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Draykon #1
Draykon
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Ancient legends don’t come back to life. Until they do....
The vast, winged draykoni once ruled the skies of the Seven Realms, uncontested and unstoppable — so the stories say. But they are only tales. Aren't they?
When Llandry Sanfaer discovers a new type of jewel, her life changes forever. Wonderful and terrible, the gem exerts a strange influence over those who behold it. Soon people are dying for it, and Llandry herself becomes a target.
This is only the beginning.
What is this starry jewel, that no one can resist? Who is the killer that stalks the night, stealing the gems from their murdered owners? And why does the gem call so powerfully to Llandry herself?
Llandry's destiny cannot be denied. A shy young woman is about to learn that sometimes, even the most far-fetched story might prove to be the plain, simple truth.
Ancient legends don’t come back to life. Until they do....
The vast, winged draykoni once ruled the skies of the Seven Realms, uncontested and unstoppable — so the stories say. But they are only tales. Aren't they?
When Llandry Sanfaer discovers a new type of jewel, her life changes forever. Wonderful and terrible, the gem exerts a strange influence over those who behold it. Soon people are dying for it, and Llandry herself becomes a target.
This is only the beginning.
What is this starry jewel, that no one can resist? Who is the killer that stalks the night, stealing the gems from their murdered owners? And why does the gem call so powerfully to Llandry herself?
Llandry's destiny cannot be denied. A shy young woman is about to learn that sometimes, even the most far-fetched story might prove to be the plain, simple truth.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2011
600 people are currently reading
3074 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte E. English
77 books356 followersEnglish both by name and nationality, Charlotte hasn’t permitted emigration to the Netherlands to change her essential Britishness. She writes colourful fantasy novels over copious quantities of tea, and rarely misses an opportunity to apologise for something. Spanning the spectrum from light to dark, her works include the Draykon Series, Modern Magick, The Malykant Mysteries and the Tales of Aylfenhame.
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January 18, 2012
Okay for the record Charlotte and I are friends. And even though this is a massive fangirl review I am actually being really honest about everything. I can’t help it if it’s just that good. It’s not my fault. It’s Charlotte’s. Blame her. Go on.
For a long time reading this, my mind was nothing but incomprehensible fangirling. And that’s weird, because I consider Charlotte a friend, and not someone to whom I can bestow the whole ‘mentor-fangirl’ relationship on. Normally those kinds of relationships are strictly for people I don’t know: you know, like celebrities. But I fell into it regardless, because this is honestly the best debut indie-published novel I’ve ever read.
EVER.
I mean, this book just makes me want to give up writing.
And yes, I went into this novel prejudiced against self-published books. I know, I’m one to talk, right? There is a whole bunch of crap out there. Poorly written, poorly edited, poorly formatted novels with crap covers that look like a six year old made it in MS Paint. Even plagiarised stuff makes it to the market. Self-publishing has a bad name. People are prejudiced. Even when you consider that a lot of legacy books have bad messages and incomprehensible plots and characters that should just die because they are too stupid to live.
Anyone can write. That’s true. But it takes real talent to write well.
I hope that the market gets flooded with more stuff like Draykon. I didn’t expect Charlotte’s book to be crap, not by any stretch of the imagination…
I just didn’t expect it to be SO DAMN GOOD.
Charlotte has an obvious gift for beautiful prose and many a time I caught myself drooling over her wonderfully constructed sentences. Her word choices are elegant
Her characterisations are very fine and three dimensional. Often I could feel Eva’s susceptibility to the cold and Llandry’s social anxiety, which were both large parts of the character identification. They even had different voices, which is rare to find in indie fiction. That’s why this book is a gem, people! I loved the way Eva dealt with people and could feel the pressure on her to succeed and be seen to be successful. And there are much worse things than being in Llandry’s head as she suffers and deals with her social anxiety.
I would have liked to know how Llandry developed from the fearless child into the anxious wreck she is as an adult, but Draykon has a sequel, Lokant, and I hope we’ll find out there.
Sigwide was so adorably cute. Charlotte clearly has a gift for writing non-anthropomorphised fantasy animals. I loved reading about him: his reactions all seemed very real and he was just so cute! Where can I get an orting?
The worldbuilding was rather lovely. I’m not sure I have a firm grasp on everything, because it’s unlike anything I’ve read before. A lot of the clearly non-human sentient people were called humans, even when they had wings, for example, so I’m still trying to come to terms with that. I don’t fully understand why there needed to be the land and Cloak divide between the Daylanders and the Darklanders but I imagine it came about as the people grew more aware that they could manipulate their own environment, much like the benefits of electricity for us real-world humans. After all, if you’re a nocturnal creature, what could be better than night all the time? And if you have sorcerers able to do that sort of thing, why not give yourself a natural advantage?
The only thing I will mention that was not perfect (besides the occasional typo – not more so than any legacy published novel, so it’s not an issue, and the ever so slight ‘who said that?’ moment when it came to dialogue) is the fight scenes. They seemed not as perfect as the rest of the prose. Polished, yes, and lovingly written, that much is obvious. It doesn’t in any way let the novel down, but after growing accustomed to Charlotte’s high standard prose, her descriptions which never became overwhelming and were just enough to build the world in my head, her wonderful characterisations and the very real relationships between the characters, the fight scenes by comparison (and remember, everything else was top-notch) seemed a little weak, a little off in pace. Almost like a tuba solo in the middle of a glorious symphony. Perhaps Charlotte is not comfortable writing violence, or not as practiced as her gorgeous political banter, high societal manners, and worldbuilding that I enjoyed reading about so much.
That being said, I need to reiterate that the fight scenes were still of a higher quality than I’ve read in legacy books. They just don’t seem to match the rest of the novel in its perfection.
As for the plot: well, she wasn’t kidding when she billed it as a fantasy mystery. After the appropriate amount of building questions, the revelations were revealed at just the right time. I thought the plot was going one way and it ended up going another way. I also have a suspicious mind so I kept expecting a certain character who shall not be named to be a betrayer, the sort of ‘Ha ha ha, I’ve been playing with you all along’ type thing, but that didn’t happen. The novel seems quite innocent in that regard. Almost everything was neatly wrapped up at the end, with just enough left unanswered to make a sequel appealing.
It’s not a YA book, but it’s a clean read and because of Llandry’s not-quite-grown-up attitude it could be marketed so. I believe a lot of young people would be able to relate to Llandry’s need for independence and her overbearing and overprotective parents wanting to keep her safe.
I’m really looking forward to Lokant, and the third book in the series that I know Charlotte is currently writing.
December 25, 2019
Very lightweight. Think Barbie video plot depth.
Usually if a book doesn't grab me in the first hundred pages I give up. This one didn't, but I persisted. I shouldn't have. It got better, but not much better. The heroine was stupid. If natural selection operated in her universe, Llandry would be dead. In fact, if the cast of this book is indicative, the entire population would be extinct.
Example: Llandry wants to go along on the mission to sneak the last istore stone, which may hold the key to great risk or great reward for her whole world, out of town. The fact that she is internationally famous as the sole purveyor of istore stones, has been hounded by customers and the media, attacked by various monsters, and is a twit not only doesn't occur to her but doesn't to anyone else either. That her presence will betray the mission occurs to no one.
Oh, there's a story here; there's just not much story telling.
Don't waste your time. There are too many good reads out there.
Usually if a book doesn't grab me in the first hundred pages I give up. This one didn't, but I persisted. I shouldn't have. It got better, but not much better. The heroine was stupid. If natural selection operated in her universe, Llandry would be dead. In fact, if the cast of this book is indicative, the entire population would be extinct.
Example: Llandry wants to go along on the mission to sneak the last istore stone, which may hold the key to great risk or great reward for her whole world, out of town. The fact that she is internationally famous as the sole purveyor of istore stones, has been hounded by customers and the media, attacked by various monsters, and is a twit not only doesn't occur to her but doesn't to anyone else either. That her presence will betray the mission occurs to no one.
Oh, there's a story here; there's just not much story telling.
Don't waste your time. There are too many good reads out there.
December 29, 2015
This is one of those books that I've had on my Kindle for probably years, but hadn't gotten around to reading until I started using it more relatively recently. Since I remember nothing of why I bought it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was, indeed, one of the good ones - not one of the junky freebies I picked up in late-night Amazon browsing, but a well-written and constructed story, with interesting worldbuilding and characterization.
However: three stars. Just to get this out of the way at the start: that's because it didn't come to an actual narrative conclusion within this book. In fact, the end of the book is just the escalation of the larger plot, which was clearly designed to stretch over all three books. Call it a personal pet peeve if you like, but I have a personal preference for first books that offer some sort of actual resolution, and minimal cliffhangers. Without that, it would have been a solid four stars, so if that doesn't bug you, don't let my rating keep you from reading this.
The two strongest points of this book are the worldbuilding and the characterization. I've seen a review or two complaining about Llandry, which is sadly unsurprising to me because she shows a lot of the hallmarks of severe anxiety and, well, people tend not to be very sympathetic. As someone who's lived with a (less severe) variation of the same thing, I appreciated reading about someone who struggled with it and tried to overcome it. Llandry isn't always successful, but that too is realistic, and I feel that she's set up for a lot of growth and maturation in the rest of the series. The other characters were also... interesting, which I guess sounds like a weak response, but there was little that stood out as strongly as Llandry does. There are two budding romances, both of which have good potential and neither of which disproportionately dominated the plot.
The worldbuilding! This was fascinating. The multi-realm structure reminded me somewhat of Norse mythology, arranged sort of like a spectrum of light. While little of the magical mechanics was actually explained, there was enough for me to feel like I understood how it was used, at the very least, which is the important thing. And of course, the dramatic events at the end of the book hint that even the main characters don't really know what's going on, so I'm sure there's more to be explored in the sequels.
What I can't quite decide is whether I want to make an effort to get those sequels. I've been trying to cut down on actually purchasing books lately, but maybe someday...
However: three stars. Just to get this out of the way at the start: that's because it didn't come to an actual narrative conclusion within this book. In fact, the end of the book is just the escalation of the larger plot, which was clearly designed to stretch over all three books. Call it a personal pet peeve if you like, but I have a personal preference for first books that offer some sort of actual resolution, and minimal cliffhangers. Without that, it would have been a solid four stars, so if that doesn't bug you, don't let my rating keep you from reading this.
The two strongest points of this book are the worldbuilding and the characterization. I've seen a review or two complaining about Llandry, which is sadly unsurprising to me because she shows a lot of the hallmarks of severe anxiety and, well, people tend not to be very sympathetic. As someone who's lived with a (less severe) variation of the same thing, I appreciated reading about someone who struggled with it and tried to overcome it. Llandry isn't always successful, but that too is realistic, and I feel that she's set up for a lot of growth and maturation in the rest of the series. The other characters were also... interesting, which I guess sounds like a weak response, but there was little that stood out as strongly as Llandry does. There are two budding romances, both of which have good potential and neither of which disproportionately dominated the plot.
The worldbuilding! This was fascinating. The multi-realm structure reminded me somewhat of Norse mythology, arranged sort of like a spectrum of light. While little of the magical mechanics was actually explained, there was enough for me to feel like I understood how it was used, at the very least, which is the important thing. And of course, the dramatic events at the end of the book hint that even the main characters don't really know what's going on, so I'm sure there's more to be explored in the sequels.
What I can't quite decide is whether I want to make an effort to get those sequels. I've been trying to cut down on actually purchasing books lately, but maybe someday...
November 25, 2018
What attracted me to this book was the absolutely gorgeous cover and summary that sounded interesting. The book, however, failed and disappointed - sadly so.
First of all the author uses "rather" and "quite" so many times, I got sick of the words. There are enough synonyms and ways to avoid these words. However, compared to the problems with the story itself, this writing issue is only minor.
Even when I had read more than a hundred pages of this book, I was still bored. There was nothing keeping me hooked or remotely interested. The story just dragged on and in my opinion, nothing ever happens. Even when the border of the Darkland moves for the first time and Llan barely makes it out - I was yawning. It didn't grab me at all.
Another problem is to be found with her characters. Eva is okay, though sadly enough, in my opinion, she is only involved with too many boring and unnecessary scenes and talks too much.
LLan is just plain stupid. Even if I forgive her parts because of social anxiety or naivety because her parents are overbearing and overprotective, she is still just stupid. It's annoying and inspires no sympathy at all. I will not go on reading this series, there was nothing that made me want to find out how this all plays out in the end.
First of all the author uses "rather" and "quite" so many times, I got sick of the words. There are enough synonyms and ways to avoid these words. However, compared to the problems with the story itself, this writing issue is only minor.
Even when I had read more than a hundred pages of this book, I was still bored. There was nothing keeping me hooked or remotely interested. The story just dragged on and in my opinion, nothing ever happens. Even when the border of the Darkland moves for the first time and Llan barely makes it out - I was yawning. It didn't grab me at all.
Another problem is to be found with her characters. Eva is okay, though sadly enough, in my opinion, she is only involved with too many boring and unnecessary scenes and talks too much.
LLan is just plain stupid. Even if I forgive her parts because of social anxiety or naivety because her parents are overbearing and overprotective, she is still just stupid. It's annoying and inspires no sympathy at all. I will not go on reading this series, there was nothing that made me want to find out how this all plays out in the end.
March 26, 2012
This book illustrates the beauty of indie publishing. It’s as good as any book you would pick up from one of the big six, and if not for indie publishing, it might never have hit the shelves. That would have been a loss to any fantasy reader. Draykon is well written, well edited, and a gripping story. I’m used to reading epic fantasy with big battles and fights between good and evil. Draykon is very different, more like a murder mystery in a fantasy setting. The world English portrays, with its colourful trees and strange animals made me think of Pandora in the film Avatar. But the societies are more like ones you might find in a 19th century classic, with carriages and markets and high society women shopping for jewellery. You might think these ideas would clash, but they don’t. The world of the Seven Realms is entirely convincing. I found myself liking all the characters and really wanting to know what happens next. The story didn’t pan out how I was expecting at all, which I liked. It ends at a great point for the sequel, which I’m looking forward to reading.
I’d recommend this book for anyone who likes a bit of originality in their fantasy
I’d recommend this book for anyone who likes a bit of originality in their fantasy
March 3, 2021
This was a nice and entertaining story. I liked that the main character has severe anxiety, and was different from the usual "hero". I also liked that she had a small dragonish companion - I wish I could have one! I also liked the other main characters, who weren't simply cardboard cut-outs. I liked how they grew and changed and started to work together over time.
There is only a tiny bit of romance in this book, and I really enjoyed the break from the typical "finding the ONE right man" plot line.
The story and the prose could have used a bit more depth, but I enjoyed the world and the characters enough to make up for that.
There was a nice twist at the end, and I enjoyed the mystery that runs throughout the whole book.
Definitely an entertaining read, and I might pick up later books in the series!
There is only a tiny bit of romance in this book, and I really enjoyed the break from the typical "finding the ONE right man" plot line.
The story and the prose could have used a bit more depth, but I enjoyed the world and the characters enough to make up for that.
There was a nice twist at the end, and I enjoyed the mystery that runs throughout the whole book.
Definitely an entertaining read, and I might pick up later books in the series!
November 6, 2011
Absolutely gorgeous! I am really struggling to put this book down and considering that I am self employed, that is a really big problem. I knew I should have saved this book to read while I am on holiday! I started reading it last night, intending to just read the first couple of chapters, and finally switched it off at nearly midnight, at page 73. I just love the story so far - a cross between faery tale and murder mystery, set in an entirely new world (and trust me, I have read enough different fantasy now that when I say it is a new world, I mean it is entirely different from anything I have read thus far!)
The main characters, Llandy Sanfaer and Lady Eva Glostrum, couldn't be more different, but both are very likeable indeed. The story moves along at a brisk pace but still gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery - and oh, what scenery! Glorious surroundings painted in stained glass colours, that evoke the gloaming and all the ethereal, fantastic worlds you dreamed of as a child! Creatures that never existed anywhere but in your imagination, mores the pity - I seriously want an orting, and several of the other creatures sound delightful as well! Forests made of what I imagine as giant toadstools instead of trees, grass and moss that is a totally different colour, a world that does not have day and night one after the other but has different sections, one living in the daylight, another at night. A real dreamworld for anyone who wants something that evokes a totally different time and place.
I'm not going to talk too much about the events of the story so far because I don't want to spoil it for any of you. All I will say is that if you love Susanna Clarke and Hope Mirrlees, you will very likely enjoy this book. An author to watch, as the cliched saying goes, but more importantly, an author to read!
The main characters, Llandy Sanfaer and Lady Eva Glostrum, couldn't be more different, but both are very likeable indeed. The story moves along at a brisk pace but still gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery - and oh, what scenery! Glorious surroundings painted in stained glass colours, that evoke the gloaming and all the ethereal, fantastic worlds you dreamed of as a child! Creatures that never existed anywhere but in your imagination, mores the pity - I seriously want an orting, and several of the other creatures sound delightful as well! Forests made of what I imagine as giant toadstools instead of trees, grass and moss that is a totally different colour, a world that does not have day and night one after the other but has different sections, one living in the daylight, another at night. A real dreamworld for anyone who wants something that evokes a totally different time and place.
I'm not going to talk too much about the events of the story so far because I don't want to spoil it for any of you. All I will say is that if you love Susanna Clarke and Hope Mirrlees, you will very likely enjoy this book. An author to watch, as the cliched saying goes, but more importantly, an author to read!
February 7, 2012
The deeper I dive into self-published Fantasy books, the more I find to love. Draykon is no exception to this! Charlotte E. English has successfully managed to mesh a sweeping fantasy world together with vibrant characters, and a very compelling mystery. As a reader I was treated to a story that immersed me so wholly, that I couldn't put it down! Once you're in, there is no coming back.
Draykon tells the story of two very different characters, in alternating chapters. Overprotected by her parents for reasons unknown to the reader, Llandry feels trapped. I honestly didn't feel much for her. Her character was unsociable towards others most times, and I didn't get to know her as well as I would have liked. On the other side of the coin is Lady Evastany Glostrum, who is a strong willed and kindhearted woman. Despite her position as High Summoner, Eva is one of the most practical and down to earth characters you'll ever meet. I adored her. I'd have followed Eva happily for books and books of adventures. In fact I liked her so much, I feel the need to mention that I felt as though Llandry's chapters were somewhat unimportant to the overall story. Just my opinion I know, you be the judge.
The reader follows these two women through the story, and it is so very easy to get lost in the huge and sweeping universe that English builds for her reader. Whole worlds exist inside the pages of this book. Realms of light, realms of dark, and those in between. Awe inspiring, and often terrifying, new beasts are presented for the reader's enjoyment. About half way through the story I felt so small inside of the world of Draykon that I almost wished I had a map. Okay, I did wish I had a map. Perhaps there will be one in the next book? This is high fantasy at it's finest. You aren't just getting a story here, but a whole new world along with it.
The mystery aspect is also incorporated into the overall story amazingly well. As I was navigating the vibrant lands of Draykon, so too was I helping Llandry and Eva uncover the mystery of the "istore" gem. I'll admit that I was about two steps behind them the majority of the book. Although English allows the reader to come along on the journey, she doesn't make it easy to figure out where it is headed, and I loved that. Such a sense of adventure! The ending, well I wouldn't have been able to see that coming if I was clairvoyant. I'm still not a hundred percent sure how I feel about it, but that is a spoiler in the making so I'll stop there. Suffice it to say that I'm eager to get to the next in this series so I can uncover what happens next!
I know this is a longer review so, if you are still with me, I applaud you! It's tough to sum up such a well-written story, with such vivid characters and worlds, in only a few short paragraphs. I'll leave it to you to decide whether or not Draykon is for you. I can tell you that it's a great place to get lost in! Happy travelling my friends.
Draykon tells the story of two very different characters, in alternating chapters. Overprotected by her parents for reasons unknown to the reader, Llandry feels trapped. I honestly didn't feel much for her. Her character was unsociable towards others most times, and I didn't get to know her as well as I would have liked. On the other side of the coin is Lady Evastany Glostrum, who is a strong willed and kindhearted woman. Despite her position as High Summoner, Eva is one of the most practical and down to earth characters you'll ever meet. I adored her. I'd have followed Eva happily for books and books of adventures. In fact I liked her so much, I feel the need to mention that I felt as though Llandry's chapters were somewhat unimportant to the overall story. Just my opinion I know, you be the judge.
The reader follows these two women through the story, and it is so very easy to get lost in the huge and sweeping universe that English builds for her reader. Whole worlds exist inside the pages of this book. Realms of light, realms of dark, and those in between. Awe inspiring, and often terrifying, new beasts are presented for the reader's enjoyment. About half way through the story I felt so small inside of the world of Draykon that I almost wished I had a map. Okay, I did wish I had a map. Perhaps there will be one in the next book? This is high fantasy at it's finest. You aren't just getting a story here, but a whole new world along with it.
The mystery aspect is also incorporated into the overall story amazingly well. As I was navigating the vibrant lands of Draykon, so too was I helping Llandry and Eva uncover the mystery of the "istore" gem. I'll admit that I was about two steps behind them the majority of the book. Although English allows the reader to come along on the journey, she doesn't make it easy to figure out where it is headed, and I loved that. Such a sense of adventure! The ending, well I wouldn't have been able to see that coming if I was clairvoyant. I'm still not a hundred percent sure how I feel about it, but that is a spoiler in the making so I'll stop there. Suffice it to say that I'm eager to get to the next in this series so I can uncover what happens next!
I know this is a longer review so, if you are still with me, I applaud you! It's tough to sum up such a well-written story, with such vivid characters and worlds, in only a few short paragraphs. I'll leave it to you to decide whether or not Draykon is for you. I can tell you that it's a great place to get lost in! Happy travelling my friends.
May 3, 2015
I love the cover of Draykon and was really looking forward to reading it. I have to be honest though, I gave a little groan in the beginning. The first page or so did nothing for me. The language was very flowery. A number of fictional plants were mentioned with little indication of what they were and the word 'with' was used six times in the first paragraph. I was worried. I needn't have been. It settled down very quickly, becoming quite enjoyable.
The story is split between two main characters, Eva and Llandry. Both of whom I engaged with, but I would have enjoyed a little more indication of which of the two is supposed to be the MAIN character. I think it's supposed to be Llandry, but not feeling uncertain about it left me with divided loyalties. I also very much liked their male companions (Tren and Devary). Tren had an especially appreciable sense of humour. It might sound strange, but I really liked that these characters weren't all amazingly talented 18 year olds. Devary and Eva are both represented as 40ish, while Llandry and Tren are both in their twenties. It feels so much more believable when characters are old enough to have become masters of their skills through training, practice and determination, rather than innate talent (which is all too young characters have time to develop).
The environment of The Seven Realms (and beyond) is described quite vividly, though it has a tendency to change, which can be confusing. However, this very changeability is an important aspect of the story. It's worth getting you're head around. Many, many plant and animal species are mentioned and the reader is left to flesh a lot of them out on their own. This is fine. I can extrapolate what a Nivven is supposed to be by the fact that they are ridden and used to pull carriages. Some were not so clear. I spent much of the book thinking a deafly was an animal, or maybe an insect, for example. It's not, it's a flower, the sort one tends to find painted on china.
Draykon leaves you hangin' when it ends though. The whole thing culminated splendidly, but ends before anyone has any answers (or the reader knows what happens to Llandry after the big reveal). That irked me. Of course I want to know what happens next. That's to be expected from the first book of a series, but Draykon literally ends at what I'd have expected to be the peak of the plotting graph. That's difficult...and annoying. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone who likes fantasy.
The story is split between two main characters, Eva and Llandry. Both of whom I engaged with, but I would have enjoyed a little more indication of which of the two is supposed to be the MAIN character. I think it's supposed to be Llandry, but not feeling uncertain about it left me with divided loyalties. I also very much liked their male companions (Tren and Devary). Tren had an especially appreciable sense of humour. It might sound strange, but I really liked that these characters weren't all amazingly talented 18 year olds. Devary and Eva are both represented as 40ish, while Llandry and Tren are both in their twenties. It feels so much more believable when characters are old enough to have become masters of their skills through training, practice and determination, rather than innate talent (which is all too young characters have time to develop).
The environment of The Seven Realms (and beyond) is described quite vividly, though it has a tendency to change, which can be confusing. However, this very changeability is an important aspect of the story. It's worth getting you're head around. Many, many plant and animal species are mentioned and the reader is left to flesh a lot of them out on their own. This is fine. I can extrapolate what a Nivven is supposed to be by the fact that they are ridden and used to pull carriages. Some were not so clear. I spent much of the book thinking a deafly was an animal, or maybe an insect, for example. It's not, it's a flower, the sort one tends to find painted on china.
Draykon leaves you hangin' when it ends though. The whole thing culminated splendidly, but ends before anyone has any answers (or the reader knows what happens to Llandry after the big reveal). That irked me. Of course I want to know what happens next. That's to be expected from the first book of a series, but Draykon literally ends at what I'd have expected to be the peak of the plotting graph. That's difficult...and annoying. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone who likes fantasy.
February 6, 2012
This book is full of surprises! Llandry, a young jeweler with a severe social anxiety disorder has stumbled upon a very rare and unusual stone. After a very successful trip to the darklands market, Llandry finds her jewelry in very high demand. So high, in fact that the harassing letters and reporters become the very least of her concerns. Suddenly, Llandry's customers are dying, and their jewelry is missing! This science fiction mystery took a few chapters to really capture me, but once it did I was hooked. I found myself absolutley enthralled by the magical world and the characters created by this author. I will definitely be purchasing the second book in this series!
February 11, 2012
This was a great book. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I can't say a lot about the plot without giving things away but let me say this: I did not see that coming. It was well written and fun to read. The only thing that might bother some, but didn't bother me, was that the point of view would switch from Llandry in one chapter, then Eva the next, then back to Llandry in the following chapter. I think the author did a good job with this, as the action would pause as you switched characters and were eager to learn what happens with each woman. I definately recommend.
April 1, 2015
3++ stars.
When Llandry finds gems (or what she thinks of as gems) in a cave, she doesn't know that she has started a chain of terrible and mysterious events.
Nice. I didn't expect that. I'm pleasantly surprised...even if Llandry was annoying most of the time. I wonder how she will fare in the second book and if her character will have improved (which I think it will seeing how she...oops...no, I won't spoil).
I certainly want to know what will happen next.
When Llandry finds gems (or what she thinks of as gems) in a cave, she doesn't know that she has started a chain of terrible and mysterious events.
Nice. I didn't expect that. I'm pleasantly surprised...even if Llandry was annoying most of the time. I wonder how she will fare in the second book and if her character will have improved (which I think it will seeing how she...oops...no, I won't spoil).
I certainly want to know what will happen next.
January 15, 2012
I really liked this book. It was unique and well written. I can also understand the characters well, and see their different thoughts. Normally books that change character view points make the characters seem rather flat, but this one was amazing. All in all, I would definitely recommend that you read it.
April 25, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! The writing style was particularly exquisite.
July 25, 2018
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
I love settings that are radically different from our experience. However, this one leaves us almost no familiar elements to anchor to. All animal, food, and drink names are invented (except for one dog which may or may not be an actual dog). In the end the world is richly painted and yet I ended up without a very clear picture of it.
Yet, it has one major saving grace: the main character (well, one of the two) suffers from social anxiety, and I just love the way it's depicted. Having a milder form and many friends who are also in this particular spectrum, I found her the one thing to identify with in this completely alien world, and a few days (and a few movies) later I find my mind going back to her struggles. Never mind the people trying to kill her — everyone else is just as scary.
I love settings that are radically different from our experience. However, this one leaves us almost no familiar elements to anchor to. All animal, food, and drink names are invented (except for one dog which may or may not be an actual dog). In the end the world is richly painted and yet I ended up without a very clear picture of it.
Yet, it has one major saving grace: the main character (well, one of the two) suffers from social anxiety, and I just love the way it's depicted. Having a milder form and many friends who are also in this particular spectrum, I found her the one thing to identify with in this completely alien world, and a few days (and a few movies) later I find my mind going back to her struggles. Never mind the people trying to kill her — everyone else is just as scary.
August 1, 2018
Unbelievable
Llandry is a shy jewelry maker. When she stumbles across a small cave filled with a stone she never saw before. Her mother talks her into bringing her jewelry to the market. From that day forward her life is never the same.
This book has it all from strange creatures to different realms. A lot of action, turmoil and secrets.
A very exciting read.
Llandry is a shy jewelry maker. When she stumbles across a small cave filled with a stone she never saw before. Her mother talks her into bringing her jewelry to the market. From that day forward her life is never the same.
This book has it all from strange creatures to different realms. A lot of action, turmoil and secrets.
A very exciting read.
April 8, 2021
Another great series from Charlotte E. English she is such a brilliant creative story teller. Great story great characters couldn't put it down, well worth getting it if you like fantasy, especially gothic.
December 14, 2022
surprisingly good, engaging, wth ending, but after 24+hours have gone by, I'm not certain I am intrigued enough for book#2
November 7, 2011
If I had to pick two of my favorite genres they would be fantasy and mystery. This book is the delightful integration of both. The story follow several characters, but primarily Llandry and Eva. Llandry is a jewelry maker by trade and stumbles upon a new stone which she calls istore (if I remember correctly it means star, but I could be wrong). This new gem makes Llandry's jewelry highly sought after, especially after Eva is seen wearing a ring made with the gem. Eva is a woman of high society, she is in a high position as well as having the title of Lady. However Llandry's new found success end rather abruptly when people who have bought istore turn up murdered.
As the book continues it is revealed there is much more at work here than just simple greed for a new found popular gem. It's at this point the book starts adding in the mystery element. While this book is certainly a mystery, English approaches it with a fantasy flare.
English's characters are very well written and easy to identify with. Not only that but the two women are strikingly different from each other, while each playing a vital and important role within the story. As the story began I thought I would not like Llandry, she seemed a little to fragile for my liking, but English proved me wrong. Llandry is just young and trying to find a way to come into her own. She also feels responsible for the events that happened to her customers, and is willing to do whatever she can to help and find a way to end the madness going on.
Another thing that made this book endearing to me was the use of animals throughout it. I myself am I pet lover (as I write this review I have three dogs fast asleep in my lap), and Llandry's protective nature towards Sigwide her pet. There are often times when she puts herself in danger to make sure he is okay, and he is just as fierce of a protector for her and she is for him. Another thing I enjoyed about the animal element is that there are various types of animals throughout the book, all with various skills, and they fit in so seamlessly into the society English created. They felt like they belong in the story as much as any other living creature did.
Another intriguing elements of the story was the istore, I will of course not give away what they find out about the mysterious gem, but I will say that it had almost an addictive like property for those who came in contact with it. Even after it is revealed that people who owe in are in danger, some are still obsessed with acquiring their stone or keeping what they own safe. This reaction makes the istore mystery that much more interesting as the story goes on.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone. While some fantasy books can be overly complicated and harder to really delve into, this book is great for a new fantasy reader because English did such a good job of making the characters relatable. This book is also a great read for those who already like the fantasy genre because the plot is compelling. And for those who like a good mystery, this book will certainly be a good read for those as well. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
As the book continues it is revealed there is much more at work here than just simple greed for a new found popular gem. It's at this point the book starts adding in the mystery element. While this book is certainly a mystery, English approaches it with a fantasy flare.
English's characters are very well written and easy to identify with. Not only that but the two women are strikingly different from each other, while each playing a vital and important role within the story. As the story began I thought I would not like Llandry, she seemed a little to fragile for my liking, but English proved me wrong. Llandry is just young and trying to find a way to come into her own. She also feels responsible for the events that happened to her customers, and is willing to do whatever she can to help and find a way to end the madness going on.
Another thing that made this book endearing to me was the use of animals throughout it. I myself am I pet lover (as I write this review I have three dogs fast asleep in my lap), and Llandry's protective nature towards Sigwide her pet. There are often times when she puts herself in danger to make sure he is okay, and he is just as fierce of a protector for her and she is for him. Another thing I enjoyed about the animal element is that there are various types of animals throughout the book, all with various skills, and they fit in so seamlessly into the society English created. They felt like they belong in the story as much as any other living creature did.
Another intriguing elements of the story was the istore, I will of course not give away what they find out about the mysterious gem, but I will say that it had almost an addictive like property for those who came in contact with it. Even after it is revealed that people who owe in are in danger, some are still obsessed with acquiring their stone or keeping what they own safe. This reaction makes the istore mystery that much more interesting as the story goes on.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone. While some fantasy books can be overly complicated and harder to really delve into, this book is great for a new fantasy reader because English did such a good job of making the characters relatable. This book is also a great read for those who already like the fantasy genre because the plot is compelling. And for those who like a good mystery, this book will certainly be a good read for those as well. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
January 3, 2012
I liked this story, I found the premise of a world that existed on three separate yet simultaneous planes, and interesting one. I wanted to like the book more. For me there was a slight but important disconnect in the story I think the author was trying to tell, and the words that eventually made it to the page. There were too many times where I found myself wishing for a map to pinpoint my location, or clearer descriptions of the animals and beasts that populated these strange lands. Did they look like us despite their strange names, or where they wholly unfamiliar constructs. Admittedly there is a fine line in what detail is too much and leaving nothing to the readers imagination, but whenever the characters were alone and moving through unfamiliar territory I felt even more lost and adrift than they must.
And that brings me to the main character Llandry. A Jeweler of great talent she discover a mysterious stone she dubs 'istore' and begins making jewelery out of it. Most of the rest of the book just seems to happen to her, there are a few times she takes an initiative, but on the whole she come across as a weak, overprotected self indulgent brat. And frankly not at all worthy of the amazing transformation the end of the book bestows upon her. It seems there should be a reason for such a damaged person, and yet we are given no clue what might have caused the change in the eleven years that elapses between the first chapter and the next. Saying all that she is however a vivid, fleshed out character, made more evident by the less dimensional characters around her. With the exception of her mother, who is portrayed as woman who rarely doesn't get her way.
Playing counterpoint to Llandry is Eva, a woman of power, both magical and political. I liked Eva. And I found myself thinking that if I wasn't going to learn the things I felt I needed to know to learn about Llandry to hold my interest there, I could most easily read a story simply about Eva and her quest for the source of the istore and the murderer plaguing her city.
I have to say honestly that Llandry's transformation at the end of the book was a bit of a shock, and a bit of a disappointment. To have a connection with the dragon, certainly, but to become one? I don't think it's something she deserved.
Having said all that, I know this is just the first in a series, and I will likely, for story's sake, likely take a stab at the next one. I would give it an extra half star if I could, after all there were some compelling characters, and there is so much potential here. Oh yeah, and dragons.
And that brings me to the main character Llandry. A Jeweler of great talent she discover a mysterious stone she dubs 'istore' and begins making jewelery out of it. Most of the rest of the book just seems to happen to her, there are a few times she takes an initiative, but on the whole she come across as a weak, overprotected self indulgent brat. And frankly not at all worthy of the amazing transformation the end of the book bestows upon her. It seems there should be a reason for such a damaged person, and yet we are given no clue what might have caused the change in the eleven years that elapses between the first chapter and the next. Saying all that she is however a vivid, fleshed out character, made more evident by the less dimensional characters around her. With the exception of her mother, who is portrayed as woman who rarely doesn't get her way.
Playing counterpoint to Llandry is Eva, a woman of power, both magical and political. I liked Eva. And I found myself thinking that if I wasn't going to learn the things I felt I needed to know to learn about Llandry to hold my interest there, I could most easily read a story simply about Eva and her quest for the source of the istore and the murderer plaguing her city.
I have to say honestly that Llandry's transformation at the end of the book was a bit of a shock, and a bit of a disappointment. To have a connection with the dragon, certainly, but to become one? I don't think it's something she deserved.
Having said all that, I know this is just the first in a series, and I will likely, for story's sake, likely take a stab at the next one. I would give it an extra half star if I could, after all there were some compelling characters, and there is so much potential here. Oh yeah, and dragons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2012
Draykon - A Great Start to the Series
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Charlotte E. English
Format: Kindle
While exploring near her home in Glinnery, young Llandry Sanfaer comes across a hidden cave whose walls are filled with a beautiful gemstone. An amateur jewelry, she mines the gems subsequently fashioning them into rings, necklaces, and other items to sell at the local market. To her great surprise they become the desire of the seven realms selling out quickly. But soon those wearing these precious stones are found injured or murdered by creatures previously believed to be extinct from the lower realms. Summoners and Sorcerers alike are called upon to hunt and banish these creatures back to the lower realms and in the process they find the gates between worlds are appearing and opening uncontrolled and at alarming rates. What is causing this shift in the balance between the worlds? Who is hunting these precious stones and why? And how is it a small winged girl from Glinnery seems to hold the fate of the seven realms in her hands?
As I finished reading the final pages of Charlote English's first book in the Draykon series I thought "Noooooo!" don't let it end here! The book builds to a nice and surprising climax and satisfactorily answers many questions, but clearly leaves the main story arc unresolved with Llandry. Well done Ms. English. I'm definitely interested in seeing where this series is going. The premise of the seven realms and worlds connected through veiled gates is intriguing and English gives just enough information to describe these realms while leaving the reader to fill in the details.
The juxtaposition of Llandy, the poor girl from Glinnery and Eva, the High Summoner from Glour and how their stories evolve and intermingle is well executed and drives the plot forward along with mystery of the istore gem and the collapsing veil between the worlds. The evolution of Llandy's character as she finds herself drawn to the istore gem and her ability to connect with the animals around her when she wears it adds to the gem's mysterious properties as well as Llandry's nature. Is she something more than she appears? And why are the seven realms separated at all?
Fantasy readers will find familiar elements here but at the same time something quite fresh making Draykon definitely worth picking up.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Charlotte E. English
Format: Kindle
While exploring near her home in Glinnery, young Llandry Sanfaer comes across a hidden cave whose walls are filled with a beautiful gemstone. An amateur jewelry, she mines the gems subsequently fashioning them into rings, necklaces, and other items to sell at the local market. To her great surprise they become the desire of the seven realms selling out quickly. But soon those wearing these precious stones are found injured or murdered by creatures previously believed to be extinct from the lower realms. Summoners and Sorcerers alike are called upon to hunt and banish these creatures back to the lower realms and in the process they find the gates between worlds are appearing and opening uncontrolled and at alarming rates. What is causing this shift in the balance between the worlds? Who is hunting these precious stones and why? And how is it a small winged girl from Glinnery seems to hold the fate of the seven realms in her hands?
As I finished reading the final pages of Charlote English's first book in the Draykon series I thought "Noooooo!" don't let it end here! The book builds to a nice and surprising climax and satisfactorily answers many questions, but clearly leaves the main story arc unresolved with Llandry. Well done Ms. English. I'm definitely interested in seeing where this series is going. The premise of the seven realms and worlds connected through veiled gates is intriguing and English gives just enough information to describe these realms while leaving the reader to fill in the details.
The juxtaposition of Llandy, the poor girl from Glinnery and Eva, the High Summoner from Glour and how their stories evolve and intermingle is well executed and drives the plot forward along with mystery of the istore gem and the collapsing veil between the worlds. The evolution of Llandy's character as she finds herself drawn to the istore gem and her ability to connect with the animals around her when she wears it adds to the gem's mysterious properties as well as Llandry's nature. Is she something more than she appears? And why are the seven realms separated at all?
Fantasy readers will find familiar elements here but at the same time something quite fresh making Draykon definitely worth picking up.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
February 26, 2012
Draykon by Charlotte E. English
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Llandry Sanfaer, a painfully shy young jewellery maker, discovers a cave full of irresistible precious stones she thinks she’s onto a winner. But there’s always a catch, and in Llandry’s case the beautiful gems cause her problems of beastly proportions. Customers are soon being murdered for Llandry’s creations, and the layers of her safe little world start to crumble. This strife soon draws in elegant, fiercely independent noblewoman, Lady Eva Glostrum, and they start uncovering some alarming facts about the magical yet strictly regulated worlds of the Seven Realms. Old family secrets and older conspiracies soon erupt, along with many stranger and far deadlier challenges.
In the Seven Realms there are strictly defined layers of darkness and light, the sunshiney Uppers, governed only under daylight, maintains strict barriers in place against the dangerous, mesmerising lands of the Lowers. Trouble brews across the land as these barriers fail and new gateways open, and somehow it all links in to Llandry’s discovery in the cave.
Draykon takes us into a vividly realised, dreamily colourful world bursting with incredible beasts and powerful magic. It would make a gorgeous animated series, and I mean that as a high compliment, perhaps in the style of the Secret of Kells? I especially liked the Glyssonwool blossoms - and fantastical creatures (where can I get a pet orting?), were all beautifully brought to life. With conspiracies, sorcerers and monsters to contend with, this was a great story. It wasn’t long before I was totally drawn in and rooting for Llandry to get a little braver, to beat her fears and face up to the outside world, and for Eva to survive at all. Draykon almost made me miss my bus stop a few times over the week I was reading it, which is always a good indicator.
While I’d have liked to see the two main protagonists interact a little more, and while there was a lot of travelling (which worked for Tolkein after all) Llandry and Eva’s separate paths carve deftly through the gripping story. With Llandry just beginning her journey, and Lady Eva coming to terms with a few things, there’s plenty to come back for and I will be revisiting the Seven Realms very soon, in Lokant.
February 17, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which entertained me daily on my commute. There are two main characters with primary points of view. Llandry Sanfaer is a young, socially anxious jeweler with overprotective parents, while Lady Eva Glostrum is a mature and highly competent summoner. Both characters rang true and the author did an excellent job with each character's inner thought processes. Both had their own engaging and interrelated plots. There were interesting secondary characters for both story lines.
The author has created a very detailed high fantasy world, which seems as real to her as Middle Earth was to Tolkien. That strength is also sometimes a weakness. I found it difficult to keep straight all of the unusual words. While words like "orting", "gwaystrel", "shortig" were excellent in evoking the fantasy setting when describing creatures that don't exist in our own world, the use of such words for more mundane nouns was sometimes distracting. For instance, at one point, a character points to a pot of cayluch, when having a pot of tea or coffee would have served the same purpose and not resulted in yet another word to remember. The author might consider making available a glossary.
Likewise, the geography of the setting, while obviously very well understood by the author, was often quite confusing. There are seven realms, each with its own name, its own people, and its own physical peculiarities. Beyond that are lower and upper realms that only add to the confusion. It would have been very helpful to have a map at the beginning of the book. Given certain later revelations which I won't mention here, I would suggest that the map could be presented as if included in a book available in the setting at the time that the story starts, so that the reader has at least the same understanding of the geography of the world as the main characters do.
All in all, however, these suggestions are only for refinement of what is already a very entertaining book. The author is an excellent writer with plenty of imagination. Draykon is a high fantasy mystery with enough tension and action to make it a page-turner. The last few chapters had me rapt and I felt stunned when I realized I'd reached the last page. I'm eager to start the sequel.
The author has created a very detailed high fantasy world, which seems as real to her as Middle Earth was to Tolkien. That strength is also sometimes a weakness. I found it difficult to keep straight all of the unusual words. While words like "orting", "gwaystrel", "shortig" were excellent in evoking the fantasy setting when describing creatures that don't exist in our own world, the use of such words for more mundane nouns was sometimes distracting. For instance, at one point, a character points to a pot of cayluch, when having a pot of tea or coffee would have served the same purpose and not resulted in yet another word to remember. The author might consider making available a glossary.
Likewise, the geography of the setting, while obviously very well understood by the author, was often quite confusing. There are seven realms, each with its own name, its own people, and its own physical peculiarities. Beyond that are lower and upper realms that only add to the confusion. It would have been very helpful to have a map at the beginning of the book. Given certain later revelations which I won't mention here, I would suggest that the map could be presented as if included in a book available in the setting at the time that the story starts, so that the reader has at least the same understanding of the geography of the world as the main characters do.
All in all, however, these suggestions are only for refinement of what is already a very entertaining book. The author is an excellent writer with plenty of imagination. Draykon is a high fantasy mystery with enough tension and action to make it a page-turner. The last few chapters had me rapt and I felt stunned when I realized I'd reached the last page. I'm eager to start the sequel.
December 5, 2013
Imagine a story in which a "Betty" and a "Veronica" type were BOTH protagonists worth rooting for.
This is that story.
When we get two very different but admirable-in-their-own-way heroines, one a petite, plucky ingenue and the other a stately, glamorous playgirl, each caught in a situation that puts her out of her depth and each trying valiantly to play to her own strengths, I'm already halfway there. Add some intriguing world-building, mystery, ominously powerful magical creatures, a dash of darkness, and an ending that makes me eager to get my hands on the sequel, and I'm sold.
I do have a couple of reservations, however. One is that I tend to prefer when protagonists, male or female, develop romantic attachments to people around their own age, people with whom they would naturally have more in common in terms of experience and outlook. Yet in this book, the naive teen spends a lot of her page time with a much older man, while the experienced thirtysomething (and it is very pleasing to see a fantasy heroine this age) spends a lot of her page time with a much younger man. As long as these attachments remain admiring but platonic, I'm okay with that, but I can't help getting a romantic vibe. I haven't been Spoiled at all. Maybe I'll turn out to be wrong. But I have to shake my head a little when I find I'm hoping the couples will NOT get together.
The other is a quibble, a very minor issue. With its contrasting heroines of disparate ages, this book is, for the most part, a gender Win. Yet in the course of the story we meet several animals -- the pseudo-hawk, the pseudo-hound, the pseudo-ferret, and the tiny flying reptile -- and every single one of them is male. This smacks of a trope I'm not fond of, "male as default gender." I have my doubts that English made them all male on purpose; I suspect she didn't think about it, which only shows how deeply ingrained "male as default gender" is.
Still and all, an enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next, and how each of our heroines develops.
This is that story.
When we get two very different but admirable-in-their-own-way heroines, one a petite, plucky ingenue and the other a stately, glamorous playgirl, each caught in a situation that puts her out of her depth and each trying valiantly to play to her own strengths, I'm already halfway there. Add some intriguing world-building, mystery, ominously powerful magical creatures, a dash of darkness, and an ending that makes me eager to get my hands on the sequel, and I'm sold.
I do have a couple of reservations, however. One is that I tend to prefer when protagonists, male or female, develop romantic attachments to people around their own age, people with whom they would naturally have more in common in terms of experience and outlook. Yet in this book, the naive teen spends a lot of her page time with a much older man, while the experienced thirtysomething (and it is very pleasing to see a fantasy heroine this age) spends a lot of her page time with a much younger man. As long as these attachments remain admiring but platonic, I'm okay with that, but I can't help getting a romantic vibe. I haven't been Spoiled at all. Maybe I'll turn out to be wrong. But I have to shake my head a little when I find I'm hoping the couples will NOT get together.
The other is a quibble, a very minor issue. With its contrasting heroines of disparate ages, this book is, for the most part, a gender Win. Yet in the course of the story we meet several animals -- the pseudo-hawk, the pseudo-hound, the pseudo-ferret, and the tiny flying reptile -- and every single one of them is male. This smacks of a trope I'm not fond of, "male as default gender." I have my doubts that English made them all male on purpose; I suspect she didn't think about it, which only shows how deeply ingrained "male as default gender" is.
Still and all, an enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next, and how each of our heroines develops.
September 3, 2013
2.5 stars, if I had a half star option.
Draykon is a multi universe fantasy (erring towards young adult) which follows two female protagonists: 20-something shy jewelry maker Llandry and 40-something High Summoner Eva.
The flowery, fairy tale inspired writing is initially offputting, as is Llandry's complete lack of back bone. I struggled to picture the many layered world(s) of this setting - an overwhelming number of fantastical flora and fauna names are mentioned, but few described in great depth.
The parallels between Eva and Llandry's storylines also jarred. Both are looking to escape the confines of their home life, both feel personally involved in the situation, and both are travelling mainly with one other male character who is a vague potential love interest (in Eva's case, he is 20 years younger, in Llandry's 20 senior).
Yet something (particularly Eva) kept me reading, and halfway through the book, when Llandry finally decides to stop sitting about like a pawn and take some initiative, the story picks up.
It's a fascinating setting which could benefit from further exploration. In classic first of a series style, the cliffhanger ending left me hungry to know what was going to happen next... but I must admit I was hoping for a big plot twist a lot sooner in the story as the pace was fairly slow.
Despite the niggles, the setting and character show a lot of promise. Recommended for the more patient fantasy reader with fey/sorcery inclinations.
Draykon is a multi universe fantasy (erring towards young adult) which follows two female protagonists: 20-something shy jewelry maker Llandry and 40-something High Summoner Eva.
The flowery, fairy tale inspired writing is initially offputting, as is Llandry's complete lack of back bone. I struggled to picture the many layered world(s) of this setting - an overwhelming number of fantastical flora and fauna names are mentioned, but few described in great depth.
The parallels between Eva and Llandry's storylines also jarred. Both are looking to escape the confines of their home life, both feel personally involved in the situation, and both are travelling mainly with one other male character who is a vague potential love interest (in Eva's case, he is 20 years younger, in Llandry's 20 senior).
Yet something (particularly Eva) kept me reading, and halfway through the book, when Llandry finally decides to stop sitting about like a pawn and take some initiative, the story picks up.
It's a fascinating setting which could benefit from further exploration. In classic first of a series style, the cliffhanger ending left me hungry to know what was going to happen next... but I must admit I was hoping for a big plot twist a lot sooner in the story as the pace was fairly slow.
Despite the niggles, the setting and character show a lot of promise. Recommended for the more patient fantasy reader with fey/sorcery inclinations.
April 20, 2012
'People should know, at least. They can make those choices for themselves.'
Llandry stumbles upon a cave with a curious stone in it. A glittering dark indigo gem, the "istore" is her favorite to work with. When she gets talked into taking her jewelery to the Darklands market, her pieces are a huge hit and become the talk of the Seven Realms. Among her admirers, Lady Eva, the High Summoner herself, is also drawn to the gem.
But when Eva's ring is stolen and her best friend is murdered for her own jewelry, both Eva and Llandry are pulled into a mystery that sets them racing to figure out what the istore before more deaths occur.
Once acquainted with the terminology of the world, the story flows smoothly, alternating between the viewpoints of the two main characters. The difference in the "high society" and "working class" are interwoven, yet they work together well. The characters grow, transforming into stronger people, and develop relationships and traits that add further depth to them.
Beautifully written, Draykon brings the reader into the Seven Realms to travel along with Eva and Llandry, learning with them as they try to save their land. A strong read for any fantasy/mystery lover, and a great intro to the series.
Llandry stumbles upon a cave with a curious stone in it. A glittering dark indigo gem, the "istore" is her favorite to work with. When she gets talked into taking her jewelery to the Darklands market, her pieces are a huge hit and become the talk of the Seven Realms. Among her admirers, Lady Eva, the High Summoner herself, is also drawn to the gem.
But when Eva's ring is stolen and her best friend is murdered for her own jewelry, both Eva and Llandry are pulled into a mystery that sets them racing to figure out what the istore before more deaths occur.
Once acquainted with the terminology of the world, the story flows smoothly, alternating between the viewpoints of the two main characters. The difference in the "high society" and "working class" are interwoven, yet they work together well. The characters grow, transforming into stronger people, and develop relationships and traits that add further depth to them.
Beautifully written, Draykon brings the reader into the Seven Realms to travel along with Eva and Llandry, learning with them as they try to save their land. A strong read for any fantasy/mystery lover, and a great intro to the series.
March 8, 2015
This is a sweet fantasy novel with a pleasing mix of fantasy and adventure. For the most part, the book follows two characters: a young and anxious jeweller, Llandry, and a cynical High Summoner, Eva. When Llandry finds an unusual new gem - and Eva buys a piece of the resulting jewellery - they are both sucked into the mystery of where the stone has come from and why someone is prepared to kill for it. I love a good mystery, and I love a well-developed fantasy setting, and this book has both in spades. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.
August 22, 2012
There is often a view voiced that self published books on promotion do not make good reading. Well, that is not the case with Draykon. I picked up a free copy, but will now purchase the next book of the series.
The language is good and flowing, and the story moves well. The world is nice and engaging. There isn't unnecessary violence either. The pace is good and the author strikes a good balance between intrigue and depiction. The world has remained in my head several days after reading it - always a good yardstick for assessing
The language is good and flowing, and the story moves well. The world is nice and engaging. There isn't unnecessary violence either. The pace is good and the author strikes a good balance between intrigue and depiction. The world has remained in my head several days after reading it - always a good yardstick for assessing
February 12, 2015
Good Fantasy
An enjoyable fantasy novel about a girl named Llandry who finds a rare mineral called istore and consequentially becomes a premiere jeweler, with some murders occurring revolving around the substance. Readers might be left wondering about the,s such as shortig and whurthag, but the novel is otherwise enjoyable.
An enjoyable fantasy novel about a girl named Llandry who finds a rare mineral called istore and consequentially becomes a premiere jeweler, with some murders occurring revolving around the substance. Readers might be left wondering about the,s such as shortig and whurthag, but the novel is otherwise enjoyable.
March 26, 2012
A beautifully written, wonderful start to the series. This book is what self-publishing was designed for; the opportunity for talented, upcoming authors like Charlotte to prove their worth. A must read for fantasy lovers.
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