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Painted
"If you choose to fight, then you must choose to win."
Wyrren Jadis had once been heir to a duchy, and for an afternoon she had been queen of Marla. Now she is an exile and a scholar, living on the charity of Sebastian del Torlo: ruler of Hael Malstrom and her unrequited love.
Wyrren doesn’t know why anyone would be able to threaten Sebastian in his own palace, but when she sees a guest attack him during a private meeting with impunity, she’s determined to find out why.
(Free to download at http://theforeverseries.com )
Wyrren Jadis had once been heir to a duchy, and for an afternoon she had been queen of Marla. Now she is an exile and a scholar, living on the charity of Sebastian del Torlo: ruler of Hael Malstrom and her unrequited love.
Wyrren doesn’t know why anyone would be able to threaten Sebastian in his own palace, but when she sees a guest attack him during a private meeting with impunity, she’s determined to find out why.
(Free to download at http://theforeverseries.com )
- GenresFantasy
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2013
40 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Wyatt
4 books14 followersEliza Wyatt works as a software developer, when she must. She also sews, draws, dances, crochets, cooks, gardens, and cares for a small flock of spoiled chickens. She can usually be found at coffee shops, making unsolicited conversation with people who probably wanted to read their paper in peace and quiet.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 21, 2014
Painted is a fantasy novel set in the rich magical kingdom of Hael Malstrom. Chess features strongly as an activity and theme, with characters strategically manoeuvring around each other towards the eventual outcome. There is a sense of a tactical game being played in every conversation and chapter. It has a slower pace than the more common sword and sorcery romp, but as a romantic intrigue, it carries you steadily from one chapter to the next.
The world is drawn well, featuring familiar fantasy concepts delivered with freshness and originality. The characters are good. Wyrren is a complex and interesting heroine. She reminds me of a fantasy version of an autistic savant, socially and physically awkward, but with great intelligence and magical aptitude. She’s also of royal lineage, and an exile, and maturing as a woman. Great stuff for what is primarily a character driven story.
My biggest tick goes to the book’s originality. For example, I read enough fantasy to see the same old versions of ‘magic’ crop up, but Eliza Wyatt presents us with the weird and wonderful, such as, threading, desolidification and vivomancy. None of it is over-explained too which I like. Magic is magic after all.
When a book ticks all the boxes with world-building, characterisation, writing style, and plot, you tend to notice the small things – they leap off the page. Well, I do anyway. So my very picky criticisms really are... well, just picky. I felt there was too much telling, rather than showing in the narrative, but not to the detriment of the story. Modern colloquial phrasing always seems out of place to me in a high fantasy book, unless that style is used consistently throughout. For the most part, Eliza Wyatt crafts her story in the familiar ‘formal’ tone of high fantasy, so these irregularities come across as ‘anachronistic’. That’s purely my taste and probably won’t bother most readers.
My biggest pick is the use of greater than / less than angle brackets to bookend telepathic dialogue. Because these symbols are normally associated with computer code, my immediate reaction was to think there were formatting errors in the kindle file. When I realised this wasn’t the case, I had to go back and reread several pages to re-establish myself in the story. I guess their purpose was to give a sense of ‘instant messaging’ in a fantasy context, but I think the usual convention of placing telepathic speech in italics would’ve served better. To add further confusion, internal dialogue and thoughts are placed in parentheses, or are dropped into the regular flow of narrative without anything to differentiate the shift in point of view. I’m all for breaking conventions, but it needs to be done consistently and for good effect, or not at all. Otherwise, it just disturbs the reader’s experience.
But really, that’s about it for what is overall an original and enjoyable fantasy novel. With a little fine-tuning I wouldn’t hesitate to rate this book five stars.
The world is drawn well, featuring familiar fantasy concepts delivered with freshness and originality. The characters are good. Wyrren is a complex and interesting heroine. She reminds me of a fantasy version of an autistic savant, socially and physically awkward, but with great intelligence and magical aptitude. She’s also of royal lineage, and an exile, and maturing as a woman. Great stuff for what is primarily a character driven story.
My biggest tick goes to the book’s originality. For example, I read enough fantasy to see the same old versions of ‘magic’ crop up, but Eliza Wyatt presents us with the weird and wonderful, such as, threading, desolidification and vivomancy. None of it is over-explained too which I like. Magic is magic after all.
When a book ticks all the boxes with world-building, characterisation, writing style, and plot, you tend to notice the small things – they leap off the page. Well, I do anyway. So my very picky criticisms really are... well, just picky. I felt there was too much telling, rather than showing in the narrative, but not to the detriment of the story. Modern colloquial phrasing always seems out of place to me in a high fantasy book, unless that style is used consistently throughout. For the most part, Eliza Wyatt crafts her story in the familiar ‘formal’ tone of high fantasy, so these irregularities come across as ‘anachronistic’. That’s purely my taste and probably won’t bother most readers.
My biggest pick is the use of greater than / less than angle brackets to bookend telepathic dialogue. Because these symbols are normally associated with computer code, my immediate reaction was to think there were formatting errors in the kindle file. When I realised this wasn’t the case, I had to go back and reread several pages to re-establish myself in the story. I guess their purpose was to give a sense of ‘instant messaging’ in a fantasy context, but I think the usual convention of placing telepathic speech in italics would’ve served better. To add further confusion, internal dialogue and thoughts are placed in parentheses, or are dropped into the regular flow of narrative without anything to differentiate the shift in point of view. I’m all for breaking conventions, but it needs to be done consistently and for good effect, or not at all. Otherwise, it just disturbs the reader’s experience.
But really, that’s about it for what is overall an original and enjoyable fantasy novel. With a little fine-tuning I wouldn’t hesitate to rate this book five stars.
August 23, 2014
Painted is a fantasy novella of courtly drama, intrigue and high magic set in a world with more than a hint of the Spain of yore - where masked balls invite romance but hide an assassin's blade, where rulers and countries plot and scheme and form shaky alliances.
This is one fabulous novella. Do not be fooled by the length. I rate stories on entertainment value and Painted boasts a satisfyingly complex heroine and plot, with a unique take on magic, all packed into a quick-read length. Our courageous heroine Wyrren has Moebius Syndrome, with partial paralysis of her face, and is at the beginning of her study of magic. But she has a deep and interesting backstory. The tale starts with her being the ward of the Grand Meister of Hael Maelstrom, a political exile from her own country, which is renowned for its magic and assassins. She has played a part in the downfall of her country's ruler, the King of Marla, and was queen for a day before she had to flee.
Wyrren has attracted the attention of the powerful magician and ruler of Hael Maelstrom, Sebastian del Torlo. But he has his own secrets. For political reasons, Sebastian is pursuing an engagement with Kartania Reise of Doppel, a land which resolves all of its conflicts with an armoured fist in the nose or the edge of the blade in a duel. But Sebastian is also being threatened by another powerful magician, Edward Lowar, who seems to have a hold over him. With the help of her younger stepsister Ana, a courtesan, Wyrren sets out to delve into the strange, dangerous truth behind Hael Maelstrom's ruler.
A highlight of this story is the complex and refreshing take on the types and uses of magic, ranging from necromancy to vivomancy (healing), biskmatry, illusions, elemental magic, and threader-assassins. A second highlight is the character of Wyrren - smart, complex, flawed and wholly believable. I felt the world-building suffered a little, with much left unexplained or glossed over. Stronger visuals and a better explanation (smuggled in of course) of the uses and limitations of the types of magic would have been appreciated by this reader.
So, while it is not perfect as a novella, it moves quickly, twists and turns, and in the end, is an entertaining and strongly recommended read. Get it! Read it! You will not be disappointed.
This is one fabulous novella. Do not be fooled by the length. I rate stories on entertainment value and Painted boasts a satisfyingly complex heroine and plot, with a unique take on magic, all packed into a quick-read length. Our courageous heroine Wyrren has Moebius Syndrome, with partial paralysis of her face, and is at the beginning of her study of magic. But she has a deep and interesting backstory. The tale starts with her being the ward of the Grand Meister of Hael Maelstrom, a political exile from her own country, which is renowned for its magic and assassins. She has played a part in the downfall of her country's ruler, the King of Marla, and was queen for a day before she had to flee.
Wyrren has attracted the attention of the powerful magician and ruler of Hael Maelstrom, Sebastian del Torlo. But he has his own secrets. For political reasons, Sebastian is pursuing an engagement with Kartania Reise of Doppel, a land which resolves all of its conflicts with an armoured fist in the nose or the edge of the blade in a duel. But Sebastian is also being threatened by another powerful magician, Edward Lowar, who seems to have a hold over him. With the help of her younger stepsister Ana, a courtesan, Wyrren sets out to delve into the strange, dangerous truth behind Hael Maelstrom's ruler.
A highlight of this story is the complex and refreshing take on the types and uses of magic, ranging from necromancy to vivomancy (healing), biskmatry, illusions, elemental magic, and threader-assassins. A second highlight is the character of Wyrren - smart, complex, flawed and wholly believable. I felt the world-building suffered a little, with much left unexplained or glossed over. Stronger visuals and a better explanation (smuggled in of course) of the uses and limitations of the types of magic would have been appreciated by this reader.
So, while it is not perfect as a novella, it moves quickly, twists and turns, and in the end, is an entertaining and strongly recommended read. Get it! Read it! You will not be disappointed.
February 1, 2015
One does not have to follow fantasy writing as a whole to know that the genre is riddled with unfortunate cliches: uncreative supernatural elements, simplistic moralities, shallow characters, and a plethora of other well-worn elements. I am pleased to announce that Eliza Wyatt and Christian Leffler's Painted has no such problems. Perhaps this is because it avoids being entirely one genre. There are world-shattering events and ancient evils, to be sure, but the story is not entirely about them. Painted is and works as, in no particular order, a fantasy story, a political thriller, and an absolutely shameless romance.
The book begins with the mythological tale of an immortal cursed to walk the earth forever for his crimes against humanity, a distant backdrop for the events that will follow and bring myth and present ever closer.
Wyrren is an exile, queen for a day and constantly in danger from assassins that hunt her from the shadowy realm she once called home. Sebastian, who rules the country that gave her sanctuary, is considering an engagement with the strong-willed Kartania. However, Wyrren deeply loves the man who once convinced her father that his slack-faced little girl was not "simple" as he had thought, but rather a brilliant young mind who only needed nurturing to grow. This situation drives much of the foreground plot as the looming, ancient threat grows.
Ah, yes. I forgot to mention. Our protagonist has Moebius Syndrome (although the name is never mentioned due to the setting), which prevents her from moving her face or making expressions. This disability profoundly affects her day to day life. However, the same condition that makes her life so difficult can be her biggest strength, and it proves itself to work in her favor several times. The depiction of disability in day to day life is fantastic.
Another impressive aspect of the book, and undoubtedly the element that sells me on the story as a whole, is the female characters. While a large aspect of the story is Wyrren's romance with an older, more powerful man, she does not fall into the common, cliched trap of depending on him for everything and she has a definite mind of her own. The agency with which Wyatt and Leffler invest her is crucial to my enjoyment of the story, and she truly comes into her own during the climax and denouement.
Perhaps the strongest element of the entire work is the relationship between Wyrren and her sister Ana. One of the most lacking elements in fantasy works, perhaps because they have traditionally been so male-dominated, has been realistic portrayals of female relationships. Women who have different strengths do not have to be enemies, and in fact they can be the very best of friends and allies, working together to help each other through hardships.
This kind of real-world characterization fills the book. Even the female placed in an antagonistic role as Sebastian's fiancé-to-be is portrayed sympathetically; with her political position well explained and her personality strong, Wyatt and Leffler never fall into the trap of reducing Kartania to a mere cliched caricature of a bitch or harpy, and she is, in the end, just as enjoyable as any of the others.
In the interests of being fair, the book does have a few weaknesses. The pacing is a little bit slow in the first fifty pages or so, focusing on building up the setting, relationships and suspense so that the story feels a little bit stuck. However, once the story picks up steam, it's impossible to put down. Secondly, the short length of the story means that a few of the characters are shortchanged; there were several places where I felt that an interesting name had been dropped and I had no chance to learn more. However, this is the first of what will likely be many volumes, so I have hope that she will develop these side characters more fully in the future. I also noticed that there were a few typos, but none of them are too distracting. Hopefully, they will run it past a couple more eyes for the next volume.
However, none of these issues are even close to enough to ruin the book. Wyatt is a good author on her own, and her collaboration with Leffler is entirely enjoyable. I cannot wait to see what the team does in the future, and I hope that more fantastic worlds are in the pipeline for us all to enjoy.
TL;DR - Excellent characterization, interesting plot, moving and empowering depictions of disability and female relationships, themes of reconciliation. Slight issues with pacing in the beginning, minor characterization, and typos, but the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Read immediately.
The book begins with the mythological tale of an immortal cursed to walk the earth forever for his crimes against humanity, a distant backdrop for the events that will follow and bring myth and present ever closer.
Wyrren is an exile, queen for a day and constantly in danger from assassins that hunt her from the shadowy realm she once called home. Sebastian, who rules the country that gave her sanctuary, is considering an engagement with the strong-willed Kartania. However, Wyrren deeply loves the man who once convinced her father that his slack-faced little girl was not "simple" as he had thought, but rather a brilliant young mind who only needed nurturing to grow. This situation drives much of the foreground plot as the looming, ancient threat grows.
Ah, yes. I forgot to mention. Our protagonist has Moebius Syndrome (although the name is never mentioned due to the setting), which prevents her from moving her face or making expressions. This disability profoundly affects her day to day life. However, the same condition that makes her life so difficult can be her biggest strength, and it proves itself to work in her favor several times. The depiction of disability in day to day life is fantastic.
Another impressive aspect of the book, and undoubtedly the element that sells me on the story as a whole, is the female characters. While a large aspect of the story is Wyrren's romance with an older, more powerful man, she does not fall into the common, cliched trap of depending on him for everything and she has a definite mind of her own. The agency with which Wyatt and Leffler invest her is crucial to my enjoyment of the story, and she truly comes into her own during the climax and denouement.
Perhaps the strongest element of the entire work is the relationship between Wyrren and her sister Ana. One of the most lacking elements in fantasy works, perhaps because they have traditionally been so male-dominated, has been realistic portrayals of female relationships. Women who have different strengths do not have to be enemies, and in fact they can be the very best of friends and allies, working together to help each other through hardships.
This kind of real-world characterization fills the book. Even the female placed in an antagonistic role as Sebastian's fiancé-to-be is portrayed sympathetically; with her political position well explained and her personality strong, Wyatt and Leffler never fall into the trap of reducing Kartania to a mere cliched caricature of a bitch or harpy, and she is, in the end, just as enjoyable as any of the others.
In the interests of being fair, the book does have a few weaknesses. The pacing is a little bit slow in the first fifty pages or so, focusing on building up the setting, relationships and suspense so that the story feels a little bit stuck. However, once the story picks up steam, it's impossible to put down. Secondly, the short length of the story means that a few of the characters are shortchanged; there were several places where I felt that an interesting name had been dropped and I had no chance to learn more. However, this is the first of what will likely be many volumes, so I have hope that she will develop these side characters more fully in the future. I also noticed that there were a few typos, but none of them are too distracting. Hopefully, they will run it past a couple more eyes for the next volume.
However, none of these issues are even close to enough to ruin the book. Wyatt is a good author on her own, and her collaboration with Leffler is entirely enjoyable. I cannot wait to see what the team does in the future, and I hope that more fantastic worlds are in the pipeline for us all to enjoy.
TL;DR - Excellent characterization, interesting plot, moving and empowering depictions of disability and female relationships, themes of reconciliation. Slight issues with pacing in the beginning, minor characterization, and typos, but the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Read immediately.
July 3, 2014
What a refreshing blow to the fantasy genre! I am an avid reader, (though not as of late), and a hopeful author myself. Having read many fantasy series, I have found that many of their plots are predictable at best, monotonous at worst. However, the shocking twists and turns of this romantic thriller kept me on my toes. While this novella begins somewhat slow, it it builds to a climax that has your eyes racing your brain.
The characters are characterized incredibly well. The main character has a particular depth and insight that immediately makes her both human and mysterious. Her social awkwardness, disability, and cultural background all factor into her ability to take command of her own story. As a woman, she refuses to be controlled by manipulation, even by the man she loves. Her relationship with her sister adeptly reflects what it is like for two sisters who are remarkably different to remain the best of friends.
The plot of this story is very unique and interesting. Though I was (of course) fascinated by the romance, I was still very curious about what was truly going on with regards to Sebastian and Edward. I argued with the main character's decisions, yet I cheered her on in her finest moments.
I find the romance element unsettling in all the best ways. The love story is dark, and feels like someone's private fantasy. Perhaps this is what makes it so uncomfortably sexy. The author shows just enough skin to make one blush, but still be begging for more. Honestly, I could have lived with some more sex scenes and less fading into the darkness. (But maybe I'm just a perv. lol)
This series is incredibly promising, and could be the next big fantasy series. I think the world is ready for a little dance with death.
The characters are characterized incredibly well. The main character has a particular depth and insight that immediately makes her both human and mysterious. Her social awkwardness, disability, and cultural background all factor into her ability to take command of her own story. As a woman, she refuses to be controlled by manipulation, even by the man she loves. Her relationship with her sister adeptly reflects what it is like for two sisters who are remarkably different to remain the best of friends.
The plot of this story is very unique and interesting. Though I was (of course) fascinated by the romance, I was still very curious about what was truly going on with regards to Sebastian and Edward. I argued with the main character's decisions, yet I cheered her on in her finest moments.
I find the romance element unsettling in all the best ways. The love story is dark, and feels like someone's private fantasy. Perhaps this is what makes it so uncomfortably sexy. The author shows just enough skin to make one blush, but still be begging for more. Honestly, I could have lived with some more sex scenes and less fading into the darkness. (But maybe I'm just a perv. lol)
This series is incredibly promising, and could be the next big fantasy series. I think the world is ready for a little dance with death.
June 27, 2015
This story really surprised me. This multifaceted book transcends superficial and profound. The fantasy is not too fantastic to believe, the characters are well-developed and their relationships are intricate. The complex world becomes quickly familiar– its nature, its politics, and its social norms are illustrated unobtrusively. The magic isn't overdone, but is very original- fantasy is clearly not the sole purpose of the book, but rather the context. The plot is very absorbing; Eliza adroitly composed conflict, both between characters and with the characters' selves, that is sure to captivate the reader's interest.
What impressed me the most was foreshadowing. When each twist is revealed, the reader will realize it had been revealed several times before, yet will be very challenged to predict what comes next. I was consistently surprised by each development. The book cleanly progressed from daily life with interpersonal drama to a grand, well-illustrated battle. The rhythm and pacing were pleasing and the intensity built nicely. From romantic tensions and jealousy to assassins and deadly mages, dramatic duels to a disastrous battle, this is a difficult story to put down.
I am greatly looking forward to seeing more of this world in future books!
What impressed me the most was foreshadowing. When each twist is revealed, the reader will realize it had been revealed several times before, yet will be very challenged to predict what comes next. I was consistently surprised by each development. The book cleanly progressed from daily life with interpersonal drama to a grand, well-illustrated battle. The rhythm and pacing were pleasing and the intensity built nicely. From romantic tensions and jealousy to assassins and deadly mages, dramatic duels to a disastrous battle, this is a difficult story to put down.
I am greatly looking forward to seeing more of this world in future books!
March 8, 2014
I loved this book. All the characters were well written, I especially liked Edward, from his playfulness with Wyrren to his aggressive and sly nature with Sebastian. The book mainly covers the week long festival were Sebastian is ruler, but it doesn't take long before things start to go wrong. There's assassins, a love triangle between Wyrren ,Sebastian and Edward, and that's not forgetting the woman Sebastian s meant to be engaged to. Then Wyrren uncovers a very deep secret that nearly has the whole city destroyed. I can't wait for book 2
June 15, 2013
This was an entertaining, fast-paced story. I really took to the main character quickly, but even her competition/nemesis was likeable. The descriptions were intriguing while still being relatively easy to picture (I am not a reader of the fantasy genre so I wasn't sure what to expect). I rooted for the romance, and got really into the mystery as well. There were also many funny and tongue-in-cheek moments that had me laughing out loud. I am really looking forward to #2. Well done!
December 28, 2013
Decent read. Had some really interesting concepts in it, and the Idea of a man chasing his own mortality can open up a lot of interesting doors. Feels a tad rushed though. I felt like the thoughts and feelings and concepts could have struck home more if they were explored more. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
June 15, 2013
'Painted' hits the ground running with lots of action, yet still has complex characters that are fully formed. There's nothing predictable about how it unfolds, and the ending pulls everything together and is so satisfying. The cover is just beautiful.
May 6, 2015
More Undil please!
Painted is a gem. I really love Wyrren's intelligence and bravery. The cast of characters that surrounds her is colorful (to say the least!) and extremely interesting. The magic of Valdenemus is intriguing and nuanced. There's even some romance! A very special novella.
Painted is a gem. I really love Wyrren's intelligence and bravery. The cast of characters that surrounds her is colorful (to say the least!) and extremely interesting. The magic of Valdenemus is intriguing and nuanced. There's even some romance! A very special novella.
May 29, 2013
An entertaining and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews