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Meri #1
The Meri
She saw her parents murdered when she was but a child. Rescued from the rubble of her village by a teacher of the Divine Arts, Meredydd-a-Lagan swore to learn the powerful secrets necessary to track down the marauders and achieve vengeance. But first she would have to overcome centuries of prejudice against female mages, and become the first ever female apprentice to the Meri, the otherworldly being whos stand s as the Bridge between humanityy and the Spirit of the Universe--only then would she be faced with her ultimate choice: vengeance or eternal life.
268 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1992
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
62 books73 followersMaya’s addicted to speculative fiction. For this, she blames her dad and Ray Bradbury. She’s authored eight novels of speculative fiction, short fiction that’s appeared in Analog, Amazing Stories, Interzone, and others, and has been short-listed for the Nebula, Sidewise, and British SF awards. She and writing partner Michael Reaves are responsible for the 2013 New York Times Bestseller STAR WARS LEGENDS: THE LAST JEDI.
Her newest novel is THE ANTIQUITIES HUNTER, a Gina Miyoko Mystery
Maya is half of Maya & Jeff, a Pegasus Award-winning musical duo. They’ve collaborated on three amazing children and live in San Jose. You can read/listen to Maya’s work at www.bookviewcafe,com or www.mayabohnhoff.com and buy her books at Book View Café, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CD Baby and iTunes.
Her newest novel is THE ANTIQUITIES HUNTER, a Gina Miyoko Mystery
Maya is half of Maya & Jeff, a Pegasus Award-winning musical duo. They’ve collaborated on three amazing children and live in San Jose. You can read/listen to Maya’s work at www.bookviewcafe,com or www.mayabohnhoff.com and buy her books at Book View Café, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CD Baby and iTunes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 2, 2012
Meredydd is an orphan, and the only female student at the prestigious school Halig-liath. At Halig-liath, young men — and Meredydd — are trained to become Osraed, which are magician-priests something along the lines of Druids. Female magic is feared and distrusted in this world, and when Meredydd is falsely accused of witchcraft, the elders decide to send her on Pilgrimage to meet the Meri, a goddess-like figure who serves as a connection between humans and God. The Meri will be the final judge of whether Meredydd is fit to be an Osraed, and the elders are divided on whether they want her to succeed or fail.
What follows is a quest tale and a spiritual journey in which Meredydd treks toward the Sea to meet the Meri, encountering a series of tests along the way. These are the kinds of tests that aren’t what they appear on the surface; the obvious dilemma in each situation is almost never the part that’s actually the test, and the goal isn’t exactly what Meredydd thinks it is. Interwoven with this is the theme of men’s magic being revered while women’s magic is feared and reviled; it’s hardly a new theme, but it works.
It’s clear from early on that there’s a secret about the nature of the Meri herself, and it’s pretty obvious to the reader exactly what that secret is. In fact, it becomes frustrating that it never even occurs to Meredydd as a possibility, though it’s absolutely vital to the plot that she not realize it. Readers, however, will be trying to shout it through the pages!
The Meri was slightly rough going for me at first, both because of this issue and a few smaller ones. Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff lets her narrative get bogged down in philosophical musings at times, especially at the very beginning. She also occasionally uses a “ye olde” spelling of a common word when it’s not necessary, such as “backstere” for baker, “Cyne” for King, and “cleirach” for cleric. The meaning usually becomes clear shortly thereafter through context, but in the meantime the reader has been momentarily thrown out of the story and is wondering what a “backstere” is, when just using “baker” would have resulted in a smoother read and wouldn’t have detracted any from the medieval feel of the book.
Bohnhoff earned respect from me in the way she wrapped it up at the end, though. She takes Meredydd’s self-doubt, which she had been building up throughout the novel, and rolls it into a compelling “dark night of the soul” as Meredydd finally reaches the Sea and awaits the Meri’s arrival and judgment. Then, when the observant reader’s guess about the Meri’s nature turns out to be true, Bohnhoff doesn’t belabor the revelation with a big infodump. She just briefly confirms it — in a beautiful, touching scene — and then moves on with the story, as if to say, “Yes, I already told you this, if you were paying attention.” And Meredydd faces one final test, one final choice: whether to act in vengeance or in mercy toward someone connected to her parents’ murders.
The Meri is readable but unspectacular overall, and Meredydd is a likable character who deals with a lot of insecurity but is always out to do the right thing. It’s worth a try if you like the “priestess struggles against sexism” type of fantasy novel. Just be prepared for the protagonist to miss the obvious for a long time. The second book in the series is called Taminy and deals with a highly intriguing character mentioned in The Meri, and I think it’s likely that I’ll seek it out, as what we saw of Taminy in this book has my curiosity piqued.
What follows is a quest tale and a spiritual journey in which Meredydd treks toward the Sea to meet the Meri, encountering a series of tests along the way. These are the kinds of tests that aren’t what they appear on the surface; the obvious dilemma in each situation is almost never the part that’s actually the test, and the goal isn’t exactly what Meredydd thinks it is. Interwoven with this is the theme of men’s magic being revered while women’s magic is feared and reviled; it’s hardly a new theme, but it works.
It’s clear from early on that there’s a secret about the nature of the Meri herself, and it’s pretty obvious to the reader exactly what that secret is. In fact, it becomes frustrating that it never even occurs to Meredydd as a possibility, though it’s absolutely vital to the plot that she not realize it. Readers, however, will be trying to shout it through the pages!
The Meri was slightly rough going for me at first, both because of this issue and a few smaller ones. Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff lets her narrative get bogged down in philosophical musings at times, especially at the very beginning. She also occasionally uses a “ye olde” spelling of a common word when it’s not necessary, such as “backstere” for baker, “Cyne” for King, and “cleirach” for cleric. The meaning usually becomes clear shortly thereafter through context, but in the meantime the reader has been momentarily thrown out of the story and is wondering what a “backstere” is, when just using “baker” would have resulted in a smoother read and wouldn’t have detracted any from the medieval feel of the book.
Bohnhoff earned respect from me in the way she wrapped it up at the end, though. She takes Meredydd’s self-doubt, which she had been building up throughout the novel, and rolls it into a compelling “dark night of the soul” as Meredydd finally reaches the Sea and awaits the Meri’s arrival and judgment. Then, when the observant reader’s guess about the Meri’s nature turns out to be true, Bohnhoff doesn’t belabor the revelation with a big infodump. She just briefly confirms it — in a beautiful, touching scene — and then moves on with the story, as if to say, “Yes, I already told you this, if you were paying attention.” And Meredydd faces one final test, one final choice: whether to act in vengeance or in mercy toward someone connected to her parents’ murders.
The Meri is readable but unspectacular overall, and Meredydd is a likable character who deals with a lot of insecurity but is always out to do the right thing. It’s worth a try if you like the “priestess struggles against sexism” type of fantasy novel. Just be prepared for the protagonist to miss the obvious for a long time. The second book in the series is called Taminy and deals with a highly intriguing character mentioned in The Meri, and I think it’s likely that I’ll seek it out, as what we saw of Taminy in this book has my curiosity piqued.
October 19, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy/Spiritual coming-of-age
Reading Level: YA
Recommended for: fans of spiritually based fantasy
Trigger Warnings: (implied) rape, child abuse
My Thoughts: I spent a lot of this book somewhat confused, as the story seems to mix Christianity with Briton Paganism. The names are Cymric (Welsh). I've designated this as fantasy, but I'm not sure if it is. Maybe it's historical fiction? I have no idea, I can't quite figure it out.
Nonetheless, it was an interesting story. Mereddyd (pronounced Meredith) is a complex character who comes into her spirituality through the course of this book. While there is some action, this story is more about the journey, about understanding, and about her thoughts and dreams, so readers will need to enjoy the journey more than action. If this sounds like your sort of thing, be sure to check this story out. It is the first book in a series. The next book is called Taminy and the third is The Crystal Rose. They were originally released in the 1990s, and are being re-released by Bookview Cafe.
Disclosure: I received an e-book copy of this from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: In the twenty-fifth year of the reign of Cyne Colfre, a fifteen year-old girl named Mereddyd-a-Lagan sought to wield powers reserved, until now, for men. Would she attain the station of Osraed ... or die a heretic like the one who went before her?
Reading Level: YA
Recommended for: fans of spiritually based fantasy
Trigger Warnings: (implied) rape, child abuse
My Thoughts: I spent a lot of this book somewhat confused, as the story seems to mix Christianity with Briton Paganism. The names are Cymric (Welsh). I've designated this as fantasy, but I'm not sure if it is. Maybe it's historical fiction? I have no idea, I can't quite figure it out.
Nonetheless, it was an interesting story. Mereddyd (pronounced Meredith) is a complex character who comes into her spirituality through the course of this book. While there is some action, this story is more about the journey, about understanding, and about her thoughts and dreams, so readers will need to enjoy the journey more than action. If this sounds like your sort of thing, be sure to check this story out. It is the first book in a series. The next book is called Taminy and the third is The Crystal Rose. They were originally released in the 1990s, and are being re-released by Bookview Cafe.
Disclosure: I received an e-book copy of this from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: In the twenty-fifth year of the reign of Cyne Colfre, a fifteen year-old girl named Mereddyd-a-Lagan sought to wield powers reserved, until now, for men. Would she attain the station of Osraed ... or die a heretic like the one who went before her?
January 9, 2011
Not so much of a review rather than fragments of thoughts about it:
I think that more often than not I got thrown off track from the narrative of this book by the extensive description--and decided that the excerpts from the Corah at the start of each chapter ended up to be more distracting in the long run than informative.
It felt like we spent 3/4 of the book getting her to the Sea, and then in a matter of pages the pilgrimage was over....sloooooooooow and then fast.fast.fast.
I also felt like for all the attention that was spent on the female character, that Bohnhoff often short-shrifted the males. Either they jumped from revulsion to love, from friend to infatuation or they were deviants who were violent or looking for sex.
(The exception being of course Os. Bevol and the father of the sick boy).
I also feel like that while Bohnhoff had a clear idea of who the Meri was, she tended to get lost in the Philosophical maze. I don't think that she did a good job in showing us what that vision was. It felt like, at times, that there was a lot of telling and not showing but through Meredydd's introspection.
I think that more often than not I got thrown off track from the narrative of this book by the extensive description--and decided that the excerpts from the Corah at the start of each chapter ended up to be more distracting in the long run than informative.
It felt like we spent 3/4 of the book getting her to the Sea, and then in a matter of pages the pilgrimage was over....sloooooooooow and then fast.fast.fast.
I also felt like for all the attention that was spent on the female character, that Bohnhoff often short-shrifted the males. Either they jumped from revulsion to love, from friend to infatuation or they were deviants who were violent or looking for sex.
(The exception being of course Os. Bevol and the father of the sick boy).
I also feel like that while Bohnhoff had a clear idea of who the Meri was, she tended to get lost in the Philosophical maze. I don't think that she did a good job in showing us what that vision was. It felt like, at times, that there was a lot of telling and not showing but through Meredydd's introspection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
This is a superbly crafted story of perseverance, compassion, and ultimately transcendence. Bohnoff grounds the story by creating believable, compelling, and very human characters, and then leads them through series of crises where their decisions and actions reveal who and what they really are, and what they will be when they attain their true potential.
Read
March 17, 2024A friend recommended this book to me (and loaned me her copy). It was excellent. A very different and interesting concept and some good ideas on religion. The romantic relationship part of me wanted Meredydd to end up a little differently, but the ending was wonderful and I had some tears flowing down my cheeks while reading the last pages.
December 16, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Meredydd's family was murdered, and she was taken in by the Osraeds for teaching. Showing an unusual aptitude for the Art, her path is stony. As a character, Meredydd is strong, and genuine, but lacks a little in self-awareness.
This is a traditional journey novel. Everything is focused on the Pilgrimage of Meredydd to find the Meri. The tasks she is set are quite interesting, and should be thought provoking for some readers. It really didn't feel like much happened in the novel though, and so it was an easy read.
I'm not quite sure what kept me reading about this novel. Perhaps it was the strong female character of Meredydd who needed to hold against the odds. Or perhaps the riddles, which I enjoyed trying to solve (with little success for some).
I wanted to know more of Skeet. This is book 1 in a series, and I'm almost tempted to get the other books just to find out more about him. Almost tempted, but not quite. He was the character who interested me the most after Meredydd, although her other male friend also had potential.
I would have liked to know more of the exact teachings of the Osraeds. My academic interest in a novel has always been so inclined. I was also interested in Meredydd's fascination with the spider and its web - was this a metaphor for something deeper?
The ending ruined the novel for me. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I felt cheated. That knocked what could have been a 4 star book into a 3 star book for me.
Meredydd's family was murdered, and she was taken in by the Osraeds for teaching. Showing an unusual aptitude for the Art, her path is stony. As a character, Meredydd is strong, and genuine, but lacks a little in self-awareness.
This is a traditional journey novel. Everything is focused on the Pilgrimage of Meredydd to find the Meri. The tasks she is set are quite interesting, and should be thought provoking for some readers. It really didn't feel like much happened in the novel though, and so it was an easy read.
I'm not quite sure what kept me reading about this novel. Perhaps it was the strong female character of Meredydd who needed to hold against the odds. Or perhaps the riddles, which I enjoyed trying to solve (with little success for some).
I wanted to know more of Skeet. This is book 1 in a series, and I'm almost tempted to get the other books just to find out more about him. Almost tempted, but not quite. He was the character who interested me the most after Meredydd, although her other male friend also had potential.
I would have liked to know more of the exact teachings of the Osraeds. My academic interest in a novel has always been so inclined. I was also interested in Meredydd's fascination with the spider and its web - was this a metaphor for something deeper?
The ending ruined the novel for me. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I felt cheated. That knocked what could have been a 4 star book into a 3 star book for me.
February 7, 2013
Meredydd-a-Lagan (don't worry, she goes by Meredydd the rest of the story...) is the first ever female Prentice to study the Divine Arts. After her parents are killed when she is very young she is raised by Osraed Bevol (make sure you tab the pronunciation page at the back!).
She is raised to seek the Meri, who is an omniscient god like being, to seek her out and worship. But she is fought at every corner because of her gender and stubbornness. After several trials she is allowed to go on Pilgrimage to seek the Meri and must complete several challenges along the way and must also learn about herself and discover that she may not be the only girl to ever follow the path the Meri.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reader giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was one that was almost impossible to put down. In fact I wouldn't let myself put it in my purse like I normally do when going to work for fear that I would pull it out and read it at my desk!
I was captivated by the story from the first few pages all the way through the end, and then some (I also read the teaser chapter for the second book at the end). I will definitely purchase this title in print as well as the other 2 that are in the works.
I loved that Meredydd was a very strong and independent character who kicked butt when needed and was also compassionate and everything that you wish for in a good protagonist.
I would easily recommend this book to anyone.
She is raised to seek the Meri, who is an omniscient god like being, to seek her out and worship. But she is fought at every corner because of her gender and stubbornness. After several trials she is allowed to go on Pilgrimage to seek the Meri and must complete several challenges along the way and must also learn about herself and discover that she may not be the only girl to ever follow the path the Meri.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reader giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was one that was almost impossible to put down. In fact I wouldn't let myself put it in my purse like I normally do when going to work for fear that I would pull it out and read it at my desk!
I was captivated by the story from the first few pages all the way through the end, and then some (I also read the teaser chapter for the second book at the end). I will definitely purchase this title in print as well as the other 2 that are in the works.
I loved that Meredydd was a very strong and independent character who kicked butt when needed and was also compassionate and everything that you wish for in a good protagonist.
I would easily recommend this book to anyone.
August 27, 2015
Meredydd is a Prentice studying the Divine Art to some day become an Osraed serving the Meri. Six years ago her parents were murdered and she was taken in by Osraed Bevol. Now at fifteen her differences are beginning to show and being the only female Prentice is becoming harder. After a couple of incidents one of the Osraeds wants to kick her out of school. So it's decided that she'll go on her Pilgrimage. One way or the other she'll be out of school, the Meri will decide if she is worthy or not.
Merredydd gets put in a lot of conundrums, situations where she has to choose between helping others or continuing her quest or choosing between getting revenge for her parents murder or not. There are children's riddles in the school, and during the Pilgrimage. It adds flavor to the story. There are more serious problems, too. Blaec-del is an unsavory town with lecherous Old Mors, a cirke-master that is hunting for wickes and the hot-headed Ruhn Airdsgainne. In that village Merredydd diverges from her quest to first help Flynn and then Gwynet.
The story was very good, Meredydd had to face some tough choices. She learned a lot about herself and gained more confidence. The people may or may not have changed their prejudice against having women in the Divine Arts. Other than having to learn vocabulary through context it was a very quick read, enjoyable, enough humor thrown in to make it well worth reading.
Merredydd gets put in a lot of conundrums, situations where she has to choose between helping others or continuing her quest or choosing between getting revenge for her parents murder or not. There are children's riddles in the school, and during the Pilgrimage. It adds flavor to the story. There are more serious problems, too. Blaec-del is an unsavory town with lecherous Old Mors, a cirke-master that is hunting for wickes and the hot-headed Ruhn Airdsgainne. In that village Merredydd diverges from her quest to first help Flynn and then Gwynet.
The story was very good, Meredydd had to face some tough choices. She learned a lot about herself and gained more confidence. The people may or may not have changed their prejudice against having women in the Divine Arts. Other than having to learn vocabulary through context it was a very quick read, enjoyable, enough humor thrown in to make it well worth reading.
April 10, 2012
I received this book for free as part of a giveaway on BookViewCafe.[return][return]The older Meredydd becomes, the more she questions. She is the only female student Halig-liath, there to learn the divine arts. Her fellow students and teachers begin to look at her differently as she develops the curves of a fifteen-year-old woman, and some actively seek out her failure. Meredydd is chosen for pilgrimage, to seek out the Meri - a goddess-essence from the sea - and become a revered Osraed. As she begins her journey, she doesn't lack faith in the Meri - but in herself.[return][return]My feelings on this are mixed. It's an enjoyable book, and contains many twists on the now-stereotypical magical arts school ala Hogwarts. It's frustrating to read of a society that is so gender imbalanced, where any intelligent woman is labeled a Wicke (witch) and threatened with death. The ending of the book really threw me; it would probably make much more sense if I went on to read the next two books in the trilogy.
March 23, 2013
Received from the LibraryThing's Early Reviewer January 2013 batch.
Book 1 of The Meri cycle finds the 15 year old Meredydd as the only female "prentice" in a male dominated religious Academy, learning to become a priest. Objections at her existence, which is starting to disrupt and distract the other students and teachers, forces the decision to make her pilgrimage to find The Meri earlier than many believe she's ready.
There are definite allusions to both state religion and the fear of witches (Wicke) and the belief that whilst people can worship a female incarnation of Godhead, a woman cannot be a disciple/priest of the same.
Much of the book is dedicated to the pilgrimage, and how Meredydd faces the three challenges put to her in her dreams. Mere seems to "let go" of some things really easily - her friend Leal and the Wisdom crystal are released with nary a second thought which is a shame.
The result of the pilgrimage is almost predictable, but no worse for that, and ties in nicely with the overall philosophy of the story
Book 1 of The Meri cycle finds the 15 year old Meredydd as the only female "prentice" in a male dominated religious Academy, learning to become a priest. Objections at her existence, which is starting to disrupt and distract the other students and teachers, forces the decision to make her pilgrimage to find The Meri earlier than many believe she's ready.
There are definite allusions to both state religion and the fear of witches (Wicke) and the belief that whilst people can worship a female incarnation of Godhead, a woman cannot be a disciple/priest of the same.
Much of the book is dedicated to the pilgrimage, and how Meredydd faces the three challenges put to her in her dreams. Mere seems to "let go" of some things really easily - her friend Leal and the Wisdom crystal are released with nary a second thought which is a shame.
The result of the pilgrimage is almost predictable, but no worse for that, and ties in nicely with the overall philosophy of the story
August 21, 2015
The Meri is a book that follows the unlikely pilgrimage and spiritual awakening of Mereddyd, a orphan girl in a world where spirituality is a man's demesne. It's one of those books that you'll either love or not with little middle ground in between. For me, unfortunately the latter was the case, as I very much wanted to like this book.
The novel is at time overly self conscious, and in places runs long where Bohnoff waxes lyrical on spiritual matters which can become confusing, and distract the reader from the story. The premise is a very good one, and the spiritual messages and lessons are strong. However, the become lost amid rambling passage and language adopted seemingly for effect to give the novel an 'otherworldly' or 'older' feel, but which has the effect of taking the reader out of the story while they work out what said unfamiliar words mean. All in all I wish the story could have been more concise to give greater impact to what could have been an excellent and unique tale.
The novel is at time overly self conscious, and in places runs long where Bohnoff waxes lyrical on spiritual matters which can become confusing, and distract the reader from the story. The premise is a very good one, and the spiritual messages and lessons are strong. However, the become lost amid rambling passage and language adopted seemingly for effect to give the novel an 'otherworldly' or 'older' feel, but which has the effect of taking the reader out of the story while they work out what said unfamiliar words mean. All in all I wish the story could have been more concise to give greater impact to what could have been an excellent and unique tale.
August 18, 2014
I just finished this book and wanted to do my review right away. I loved it! This story follows the coming of age story of the only girl studying for the priesthood (priesthood isn't used in the book, but it describes the order well). It is Fantasy, and of course, creates it's own rich and dynamic spiritual path, Divine, leaders, and dogma. This religion is developed very well. Through the dialogue between the main character and her guardian you learn the key lessons of their faith and the pitfalls of the politics involved in the priesthood. It never becomes preachy, although there are certainly relate-able lessons, because it is wrapped up in a wonderful quest of self-becoming.
I don't want to give away too many details. Every new test and piece of adventure are revealed perfectly. I can say, though, that I was surprised by the ending. I expected the main character to become the typical advocate for change, especially concerning the role of women. That didn't happen. I can't tell if I'm happy it surprised me or would have liked the typical ending more.
Overall, great read!
I don't want to give away too many details. Every new test and piece of adventure are revealed perfectly. I can say, though, that I was surprised by the ending. I expected the main character to become the typical advocate for change, especially concerning the role of women. That didn't happen. I can't tell if I'm happy it surprised me or would have liked the typical ending more.
Overall, great read!
November 7, 2008
The rating is from Amazon.
This book was a Locus Magazine Best First Novel nominee and was on their recommended reading list.
Here are some press reviews:
“...I was pulled into the story and read it in a single sitting.” - Science Fiction Chronicle
“...subtle and well-woven. I read the book in one sitting, drawn in by the strong main character and smoothly flowing story line. ...has an authenticity and passion rare in fantasy religious works. ...engagingly fresh.” - Science Fiction Reviews Searchable Database)
“A gifted writer whose skillfully subtle use of language creates a beautiful reading experience...almost haunting in its intensity.” - Romantic Times
This book was a Locus Magazine Best First Novel nominee and was on their recommended reading list.
Here are some press reviews:
“...I was pulled into the story and read it in a single sitting.” - Science Fiction Chronicle
“...subtle and well-woven. I read the book in one sitting, drawn in by the strong main character and smoothly flowing story line. ...has an authenticity and passion rare in fantasy religious works. ...engagingly fresh.” - Science Fiction Reviews Searchable Database)
“A gifted writer whose skillfully subtle use of language creates a beautiful reading experience...almost haunting in its intensity.” - Romantic Times
December 29, 2013
i've read this a handful of times over the years. the story has stayed with me, and as an adult i like the linguistic touches.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews