Tapestry: Strands of Yellow and Blue

by Cady Elizabeth Arnold, WT Arnold (Illustrator)

A huntsman with the scars of a warrior stumbles across a young girl in the forest.

Mute and dressed in tatters, she cannot recall any memories from her past.

Come enter the kingdom of Blinth, where Tristam’s and Grace’s stories are interwoven as together they explore a time of yellow and blue.



The huntsman, Tristam, names the mute girl Grace. As they grow closer, both begin to heal in ways neither thought possible. Together, they try to put the fragments of Grace’s memory back in place, prompting Tristam to wonder if the barbaric rumors about the country to the north might possibly be true. Grace starts her new life at the castle as a foreigner amidst gossip about her unknown past. Meanwhile, Tristam is secretly trying to both stop a rebellion against the king and avoid war with a neighboring country.

Can Tristam and Grace must each navigate the social nuances and intrigues of palace life?

Read book one of the Tapestry series now!

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't think this would be the way it was. I found it in the YA section in my library, it seemed innocent, and interesting. And at first I really liked it, but then rape came into play, not just mentions, but actively happening to this character, that you are following, and it puts you in the room, in her head, while its happening. I felt like this book dealt with themes that were just wrong, loving a man way older than her who was her father figure... Grace what is wrong with you. Then the ending felt forced, and like something the author pulled out of nowhere because she was out of time. I will not read the next book, and I know I am biased because of the mistake my library made when placing this book, but I am not prepared for something like this in a young adult section. I'm dissappointed that the author used rape so heavily and then goes for these relationships that are horrible, and then graphic murder and even more rape. Using all of these things to hurt this girl in her book, it's horrible, haven't you done enough!!!? I only give it 3 stars because the begining was very well writen. I do not plan to read the next book.

[Shi Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely! So much was unexpected, and almost nothing felt forced. The story is well written, and the characters beautifully developed. It did take me a while to warm up to almost everthing being in present tense, but it works. I will warn that this deals with adult themes, and could be a trigger for people who have gone through certain traumas. The only criticism I have is the ending. It felt as though the author was leading up to one thing for a large portion of the book (nothing crazy, but enough that you were pretty sure it would happen and might have been pulling for it), then at the end, the main characer just say, "Nah." I'll have to see what happens in the next book, but I didn't like that. Other that that, wonderful book.

[Karen May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opps

I only give this 2 stars because the description is misleading. I was expecting magic, adventure and some dark age history. What I got was a book for Christian readers. And that's lovely if that's what you're looking for. Thought the writing was fairly decent bit slow, characters could have been developed a bit more.

[Callie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I plowed through this story! Arnold's narrative style drew me in, and the multi-faceted development of Grace and Tristam invested me in their lives before I knew it. In the middle of the intrigue and drama of Blinth is a complex psychological tale I couldn't put down.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably the most bizarre book I have ever read, but everything works out on the last page. I loved that Arnold authentically portrayed the confusion and mental problems of a rape victim in Grace, but what was up with Tristam near the end? "I am inflamed"? "I cannot see beyond my own desire"? Why does he "desire" his 17 year old adopted daughter? When she kisses his neck, why does he go on and kiss her back? He literally leads their love session. Gross?? Very confused about my feels for this book.

[Sharen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like the characters on the whole but

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, and not at all what you'd expect. I can't really classify it in a genre. It is set in medieval times but I can relate it to things happening to me this week. I'd highly recommend it, I think it is very eye-opening.