Zypheria's Call

Tanyth Fairport #2

by Nathan Lowell

Sometimes the longest journeys are within.

Tanyth must make her way across the ocean to continue her voyage to find the hermit of Lammas Wood. Storms and ice block her path, but her most serious enemy may be people she has never met.

As her power grows, she must come to grips with the changes within her even as she must answer the Zypheria's Call.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Ebooks, Audiobook, Magic, Cozy, Science Fiction

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2012

About the author

Nathan Lowell has been a writer for more than forty years, and first entered the literary world by podcasting his novels. His sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from his long time fascination with space opera and his own experiences shipboard in the United States Coast Guard. Unlike most works which focus on a larger-than-life hero (prophesized savior, charismatic captain, or exiled prince), Nathan centers on the people behind the scenes--ordinary men and women trying to make a living in the depths of space. In his novels, there are no bug-eyed monsters, or galactic space battles, instead he paints a richly vivid and realistic world where the "hero" uses hard work and his own innate talents to improve his station and the lives of those of his community.

Dr. Nathan Lowell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology with specializations in Distance Education and Instructional Design. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. He grew up on the south coast of Maine and is strongly rooted in the maritime heritage of the sea-farer. He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, seeing duty aboard a cutter on hurricane patrol in the North Atlantic and at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. He currently lives in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.

Awards & Recognition
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share
2008 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Double Share
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for South Coast
2009 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Captain's Share
2009 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Double Share
4 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rated by Votes (2. Double Share, 3. Quarter Share, 5. Full Share, 8. Half Share) -- as of Jan 4, 2009
6 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rating (1. Ravenwood, 2. Quarter Share, 3. Double share, 4. Captain's Share, 5. Full Share, 7. South Coast) -- as of Jan 4, 2009

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Lowell writes. He takes the mundane and day to day, and makes you feel like you are enjoying the journey. While normally I'm not a fan of foreshadowing, in this series it happens in a way that the main character knows is foreshadowing, just not how to interpret it. So, at times I get a little impatient, but she manages to get things done anyway. This book had a bit less action and suspense than the previous one, as Tanith gets ready to go north to find her last teacher. There are some adventures along the road, and on-board the ship that she journeys on. However, I very much liked the crew of the Zypheria's Call and could feel the smallness of the world in which they lived and worked while at sea.

It seemed to me that there is a role yet for the friend who accompanies her, and who might have found the future sought at the start of this book's journey. Also, I find myself hoping that Tanith goes back to Ravenswood and Frank. This was a very adult story with people finding friendship and love along a journey that must be taken. Yet, when the journey is complete, I'm hoping that Tanith can return to the community who accepted her in Ravenswood. Along the way I'm interested in seeing how she learns to control her powers, as she finally is starting to admit they exist.

[Fayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cared enough about Mother Fairport to read this second book in the series, but it wasn't in the same league as book 1. The dialogue fell completely out of character and slipped into the semi-sarcastic playful style that is obviously Mr Lowell's comfort zone. In parts the dialogue could have been cut and pasted from his Solar Clippers series, and like that series, all (or most) of the insights and observations on humanity were restricted to book 1, this sequel was just a plot follow through. Unfortunately the depth of Mother Fairport has been lost, and she has become a cardboard cutout of herself, as if a list of her main characteristics and "grabs" was made and a story written based on those. The rich beauty of full character that we saw in book 1 was completely missing.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Tanyth Fairport series, a charming fantasy about a middle aged herb woman who is traveling the world in search of additional knowledge about her craft and who seems to be developing strange abilities as she enters menopause.

This second installment is not quite as exciting as the first one was -- the dangers, though real, are a little less urgent. But that's okay, I don't want every book to have the same plot.

Characters are good. I know it's sexist of me to be surprised at how well a male writer can portray a middle aged female (a notoriously ignored group), but it's one of the things I appreciate so much about Lowell.

This is not "heroic" fantasy, but that's one of the things I love about it. These are real people dealing with everyday, mostly ordinary challenges. I think of it as gentle fantasy.

[Alice Sabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love visiting with Tanyth. Nathan Lowell is my latest favorite author. This book is about a small group of people and how they get on with their lives. There's a hint of magic and lots of homespun wisdom. A touch of danger livens things up, but not enough to disturb. It is a lovely meander if you are looking for a warm, quiet book.

[Icepick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the reason Lowell's books are so compelling is that there is a simple sincerity to the narrative. In the contract between author and reader, he knows how to gain your trust and keep it. Like a hot cup of tea against a cold, wet, New Englad day, he doesn't promise he'll make everything all right. He just warms you and helps you keep moving forward. Which is fulfilling in its own way.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the author predictable in this middle book of the series. He makes excellent use of dialog to bring the reader into a sense of kinship with the characters. I'll save any more of a review for the third and final book of this tale. I am almost finished with that.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great book my only complaint is that it ended. I wanted more. Nathan Lowell has done it again a fabulous story that is about the Characters and an Average world where the magic does not need to be spectacular to carry a well written story. I love the way Nathan can find the real drama of everyday life , be it here on a earth like world or out in the Deep dark on a Solar Clipper. He writes where we all live and hits a cord in your soul that every life is an adventure no matter what you do.



Hoping the next Installment comes soon This and the Other series. So far Mr Lowell has done no wrong I have loved everything he has produced.

[Robert Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read !

Anyone who loves mother earth and feels the power she wields will love these 3 books. Reading them for the second and probably not last time.
Any of Mr Lowell’s books are always high on my suggested reading list.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storm and the lantern made it enjoyable to me!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good!

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Lowell has a talent for writing what I think of as adult books that are like Heinlein juveniles. There are people with quests or problems but details of the tasks at hand often get as much attention as the plot. Coffee making, ship sailing, trading between cultures, and many other details of life and business can become absorbing in their own right.

And, for me, it completely works. It doesn't seem like it should, but it really works.

This is the second book about Tanyth Fairport, who should be more interesting since, as she often mutters to herself, she's an "old woman." However, she often acts just like a teenager in YA books with a singular lack of self knowledge and a tendency to eschew the idea that she may have a special talent (which seems to be very obvious to everyone around her). That aside, I enjoy the world of these books, the places Tanyth's journeys take her, and the overall plotline.

My problems with Tanyth aren't enough to keep me from enjoying the series, obviously.

[Nathan Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Nathan Lowell's understated, low key writing style. The amount of story he packs into a wry smile or hidden blush covers entire chapters in the book of life. I didn't care for the persistent and constant and prevalent overuse of the terms "old man" and "old woman". Those were a bit off-putting in their never-ending use, but overall the story is engaging, and character development is first rate. Elements of CS Lewis's Dawn Treader as well. I kinda got the hots for Rebecca :-)

[S.H. Jucha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Tanyth, who has found a home, if a temporary one, that gives her respite from her time on the road. What continues as a powerful sub-text is Tanyth's discovery of her connection to healing powers that she continues to deny, but that the villagers see and develop a powerful respect for her capabilities. The story is a focus of the character development of Tanyth.

[Keith Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to Ravenwood. The story was moving, interesting, and unexpected. I look forward to the next installment, even as I'm sad it'll be a ways down the road.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book having read the first in this series and enjoyed it. The pace is extremely slow and although the characters are likeable there wasn't one I really felt drawn to.

[Carlissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite fantasy series and definitely worth re-reading multiple times!

[Tina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tanyth And All Her Many Wanderings And Adventures!!

Book 2 picks up seamlessly where book 1 leaves off.
Tanyth is off and moving forward in her journey, just as it was made clear at the end of book 1.
I took great delight and entertainment in the travel with Frank by horse and wagon, in order to get Tanyth, and her young sidekick Rebecca, who is possibly looking to becomes Tanyth’s next self-appointed apprentice, to her next destination on her adventures. Plenty to captivate and indulge your curiosity, and imagination, along the way.

I was rather disappointed at times that the book would so completely be about her time spent on the ship, even though the title is in reference to the name of the ship she’s on.
You can only spark someone’s fascination, and hold their interests for so long, especially when we’re talking 343 pages when writing about a ship, exception granted for those few rare instances there was actually something invigorating and titillating occurring.

I realized this came from my own enthusiasm to see where she was headed on the upcoming subsequent phases of her lifelong quest.
I even thought about taking a star away from the rating, but realized there wasn’t really a valid element in doing so, and ended up leaving it alone.

Just like any decent series, this one could use a good scrub on over-used terms, words, sayings, as well as grammatical errors and misusuage of certain words. Definitely not enough annoyance from any of that, not causing a strong inclination to dock the rating either.

I was considerably eager to begin the final trek in meeting Mother Gertie Pinecrest, last of the keepers of the old knowledge., the last who knows about the powers that exist out there and how to use them, or as others refer to her, the crazy hermit up in the woods, in a very secluded place and, truly find what Tanyth Fairport thinks it is she’s been waiting/anticipating/??! all this time, now spanning over 21 years, and many miles crossed, many lessons learned, amongst hardships, and good times.

Definitely a series worth reading.

[Judith A · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable story

This is the 2nd book in Tanyth Fairport’s story. I must admit that I put off reading it for awhile. I found the first book, Ravenwood, to be a disappointment. It seemed to me that it had no real direction it was heading. It just meandered around the mundane happenings of a little village, with some problems thrown in for good measure. This book, on the other hand, was a joy to read.

In this 2nd book, we follow Tanyth and Rebecca from Ravenwood to Kleesport to North Haven. Life and conversations are so well written, I felt like I was really hearing and seeing everything Tanyth saw. Yes, a lot was mundane life, just like in the first book, but it was so well written!

To me, this book was so much better than the first. Yes, Tanyth still had visions, or dreams. She was no longer inside the mind of a raven. Instead, she was transported to a rat. But, she wasn’t constantly floating into the rat’s mind. Unlike the first book, where I felt like Tanyth did nothing but sleep, in this story, she ventured around and we got to see how strong and influential she could be. Her powers obviously continued to grow.

I was surprised there were not problems for the 2 women aboard the Zypheria’s Call because of the fact they were women, especially considering the problems Tanyth had in Kleesport. I kept thinking it might be a stretch for them not to have problems. However, the book still worked. There were enough problems without the interplay I’d expected between the male and female characters to keep the story interesting. And, unlike the first book, this one had a definite end goal. There was also a nice sprinkling of humor in this book that seemed to be lacking in the first book.

If you’re like me and you found the first book kind of plodded along, I’d recommend you remember that Nathan Lowell has done some fine writing. Dive into this book. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanyth Makes Biscuits and Miracles

The middle book of a trilogy has built-in difficulties. The first book introduces a cast of fresh characters and explains the nuances of the setting and plot. The third book brings suspense and a crashing grand finale.

What's a poor second novel to do?

Lowell solved some of that dilemma by leaving nearly all the characters and setting of the first book behind and starting over. Clever.

Tanyth Fairport grows over the course of the second offering. She explores her powers a bit. The new characters were a smaller group, but very congenial. I even liked the rat.

This series is centered on characters with bursts of plot action here and there. I can see that readers who like a fast pace focused on mayhem may view the books as an homage to oatmeal (much is consumed by Tanyth), but those of us who prefer getting to know and travel with the interesting characters will find joy here. Tanyth learns to walk aboard a sailing ship without falling, spends time with lively, humorous Cook, and shares the rhythm and usually gentle rocking of shipboard life. Then she resolves a life-threatening matter or two in startling ways.

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first, partly because the setting and cast were so confining. Still, the writing is exceptional and I had 4-4.5 stars worth of enjoyment.

[Clay Kallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title makes it clear -- this is Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, except for the fact that the hero is older woman who has been on the road for 20 years, seeking wisdom.

In this second book of the series, Tanyth Fairport answers the call and continues her journey to the cold north of an unnamed, pre-industrial planet as she seeks a mysterious female wise woman. In the first book, she stopped at a growing new city but in this one, she travels to a big port and then goes by sea for the last leg.

Nathan Lowell's books are usually focused on common people, and though Fairport is revealed to have some kind of mystic power, she balks at accepting that fact. Instead, she's down-to-earth and practical, linked to a man of her age (mid-50s) that she leaves behind. "Zypheria's Call," like most of Lowell's books, features lots of hard-working people who generally do the right thing and try to be kind. There are villains, but there's not a lot of grey in the characterizations -- you're either on the good side or the bad side.

I enjoy Lowell's books for the focus on, for lack of a better term, the common folk, and how the warriors and elites are shunted to the fringes of the narrative. That tends to make his work a little slower-paced than most fantasies, but it's a pleasurable ride. And I'm definitely on board for volume three.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Withstand The Tempest Before Us Stars

Zypheria's Call is the first book in the Tanyth Fairport Advebtures series by Nathan Lowell.

Oh, how I enjoyed the company of the crew aboard the Zypheria's Call. Father and son Groves were a main highlight, especially in terms of Rebecca's possible futures. Although, I would lying I'd I said anyone else but Cook was my absolute favorite among them. Perhaps because of the mere amount of time he offered succor to Mother Fairport in her infinite boredom aboard the vessel? Alas, I do believe there was a little more room left in the story that a bit more character development for this crew could have filled.

I wonder what will become of Zypheria's Call; whether they will safely return home, and if we can expect any positive resolution for the trouble with the insurers?

Most importantly I'm excited to see the fruits of twenty one winters of constant travel and learning will spell for our dear Mother Fairport. Whether the tales a deranged hermit hold truth, or the woman known as Gertie Pinecrest will hold answers?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Lowell’s writing about ordinary people in somewhat extraordinary situations. He knows and loves ships, whether they are on water or in space, and he makes that world come alive.

Tanyth is a wonderful character whom I am glad to get to know, but I think she needs better self-talk. She’s younger than I am and a few “foolish old woman”s are fine and humorous but I think the book would have benefited from some more varied vocabulary. Same goes for the constant “mum”-ing she is subjected to. She handles these situations with assertiveness and grace though.

Given what has happened in some of Lowell’s other books I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it never teally did. Perhaps it will in book 3, which I’m looking forward to. I listen to these as audiobooks and they are great for listening to while exercising.

[Peter Megyeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read in some reviews that some people didn't like this book as much as the first one. They wrote that the protagonist's personality is being dissolved and what remains is a dry-witted style of speech, which presumably is the writer's own. These remarks stuck with me, and through the first half of the book I thought that I started to find evidence of this, but after finishing the whole book I would say that I disagree. I think that this is as much a fun read as the first one and I also think that all the characters had their own personalities. What is more, I think that the whole book is more character than plot-driven. So, I'm still in love with the cozy style books of the author and I soon plan to dive into the Shaman's Tales, too. But not before finishing this series.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book in the series not available as an audio book

I listened to this book via kindle digital audio reader because it was the only book in the series not in audio book format. Not ideal but better than skipping the book entirely.

I'm addicted to Nathan's writing. Only 4 books left and then I'll be waiting for the next release like the rest of his fans.

His writing inspires me to: continue to work hard, follow my passions, choose my perspective with intent, cultivate curiosity, see the possible and act on potential, rise above misfortune, and nurture gratitude. I think his work has made me a better person.

[Cea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel seen

This is book two of Nathan Lowell’s Tanyth Fairport Series. Tanyth is a woman of a certain age. She is an herbalist. It’s funny, but being a woman of a certain age myself, I never expected to find a character I could resonate with so well written by a man. Lowells characters are not superhuman, well not exactly superhuman, the gods get involved periodically, but his characters are accessible. I am really enjoying this series and hope he writes more than just the three that are currently available.

[Mender · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars, a charming little slice of life sequel that takes a while to get going, and is a much more slow paced and gentle start than I actually wanted. I still liked it but by half way I was feeling like the story might never really get anywhere.

Things pick up during the boat ride, and then the book is over. So I will start up on book 3 to hope to get what I think I really wanted from this story. It's still a pretty harmless, calming way to pass your time, so if you are looking for nice books it's a fair one.

[Jean Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Poetry

Following the next season of Tanyth's travels, she says goodbye to Ravenswood, encounters the politics of Kleesport, and discovers more about herself, and a shipboard mama rat, on a sea voyage.

The imagery isn't long and drawn out, but it's new and fresh and almost like poetry. So refreshing after reading other, less talented writers.

I'd rate this book PG due to a small bit of violence -- Tanyth defends herself from bandits on the road to Kleesport that ends in his death.

I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription with audio.)

[Alicia Ditzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I can’t say enough about this series from Nathan Lowell. It’s just a story about a woman, I can’t explain what makes it so good. Tanyth is on her journey to learn from all the old healers .. things about plants and herbs and how to cure ills. Something keeps pushing her along … she dreams through the eyes of animals and what she sees through them comes true. Sounds weird, huh? You just have to read it. Oh … and do yourself a favor and read Mr. Lowell’s book ‘The Wizard’s Butler’. An absolute gem!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up to Ravenswood. Tanyth leaves Ravenswood to continue her journey to complete her training. She is traveling across the ocean to North Haven to find Gertie Pinecrest, the Hermit of Lamas Wood. This trip she is joined by one of the women from Ravenswood, a young girl named Rebecca, who has been studying hunting with the village hunter, Thomas. They find a ship, with Tanyth as passenger and Rebecca signing on as crew. Adventures and problems ensue on the voyage.
Nathan Lowell always tells a good tale.