Blissfully falling back into this complex and beautifully written saga
Ah! To be able to get my (virtual) hands on this, the third installment in the Grimoire Saga (honoured to be part of S.M. Boyce's ARC lists), I polished it off within the weekend.
Yes, please read the caveat that this has not been completely checked for complete spelling/grammatical errors. However, I was SO "champing at the bit" to get back into the fantasy-world of Ourea, I happily over-looked them. (The finished, polished product will be completed by early November.)
To describe this series (by me) can be done in 2 ways. One is running round the house, squealing at my hubby "I got it! I got it!!!", followed by a lengthy lecture on the highlights book 1 and 2, with much wild gesticulation.
Um, I think for this purpose, I will go with the second option.
I continue to be in love with this particular fantasy world - running outside of our own (where those lucky few are able to come and go), and to love the three dimensionality of the "Kingdoms", the characters and the description of the interactions of said characters. In "Heritage", the characters continue to evolve, their emotions and stories flow seamlessly from book Two ("Treason"). It takes a great imagination, dedication and a gifted writer to keep dipping into this rich pool and keep coming back with more wondrous tomes. For that many kudos must be given to S.M. Boyce.
This continues to be a fabulous blend of elements of LOTR, the magic and darker elements of JK Rowlings "Potter Series", Alan Garner's magical and esoterical worlds - and as I am in the middle of reading "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George RR Martin - I have LOVED the fast pace and strategy of "Heritage".
This third book I see as a part of the whole story, so I won't say it is my favourite, rather it makes me love the saga MORE. The beautifully woven elements of self-discovery, learning new powers (and the main character's heritage), is the strong "warp" against the "weft" - that is the fast-paced, wonderfully written fight scenes, war counsels and "magic duels".
If you want strong characters, to sink into a wonderfully crafted magical fantasy land, and (apart from our two heros) never know who is barracking for who - you have to keep your wits about you, that's for sure! - then THIS Grimoire Saga is for you.
Now I'm champing at the bit for the next installment! 5 Shining Stars!!!