Taste of Lightning

by Kate Constable

High adventure, romance, worldly ambition, and magical power all come into play when three extraordinary young people escape from the Palace of Arvestel and flee on horseback, pursued by the army—and by sinister magic Tansy, Perrin, and Skir could hardly be more different—a laundry maid, a swordsman, and a young priest-king whose countries are at war. But their frantic escape from Arvestel thrusts them together. Pursued by soldiers and haunted by the witch-woman's sinister magic, they ride for their lives through hostile lands. To survive they must learn to trust each other, strip away the layers of deception that surround Skir, and challenge the tyranny of the witch-woman. But what will happen if all truths are revealed? And will the power of the priest-king be enough to bring peace to the Threelands? This thrilling adventure set within a storm of secrecy takes place within the world of the Chanters of Tremaris series. Picking up 20 years after the last book in the trilogy, in a different country, fans of the series will love it, as well as newcomers looking for strong girls and believable worlds in the style of Tamora Pierce. 

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy, Childrens

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Kate Constable was born in Sangringham, Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). When she was six-years-old, her family moved to Papua New Guinea where her father worked as a pilot.

Constable got her Arts/Law degree at Melborne University, then got a job at Warner Music. She started writing during these years.

She wrote several short-stories before becoming an author and after her first attempt at writing a novel she fell in love with the man that is now her husband. They have a daughter.

Constable's first official novel was The Singer of All Songs, in a trilogy called The Chanters of Tremaris. It was published in 2002, a few weeks after Constable's daughter was born.

Reviews

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I started reading The Taste of Lightning I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's set in the same world as The Chanters of Tremaris series, which is a favorite book series of mine. This story is set 20 years after the Chanters of Tremaris. I really enjoyed reading this one, but it isn't as deep as the original trilogy. The ending also left me frustrated because clearly there can and should be more. I've tried to find info on whether or not the author plans to write more, but have found nothing. Hopefully she will. There are just too many loose ends and interesting characters to explore. If she does, I hope she delves deeper into the characters next time.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good!! But the end! Not fair, I want more! Especially after finding out what I did at the end!

[Koalathebear Koalathebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I previously read The Singer of All Songs, The Waterless Sea and the Tenth Power by Kate Constable and enjoyed them. I thought that Taste of Lightning was outstanding, though.

First of all, I really liked the characters of Tansy (laundry maid) and Perrin (soldier) a LOT. I totally ship them. Skir was what you would expect from your slightly whingey heir-apparent, but he's not too unbearable. I liked the world that Constable has created, I like the folklore, the ethnicities, the culture and the stories. I liked the magic and the history - I loved the suspense and dread she manages to describe while at the same time writing a delightful 'road trip' story with three young protagonists.

Kate Constable is really a very talented writer. She doesn't over-use words and I was completely absorbed by the story she was telling. I was reading this book during my lunch break today and almost burst into tears about a horse!!!! Given that the book was written in 2007, my expectations for any further books is very low but I am hopeful that this is not the last that we see of Tansy, Perrin and Skir.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Kate Constable's writing, but this book relies a little too heavily on the reader having read her earlier series. I found the characters to be a little less well-developed, believable or compelling than in the earlier series... which is too bad, because that series is terrific, and on a level with Tamora Pierce for story.

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I picked this up from my school library, thinking it was a boring book, but I forced myself to read it, but I didn't really have to because as soon as I got to the second line, my eyes had to be dragged off the page. When I finished reading it, I was so captivated and didn't want to give it back. Eventually, i did, and then I forgot all about it, then only a week ago, something caught my eye in the library, and there it was on the shelves!!! I was so glad that I found it I read it three times over four days. I love love love this book soooo much, with Perrin and his chantment, power of the beasts, and his lazy grin, Tansy as a brave and smart laundry maid, and Skir with a hidden power that he didn't even know himself. The ending was also so memorable, I love the last line... 'Then with a stately leap, the sun bounded into the sky and the whole messy, beautiful, broken world was stained with fire' !!!!! isn't that just amazing!. I love this book, its got everything I want in a book! I recommend this book to you DEFINITELY!

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and complex, with the right amount of twists without being a formula or too weird. I was not a fan of some of the gendered stuff (the compulsory heterosexuality mainly) but Tansy at least is a strong enough character to hold her own. Interesting link (not too tight) to the chanters of Tremaris series.

The sort of fantasy which is a blend of politics, strategy, tragedy, personalities, animals and some magic (but with the sort of restraint that too many fantasy books lack). Also one of the best depictions of a bard (charisma and all) that I have ever seen.

[Neil Crowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable tale in the fantasy genre. The story line made sense and moved along smoothly.

[Swiftsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Taste of Lightning is good for a quick read but for readers who are expecting an amazing fantasy series, turn your heads elsewhere.

This novel, simply put, lacked a plot. I disliked ALL the characters. I have yet to read the prior series involving these 'powers' so my interest in this book solely relied on how well-developed a plot and characters were in this novel alone.

Skir was a whiny pansy. From the beginning, I couldn't have cared less about his position as Priest-King. It felt like a desperate attempt to keep readers reading. Can we just imagine the startling effects if readers found out that Skir didn't make any development at all? By the time he acquired his 'true' powers towards the end of the novel, I couldn't have given a damn. Skir IS pathetic. Firstly, all he does is complain about being in his position of being a powerless Priest-King whilst not caring if he hinders the survival of the other characters. What kind of selfish, brat-like PRIEST-KING is this?! No wonder his sister was such a bitch to him. Speaking of his sister, what was the point of even having her as a character in there? All she had was like, 4 lines? Did it do much to increase the bondment of Skir to his homeland? Nope, nothing, NA-DAH!
In all his whining, he can hardly do ANYTHING & even when he DOES, he leads them straight to the Witch. =_=" Talk about useless.
What my basic problem with him is that I do not see a LEADER -- or even a PRIEST-KING in HIM.
Is he even holy enough to be considered a priest, NO.
Priest= Vegetarian in this novel. This priest doesn't even need faith in himself or be a strong enough King for his people. He just needs to whine and keep eating vegies. :) Aww, how cute.

His acceptance of his position as an 'All Power' came a bit too easily to my liking. It made me dislike him even more. Dude, you've been kept like a rag doll and have had conspiracies floating around you your entire life, but the moment you realize you have power, you go all, "Okay, it's fine now :) ," mode. =_=" How in the world can anyone like a character yourself.

Tansy >> an aggressive bitch. ^^ I doubt I can continue further on these other 2 characters after the rant on Skir. I'm nearly about to demote this novel to 2 stars just because of them.

Perrin >> a charmer that hardly appears as such. =_="

The second major problem I had with the novel other than characterization was the Romance. It felt too forced. However, what else can we expect when there's 3 protagonists & 1 happens to be an a female.

----- I might return to this review and edit it further; but as of now, I'm tired of thinking of this novel.

[Naomi Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seond Review

Okay so this I just going to be a quick review because I need to spend more time reading (and less writing the reviews) if I want to make my reading challenge this year. I’ve got three days to read three books; hopefully I’ll make it… Plus I’m too tired to write a long review. Anyway on to the review.

Synopsis

Tansy, Perrin and Skir have led very different lives; Tansy is a laundry maid that wants a better life, Perrin’s a solider and Skir is a Priest-King begin held captive in his neighbouring nation. But a daring escape from Arvestel has the three of them trust together. Pursued by the King’s soldiers and haunted by sinister magic the three ride for the border in a desperate attempt to find safety – and to return Skir to his throne.

Along the way they must learn to trust each other, see the truth and challenge the Witch-Woman if they are to have any chance of surviving. As a romance flourishes they learn that more has been kept from them than they originally believed and that uncovering all truths can be more dangerous than not knowing any.


Review

The Taste of Lightning is set in the fictional lands of Baltimar, Rengan and Cragonlands and is a spin-off of Kate Constable’s original Chanters of Tremaris series. It centres on the journey of Tansy, Perrin and Skir as they struggle to return Skir to his home and has cameo’s from some of the characters of the original series.

In this novel we return to Constable’s enchanting world of Tremaris filled with the intriguing chantments - magic controlled through song – of its inhabitants. The story is incredibly well written and filled with enticing characters.

The Taste of Lightning is a book that can be enjoyed at any age and over and over again. It remains in its place as my favourite stand-alone novel even after having read it for the third time. Reading this again has made me want to re-read The Chanters of Tremaris series again, looks like it’s time for a trip to the library (I really have to just buy myself a copy of all these books).

:D


First Review

This is one of my favorite books. I have read it twice already and absolutely loved it each time. Sitting here now writing this review (or rather my opinion) I'm thinking about how much I'd like to read it again.

[Hartley · Rating 2 out of 5]

**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**

I first read The Singer of All Songs trilogy soon after the release of the last book. I fell in love instantly. The charcters were distinct and vibrant, the world was vast and adverse, and the story really fulfilled every need I had. I was excited to discover that this book existed. A continuation? Gasp! Please! I was a bit trepidatious upon discovering it was set elsewhere in the world of Tremaris.

To be fair, I might have had some high expectations, but this book really disappointed me. It was really rough. It was hard to get into, and then even once I did I had trouble concentrating on it. I felt lost a lot. The dialogue felt rather fake. I still don't feel as if I really kniw the characters or the world they lived in. The book was also dependent upon the reader having read the first three book, which had been a while for me. It was nice that Trout was in it, and he was himself.

What truly killed this book for me was the ending. It was such a mess that it doesn't feel done. Like there's three or five more chapters yet to read. Maybe even another book. What was that ending!? Its such a mess I'm honestly not surprised there aren't anymore books. Where do you go from here? Its not a totally impossible situation, but it would be a tough one.

[meeners · Rating 4 out of 5]

"old-fashioned" is the word that came to mind as i read this, but i don't mean that in a pejorative sense - though in fact i find it difficult to pin down what it is i mean exactly. maybe it's simply relief at reading a young adult fantasy that isn't written in puerile first-person prose (the kind that magnifies every besotted flutter or agonized decision to intolerable proportions). or maybe it's because i first discovered kate constable years and years ago, and feel a nostalgic pleasure in encountering her again.

or maybe it's because i grew up on this kind of storytelling mode. in some ways, the taste of lightning is just like any other conventional fantasy on the surface - cluttered with improbable coincidences, awkward made-up fantasy names, western-medieval-ish settings, and idealized romance. but through sturdy, simple storytelling and a consistent acknowledgement of what's at stake for the characters (within the narrative, and as narrative), kate constable manages to make the reader (or this particular reader, anyhow) care about it all, with affection, and in earnest. more please!

[Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish there were half stars because I'd certainly give this 2.5 stars. I just can't quite bring myself to give it 3. And it's not because it's a terrible book, I just didn't enjoy it that much.

The title was immediately intriguing. But the book was hard to get into. I found the writing rather rough and couldn't quite get around it. I never really fell into the story or got caught up in the world. Though, it was interesting with the Ten Powers I just wanted more; more magic and more development of the world and more interesting characters. Perrin was supposed to be charming and a pretty boy, which is completely my type, but I didn't fall for him at all. There was a lot of talking about him being charming and not much of him actually being charming. Tansy is a tough, brave, strong heroine that I never really loved or even rooted for. Skir, well there was potential there, and a few interesting things almost happened with him, but never seemed fully developed.

It had a great last line, though.

[Kindred Spirit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be a disappointing sequel to Constable's Chanter of Tremaris series. The characters and plots were not well developed, although the world building was passable. The main characters and their relationships all seemed promising, so it was especially disappointing when I didn't think they were fleshed out as well as they could have been.

I was disappointed to not see more characters from the original series, though that is personal preference and not necessarily a justified criticism of the book. And there was one interesting connection I hadn't predicted.

I was very annoyed by the constant use of the swearword 'frug', particularly in the scenes with the Army near the beginning, where it used in almost every bit of dialogue.

It seems like the book was leaving open the possibilty for futher books set in Tremaris, but I don't know if I would bother with them if they were to eventuate, as I found this book a bit boring overall and lacking in a satisfying ending

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Really a sequel to the Chanters of Tremaris series, but isn't included in the series on any list I've seen.

It has a nice collection of characters -- Perrin, Tansy, and Skir work well together. Kate Constable seems to do characters better when they're in groups.

I thought Tansy giving in to Perrin was a bit anomalous. The ending left the possibility of another book, but this one was published in 2007, so I don't know if there will ever be one.

It was an interesting read -- not really good versus evil. There was at least one truly evil person and a lot of varying shades of gray.

I liked Skir's stubbornness in not eating meat and in his horror after killing someone in self-defense. Bettenwey seems beyond slimey. I was really surprised that the end solution seemed to be deciding to negotiate with him.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK First you need to know that this book follows the Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy by Kate Constable. I loved the series so much I had to buy this as soon as it was out! It follows on of the characters from the trilogy and I really liked going back to one of my favorite lands! The story wasn't bad either.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book, and that it takes place with the Tremaris world? Love it, and about 17 or so years at least after The Tenth Power, and this characters were new, though Tansy reminded me a bit of Mica and Calwyin, a mix of them, and yeah, this was a fantastic book, and now there's a possibility for a sequel, which I'd love!!!

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Within 20 pages, the content switches from setting up characters and backstory to flippant talk of wanting sex. The witch is also a little much.
This is not what I remember Constable's work being like. Maybe I need to reread things I previously liked, and check it for appropriateness.

[Rachel]

Not yet published in the US?

[BCPL Youth Services Librarian]

Click to see book in BCPL's online catalog

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn't seem finished at all. The book seems unresolved.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I found it interesting, unusual and I was sad to finish it... Really, that's it, I finished the book? More More More!

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. It is different from the other story “Chanters of Tremaris”. I still enjoyed the story. The big question is will there be another book? We will see.

[Jen Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love Kate Constable's writing, this one was a little boring. I felt it took too long to tell such a short adventure.

[Calli · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent adventure, and a good lesson in not judging.