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Scribes of Medeisia #1
Mark of the Mage
Books never die, but they can be forbidden.
Medeisia is a country in turmoil ruled by a blood thirsty king who has outlawed the use of magic and anything pertaining to knowledge. Magery and scribery are forbidden. All who practice are marked with a tattoo branded onto their wrists, their futures precarious.
Sixteen year-old Drastona Consta-Mayria lives secluded, spending her spare time in the Archives of her father's manor surrounded by scribes. She wants nothing more than to become one of them, but when the scribes are royally disbanded, she is thrust into a harsh world where the marked must survive or die.
Medeisia is a country in turmoil ruled by a blood thirsty king who has outlawed the use of magic and anything pertaining to knowledge. Magery and scribery are forbidden. All who practice are marked with a tattoo branded onto their wrists, their futures precarious.
Sixteen year-old Drastona Consta-Mayria lives secluded, spending her spare time in the Archives of her father's manor surrounded by scribes. She wants nothing more than to become one of them, but when the scribes are royally disbanded, she is thrust into a harsh world where the marked must survive or die.
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First published January 23, 2013
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About the author
R.K. Ryals
41 books781 followersR.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to "share the love of reading one book at a time." An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn't live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.
Contact her on twitter at @RKRyals, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RKRyals or online at http://www.authorrkryals.com
Contact her on twitter at @RKRyals, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RKRyals or online at http://www.authorrkryals.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 17, 2013
Holy shiznit people! This book just took me on one wild whirly ride. If you love fantasy (and let's be honest, we all do), why haven't you brought this book or bumped it up on your TBR list? It's the bomb diggity!!
"You accept talking to trees, but you deny my speech?" He licked his paw, the move sulky. "Wolves are wiser than trees you know." Oran to Stone
Before beginning I was wondering if it was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I mean dragons? Talking trees? It's not an episode of Merlin you know...but, I'll be damned. I could not put it down. I actually stopped mid way wrapping my little tykes birthday pressies so I could sneak in a few more pages.
...written knowledge only goes so far. Naïveté was a whole different kind of senselessness.
Ms Ryals book me on a journey back in time. A time where there were rebels hiding in forests, dragons in caves, a desert between 2 completely opposite lands and the tyrannical king Raemon from Medeisia set on over throwing his neighbour Sadeema's kingdom. A land unknowingly waiting for The girl, the phoenix of peace, will bring..., Escreet the Goddess of Scribes, Igneet the God of Fire, Silveet the Goddess of the Forest, Raheet the God of War, Cameet the Goddess of the Hearth, the almighty Rex (aka His Grand Magnificance), & of course Drastona Consta-Mayria, the One.
I'd fallen from grace, been branded & afraid. I'd loved and lost, I'd grieved, I'd sworn vengeance. I'd woken up needing comfort that wasn't there. My life would never be the same, but I'd finally come to terms with that.
Mark of the Mage was exciting from the first page. I hungered for knowledge of Stone's magic, and about the prophecy & the abrupt ending in the Kirian Freesonlay: The Book of Truth. I could feel the tension between Kye (boy oh boy! What a name! Smokin) and I wanted to slip and accidentally push their lips together. Hahahahahaa. But watch this space I reckon Lochlen Boy/Dragon might be a heart stealer too. My heart broke for each of the marked and those living in fear, of their marks and being marked. Of what the future will bring, I don't know the answer but I do know I won't be missing out of finding all the answers out next book...
"You are the first to understand us. Man was never to understand us. It was and is forbidden."
It's no secret that Ms Ryals is high up on my most favorite authors list and this book here just goes to how why. Her talent is endless. The characters were well described. I felt like I was wandering around hearing the trees whispering & hearing the cries of distress throughout. I found the dragons awe inspiring and could read about this world for days to come. Except. Dang it. I'm.left.hanging. Not a happy chappy.
Well done Ms Ryals. You've done it again. I am totally and completely under your spell. A wonderful new book set in a whole new fantasyland. Bravo...
We overcome and we prevail.
"You accept talking to trees, but you deny my speech?" He licked his paw, the move sulky. "Wolves are wiser than trees you know." Oran to Stone
Before beginning I was wondering if it was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I mean dragons? Talking trees? It's not an episode of Merlin you know...but, I'll be damned. I could not put it down. I actually stopped mid way wrapping my little tykes birthday pressies so I could sneak in a few more pages.
...written knowledge only goes so far. Naïveté was a whole different kind of senselessness.
Ms Ryals book me on a journey back in time. A time where there were rebels hiding in forests, dragons in caves, a desert between 2 completely opposite lands and the tyrannical king Raemon from Medeisia set on over throwing his neighbour Sadeema's kingdom. A land unknowingly waiting for The girl, the phoenix of peace, will bring..., Escreet the Goddess of Scribes, Igneet the God of Fire, Silveet the Goddess of the Forest, Raheet the God of War, Cameet the Goddess of the Hearth, the almighty Rex (aka His Grand Magnificance), & of course Drastona Consta-Mayria, the One.
I'd fallen from grace, been branded & afraid. I'd loved and lost, I'd grieved, I'd sworn vengeance. I'd woken up needing comfort that wasn't there. My life would never be the same, but I'd finally come to terms with that.
Mark of the Mage was exciting from the first page. I hungered for knowledge of Stone's magic, and about the prophecy & the abrupt ending in the Kirian Freesonlay: The Book of Truth. I could feel the tension between Kye (boy oh boy! What a name! Smokin) and I wanted to slip and accidentally push their lips together. Hahahahahaa. But watch this space I reckon Lochlen Boy/Dragon might be a heart stealer too. My heart broke for each of the marked and those living in fear, of their marks and being marked. Of what the future will bring, I don't know the answer but I do know I won't be missing out of finding all the answers out next book...
"You are the first to understand us. Man was never to understand us. It was and is forbidden."
It's no secret that Ms Ryals is high up on my most favorite authors list and this book here just goes to how why. Her talent is endless. The characters were well described. I felt like I was wandering around hearing the trees whispering & hearing the cries of distress throughout. I found the dragons awe inspiring and could read about this world for days to come. Except. Dang it. I'm.left.hanging. Not a happy chappy.
Well done Ms Ryals. You've done it again. I am totally and completely under your spell. A wonderful new book set in a whole new fantasyland. Bravo...
We overcome and we prevail.
October 7, 2014
Not for me.
I made it almost halfway, to see if it'd improve, and it...well it did, but not enough.
We have the "Go dog go" writing style. I've seen that choppy abruptness work for other authors. Sadly it did not work here.
Then there's the fact that the protagonist, in a great chunk of story, doesn't actually manage to DO anything; she spends the whole first half of the book reacting. She's not only frightened, which would be understandable by itself, she's so frightened that she lets herself be led everywhere. I'll admit, it's a nice change sometimes to get away from the standard badass main character - attitude and moxie has gotten a bit old - but this went too far the other way.
What could have saved it? More magic? More exposition? More depth? More intrigue? More determination on Stone's part? Possibly any of those things.
As it is, though, it just seems like a very amateurish attempt to tell a story that, from the blurb, had some real potential. Did it transform into a fantastic story after my quitting point? This seems to be a well-received book, so that's certainly possible, as is the possibility that my tastes are just out of alignment with those for whom the book was written. I'd tend to doubt it, though.
It could be that my expectations are overly high, but I doubt that, too. (They're certainly high, but I'm hardly setting some unattainable bar.) No, I think this just wasn't the story for me, and that's about all I'm willing to concede. It wasn't terrible, certainly, but it just wasn't very good either.
I made it almost halfway, to see if it'd improve, and it...well it did, but not enough.
We have the "Go dog go" writing style. I've seen that choppy abruptness work for other authors. Sadly it did not work here.
Then there's the fact that the protagonist, in a great chunk of story, doesn't actually manage to DO anything; she spends the whole first half of the book reacting. She's not only frightened, which would be understandable by itself, she's so frightened that she lets herself be led everywhere. I'll admit, it's a nice change sometimes to get away from the standard badass main character - attitude and moxie has gotten a bit old - but this went too far the other way.
What could have saved it? More magic? More exposition? More depth? More intrigue? More determination on Stone's part? Possibly any of those things.
As it is, though, it just seems like a very amateurish attempt to tell a story that, from the blurb, had some real potential. Did it transform into a fantastic story after my quitting point? This seems to be a well-received book, so that's certainly possible, as is the possibility that my tastes are just out of alignment with those for whom the book was written. I'd tend to doubt it, though.
It could be that my expectations are overly high, but I doubt that, too. (They're certainly high, but I'm hardly setting some unattainable bar.) No, I think this just wasn't the story for me, and that's about all I'm willing to concede. It wasn't terrible, certainly, but it just wasn't very good either.
January 20, 2014
Mark of the Mage is a wonderful book filled with magic, heartache, rebellion and of course my favorite Dragons. I found myself being pulled into a world that at times brought me to tears and other times I was in awe of the courage the characters possessed. What a beautiful beginning to the Scribes of Medeisia series.
Drastona Consta-Mayria lives in the country of Medeisia that is being torn apart by a corrupt ruler. Most of her life she has spent with the scribes reading about history and gaining knowledge. Her dream to become a scribe is shattered when King Raemon begins to mark and hunt down anyone who holds this postion or ability. This mark is a death sentense for anyone who bares it, so many must go on the run in hopes to become a part of the rebellion.
In The Kiarian Freesonalay:The book of Truth there is a prophecy that a girl, the pheonix of peace will be born to bring the two nations together. She will have forbidden magic, while a son to the king will have strong magic. Together they would be a force to be reckoned with. Could Drastona be that pheonix?
Great fantasy world. I love that the dragons could talk and transform themselves. R.K. Ryals has built such an alluring realm full of magic,my favorite being Drastona's ability to communicate with animals. I cannot say enough good things about Mark of the Mage. Unbelievably spectacular!
Drastona Consta-Mayria lives in the country of Medeisia that is being torn apart by a corrupt ruler. Most of her life she has spent with the scribes reading about history and gaining knowledge. Her dream to become a scribe is shattered when King Raemon begins to mark and hunt down anyone who holds this postion or ability. This mark is a death sentense for anyone who bares it, so many must go on the run in hopes to become a part of the rebellion.
In The Kiarian Freesonalay:The book of Truth there is a prophecy that a girl, the pheonix of peace will be born to bring the two nations together. She will have forbidden magic, while a son to the king will have strong magic. Together they would be a force to be reckoned with. Could Drastona be that pheonix?
Great fantasy world. I love that the dragons could talk and transform themselves. R.K. Ryals has built such an alluring realm full of magic,my favorite being Drastona's ability to communicate with animals. I cannot say enough good things about Mark of the Mage. Unbelievably spectacular!
January 26, 2013
From page one the book gripped me and never let go, some of the parts in the book reminded me of Narnia: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, "I have never heard of a Mage who spoke to trees." (get why I think of Narnia?) Oh sweet lord I loved this part of the book, "Oran sat back on his haunches, "you accept talking to trees, but you deny my speech?" He licked his paw, the move sulky. "Wolves are wiser then trees, you know." Poor Drastona it's like she went down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland. I like it! I was so frustrated, I really wanted some smooches between Drastona and Kye and then talk about a cliffhanger! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
February 2, 2013
My review for: Mark of the Mage by R.K Ryals
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson
Where to start? It’s so hard to come up with words to adequately describe the emotions that Mark of the Mage has invoked in me. I just hope to do it justice in this review.
In the land of Medeisia under the rule of a power greedy King, people die in the name of a lie; a lie disguised as a quest for purity and safety.
Drastona Consta-Mayria is content staying out of the affairs of State and deep within the Archives but one cruel betrayal cost her everything. Now bearing the mark of a Scribe, she is deemed an outcast and a criminal in the eyes of the King.
But what is unknown to the King’s army and even to herself is that Drastona is so much more than just a Scribe. She is a Mage and with the most powerful of magic running through her veins. She is a Mage that can speak to nature, to the trees and to the animals. She is a threat to the mad King.
With his continuing madness of killing innocents just because they have magic in their blood or knowledge in their minds; something must be done before hundreds are slaughtered in this evil man’s name.
There are others like her that would be willing to fight if she will lead. Will her magic be enough to bring down the corruption within the Royal house? Or will they all meet the King’s mage-fires?
Truthfully, I am still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that this book has caused in me. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. There were times when I had to stop reading and just hug my kindle. Seriously, I am not kidding. It’s no secret that I am a huge scifi/fantasy lover. I’ve adored this genre ever since I was 9 and I first picked up C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I feel head over heels with the idea that one could create such a vivid place with only words; a place where dreams and breathing meet.
Ms. Ryals has taken this genre and made me fall in love with it all over again. Reading this book bought back all of my fondest memories of how I felt when I was 10 and sneaking the flashlight out to read until dawn. If you haven’t read any of her books, please do. It will change you. I know it has for me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“The book would not die. Books never die.”-R.K. Ryals
No they don’t but we can be reborn within their pages. A hauntingly beautiful story and I can’t wait to continue Stone’s journey.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson
Where to start? It’s so hard to come up with words to adequately describe the emotions that Mark of the Mage has invoked in me. I just hope to do it justice in this review.
In the land of Medeisia under the rule of a power greedy King, people die in the name of a lie; a lie disguised as a quest for purity and safety.
Drastona Consta-Mayria is content staying out of the affairs of State and deep within the Archives but one cruel betrayal cost her everything. Now bearing the mark of a Scribe, she is deemed an outcast and a criminal in the eyes of the King.
But what is unknown to the King’s army and even to herself is that Drastona is so much more than just a Scribe. She is a Mage and with the most powerful of magic running through her veins. She is a Mage that can speak to nature, to the trees and to the animals. She is a threat to the mad King.
With his continuing madness of killing innocents just because they have magic in their blood or knowledge in their minds; something must be done before hundreds are slaughtered in this evil man’s name.
There are others like her that would be willing to fight if she will lead. Will her magic be enough to bring down the corruption within the Royal house? Or will they all meet the King’s mage-fires?
Truthfully, I am still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions that this book has caused in me. It is beautiful and heartbreaking. There were times when I had to stop reading and just hug my kindle. Seriously, I am not kidding. It’s no secret that I am a huge scifi/fantasy lover. I’ve adored this genre ever since I was 9 and I first picked up C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I feel head over heels with the idea that one could create such a vivid place with only words; a place where dreams and breathing meet.
Ms. Ryals has taken this genre and made me fall in love with it all over again. Reading this book bought back all of my fondest memories of how I felt when I was 10 and sneaking the flashlight out to read until dawn. If you haven’t read any of her books, please do. It will change you. I know it has for me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“The book would not die. Books never die.”-R.K. Ryals
No they don’t but we can be reborn within their pages. A hauntingly beautiful story and I can’t wait to continue Stone’s journey.
February 8, 2014
I have so many feelings right now. This book put me through an emotional meat grinder and must be what Ron Weasley meant when he said “you’re going to suffer, but you’re going to be happy about it.” I wasn’t really sure if I would like the story when I started, but I became very attached to the characters very quickly and there were dragons. How am I supposed to resist dragons?
The plot:
This book was a quick, easy read and I appreciate that. Not all of us have eight hour blocks to devote to the literary pursuits (though I have been known to take eight hour blocks) and this story packs a lot of twists, suspense, danger, magic, and hints of romance into a relatively small space. The world building wasn’t dumped on all at once, but built up gradually, and there was enough emotional angst to give me a tight feeling in my chest through most of it.
The characters:
Drastona, or Stone, is the narrator of the story, a prophesied savior alleged destined to liberate her country from the tyranny of a cruel despot. She was a good balance of a character. While she wasn’t the damsel in distress who needs constant rescuing, she also wasn’t the kick@$$ heroine who can get easily overrated. She could be frustrating at times, but I adored her and it’s just a matter of time before I go and download the next book in this series.
Kye was an interesting character in that he was haunted by things he’d done, but the circumstances under which he’d done them were a bit unusual. (It makes sense in context.) He’s one of those characters I just want to take away from the author until she’s nice to him…poor baby.
The two dragons we meet are a father and son pair—the dragon rex, Feras, and his son, Lochlen. While they were fierce and powerful as befitting dragons, they were also endowed with a sense of humor to offset it. I thought Ms. Ryals’ portrayal of their species was excellent and it only served to once again make me wish I lived somewhere that they existed.
There is a while cast I haven’t mentioned and you’ll have to read it yourself to meet them, but overall, the characters in this book were concise and succinct. There wasn’t an overburdening of detail, but there was still enough for us to get to know them.
This was a wonderful YA true fantasy and the world (at least mine) needs more of these.
The plot:
This book was a quick, easy read and I appreciate that. Not all of us have eight hour blocks to devote to the literary pursuits (though I have been known to take eight hour blocks) and this story packs a lot of twists, suspense, danger, magic, and hints of romance into a relatively small space. The world building wasn’t dumped on all at once, but built up gradually, and there was enough emotional angst to give me a tight feeling in my chest through most of it.
The characters:
Drastona, or Stone, is the narrator of the story, a prophesied savior alleged destined to liberate her country from the tyranny of a cruel despot. She was a good balance of a character. While she wasn’t the damsel in distress who needs constant rescuing, she also wasn’t the kick@$$ heroine who can get easily overrated. She could be frustrating at times, but I adored her and it’s just a matter of time before I go and download the next book in this series.
Kye was an interesting character in that he was haunted by things he’d done, but the circumstances under which he’d done them were a bit unusual. (It makes sense in context.) He’s one of those characters I just want to take away from the author until she’s nice to him…poor baby.
The two dragons we meet are a father and son pair—the dragon rex, Feras, and his son, Lochlen. While they were fierce and powerful as befitting dragons, they were also endowed with a sense of humor to offset it. I thought Ms. Ryals’ portrayal of their species was excellent and it only served to once again make me wish I lived somewhere that they existed.
There is a while cast I haven’t mentioned and you’ll have to read it yourself to meet them, but overall, the characters in this book were concise and succinct. There wasn’t an overburdening of detail, but there was still enough for us to get to know them.
This was a wonderful YA true fantasy and the world (at least mine) needs more of these.
April 13, 2014
A beautifully told story with a captivating plot and some interesting characters. The relationships between these characters are entwined perfectly and the unexpected twists come frequently. The start is intriguing and the end is sweet but the journey between the two makes a great book. I can't wait to read the sequel :) x
February 7, 2014
I was in one of my desperate Need-Something-To-Read-NOW attitude (ever been through those?). So I found this on Nook in the free kids section. And WOW! This book was AMAZING. I was definitely impressed and will be getting more of R.K. Ryals books!
January 25, 2016
Damn good YA Fantasy - review to come!
November 16, 2014
I am torn on my opinion of this book. I really enjoyed the plot of Mark of the Mage, but felt that the writing held the story back.
As I have mentioned, I liked the plot. The story is very engaging, and in the end that is what kept me reading the book. The plot uses many common fantasy elements. Magic, prophecies, a tyrannical king, dragons, etc. but it uses these in an interesting way that feels new and exciting. The world building is also fairly well done and supports the story. The world is not so different and fantastical as to feel foreign, but has unique fantasy elements.
Although at first I felt the book gave away too much of it's plot early on, it did have some interesting surprises later. The book starts with a scene of a scribe/prophet penning the longest prophecy I have ever seen. I felt this gave a great deal of the story away right from the onset and could have been saved for later in the story. A few pages later, we learn information about our heroine that fills in another chunk of what is unfolding and seems to give everything away before you're even done the first chapter. In some ways this was indeed the case, but a few things did still surprise me.
The writing style is not always to my liking, and was one of the biggest downfalls of the book in my opinion. It's first person, which I am not generally a fan of, but also quite choppy. The writer uses a lot of short, blunt sentences and often repeats certain words as if using this to make a point. While I see what she was trying to accomplish, I felt it was jarring and destroyed the flow. It's also not very descriptive, except in random bursts sprinkled throughout.
For example, here is one passage that is choppy and not very descriptive. It's the first paragraph in the book after the preface:
Passages such as this are very common, rather annoyingly so. For example, If she is thinking about her realization that dragons are real it might be written like this: "Dragons. Dragons were real. Dragons were not just stories." Or she might throw in a choppy ending to a paragraph such as "The fire flickered before me, sending shadows dancing against the floor. Fire. Shadows." as you can see, this seems to be done to put emphasis on certain words. I don't believe this is needed, if the writing is skillful. The importance of these elements should be clear to the reader without shoving a blunt, incomplete sentence in.
In other spots the writing is more descriptive and enjoyable, thankfully. This saved the book from being completely unreadable.
I often found myself wishing the writer had relied less on choppy and simplistic wording. It held me back from being fully immersed in the story. Just because a book is aimed at the Ya audience doesn't mean it can't be more detailed.
The magic, in particular, really needed more description. It rarely was fleshed out, it was simply told to you rather than shown. For example, there is a point where the heroine needs something to happen which she has never done before, she doesn't even know she can do this thing. She makes it happen out of sheer desperation, but there is absolutely zero description of how she did it. How did her magic work? Did she feel herself reaching out for what she needed? Did it call to her, or respond to her need? I had a very difficult time understanding how her magic worked or how it felt for her. It didn't seem to give her much difficulty, because her use of it was so vague I had no idea if it was hard or not. It just happened.
Another thing that grated me was in the first chapter when the heroine says "I am no Lady" and from there on... all noble women are snide, nasty, catty, air headed, pompous and just plain evil. The "noble/royal girl who doesn't want to be a stuck up Lady" trope annoys me. I feel like it is the Medieval fantasy equivalent of the rebellious teenager who dyes her hair pink just to upset her parents. It's not the sort of character I want to be following around, particularly in first person, through an entire book. Why can't a Lady be strong, independent and admirable? Why can't a YA book show youth that being a well behaved Lady can be a good thing? She can still still stand up for what she believes in, can't she?
Really? *sighs* Anyway...
I also felt that the heroine did a lot of follow-the-lead for the first half of the book. She followed whatever course was set in front of her and let herself be lead along for what seemed like forever before remembering she had a say in her life. Then after numbly following along, after everyone around her bombards her with information about who she is and what is expected of her, she suddenly just accepts her fate within a few paragraphs. It felt too convenient and unrealistic. There was hardly any shock, struggle, disbelief... no glorious moment of sudden acceptance or understanding after a long fight against a fate she had no say in. She just flipped, like a coin, and that was that.
Other characters don't tend to be very well fleshed out, and rather cliche. The evil characters in particular lack depth. They seem to be bad just for the sake of creating conflict. The first evil character we meet drew my interest right away because I saw the potential for some really interesting interplay between her and the heroine. Instead, the evil character was flat and dull. She seemed to only be there to start the main conflict and then she faded out of the story.
There is a blossoming romance, of course, but it's so painfully obvious from the get go that it ruins the tension that the writer seems to try to be drawing out through the entire book. There are hints of a love triangle, but nothing seems to come of it. It seems as though the characters and their relationships with each other are underdeveloped.
I also noted some redundant wording, grammatical errors, and punctuation errors. I don't typically notices those easily, I am accustomed to reading things which are riddled with errors to the point I hardly notice the simple ones unless I am looking for them. So when I notice a handful of errors in something I know it's likely there were more that slipped in undetected. The book could use a good once over by an editor.
And my last negative is that the book has an abrupt non-ending. There is a minor climax and obvious build up to the final "boss battle" and then the book ends. Sure, it's a free book and it's probably meant to draw you in to read the rest of the series. However, a cliff hanger ending just feels... empty. Unsatisfying. (See what I did there?)
Overall, I think this has promise. I really did enjoy the story itself, I just wish it had been package with better writing so that I could have let the book completely sweep me up.
As I have mentioned, I liked the plot. The story is very engaging, and in the end that is what kept me reading the book. The plot uses many common fantasy elements. Magic, prophecies, a tyrannical king, dragons, etc. but it uses these in an interesting way that feels new and exciting. The world building is also fairly well done and supports the story. The world is not so different and fantastical as to feel foreign, but has unique fantasy elements.
Although at first I felt the book gave away too much of it's plot early on, it did have some interesting surprises later. The book starts with a scene of a scribe/prophet penning the longest prophecy I have ever seen. I felt this gave a great deal of the story away right from the onset and could have been saved for later in the story. A few pages later, we learn information about our heroine that fills in another chunk of what is unfolding and seems to give everything away before you're even done the first chapter. In some ways this was indeed the case, but a few things did still surprise me.
The writing style is not always to my liking, and was one of the biggest downfalls of the book in my opinion. It's first person, which I am not generally a fan of, but also quite choppy. The writer uses a lot of short, blunt sentences and often repeats certain words as if using this to make a point. While I see what she was trying to accomplish, I felt it was jarring and destroyed the flow. It's also not very descriptive, except in random bursts sprinkled throughout.
For example, here is one passage that is choppy and not very descriptive. It's the first paragraph in the book after the preface:
"The smell. Wet ink, old parchment, and leather."
Passages such as this are very common, rather annoyingly so. For example, If she is thinking about her realization that dragons are real it might be written like this: "Dragons. Dragons were real. Dragons were not just stories." Or she might throw in a choppy ending to a paragraph such as "The fire flickered before me, sending shadows dancing against the floor. Fire. Shadows." as you can see, this seems to be done to put emphasis on certain words. I don't believe this is needed, if the writing is skillful. The importance of these elements should be clear to the reader without shoving a blunt, incomplete sentence in.
In other spots the writing is more descriptive and enjoyable, thankfully. This saved the book from being completely unreadable.
"It was getting dark now, filling the forest with eerie shadows. Mist lifted from the warm ground, swirling around the bases of dark, thick trees. Crickets and frogs heralded the night, and there was the distinct smell of rotted vegetation."
I often found myself wishing the writer had relied less on choppy and simplistic wording. It held me back from being fully immersed in the story. Just because a book is aimed at the Ya audience doesn't mean it can't be more detailed.
The magic, in particular, really needed more description. It rarely was fleshed out, it was simply told to you rather than shown. For example, there is a point where the heroine needs something to happen which she has never done before, she doesn't even know she can do this thing. She makes it happen out of sheer desperation, but there is absolutely zero description of how she did it. How did her magic work? Did she feel herself reaching out for what she needed? Did it call to her, or respond to her need? I had a very difficult time understanding how her magic worked or how it felt for her. It didn't seem to give her much difficulty, because her use of it was so vague I had no idea if it was hard or not. It just happened.
Another thing that grated me was in the first chapter when the heroine says "I am no Lady" and from there on... all noble women are snide, nasty, catty, air headed, pompous and just plain evil. The "noble/royal girl who doesn't want to be a stuck up Lady" trope annoys me. I feel like it is the Medieval fantasy equivalent of the rebellious teenager who dyes her hair pink just to upset her parents. It's not the sort of character I want to be following around, particularly in first person, through an entire book. Why can't a Lady be strong, independent and admirable? Why can't a YA book show youth that being a well behaved Lady can be a good thing? She can still still stand up for what she believes in, can't she?
"Ladies wore dresses that weren't covered in dust. Ladies didn't have stained, calloused hands with nails bitten to the quick. Ladies didn't write, ladies didn't study, and they certainly didn't think for themselves."
Really? *sighs* Anyway...
I also felt that the heroine did a lot of follow-the-lead for the first half of the book. She followed whatever course was set in front of her and let herself be lead along for what seemed like forever before remembering she had a say in her life. Then after numbly following along, after everyone around her bombards her with information about who she is and what is expected of her, she suddenly just accepts her fate within a few paragraphs. It felt too convenient and unrealistic. There was hardly any shock, struggle, disbelief... no glorious moment of sudden acceptance or understanding after a long fight against a fate she had no say in. She just flipped, like a coin, and that was that.
Other characters don't tend to be very well fleshed out, and rather cliche. The evil characters in particular lack depth. They seem to be bad just for the sake of creating conflict. The first evil character we meet drew my interest right away because I saw the potential for some really interesting interplay between her and the heroine. Instead, the evil character was flat and dull. She seemed to only be there to start the main conflict and then she faded out of the story.
There is a blossoming romance, of course, but it's so painfully obvious from the get go that it ruins the tension that the writer seems to try to be drawing out through the entire book. There are hints of a love triangle, but nothing seems to come of it. It seems as though the characters and their relationships with each other are underdeveloped.
I also noted some redundant wording, grammatical errors, and punctuation errors. I don't typically notices those easily, I am accustomed to reading things which are riddled with errors to the point I hardly notice the simple ones unless I am looking for them. So when I notice a handful of errors in something I know it's likely there were more that slipped in undetected. The book could use a good once over by an editor.
And my last negative is that the book has an abrupt non-ending. There is a minor climax and obvious build up to the final "boss battle" and then the book ends. Sure, it's a free book and it's probably meant to draw you in to read the rest of the series. However, a cliff hanger ending just feels... empty. Unsatisfying. (See what I did there?)
Overall, I think this has promise. I really did enjoy the story itself, I just wish it had been package with better writing so that I could have let the book completely sweep me up.
August 26, 2018
Will Definitely Recommend
I first purchased this book for various reasons. First, it was free and was highly rated. Secondly, I noticed it received an award, so it picked my interest due to it was dealing with magical beings such as dragons. I was impressed with the heroine, Drastona or Stone, as she addresses herself, manages to control herself without going insane when she witnesses her nurse getting burned alive and by discovering that she possesses magic without realizing it. There are other characters that surprise you along the way such as Kye, the rebel with the biggest secret of all, Ouran the wolf protector and the dragons Lochlen and his father who are helping the rebels with a personal interest. The ending made me want to know what it's going to be the rebel's plan to stop the insane king in launching an attack on the neighboring country. I guess I just have to purchase the rest of the series to know what happens due to the cliffhanger.
I first purchased this book for various reasons. First, it was free and was highly rated. Secondly, I noticed it received an award, so it picked my interest due to it was dealing with magical beings such as dragons. I was impressed with the heroine, Drastona or Stone, as she addresses herself, manages to control herself without going insane when she witnesses her nurse getting burned alive and by discovering that she possesses magic without realizing it. There are other characters that surprise you along the way such as Kye, the rebel with the biggest secret of all, Ouran the wolf protector and the dragons Lochlen and his father who are helping the rebels with a personal interest. The ending made me want to know what it's going to be the rebel's plan to stop the insane king in launching an attack on the neighboring country. I guess I just have to purchase the rest of the series to know what happens due to the cliffhanger.
March 5, 2014
Very, and I mean VERY similar to Rae Carson's THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORN TRILOGY.
Alright the PROS:
- likable heroine, with the POTENTIAL of great mage power.
- dragons with humour
- a prophecy (all good that has done us, will explain later)
- cool sidekicks (the wolf Oran and TALKING trees)
The bad CONS:
- Kye (UGH!)
- The content (there's a lot of things going on)
- The Bad guy (aka the King)
- Stepmother and halfsister (evil - totally cliché)
- So little dragon action (CAMEO APPEREANCES)
- Random mentionings of Stone's mother (totally random)
- Lack of explanations
- Poor world structure
Alright, the story is good. The novel introduced the reader to a prophecy of sort - unfinished btw, but it doesn't matter, it serves its purpose of foreshadowing. Bascially two twin brothers cannot let the other brother gain the throne and thus the kingdom splits. One kingdom flourishes (bet it was the older brother who was supposed to rule until his brother decided that he too wanted to rule)whereas another is slowly decaying. Guess which one out heroine belongs to?
The premise of this story is about a girl Stone who has been sheltered her entire life, living with an evil stepmother and a less evil half sister - for all good that makes - and then sudden an event that disrups her every believes. Suddenly our heroine's entire world is more or less chaotic. She finds out the true extent of her power (well) and then she meets people she onle heard of (the rebels) get abused and saved by the very same guy - which she cannot decide on whether to hate or love (gag). Either way a lot of things happen and the King is the BAD GUY. Simple ey? Anyhow, she realises soon that THE FOREST (yeah THE forest - apperently just one big forest in the entire kingdom) is more than what meets the eye. She kinda develops the power to communicate with the greeness - thus, the talking trees and animals. She befriends a dragon, gets to know some rebels and well, gets to know how epic her mother used to be.
Right, about the cons, of this book. I cannot help but rant when it comes our heroine's love interest. KYE Oh boy, what a messed up kid. One thing for sure - I DID NOT LIKE HIM. Tried, but couldn't. We meet him first as part of the BAD GUY GANG and well, things improved. He helped out heroine, hurt her and then helped her. The lied to her. Lied some more. All at the same time acting like some possessive bastard who insistedly (even a word?) tried to touch her and lead her around like some object. And that's not even all, he kept saying to her that she would forgive him and - yeah the unspoken words of - like him yada yada. PRAT
Well, some kind soul out there might be like, oh but he was only a misunderstood tragic victim of sort. His past was hurtful. But let me tell you this, if he was so hurt from his own past, how can he then keep on insisting on hurting others (aka Stone) and constanly lying to her? Someone explain to me about this messed-up psychology and explain to me WHY WHY WHY is out heroine developing feelings for him? Enough about his good looks. Society today shows how messed up it is to base one's relationship based on looks - who for all in the world could be artificial. I expected more from a novel. *sigh* And no shit about Stockholm-syndrome, I'm from Sweden and let me tell you. Prats like him should stop acting so damn arrogant and pretend that the world owe him or something!
Alright, my second issue with the book the lack of DRAGONS. There were dragons introduced, Lochlen specifically. Despite having a major role in the beginning of novel he just kinda disappered. Yet, in the prologue a dragon was mention whilst the prophecy was made. You kinds expect them to have some major role, but no. The dragons are introduced into the story loosly, then some half-hearted explainations is given to why they are here and yada yada. Then they are kinda gone from the story! Only to reappear in the last 2 min of the novel. NICE.
Moreover, the CONSTANT flashbacking. Man up Stone, you are out heroine, by the end of the novel we kinda expect you to grow some balls. But no! Keep going on about the death of her nursemaid. How she gagged at the look and smell of blood - she's a healer for the love of GOD! geeeez. Instead of looking back in fear and despair - shouldn't you use that particular memory to fuel your revenge - stop crying. Tears won't bring back the dead nor will it kill the King - which I have to remind you is your fondest desire throughout the book. MAN UP!
Her powers, nothing is explain besides the initial mentioning about how she can connect with the forest and its habitants. We got some lame explainations about some prophecy, no mention of how she was gonna use her power, or which extent she could use them. Instead they get her to train with bows and swords. Cuz that makes sense. Here we have a girl of a prophecy promised immense power, let send her to target practice!
Besides these points, I was really disappointed in the world building, the only thing we got was the prophecy- No elaborations on how the kingdom was decaying or what it was that indicated that the kingdom was slowly wasting away. We only got genocide of sort. The hunting of people with extraordinary abilities, like mages and scribes (for their knowledge).
Either way, will look into the next installment to see if we can get more answers instead of more questions. Just happy the prophecy mentioned a boy - who cannot be KYE! Potential love intrests no. 2 better not dissapoiint me.
Alright the PROS:
- likable heroine, with the POTENTIAL of great mage power.
- dragons with humour
- a prophecy (all good that has done us, will explain later)
- cool sidekicks (the wolf Oran and TALKING trees)
The bad CONS:
- Kye (UGH!)
- The content (there's a lot of things going on)
- The Bad guy (aka the King)
- Stepmother and halfsister (evil - totally cliché)
- So little dragon action (CAMEO APPEREANCES)
- Random mentionings of Stone's mother (totally random)
- Lack of explanations
- Poor world structure
Alright, the story is good. The novel introduced the reader to a prophecy of sort - unfinished btw, but it doesn't matter, it serves its purpose of foreshadowing. Bascially two twin brothers cannot let the other brother gain the throne and thus the kingdom splits. One kingdom flourishes (bet it was the older brother who was supposed to rule until his brother decided that he too wanted to rule)whereas another is slowly decaying. Guess which one out heroine belongs to?
The premise of this story is about a girl Stone who has been sheltered her entire life, living with an evil stepmother and a less evil half sister - for all good that makes - and then sudden an event that disrups her every believes. Suddenly our heroine's entire world is more or less chaotic. She finds out the true extent of her power (well) and then she meets people she onle heard of (the rebels) get abused and saved by the very same guy - which she cannot decide on whether to hate or love (gag). Either way a lot of things happen and the King is the BAD GUY. Simple ey? Anyhow, she realises soon that THE FOREST (yeah THE forest - apperently just one big forest in the entire kingdom) is more than what meets the eye. She kinda develops the power to communicate with the greeness - thus, the talking trees and animals. She befriends a dragon, gets to know some rebels and well, gets to know how epic her mother used to be.
Right, about the cons, of this book. I cannot help but rant when it comes our heroine's love interest. KYE Oh boy, what a messed up kid. One thing for sure - I DID NOT LIKE HIM. Tried, but couldn't. We meet him first as part of the BAD GUY GANG and well, things improved. He helped out heroine, hurt her and then helped her. The lied to her. Lied some more. All at the same time acting like some possessive bastard who insistedly (even a word?) tried to touch her and lead her around like some object. And that's not even all, he kept saying to her that she would forgive him and - yeah the unspoken words of - like him yada yada. PRAT
Well, some kind soul out there might be like, oh but he was only a misunderstood tragic victim of sort. His past was hurtful. But let me tell you this, if he was so hurt from his own past, how can he then keep on insisting on hurting others (aka Stone) and constanly lying to her? Someone explain to me about this messed-up psychology and explain to me WHY WHY WHY is out heroine developing feelings for him? Enough about his good looks. Society today shows how messed up it is to base one's relationship based on looks - who for all in the world could be artificial. I expected more from a novel. *sigh* And no shit about Stockholm-syndrome, I'm from Sweden and let me tell you. Prats like him should stop acting so damn arrogant and pretend that the world owe him or something!
Alright, my second issue with the book the lack of DRAGONS. There were dragons introduced, Lochlen specifically. Despite having a major role in the beginning of novel he just kinda disappered. Yet, in the prologue a dragon was mention whilst the prophecy was made. You kinds expect them to have some major role, but no. The dragons are introduced into the story loosly, then some half-hearted explainations is given to why they are here and yada yada. Then they are kinda gone from the story! Only to reappear in the last 2 min of the novel. NICE.
Moreover, the CONSTANT flashbacking. Man up Stone, you are out heroine, by the end of the novel we kinda expect you to grow some balls. But no! Keep going on about the death of her nursemaid. How she gagged at the look and smell of blood - she's a healer for the love of GOD! geeeez. Instead of looking back in fear and despair - shouldn't you use that particular memory to fuel your revenge - stop crying. Tears won't bring back the dead nor will it kill the King - which I have to remind you is your fondest desire throughout the book. MAN UP!
Her powers, nothing is explain besides the initial mentioning about how she can connect with the forest and its habitants. We got some lame explainations about some prophecy, no mention of how she was gonna use her power, or which extent she could use them. Instead they get her to train with bows and swords. Cuz that makes sense. Here we have a girl of a prophecy promised immense power, let send her to target practice!
Besides these points, I was really disappointed in the world building, the only thing we got was the prophecy- No elaborations on how the kingdom was decaying or what it was that indicated that the kingdom was slowly wasting away. We only got genocide of sort. The hunting of people with extraordinary abilities, like mages and scribes (for their knowledge).
Either way, will look into the next installment to see if we can get more answers instead of more questions. Just happy the prophecy mentioned a boy - who cannot be KYE! Potential love intrests no. 2 better not dissapoiint me.
July 22, 2013
Original Review posted at: http://digerbop.ca/2013/07/mark-of-th...
The Good:
This book is branded as a YA fantasy romance. I don't read much YA and I read even less romance, but the first couple lines of this book drew me in enough that I had to read it.
"The smell. Wet ink, old parchment, and leather. The smell consumed me, weaving its way through my nostrils and down to my eternally ink-stained fingertips. It was an old, comforting smell. The smell of new beginnings, of adventure, and of disappointment."
This is just a snippet of what I think is the best thing this book has going for it since sliced bread. (Not that there is much of that in this book. Does dry unappetising bread count, because there is some of that in Mark of the Mage... okay, unimportant. Let's get back to it.) The hearty descriptions are wonderful, and if it wasn't for the beautifully crafted scene in the first couple pages of chapter one, I probably wouldn't have read it. I did read it, though, and enjoyed how the word wafted together like charcoal of the oven and the smell of the loaf within playing with my nostril in an appetising rush of delight.
I will not spoil too much, but any good story must have conflict and any good character has had a tragedy or two. A tragedy near the beginning of the book shapes Drastona into the woman that she becomes, playing with her mind throughout the book in a memorable and meaningful way. The reader gets to see how this tragedy effects Drastona with every page turn. Sometimes when something bad happens the character moves on too quickly, or because of point-of-view choices the reader doesn't get to experience how it effects the protagonist throughout. The reader will not soon forget this tragedy that shapes Drastona, and neither does she. The constant reminder of her past makes the character come alive in a way you don't often see. It effects her world view, who she trusts, and how she acts or reacts to those people and the world around her.
I was a little bit concerned as the book drew to an end. It seemed like Ryals would just put in a final period and say, "Taadaa! Read the next book you sucker!" but this is not the case. Though there is still much left undone at the end of Mark of the Mage, the conclusion was satisfyingly believable.
The Bad:
With all of that good you only rate it 3 stars! Indeed. Are you really for me to tell you why? First off, this is not really a "romance" as it claims to be. There is magic, talking animals, dragons, all those nice fantasy things and it is about a Young Adult (which seems to be the only criterion for dubbing something YA) but it doesn't really have any romance. Yes, there is a boy and a girl and they may have feelings for each other, but that hardly plays a role in the grand scheme of things. There are some strange "Oh no, he touched me" and "look, a shirtless man for no reason" scenes, but this doesn't make it romance. I wasn't looking for the nitty gritty details akin to adult romance or erotica, but was at least expecting something of substance. Some of characters ask things like "do you like him" and silliness like that that seems thrown in just so Ryals would slap a "romance" tag on the final product. It was like the author was sitting on the fence as to whether to put the romance in or not, and what is there seems juvenile and is not a real factor for the characters or the plot. When I was a 16-year old (granted I wasn't a 16-year old girl) I remember "romance" and the like being a big deal in my life, but this doesn't come through when writing about the romance in this 16-year old's life.
The plot was extremely uninspired. If you have read any book or seen and movie of any kind, you have heard it before. Person x is "the one" and there is some silly prophecy that says they are to save the day. It was not bad, but is very over-done and thus came across as your standard "let's go save the world while talking to animals... also dragons" type of story.
This is a short book and things moved very quickly. No sooner was I in one place that all of a sudden the chapter is over and I am being introduced to some new plot element or story marker. There was a lot more the author could have done with character/world development and description. For Ryals' ability at creating great description, I was surprised by how little of it there was in favour of getting the plot over with. It just felt like the author really wanted to fast-track to the end the entire time. There was a lot more room for expansion that I felt was an opportunity poorly waved off.
Conclusion:
Mark of the Mage is a decent coming of age YA fantasy story about this unlikely hero who is going to save the world. Despite the over-used plot and sloppily thrown in romance, this book holds some promise that I hope future instalments in the series continue. Drastona and her struggles will keep you reading while the good description speckled in with wet your imagination with the beauty a few simple words can provide.
The Good:
This book is branded as a YA fantasy romance. I don't read much YA and I read even less romance, but the first couple lines of this book drew me in enough that I had to read it.
"The smell. Wet ink, old parchment, and leather. The smell consumed me, weaving its way through my nostrils and down to my eternally ink-stained fingertips. It was an old, comforting smell. The smell of new beginnings, of adventure, and of disappointment."
This is just a snippet of what I think is the best thing this book has going for it since sliced bread. (Not that there is much of that in this book. Does dry unappetising bread count, because there is some of that in Mark of the Mage... okay, unimportant. Let's get back to it.) The hearty descriptions are wonderful, and if it wasn't for the beautifully crafted scene in the first couple pages of chapter one, I probably wouldn't have read it. I did read it, though, and enjoyed how the word wafted together like charcoal of the oven and the smell of the loaf within playing with my nostril in an appetising rush of delight.
I will not spoil too much, but any good story must have conflict and any good character has had a tragedy or two. A tragedy near the beginning of the book shapes Drastona into the woman that she becomes, playing with her mind throughout the book in a memorable and meaningful way. The reader gets to see how this tragedy effects Drastona with every page turn. Sometimes when something bad happens the character moves on too quickly, or because of point-of-view choices the reader doesn't get to experience how it effects the protagonist throughout. The reader will not soon forget this tragedy that shapes Drastona, and neither does she. The constant reminder of her past makes the character come alive in a way you don't often see. It effects her world view, who she trusts, and how she acts or reacts to those people and the world around her.
I was a little bit concerned as the book drew to an end. It seemed like Ryals would just put in a final period and say, "Taadaa! Read the next book you sucker!" but this is not the case. Though there is still much left undone at the end of Mark of the Mage, the conclusion was satisfyingly believable.
The Bad:
With all of that good you only rate it 3 stars! Indeed. Are you really for me to tell you why? First off, this is not really a "romance" as it claims to be. There is magic, talking animals, dragons, all those nice fantasy things and it is about a Young Adult (which seems to be the only criterion for dubbing something YA) but it doesn't really have any romance. Yes, there is a boy and a girl and they may have feelings for each other, but that hardly plays a role in the grand scheme of things. There are some strange "Oh no, he touched me" and "look, a shirtless man for no reason" scenes, but this doesn't make it romance. I wasn't looking for the nitty gritty details akin to adult romance or erotica, but was at least expecting something of substance. Some of characters ask things like "do you like him" and silliness like that that seems thrown in just so Ryals would slap a "romance" tag on the final product. It was like the author was sitting on the fence as to whether to put the romance in or not, and what is there seems juvenile and is not a real factor for the characters or the plot. When I was a 16-year old (granted I wasn't a 16-year old girl) I remember "romance" and the like being a big deal in my life, but this doesn't come through when writing about the romance in this 16-year old's life.
The plot was extremely uninspired. If you have read any book or seen and movie of any kind, you have heard it before. Person x is "the one" and there is some silly prophecy that says they are to save the day. It was not bad, but is very over-done and thus came across as your standard "let's go save the world while talking to animals... also dragons" type of story.
This is a short book and things moved very quickly. No sooner was I in one place that all of a sudden the chapter is over and I am being introduced to some new plot element or story marker. There was a lot more the author could have done with character/world development and description. For Ryals' ability at creating great description, I was surprised by how little of it there was in favour of getting the plot over with. It just felt like the author really wanted to fast-track to the end the entire time. There was a lot more room for expansion that I felt was an opportunity poorly waved off.
Conclusion:
Mark of the Mage is a decent coming of age YA fantasy story about this unlikely hero who is going to save the world. Despite the over-used plot and sloppily thrown in romance, this book holds some promise that I hope future instalments in the series continue. Drastona and her struggles will keep you reading while the good description speckled in with wet your imagination with the beauty a few simple words can provide.
August 5, 2013
Holy shiznit people! This book just took me on one wild whirly ride. If you love fantasy (and let's be honest, we all do), why haven't you brought this book or bumped it up on your TBR list? It's the bomb diggity!!
Before beginning I was wondering if it was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I mean dragons? Talking trees? It's not an episode of Merlin you know...but, I'll be damned. I could not put it down. I actually stopped mid way wrapping my little tykes birthday pressies so I could sneak in a few more pages.
Ms Ryals book me on a journey back in time. A time where there were rebels hiding in forests, dragons in caves, a desert between 2 completely opposite lands and the tyrannical king Raemon from Medeisia set on over throwing his neighbour Sadeema's kingdom. A land unknowingly waiting for The girl, the phoenix of peace, will bring..., Escreet the Goddess of Scribes, Igneet the God of Fire, Silveet the Goddess of the Forest, Raheet the God of War, Cameet the Goddess of the Hearth, the almighty Rex (aka His Grand Magnificance), & of course Drastona Consta-Mayria, the One.
Mark of the Mage was exciting from the first page. I hungered for knowledge of Stone's magic, and about the prophecy & the abrupt ending in the Kirian Freesonlay: The Book of Truth. I could feel the tension between Kye (boy oh boy! What a name! Smokin) and I wanted to slip and accidentally push their lips together. Hahahahahaa. But watch this space I reckon Lochlen Boy/Dragon might be a heart stealer too. My heart broke for each of the marked and those living in fear, of their marks and being marked. Of what the future will bring, I don't know the answer but I do know I won't be missing out of finding all the answers out next book...
It's no secret that Ms Ryals is high up on my most favorite authors list and this book here just goes to how why. Her talent is endless. The characters were well described. I felt like I was wandering around hearing the trees whispering & hearing the cries of distress throughout. I found the dragons awe inspiring and could read about this world for days to come. Except. Dang it. I'm.left.hanging. Not a happy chappy.
Well done Ms Ryals. You've done it again. I am totally and completely under your spell. A wonderful new book set in a whole new fantasyland. Bravo...
I couldn't have loved this book anymore than I did. Awesomesauce. Amazing fantasy novel I want the universe to read!
Check out more of our reviews on the blog at Fab, Fun and Tantalizing Reads
"You accept talking to trees, but you deny my speech?" He licked his paw, the move sulky. "Wolves are wiser than trees you know." Oran to Stone
Before beginning I was wondering if it was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I mean dragons? Talking trees? It's not an episode of Merlin you know...but, I'll be damned. I could not put it down. I actually stopped mid way wrapping my little tykes birthday pressies so I could sneak in a few more pages.
...written knowledge only goes so far. Naïveté was a whole different kind of senselessness.
Ms Ryals book me on a journey back in time. A time where there were rebels hiding in forests, dragons in caves, a desert between 2 completely opposite lands and the tyrannical king Raemon from Medeisia set on over throwing his neighbour Sadeema's kingdom. A land unknowingly waiting for The girl, the phoenix of peace, will bring..., Escreet the Goddess of Scribes, Igneet the God of Fire, Silveet the Goddess of the Forest, Raheet the God of War, Cameet the Goddess of the Hearth, the almighty Rex (aka His Grand Magnificance), & of course Drastona Consta-Mayria, the One.
I'd fallen from grace, been branded & afraid. I'd loved and lost, I'd grieved, I'd sworn vengeance. I'd woken up needing comfort that wasn't there. My life would never be the same, but I'd finally come to terms with that.
Mark of the Mage was exciting from the first page. I hungered for knowledge of Stone's magic, and about the prophecy & the abrupt ending in the Kirian Freesonlay: The Book of Truth. I could feel the tension between Kye (boy oh boy! What a name! Smokin) and I wanted to slip and accidentally push their lips together. Hahahahahaa. But watch this space I reckon Lochlen Boy/Dragon might be a heart stealer too. My heart broke for each of the marked and those living in fear, of their marks and being marked. Of what the future will bring, I don't know the answer but I do know I won't be missing out of finding all the answers out next book...
"You are the first to understand us. Man was never to understand us. It was and is forbidden."
It's no secret that Ms Ryals is high up on my most favorite authors list and this book here just goes to how why. Her talent is endless. The characters were well described. I felt like I was wandering around hearing the trees whispering & hearing the cries of distress throughout. I found the dragons awe inspiring and could read about this world for days to come. Except. Dang it. I'm.left.hanging. Not a happy chappy.
Well done Ms Ryals. You've done it again. I am totally and completely under your spell. A wonderful new book set in a whole new fantasyland. Bravo...
We overcome and we prevail.
I couldn't have loved this book anymore than I did. Awesomesauce. Amazing fantasy novel I want the universe to read!
Check out more of our reviews on the blog at Fab, Fun and Tantalizing Reads
December 31, 2013
The best thing about this book and others by RK Ryals is that the main character is everything you want her to be. And I don't mean perfect. You know those moments in books where you cringe for all of woman kind because the girly, annoying, whiny main character does something SO STUPID YOU WONDER IF COMMON SENSE IS IN THEIR VOCABULARY?! Rest assured there were absolutely NO moments like that in this or any of the other work I have read by this author. It just felt GOOD to read. The subtly of the character's growth (i.e. not going from naive to all knowing in 0 seconds) was refreshing. I guess what I am getting at is that it's incredibly well done and not what I was expecting at all from a free book. I may even go as far as to say IT IS THE BEST FREE STARTER BOOK I HAVE EVER READ and it's my opinion that Ryals writes and crafts her stories well enough to ask a higher price. (but for the sake of all readers out there who scrounge the free book section for something remotely edible, feed the poor, starving book lovers and keep this book a freebie)
Anyway...lets discuss the love interest! Kye...sigh. I really liked him. This book is very emotional and the authors repetition of certain phrases sometimes seems poetic:)) Kye fit right in with this. I liked the non-"insta-love" love that developed between them. It made it very authentic and just that much better to read and to get into.
Okay, i won't write a novel. There's action, dragons (Lochlen <3), magic (not in a cheesy or overdone way, NO LOVE TRIANGLES (I just hate sharp corners), and a strong female lead. The writing is great, the plot will suck you in, just read it I KNOW YOU'LL ENJOY IT!
Heroine: Stone 5/5 great name, strong character, NOT WHINY what more can I say?
Lover interest: Kye 4.5/5 mysterious, tormented, scared, and perfect for this book/role. I loved him!
Love in general: Not insta-love, grew over time. Though I enjoy my fair share of those types of books, this book was not sappy or an "each character constantly doubts their worthiness of the others love" type of book. It was poetic and inspiring.
To read or not to read: Read it if you like strong female characters (the second it even better) and talking trees, magic, evil kings, and love stories. Don't (but actually do) if you want a sappy, loveyyy-love story, filled with lots of moments re-re-affirming that they do in fact love each other. It doesn't have that. (if your in the mood for that I have a few recommendations for you). JUST READ IT IT'S FREE and its good:))
Anyway...lets discuss the love interest! Kye...sigh. I really liked him. This book is very emotional and the authors repetition of certain phrases sometimes seems poetic:)) Kye fit right in with this. I liked the non-"insta-love" love that developed between them. It made it very authentic and just that much better to read and to get into.
Okay, i won't write a novel. There's action, dragons (Lochlen <3), magic (not in a cheesy or overdone way, NO LOVE TRIANGLES (I just hate sharp corners), and a strong female lead. The writing is great, the plot will suck you in, just read it I KNOW YOU'LL ENJOY IT!
Heroine: Stone 5/5 great name, strong character, NOT WHINY what more can I say?
Lover interest: Kye 4.5/5 mysterious, tormented, scared, and perfect for this book/role. I loved him!
Love in general: Not insta-love, grew over time. Though I enjoy my fair share of those types of books, this book was not sappy or an "each character constantly doubts their worthiness of the others love" type of book. It was poetic and inspiring.
To read or not to read: Read it if you like strong female characters (the second it even better) and talking trees, magic, evil kings, and love stories. Don't (but actually do) if you want a sappy, loveyyy-love story, filled with lots of moments re-re-affirming that they do in fact love each other. It doesn't have that. (if your in the mood for that I have a few recommendations for you). JUST READ IT IT'S FREE and its good:))
February 8, 2013
Wow. Seriously! I was so captivated by this book. I don't read many fantasy books but I love r.k. Ryals so I read this one and she proved herself a great author yet again. I was so blown away.I was instantly in the middle of everything stone went through. I felt her pain and suffering right along with her. I laughed at parts and screamed at others. I felt her hatred and remorse.
Drastona was the bastard daughter of an ambassador who's step mother and half sister treated really badly. When I say badly I mean she lived in a room that was beneath her title. She had furniture that was missed matched. She never went out and she spent most of her time with scribes. Her step mother and sister had been the reason she was taken to be killed. See their was a mad king who wanted nothing but power. He sentenced anyone with more power or knowledge than him to a horrifying death. Stone witnessed this first hand when her nurse was burned to death For bearing the mark of the Mage. This meant she had magic and that was forbidden. After witnessing her death and being marked with the sign of a scribe stone was taken and placed in an iron cage to be transported to the king.
Stone didn't know who she truly was though. She knew she had magic that was passed down from her mothers blood. She had a closeness with animals but also didn't know why. Stones journey takes her to a rebel camp where she finds out who she might be. The one they called her. The Phoenix of peace. Is this really who she is? Will she be able to help save the cities the king is determined to start war with? Can they stop his war council from their plans? Will there be another dragon war if they can not stop the king from succeeding? Will the prince lead the rebels to victory? All these darn questions I'm left with.
R.K I'm stuck hear wondering. Now when is the next book out so I can have all my questions answered. Oh and there'd better be some more feeling shown between a certain boy and girl. ;) loved this book beyond the words I've written here.
Drastona was the bastard daughter of an ambassador who's step mother and half sister treated really badly. When I say badly I mean she lived in a room that was beneath her title. She had furniture that was missed matched. She never went out and she spent most of her time with scribes. Her step mother and sister had been the reason she was taken to be killed. See their was a mad king who wanted nothing but power. He sentenced anyone with more power or knowledge than him to a horrifying death. Stone witnessed this first hand when her nurse was burned to death For bearing the mark of the Mage. This meant she had magic and that was forbidden. After witnessing her death and being marked with the sign of a scribe stone was taken and placed in an iron cage to be transported to the king.
Stone didn't know who she truly was though. She knew she had magic that was passed down from her mothers blood. She had a closeness with animals but also didn't know why. Stones journey takes her to a rebel camp where she finds out who she might be. The one they called her. The Phoenix of peace. Is this really who she is? Will she be able to help save the cities the king is determined to start war with? Can they stop his war council from their plans? Will there be another dragon war if they can not stop the king from succeeding? Will the prince lead the rebels to victory? All these darn questions I'm left with.
R.K I'm stuck hear wondering. Now when is the next book out so I can have all my questions answered. Oh and there'd better be some more feeling shown between a certain boy and girl. ;) loved this book beyond the words I've written here.
December 1, 2020
I admit I downloaded this free for the Kindle so long ago I can't even remember when it happened. I periodically go through these moments of 'Cool cover! Interesting premise!' while perusing the Kindle freebie lists and will download without too much discernment. I had put this to the side as a 'well one day I'll read it' and that day had come. I regret waiting so long!
Drastona, better known as Stone, presents an interesting character. She wants nothing more then to be left alone with the books and scrolls of her father's Archive. She doesn't particularly care that her need for that knowledge could be hazardous to her health; she just wants the peace of that life. Sadly Stone is our heroine of the novel and thus she gets to go through lots of turmoil before finding anything related to peace.
Ryals' writing is, other then my nitpick below, easy to immerse yourself in. While there is some info-dumping at times, by in large the world has a very organic feel to it. It helps that technically Stone is learning as we the reader are. She lived a sheltered life and that doesn't bode well for the life of an outlaw. The mechanics of the world are pretty simple and if there's a bit of hand-waving at times its negligible in the greater scheme of interesting characters.
A big negative for me involves the fact that Ryals overuses fantasy-ish names/terms throughout the book. Not for everything or everyone, but enough so that I constantly found myself trying to sound out words. "Drastona" for instance does not slide off the tongue easily. Neither does "Medeisia".
To be blunt I devoured this book quickly and within five chapters was buying the second book (Tempest) because I knew I didn't want to wait. This is entertaining, with a heroine who puts her money where her mouth is and a cast of secondaries who stand out without being obnoxious. There's also very little (read none) romance happening. Stone is too busy fighting the good fight and figuring out where she belongs to be chasing after a guy and what feelings do occur grow out respect.
Drastona, better known as Stone, presents an interesting character. She wants nothing more then to be left alone with the books and scrolls of her father's Archive. She doesn't particularly care that her need for that knowledge could be hazardous to her health; she just wants the peace of that life. Sadly Stone is our heroine of the novel and thus she gets to go through lots of turmoil before finding anything related to peace.
Ryals' writing is, other then my nitpick below, easy to immerse yourself in. While there is some info-dumping at times, by in large the world has a very organic feel to it. It helps that technically Stone is learning as we the reader are. She lived a sheltered life and that doesn't bode well for the life of an outlaw. The mechanics of the world are pretty simple and if there's a bit of hand-waving at times its negligible in the greater scheme of interesting characters.
A big negative for me involves the fact that Ryals overuses fantasy-ish names/terms throughout the book. Not for everything or everyone, but enough so that I constantly found myself trying to sound out words. "Drastona" for instance does not slide off the tongue easily. Neither does "Medeisia".
To be blunt I devoured this book quickly and within five chapters was buying the second book (Tempest) because I knew I didn't want to wait. This is entertaining, with a heroine who puts her money where her mouth is and a cast of secondaries who stand out without being obnoxious. There's also very little (read none) romance happening. Stone is too busy fighting the good fight and figuring out where she belongs to be chasing after a guy and what feelings do occur grow out respect.
March 19, 2014
I must admit that this book was one of the numerous free downloads I had my kindle. I started reading it not knowing what it was but expecting it to be a romance novel. The cover kind of looks like a romance and I was in the mood for a romance.
I was about 2 chapters in and thinking to myself "What the hell am I reading?"The trees are talking to her and there is a Mage which must be a witch or something like it. I didn't think I was going to like the book but told myself I had to read a little more before I gave up on it. I continued reading and as I did...wow. I just got sucked in.
If there is anything I love it is a kick ass and very strong female lead. I got that and so much more with Stone. She is just coming into her powers and she is a very strong mage or witch/healer person. The other part that I loved was the sort of love triangle. Its not really but there is tension that leads you to believe it could be in the future.
As I continued reading I stayed up all night reading and reading and getting lost in the story and the drama. I didn't even realize I was near the end of the book and was absolutely heartbroken when I flipped the page and it was the end! AAHHH!!! No. The horror!
The only thing I am upset about is that the second book is not available for Kindle yet. Another AAHHH! moment. I cannot wait to continue this story and see where it goes. I can absolutely see this becoming another HUGE success like Hunger Games or Divergent. Amazing!
I was about 2 chapters in and thinking to myself "What the hell am I reading?"The trees are talking to her and there is a Mage which must be a witch or something like it. I didn't think I was going to like the book but told myself I had to read a little more before I gave up on it. I continued reading and as I did...wow. I just got sucked in.
If there is anything I love it is a kick ass and very strong female lead. I got that and so much more with Stone. She is just coming into her powers and she is a very strong mage or witch/healer person. The other part that I loved was the sort of love triangle. Its not really but there is tension that leads you to believe it could be in the future.
As I continued reading I stayed up all night reading and reading and getting lost in the story and the drama. I didn't even realize I was near the end of the book and was absolutely heartbroken when I flipped the page and it was the end! AAHHH!!! No. The horror!
The only thing I am upset about is that the second book is not available for Kindle yet. Another AAHHH! moment. I cannot wait to continue this story and see where it goes. I can absolutely see this becoming another HUGE success like Hunger Games or Divergent. Amazing!
July 7, 2016
This book had me hooked from the very beginning!
I had not read a book quite like this one and wasn't sure if it was up my alley, but after I was drawn into the very first turn of events I could not stop! Not for the dishes, laundry, and I think I even rejected a number of calls from my mom. Sorry mom.
The talent of R. K. Ryals takes you into another time, into another world where trees can talk, a wolf companion with a snarky attitude, and an intriguing shape-shifting dragon! The people of Medeisia have been oppressed and some executed just for being who they are or how they are marked. Drastona not only has the same traits and mark as some of the people in Medeisia, but also fears that she too will suffer such a fate. Her fears send her running her into a group of refugees who also fear the King and what has become of their home.
Kye one of the refugees, with secrets of his own, becomes a guide to Drastona. Guiding her to realize more about her and what has been going on in Medeisia.
Get comfy and get ready for a story that will have you crying, shocked, and wanting more!
I had not read a book quite like this one and wasn't sure if it was up my alley, but after I was drawn into the very first turn of events I could not stop! Not for the dishes, laundry, and I think I even rejected a number of calls from my mom. Sorry mom.
The talent of R. K. Ryals takes you into another time, into another world where trees can talk, a wolf companion with a snarky attitude, and an intriguing shape-shifting dragon! The people of Medeisia have been oppressed and some executed just for being who they are or how they are marked. Drastona not only has the same traits and mark as some of the people in Medeisia, but also fears that she too will suffer such a fate. Her fears send her running her into a group of refugees who also fear the King and what has become of their home.
Kye one of the refugees, with secrets of his own, becomes a guide to Drastona. Guiding her to realize more about her and what has been going on in Medeisia.
Get comfy and get ready for a story that will have you crying, shocked, and wanting more!
February 5, 2013
This book is freaking fabulous! I had been in a terrible reading funk until I started this diamond in the rough, and Mark of the Mage reminded me why I love books so much! RK Ryals takes you on a spectacular journey into a whole new world. Stone is a wonderful heroine, she is smart, strong, and resillient. I felt so much through these characters, that I was talking out loud to them throughout the story. I love when a book is so well written that it plays out like a movie in your mind, and that is what RK Ryals has done here. Good and evil, right and wrong, love and hate, understanding and forgiveness...this book has everything...including dragons!! There are so many who have lost so much, and yet you realize that you have still only just scratched the surface of what is to come. I will be waiting anxiously for the next book in this series!!
January 28, 2013
Mark of the Mage (Scribes of Medeisia)
This was such a wonderful read. Right from the beginning it drew you into a completely different world full of scribes dragons and mage. I couldn't put this book down starting from page 1.
Drastona Consta-Mayria also knows as Stone a young 16 year old girl, an illegitimate child, traits of a mage and training in scribe. In one instant her life changes and she is thrust into a new world where her abilities bond her with the trees and animals and is becoming like her mother who she has never met. She meets one of the kings soldiers Kye who lends his guidance to escape her fate.
The road Stone is now on is such an adventure and one I am glad I could experience with her. I highly recommend this book and am eager to read the next one since it left you wanting more and more of Stones adventure.
This was such a wonderful read. Right from the beginning it drew you into a completely different world full of scribes dragons and mage. I couldn't put this book down starting from page 1.
Drastona Consta-Mayria also knows as Stone a young 16 year old girl, an illegitimate child, traits of a mage and training in scribe. In one instant her life changes and she is thrust into a new world where her abilities bond her with the trees and animals and is becoming like her mother who she has never met. She meets one of the kings soldiers Kye who lends his guidance to escape her fate.
The road Stone is now on is such an adventure and one I am glad I could experience with her. I highly recommend this book and am eager to read the next one since it left you wanting more and more of Stones adventure.
February 23, 2016
4.5 stars ****
R.K. Ryals is an amazing author.
This is the second series of hers that I have started reading in the space of two weeks; I just can't get enough.
I absolutely love her writing and the way she brings her stories to life. So, why not five star's? well I give 5 star's to books that leave me flabbergasted and completely in love with every last detail of a book, the only thing that keeps me from five star ratings is that for me the endings of her books so far haven't been that heart stopping - oh my god what's going to happen - kind. Nothing wrong with that but sometimes the endings of the books seem a little quick for the kick arse action I want to happen, saying that I d love her books and I love the stories...
Dragons
Mages
Rebels
Scribes
Magic
Love
Death
Talking animals
Talking Trees... like seriously trees, that talk
R.K. Ryals is an amazing author.
This is the second series of hers that I have started reading in the space of two weeks; I just can't get enough.
I absolutely love her writing and the way she brings her stories to life. So, why not five star's? well I give 5 star's to books that leave me flabbergasted and completely in love with every last detail of a book, the only thing that keeps me from five star ratings is that for me the endings of her books so far haven't been that heart stopping - oh my god what's going to happen - kind. Nothing wrong with that but sometimes the endings of the books seem a little quick for the kick arse action I want to happen, saying that I d love her books and I love the stories...
Dragons
Mages
Rebels
Scribes
Magic
Love
Death
Talking animals
Talking Trees... like seriously trees, that talk
August 5, 2015
Full review at- https://kinkyreader.wordpress.com/201...
Okay so this book is a lot like other YA books in that there is a professed heroine who is going to change the world or something but it is also unlike them in that the heroine is not weak or spineless or a martyr.
She knows her heart and she follows it.
I was also surprised by Kye and his total lack of arrogance and assholishness.
I am definitely going to read the next book.
Okay so this book is a lot like other YA books in that there is a professed heroine who is going to change the world or something but it is also unlike them in that the heroine is not weak or spineless or a martyr.
She knows her heart and she follows it.
I was also surprised by Kye and his total lack of arrogance and assholishness.
I am definitely going to read the next book.
January 2, 2014
Just enough intrigue to make me want more. The characters drew me in and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
October 10, 2014
Fun, light, fantasy. Started the second book in the series, "Tempest."
What's not to like about dragons, talking trees and animals?
What's not to like about dragons, talking trees and animals?
August 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I listened to the audiobook and couldn't stand the narration one bit which may have influenced my overall opinion of the book negatively.
(No one. Should. Read sentences. Like this. Especially. Not every. Sentence. Because you sound stupid. Or like. A robot. At best.)
The story itself didn’t knock me off my feet, either. We have the classic version of the chosen-one trope, because it’s a convenient reason to have your incompetent character hang out with the (super attractive) rebellion leaders.
What really bothered me, though, is that everything else was convenient, too. The MC never has to do anything to get better at her magic. It all just comes “naturally” to her. She also develops magic talents in abundance whenever her original powers aren’t convenient enough to solve problems. It would have been much more compelling if she had put her existing talents to use creatively, instead of making her extremely powerful.
Because, frankly, it’s even more frustrating to read about a powerful MC that does nothing to further the rebel cause than someone who’s simply unable to contribute.
Also, just because someone can read/ write, they’re not clever. The reader gets told multiple times that the MC is intelligent, without her acting that way. The one plan she comes up with is just completely useless.
Also also, I don't understand why everyone liked her. She behaved like an isolationist at best.
In my opinion, this was lazy storytelling. I don’t want to invest my emotions in a book that feels like the author didn’t want to put too much effort into themselves.
(No one. Should. Read sentences. Like this. Especially. Not every. Sentence. Because you sound stupid. Or like. A robot. At best.)
The story itself didn’t knock me off my feet, either. We have the classic version of the chosen-one trope, because it’s a convenient reason to have your incompetent character hang out with the (super attractive) rebellion leaders.
What really bothered me, though, is that everything else was convenient, too. The MC never has to do anything to get better at her magic. It all just comes “naturally” to her. She also develops magic talents in abundance whenever her original powers aren’t convenient enough to solve problems. It would have been much more compelling if she had put her existing talents to use creatively, instead of making her extremely powerful.
Because, frankly, it’s even more frustrating to read about a powerful MC that does nothing to further the rebel cause than someone who’s simply unable to contribute.
Also, just because someone can read/ write, they’re not clever. The reader gets told multiple times that the MC is intelligent, without her acting that way. The one plan she comes up with is just completely useless.
Also also, I don't understand why everyone liked her. She behaved like an isolationist at best.
In my opinion, this was lazy storytelling. I don’t want to invest my emotions in a book that feels like the author didn’t want to put too much effort into themselves.
July 10, 2017
I didn't expect to enjoy this book because it was free on amazon and I don't usually rate those books highly, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
What often annoys me in paranormal/fantasy books is that the heroine, described as some powerful person with a great destiny, is usually limited by her fear or ignorance of her power, and often has to allow others to fight her battles until she's able to handle it herself (which is usually in the last few scenes of the last book of the series). In the process the heroine often allows, or is helpless to stop, people she cares about being hurt or killed.
The main character of this book, Stone, was refreshingly different from this. While she doesn't understand or know the extent of her abilities, this doesn't stop her from trying to help her friends in whatever limited way she can. Her determination to not let anyone sacrifice themselves for her (which is successful sometimes, and not so successful other times) was a huge part in why I liked this book so much.
I also enjoyed the complexity of the other characters (namely Kye) and the overall plot was very interesting. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
4.5 stars.
What often annoys me in paranormal/fantasy books is that the heroine, described as some powerful person with a great destiny, is usually limited by her fear or ignorance of her power, and often has to allow others to fight her battles until she's able to handle it herself (which is usually in the last few scenes of the last book of the series). In the process the heroine often allows, or is helpless to stop, people she cares about being hurt or killed.
The main character of this book, Stone, was refreshingly different from this. While she doesn't understand or know the extent of her abilities, this doesn't stop her from trying to help her friends in whatever limited way she can. Her determination to not let anyone sacrifice themselves for her (which is successful sometimes, and not so successful other times) was a huge part in why I liked this book so much.
I also enjoyed the complexity of the other characters (namely Kye) and the overall plot was very interesting. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
4.5 stars.
December 9, 2017
Review catch-up day! Sorry for the short reviews.
The premise of Mark of the Mage is interesting and the main character is well-written. Sadly most of the secondary characters suffer from a lack of development and really did not stand out. In many ways it felt like a book about just one person.
The plot was fairly intriguing but what really made me finish with just an "okay" feeling was the pacing.
The story covers Stone's start, capture, release, trek to the desert, rerouting to the rebel camp, meeting dragons and rebels, training, and then a mission to the capital. It was very very very slow. There was a lot of pages in this book for so little content. Everything builds up to this mission which is completed in no time at all and is actually rather boring. I mean, she walks in, reads a letter, writes one, and then is thrown in jail.
It wasn't a bad book, but it just didn't have enough to keep me reading the rest of the series.
The premise of Mark of the Mage is interesting and the main character is well-written. Sadly most of the secondary characters suffer from a lack of development and really did not stand out. In many ways it felt like a book about just one person.
The plot was fairly intriguing but what really made me finish with just an "okay" feeling was the pacing.
The story covers Stone's start, capture, release, trek to the desert, rerouting to the rebel camp, meeting dragons and rebels, training, and then a mission to the capital. It was very very very slow. There was a lot of pages in this book for so little content. Everything builds up to this mission which is completed in no time at all and is actually rather boring. I mean, she walks in, reads a letter, writes one, and then is thrown in jail.
It wasn't a bad book, but it just didn't have enough to keep me reading the rest of the series.
October 10, 2021
My second time going through this series just so I can read the last book in the series since I hadn't gotten that far the last time.
I really like the world building in this story. The story itself is such a great mystery and I can't wait to reintroduce myself to all of the characters (which I know only get more interesting as the story progresses).
This first book is a bit slow as it is introducing the reader to the world and the history of both kingdoms, but the pace picks up in the second book.
I really like the world building in this story. The story itself is such a great mystery and I can't wait to reintroduce myself to all of the characters (which I know only get more interesting as the story progresses).
This first book is a bit slow as it is introducing the reader to the world and the history of both kingdoms, but the pace picks up in the second book.
January 9, 2019
DNF, good general idea, especially liked the take on forest magic but lost interest when apart from having the super special forest magic (and being a scribe, aka doubly illegal), she also suddenly can control the wheather and oh yes, magical healing too. The MC just turned too much into a special snowflake with super duper awesome powers without doing anything for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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