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Dynasty O'Shea
The Kingdom of Gammalon is taken siege by evil Lord Dravidor of Dark Vale. Its army has been driven out of the kingdom and now seeking refuge in the caves of Mount Kiznon. Their only hope lies in a man that lives in a different world- the present.
Jack O'Shea, the crown prince of Gammalon takes refuge in the present world upon directions by the General of the Gammalonian Army as they seek to reinforce soldiers and weapons after a gruesome battle with the Dark Vale army. Stuck in the present world for eighteen years, he has never spoken of his heritage to his children. So when he is recalled to save Gammalon, he least expects that his four children will be journeying with him to the World of Spassenia. As they cross the gates of dimensions, the children enter a world unlike they've ever known-one where magic and power prevail over all who live in it. With perils at every turn they take, they must seek the alliance of the mythical and fabled shadow warriors of the Tsez Xian to win the war against Dravidor. But do they even exist?
Available now at:
amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Dynasty-OShea-T...
barnes & noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dynas...
smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Jack O'Shea, the crown prince of Gammalon takes refuge in the present world upon directions by the General of the Gammalonian Army as they seek to reinforce soldiers and weapons after a gruesome battle with the Dark Vale army. Stuck in the present world for eighteen years, he has never spoken of his heritage to his children. So when he is recalled to save Gammalon, he least expects that his four children will be journeying with him to the World of Spassenia. As they cross the gates of dimensions, the children enter a world unlike they've ever known-one where magic and power prevail over all who live in it. With perils at every turn they take, they must seek the alliance of the mythical and fabled shadow warriors of the Tsez Xian to win the war against Dravidor. But do they even exist?
Available now at:
amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Dynasty-OShea-T...
barnes & noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dynas...
smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2012
30 people want to read
About the author
Clarissa Cartharn
24 books86 followersClarissa Cartharn is the author of romance novels such as Captive,Perfect Vengeance and the action/romance Jar series.
Traveling, learning new languages and cultures are some of her interests which have inspired her books. She turned her love for writing into a full-pledged passion with her first romance, Winter's End and has since never looked back. After almost ten romance novels, each with eclectic themes ranging from angsty Cinderella inspirations to thrillers set in the barren war torn lands of Afghanistan, Clarissa is currently on a new adventure to find her next love story.
Her Writing Style:
1. A premise
2. Romance
3. Realism
4. Heat. Yep, yep and yep
5. Vulgarity- where needed be. Oh come on, if she's gonna be writing about warlords, arms dealers, drug traffickers and rough-necked soldiers, then please don't expect them to be minding their tenses and grammar.
6. Oh yes, and a plot! Especially, a plot! A darned good one!
If this is your kind of romance too, then please hop on board and check some of her books out!https://www.clarissacartharn.com
For her latest rants on the book world, check out her blog:
https://acupofromance.blogspot.com
If you wish to grab a free copy of any of her books to review, then please feel free to drop her a message at any time or simply follow the link to fill in your details:
https://www.clarissacartharn.com/your...
Traveling, learning new languages and cultures are some of her interests which have inspired her books. She turned her love for writing into a full-pledged passion with her first romance, Winter's End and has since never looked back. After almost ten romance novels, each with eclectic themes ranging from angsty Cinderella inspirations to thrillers set in the barren war torn lands of Afghanistan, Clarissa is currently on a new adventure to find her next love story.
Her Writing Style:
1. A premise
2. Romance
3. Realism
4. Heat. Yep, yep and yep
5. Vulgarity- where needed be. Oh come on, if she's gonna be writing about warlords, arms dealers, drug traffickers and rough-necked soldiers, then please don't expect them to be minding their tenses and grammar.
6. Oh yes, and a plot! Especially, a plot! A darned good one!
If this is your kind of romance too, then please hop on board and check some of her books out!https://www.clarissacartharn.com
For her latest rants on the book world, check out her blog:
https://acupofromance.blogspot.com
If you wish to grab a free copy of any of her books to review, then please feel free to drop her a message at any time or simply follow the link to fill in your details:
https://www.clarissacartharn.com/your...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2013
Whether it was a view of the battle - metal against metal, blood and sweat and fear - or a family squabble behind closed door, I could feel it all. Jack and Rachel are from another dimension called Spassenia where Jack is the crown prince of Gammalon and Rachel is a warrior princess. The O Shea children are surprised at their parents' big secret. Quirky dialogue which was my favorite part and the story revolves around a pendant key which Rachel owns. It is this key which serves to open the door between dimensions. The whole family ends up traveling to a new world and getting somewhat lost in it - its like a new version of Chronicles of Narnia! :)
January 9, 2013
I love Spassenia! This new world the O'Shea family are transported to is so complete. It's full of different worlds and awesome characters within Spassenia itself. Fordyce the Centaur is my favourite because he is a guardian figure to the family. Also there's Lhao Xing (sorry I'm horrible at spelling) the warrior Panther and Hue Bella the witch. So you have a well rounded supporting cast of characters that are there to help out the O'Sheas against the villain Dravidor.
From the moment they are arrive in Spassenia each of the O'Shea character learns about their unique set of skills. I don't want to give too much away!
It is an incredible first novel from Clarissa Cartharn. I want her to make it a series so we don't have to say goodbye to the characters.
I recommend this book to all ages! Everyone should take a trip to Spassenia!
January 11, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dynasty O'Shea, the world is fascinating, the characters are well developed and the storyline keeps you gripped. I have almost nothing bad to say about this book! The only reason I have awarded this book 4 rather than 5 stars (I would have gone for 4.5 if I could) was that I found the book a little difficult to settle down and get into at the very beginning, although this was easily overcome and I'm glad of this as this is a fabulous book. My other minor problem with this book is I found it did tend to skim over a lot of detail. If I could make this book even more fabulous than it already is, I would turn this book (yes just this one entire story) into a series that is at least a trilogy so as to get more detail into the significant events, and some of the needed backstory in!
May 18, 2013
This books starts off with a family a bit in disarray. They are sent to another world where the two parents are originally from. Jack and Rachel are the rightful king and queen over the land. Problem is, another guy is terrorizing their people. So, they have to try and take it back. It’s full of fantasy characters, centaurs, witches etc, and a battle to take back what is theirs.
What I loved:
If you enjoy quirky characters, fantasy, and action you’ll enjoy this book. I got this book for free for an honest review. I really liked the characters in this book. Jack and Rachel had a rocky relationship, and I actually felt like that added a lot of personality to this story line. Then you have all their children with such unique personalities. I loved the kids banter with one another. I absolutely loved the witches too. I thought they were funny! I loved the quick wit in this book. One of my favorite scenes is when one of the guys from the army is saying to Ally as she’s holding a sword. “Be careful with that you don’t want to break a nail.” All her siblings start to get nervous and say “uh oh.” Ally proceeds to hit a bunch of pressure points and paralyzes the guy. It made me laugh out loud! That was awesome! I found myself smiling a lot at the dialogue in this book. It’s great!
Probably the only thing I’d critique on this book is it felt like a sequel to me at times. I think I wanted to know more about what happened before Jack and Rachel had to come back. I knew the plot was for them to take over, but I felt like it was moving slow, but when I finished the whole book I felt like it was complete. I loved the action in the end!
If you like fantasy, great characters, and a great read you have to read this book!
What I loved:
If you enjoy quirky characters, fantasy, and action you’ll enjoy this book. I got this book for free for an honest review. I really liked the characters in this book. Jack and Rachel had a rocky relationship, and I actually felt like that added a lot of personality to this story line. Then you have all their children with such unique personalities. I loved the kids banter with one another. I absolutely loved the witches too. I thought they were funny! I loved the quick wit in this book. One of my favorite scenes is when one of the guys from the army is saying to Ally as she’s holding a sword. “Be careful with that you don’t want to break a nail.” All her siblings start to get nervous and say “uh oh.” Ally proceeds to hit a bunch of pressure points and paralyzes the guy. It made me laugh out loud! That was awesome! I found myself smiling a lot at the dialogue in this book. It’s great!
Probably the only thing I’d critique on this book is it felt like a sequel to me at times. I think I wanted to know more about what happened before Jack and Rachel had to come back. I knew the plot was for them to take over, but I felt like it was moving slow, but when I finished the whole book I felt like it was complete. I loved the action in the end!
If you like fantasy, great characters, and a great read you have to read this book!
February 4, 2013
Jack and Rachel O’Shea and their children are ordinary people living ordinary lives – or so it would seem. But everything changes when Jack turns up at Rachel and the kids’ home with a mysterious jewel. One of the kids accidentally creates a portal to another world, Spassenia, while messing around with the jewel, and Jack and Rachel are thrown back into a world they thought they’d never see again. While the children struggle to comprehend their newfound status as royals, their parents must battle to regain the throne of Gammalion. Through many incredible adventures through magical kingdoms complete with their own legends, peoples and fascinating creatures, the O’Shea family learn some vital lessons about themselves and become closer than ever before.
This is a promising debut novel. It includes everything you might expect from an epic fantasy – mythical creatures, incredible landscapes, bloodsoaked battles, heroic characters and even some romance. The various realms of Spassenia are richly populated with diverse and fantastical tribes and animals. Each member of the family is uniquely characterized and learns much about themselves and their family.
From the epilogue of the book, I gather we can probably look forward to a sequel, so those readers who have fallen in love with the world of Spassenia will surely be delighted to have another chance to explore that world with their favourite characters.
This is a promising debut novel. It includes everything you might expect from an epic fantasy – mythical creatures, incredible landscapes, bloodsoaked battles, heroic characters and even some romance. The various realms of Spassenia are richly populated with diverse and fantastical tribes and animals. Each member of the family is uniquely characterized and learns much about themselves and their family.
From the epilogue of the book, I gather we can probably look forward to a sequel, so those readers who have fallen in love with the world of Spassenia will surely be delighted to have another chance to explore that world with their favourite characters.
December 1, 2012
A fantasy of two worlds
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in two words, one being the monotonous every day drivel of school, chores, and homework, and the other a magical world of witches, knights, and magic. Well, author Clarissa Cartharn has done just that. Dynasty O’Shea is a witty combination of wonderfully written characters in a back drop of an enchanting new world filled with supernatural creatures.
The O’Shea’s, a family of unlikely heroes, find themselves in the adventure of a lifetime as they must fight across the lands of Spessenia to save themselves, as well as the kingdom of Gammalon. The younger members of the O’Shea family, who have been practicing the old ways in the art of combat, unknowing that they would someday need them for the magical realm of their birth, Spessenia, are forced to do just that as they fight for not only their father’s life, the king, but also their own.
Dynasty O’Shea is a welcome breath of fresh air with a delightful pace of reading. The pages keep turning and the story keeps getting better. Highly recommended for young adults and older.
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in two words, one being the monotonous every day drivel of school, chores, and homework, and the other a magical world of witches, knights, and magic. Well, author Clarissa Cartharn has done just that. Dynasty O’Shea is a witty combination of wonderfully written characters in a back drop of an enchanting new world filled with supernatural creatures.
The O’Shea’s, a family of unlikely heroes, find themselves in the adventure of a lifetime as they must fight across the lands of Spessenia to save themselves, as well as the kingdom of Gammalon. The younger members of the O’Shea family, who have been practicing the old ways in the art of combat, unknowing that they would someday need them for the magical realm of their birth, Spessenia, are forced to do just that as they fight for not only their father’s life, the king, but also their own.
Dynasty O’Shea is a welcome breath of fresh air with a delightful pace of reading. The pages keep turning and the story keeps getting better. Highly recommended for young adults and older.
December 12, 2012
A Well Written & Captivating Story....Will Make You Salivate for More Fantasy.
When I was first given this book as a gift, I was instantly captivated by its cover. I knew that I was in for a ride. I loved every minute of the plot. Totally exciting, with an healthy amount of twists and turns to keep you going. Often than not, you are given a “so Called fantasy” book to read but this one meets the challenge.
In addition, the mystery hidden in the various plots make for a nice twist… I was totally captivated from the very first page till the end. I want more… I need more… At the risk of giving the story away, I love the various worlds depicted in the story. Oh, how I wished I was in one of the worlds… But then again, the author’s use of language transported me into the worlds. The witch was indeed spooky, the description is just enough to get me on the edge. As depicted by the book cover, Dynasty O'Shea, the Throne of Gammalon is a true Gem in the fantasy world. I look forward to reading a sequel. Bravo! This is truly a keeper. You will enjoy it.
When I was first given this book as a gift, I was instantly captivated by its cover. I knew that I was in for a ride. I loved every minute of the plot. Totally exciting, with an healthy amount of twists and turns to keep you going. Often than not, you are given a “so Called fantasy” book to read but this one meets the challenge.
In addition, the mystery hidden in the various plots make for a nice twist… I was totally captivated from the very first page till the end. I want more… I need more… At the risk of giving the story away, I love the various worlds depicted in the story. Oh, how I wished I was in one of the worlds… But then again, the author’s use of language transported me into the worlds. The witch was indeed spooky, the description is just enough to get me on the edge. As depicted by the book cover, Dynasty O'Shea, the Throne of Gammalon is a true Gem in the fantasy world. I look forward to reading a sequel. Bravo! This is truly a keeper. You will enjoy it.
February 9, 2013
3.5 - 4 stars
First, I want to thank the author for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Dynasty O'Shea but I didn't decided on 4 stars because I have to admit the beginning was tough for me, I struggled to go on.
So many characters introduced all at once, so many names and so many creatures. I was about to through the book away a few times, but as the story continues it starts to flow smoothly and it evolves into a very entertaining adventure.
The world Clarissa created and named Spassenia is magnificent, we have magic, mythological creatures and even animals that can talk all mixed with the battles that are welll portrayed to fill the plot.
Every part of Spasennia is divided into different zones and in each one there is a tribe or clan with unique characteristics and stories, getting to know them was my favorite part.
I enjoyed this book and would like to see what's up next.
First, I want to thank the author for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Dynasty O'Shea but I didn't decided on 4 stars because I have to admit the beginning was tough for me, I struggled to go on.
So many characters introduced all at once, so many names and so many creatures. I was about to through the book away a few times, but as the story continues it starts to flow smoothly and it evolves into a very entertaining adventure.
The world Clarissa created and named Spassenia is magnificent, we have magic, mythological creatures and even animals that can talk all mixed with the battles that are welll portrayed to fill the plot.
Every part of Spasennia is divided into different zones and in each one there is a tribe or clan with unique characteristics and stories, getting to know them was my favorite part.
I enjoyed this book and would like to see what's up next.
March 1, 2013
Readers, you are not going to want to miss the amazing fantasy word Author Clarissa Cartharn has created. If you are a fan of Narnia, then you will fall in love with Spassenia!
Jack and Rachel O'Shea are thrown back into a world they thought they would never see again when their accidently open a portal from a jewel they found. That portal leads to Spassenia. As Rachel and Jack prepare for what they now face, a battle for the throne, their children adjust to their newly found royal status. Dynasty O'Shea is filled with wit, action, fun, and suspense.
The only problem that I had with the book is the sudden toss of characters in the beginning. I was able to quickly get over this, and move on to a fabulous story. I highly recommed this story to people of all ages! It is a wonderful world for families to explore together!
Jack and Rachel O'Shea are thrown back into a world they thought they would never see again when their accidently open a portal from a jewel they found. That portal leads to Spassenia. As Rachel and Jack prepare for what they now face, a battle for the throne, their children adjust to their newly found royal status. Dynasty O'Shea is filled with wit, action, fun, and suspense.
The only problem that I had with the book is the sudden toss of characters in the beginning. I was able to quickly get over this, and move on to a fabulous story. I highly recommed this story to people of all ages! It is a wonderful world for families to explore together!
November 27, 2012
Snappy Dialogue, verve and wit!!!
This is a highly imaginative book filled with thrills and spills.
After reading it, I recommended it to my daughters as I was sure they will love it as much as I do.
Some really colorful and interesting characters who I found endearing (ie. Fiesty Goldie, loved her wit:"hailed a few love-filled
abuses at them for waking late" , “I tell you, that manual was possessed...It had a mind off its own and only one thing on its evil mind. Me!” )
Highly recommended and looking forward to the sequel.
Five stars all the way from me!!
This is a highly imaginative book filled with thrills and spills.
After reading it, I recommended it to my daughters as I was sure they will love it as much as I do.
Some really colorful and interesting characters who I found endearing (ie. Fiesty Goldie, loved her wit:"hailed a few love-filled
abuses at them for waking late" , “I tell you, that manual was possessed...It had a mind off its own and only one thing on its evil mind. Me!” )
Highly recommended and looking forward to the sequel.
Five stars all the way from me!!
February 9, 2013
I loved this captivating tale. I couldn't put it down. Spassenia is a wonderful world to lose yourself in and I so hope there is a sequel to this book. I loved the way individual characters were developed as I wanted to know more about them and am eager to know what happens to them next. The magical fantasy element in this book was very compelling and I can't wait to read what more Bronwyn learns, if Ally has a new romance brewing, if Alex finds his elusive lady with the Jade eyes and if David has a chance to prove himself.
January 30, 2013
Clarissa Cartharn has written a great story that will interest all audiences--not just YA. A gripping tale with plenty of twists and turns, clever dialogue, vivid imagery, intriguing characters drawing off mythic motifs. From the opening to the strong ending, this is a captivating story. Well done, especially for a first time novel. I hope she writes many more. If you liked Narnia, you'll love Dynasty O'Shea!
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed this more than I anticipated
I love fantasy fiction. The author created a world that was easily imagined and with characters you enjoyed, if not loved. I do enjoy books that I can share with my children. I would love to have the actual book to add to the many adorning my shelves.
I love fantasy fiction. The author created a world that was easily imagined and with characters you enjoyed, if not loved. I do enjoy books that I can share with my children. I would love to have the actual book to add to the many adorning my shelves.
July 3, 2013
A Trickster Eric Novels review
Clarissa Cartharn asked me to read her novel "Dynasty O'Shea". It's about the O'Shea family reclaiming their kingdom from a usurper. I will examine plot, characters, and polish, and then assign a grade.
PLOT
A lot goes into world building. The leprechaun newspaper (both comedic, plot relevant and simply interesting) the Cider festival, (a rare truce zone) and the legends of the Tsez Xian which sound like something out of a creation myth. When an author goes to these lengths to develop their world it is always a big plus in my book.
I also give kudos to Miss. Cartharn for keeping the parents relevant in the main plot; indeed Jack (the dad) is the hero of this story. All too often with this premise the parents are killed off or pushed to the background so their child can take the spotlight. To me that smacked of escapism and the plot suffered for it but that's not a problem here. All of them stay relevant so one can say that the O'Shea family as a whole is The Protagonist.
However, the plot itself feels empty. Part of the reason for this that the O'Shea family participates in three main events towards reclaiming their throne; go to the Tsez Xian village, recruit them, then final battle. The rest of the story is filled with minor and inconsequential plot threads.
1. Forycdes running back and forth with messages while wondering about Jack O'Shea. This guy is a minor character (his role in the plot is tantamont to a Spear Carrier) and he has screen time comparable with the O'Shea family and his own love triangle.
2. The witches. They appear out of nowhere for their own scene entirely separate of the O'Shea family before meeting with them. Their 'shared apprentice plot' is entirely separate from the main 'reclaim the kingdom' plot because the witches don't care about politics or thrones and Draviador is too afarid of wtiches to attack them. One could remove it and the rest of the story (save one event in the climax) would be unaffected.
3. Blackburn has a third plot arc based on revenge for Jack humiliating him in the first act. He never follows up on this.
4. One of the O'Shea kids helps a squirrel family rescue a bunny from coyotes. It has nothing to do with the main plot and does nothing to progress anything.
There's so much back and forth I don't feel the rise of tension or plot build up. The climax falls flat for this reason (among others). My inner editor wanted to cut them all out.
A third reason is a clumsy case of Holding Back the Phlebotinum. The O'Shea family intiailly reach the world by using a magic pendant. As soon as they arrive they hide the pendant on the justification that they can't let the villain find it. Then they forget it about except for an offhand mention late in the story. If they used this they could skip all the traveling and have an easier time breaking into the villain's fortress. The story would be much shorter, and in my opinion, better because all the traveling was uneventful and thus boring.
Other than this one case there are no idiot balls. If someone does something ill-advised it springs from their character instead of the needs of the plot. For instance, When David jumps into battle against professional adult soldiers it's because he has been training in martial arts for years and wants his family to stop doubting his skills.
Finally, I appreciate the how Miss. Cartharn ended the story. The conflict is resolved and there is plentiful of poetential for future stories. In fact, a number of sequel hooks are dropped in the epilogue.
CHARACTERS
The characters are all right. Most of them have distinct personalities and good development but others do not and they include main characters. There are three reasons for this. 1.( The fragmented nature of the plot above; there is not enough time spent with all the characters to develop them sufficiently. 2.) Inappropriate allocation of screen time. As mentioned above, a spear carrier has the same amount of screen time as the main characters and even gets his own subplots in discovery and love triangle. 3.) The characters with good development don't feel developed until near the end because all the other plot lines pushed these secenes far apart.
The villains get two paragraphs to themselves. First we have the Big Bad, Dravidor. He is a flat and almost non-existant character because he does very little. Other usurping, which is related second hand, I don't know why this guy is so evil. The only evil deed he does is a I Have You Now My Pretty to Rachel O'Shea in the climax and even this is so rushed and trite that I feel it was shoehorned.
The villains as a hole have this problem. Blackburn is introduced early and has a vandetta against the hero but he does nothing. Despite looking for Jack he never finds him nor causes any reoccuring trouble. Then there's Major Scuddorf who is introduced late, does absolutely nothing, and is killed off uncremoniously off screen. I wonder, why bother including him?
On the plus side, The O'Shea family grew on me by the end. Aly especially because she gained a unique talent (bear friend) and a foil in the third act that distinguishes her from her brothers. I'd like to see a story where they each have more screen time.
I also like the witches. Miss. Cartharn does a much better job of quickly developing the three witches and their shared apprentice than other characters. Their personalities are distinct, their subplot is more developed, and their interactions are more fun. If she were to write a sequel based on them I would love that.
POLISH
Over all this is pretty good. There's rarely an error with spelling or grammar and the only word cruft is understandable, i.e, in the teenager dialogue.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Dynasty O'Shea" a C+
Clarissa Cartharn asked me to read her novel "Dynasty O'Shea". It's about the O'Shea family reclaiming their kingdom from a usurper. I will examine plot, characters, and polish, and then assign a grade.
PLOT
A lot goes into world building. The leprechaun newspaper (both comedic, plot relevant and simply interesting) the Cider festival, (a rare truce zone) and the legends of the Tsez Xian which sound like something out of a creation myth. When an author goes to these lengths to develop their world it is always a big plus in my book.
I also give kudos to Miss. Cartharn for keeping the parents relevant in the main plot; indeed Jack (the dad) is the hero of this story. All too often with this premise the parents are killed off or pushed to the background so their child can take the spotlight. To me that smacked of escapism and the plot suffered for it but that's not a problem here. All of them stay relevant so one can say that the O'Shea family as a whole is The Protagonist.
However, the plot itself feels empty. Part of the reason for this that the O'Shea family participates in three main events towards reclaiming their throne; go to the Tsez Xian village, recruit them, then final battle. The rest of the story is filled with minor and inconsequential plot threads.
1. Forycdes running back and forth with messages while wondering about Jack O'Shea. This guy is a minor character (his role in the plot is tantamont to a Spear Carrier) and he has screen time comparable with the O'Shea family and his own love triangle.
2. The witches. They appear out of nowhere for their own scene entirely separate of the O'Shea family before meeting with them. Their 'shared apprentice plot' is entirely separate from the main 'reclaim the kingdom' plot because the witches don't care about politics or thrones and Draviador is too afarid of wtiches to attack them. One could remove it and the rest of the story (save one event in the climax) would be unaffected.
3. Blackburn has a third plot arc based on revenge for Jack humiliating him in the first act. He never follows up on this.
4. One of the O'Shea kids helps a squirrel family rescue a bunny from coyotes. It has nothing to do with the main plot and does nothing to progress anything.
There's so much back and forth I don't feel the rise of tension or plot build up. The climax falls flat for this reason (among others). My inner editor wanted to cut them all out.
A third reason is a clumsy case of Holding Back the Phlebotinum. The O'Shea family intiailly reach the world by using a magic pendant. As soon as they arrive they hide the pendant on the justification that they can't let the villain find it. Then they forget it about except for an offhand mention late in the story. If they used this they could skip all the traveling and have an easier time breaking into the villain's fortress. The story would be much shorter, and in my opinion, better because all the traveling was uneventful and thus boring.
Other than this one case there are no idiot balls. If someone does something ill-advised it springs from their character instead of the needs of the plot. For instance, When David jumps into battle against professional adult soldiers it's because he has been training in martial arts for years and wants his family to stop doubting his skills.
Finally, I appreciate the how Miss. Cartharn ended the story. The conflict is resolved and there is plentiful of poetential for future stories. In fact, a number of sequel hooks are dropped in the epilogue.
CHARACTERS
The characters are all right. Most of them have distinct personalities and good development but others do not and they include main characters. There are three reasons for this. 1.( The fragmented nature of the plot above; there is not enough time spent with all the characters to develop them sufficiently. 2.) Inappropriate allocation of screen time. As mentioned above, a spear carrier has the same amount of screen time as the main characters and even gets his own subplots in discovery and love triangle. 3.) The characters with good development don't feel developed until near the end because all the other plot lines pushed these secenes far apart.
The villains get two paragraphs to themselves. First we have the Big Bad, Dravidor. He is a flat and almost non-existant character because he does very little. Other usurping, which is related second hand, I don't know why this guy is so evil. The only evil deed he does is a I Have You Now My Pretty to Rachel O'Shea in the climax and even this is so rushed and trite that I feel it was shoehorned.
The villains as a hole have this problem. Blackburn is introduced early and has a vandetta against the hero but he does nothing. Despite looking for Jack he never finds him nor causes any reoccuring trouble. Then there's Major Scuddorf who is introduced late, does absolutely nothing, and is killed off uncremoniously off screen. I wonder, why bother including him?
On the plus side, The O'Shea family grew on me by the end. Aly especially because she gained a unique talent (bear friend) and a foil in the third act that distinguishes her from her brothers. I'd like to see a story where they each have more screen time.
I also like the witches. Miss. Cartharn does a much better job of quickly developing the three witches and their shared apprentice than other characters. Their personalities are distinct, their subplot is more developed, and their interactions are more fun. If she were to write a sequel based on them I would love that.
POLISH
Over all this is pretty good. There's rarely an error with spelling or grammar and the only word cruft is understandable, i.e, in the teenager dialogue.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Dynasty O'Shea" a C+
March 8, 2015
Dynasty O’Shea by Clarissa Cartharn is the tale of a magical family. Well, some are more magical than others. But in any case, what would you do if you found out that your father and mother were the king and queen of a land faraway? Not only that, but a villain is trying to overthrow the monarchy. Of course, you’d fight.
Oh, this story is fun. The O’Sheas’ are relatable as a dysfunctional family that quibbles. Once the family reaches the faraway land of Gammalon, there are talking animals, fairies, centaurs, witches, and a slew of interesting characters.
The humor running throughout the book is whimsical. The fight scenes are fast-paced and entertaining. My only criticism is some parts were a little wordy, but it didn’t take away from the story. The ending was surprisingly concise.
In whole, I enjoyed the story. It has a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel. I’d recommend it even if you don’t particularly like typical fantasy novels (that are heavy on dragons and names you can’t pronounce), because the humor and O’Sheas’ are written as a modern-day family. It’s like a fantasy-lite book.
Oh, this story is fun. The O’Sheas’ are relatable as a dysfunctional family that quibbles. Once the family reaches the faraway land of Gammalon, there are talking animals, fairies, centaurs, witches, and a slew of interesting characters.
The humor running throughout the book is whimsical. The fight scenes are fast-paced and entertaining. My only criticism is some parts were a little wordy, but it didn’t take away from the story. The ending was surprisingly concise.
In whole, I enjoyed the story. It has a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel. I’d recommend it even if you don’t particularly like typical fantasy novels (that are heavy on dragons and names you can’t pronounce), because the humor and O’Sheas’ are written as a modern-day family. It’s like a fantasy-lite book.
November 24, 2013
It's been a while since I've read something fun and I enjoyed this adventure immensely. Dynasty O'Shea is a great read. It's got magic, banter, and loads and loads of action. This is tale of a family who come from a different dimension known as Spassenia, trying to escape the the cruelty of a warlord and seeking safe harbor on Earth. But when Jack O'Shea needs to go back to help the Gammalonian Army who is in a tight fit, stuck in the caves of Mount Kiznon, he has no alternative but to take back with him a stubborn wife and his four unpredictable kids. What follows is chaos, chaos, chaos and laughter. Yes, this is one fantastical ride I didn't regret at all.
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