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Disciple #1
Disciple
The saints favor her, else-wise a peasant girl like Kate Carpenter would never be apprenticed to the kingdom’s master healer. But her patron saint also marks her ready for the duty of tending to a mission that must cross the ice-bound mountains. Their little kingdom faces invasion by a vast empire and desperately needs allies; across the snow-filled pass, through the deathly thin air, is a country that’s held off the empire and may be willing to lend an army.
Kate knows about frostbite and the everyday injuries of wilderness travel. She can heal those.
She’s not ready for the attentions of a ne’er-do-well knight and the kingdom’s only prince, though.
And she isn’t ready for the monsters that harry them night and day, picking off their archers first, wearing the party to exhaustion, pushing Kate beyond the limits her healing abilities.
She must keep them alive, or her blood will be on the snow too.
Kate knows about frostbite and the everyday injuries of wilderness travel. She can heal those.
She’s not ready for the attentions of a ne’er-do-well knight and the kingdom’s only prince, though.
And she isn’t ready for the monsters that harry them night and day, picking off their archers first, wearing the party to exhaustion, pushing Kate beyond the limits her healing abilities.
She must keep them alive, or her blood will be on the snow too.
156 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
L. Blankenship
16 books11 followersL. Blankenship started writing animal stories as a kid and it's just gotten completely out of hand since then. Now she's out publishing her gritty fantasy and hard science fiction adventures. L grew up in New Hampshire but currently lives near Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 17, 2013
I’m a bit conflicted about this book. I really liked the ideas and the story in general, but there seems to be something missing. The beginning is a bit confusing, but that’s ok, because our main character, Kate, doesn’t know what’s really happening either. So even though I wasn’t quite sure what was going on, I was ok with it, because I thought all would be explained later on. But that’s just it, it wasn’t, really. We do get bits of explanation here and there, but it’s not enough to help create a solid image in the reader’s head. You know, when I’m reading a book, it’s like a movie is playing in my head. When bits and pieces are missing, the movie just doesn’t make sense and has some holes in it.
I did really enjoy the ideas behind this story, such as the notion of “kir”. It’s some sort of magic/life force that flows through everyone’s body and of which you have a daily portion to use. For example, when you’re in pain (let’s say: a headache), the kir is all knotted and tangled up. A physician, like Kate, our main character, can untie those knots with her abilities and give you some relief. I think that’s very imaginative and a really great idea.
Also the “Blessings” were a great contribution to this story. There are people who have Blessings (speed, memory, strength) they can use to serve their country. Especially the way these Blessings manifest themselves physically was a very bold choice: they can be seen as ridges of the same material as sheep or goat horns on the body. Scar tissue and all. Not very attractive but it gives a certain edges to the way I imagine the characters in my head, they don’t look like normal people, which is great in a Fantasy story.
As for the writing, it certainly wasn’t bad. I felt for the characters and the connection I value so much when reading a book was there. Though the story was, in my opinion, very character driven, there was a bit of worldbuilding, which I liked, but I wouldn’t have minded a little bit more of it. It seemed like all the scenario’s went by a little fast, like I was scanning a landscape without letting the details soak in, more like a glimpse.
The rating: I would give this book 4 dragons based on the story alone, but with the gaps in explanation, I had to pull it down to 3 dragons. This is one of those books that has great potential, but hasn’t really gotten there yet.
I did really enjoy the ideas behind this story, such as the notion of “kir”. It’s some sort of magic/life force that flows through everyone’s body and of which you have a daily portion to use. For example, when you’re in pain (let’s say: a headache), the kir is all knotted and tangled up. A physician, like Kate, our main character, can untie those knots with her abilities and give you some relief. I think that’s very imaginative and a really great idea.
Also the “Blessings” were a great contribution to this story. There are people who have Blessings (speed, memory, strength) they can use to serve their country. Especially the way these Blessings manifest themselves physically was a very bold choice: they can be seen as ridges of the same material as sheep or goat horns on the body. Scar tissue and all. Not very attractive but it gives a certain edges to the way I imagine the characters in my head, they don’t look like normal people, which is great in a Fantasy story.
As for the writing, it certainly wasn’t bad. I felt for the characters and the connection I value so much when reading a book was there. Though the story was, in my opinion, very character driven, there was a bit of worldbuilding, which I liked, but I wouldn’t have minded a little bit more of it. It seemed like all the scenario’s went by a little fast, like I was scanning a landscape without letting the details soak in, more like a glimpse.
The rating: I would give this book 4 dragons based on the story alone, but with the gaps in explanation, I had to pull it down to 3 dragons. This is one of those books that has great potential, but hasn’t really gotten there yet.
July 16, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/07/07...
Publisher: The Cabil
Publishing Date:October 2012
ISBN: 9780966476545
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.5/5
Publisher Description: A peasant girl like Kate Carpenter could never hope to serve her homeland as much — but her healing magic has earned her a coveted apprenticeship. Now her skills are needed on a mission that must cross the ice-bound mountains. Their little kingdom faces invasion by a vast empire and desperately needs allies; across the snow-filled pass, through the deathly thin air, is a country that’s held off the empire and may be willing to lend an army.
Review: The cover art is comedic. Those are blessing horns on either side of her head. Trendy no? The gal I read about had long hair in a braid.
This was written awhile ago, but the electronic version is now making the rounds. This was a compelling read as the writer is fairly accomplished. One reviewer stated that she didn’t get the story-line in that the plot was non-existent and “ho-hum”. We know at the outset that they’re going to the mountains to broker help from another kingdom in order to fight their current aggressors. Kate is selected under much consternation from the Prince and his guard due to her young age and inexperience. She soon pulls her own weight and proves her worth along the journey.
I liked Kate as a character. Fairly well developed as were Anders and the Prince. The fight scenes were well done and mostly believable. Anders and the Prince are continually vying for Kate’s affections but she has a duty as a physician and has kissed only one boy. The author does a good job not devolving this novel into a sordid love triangle. The story-line is simplistic, yet the destination is interesting in that the culture is female dominant. There is some girl on Kate action while getting drunk but ends rather abruptly.
There were some minor fall downs like: Why does Kate Carpenter have an English name while everyone else has interesting names like Ilya, Parselev and Saint Qadeem? What exactly is “Kir”. Is it the life force of all living beings? And if so, why is it found in water as in the Kir Fount they came across? Is it magic?
All in all an enjoyable read, albeit on the short side.
Publisher: The Cabil
Publishing Date:October 2012
ISBN: 9780966476545
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.5/5
Publisher Description: A peasant girl like Kate Carpenter could never hope to serve her homeland as much — but her healing magic has earned her a coveted apprenticeship. Now her skills are needed on a mission that must cross the ice-bound mountains. Their little kingdom faces invasion by a vast empire and desperately needs allies; across the snow-filled pass, through the deathly thin air, is a country that’s held off the empire and may be willing to lend an army.
Review: The cover art is comedic. Those are blessing horns on either side of her head. Trendy no? The gal I read about had long hair in a braid.
This was written awhile ago, but the electronic version is now making the rounds. This was a compelling read as the writer is fairly accomplished. One reviewer stated that she didn’t get the story-line in that the plot was non-existent and “ho-hum”. We know at the outset that they’re going to the mountains to broker help from another kingdom in order to fight their current aggressors. Kate is selected under much consternation from the Prince and his guard due to her young age and inexperience. She soon pulls her own weight and proves her worth along the journey.
I liked Kate as a character. Fairly well developed as were Anders and the Prince. The fight scenes were well done and mostly believable. Anders and the Prince are continually vying for Kate’s affections but she has a duty as a physician and has kissed only one boy. The author does a good job not devolving this novel into a sordid love triangle. The story-line is simplistic, yet the destination is interesting in that the culture is female dominant. There is some girl on Kate action while getting drunk but ends rather abruptly.
There were some minor fall downs like: Why does Kate Carpenter have an English name while everyone else has interesting names like Ilya, Parselev and Saint Qadeem? What exactly is “Kir”. Is it the life force of all living beings? And if so, why is it found in water as in the Kir Fount they came across? Is it magic?
All in all an enjoyable read, albeit on the short side.
November 19, 2012
It begins like a slow burning fuse, sparks and flares that compel the reader to turn the page. A bond forms and twines us to Kate from the start. Tension builds and I expected a good storyline but still, I was lulled into approaching the peak of the volcano. I mean heat and the rumbles under my feet doesn’t mean it’s about to blow, right?
Then the story exploded catching me in the lava. And I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough after that.
I am one of the fortunate few who've read the fourth in this series of six and lemme tell ya Writers, this is the Real Deal. It only gets better. And if you live and breathe Fantasy as I do, you won’t be disappointed.
Worldbuilding. LB is the master here, written so well that you’d swear she’d teleported/time traveled into her world for a firsthand look.
Easy reading. As a writer, you’ll appreciate the quick pace and building tension. But easy to read also.
Genre. Call Disciple hard fantasy, epic, or ‘Gritty Fantasy Romance’, the key word here is ‘fantasy’. It is set in the medieval world of horses, castles, battlements, and kings. It might fit the sub-genre of Swords and Sorcery but that is debatable.
Summary. For Want of a Piglet is the first in the series of Disciple, L. Blankenship’s fantasy novel. It is rare day when I experience a full gamut of emotions after reading a tome, but this one has it all; mourning a character’s demise, anger at another’s attitude, worry when I realize no one is safe. This is the book that you can’t put down. This is the book that makes you blurry-eyed the next day at work from reading until 2 am.
Then the story exploded catching me in the lava. And I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough after that.
I am one of the fortunate few who've read the fourth in this series of six and lemme tell ya Writers, this is the Real Deal. It only gets better. And if you live and breathe Fantasy as I do, you won’t be disappointed.
Worldbuilding. LB is the master here, written so well that you’d swear she’d teleported/time traveled into her world for a firsthand look.
Easy reading. As a writer, you’ll appreciate the quick pace and building tension. But easy to read also.
Genre. Call Disciple hard fantasy, epic, or ‘Gritty Fantasy Romance’, the key word here is ‘fantasy’. It is set in the medieval world of horses, castles, battlements, and kings. It might fit the sub-genre of Swords and Sorcery but that is debatable.
Summary. For Want of a Piglet is the first in the series of Disciple, L. Blankenship’s fantasy novel. It is rare day when I experience a full gamut of emotions after reading a tome, but this one has it all; mourning a character’s demise, anger at another’s attitude, worry when I realize no one is safe. This is the book that you can’t put down. This is the book that makes you blurry-eyed the next day at work from reading until 2 am.
October 14, 2012
Disclaimer: I received this book free in return for a review.
This is an absorbing book with interesting, well fleshed out characters and a relatively intriguing plot.
I want to get the one 'negative' out of the way first and, to be honest, this is not much of a negative. It took me quite a while to associate the monsters in this book, which are known as Lamia, with the authors interpretation as opposed to the more classical one of a more serpentine nature. This was a bit jarring for a while but once you can reconcile this I found this book to be very enjoyable.
The plot is an interesting one, you are immediately thrown into a world where conflicts and alliances already exist - you want to know more about previous battles to better understand the characters motivations. The belief system in the novel is rather well thought out one (though I did find myself wishing that it was explained more fully during the early parts of the novel) as was the use of 'magic'. I had seen this concept before but not as fully fleshed out.
The characters were relatively interesting, though I saw very few character flaws, but as the novel was more plot driven I didn't feel that this was a glaring issue. The writing style was also engaging and very easy to read.
The end leaves a good opening for the second novel in the series but at the same time it doesn't force you to read it - considering the books cold open you could consider this to be just one part of a story of which you are never going to know the whole. I think though I will be on the look-out for the second part of the series.
This is an absorbing book with interesting, well fleshed out characters and a relatively intriguing plot.
I want to get the one 'negative' out of the way first and, to be honest, this is not much of a negative. It took me quite a while to associate the monsters in this book, which are known as Lamia, with the authors interpretation as opposed to the more classical one of a more serpentine nature. This was a bit jarring for a while but once you can reconcile this I found this book to be very enjoyable.
The plot is an interesting one, you are immediately thrown into a world where conflicts and alliances already exist - you want to know more about previous battles to better understand the characters motivations. The belief system in the novel is rather well thought out one (though I did find myself wishing that it was explained more fully during the early parts of the novel) as was the use of 'magic'. I had seen this concept before but not as fully fleshed out.
The characters were relatively interesting, though I saw very few character flaws, but as the novel was more plot driven I didn't feel that this was a glaring issue. The writing style was also engaging and very easy to read.
The end leaves a good opening for the second novel in the series but at the same time it doesn't force you to read it - considering the books cold open you could consider this to be just one part of a story of which you are never going to know the whole. I think though I will be on the look-out for the second part of the series.
July 26, 2015
I was very confused at certain parts. I didn't really like the fact that the author never seemed to explain what certain terms meant. That made it kind of hard for me to really relate or care for any of the characters. The term 'kir', I feel stupid that I don't really know what the word meant, considering it was throughout the story. I assume it is some kind of magic or something? At the end of the story I saw the author had talked about the different characters and whatnot, but honestly, I would have preferred that at the beginning.
I did find it sort of funny that everyone in the story, seemed to have strange or foreign sounding names, minus Kate Carpenter.
And who is the person on the cover suppose to be? I would have thought Kate but then the 'blessing' she has shows them longer than just 'nubs' as described in the story.
In the end, I honestly have no clue why this book was written. It's a group of special people who travel ON FOOT (don't get that?) for over 2 weeks to another location. Between locations they are attached by wolf like monsters. They loose one on the way there. They reach their location, vacation for a bit, turn around, loose more people and go home. What was the point? Very boring.
Needless to say, this book wasn't interesting enough to make me want to read the second one.
I did find it sort of funny that everyone in the story, seemed to have strange or foreign sounding names, minus Kate Carpenter.
And who is the person on the cover suppose to be? I would have thought Kate but then the 'blessing' she has shows them longer than just 'nubs' as described in the story.
In the end, I honestly have no clue why this book was written. It's a group of special people who travel ON FOOT (don't get that?) for over 2 weeks to another location. Between locations they are attached by wolf like monsters. They loose one on the way there. They reach their location, vacation for a bit, turn around, loose more people and go home. What was the point? Very boring.
Needless to say, this book wasn't interesting enough to make me want to read the second one.
October 25, 2013
This is a great tale written in first person of the main character Kate. She's not the typical heroine, which is refreshing. She has a heart of gold, makes mistakes, and tries her best.
What struck me the most about this story is the concept. It reads very much like high fantasy, but is written into a novella. I think this could've been a much longer story and am grateful there is a trilogy.
I love anything that has a little love story to it and this one, though sad at the same time, was perfect for the story and very sweet. There wasn't much of one, but the idea is still there and still resonates with me. I'm very curious to see how this pans out in the next two books.
I do think this ended rather abruptly, but again, there are two more books to read through, which doesn't make the ending so painful to bare.
The language was a little rough in spots and some of the descriptions were a little confusing, and not in the way that they were written, but in the way of trying to wrap my mind around the author's vision.
The story did start out slow, but before long, I was invested in the story and wanting to know more.
I definitely recommend this book for those who are fans of high fantasy with a little sweet love story added in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What struck me the most about this story is the concept. It reads very much like high fantasy, but is written into a novella. I think this could've been a much longer story and am grateful there is a trilogy.
I love anything that has a little love story to it and this one, though sad at the same time, was perfect for the story and very sweet. There wasn't much of one, but the idea is still there and still resonates with me. I'm very curious to see how this pans out in the next two books.
I do think this ended rather abruptly, but again, there are two more books to read through, which doesn't make the ending so painful to bare.
The language was a little rough in spots and some of the descriptions were a little confusing, and not in the way that they were written, but in the way of trying to wrap my mind around the author's vision.
The story did start out slow, but before long, I was invested in the story and wanting to know more.
I definitely recommend this book for those who are fans of high fantasy with a little sweet love story added in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2023
A Write to Review
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Everything Kate Carpenter knows is being tested. As a lowborn country girl, her talents exceed her station and Kate moves up the ranks right into the middle of war. The measure of her talents and magic will be tested not only against the monsters that seem to be surrounding her but also by the people in her mists.
Thrown into a world that is not fully explained, Blakenship takes the reading right into the mists of the journey. Confronted by a confused Kate who does not really know her place and dragged into a world where everyone knows magic, I admit I was a little lost in the beginning. Even though the story kept me delightfully entertained I kept banging my head wanting more explanation of why everything was happening. This is definitely a darker side of the fantasy land full of killing and betrayal. I did not think that the characters were well-rounded, there were very few character flaws and a lot of the characters were more black and white than mixed with a little gray.
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Everything Kate Carpenter knows is being tested. As a lowborn country girl, her talents exceed her station and Kate moves up the ranks right into the middle of war. The measure of her talents and magic will be tested not only against the monsters that seem to be surrounding her but also by the people in her mists.
Thrown into a world that is not fully explained, Blakenship takes the reading right into the mists of the journey. Confronted by a confused Kate who does not really know her place and dragged into a world where everyone knows magic, I admit I was a little lost in the beginning. Even though the story kept me delightfully entertained I kept banging my head wanting more explanation of why everything was happening. This is definitely a darker side of the fantasy land full of killing and betrayal. I did not think that the characters were well-rounded, there were very few character flaws and a lot of the characters were more black and white than mixed with a little gray.
November 19, 2012
In this book, Ms. Blankenship establishes her presence on the same shelves as those epic fantasy reads belonging to Martin, to Tolkien, and to Jordan. Hers, however, is uniquely female, and in that, it's refreshing. You find tremendous voice which I imagine in my mind as a Scottish brogue that sets the flavor of the entire piece. And when the author pulls monsters out of her hat, they're so real and visceral I feel like I'm actually there battling for my life.
I want to encourage all readers of fantasy to investigate this novel, because the writer has done incredible research. However, begin with the appendix. I didn't do this and once I discovered the wealth of information there, I realized just how much research the author went into before writing.
She has her calendar for the world completely planned out. You'll find a beautiful map to follow along with while reading, And a description of the magical talent trees that she has developed before even writing the first word.
All of that world-building shows forth in the writing, which I'm sure will result in a series that will become a classic among genre enthusiasts.
I want to encourage all readers of fantasy to investigate this novel, because the writer has done incredible research. However, begin with the appendix. I didn't do this and once I discovered the wealth of information there, I realized just how much research the author went into before writing.
She has her calendar for the world completely planned out. You'll find a beautiful map to follow along with while reading, And a description of the magical talent trees that she has developed before even writing the first word.
All of that world-building shows forth in the writing, which I'm sure will result in a series that will become a classic among genre enthusiasts.
November 1, 2012
This fantasy is solid and complex with it's world building, but not too hard to follow or "fall into". I liked that L. didn't try and feed me all the historical context or rules to her world, but immersed me in her world and slowly built me up to understanding it.
The setting plays such a great role in the story, and yet you aren't pounded over the head with it. L. found the balance between setting and using the surroundings to enhance the action and mood without going into huge descriptive passages. Truly an art!
I liked Kate from the very beginning. She's thrown into a situation without knowing why other than the Elect told her she must go. Obedient, and yet strong willed, she makes a great character, as do the others.
The hardest part about reading this book is knowing it's a four part series. I sat and read the whole book in about four hours and wanted to immediately email L and say, "send me the other three drafts!" She's done an excellent job with the edits as well. There was nothing to trip me up or remind me that I was reading at all.
The setting plays such a great role in the story, and yet you aren't pounded over the head with it. L. found the balance between setting and using the surroundings to enhance the action and mood without going into huge descriptive passages. Truly an art!
I liked Kate from the very beginning. She's thrown into a situation without knowing why other than the Elect told her she must go. Obedient, and yet strong willed, she makes a great character, as do the others.
The hardest part about reading this book is knowing it's a four part series. I sat and read the whole book in about four hours and wanted to immediately email L and say, "send me the other three drafts!" She's done an excellent job with the edits as well. There was nothing to trip me up or remind me that I was reading at all.
July 15, 2013
I added a review on Amazon. Here it is:
This book took me back to when I was 16 and didn't realize everything that I knew, much less all the future ramifications of that knowledge. The first person naarrative puts this tale of discovery on two strong levels--learning about yourself and about the larger world around. Kate wields magical powers in a universe where magic is commonplace, which makes for more complicated discoveries. The hints of deeper and perhaps darker motives in the characters are consistent with the point of view of a sheltered, naive but obviously talented and intelligent young woman. Kate is on her way to a dangerous and adventurous life.
The author's style is to introduce details as they become relevant to the plot. That pulls the reader into a third voyage to discover just what makes this environment tick. The result is a ripping good yarn that deserves sequels.
This book took me back to when I was 16 and didn't realize everything that I knew, much less all the future ramifications of that knowledge. The first person naarrative puts this tale of discovery on two strong levels--learning about yourself and about the larger world around. Kate wields magical powers in a universe where magic is commonplace, which makes for more complicated discoveries. The hints of deeper and perhaps darker motives in the characters are consistent with the point of view of a sheltered, naive but obviously talented and intelligent young woman. Kate is on her way to a dangerous and adventurous life.
The author's style is to introduce details as they become relevant to the plot. That pulls the reader into a third voyage to discover just what makes this environment tick. The result is a ripping good yarn that deserves sequels.
June 28, 2014
A very sound beginning in what I suppose will be an ongoing series.
The Worldbuilding is quite good, and well explained, with a german-medieval atmosphere that is an interesting departure (though not an extreme one) from the more common anglosaxon one.
The magic system is particularly innovative and well-built. The concept of "Saints" and "Blessing" is indeed intriguing, as is the concept of kir and the way healing is handled.
The Main Character, Kate, is a breath of pure air. She is strong, smart and brave. She is an adolescent girl who DOES NOT faint when an attractive young man winks at her, and who doesn't let such things distract her from her goal. Wonderful.
All in all a very sound, interesting book. My only gripe is that it is not very long.
The Worldbuilding is quite good, and well explained, with a german-medieval atmosphere that is an interesting departure (though not an extreme one) from the more common anglosaxon one.
The magic system is particularly innovative and well-built. The concept of "Saints" and "Blessing" is indeed intriguing, as is the concept of kir and the way healing is handled.
The Main Character, Kate, is a breath of pure air. She is strong, smart and brave. She is an adolescent girl who DOES NOT faint when an attractive young man winks at her, and who doesn't let such things distract her from her goal. Wonderful.
All in all a very sound, interesting book. My only gripe is that it is not very long.
March 2, 2015
This really isn't a full story in anyway. This is basically the first third of a book given away for free to kindle in the hopes you'll buy the other parts. I understand this, but found the whole first third lacking really. There's a mission by a group of lords and a healer to another kingdom to make a peace treaty and the story focuses on who the characters are and their harrowing journey to the other kingdom. Yet, for that, the characters still seem kind of flat and it was oh so painfully cliche when the poor peasant healer girl falls in love with the prince who is now promised in marriage to some random person in the other kingdom.
December 30, 2012
This book started off confusing, not really explaining anything. Didn't really care for the characters, I found Kate to be rather dull. It did finally pick up but not enough to hold my interest. I received this from the author for an honest review. I really did try to finish this book but in the end just couldn't
March 12, 2013
I've read a lot of fantasy over the years. This story stands out for originality of setting and for having a female lead character. While the setting - and its difference from most Tolkein-derived worlds - was the thing that was most compelling, I found the characters to be interesting and believable. Really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the next installment!
March 10, 2016
Loved this book
This is a new author to me but already a favorite. I read a lot and have many authors that I follow and this book just gave me a new one to follow. It had me from the first page to the last.
This is a new author to me but already a favorite. I read a lot and have many authors that I follow and this book just gave me a new one to follow. It had me from the first page to the last.
January 2, 2013
This story is an excellent start to a promising series. Characters you can care about, believable emotions, fantastic worldbuilding. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2013
Very good writing style, but very little actually happens in the book so it never manages to get very interesting. A very cool fantasy setting looking for a story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews