Mother, is a living breathing thing, that feels pain and acts accordingly. If she is hurt, she cannot give. The people inhabiting her have to learn to live in harmony with her in order to ensure plentiful harvests. It’s phenomenal the way the author weaves the story as an action/consequence. Aptly named, the ‘Earth’s Pendulum’ series is just that, a pendulum. If it swings in balance the Earth is at her best, loving and giving. But, knock the weight even gently, and the world falls into chaos.
It’s a lesson wrapped up in a novel.
The author should be proud of her psychologically complex characters that are a joy to read and a world with a depth of her own, that is just as much human as those on two legs walking her surface.
I wait on pins and needles for the third book.
This story rejoins our characters seventeen years later. Klast has since retired from his position as master spy and has a seer daughter, Liannis, with Brensa. Gaelen and Marja are older both with children of their own and Bargia and Catania are at peace with a good harvest. But, all is not well. In the kingdom of Liethe, there is unrest that quickly festers into a open wound that must be cleansed. The story is told from Lianna’s point of view introducing new characters and new dangers that must be overcome to see the Earth restored to her natural Balance.
Again, another quick read that focuses on the characters, allowing the plot to build through them rather than the usual plot/character development seen in most books. Through them the reader is able to understand the world and the part she plays in the goings on of the books. A great story that had just one flaw.
It Sopranoed me.
Right in the middle of the damn plot.
Has Earth’s balance been restored? What’s going to happen to Merrist and Liannis (Klast’s and Brensa’s seer daughter)? What about Lieth, the demesne whose corrupted leader wound up getting his country infected with the Plague and burned to the ground? What’s going to happen to it?
What about Brensa? I know what happens to Klast and I cried like a little kid.
These are the questions that must be answered, that have me hoping the third installment comes out rather quickly.
The wonderful thing about the series is it’s just not about the characters driving the story. Earth, the Mother, is a living breathing thing, that feels pain and acts accordingly. If she is hurt, she cannot give. The people inhabiting her have to learn to live in harmony with her in order to ensure plentiful harvests. It’s phenomenal the way the author weaves the story as an action/consequence. Aptly named, the ‘Earth’s Pendulum’ series is just that, a pendulum. If it swings in balance the Earth is at her best, loving and giving. But, knock the weight even gently, and the world falls into chaos.
It’s a lesson wrapped up in a novel.
The author should be proud of her psychologically complex characters that are a joy to read and a world with a depth of her own, that is just as much human as those on two legs walking her surface.
I wait on pins and needles for the third book.
October 17, 2013
With this installment, the Earth’s Pendulum series has turned into a sweeping epic, as we are following the political workings of at least three different demesnes (kingdoms). Bargia and Catania are doing well, with strong leadership and good harvests; Gaelen has proven to be a good king. Liethe, however, has been overtaken by a ruthless overlord, and Liannis has succeeded in spiriting the remaining family away into safe houses. Gharn’s leadership is threatened by traitors and Lord Dugal pleas with Bargia for assistance in regaining his deposed title. Gaelen must choose which problem to address first while trying to prepare for the impending famine caused by the on-going drought.
We are told this story through the eyes of Liannis, who has been thrust into her seer position too soon, after all, she is only seventeen. However, Earth is the most important character in this story. Leithe ends up being a festering boil that affects all the surrounding kingdoms as Earth is the living embodiment that these kingdoms live on. As a result the whole One Isle suffers from drought and Liannis must figure out how to cleanse and heal Earth with Gaelen’s help to restore the sociological balance of the inhabitants.
I found a couple significant editing issues. At the beginning of the story Gaelen’s inner council room in Bargia is booby-trapped and that issue was never resolved, the problem was just dropped. Secondly, there were so many players and kingdoms that even the author gets confused at one point; Klast was not sent to Leithe, but to Gharn. It was hard to keep track of these and when this happened it threw me out of the story because I had to go back and check whether I was mistaken or not.
The environmental topic is timely and the series name, Earth's Pendulum, is intelligently relevant. The implications of this story should be heeded. This book has it all: conflict, strife, mystery, politics, drama, heartbreak, tragedy, and joy. I could have used a little more romance, but that is just me. I do feel like that will happen in the next story, which I am looking forward to despite the issues I had with this installment.
FYI: I would highly recommend reading Back From Chaos (the book in the Earth’s Pendulum trilogy) first.
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of copyediting and proofing issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** October 3, 2013
We are told this story through the eyes of Liannis, who has been thrust into her seer position too soon, after all, she is only seventeen. However, Earth is the most important character in this story. Leithe ends up being a festering boil that affects all the surrounding kingdoms as Earth is the living embodiment that these kingdoms live on. As a result the whole One Isle suffers from drought and Liannis must figure out how to cleanse and heal Earth with Gaelen’s help to restore the sociological balance of the inhabitants.
I found a couple significant editing issues. At the beginning of the story Gaelen’s inner council room in Bargia is booby-trapped and that issue was never resolved, the problem was just dropped. Secondly, there were so many players and kingdoms that even the author gets confused at one point; Klast was not sent to Leithe, but to Gharn. It was hard to keep track of these and when this happened it threw me out of the story because I had to go back and check whether I was mistaken or not.
The environmental topic is timely and the series name, Earth's Pendulum, is intelligently relevant. The implications of this story should be heeded. This book has it all: conflict, strife, mystery, politics, drama, heartbreak, tragedy, and joy. I could have used a little more romance, but that is just me. I do feel like that will happen in the next story, which I am looking forward to despite the issues I had with this installment.
FYI: I would highly recommend reading Back From Chaos (the book in the Earth’s Pendulum trilogy) first.
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of copyediting and proofing issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** October 3, 2013
June 9, 2014
Through Kestrel's Eyes is the follow up to Yvonne Herzberger's excellent debut fantasy novel, Back From Chaos, in her Earth's Pendulum trilogy. Earth has once again been thrown out of balance, the strained relations among the kingdoms. Liannis, the goddess Earth's seer, has been tasked with restoring this balance. Failing to do so could plunge humanity into an age of suffering.
Unlike the first volume, the epic story of Through Kestrel's Eyes is told in first person, putting the reader behind the eyes of Liannis, Earth's seer and daughter of two major characters from book 1(I'm avoiding the names to avoid spoilers for those who have not read Back from Chaos). For the most part this change in perspective works well due to Hertzberger's talent for conveying emotions, thoughts, and behavior in ways that make Liannis come to vivid life. On the other hand, this change leads to some major events that I would've loved to experience in more detail to occur "off camera", if you will, addressed only after the fact. Also, both established characters from Back From Chaos and new ones in this book are painted with less depth, focusing more on Liannis's connections with them than their own personalities. This may have been the intent, but I did find myself missing the excellent character building from the first book.
Still, I greatly admire Hertberger's choice to take such a different approach with Through Kestrel's Eyes, and to pull it off so well. I don't think many authors would be bold enough to make such a change.
The ending is left wide open, which is no surprise for an intended trilogy(with the third book out already at the time of my writing this). There are several unanswered questions I look forward to seeing resolved such as if Earth is truly healed and her balance restored, and if Liannis's visions of a forbidden love will come to pass.
To enjoy this book to its fullest, I definitely recommend starting with book one. Just know that if you have read Back From Chaos, you should be prepared for an emotional punch to the gut or two. Not to say that these emotional scenes don't stand up on their own, but they're made all the more powerful when you have experienced everything leading up to them. I'm looking forward to seeing how the trilogy is brought to a close.
Unlike the first volume, the epic story of Through Kestrel's Eyes is told in first person, putting the reader behind the eyes of Liannis, Earth's seer and daughter of two major characters from book 1(I'm avoiding the names to avoid spoilers for those who have not read Back from Chaos). For the most part this change in perspective works well due to Hertzberger's talent for conveying emotions, thoughts, and behavior in ways that make Liannis come to vivid life. On the other hand, this change leads to some major events that I would've loved to experience in more detail to occur "off camera", if you will, addressed only after the fact. Also, both established characters from Back From Chaos and new ones in this book are painted with less depth, focusing more on Liannis's connections with them than their own personalities. This may have been the intent, but I did find myself missing the excellent character building from the first book.
Still, I greatly admire Hertberger's choice to take such a different approach with Through Kestrel's Eyes, and to pull it off so well. I don't think many authors would be bold enough to make such a change.
The ending is left wide open, which is no surprise for an intended trilogy(with the third book out already at the time of my writing this). There are several unanswered questions I look forward to seeing resolved such as if Earth is truly healed and her balance restored, and if Liannis's visions of a forbidden love will come to pass.
To enjoy this book to its fullest, I definitely recommend starting with book one. Just know that if you have read Back From Chaos, you should be prepared for an emotional punch to the gut or two. Not to say that these emotional scenes don't stand up on their own, but they're made all the more powerful when you have experienced everything leading up to them. I'm looking forward to seeing how the trilogy is brought to a close.
November 10, 2014
This is the second in the Earth’s Pendulum trilogy. The first (Back from Chaos) was a book that nudged the fantasy genre into my reading list. It was a genre I really hadn’t explored that much.
The kingdoms of the One Isle are still plagued by corruption. If that's not enough, the harvests are threatened by drought and famine threatening Earth’s balance. Liannis, with her power of seeing, is bound to apply her newly acquired ‘qualification’ to help redress the balance and aid her ruler rid the kingdoms of evil.
This second book follows on seamlessly from the first, despite the seventeen-year gap. I think, of the two, I enjoyed the first book the most…this one was a little slower. But I was really looking forward to meeting my favourite character, Klast, again, an older man now with a daughter, Liannis, who has taken on Liethis’ heavy mantle as Earth’s seer. I also enjoyed the growing—albeit wobbly—relationship that develops between Liannis and her helper, Merrist. It’s a relationship that walks a tightrope, as such liaisons are forbidden to seers. But the author shrouds this with tenderness and an air of ‘maybe’.
The main element of fantasy is an author’s imagination, and I continued to be impressed by Yvonne’s creativity, and, very notably, the way she threaded a fantasy tale with a modern reality. Her characters, although from a different world, are believable in context, and by the end I found that Merrist could well be ousting Klast from his place in my heart.
The lack of action in this sequel is more than made up for by its mellowness, insight and magical charm.
The kingdoms of the One Isle are still plagued by corruption. If that's not enough, the harvests are threatened by drought and famine threatening Earth’s balance. Liannis, with her power of seeing, is bound to apply her newly acquired ‘qualification’ to help redress the balance and aid her ruler rid the kingdoms of evil.
This second book follows on seamlessly from the first, despite the seventeen-year gap. I think, of the two, I enjoyed the first book the most…this one was a little slower. But I was really looking forward to meeting my favourite character, Klast, again, an older man now with a daughter, Liannis, who has taken on Liethis’ heavy mantle as Earth’s seer. I also enjoyed the growing—albeit wobbly—relationship that develops between Liannis and her helper, Merrist. It’s a relationship that walks a tightrope, as such liaisons are forbidden to seers. But the author shrouds this with tenderness and an air of ‘maybe’.
The main element of fantasy is an author’s imagination, and I continued to be impressed by Yvonne’s creativity, and, very notably, the way she threaded a fantasy tale with a modern reality. Her characters, although from a different world, are believable in context, and by the end I found that Merrist could well be ousting Klast from his place in my heart.
The lack of action in this sequel is more than made up for by its mellowness, insight and magical charm.
June 28, 2013
Sometimes the middle book (or books) of an epic fantasy series drags, or else it seems like an overly-long wind-up for the final volume. The good news is that Through Kestrel's Eyes avoids this dreaded middle-book syndrome. Hertzberger has changed up enough elements in her tale to keep things fresh and the plot moving along.
This second volume of the Earth's Pendulum series is told by the main character, Liannis, in her own voice. Liannis, the daughter of arch-spy Klast and his wife Brensa, is a seer -- perhaps the most powerful of the age. But her training is interrupted when her teacher dies. Still, however unprepared she feels, the Earth calls her to take her white garments and assist King Gaelen with rooting out a coup at home, and treachery in neighboring kingdoms.
In the process, Earth is wounded -- and it becomes abundantly clear that Hertzberger's Earth is a sentient being that wants everything to be in balance. If Mama Earth ain't happy, nobody's happy; famine, disease, and general chaos are the result. It's the job of Liannis to help Gaelen and his queen, Marja, fight to keep things on an even keel.
There's sadness in this book, as death rocks Liannis's world more than once. But death, too, is part of the cycle of life -- part of the cycle of Earth.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the third book.
***
(This review originally published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...)
This second volume of the Earth's Pendulum series is told by the main character, Liannis, in her own voice. Liannis, the daughter of arch-spy Klast and his wife Brensa, is a seer -- perhaps the most powerful of the age. But her training is interrupted when her teacher dies. Still, however unprepared she feels, the Earth calls her to take her white garments and assist King Gaelen with rooting out a coup at home, and treachery in neighboring kingdoms.
In the process, Earth is wounded -- and it becomes abundantly clear that Hertzberger's Earth is a sentient being that wants everything to be in balance. If Mama Earth ain't happy, nobody's happy; famine, disease, and general chaos are the result. It's the job of Liannis to help Gaelen and his queen, Marja, fight to keep things on an even keel.
There's sadness in this book, as death rocks Liannis's world more than once. But death, too, is part of the cycle of life -- part of the cycle of Earth.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the third book.
***
(This review originally published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...)
June 20, 2016
My idea of a review may be different than others and rightfully so, each individual will review a book in their own style. I do not choose to review a book on its technical merits. I choose to review a book on the trip it takes me on. Yvonne took me on a trip to an imaginary land with imaginary customs and individuals. This is the 2nd book where Yvonne has taken me on a different trip. She has a skill to draw you in and even though the language is a bit different, you soon understand it and feel that it is totally natural. This story, Through Kestrel's Eyes, is about a remarkable person that has strange skills given to her to aid others in understanding what is going on in their world. Did I find it strange that she could mind speak to a kestrel or a horse or a fox, NO! The development of the characters is very well done, and once you meet them you will not forget their special characteristics. Who is Earth? I'll let you decide, but I feel you will know. The story was very relaxing to me and the love and or violence shown were both soft and understandable. Read this story to take a trip that was dreamed or thought up or whatever - Through Yvonne's Eyes. I laughed, smiled, frowned, and even shed a few tears as I was enjoying this trip. Read this book with the thought that you are going to be taken on a way different journey and then - just enjoy it! I know I did.
May 20, 2013
This continuation of the Earth’s Pendulum series was a tale told through the eyes of Liannis, a newly initiated seer. The young woman had to take over the onerous duties before all her training was completed.
The main characters and storyline carried over from book one, “Back From Chaos” in a smooth, uninterrupted manner making it easy to get into the new story. I really like the way the author used first person, telling the tale through Liannis’ eyes. As a reader, I could envision the action and feel for the characters. I was sorry to see one of my favorite characters die but that’s the way it goes.
The main characters and storyline carried over from book one, “Back From Chaos” in a smooth, uninterrupted manner making it easy to get into the new story. I really like the way the author used first person, telling the tale through Liannis’ eyes. As a reader, I could envision the action and feel for the characters. I was sorry to see one of my favorite characters die but that’s the way it goes.
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