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The Islands Quartet #1
Chasing Sorcery
The unofficial truce between the Islands and their would-be conquerors, the DeÁine, has been broken. For the Islanders the scale of the threat only emerges as they struggle with enemies closer to home. Yet time is running short if the Islanders are to prevent the DeÁine’s plans from becoming reality. Only together will they be in with a fighting chance of winning and keeping their freedom.
The DeÁine are on the move, and that means trouble for the five Islands! For thirty years an unofficial and tense truce has existed between the Islanders and their would-be conquerors, the DeÁine, but that’s changed.
In easternmost Rheged, Ruari MacBeth thinks all he has to worry about is the bad news he’s bringing back home from abroad – he couldn’t be more wrong. Before he knows it he finds himself a hunted man, his world in turmoil and his friends in danger.
On the southern Island of Prydein what should have been a simple diplomatic visit for young Queen Alaiz, swiftly turns into a nightmare as she and her companion are kidnapped. Who betrayed them and why?
On northern Celidon, former Knight Maelbrigt finds himself battling with bands of killers he thought he’d never need to face again, as he desperately tries to save the life of Taise, the woman he loves.
For Cwen and her new friend, Swein, in Brychan the bigger danger seems to come from the mad and dangerous King Edward for whom murder is a sport and power a drug. Yet they are only ordinary folk – do the Knights know something different?
For all of them, rumours abound and the DeÁine are never far from any of their minds. Are the DeÁine war-mages already in the Islands? Time is running short if the Islanders are to prevent the DeÁine’s plans from becoming reality. Only together will they be in with a fighting chance of winning and keeping their freedom.
The DeÁine are on the move, and that means trouble for the five Islands! For thirty years an unofficial and tense truce has existed between the Islanders and their would-be conquerors, the DeÁine, but that’s changed.
In easternmost Rheged, Ruari MacBeth thinks all he has to worry about is the bad news he’s bringing back home from abroad – he couldn’t be more wrong. Before he knows it he finds himself a hunted man, his world in turmoil and his friends in danger.
On the southern Island of Prydein what should have been a simple diplomatic visit for young Queen Alaiz, swiftly turns into a nightmare as she and her companion are kidnapped. Who betrayed them and why?
On northern Celidon, former Knight Maelbrigt finds himself battling with bands of killers he thought he’d never need to face again, as he desperately tries to save the life of Taise, the woman he loves.
For Cwen and her new friend, Swein, in Brychan the bigger danger seems to come from the mad and dangerous King Edward for whom murder is a sport and power a drug. Yet they are only ordinary folk – do the Knights know something different?
For all of them, rumours abound and the DeÁine are never far from any of their minds. Are the DeÁine war-mages already in the Islands? Time is running short if the Islanders are to prevent the DeÁine’s plans from becoming reality. Only together will they be in with a fighting chance of winning and keeping their freedom.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
63 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 14, 2014
If you even slightly consider yourself a fan of fantasy - or if you just enjoyed 'Game of Thrones' - you'll LOVE this.
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
June 14, 2014
If you even slightly consider yourself a fan of fantasy - or if you just enjoyed 'Game of Thrones' - you'll LOVE this.
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
June 14, 2014
If you even slightly consider yourself a fan of fantasy - or if you just enjoyed 'Game of Thrones' - you'll LOVE this.
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
Just when I'd got thoroughly fed up with writers telling the same old 'boy comes of age and saves the world' type stuff, or writing stories over endless numbers of books that never seem to end, finding 'Chasing Sorcery' was a welcome breath of fresh air!
It's got a dynamic, fresh approach to the epic fantasy genre with a varied and interesting ensemble cast of central characters - of all ages. LJ Hutton has effectively combined the best features of other fantasy writers such as; the political intrigue of GRR Martin; the creation of a world with its own history, language and philosophy of Tolkien's Middle Earth; the immediacy of pace and action of Brent Weeks; and the warmth, humour and depth of characters of Robin Hobb and Terry Goodkind.
It's so refreshing to meet unique characters, who you can really give a damn about, and who don't always know what to do next. There's some seriously tasty muscle (Maelbright - yum), strong female leads (go Matti), as well as a nice balance of reluctant or naive heros and heroines (I can't wait to see how Ivain turns out!). The baddies are seriously creepy - I defy anyone to drive in fog calmly after reading about the Farlaith, and it's great that as a reader we get to find out the Abend's plans too - plus the moment with Tancostyl and the goat is very funny! I found it unusual to have openly gay characters within a fantasy novel, but it's very much a case of some characters being gay, rather than a book about gay characters. Even the secondary characters are well drawn, but they don't become so numerous as to become impossible to keep track of - something that other writers fail to appreciate!
The action is exciting, and there are a range of unusual situations that the characters find themselves in, and 'set piece' moments that are certainly made the most of. I really liked the riddle and mystery aspects included within the ancient manuscripts. I found the world of the six Islands complex without being overwhelming, and the balance and jumps between the different story threads compelling. I'm so glad to see that it's already set as a quartet, the plot has moved forward to an appropriate place for this structure - I can't wait to start Book 2!
It's what good fantasy is all about - excellent characters, a realistic world and brisk action, with a generous and original dose of magic thrown in.
A brilliant new series!
September 6, 2015
Several interesting stories which don't come together until about half-way through the book. I sometimes had problems remembering who characters were because they wouldn't be seen for lengthy sections, but I was always interested in what was going on with the characters on center stage at the time.
There are some strong women, although the focus is on Knights fighting against a historic enemy.
I started noticing typos and grammar problems in the final third of the book, but not enough to throw me out of the story for long.
There are some strong women, although the focus is on Knights fighting against a historic enemy.
I started noticing typos and grammar problems in the final third of the book, but not enough to throw me out of the story for long.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews