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A Pyradisté Adventure #1
The Pyramid Waltz
To most, Princess Katya Nar Umbriel is a rogue and a layabout; she parties, she hunts and she breaks women’s hearts. But when the festival lights go down and the palace slumbers, Katya chases traitors to the crown and protects the kingdom’s greatest secret: the royal Umbriels are part Fiend. When Katya thwarts an attempt to expose the king’s monstrous side, she uncovers a plot to let the Fiends out to play.
Starbride has no interest in being a courtier. Ignoring her mother’s order to snare an influential spouse, she comes to court only to study law. But a flirtatious rake of a princess proves hard to resist, and Starbride is pulled into a world of secrets that leaves little room for honesty or love, a world neither woman may survive.
Starbride has no interest in being a courtier. Ignoring her mother’s order to snare an influential spouse, she comes to court only to study law. But a flirtatious rake of a princess proves hard to resist, and Starbride is pulled into a world of secrets that leaves little room for honesty or love, a world neither woman may survive.
288 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2012
32 people are currently reading
2125 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Wright
24 books195 followersBarbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to her enormous book collection or ranting on her blog. Her short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. Her first novel, The Pyramid Waltz, was one of Tor.com's Reviewer's Choice books of 2012 and was a 2012 Foreword Review Book of the Year Award Finalist as well as a Golden Crown Award finalist. It won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy and made BookRiot's 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors. She's won five Rainbow Awards total, and Coils was a finalist in the 2017 Lambda Awards.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 17, 2015
Pyramid is not hugely original as a fantasy novel - there are princesses, demons, and spies, all things that most fantasy readers are pretty familiar with by now - except for the fact that the story features two women who love each other romantically.
I have one word for this:
AWESOME.
Good LORD, it is RIDICULOUSLY DIFFICULT to find fantasy with LGBT characters! By which I don't mean lgbt-fantasy, like Without Reservations and its ilk; I mean well-written, well-thought-out fantasy novels that just HAPPEN to have girls who love girls, or boys who love boys, or people who love both/neither, or people born into the wrong gender - whichever! One or all of the above! I love books where these things are worked naturally into the plot, where the story is not All About Teh Gay but doesn't exclude Teh Gay, either.
And Pyramid is wonderful. So what if it's not super original? It is EXTREMELY well-written and readable - I read the entire book in a single day, and would have done it in a single sitting if people hadn't kept interrupting! The worldbuilding is excellent: both societies featured in the book (the Farradains and the Allusians) have a history, religion, and general culture of their own, all of which is integrated smoothly into the story without the requirements of the dreaded info-dump. One of my favourite things about this book were the Allusian idioms, and Starbride's difficulty with the Farradain ones (which are common idioms that will probably be familiar to the reader, like 'now her goose is cooked', etc).
The characters, too, are fantastic, very well developed and three-dimensional. Katya and Starbride, the two main characters (who take turns to narrate the story, via third-person alternate chapters) are both strong and intelligent, but still very different. I loved their romance (and the fact that this was not an Issues story - same-gender romances don't bat an eye in Pyramid's world), especially the realism of it; there were difficulties and compromises, just as there are in a real relationship but which so many authors idealise away. I also REALLY loved pretty much every one of the minor characters: the whole cast is beautifully fleshed-out, with their own stories, histories, and mysteries, not all of which are told, explained or answered by the end of this book (which, again, is fantastic - yay for not spoon-feeding your readers!)
The story itself is, on the surface, relatively simple: there are traitors plotting Bad Things, and since the crown prince will be arriving in two weeks Katya (who also happens to be second in line to the throne) is charged with making sure their plots don't come to fruition. Starbride, meanwhile, arrives at the Farrandain palace in order to learn as much Farrandain law as possible, so she can help her people back home (who are being cheated by Farrandain merchants and lawyers). But things are much more complicated than that: not just because there are hidden mysteries, but because Wright doesn't gloss over the politics of living at court or the difficulty of hunting down spies. Nor does she ever forget that a monarch is ultimately answerable to their people, something which curbs the actions of several characters over the course of the story. What I mean is: even though Katya is a princess, and most of the characters are various kinds of Noble and/or Important, they can't do anything they want. Very few fantasy books remember that there are legal limitations on these kinds of characters, but Wright never forgets any of it.
What I'm trying to say is that, although another author's attempt at Pyramid Waltz would have resulted in a very bland, boring story of the kind we've all read a million times, Wright actually looks at things, and considers them realistically. With the result that what should have been just another fantasy knock-off is wonderful, hilarious, emotional, well-thought-out and just generally fantastic. Even without having a lesbian couple, Pyramid would have been an excellent book, but with them Pyramid is going straight to my favourites list.
I suggest you go out and buy a copy right now.
I have one word for this:
AWESOME.
Good LORD, it is RIDICULOUSLY DIFFICULT to find fantasy with LGBT characters! By which I don't mean lgbt-fantasy, like Without Reservations and its ilk; I mean well-written, well-thought-out fantasy novels that just HAPPEN to have girls who love girls, or boys who love boys, or people who love both/neither, or people born into the wrong gender - whichever! One or all of the above! I love books where these things are worked naturally into the plot, where the story is not All About Teh Gay but doesn't exclude Teh Gay, either.
And Pyramid is wonderful. So what if it's not super original? It is EXTREMELY well-written and readable - I read the entire book in a single day, and would have done it in a single sitting if people hadn't kept interrupting! The worldbuilding is excellent: both societies featured in the book (the Farradains and the Allusians) have a history, religion, and general culture of their own, all of which is integrated smoothly into the story without the requirements of the dreaded info-dump. One of my favourite things about this book were the Allusian idioms, and Starbride's difficulty with the Farradain ones (which are common idioms that will probably be familiar to the reader, like 'now her goose is cooked', etc).
The characters, too, are fantastic, very well developed and three-dimensional. Katya and Starbride, the two main characters (who take turns to narrate the story, via third-person alternate chapters) are both strong and intelligent, but still very different. I loved their romance (and the fact that this was not an Issues story - same-gender romances don't bat an eye in Pyramid's world), especially the realism of it; there were difficulties and compromises, just as there are in a real relationship but which so many authors idealise away. I also REALLY loved pretty much every one of the minor characters: the whole cast is beautifully fleshed-out, with their own stories, histories, and mysteries, not all of which are told, explained or answered by the end of this book (which, again, is fantastic - yay for not spoon-feeding your readers!)
The story itself is, on the surface, relatively simple: there are traitors plotting Bad Things, and since the crown prince will be arriving in two weeks Katya (who also happens to be second in line to the throne) is charged with making sure their plots don't come to fruition. Starbride, meanwhile, arrives at the Farrandain palace in order to learn as much Farrandain law as possible, so she can help her people back home (who are being cheated by Farrandain merchants and lawyers). But things are much more complicated than that: not just because there are hidden mysteries, but because Wright doesn't gloss over the politics of living at court or the difficulty of hunting down spies. Nor does she ever forget that a monarch is ultimately answerable to their people, something which curbs the actions of several characters over the course of the story. What I mean is: even though Katya is a princess, and most of the characters are various kinds of Noble and/or Important, they can't do anything they want. Very few fantasy books remember that there are legal limitations on these kinds of characters, but Wright never forgets any of it.
What I'm trying to say is that, although another author's attempt at Pyramid Waltz would have resulted in a very bland, boring story of the kind we've all read a million times, Wright actually looks at things, and considers them realistically. With the result that what should have been just another fantasy knock-off is wonderful, hilarious, emotional, well-thought-out and just generally fantastic. Even without having a lesbian couple, Pyramid would have been an excellent book, but with them Pyramid is going straight to my favourites list.
I suggest you go out and buy a copy right now.
March 20, 2017
I really loved it
I'm not what you would consider an avid lesfic fantasy reader. I usually go for the straight romance types but I wanted to give this a read and I'm really glad I did. It had everything, beautiful men and women, sword fights, demons, light romance, and a bit more. The fight scenes were well described and even though the book was slow at times, it did keep me captivated. I know the series is finished and I can't wait to read the next one.
I'm not what you would consider an avid lesfic fantasy reader. I usually go for the straight romance types but I wanted to give this a read and I'm really glad I did. It had everything, beautiful men and women, sword fights, demons, light romance, and a bit more. The fight scenes were well described and even though the book was slow at times, it did keep me captivated. I know the series is finished and I can't wait to read the next one.
March 1, 2017
It didn't end exactly the way I'd want it to, and the first couple paragraphs, while solid, didn't really pull me in. Otherwise, probably one of the best books I've read. Good solid action, solid world building, and one of the best displays of two strong independent people coming together in love and as equal partners. Neither submissive, neither dominant. Maybe something of that will/or did turn up in a later book, though I like the way it is at the moment.
Those looking for graphic descriptions of sex will be disappointed. This one had more of the 1950s movie feel for those intimate scenes. Which I actually liked.
Those looking for graphic descriptions of sex will be disappointed. This one had more of the 1950s movie feel for those intimate scenes. Which I actually liked.
September 2, 2012
This is the story of two charming young women with vastly different backgrounds and personalities falling in love while their whole world tries to crash down around them. The excitement of discovery and anticipation both within their relationship and the action-driven main plot give the whole story a sense of urgency and danger that will keep you from putting the book down.
The love scenes are tantalizing, yet tastefully written. This is lesbian romance your straight parents can read... if they're a bit liberal. The characters flirt and tease each other - and the reader - but the resolution is so sweet it will warm your heart (and perhaps some other bits as well).
But, this is so much more than a romance novel, this book kicks right off with an exciting fight scene written so masterfully that you will raise a sweat. And the hits just keep on coming throughout the book. This book is equal parts romance and epic fantasy action set in an immersive fantasy world. The magic is uniquely fresh while being consistent and believable.
To top it off, the whole book is laced with a subtle brand of witty comedy that will raise a chuckle on every page. The book is by no means a comedy, but the comedic elements really bring the characters out and makes them real people. It keeps the serious, and sometimes dark, themes of the story feeling light as the characters deal with it like we all would.
This is a book you'll read again to go back to hang out with your old friends Katya, Starbride and the whole Order of Vestra. You will want to go back and read again as their love grows, knowing what is coming. I hope we see more books about Katya, Starbride and this new fantasy world.
The love scenes are tantalizing, yet tastefully written. This is lesbian romance your straight parents can read... if they're a bit liberal. The characters flirt and tease each other - and the reader - but the resolution is so sweet it will warm your heart (and perhaps some other bits as well).
But, this is so much more than a romance novel, this book kicks right off with an exciting fight scene written so masterfully that you will raise a sweat. And the hits just keep on coming throughout the book. This book is equal parts romance and epic fantasy action set in an immersive fantasy world. The magic is uniquely fresh while being consistent and believable.
To top it off, the whole book is laced with a subtle brand of witty comedy that will raise a chuckle on every page. The book is by no means a comedy, but the comedic elements really bring the characters out and makes them real people. It keeps the serious, and sometimes dark, themes of the story feeling light as the characters deal with it like we all would.
This is a book you'll read again to go back to hang out with your old friends Katya, Starbride and the whole Order of Vestra. You will want to go back and read again as their love grows, knowing what is coming. I hope we see more books about Katya, Starbride and this new fantasy world.
July 15, 2018
Action and intrigue worthy of any fantasy collection.
This was a really good book. Barbara Ann Wright created an interesting fantasy world with a magic that is uniquely her own. The Pyramid Waltz was about a royal family that carries more than just a claim to the throne within their blood. I liked that the love interest for Princess Katya, Starbride, was more than just your typical damsel in distress. Overall the book was entertaining and kept me engaged enough to pull me through at a decent pace. I will say that I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. Mostly out of personal preference but I also thought that it could have been just a little longer. It was somewhat happy for the two main characters but the book didn't really end so much as prepare you for a sequel.
Clearly I've come about this series a bit late since it's been out a few years now. So it would be no real hardship to move on to the next but I sense that it's one of those series where your truly happy ending and story resolution is stolen again and again which is a story that I really have to be in the mood for.
I think it would be perfect for anyone looking for more intrigue and action than romance. Those were two things Wright did very well with The Pyramid Waltz. A great addition to any fantasy collection.
This was a really good book. Barbara Ann Wright created an interesting fantasy world with a magic that is uniquely her own. The Pyramid Waltz was about a royal family that carries more than just a claim to the throne within their blood. I liked that the love interest for Princess Katya, Starbride, was more than just your typical damsel in distress. Overall the book was entertaining and kept me engaged enough to pull me through at a decent pace. I will say that I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. Mostly out of personal preference but I also thought that it could have been just a little longer. It was somewhat happy for the two main characters but the book didn't really end so much as prepare you for a sequel.
Clearly I've come about this series a bit late since it's been out a few years now. So it would be no real hardship to move on to the next but I sense that it's one of those series where your truly happy ending and story resolution is stolen again and again which is a story that I really have to be in the mood for.
I think it would be perfect for anyone looking for more intrigue and action than romance. Those were two things Wright did very well with The Pyramid Waltz. A great addition to any fantasy collection.
October 9, 2013
This was a great read, not normally my cup of tea but the author did a super job pulling me into the political intrigue of the secret order protecting the secrets of the Crown, and especially the relationship between the leading characters. The way she wove the buildup of their love and the sexual tension was masterful.
Chapters alternated between their viewpoints which gave a heightened visibility into how each of them interpreted the others words and actions, as well as improving the tension.
The setting was rich, original and superbly described. The author excelled at showing the difference between Starbride's people and Katya's Kingdom.
The plot unraveled slowly but steadily and I never felt lost, although the foreshadowing fell flat in a couple of places. The final conflict was unexpected and a little muddled in places, especially as the author did such a great job previously in the book. Neither of these points stopped this being a great book.
Chapters alternated between their viewpoints which gave a heightened visibility into how each of them interpreted the others words and actions, as well as improving the tension.
The setting was rich, original and superbly described. The author excelled at showing the difference between Starbride's people and Katya's Kingdom.
The plot unraveled slowly but steadily and I never felt lost, although the foreshadowing fell flat in a couple of places. The final conflict was unexpected and a little muddled in places, especially as the author did such a great job previously in the book. Neither of these points stopped this being a great book.
October 15, 2012
This is a fantastic book. From the first page, the reader is thrown into a fast-paced melange of romance, combat, magic and intrigue that does not break pace.
It's very accessible, in that the reader is provided with enough information to understand what's going on, but not so much that every detail is spelled out in agonizing detail (if you've ever read Stephen King, you'll know what I mean). It's witty and engaging, and the characters are dynamic and rough around the edges.
This book has something for everybody. I would not hesitate in recommending it for any book group, as it is sure to spark some lively debates.
It's very accessible, in that the reader is provided with enough information to understand what's going on, but not so much that every detail is spelled out in agonizing detail (if you've ever read Stephen King, you'll know what I mean). It's witty and engaging, and the characters are dynamic and rough around the edges.
This book has something for everybody. I would not hesitate in recommending it for any book group, as it is sure to spark some lively debates.
February 26, 2020
A fairly conventional storyline of palace intrigue feels unique with the princess security manager and a bit of magic. All of the characters are well-drawn and the protagonists are lovable from the start. This is my first read of Barbara Ann Wright, and I don't know why I waited so long.
September 12, 2012
The Princess and the Pyramid
I love Fantasy. I love Fantasy's ability to take us to another world, to explore familiar themes in an unfamiliar setting which would be too cumbersome or incredible to deal with in a realistic setting. And though you'll never get me to admit it in a court of law, I'm pretty much a hopeless romantic, and though Romance is not normally my genre, give me a good love story inside a Speculative Fiction trapping, and I'm set.
One of the big problems with Fantasy, though, is the level of bland whitewashing in the most popular series. While diversity can be found if you dig deep enough, the stories of the Jordans, the Goodkinds, the Rothfusses and what-have-you are, at their heart, stories about straight white dudes often saving the world from other straight white dudes (or even worse, villainous brown gay people).
With that in mind, Barbara Ann Wright's The Pyramid Waltz is pretty much a revelation. The two central characters, Princess Katya and Starbride, inhabit a world where same-sex love is as uncontroversial as opposite marriage, which itself is fantastic (there's a place for exploring homosexuality in an oppressive society, but sometimes it's nice to see a pair of lesbians who aren't inherently star-crossed!).
Wright's writing possesses a sharp wit, an amazing eye for detail (her fashion description is breathtaking at times) and a keen sense of the flow of battle -- and oh, for all the focus on feelings, there is plenty of battle.
If I had to make one criticism, it's that the pacing is pretty speedy near the end. The otherworldly, realm-threatening conflict that's only been hinted at in most of the book gets thrown into the open and (temporarily, I hope!) dealt with in the space of thirty pages or so. I would have liked to see stretched out a bit, but then, it's hard for me to be too critical about this, as watching Katya unravel the mystery years in the making is immensely entertaining, and the book's cliffhanger makes it clear that there's plenty more fiendish conflict to come.
I should also at least mention The Pyramid Waltz's magic system. I'm not normally one to gush over innovative (i.e., complicated) magic systems in Fantasy novels; for instance, I found Sanderson's oft-praised metallurgy system in Mistborn better suited to a role-playing game than a story. But I did very much enjoy Waltz's creation of a relic-based paradigm. Magic is performed using pyramids, hand-held objects created by master craftsmen known as pyradistés. I thought the subtle comparison, intentional or not, between artisan jewelers and the magicians added a lot of depth to the system, instead of making it feel tacked on.
I had a great time reading The Pyramid Waltz, and I would absolutely recommend it to any fan of Fantasy or Romance who isn't afraid of shrivelling up from cooties because our lead isn't a shaggy-haired, muscly boy destined to become a Chosen One. I, for one, think a pair of women finding love in spite of the dark events enveloping them is far more interesting.
I love Fantasy. I love Fantasy's ability to take us to another world, to explore familiar themes in an unfamiliar setting which would be too cumbersome or incredible to deal with in a realistic setting. And though you'll never get me to admit it in a court of law, I'm pretty much a hopeless romantic, and though Romance is not normally my genre, give me a good love story inside a Speculative Fiction trapping, and I'm set.
One of the big problems with Fantasy, though, is the level of bland whitewashing in the most popular series. While diversity can be found if you dig deep enough, the stories of the Jordans, the Goodkinds, the Rothfusses and what-have-you are, at their heart, stories about straight white dudes often saving the world from other straight white dudes (or even worse, villainous brown gay people).
With that in mind, Barbara Ann Wright's The Pyramid Waltz is pretty much a revelation. The two central characters, Princess Katya and Starbride, inhabit a world where same-sex love is as uncontroversial as opposite marriage, which itself is fantastic (there's a place for exploring homosexuality in an oppressive society, but sometimes it's nice to see a pair of lesbians who aren't inherently star-crossed!).
Wright's writing possesses a sharp wit, an amazing eye for detail (her fashion description is breathtaking at times) and a keen sense of the flow of battle -- and oh, for all the focus on feelings, there is plenty of battle.
If I had to make one criticism, it's that the pacing is pretty speedy near the end. The otherworldly, realm-threatening conflict that's only been hinted at in most of the book gets thrown into the open and (temporarily, I hope!) dealt with in the space of thirty pages or so. I would have liked to see stretched out a bit, but then, it's hard for me to be too critical about this, as watching Katya unravel the mystery years in the making is immensely entertaining, and the book's cliffhanger makes it clear that there's plenty more fiendish conflict to come.
I should also at least mention The Pyramid Waltz's magic system. I'm not normally one to gush over innovative (i.e., complicated) magic systems in Fantasy novels; for instance, I found Sanderson's oft-praised metallurgy system in Mistborn better suited to a role-playing game than a story. But I did very much enjoy Waltz's creation of a relic-based paradigm. Magic is performed using pyramids, hand-held objects created by master craftsmen known as pyradistés. I thought the subtle comparison, intentional or not, between artisan jewelers and the magicians added a lot of depth to the system, instead of making it feel tacked on.
I had a great time reading The Pyramid Waltz, and I would absolutely recommend it to any fan of Fantasy or Romance who isn't afraid of shrivelling up from cooties because our lead isn't a shaggy-haired, muscly boy destined to become a Chosen One. I, for one, think a pair of women finding love in spite of the dark events enveloping them is far more interesting.
October 31, 2012
2.5 stars
There aren't a lot of lesfic fantasy novels, so this is one that you might want to take a look at if you're a fan of that subgenre (which I am). I was a bit disappointed by it, but that's after reading quite a few mainstream fantasy novels.
Katya, a bored princess who spend most of her time flirting with courtiers and heading out to hunt with her friends, is actually the leader of a secret order whose goal is to protect the royal family (and by default the kingdom) and their secrets from a seemingly endless host of traitors and ruffians. Enter Starbride, a young woman from another kingdom who has been sent to court by her mother to find an influential spouse but is actually there to learn more about Farraday laws in order to help her people. They run into one another and the romance grows from there. Throw in some intrigue, lots of fights, magic in the form of pyramid bombs and a demon or two and you've got the Pyramid Waltz.
I'm not sure at how to explain it, but there was too much exposition and not enough. Wright has developed her own distinct world for this and the idea of the royal family's secret and the pyramid magic was original. I just didn't get a feel for Farraday, Allusia and the rest of the world or its specific cultures other than Farraday has really bad fashions and Allusia has a strong servant code of honour. A fair bit of information is dumped but not explained. (Just to be clear though ... I actually liked the court scenes with the machinations and I laughed over Star's descriptions of the dresses her mother sent for her to wear ... I seriously want to see her mother in the next book - up against the Queen - that would be a great scene).
There's a large cast of characters and although I rather liked some of the secondary characters, there were so many of them that mosted ended up not having a chance to be developed and fell into stereotypes and trope.
Three quarters of the way through I realized that this was going to be a series and that there was no way to wrap everything up in the pages remaining. I hate that ... if I know it is going to be a series I won't start getting all perturbed as the pages remaining start to dwindle and there's still too much going on to effectively end the novel - and I'll enjoy the ending better if I'm prepared for a freaking cliffhanger.
There aren't a lot of lesfic fantasy novels, so this is one that you might want to take a look at if you're a fan of that subgenre (which I am). I was a bit disappointed by it, but that's after reading quite a few mainstream fantasy novels.
Katya, a bored princess who spend most of her time flirting with courtiers and heading out to hunt with her friends, is actually the leader of a secret order whose goal is to protect the royal family (and by default the kingdom) and their secrets from a seemingly endless host of traitors and ruffians. Enter Starbride, a young woman from another kingdom who has been sent to court by her mother to find an influential spouse but is actually there to learn more about Farraday laws in order to help her people. They run into one another and the romance grows from there. Throw in some intrigue, lots of fights, magic in the form of pyramid bombs and a demon or two and you've got the Pyramid Waltz.
I'm not sure at how to explain it, but there was too much exposition and not enough. Wright has developed her own distinct world for this and the idea of the royal family's secret and the pyramid magic was original. I just didn't get a feel for Farraday, Allusia and the rest of the world or its specific cultures other than Farraday has really bad fashions and Allusia has a strong servant code of honour. A fair bit of information is dumped but not explained. (Just to be clear though ... I actually liked the court scenes with the machinations and I laughed over Star's descriptions of the dresses her mother sent for her to wear ... I seriously want to see her mother in the next book - up against the Queen - that would be a great scene).
There's a large cast of characters and although I rather liked some of the secondary characters, there were so many of them that mosted ended up not having a chance to be developed and fell into stereotypes and trope.
Three quarters of the way through I realized that this was going to be a series and that there was no way to wrap everything up in the pages remaining. I hate that ... if I know it is going to be a series I won't start getting all perturbed as the pages remaining start to dwindle and there's still too much going on to effectively end the novel - and I'll enjoy the ending better if I'm prepared for a freaking cliffhanger.
August 17, 2012
I hope you have some time to read, because you're not going to want to put this one down.
I can only say that this book was incredible. The characters were complex and well-written. The dialogue was fantastic and often humorous. Each character brought something new to the book and was very distinct. Not a single one felt forced or unreal to me. By the end of the book I was so caught up in their world that I found myself wish I lived in it.
It's not just the main characters, Katya and Starbride, that are well-written, though. Each secondary character became larger than life and had a huge stake in the book as well. I could easily see each one having his or her own book because I wanted to know that much more about them.
Wright creates an interesting world where magic is harnessed through pyramids, and Fiends lie sleeping just below the kingdom, controlled only by the humans in charge. In this world, love knows no bounds, be it gender or ethnicity. Starbride is from Allusia, another country, and it is visible in her looks. While some of the other courtiers scorn her, she does find some friends. And, of course, the Princess.
I loved Brother Brutal. I want to know more about his chapterhouse and how he seeks enlightenment through fighting. And Pennynail is such an intriguing character! Communicating only through gestures, he does not talk, and it seems the only person who knows his true identity is Crowe. It makes me wonder just who or what Pennynail is. I also have to admit a fondness for Lord Hugo and Countess Nadia.
If you enjoy fantasy with romantic elements, this is one book you will not want to miss out on. Finding the identity of the true enemy will leave you guessing until the last page. Wright weaves together a wonderful tale full of peril, intrigue, romance, and magic.
I can only say that this book was incredible. The characters were complex and well-written. The dialogue was fantastic and often humorous. Each character brought something new to the book and was very distinct. Not a single one felt forced or unreal to me. By the end of the book I was so caught up in their world that I found myself wish I lived in it.
It's not just the main characters, Katya and Starbride, that are well-written, though. Each secondary character became larger than life and had a huge stake in the book as well. I could easily see each one having his or her own book because I wanted to know that much more about them.
Wright creates an interesting world where magic is harnessed through pyramids, and Fiends lie sleeping just below the kingdom, controlled only by the humans in charge. In this world, love knows no bounds, be it gender or ethnicity. Starbride is from Allusia, another country, and it is visible in her looks. While some of the other courtiers scorn her, she does find some friends. And, of course, the Princess.
I loved Brother Brutal. I want to know more about his chapterhouse and how he seeks enlightenment through fighting. And Pennynail is such an intriguing character! Communicating only through gestures, he does not talk, and it seems the only person who knows his true identity is Crowe. It makes me wonder just who or what Pennynail is. I also have to admit a fondness for Lord Hugo and Countess Nadia.
If you enjoy fantasy with romantic elements, this is one book you will not want to miss out on. Finding the identity of the true enemy will leave you guessing until the last page. Wright weaves together a wonderful tale full of peril, intrigue, romance, and magic.
February 9, 2017
Stupid. So stupid. And bad. The only positive thing I have to say about this book is that by the end it was fun to hate.
It started off... okay. The writing was nothing special but it was readable. In hindsight the truly abysmal names Katyarianna and Starbride should have been a warning sign.
They fell in love so quickly. Their first date Katya is driven into her demon form because she cares about Star so much but like... how? And Star doesn't care she's just like sure demons whatever. And that's just the beginning of them moving way too quickly and Katya just telling her all the family secrets. Star is useless. She's annoying and follows Katya around getting upset that she's not more involved in the life of someone she doesn't know at all. They got engaged after like??? Two weeks?? I don't know and quite frankly I don't care.
But while the romance and writing were meh/bad it was the plot that was really really terrible.
It just... didn't make any sense. At all. They kept jumping to conclusions based on nothing. Like oh this woman from a village still isn't there 15 years later, clearly she's evil. And the plot twist. The uncle being evil? Sure. I guess. Why not? But the plot hinged on like a really obvious hole.
Brom (Katya's brother's wife) betrays the family because she doesn't want to dance the Waltz. She has to dance it so that if she has kids they have the demon aspect and carry it on. Why doesn't she want to dance the Waltz? Because she doesn't want her kids (who are already born living humans) to be demons. What????? It would have been so easy to fix but no.
And there was just no... build up or anything at all. I didn't care. By the end I didn't even want to care. It was all just so... stupid. I will not be reading on.
It started off... okay. The writing was nothing special but it was readable. In hindsight the truly abysmal names Katyarianna and Starbride should have been a warning sign.
They fell in love so quickly. Their first date Katya is driven into her demon form because she cares about Star so much but like... how? And Star doesn't care she's just like sure demons whatever. And that's just the beginning of them moving way too quickly and Katya just telling her all the family secrets. Star is useless. She's annoying and follows Katya around getting upset that she's not more involved in the life of someone she doesn't know at all. They got engaged after like??? Two weeks?? I don't know and quite frankly I don't care.
But while the romance and writing were meh/bad it was the plot that was really really terrible.
It just... didn't make any sense. At all. They kept jumping to conclusions based on nothing. Like oh this woman from a village still isn't there 15 years later, clearly she's evil. And the plot twist. The uncle being evil? Sure. I guess. Why not? But the plot hinged on like a really obvious hole.
Brom (Katya's brother's wife) betrays the family because she doesn't want to dance the Waltz. She has to dance it so that if she has kids they have the demon aspect and carry it on. Why doesn't she want to dance the Waltz? Because she doesn't want her kids (who are already born living humans) to be demons. What????? It would have been so easy to fix but no.
And there was just no... build up or anything at all. I didn't care. By the end I didn't even want to care. It was all just so... stupid. I will not be reading on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2014
Wow! I picked up this book because I ran out of Dresden Files and Kingkiller Chronicles to read and had to find something else. I was in the mood for something with a lesbian pairing after a void of female couples in my reading lately and took the top recommendation on a lesbian fantasy group. WOW! I'm going to say it again WOW!
I was expecting a sappy fantasy with half a plot... I hoped the coupling would be fun. I hoped it wouldn't be nothing but a romance novel... but I wasn't expecting much.
THIS WAS EXCELLENT! It was a REAL fantasy story! A full plot with excellent build up, a fantastic climax and amazing character development. I loved the characters for being so real, for steering clear of the stereotypes, for being INTERESTING... for making me want to know more about them. I felt this book promised me interesting details constantly and fulfilled on them with excellent timing.
I applaud Ms. Wright for her efforts. She has made a fan of me and the next book is already lined up on my Kindle to read.
For those who are saying they didn't like the ending: Just to clarify, don't steer clear because of those reviews. I think they mean to say, the ending is abrupt. If it weren't a series, I might have disliked it for that also. But I didn't dislike it for the CONTENT of the ending... just the sudden drop. If you can pick up the sequel right away, you shouldn't be disappointed!
BRAVO! Ms. Wright! BRAVO!
I was expecting a sappy fantasy with half a plot... I hoped the coupling would be fun. I hoped it wouldn't be nothing but a romance novel... but I wasn't expecting much.
THIS WAS EXCELLENT! It was a REAL fantasy story! A full plot with excellent build up, a fantastic climax and amazing character development. I loved the characters for being so real, for steering clear of the stereotypes, for being INTERESTING... for making me want to know more about them. I felt this book promised me interesting details constantly and fulfilled on them with excellent timing.
I applaud Ms. Wright for her efforts. She has made a fan of me and the next book is already lined up on my Kindle to read.
For those who are saying they didn't like the ending: Just to clarify, don't steer clear because of those reviews. I think they mean to say, the ending is abrupt. If it weren't a series, I might have disliked it for that also. But I didn't dislike it for the CONTENT of the ending... just the sudden drop. If you can pick up the sequel right away, you shouldn't be disappointed!
BRAVO! Ms. Wright! BRAVO!
February 20, 2017
4.4 stars
This was a really fun fantasy tale. Katya and Starbride are both fantastic characters and are intriguing to follow along with on this adventurous journey. The book is not bound by one genre alone as it's a mix of mystery, fantasy, romance, and fairy tale all set against the background of a royal family. Katya doesn't fit the usual princess mold since she's a warrior in secret in charge of guarding her family. Starbride is noble and wise and the two make a perfect pair. I was happy that the author made Starbride non-white with a little size on her, too (I'm always glad to see more diversity in lesfic).
The author has a perfect balance of description, setting, and action along with witty, natural dialogue. In fact, I think this book had some of the best flirting I've encountered in lesfic! There are MANY characters in this book but Wright managed to make them all bright, unique, and interesting. Overall, the book is very well written and I caught myself falling completely into the story.
The only con is that the book ends on a cliff-hanger with little resolution of the conflicts before it. Instead, it creates even more questions, suspense, and mystery before the last page. At least another three books are out already to wrap it up!
I definitely recommend reading this one.
This was a really fun fantasy tale. Katya and Starbride are both fantastic characters and are intriguing to follow along with on this adventurous journey. The book is not bound by one genre alone as it's a mix of mystery, fantasy, romance, and fairy tale all set against the background of a royal family. Katya doesn't fit the usual princess mold since she's a warrior in secret in charge of guarding her family. Starbride is noble and wise and the two make a perfect pair. I was happy that the author made Starbride non-white with a little size on her, too (I'm always glad to see more diversity in lesfic).
The author has a perfect balance of description, setting, and action along with witty, natural dialogue. In fact, I think this book had some of the best flirting I've encountered in lesfic! There are MANY characters in this book but Wright managed to make them all bright, unique, and interesting. Overall, the book is very well written and I caught myself falling completely into the story.
The only con is that the book ends on a cliff-hanger with little resolution of the conflicts before it. Instead, it creates even more questions, suspense, and mystery before the last page. At least another three books are out already to wrap it up!
I definitely recommend reading this one.
October 16, 2012
I picked up the Pyramid Waltz even though I don't usually read fantasy romance, and I finished it before the week was over! I just couldn't put it down. Wright creates a fascinating world with magic pyramids, secret identities, and brilliant fashion. Her writing guides you through the story with enough detail to be interesting and enough plot to keep you turning the page. The romance between Katya and Starbride is sweet, and I love the fact that there are two complex female main characters in this book. Sadly that is rare. The secondary characters are memorable as well and Wright does an excellent job of creating personalities through dialogue. I really hope there is a sequel because I want to spend more time in this world!
August 17, 2013
The book was good enough that I went through huge chunks of it even though I was inadvertently spoiled about the big reveal. One could probably figure it out without being spoiled, though.
I love Starbride's determination to not look like she just being opportunistic with Katya but that she's with her because she really loves her. She won't let her people become dependent on others. How they resolved the trade dispute storyline was cool and I didn't see that coming.
Brom... Just I hate Brom for her actions and her not thinking all of her choices through.
It skipped over the sensual bits; that's a bummer, but still a nice read. Loved the ending had me thinking and grinning for hours afterwards.
I love Starbride's determination to not look like she just being opportunistic with Katya but that she's with her because she really loves her. She won't let her people become dependent on others. How they resolved the trade dispute storyline was cool and I didn't see that coming.
Brom... Just I hate Brom for her actions and her not thinking all of her choices through.
It skipped over the sensual bits; that's a bummer, but still a nice read. Loved the ending had me thinking and grinning for hours afterwards.
February 28, 2019
I wasn't sure if I would like this book but I ended up enjoying it and Barbara Ann Wright left me wanting more. Luckily, the book that follows this one are already published.
At first, it was a bit difficult to keep track of all the characters but I got the the hang of it by the end.
The worldbuilding wasn't overwhelming like it could be in some books and the actions scenes were exciting. The romance between Starbride and Katya was good. I love that they are both strong and independent women in their own way.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lx
At first, it was a bit difficult to keep track of all the characters but I got the the hang of it by the end.
The worldbuilding wasn't overwhelming like it could be in some books and the actions scenes were exciting. The romance between Starbride and Katya was good. I love that they are both strong and independent women in their own way.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lx
October 10, 2021
Impressive! This was Wright's debut novel in 2012. It works fine as a standalone - there is no cliffhanger - but, although essentially all of the intrigue is wrapped up by the end, significant events have transpired that clearly prepare for a sequel. In fact, this turned out to be the first in a series of 4 books - from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 - and she wrote a "prequel", if you will, just last year, in September of 2020.
This is a creative and original fantasy with impressive world building. The kingdom had been harried by a powerful Fiend - Yanchasa - centuries ago, and was heroically saved by Vestra, the ancestor of the current ruling dynasty, the Umbriels. But at what cost? Only the royal family and its closest defenders know that - ongoing - secret.
There is a unique system of magic; pyradistés create pyramids which contain spells, essentially, which can be used in combat, for traps, for interrogation and mind control, and so on.
At heart, this is a tale of adventure and intrigue; much of the action occurs at the royal palace, with hordes of courtiers, seeking connections and influence with royals, nobility, and each other.
It is also a romance.
Katya is the crown princess, the second child of her parents, King Einrich and Queen Catirin, sister to Prince Reinholt. She's also the leader of the Order of Vestra, a secret group that protects the royal family and ferrets out traitors. Fighters, archers, rogues, a pyradisté. Well drawn and interesting secondary characters.
Starbride is a newly arrived courtier from Allusia, the most provincial of provinces, sent by her parents to make connections and overcome trade difficulties plaguing her people, ever since the province was added to the nation of Farraday. She is very much not a typical courtier; she intends to research law in the library, rather than seek out connections and lovers.
When Starbride meets an intriguing young guardswoman, having gotten lost in the huge maze-like palace on her way to the library, the two start a friendship, as she is guided to her destination, initially unaware that she'd just met Katya.
The romance was fun; there is quick attraction, but slow development. Katya has secrets - and intrigue and adventure to pursue with the Order - but Starbride is way more than a beautiful face; she is intelligent and super curious and is much more resourceful than she, as a courtier, is assumed to be.
I enjoyed this a lot. I'm glad that I discovered the series after it had all been published. I'm also glad that Goodreads tells you the order of the books; although one could derive it on Amazon by looking at the author's list of books, picking out those with similar covers, and examining publication dates; there is literally nothing on the individual book pages to hint that this is a series.
(I've emailed Bold Strokes Books and suggested that they, perhaps, add a "series" page and place each of the books into the series, so that Amazon will do all the helpful things it does for books in a series. We'll see if they choose to do that.)
Fun, interesting, creative fantasy novel. Recommended.
This is a creative and original fantasy with impressive world building. The kingdom had been harried by a powerful Fiend - Yanchasa - centuries ago, and was heroically saved by Vestra, the ancestor of the current ruling dynasty, the Umbriels. But at what cost? Only the royal family and its closest defenders know that - ongoing - secret.
There is a unique system of magic; pyradistés create pyramids which contain spells, essentially, which can be used in combat, for traps, for interrogation and mind control, and so on.
At heart, this is a tale of adventure and intrigue; much of the action occurs at the royal palace, with hordes of courtiers, seeking connections and influence with royals, nobility, and each other.
It is also a romance.
Katya is the crown princess, the second child of her parents, King Einrich and Queen Catirin, sister to Prince Reinholt. She's also the leader of the Order of Vestra, a secret group that protects the royal family and ferrets out traitors. Fighters, archers, rogues, a pyradisté. Well drawn and interesting secondary characters.
Starbride is a newly arrived courtier from Allusia, the most provincial of provinces, sent by her parents to make connections and overcome trade difficulties plaguing her people, ever since the province was added to the nation of Farraday. She is very much not a typical courtier; she intends to research law in the library, rather than seek out connections and lovers.
When Starbride meets an intriguing young guardswoman, having gotten lost in the huge maze-like palace on her way to the library, the two start a friendship, as she is guided to her destination, initially unaware that she'd just met Katya.
The romance was fun; there is quick attraction, but slow development. Katya has secrets - and intrigue and adventure to pursue with the Order - but Starbride is way more than a beautiful face; she is intelligent and super curious and is much more resourceful than she, as a courtier, is assumed to be.
I enjoyed this a lot. I'm glad that I discovered the series after it had all been published. I'm also glad that Goodreads tells you the order of the books; although one could derive it on Amazon by looking at the author's list of books, picking out those with similar covers, and examining publication dates; there is literally nothing on the individual book pages to hint that this is a series.
(I've emailed Bold Strokes Books and suggested that they, perhaps, add a "series" page and place each of the books into the series, so that Amazon will do all the helpful things it does for books in a series. We'll see if they choose to do that.)
Fun, interesting, creative fantasy novel. Recommended.
November 5, 2020
Admittedly I went into this book with a lot of prejudice based on the cover alone. I wanted to try out a book by Wright and this was the first available at my local library. I can't figure out what the publisher was thinking by giving the book such an off-putting cover, but inside is a wonderful story filled with action, intrigue, sweet romance, and great chemistry.
I don't like my fantasy too slow or too complicated. Readers were introduced to information as it became necessary to help manage all of the information that comes with a unique fantasy world. It felt like the information was unfolding naturally. The author also did a great job of forwarding the romance during parts where the story was less exciting to keep the reader engaged.
This was a great intro book to the author, I can't wait to start the others and delve into some of Wright's other works. The cover is a terrible indication of what resides in the book.
I don't like my fantasy too slow or too complicated. Readers were introduced to information as it became necessary to help manage all of the information that comes with a unique fantasy world. It felt like the information was unfolding naturally. The author also did a great job of forwarding the romance during parts where the story was less exciting to keep the reader engaged.
This was a great intro book to the author, I can't wait to start the others and delve into some of Wright's other works. The cover is a terrible indication of what resides in the book.
June 29, 2013
The main problem of this book was that (especially in the first half) it didn't really feel like a fantasy romance but more like it was jumping between being a (really good) fantasy-novel and being a (unfortunately only mediocre) romance. For some time Katya was off hunting traitors and saving the kingdom and then we suddenly got a chapter where the oldest and most annoying romance-tropes got dug out again and we got all the misunderstandings, slamming doors and making up again almost immediately afterwards one usually only expects in soap-operas (while you just wanted to scream 'shouldn't you worry about that assassin who almost managed to kill the king?').
That was really a pity because the fantasy-part was really great and actually surprised me more than once by subverting tropes or simply introducing something completely unexpected (I fear I have to stay so vague because I don't want to spoil anything).
Fortunately in the second half it worked a lot better (once Starbride's role became more active and she and Katya were saving the kingdom together) and the romance in general became less clichéd and just really sweet instead.
While I applaud the book for not falling in the same trap as so many fantasy-novels and doing massive infodumps it almost goes to much in the other direction. There were actually things I wanted to have a bit more background on (for example I am not quite sure if Allusia and Farraday are two different countries, if Allusia is a province or something similar).
Something I found really great about the book was how sex was treated: it's a fun thing to do, lot's of people have it and while you don't tell everybody in great detail about it it's nothing to be ashamed of and wanting it is not a bad thing. While there is an unlikeable character who rather relentlessly pursues Katya, she is not portrayed in a negative light because she dares to do that but because she doesn't take Katya's hints that she's not interested. Another side-character who rather shamelessly flirts with somebody else is not judged for doing so and becomes in fact quite a good friend of Starbride.
And even though we do again have an experienced character (Katya) and a virgin (Starbride) it doesn't make a big deal out of it. That's just how it is. Besides, not having had sex does not equal blushing everytime sex comes up. In fact there is a hilarious conversation between Starbride and her servant after the two tried to cheer Katya's cousin up who is having some troubles and feeling down. After she leaves we get this gem:
The humour was another great thing about the story. More than once I found myself grinning or giggling because the characters rarely loose their sense of humour (and show that). In fact the funny bits were probably what “saved” the book from three to four stars as, additionally to the issues I already mentioned I was also slightly disappointed by the ending because it felt like the author decided shortly before the end to make this the start of a series and therefore needed some open ends.
That was really a pity because the fantasy-part was really great and actually surprised me more than once by subverting tropes or simply introducing something completely unexpected (I fear I have to stay so vague because I don't want to spoil anything).
Fortunately in the second half it worked a lot better (once Starbride's role became more active and she and Katya were saving the kingdom together) and the romance in general became less clichéd and just really sweet instead.
While I applaud the book for not falling in the same trap as so many fantasy-novels and doing massive infodumps it almost goes to much in the other direction. There were actually things I wanted to have a bit more background on (for example I am not quite sure if Allusia and Farraday are two different countries, if Allusia is a province or something similar).
Something I found really great about the book was how sex was treated: it's a fun thing to do, lot's of people have it and while you don't tell everybody in great detail about it it's nothing to be ashamed of and wanting it is not a bad thing. While there is an unlikeable character who rather relentlessly pursues Katya, she is not portrayed in a negative light because she dares to do that but because she doesn't take Katya's hints that she's not interested. Another side-character who rather shamelessly flirts with somebody else is not judged for doing so and becomes in fact quite a good friend of Starbride.
And even though we do again have an experienced character (Katya) and a virgin (Starbride) it doesn't make a big deal out of it. That's just how it is. Besides, not having had sex does not equal blushing everytime sex comes up. In fact there is a hilarious conversation between Starbride and her servant after the two tried to cheer Katya's cousin up who is having some troubles and feeling down. After she leaves we get this gem:
“The princess will be happy you could turn her [cousin's] mind to other things,” Dawnmother said.
“Not if she repeats the tale of the farmer’s son and the midwife.”
“It’s only a saucy story.”
The humour was another great thing about the story. More than once I found myself grinning or giggling because the characters rarely loose their sense of humour (and show that). In fact the funny bits were probably what “saved” the book from three to four stars as, additionally to the issues I already mentioned I was also slightly disappointed by the ending because it felt like the author decided shortly before the end to make this the start of a series and therefore needed some open ends.
September 30, 2015
Katya es la princesa de Farraday, quien para todos es una joven aventurera, atrevida y con un gran sentido del humor que disfruta de las fiestas, la caza y la conquista de mujeres, pero lo que nadie sabe es que Katya es además la líder de la Orden de Vestra, un pequeño grupo secreto encargado de proteger la corona de aquellos que la amenazan.
Starbride, por otra parte, es la nueva cortesana, enviada por sus padres para conseguir una pareja influyente, pero cuyo único deseo es utilizar la gran biblioteca del castillo para aprender las leyes necesarias para proteger a su pueblo de las injusticias. Poco después de su llegada conoce a la princesa, y entre malentendidos y chistes se vuelven cada vez más cercanas, envolviéndose en los secretos y peligros que rodean a la familia real.
Bien, es un libro bastante entretenido, con personajes carismáticos y una trama decente desarrollada en un mundo interesante lleno de acción, suspenso y magia. Algunos diálogos me parecieron un poco cursi y los nombres de los Allusians, sociedad a la que pertenece Starbride, al principio me parecieron un poco tontos (Dawnmother, Horsestrong...) y es que el nombre de la propia Starbride recuerda al de una aeronave (!), pero ya después me acostumbré, y más adelante se explica que en la cultura Allusian (¿Alusiana?), se usan dos palabras para formar los nombres de los recién nacidos, la primera vendría siendo el nombre "íntimo" por el que las personas cercanas le pueden llamar (Star) y el segundo, el deseo de los padres para ese hijo (Bride), ¡así que esos nombres tan extraños tienen su significado! Bueno, en fin... No está nada mal para pasar el rato y deja con ganas de leer el siguiente de la saga. :)
Citas:
"A hand that claims to be extended in friendship and yet grabs for everything it can reach is not a friendly hand."
"Katya smiled, and she tried to mean it, tried to lose herself in love, but she kept searching for something inside herself, something she'd never been without, something she'd never find again."
Starbride, por otra parte, es la nueva cortesana, enviada por sus padres para conseguir una pareja influyente, pero cuyo único deseo es utilizar la gran biblioteca del castillo para aprender las leyes necesarias para proteger a su pueblo de las injusticias. Poco después de su llegada conoce a la princesa, y entre malentendidos y chistes se vuelven cada vez más cercanas, envolviéndose en los secretos y peligros que rodean a la familia real.
Bien, es un libro bastante entretenido, con personajes carismáticos y una trama decente desarrollada en un mundo interesante lleno de acción, suspenso y magia. Algunos diálogos me parecieron un poco cursi y los nombres de los Allusians, sociedad a la que pertenece Starbride, al principio me parecieron un poco tontos (Dawnmother, Horsestrong...) y es que el nombre de la propia Starbride recuerda al de una aeronave (!), pero ya después me acostumbré, y más adelante se explica que en la cultura Allusian (¿Alusiana?), se usan dos palabras para formar los nombres de los recién nacidos, la primera vendría siendo el nombre "íntimo" por el que las personas cercanas le pueden llamar (Star) y el segundo, el deseo de los padres para ese hijo (Bride), ¡así que esos nombres tan extraños tienen su significado! Bueno, en fin... No está nada mal para pasar el rato y deja con ganas de leer el siguiente de la saga. :)
Citas:
"A hand that claims to be extended in friendship and yet grabs for everything it can reach is not a friendly hand."
"Katya smiled, and she tried to mean it, tried to lose herself in love, but she kept searching for something inside herself, something she'd never been without, something she'd never find again."
February 14, 2013
As a 1st book from this author The Pyramid Waltz is a pretty damn good start, but if you are really fond of hot sex scenes I tell you now to stay the hell away from that title
Yeah this is the kind of book when every time that the protagonist start to became physically affective the scene fade.
I am perfectly Ok with this kind of approach, also because sometimes I am annoyed by the tooooo many sexual scenes that slow down to much the pace of an action sequence (and I admit that sometimes i am so annoyed by them that i skip some of the sexual activity scenes during my 1st read because I prefer to know WHAT COME NEXT )
Ok make sure to advise you about that I can tell you that the book is really good. The time of the story is for me a mix between the French monarchy during the kingdom of Luigi XIV (with the same sort of palace opulence and wealthy), and the knightly presence of a princess that is the head of a secret order that live to protect the king, his family and offspring (like I don't know King Arthur and his knights).
I have liked that the two protagonist have 1 chapter for each one, so you can follow the two of them and it seems to read 2 books in 1.
The paranormal aspect is well developed in this kind of setting and don't appeared strange or to fictional.
The story is well written and his pace is well balanced between the action scenes, the romances ones and that that was necessary to developed the plot.
It's a steady book, that can be read in one day because it's mixed really well and keep the reader attention well. And I for sure want to read what come next, so it let you also a real desire to read some more about Katya and Starbride (BTW I love all the name issue LOL it's simply brilliant for me!!!!), the palace bitching, and the secret order adventures.
Yeah this is the kind of book when every time that the protagonist start to became physically affective the scene fade.
I am perfectly Ok with this kind of approach, also because sometimes I am annoyed by the tooooo many sexual scenes that slow down to much the pace of an action sequence (and I admit that sometimes i am so annoyed by them that i skip some of the sexual activity scenes during my 1st read because I prefer to know WHAT COME NEXT )
Ok make sure to advise you about that I can tell you that the book is really good. The time of the story is for me a mix between the French monarchy during the kingdom of Luigi XIV (with the same sort of palace opulence and wealthy), and the knightly presence of a princess that is the head of a secret order that live to protect the king, his family and offspring (like I don't know King Arthur and his knights).
I have liked that the two protagonist have 1 chapter for each one, so you can follow the two of them and it seems to read 2 books in 1.
The paranormal aspect is well developed in this kind of setting and don't appeared strange or to fictional.
The story is well written and his pace is well balanced between the action scenes, the romances ones and that that was necessary to developed the plot.
It's a steady book, that can be read in one day because it's mixed really well and keep the reader attention well. And I for sure want to read what come next, so it let you also a real desire to read some more about Katya and Starbride (BTW I love all the name issue LOL it's simply brilliant for me!!!!), the palace bitching, and the secret order adventures.
May 8, 2021
I read the first book in this series a few months ago. I don't remember how this got recommended to me. I admit to judging it based on the cover art and having low expectations, which the book itself exceeded. Interesting world building. The "romance" aspect is a bit lackluster - the characters have chemistry but there's not much build-up to them getting together. However, I think that's offset nicely by the fact that there's A LOT going on in the world, with the kingdom(s) at war, etc. which gives the book a lot more going for it than just a romance. It's also nice that while, there's some minor flirtations with other characters, it's not necessarily one of those series where, after the main characters get together, we focus on pairing off everyone else because now they are boring. So that's cool. Overall I liked it enough to buy the 2nd and 3rd books in the series and I've read both of those already as well! I think there's a 4th and I'll definitely read it to find out what happens to the kingdom!
**I *might* own a copy of this book? Or at least, I did? But in 2018 for my (former) partner's birthday I cleared out a lot of books and our closet because she hates reading and leaves shit everywhere but claims to want to be "minimalist" and I was trying to be nice. FUCK THAT AND FUCK HER I think I accidentally donated this book, which was pretty great, to Goodwill. (But secretly I hope I find it in a box or in storage when I move.)
---
I DO own a copy of this book, and I just re-read it in 2021. It's better than I remembered actually. The world-building is ambitious; I'm interested in the whole Allusian culture but especially their names, and their Horsestrong sayings.
**I *might* own a copy of this book? Or at least, I did? But in 2018 for my (former) partner's birthday I cleared out a lot of books and our closet because she hates reading and leaves shit everywhere but claims to want to be "minimalist" and I was trying to be nice. FUCK THAT AND FUCK HER I think I accidentally donated this book, which was pretty great, to Goodwill. (But secretly I hope I find it in a box or in storage when I move.)
---
I DO own a copy of this book, and I just re-read it in 2021. It's better than I remembered actually. The world-building is ambitious; I'm interested in the whole Allusian culture but especially their names, and their Horsestrong sayings.
September 18, 2012
Being a reader of fantasy and a lesbian its great to have a fantasy book to read every now and then with a lesbain love story or even a female main character is a nice change from lots of the usual fantasy.
I enjoyed what I read about the magic system and what action there was but obviously being part romance it was kind of light and fluffy as well.
As a fantasy reader I often enjoy very indepth plots and mysteries and moments where you go "holly s*t didn't see that coming" for me there wasn't enough of that big plot wow factor. but in saying that I did truely enjoy having just a light read of the fantasy genre and I enjoyed reading both characters stories. I felt the characterisation was reasonably good. I was very pleased when I wanted to keep reading after the first chapter as I find myself very wary every time I pick up a leasbian book as some just aren't for me.
I look forward to more books from this author. I hope to read more lesbian fantasy as good as this one.
I enjoyed what I read about the magic system and what action there was but obviously being part romance it was kind of light and fluffy as well.
As a fantasy reader I often enjoy very indepth plots and mysteries and moments where you go "holly s*t didn't see that coming" for me there wasn't enough of that big plot wow factor. but in saying that I did truely enjoy having just a light read of the fantasy genre and I enjoyed reading both characters stories. I felt the characterisation was reasonably good. I was very pleased when I wanted to keep reading after the first chapter as I find myself very wary every time I pick up a leasbian book as some just aren't for me.
I look forward to more books from this author. I hope to read more lesbian fantasy as good as this one.
August 3, 2013
This was an amazing book. I'm a really big reader into the Lesbian Fantasy and it's very hard for me to find something that really catches my eye and keeps me in. I've only just recently started reading again and I'm not a fast reader at all and I like to take my time. This book was different, I honestly could not put it down and I cringed at the fact I was getting close to the end. The book started off pretty good. It was hard for me to understand a few things at first since there were no real explanations until further into the book so any future readers don't be turned away. Everything is worth the wait. Just recently found out there was second book to this series and can't wait to get it. Then just today I found out that the 3rd books is going to be published early next year and the author is working on the 4th book now. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of Katya and Star.
December 30, 2013
his book in my eyes is a 5 all the way around. It does deserve the rainbow awards it won. Right from the beginning this book is a catcher. The details of things are so good that it made me feel like I was actually living in that day and age. I am a sucker for fantasy books but this one has to be a favorite. The writing is all around solid. It kept my attention from start to finish. I have to give it to Barbara, I love that it's set in the mid-evil days so to feel almost (that is how it felt to me) but then you have an "out" princess that no one questions. Right from the beginning of the book there is no question of her sexuality. I like that we didn't have to guess all the way through out the book on what was going to happen. I also love the twist and turns, the emotional feelings that suck you in and the shocking "oh noes that are displayed through the book.
December 2, 2012
The Pyramid Waltz is a book I would recommend for anyone with an interest in throne intrigue, romance and enjoys well written fight scenes. I give it 5 stars though there is one moment - not going to spoil it - where Starbride kind of pissed me off a little bit. But as you can tell, I got over it :-)
Katya and Starbride are a couple to truly enjoy. Their courtship was tastefully handled and on a few occasions, I just wanted to shake them both together. But the pacing was perfect. Pitch perfect actually. Well played, Barbara.
I have to admit. My favorite person was Pennynail. You have to read to know why. Just love him. Nuff said.
Katya and Starbride are a couple to truly enjoy. Their courtship was tastefully handled and on a few occasions, I just wanted to shake them both together. But the pacing was perfect. Pitch perfect actually. Well played, Barbara.
I have to admit. My favorite person was Pennynail. You have to read to know why. Just love him. Nuff said.
March 25, 2013
this books starts off totally amazing. it's definitely something you don't see very often, a world where women dating women is 100% normal. It's amazing how the main character is a little slutty and loves the ladies and her mom and dad are like "good job dear!"
the fantasy part is also decent, it's no kingkiller but it does the trick. the sexual tension is great, but then everything kinda slows down about halfway through and then the ending feels like it's in the middle of a chapter.
I'm glad this book exists though and i wish there were a thousand more like it. there world needs more lesbian fantasy fiction.
the fantasy part is also decent, it's no kingkiller but it does the trick. the sexual tension is great, but then everything kinda slows down about halfway through and then the ending feels like it's in the middle of a chapter.
I'm glad this book exists though and i wish there were a thousand more like it. there world needs more lesbian fantasy fiction.
January 22, 2015
Princess Katya pretends to be a rogue and seducer, but secretly she protects the crown prince (her brother) and their secret: keeping the great Fiend subdued century after century, the royal family takes some of his evil magic into themselves. Courtier Starbride is just trying to help her marginalized people, but when she becomes Katya's lover, she becomes the target of those who are trying to release the royal family's evil magic and send them on a murderous rampage.
This is one of the best fantasies I read this year. Wright builds breathing, organic characters you can't help but fall in love with and strings you along with daring plots on every page.
This is one of the best fantasies I read this year. Wright builds breathing, organic characters you can't help but fall in love with and strings you along with daring plots on every page.
March 10, 2013
Okay, this book was really good and interesting. The characters were, not only interesting, but funny too. Although, all of them felt strong, in the sense that they don't seem to fear much and face challenges. This story had a good amount of action scenes, but not as much romance as I would have expected. The main thing in this story is mystery, since it feels like a detective story in a fantasy world. There sure is suspense in the story, and I have fun reading it. Overall, it was a good story and I can't wait to read the sequel.
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