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The Order
The Order: Book 1
A clumsy step, the wrong branch to hold on to and a bump on the head to leave her unconscious – no more than that causes Eryn’s life to turn upside down and to suddenly find herself in the capital city as a prisoner to the king. She is determined to keep her magical abilities a secret in a kingdom where magicians have only ever been male as long as anyone knows.
That doesn’t work out that well, though. The Order, the governing body for magicians, and the king seem to have their own plans with her, none of them caring in the least that she just wants to leave that blasted city behind and return to the peace and quiet of her profession as a healer.
And then there is Enric, a high ranking magician in the Order thanks to his considerable strength, who seems to find watching her struggles an amusing diversion.
That doesn’t work out that well, though. The Order, the governing body for magicians, and the king seem to have their own plans with her, none of them caring in the least that she just wants to leave that blasted city behind and return to the peace and quiet of her profession as a healer.
And then there is Enric, a high ranking magician in the Order thanks to his considerable strength, who seems to find watching her struggles an amusing diversion.
812 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Donaubauer
23 books37 followersA.C. Donaubauer lives in Vienna, Austria, and is a freelance language/business/social skills trainer and translator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 1, 2016
Wow this book blew my mind and it's apparently the authors debut! I had this recommended by a fellow book worm and I'm so glad I listened. I dont read a lot of fantasy and this is a seriously long read (913 pages) but so engaging I just wanted to keep reading.
Our main character is Eryn a young woman alone and hiding her magical abilities. Unfortunately an accident sees Eryns cover blown and she is sent to the King believed to be a spy. Held captive it's soon discovered that not only is Eryn not from their land but she possesses magic which is usually only found in males! Her captors might fear her abilities but they are not stupid and wish to persuade her to join the Order but they have a fight on their hands as Eryn believes magic should only be used for good and healing , definitely not for fighting or war.
I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this book. The characters felt so realistic and at times I wanted to shake them and then I just wanted to laugh with them but most of all I wanted them to be real. True talent lies in bringing not just the central characters to life but also imbuing the surrounding cast with diverse personalities and that's exactly what we get here. There is a strong sense of romance building but the deceit and manipulation as the political intrigue is revealed had me so angry on Eryn's behalf but she doesn't need me in her corner because that brave clever girl can out badass the best of them! You will hate the King and maybe even the master magician Enric too at times but you will fall in love with Vern a fifteen year old who turns the tide for Eryn.
This was a fabulous book and now I need the next to find out just how Eryns life will pan out
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley
Our main character is Eryn a young woman alone and hiding her magical abilities. Unfortunately an accident sees Eryns cover blown and she is sent to the King believed to be a spy. Held captive it's soon discovered that not only is Eryn not from their land but she possesses magic which is usually only found in males! Her captors might fear her abilities but they are not stupid and wish to persuade her to join the Order but they have a fight on their hands as Eryn believes magic should only be used for good and healing , definitely not for fighting or war.
I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this book. The characters felt so realistic and at times I wanted to shake them and then I just wanted to laugh with them but most of all I wanted them to be real. True talent lies in bringing not just the central characters to life but also imbuing the surrounding cast with diverse personalities and that's exactly what we get here. There is a strong sense of romance building but the deceit and manipulation as the political intrigue is revealed had me so angry on Eryn's behalf but she doesn't need me in her corner because that brave clever girl can out badass the best of them! You will hate the King and maybe even the master magician Enric too at times but you will fall in love with Vern a fifteen year old who turns the tide for Eryn.
This was a fabulous book and now I need the next to find out just how Eryns life will pan out
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley
July 24, 2016
*Received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
You would think a book with this many pages couldn't keep your interest the entire story and you would be sooooooo wrong. This book was a very welcome surprise. I loved Eryn. Her humor, her witty comebacks, and her strength won me over from early on. She was compassionate and kind, but didn't take anyone's crap. Enric, oh Enric, there were many times I wanted to smack him, but he was just too charming for words. I loved his jealous tendencies, even if Eryn didn't always appreciate them. The supporting characters were great. The ever-inquisitive Vern, stern, but protective Orrin, and clever Tyront. Although I didn't care for the king, you had to see the beauty in his schemes. This was a great read from start to finish.
You would think a book with this many pages couldn't keep your interest the entire story and you would be sooooooo wrong. This book was a very welcome surprise. I loved Eryn. Her humor, her witty comebacks, and her strength won me over from early on. She was compassionate and kind, but didn't take anyone's crap. Enric, oh Enric, there were many times I wanted to smack him, but he was just too charming for words. I loved his jealous tendencies, even if Eryn didn't always appreciate them. The supporting characters were great. The ever-inquisitive Vern, stern, but protective Orrin, and clever Tyront. Although I didn't care for the king, you had to see the beauty in his schemes. This was a great read from start to finish.
September 15, 2015
I receive a copy of this book the author via NG in return for an honest review.
you know what really gets me? When a book has an amazing prose and a book-trailer to die for and when you read it...it doesn't deliver.
I know that sounds mean, but bear with me and first, before you continue on, click this link to watch the book trailer.
Did you watch it? Did you feel excitement course through your veins, vibrate through your soul and add sparkles in your eyes? yes? Good, that was my reaction. So with a lot of joy, anticipation and excitement i jumped into this book, however, rather than be swallowed up in a shimmering pool of awesomeness, i face - planted and smashed into a million pieces. *sighs in dismay*
let's get to the plot.
"The Order of Magicians was dedicated to the defense of the Kingdom..."
Okay...guys, I'm really bummed.
I was so excited and to be perfectly honest, I didn't enjoy that at all.
This book is what I call as having mad- potential, it could have been something so much more than it was! It had the potential so sweep me off my feet, it had the potential to claim my heart but all it did was...to bore me. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be harsh, but I promised to be honest.
The character Eryn, I had a love hate relationship with her. At first i liked her, i found her defiance entertaining. However, there is a BIG difference between 'I'm- awesome' defiance and 'You-are-irritating-me' defiance and I have to say, majority of this book, Eryn fitted in the latter.
Man she irked me something fierce! She supposed to be 27 years old but acts like a 15 year old (no offense to 15 year old readers out there!) Eryn threw tantrums and irritated everyone and somehow, most people liked her! What the heck?
Another thing is that it was so ambiguous, Eryn never really gives a definite reason for hating The Order as much as she does, it's just implied and honestly, the whole book, they really aren't that bad. She moaned about their treatment of her, Um, Eryn dear, do you know the meaning of being a prisoner? Can't you see that they've been treating you very kindly?
Also, the romance. Um...ugh...uhhh, weird. I actually liked our main male character, not a lot at first but he grew on me- Lord Enric.
However, the whole 60% (and this is a big book mind you) Eryn whines on how much she hates his guts and he's a real son-of-a-sith. But honestly, if a mage that you've never known before looks like they could kill people you DO know, wouldn't you protect these people and try to stop the other? So whoop-ti-doo he stunned you, get over it, he thought you'd hurt others.
Gah! She's such an unlikable character! Also, Enric does end up liking her, and she doesn't exactly reciprocate however...she's more than happy jumping into his bed, knowing he's falling for her but her feelings are fairly platonic. SELFISH MUCH?
Granted, he's very persistent but don't use a man like that!
But apparently it's okay because she might like him later on, just break his pride in the mean time woman, that's totally fine! ...not.
*takes a deep breath*
I think we can conclude that this book wasn't for me.
I liked Vern and Enric but not our main gal.
try it, it may appeal more to you but for me, there was too many things that didn't make sense, i reiterate- why does/did she hate the Order so much!?
Well that's that.
Stay Awesome!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
you know what really gets me? When a book has an amazing prose and a book-trailer to die for and when you read it...it doesn't deliver.
I know that sounds mean, but bear with me and first, before you continue on, click this link to watch the book trailer.
Did you watch it? Did you feel excitement course through your veins, vibrate through your soul and add sparkles in your eyes? yes? Good, that was my reaction. So with a lot of joy, anticipation and excitement i jumped into this book, however, rather than be swallowed up in a shimmering pool of awesomeness, i face - planted and smashed into a million pieces. *sighs in dismay*
let's get to the plot.
"The Order of Magicians was dedicated to the defense of the Kingdom..."
When Eryn was 12 years old she was accosted and for protection her father showed her something that would change her life: magic.
Not to destroy, but to heal.
When calamity strikes and Eryn finds herself alone, she knows that now she has to protect herself and to do that she must never reveal her true hair colour.
The only brunette to exist in a world of fair haired people.
One day, an encounter with a branch, the betrayal of those she loves,
Eryn is imprisoned and soon finds herself at the mercy of The Order.
However, she will be no mere pawn, even if she's the only female magician in centuries,
The Order will find that this prisoner is not compliant, but she thrives in defiance.
Okay...guys, I'm really bummed.
I was so excited and to be perfectly honest, I didn't enjoy that at all.
This book is what I call as having mad- potential, it could have been something so much more than it was! It had the potential so sweep me off my feet, it had the potential to claim my heart but all it did was...to bore me. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be harsh, but I promised to be honest.
The character Eryn, I had a love hate relationship with her. At first i liked her, i found her defiance entertaining. However, there is a BIG difference between 'I'm- awesome' defiance and 'You-are-irritating-me' defiance and I have to say, majority of this book, Eryn fitted in the latter.
Man she irked me something fierce! She supposed to be 27 years old but acts like a 15 year old (no offense to 15 year old readers out there!) Eryn threw tantrums and irritated everyone and somehow, most people liked her! What the heck?
Another thing is that it was so ambiguous, Eryn never really gives a definite reason for hating The Order as much as she does, it's just implied and honestly, the whole book, they really aren't that bad. She moaned about their treatment of her, Um, Eryn dear, do you know the meaning of being a prisoner? Can't you see that they've been treating you very kindly?
Also, the romance. Um...ugh...uhhh, weird. I actually liked our main male character, not a lot at first but he grew on me- Lord Enric.
However, the whole 60% (and this is a big book mind you) Eryn whines on how much she hates his guts and he's a real son-of-a-sith. But honestly, if a mage that you've never known before looks like they could kill people you DO know, wouldn't you protect these people and try to stop the other? So whoop-ti-doo he stunned you, get over it, he thought you'd hurt others.
Gah! She's such an unlikable character! Also, Enric does end up liking her, and she doesn't exactly reciprocate however...she's more than happy jumping into his bed, knowing he's falling for her but her feelings are fairly platonic. SELFISH MUCH?
Granted, he's very persistent but don't use a man like that!
But apparently it's okay because she might like him later on, just break his pride in the mean time woman, that's totally fine! ...not.
*takes a deep breath*
I think we can conclude that this book wasn't for me.
I liked Vern and Enric but not our main gal.
try it, it may appeal more to you but for me, there was too many things that didn't make sense, i reiterate- why does/did she hate the Order so much!?
Well that's that.
Stay Awesome!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
September 24, 2015
Epic fantasy lovers should check this one out. Excellent! I don't often recommend books to my fellow bloggers but this is one I would highly recommend. Full review to follow
4.5 Stars!!
I pick The Order as the sleeper of my reading year!!
What I liked: Oh my, I really and sincerely enjoyed The Order. Ms Donaurbauer took me on a fantastic journey and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I'm not going to rehash what's covered in the synopsis. Just imagine knowing you are completely different from everyone in the world you've come into contact. Every person in the Kingdom has some shade of blond hair and yet, you and your father have dark brown. You know and learned you've magic in your body but are forced by your father (who also has magic) to hide it. You and your father are healers but can't openly use magic to heal or to hurt. You think it's unfair you can't use the magic to protect yourself but your father explains using "bad" magic has a price. The one and only time you use magic, dire circumstances occur.
This is what our main character, Eryn, is facing. In addition, she knows from her father that they come from a different Kingdom where magic is more accepted but used for self-gain and protection. Through a set of tragic acts, Eryn ends up alone as a teenager. She stays in her village to continue her father's healing practice. Then through an accident her village turns her into the King. And there the real part of the story begins!
Ms Donaurbauer is a fantastic storyteller. When I first saw The Order on NetGalley I was a bit torn but ended up being enthralled, through the whole book. Everything in the book fell into place. You had the back story on the two main characters, Eryn and Enric, the jump to present day and the struggles Eryn faces. She's a very strong character and more than once confuses and confounds her captors. And yet, they are more than intrigued by her lack of training in using her powers to protect the Kingdom, after all, that's all Magicians are good for, right?
All the Magicians in the Kingdom work for the King to protect him and the Kingdom. Of course politics enter into the power struggle between the Magicians and the King's current advisers. Through all that, Eryn is being taught more about her powers in fighting and protection. She totally thinks it's a waste as all she wants to do is treat and heal individuals who need her more than the Kingdom needs another Magician warrior.
Not only does Ms Donaurbauer have a special hand in world building, her characters (all of them) are been surely and completely developed. I know it's hard in a first book but The Order is a bit longer than what I currently read. Each character is meticulously developing. I found myself laughing with them, worrying as they worry and connecting with each one of them; good and bad.
What I didn't like: This is the first book in the series and was just released in August, I don't like not knowing when the next book is coming out!!!
Overall, I could go on and on about The Order but instead will recommend it to epic/urban fantasy lovers!
Highly Recommended!!!!
4.5 Stars!!
I pick The Order as the sleeper of my reading year!!
What I liked: Oh my, I really and sincerely enjoyed The Order. Ms Donaurbauer took me on a fantastic journey and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I'm not going to rehash what's covered in the synopsis. Just imagine knowing you are completely different from everyone in the world you've come into contact. Every person in the Kingdom has some shade of blond hair and yet, you and your father have dark brown. You know and learned you've magic in your body but are forced by your father (who also has magic) to hide it. You and your father are healers but can't openly use magic to heal or to hurt. You think it's unfair you can't use the magic to protect yourself but your father explains using "bad" magic has a price. The one and only time you use magic, dire circumstances occur.
This is what our main character, Eryn, is facing. In addition, she knows from her father that they come from a different Kingdom where magic is more accepted but used for self-gain and protection. Through a set of tragic acts, Eryn ends up alone as a teenager. She stays in her village to continue her father's healing practice. Then through an accident her village turns her into the King. And there the real part of the story begins!
Ms Donaurbauer is a fantastic storyteller. When I first saw The Order on NetGalley I was a bit torn but ended up being enthralled, through the whole book. Everything in the book fell into place. You had the back story on the two main characters, Eryn and Enric, the jump to present day and the struggles Eryn faces. She's a very strong character and more than once confuses and confounds her captors. And yet, they are more than intrigued by her lack of training in using her powers to protect the Kingdom, after all, that's all Magicians are good for, right?
All the Magicians in the Kingdom work for the King to protect him and the Kingdom. Of course politics enter into the power struggle between the Magicians and the King's current advisers. Through all that, Eryn is being taught more about her powers in fighting and protection. She totally thinks it's a waste as all she wants to do is treat and heal individuals who need her more than the Kingdom needs another Magician warrior.
Not only does Ms Donaurbauer have a special hand in world building, her characters (all of them) are been surely and completely developed. I know it's hard in a first book but The Order is a bit longer than what I currently read. Each character is meticulously developing. I found myself laughing with them, worrying as they worry and connecting with each one of them; good and bad.
What I didn't like: This is the first book in the series and was just released in August, I don't like not knowing when the next book is coming out!!!
Overall, I could go on and on about The Order but instead will recommend it to epic/urban fantasy lovers!
Highly Recommended!!!!
August 28, 2015
The Order by A.C. Donaubauer
Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy,
I really wasn’t sure I’d like this book – it sounded good but would I find it’s one of those full of battles and gore that I hate? Well, it isn’t, and I loved it.
At over 900 pages its a solid read, but it’s all relevant. Nothing that feels added to pad out the content, and slowly the story starts to build up and grow.the pacing is perfect, and I really felt I knew the characters as the book continued. I loved the way Eryn’s abilities grew slowly, no sudden mystical, magical powers but magic that she either works out herself, learns from others, or where she watches and experiments building upon what’s already known. I hate those reads where people just suddenly gain – out of the blue – a slew of powerful abilities, it just feels like the reader is being cheated, but here everything develops at a believable rate, thoroughly explained and its easy to see how Eryn reaches the conclusions and developments that she does.
I love that’s she’s a strong and moral character, it would be easy for her to just give way to The Order but she stand firm in her beliefs, even at personal cost. I loved Vern too – he’s a great addition and provides someone for her to have fun with, relax, and I’m sure he’ll be a strong focus in further books. Then there’s his father, Orrin, and he’s another strong person, but always fair, and he’s a huge support to Eryn after their initial skirmishes. Enric, second in command, and only a few years older than Eryn. He’s attracted to her and the more they are together the stronger that grows for him, but he’s hampered by their first meetings where he had to use force to subdue her and now she hates him, really resents him and what he stands for. Its going to take lot to change that but he’s a planner, a patient man.
The whole story flows really well, is full of interesting characters and plots and was one that despite my reservations I really enjoyed. Would I read it again? Well, not for a long while but I certainly want to read more from the series,and will be looking for further books.
The length, over 900 pages, is fantastic and for quick readers like myself that's perfect, lets us get lost in another world for hours. When some authors are turning out “books” from as little as 50 pages its a real treat to get one of this length, and so fairly priced. I’ve just seen one thats less than 100 pages for almost the same cost. 100 or 900....I know which I'd go for ;- )
Stars:Five, a fabulous, engrossing read and I’ll look forward to more.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, in case I've inadvertently added a spoiler and need to edit.
Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy,
I really wasn’t sure I’d like this book – it sounded good but would I find it’s one of those full of battles and gore that I hate? Well, it isn’t, and I loved it.
At over 900 pages its a solid read, but it’s all relevant. Nothing that feels added to pad out the content, and slowly the story starts to build up and grow.the pacing is perfect, and I really felt I knew the characters as the book continued. I loved the way Eryn’s abilities grew slowly, no sudden mystical, magical powers but magic that she either works out herself, learns from others, or where she watches and experiments building upon what’s already known. I hate those reads where people just suddenly gain – out of the blue – a slew of powerful abilities, it just feels like the reader is being cheated, but here everything develops at a believable rate, thoroughly explained and its easy to see how Eryn reaches the conclusions and developments that she does.
I love that’s she’s a strong and moral character, it would be easy for her to just give way to The Order but she stand firm in her beliefs, even at personal cost. I loved Vern too – he’s a great addition and provides someone for her to have fun with, relax, and I’m sure he’ll be a strong focus in further books. Then there’s his father, Orrin, and he’s another strong person, but always fair, and he’s a huge support to Eryn after their initial skirmishes. Enric, second in command, and only a few years older than Eryn. He’s attracted to her and the more they are together the stronger that grows for him, but he’s hampered by their first meetings where he had to use force to subdue her and now she hates him, really resents him and what he stands for. Its going to take lot to change that but he’s a planner, a patient man.
The whole story flows really well, is full of interesting characters and plots and was one that despite my reservations I really enjoyed. Would I read it again? Well, not for a long while but I certainly want to read more from the series,and will be looking for further books.
The length, over 900 pages, is fantastic and for quick readers like myself that's perfect, lets us get lost in another world for hours. When some authors are turning out “books” from as little as 50 pages its a real treat to get one of this length, and so fairly priced. I’ve just seen one thats less than 100 pages for almost the same cost. 100 or 900....I know which I'd go for ;- )
Stars:Five, a fabulous, engrossing read and I’ll look forward to more.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, in case I've inadvertently added a spoiler and need to edit.
May 16, 2016
4.5 stars
Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.
This book came highly recommended by Dolly from Just Talking Books. When she told it was available on NetGalley again, I jumped at the chance to review it. There are a few things I will mention. I went into this book not noticing the page count. It has been a long time since I read a 900+ page book. I’ve listened to a few, but it has been a while since I read a book that long. It isn’t that I don’t like reading long books, it is just that the PNR/UF books that I normally read are closer to 300-500 pages long. All that being said, the page count in this book wasn’t a problem. It did take me longer to read than most, but I was fully engrossed in the story the entire time.
This is the story of Eryn who is a bit different from everyone else. She lives in a village where she hides her hair color magically as she is the only non-blonde person there besides her father. She also has magic which is not known to the town. That is until she is knocked out and her mind quits applying the magic to her hair color. She is then turned over to the king and the Order of Magicians where she is bound in gold to suppress her magic.
The Order and the kingdom have not seen a female magician in over 300 years. They also haven’t seen anyone with a hair color other than blonde in that amount of time. They are amazed at her lack of training, but also at her sheer power. She is the third strongest magician in the land, but knows nothing about it outside of healing, which they know nothing of. Her father is from a different kingdom and taught her different uses for her magic, but he also taught her to be very wary of the the Order and using magic for defense and battle. The one time she did, it went really bad for her, so when the Order forces her to use her to learn to fight, she is very reluctant.
It was fun to watch what can happen when you take a reluctant captive with a lot of brains and ingenuity and see what they can teach themselves. Eryn gets herself in quite the amount of trouble as she tries to escape and outsmart the elder members of the order. But it is also great as she becomes friends with them as they learn to work together. Eryn is a very fiery person. She is also very loyal to her trade as a healer and to the people she believes she needs to help. She has little respect for authority and doesn’t have a problem proving that fact to anyone.
The romance in this book is very much a slow build. Enric is intrigued with Eryn from the beginning. Eryn, not so much. Which, Eryn didn’t like the Order from the prejudice her father left her with about it and about fighting with magic. Add that to the fact that Enric had to knock her out at their first meeting because she was panicking and fighting back. Needless to say, their first meeting wasn’t a great one. Then they imprisoned her and forced her to learn to fight against her will. With Enric being the second in command of the Order, she saw all of this as a slight on him. It took him a long while to build the trust to romance her.
This story has great characters. There is her original combat trainer, Orrin, and his son Vern. I really loved them. I loved that as much as Orrin was a warrior, he loved his son, even though his son was so not a warrior. There is also Junar, a seamstress in town that befriends Eryn. The character I disliked the most was the king. He was a manipulative bastard. There was another character that I really disliked, but I’ll keep him to myself for now. There are many other great characters, but I won’t list them all. Just know that this story is full of wonderful characters.
The thing that is very different for me with this story, there is no epic battle, no epic mystery to solve. That didn’t mean I was glued to the pages. I’m very much used to stories like Kate Daniels or Gin Blanco running from one catastrophe to another without a chance to breathe. The stories are very fast paced. That was not the case here. I wouldn’t say that the story was slow, nor was it fast. It was just a pleasant stroll through the life of Eryn and Enric. There is the question about why haven’t there been any women magicians in 300+ years and why all the same hair color. These questions are answered in this story. I’m very interested in seeing where the story goes from here.
Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.
This book came highly recommended by Dolly from Just Talking Books. When she told it was available on NetGalley again, I jumped at the chance to review it. There are a few things I will mention. I went into this book not noticing the page count. It has been a long time since I read a 900+ page book. I’ve listened to a few, but it has been a while since I read a book that long. It isn’t that I don’t like reading long books, it is just that the PNR/UF books that I normally read are closer to 300-500 pages long. All that being said, the page count in this book wasn’t a problem. It did take me longer to read than most, but I was fully engrossed in the story the entire time.
This is the story of Eryn who is a bit different from everyone else. She lives in a village where she hides her hair color magically as she is the only non-blonde person there besides her father. She also has magic which is not known to the town. That is until she is knocked out and her mind quits applying the magic to her hair color. She is then turned over to the king and the Order of Magicians where she is bound in gold to suppress her magic.
The Order and the kingdom have not seen a female magician in over 300 years. They also haven’t seen anyone with a hair color other than blonde in that amount of time. They are amazed at her lack of training, but also at her sheer power. She is the third strongest magician in the land, but knows nothing about it outside of healing, which they know nothing of. Her father is from a different kingdom and taught her different uses for her magic, but he also taught her to be very wary of the the Order and using magic for defense and battle. The one time she did, it went really bad for her, so when the Order forces her to use her to learn to fight, she is very reluctant.
It was fun to watch what can happen when you take a reluctant captive with a lot of brains and ingenuity and see what they can teach themselves. Eryn gets herself in quite the amount of trouble as she tries to escape and outsmart the elder members of the order. But it is also great as she becomes friends with them as they learn to work together. Eryn is a very fiery person. She is also very loyal to her trade as a healer and to the people she believes she needs to help. She has little respect for authority and doesn’t have a problem proving that fact to anyone.
The romance in this book is very much a slow build. Enric is intrigued with Eryn from the beginning. Eryn, not so much. Which, Eryn didn’t like the Order from the prejudice her father left her with about it and about fighting with magic. Add that to the fact that Enric had to knock her out at their first meeting because she was panicking and fighting back. Needless to say, their first meeting wasn’t a great one. Then they imprisoned her and forced her to learn to fight against her will. With Enric being the second in command of the Order, she saw all of this as a slight on him. It took him a long while to build the trust to romance her.
This story has great characters. There is her original combat trainer, Orrin, and his son Vern. I really loved them. I loved that as much as Orrin was a warrior, he loved his son, even though his son was so not a warrior. There is also Junar, a seamstress in town that befriends Eryn. The character I disliked the most was the king. He was a manipulative bastard. There was another character that I really disliked, but I’ll keep him to myself for now. There are many other great characters, but I won’t list them all. Just know that this story is full of wonderful characters.
The thing that is very different for me with this story, there is no epic battle, no epic mystery to solve. That didn’t mean I was glued to the pages. I’m very much used to stories like Kate Daniels or Gin Blanco running from one catastrophe to another without a chance to breathe. The stories are very fast paced. That was not the case here. I wouldn’t say that the story was slow, nor was it fast. It was just a pleasant stroll through the life of Eryn and Enric. There is the question about why haven’t there been any women magicians in 300+ years and why all the same hair color. These questions are answered in this story. I’m very interested in seeing where the story goes from here.
“Yes, Orrin,” she hiss. “I do understand you. I am neither deaf nor stupid.”
He straightened again. “Good. And it is customary to address a high ranking magician using the title of Lord.”
She smiled acidly. “Is it now? Thank you so much for enlightening me as to this charming little custom, Orrin.”
August 29, 2015
5 Stars ★★★★★
The only female magician in an all male magical kingdom Eryn tries to keep her magic a secret like her father tells her too but through some unlucky happenings she winds up under the Kings and Magical Order with each their own ideas of what to do with her. This book keeps you on your toes wondering what will be next, a throughly enjoyable read.
General Comments
This book was great I love longer books because that gives me more time to enjoy them since I read pretty fast. I liked our main characters boldness, she stood up for herself even to her superiors which sometimes wasn't the smartest thing to do, but she did it regardless. At times I got annoyed with how they treated her by lying and manipulating situations but it wasn't enough to put me off from the story. I would recommend this book when I put it down I was looking forward to picking it up to read more. The ending wasn't the greatest but at the same time the way it ended and how long the story is to me, makes it seem like they're will be more books and it's a continuous story, it sort of has the feel of Diane Gabaldon's books of how they end and can get picked back up again into the same story but newer settings. I think I'm just more annoyed I can't instantly pick up the next book and continue since this one is new to come out and I am just impatient. Some things I wished were addressed but never were like Eryn speaking about her father with Enric I thought that would be a nice bonding experience that didn't happen but maybe it will in the next book.
Characters
I think they characters developed very nicely with the length of the story, the friendships happened very naturally as well as the romance it wasn't rushed into an insta love connection which is refreshing now a days when we find characters falling in love after just meeting. I liked the main character Eryn she stood for what she believed in but was willing to bend to learn other things. I think the way the other characters in the book treat her at times is appalling but it goes with the story and who those characters are and how they behave, but it went with the story so it worked.
World Building
I think the world building was interesting it evolved at a slower pace with the story. At one point we see that mostly everyone in the kingdom is fair and blonde or of light hair colour and is later explained why, and I had been wondering about it so I was glad it was explained.
Overall I would say read this book, I want more and will definitely have the next one on my to read list!
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only female magician in an all male magical kingdom Eryn tries to keep her magic a secret like her father tells her too but through some unlucky happenings she winds up under the Kings and Magical Order with each their own ideas of what to do with her. This book keeps you on your toes wondering what will be next, a throughly enjoyable read.
General Comments
This book was great I love longer books because that gives me more time to enjoy them since I read pretty fast. I liked our main characters boldness, she stood up for herself even to her superiors which sometimes wasn't the smartest thing to do, but she did it regardless. At times I got annoyed with how they treated her by lying and manipulating situations but it wasn't enough to put me off from the story. I would recommend this book when I put it down I was looking forward to picking it up to read more. The ending wasn't the greatest but at the same time the way it ended and how long the story is to me, makes it seem like they're will be more books and it's a continuous story, it sort of has the feel of Diane Gabaldon's books of how they end and can get picked back up again into the same story but newer settings. I think I'm just more annoyed I can't instantly pick up the next book and continue since this one is new to come out and I am just impatient. Some things I wished were addressed but never were like Eryn speaking about her father with Enric I thought that would be a nice bonding experience that didn't happen but maybe it will in the next book.
Characters
I think they characters developed very nicely with the length of the story, the friendships happened very naturally as well as the romance it wasn't rushed into an insta love connection which is refreshing now a days when we find characters falling in love after just meeting. I liked the main character Eryn she stood for what she believed in but was willing to bend to learn other things. I think the way the other characters in the book treat her at times is appalling but it goes with the story and who those characters are and how they behave, but it went with the story so it worked.
World Building
I think the world building was interesting it evolved at a slower pace with the story. At one point we see that mostly everyone in the kingdom is fair and blonde or of light hair colour and is later explained why, and I had been wondering about it so I was glad it was explained.
Overall I would say read this book, I want more and will definitely have the next one on my to read list!
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2015
The Order is one of the best fantasy books I've read, and I've read quite a few. The world-building shines in its detailed and realistic presentation of an imaginary world that contains characters, dialogue, and situations that allow the reader to enter the world in the fullest sense. In addition, Donaubaur presents perhaps the best account and conception of magic I've ever run across and now ranks (in my personal high epic fantasy universe) with Tolkien, Robin Hobb, George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, N.K. Jemisin, Emma Bull, and Kate Elliot. (I have another pantheon of YA fantasy, but that is for another time.)
Plot: The book opens with Eryn at fifteen as an apprentice to her father as a healer, but the pair must always hide their magical ability. When Eryn seeks revenge against a young man who tried to take her by force, disregarding her father's teaching, the lesson is a hard one. After her father's death, Eryn continues for twelve years as a healer until a head injury reveals her magic abilities, and she is taken prisoner by the king's forces and brought before the Order of Magicians. Recognizing her extraordinary magical strength, the Order harness Eryn's magical abilities and force her to train as a warrior, which is antithetical to all of her beliefs.
The characters are all well-developed and interesting, with secondary characters playing important roles in Eryn's life and in the development of the narrative. (My favorite is Vern, the adolescent son of her combat trainer. The relationship between young Vern and Eryn is one of the greatest strengths of the novel.)
The pace is perfect, the dialogue is to-the-point and often amusing, and the narrative is so engrossing, I didn't want the book ever to end.
The Order is a long book, which is true of all my favorite epic fantasy, but unlike many of my other favorites, it has no truly evil villain and no war (at least so far--there are more books to come). What it does, instead, is examine human flaws and motivation and how these human attributes and characteristics can cause conflict, misunderstandings, misguided behaviors, and unexpected problems. The novel deals less with the good versus evil concept than is typical in high fantasy, but is deeply concerned with moral issues and choices. And, oh, the tension and suspense that can arise from these situations that derive from personal flaws and behavior, character growth and choices, and the restraints and/or benefits of tradition!
I truly loved this book and can't wait for more. Highly Recommended!
NetGalley/A.C. Donaubaur
Epic Fantasy. Aug. 2, 2015. Print version: 913 pages.
Plot: The book opens with Eryn at fifteen as an apprentice to her father as a healer, but the pair must always hide their magical ability. When Eryn seeks revenge against a young man who tried to take her by force, disregarding her father's teaching, the lesson is a hard one. After her father's death, Eryn continues for twelve years as a healer until a head injury reveals her magic abilities, and she is taken prisoner by the king's forces and brought before the Order of Magicians. Recognizing her extraordinary magical strength, the Order harness Eryn's magical abilities and force her to train as a warrior, which is antithetical to all of her beliefs.
The characters are all well-developed and interesting, with secondary characters playing important roles in Eryn's life and in the development of the narrative. (My favorite is Vern, the adolescent son of her combat trainer. The relationship between young Vern and Eryn is one of the greatest strengths of the novel.)
The pace is perfect, the dialogue is to-the-point and often amusing, and the narrative is so engrossing, I didn't want the book ever to end.
The Order is a long book, which is true of all my favorite epic fantasy, but unlike many of my other favorites, it has no truly evil villain and no war (at least so far--there are more books to come). What it does, instead, is examine human flaws and motivation and how these human attributes and characteristics can cause conflict, misunderstandings, misguided behaviors, and unexpected problems. The novel deals less with the good versus evil concept than is typical in high fantasy, but is deeply concerned with moral issues and choices. And, oh, the tension and suspense that can arise from these situations that derive from personal flaws and behavior, character growth and choices, and the restraints and/or benefits of tradition!
I truly loved this book and can't wait for more. Highly Recommended!
NetGalley/A.C. Donaubaur
Epic Fantasy. Aug. 2, 2015. Print version: 913 pages.
August 27, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book to review!
Honestly one of the best books I've *ever* read! There was so much content. Something was always happening! I do not even know where to start. The love between the main characters was vary realistic. Took a lot of time and was still not head over heels. The book itself was very long. I REALLY liked that! I have not been so sad to see a book end in a long time. The author is amazing! I gotta know if there will be a sequel. Hopefully yes and soon!!
Honestly one of the best books I've *ever* read! There was so much content. Something was always happening! I do not even know where to start. The love between the main characters was vary realistic. Took a lot of time and was still not head over heels. The book itself was very long. I REALLY liked that! I have not been so sad to see a book end in a long time. The author is amazing! I gotta know if there will be a sequel. Hopefully yes and soon!!
November 23, 2015
This was a very enjoyable read. The author has crafted interesting characters and an intriguing society with magic, intrigue, deception, good and evil. She has done a good job of giving characters hidden depth/dimensions that come out over time. I look forward to future books.
[SPOILERS] The main character, Eryn, was a village healer trying to keep a low profile and help others after her rash actions inadvertently led to the death of her father. Due to an unfortunate accident, the villagers learned she was a foreigner, in a land that had seen no foreigners in centuries, raising concern that she was a spy. They also learned she was a magician, in a land where there had been no female magician in centuries. Eryn is taken to the capitol and turned over to the king and the Order, the society of magicians who defend the kingdom. She is forced to participate in combat training, the focus of the Order, which is abhorrent to her as a healer. Over time she learns more about her abilities, learns new abilities, makes some friends and some enemies, and finds herself becoming more entangled with the Order, especially Lord Enric, the second in command.
It appears this book is intended to be the first in a series and the author has done a good job of introducing characters and situations that foreshadow what is likely to come in the second book, while still leaving plenty of mystery about who Eryn was in her homeland and what made her father decide to flee their homeland and hide in a foreign land.
A warning, this is a very long book and at times a reader might wish the plot moved along a little faster, but stick with the story, it is worth it.
[SPOILERS] The main character, Eryn, was a village healer trying to keep a low profile and help others after her rash actions inadvertently led to the death of her father. Due to an unfortunate accident, the villagers learned she was a foreigner, in a land that had seen no foreigners in centuries, raising concern that she was a spy. They also learned she was a magician, in a land where there had been no female magician in centuries. Eryn is taken to the capitol and turned over to the king and the Order, the society of magicians who defend the kingdom. She is forced to participate in combat training, the focus of the Order, which is abhorrent to her as a healer. Over time she learns more about her abilities, learns new abilities, makes some friends and some enemies, and finds herself becoming more entangled with the Order, especially Lord Enric, the second in command.
It appears this book is intended to be the first in a series and the author has done a good job of introducing characters and situations that foreshadow what is likely to come in the second book, while still leaving plenty of mystery about who Eryn was in her homeland and what made her father decide to flee their homeland and hide in a foreign land.
A warning, this is a very long book and at times a reader might wish the plot moved along a little faster, but stick with the story, it is worth it.
September 4, 2015
This was sent to me by NetGalley. Despite the way this book ends, I really did enjoy reading this book. Things happen within the first couple of pages that hooked me right away. Even though Eryn and Enric are the main characters of this story, there are several supporting characters that include their pov's. I love Vern and hope that his pov shows up in the next book. Because of events that happened to Eryn when she was 15, I can understand why she keeps to herself and has a hard time trusting others. However, she did act like a child a lot of the times to where she was getting on my nerves. I did like her resourcefulness in trying to think of ways in getting out of certain situations. I wish that she could see the way that Enric truly feels about her. He really cares for her for herself and not because of her magic or what she can do for the Order. The King is very crafty and it isn't until the Ambassador shows up that you find out why he was doing the things he did. The Ambassador himself is definitely up to something regarding Eryn. I think he knows something reading the commitment ceremony between Eryn and Enric, and that he will show it is not legal or binding. The book just ends, which really left me hanging. It wasn't really a cliffhanger, it just ends. I don't know when the next book comes out but I hope it doesn't take too long
September 19, 2015
I first thought it's probably all about fighting because of the sword on the cover, but I'm glad that this was not the case. The two items are stand for the two conflicting sides in the book - the Order and their focus on fighting and her profession as a healer.
The first two chapters start 12 years before and introduce us to younger versons of Eryn and Enric and a time in their lives that chances their future. They then meet when they are both grown up and have lived with what happened to them back then.
I loved Orrin and how working with Eryn makes him question the institution that he has served all his life. And Enric, who is basically one of two leaders of a military institution and suddenly has to face a woman who doesn't bow to him simply because of his high rank and disagrees with everyting he has been taught to consider right and just. The King is another interesting guy. Despite his youth he is suprisingly cunning while still being kind of nice, even though he is not really.
The next book is due in a few months, I think. It is definitely on my list!
The first two chapters start 12 years before and introduce us to younger versons of Eryn and Enric and a time in their lives that chances their future. They then meet when they are both grown up and have lived with what happened to them back then.
I loved Orrin and how working with Eryn makes him question the institution that he has served all his life. And Enric, who is basically one of two leaders of a military institution and suddenly has to face a woman who doesn't bow to him simply because of his high rank and disagrees with everyting he has been taught to consider right and just. The King is another interesting guy. Despite his youth he is suprisingly cunning while still being kind of nice, even though he is not really.
The next book is due in a few months, I think. It is definitely on my list!
July 26, 2016
This ended up being a marathon read for me. Once I started it, I just had to see what was going to happen next. I appreciated the back story on young Enric and young Eryn enough that I actually went back to reread the earliest chapters after finishing the book just to revisit. I haven't had a desire to revisit parts of a.story in a long while. Although the ending is a little anticlimactic, it left me in just the right place for.this world and these characters. There is no giant cliffhanger and, if it had to, the story could stand on its own. That is, I sincerely hope that this is the first of many as there are so many different ways the story could go.from here and so much more of the world and the characters to learn about.
My only complaint was with lit of little editing issues--missing words and incorrect words--but as this review was based on an ARC from NetGalley, I am assuming there will be some editorial sweeping before final release.
My only complaint was with lit of little editing issues--missing words and incorrect words--but as this review was based on an ARC from NetGalley, I am assuming there will be some editorial sweeping before final release.
December 2, 2025
I didn't actually finish this book...I've been deluding myself into thinking I'll pick it up again someday. So for the first time in a very long time I have chosen to abandon a book.
It had such promise in the beginning despite some supremely awkward phrasing here and there (due most likely to bad translating). It began to lose me at the nearly minute to minute play-by-play of the character's daily interactions and the log-book like following of her improvement as a magician. Boring. But I was managing until the so-called love interest gets introduced. He is AWFUL. A billion red flags awful. Maybe he gets better? But I'm not reading further to find out. In my opinion there is no coming back from lusting after a woman you hold power over and then hiding your identity to have sex with her when she refuses your advances. NO. BAD. WRONG.
It had such promise in the beginning despite some supremely awkward phrasing here and there (due most likely to bad translating). It began to lose me at the nearly minute to minute play-by-play of the character's daily interactions and the log-book like following of her improvement as a magician. Boring. But I was managing until the so-called love interest gets introduced. He is AWFUL. A billion red flags awful. Maybe he gets better? But I'm not reading further to find out. In my opinion there is no coming back from lusting after a woman you hold power over and then hiding your identity to have sex with her when she refuses your advances. NO. BAD. WRONG.
May 18, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book blew me away. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I started reading it thinking Eryn was just a silly girl but that all changed once she was taken prisoner. She is witty and funny and sarcastic and just all around a fantastic leading lady. And Enric is just great. Tall, dark, brooding, powerful...the list goes on. Vern and Orric are just great side kicks that keep the mood light and humerus. The plot, while long, entices and keeps your attention. At first I thought, wow, this has a lot of pages, but every single page kept my attention and just captivated me. All around a simply fantastic read. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
Wow, this book blew me away. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I started reading it thinking Eryn was just a silly girl but that all changed once she was taken prisoner. She is witty and funny and sarcastic and just all around a fantastic leading lady. And Enric is just great. Tall, dark, brooding, powerful...the list goes on. Vern and Orric are just great side kicks that keep the mood light and humerus. The plot, while long, entices and keeps your attention. At first I thought, wow, this has a lot of pages, but every single page kept my attention and just captivated me. All around a simply fantastic read. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
December 1, 2015
The Order – it’s refreshingly different.
First of all, I like the characters. It’s fun to read how they do (not) get along. Being a friend of Eryn would be really great and very diversified ;)
The scientific explanations for magic are plausible without ‘killing’ the magic itself. Shooting bolts is still cool … boy, would I like to be able to do that!
The story is compelling and shows that there is no real necessity for big bad guys or explicit bedroom action in the picture.
The novel stands for good entertainment and that’s what counts for me. Let’s hope for more from this talented writer!
First of all, I like the characters. It’s fun to read how they do (not) get along. Being a friend of Eryn would be really great and very diversified ;)
The scientific explanations for magic are plausible without ‘killing’ the magic itself. Shooting bolts is still cool … boy, would I like to be able to do that!
The story is compelling and shows that there is no real necessity for big bad guys or explicit bedroom action in the picture.
The novel stands for good entertainment and that’s what counts for me. Let’s hope for more from this talented writer!
August 12, 2015
I love the book and can thoroughly recommend it. It is extremely readable and although it is not the type of genre I usually read I was totally gripped by the story of Eryn and Enric. I really like the humorous and witty style of the author, she manages to develop genuine characters and an exciting story in a unique way. Hopefully, the publication of the second book would not take long to wait for.
August 27, 2015
Given to me for an honest review.
Probably the best book I've read this year. At just over 900 pages this book leaves you wanting more. I couldn't wait to come back to this book every time I had to put it down. All characters are all well developed. You root for both Eryn and Enric. I can't wait for the second book!
Probably the best book I've read this year. At just over 900 pages this book leaves you wanting more. I couldn't wait to come back to this book every time I had to put it down. All characters are all well developed. You root for both Eryn and Enric. I can't wait for the second book!
September 20, 2015
Received from NetGalley.
Eryn is a healer but is thrust into the world of fighters. She is forced to change, but she will make them all change as well.
I wished at times that Enric would of made Eryn understand how much he loves her. And why does she have to fight so hard against her love for him.
Great book with magic of healing and fighting.
Eryn is a healer but is thrust into the world of fighters. She is forced to change, but she will make them all change as well.
I wished at times that Enric would of made Eryn understand how much he loves her. And why does she have to fight so hard against her love for him.
Great book with magic of healing and fighting.
August 7, 2015
Absolutely fascinating read. Witty, exciting and hard to put the book away. I almost read it in one go. The author manages to drag you into the story making you feel like living with the characters and sharing their emotions. A must-read for everyone!
March 31, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and their magical world. Thanks Netgalley for giving me a copy to review.
May 9, 2016
My best read of the year so far. A great epic fantasy.
February 24, 2017
Das Buch "Der Orden" von A.C.Donaubauer erschien im Jahr 2015 im Selbstverlag.
Eryn, ein junges Mädchen, und ihr Vater Treban leben in einem kleinen abgelegenen Dorf. Ihr Vater ist angesehener Dorfheiler und sie lernte diesen Beruf und auch ein bisschen Magie. Als durch Mord ihr Vater stirbt, bleibt sie in diesem Dorf und arbeitet weiter als Heilerin. Doch als sie sich eines Tages, bei einem ihrer Wanderungen um ihre Kräutervorräte zu mehren, sich am Kopf verletzt, wechselt ihre Haarfarbe von blond zu braun. Die Bewohner des Dorfes geben sie an den König heraus. Dort trifft sie auf den König Folrin und die Magier Orrin, Tyront, Enric und Vern. Ein langer Weg in neue Zeiten beginnt.
Der Autorin gelingt es einem sofort in die Welt von Eryn und Enric zu entführen. Sie schafft es, die 950 Seiten sehr kurzweilig an den Leser rüberzubringen, was es zu einem spannenden, rasanten und teilweise auch witzigen Lesevergnügen macht.
Eryn ist von Beginn an gewähnt auf sich selbst zu achten. Vor allem der plötzliche Tod ihres Vaters zwingt sie in eine Situation, das Leben selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Es scheint deswegen auch klar, dass ihr körperliche Nähe oder Geschenke keine wirkliche Freude machen. Sie beherrscht nicht nur die Kunst des Heilens, nein, auch versteckte magische Fähigkeiten breiten sich langsam in ihr aus und das bringt ihr nicht nur Vorteile. Einziger Grund sich am Beginn ihres Weges wohlzufühlen scheint der Sohn von Orrin, Vern, zu sein. Der Weg den sie ab und zu beschreiten muss, ist nicht immer der leichteste, aber sie nimmt aber oft einfach den schwereren Weg.
Enric ist ein hoher Magier, welcher früher immer als faul betitelt wurde, aber auf Grund seiner magischen Stärke ganz schnell zur Nummer 2 des Ordens, hinter Tyront, aufstieg. Er erscheint oft als bösartig, herrschsüchtig und bedrohlich. Doch auch hier heißt es, dass man nicht immer nach dem äußeren Auftreten gehen sollte, denn auch er lässt im Laufe der Geschichte seinen weichen Kern erblicken.
Vern ist der Sohn von Orrin. Während Orrin Eryn das Kämpfen beibringt, möchte Vern eigentlich nur Zeit mit Eryn verbringen, da diese seine Begabungen und seine Wünsche anhört und diese auch unterstützt und ihm die Kunst des Heilens lehrt.
Man kann die Zerrissenheit von Eryn in jeder Zeile spüren, ihren Selbsthass, wenn sie sich als Verantwortliche eines Streits sieht oder die Annahme, dass das Leben einfach nur Ungerecht und Grausam erscheint. Auch der Zwang, ihre Magie für etwas einzusetzen, was sie aus tiefsten Herzen heraus missbilligt und das langsame entflammen der Liebe ist das sehr gute Grundkonzept dieses Buches. Man kann mit ihr einfach mitfühlen, mitleiden und sie sehr gut in manchen Situationen verstehen.
Auch die Dialoge machen das Buch sehr lebendig und für den Leser zu einem Erlebnis. Die Sprach- und Wortwahl in dem Buch ist sehr gut gewählt. Denn obwohl die Länge des Buches und die Länge der Kapitel ab und zu sehr lange sind, findet man eigentlich keine Langatmigkeit oder Passagen, die einem ins Stocken bringen. Die Kapitelüberschriften geben immer einen kleinen Einblick, was als nächstes passieren könnte.
Aber auch rasante Wendungen, welche für den Leser nicht von vornherein ersichtlich waren, machen das Buch einfach lesenswert und spannend. Denn nichts macht es spannender, als ein Protagonist, welcher auf einmal eigene Ideen durchsetzen oder den Lauf der Geschichte schneller zu laufen bringen will.
Jeder, der Fantasy gerne liest, sollte auf jeden Fall bei "Der Orden" stoppen und es lesen. Es ist einfach spannend, die Entwicklung der verschiedenen Charaktere zu beobachten und mit ihnen einen kurzen Weg gemeinsam zu gehen. Aber ich bin schon gespannt, wie die Geschichte in Anyueel weitergehen wird.
Eryn, ein junges Mädchen, und ihr Vater Treban leben in einem kleinen abgelegenen Dorf. Ihr Vater ist angesehener Dorfheiler und sie lernte diesen Beruf und auch ein bisschen Magie. Als durch Mord ihr Vater stirbt, bleibt sie in diesem Dorf und arbeitet weiter als Heilerin. Doch als sie sich eines Tages, bei einem ihrer Wanderungen um ihre Kräutervorräte zu mehren, sich am Kopf verletzt, wechselt ihre Haarfarbe von blond zu braun. Die Bewohner des Dorfes geben sie an den König heraus. Dort trifft sie auf den König Folrin und die Magier Orrin, Tyront, Enric und Vern. Ein langer Weg in neue Zeiten beginnt.
Der Autorin gelingt es einem sofort in die Welt von Eryn und Enric zu entführen. Sie schafft es, die 950 Seiten sehr kurzweilig an den Leser rüberzubringen, was es zu einem spannenden, rasanten und teilweise auch witzigen Lesevergnügen macht.
Eryn ist von Beginn an gewähnt auf sich selbst zu achten. Vor allem der plötzliche Tod ihres Vaters zwingt sie in eine Situation, das Leben selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Es scheint deswegen auch klar, dass ihr körperliche Nähe oder Geschenke keine wirkliche Freude machen. Sie beherrscht nicht nur die Kunst des Heilens, nein, auch versteckte magische Fähigkeiten breiten sich langsam in ihr aus und das bringt ihr nicht nur Vorteile. Einziger Grund sich am Beginn ihres Weges wohlzufühlen scheint der Sohn von Orrin, Vern, zu sein. Der Weg den sie ab und zu beschreiten muss, ist nicht immer der leichteste, aber sie nimmt aber oft einfach den schwereren Weg.
Enric ist ein hoher Magier, welcher früher immer als faul betitelt wurde, aber auf Grund seiner magischen Stärke ganz schnell zur Nummer 2 des Ordens, hinter Tyront, aufstieg. Er erscheint oft als bösartig, herrschsüchtig und bedrohlich. Doch auch hier heißt es, dass man nicht immer nach dem äußeren Auftreten gehen sollte, denn auch er lässt im Laufe der Geschichte seinen weichen Kern erblicken.
Vern ist der Sohn von Orrin. Während Orrin Eryn das Kämpfen beibringt, möchte Vern eigentlich nur Zeit mit Eryn verbringen, da diese seine Begabungen und seine Wünsche anhört und diese auch unterstützt und ihm die Kunst des Heilens lehrt.
Man kann die Zerrissenheit von Eryn in jeder Zeile spüren, ihren Selbsthass, wenn sie sich als Verantwortliche eines Streits sieht oder die Annahme, dass das Leben einfach nur Ungerecht und Grausam erscheint. Auch der Zwang, ihre Magie für etwas einzusetzen, was sie aus tiefsten Herzen heraus missbilligt und das langsame entflammen der Liebe ist das sehr gute Grundkonzept dieses Buches. Man kann mit ihr einfach mitfühlen, mitleiden und sie sehr gut in manchen Situationen verstehen.
Auch die Dialoge machen das Buch sehr lebendig und für den Leser zu einem Erlebnis. Die Sprach- und Wortwahl in dem Buch ist sehr gut gewählt. Denn obwohl die Länge des Buches und die Länge der Kapitel ab und zu sehr lange sind, findet man eigentlich keine Langatmigkeit oder Passagen, die einem ins Stocken bringen. Die Kapitelüberschriften geben immer einen kleinen Einblick, was als nächstes passieren könnte.
Aber auch rasante Wendungen, welche für den Leser nicht von vornherein ersichtlich waren, machen das Buch einfach lesenswert und spannend. Denn nichts macht es spannender, als ein Protagonist, welcher auf einmal eigene Ideen durchsetzen oder den Lauf der Geschichte schneller zu laufen bringen will.
Jeder, der Fantasy gerne liest, sollte auf jeden Fall bei "Der Orden" stoppen und es lesen. Es ist einfach spannend, die Entwicklung der verschiedenen Charaktere zu beobachten und mit ihnen einen kurzen Weg gemeinsam zu gehen. Aber ich bin schon gespannt, wie die Geschichte in Anyueel weitergehen wird.
March 17, 2024
The cover drew me to this book, me thinking it would be about a medieval conflict with magic similar to the Eragon series.
This book left me wanting, not really seeming to have a real goal in mind or point to the story beyond exploring some promiscuous relationships and history of a fictional country.
There where no characters to look up to, no honorable causes, and no driving force behind the plot-beyond wondering if something interesting might happen in the coming pages.
Would not recommend.
This book left me wanting, not really seeming to have a real goal in mind or point to the story beyond exploring some promiscuous relationships and history of a fictional country.
There where no characters to look up to, no honorable causes, and no driving force behind the plot-beyond wondering if something interesting might happen in the coming pages.
Would not recommend.
September 6, 2015
This isn't going to be a full-fledged review. I want to be upfront about the fact that I put this book down at the 53% mark on my Kindle. I couldn't finish it, but I'm going to go ahead and give an explanation as to why I couldn't finish it.
Right away, I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this book. The thing that pulled me out of the story the most was the dialogue. The majority of it felt very unrealistic, and I had a hard time believing that anyone would actually talk like that in real life. It took me out of the story and made reading difficult. It was one of those things where reading the dialogue out loud especially made you realize how off it was, but even just reading, so much of it didn't feel real. That was the first thing that made me start disliking the book, but it's not why I couldn't finish.
Several other annoyances built up as I read, but I was still determined to keep reading. Until Enric just went too far. I hated Enric from the time he first appeared. I think he's supposed to be a type of bad boy character, one of those who's a jerk but girls fall for anyway. I hate those types of characters to be honest, but I can read books with them in it if it's handled in a certain way. I couldn't read about Enric.
First of all, there's being slightly a jerk and there's being a downright despicable human being, and Enric fell in the latter category. He was absolutely terrible, and you can tell right away. I struggled to find even one redeeming quality about him, and even the few qualities stuck in to clearly try to convince readers that he is a good person deep down didn't manage to convince me. I knew he wasn't going to be redeemable from me after one scene where he touches Eryn even though she's resisting. He actually backs her up against a wall and forces her shirt up as she struggles to get away. I think it was supposed to not be all that bad because he doesn't go further than that, but no. No. I was done with him from that point on, and that was the first time where I seriously considered putting the book down.
But even though Enric made me beyond angry, I thought I could make it through the book once I'd calmed down a bit. Until one particular scene. This scene occurs almost halfway through the book. Enric has taken on Eryn's training, but she refuses to do what he's telling her to do. And Enric, as he clearly revels in doing things against Eryn's will, decides to forcibly rip her shirt open a little at a time until she obeys him. He actually starts ripping her shirt off, and it's very obvious that he would have ripped it all the way off if she had kept resisting. That was when I knew I couldn't stomach the book anymore. I did keep reading about a chapter or so past that to see if I could, but I just couldn't. I was scrolling through pages more than anything because it was like I mentally could not bring myself to focus on the words anymore. I was done.
It's worth noting though, that these two instances I specifically mentioned weren't the only things that Enric did over the course of the first half of the book that caused me to have such a strong reaction. They're just the two that stood out most strongly and caused me to have the biggest reaction.
I don't know what happens in the second half of the book, but I'm never going to find out. I honestly cannot stomach anymore of that book or Enric's character after what I read. And as I know Eryn and Enric are going to end up together (That much is obvious, but again, it's worth noting that I didn't actually finish reading to have that confirmed for me.), I cannot bring myself to read about that. Enric passed the point of no return for being redeemable to me in any way far too early in the book for me to be able to get behind their relationship in any way.
I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for a review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
Right away, I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this book. The thing that pulled me out of the story the most was the dialogue. The majority of it felt very unrealistic, and I had a hard time believing that anyone would actually talk like that in real life. It took me out of the story and made reading difficult. It was one of those things where reading the dialogue out loud especially made you realize how off it was, but even just reading, so much of it didn't feel real. That was the first thing that made me start disliking the book, but it's not why I couldn't finish.
Several other annoyances built up as I read, but I was still determined to keep reading. Until Enric just went too far. I hated Enric from the time he first appeared. I think he's supposed to be a type of bad boy character, one of those who's a jerk but girls fall for anyway. I hate those types of characters to be honest, but I can read books with them in it if it's handled in a certain way. I couldn't read about Enric.
First of all, there's being slightly a jerk and there's being a downright despicable human being, and Enric fell in the latter category. He was absolutely terrible, and you can tell right away. I struggled to find even one redeeming quality about him, and even the few qualities stuck in to clearly try to convince readers that he is a good person deep down didn't manage to convince me. I knew he wasn't going to be redeemable from me after one scene where he touches Eryn even though she's resisting. He actually backs her up against a wall and forces her shirt up as she struggles to get away. I think it was supposed to not be all that bad because he doesn't go further than that, but no. No. I was done with him from that point on, and that was the first time where I seriously considered putting the book down.
But even though Enric made me beyond angry, I thought I could make it through the book once I'd calmed down a bit. Until one particular scene. This scene occurs almost halfway through the book. Enric has taken on Eryn's training, but she refuses to do what he's telling her to do. And Enric, as he clearly revels in doing things against Eryn's will, decides to forcibly rip her shirt open a little at a time until she obeys him. He actually starts ripping her shirt off, and it's very obvious that he would have ripped it all the way off if she had kept resisting. That was when I knew I couldn't stomach the book anymore. I did keep reading about a chapter or so past that to see if I could, but I just couldn't. I was scrolling through pages more than anything because it was like I mentally could not bring myself to focus on the words anymore. I was done.
It's worth noting though, that these two instances I specifically mentioned weren't the only things that Enric did over the course of the first half of the book that caused me to have such a strong reaction. They're just the two that stood out most strongly and caused me to have the biggest reaction.
I don't know what happens in the second half of the book, but I'm never going to find out. I honestly cannot stomach anymore of that book or Enric's character after what I read. And as I know Eryn and Enric are going to end up together (That much is obvious, but again, it's worth noting that I didn't actually finish reading to have that confirmed for me.), I cannot bring myself to read about that. Enric passed the point of no return for being redeemable to me in any way far too early in the book for me to be able to get behind their relationship in any way.
I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for a review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
February 23, 2017
Oh wow! This was one epic book! I was completely enraptured from the very first page and found myself quite unable to put it down for the life of me! In a land where only males have magic, Eryn has lived her whole life hiding her powers by being the town's healer. After a life-changing bump on the head, her secret is exposed and she's whisked off to become a reluctant prisoner of the king and the Order of magicians, who specialize in fighting. Taught her whole life to heal, and that using her powers for violence was bad, she's forced to learn fighting skills with a rigorous daily schedule. Watching from afar, Enric, the second most powerful magician of the order, is intrigued by the feisty and defiant female magician and grows to become infatuated with her despite her many escapades to escape.
I was absolutely enchanted by this deeply engrossing tale and got really caught up with both Eryn and Enric, feeling like they were real people. With vivid descriptions and world-building powers that truly rival the best, the author whisks you away with her words for an epic story that won't let you go! Will love blossom between the clashing magicians? Will Eryn ever be allowed to heal again? You'll have to read the story to find out! I highly suggest this tale to anybody, any age who loves an epic adventure laced with magic, love and defiance!
I was absolutely enchanted by this deeply engrossing tale and got really caught up with both Eryn and Enric, feeling like they were real people. With vivid descriptions and world-building powers that truly rival the best, the author whisks you away with her words for an epic story that won't let you go! Will love blossom between the clashing magicians? Will Eryn ever be allowed to heal again? You'll have to read the story to find out! I highly suggest this tale to anybody, any age who loves an epic adventure laced with magic, love and defiance!
April 11, 2016
In short, the beginning was amazing, the middle was blah, and the end was ok-good. The Order is a great magical world, excellent plot, and good strong characters. The downside was the MC's boyfriend, who is abusive & controlling. It wasn't exactly an insta-love, which is so overdone these days, but they did rush into the romance, especially on his part. That's not the end of the world, though. But when he locks her in a room and practically forces himself on her, and forbids her from so much as speaking to another man, that ruins their relationship, and the middle of the book. I had to force myself through the parts where he goes on about how much he loves her, watch the controlling measures he takes, just so I could get to the end, where the plot finally moves on and answers the questions that left me in suspense.
While I found their relationship to be a very big negative, the rest of the book was wonderfully suspenseful. The magic system captured my attention. The length was perfect. Most author's would've broken it into two books to make more money. The MC was a good strong female character. I'd rate this book 4.5 stars without the 'romance,' and 3.7 with it. The 3.7 is my being generous, because the controlling relationship really ruined the book for me. But overall, the book is definitely worth reading.
Also, I should mention it kept me up really late for several nights when I desperately needed sleep. Is that a negative or not?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I found their relationship to be a very big negative, the rest of the book was wonderfully suspenseful. The magic system captured my attention. The length was perfect. Most author's would've broken it into two books to make more money. The MC was a good strong female character. I'd rate this book 4.5 stars without the 'romance,' and 3.7 with it. The 3.7 is my being generous, because the controlling relationship really ruined the book for me. But overall, the book is definitely worth reading.
Also, I should mention it kept me up really late for several nights when I desperately needed sleep. Is that a negative or not?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2015
Fabulous read! The characters were all so great I don't really know where to start... I very much liked the king in his shrewdness; and Enric, who is steady and hard on the outside but still shows consideration when pursuing his goals. And Junar who first seems rather more gentle but certainly knows how to stand firm against Eryn's at times stubborn nature.
What I particularly liked is all the anatomic details that were described when it came to healing. I work in a medical profession, so I could relate to that very well. It was not complicated enough to make reading it strenuous or boring, but just enough detail to make it appear authentic.
I liked that slight spark between her and Raman and very much look forward to the second book to learn about the reason why her father really left his home country with Eryn; the ambassador seems to know more about that than he is willing to share, so I bet there is more to come in the next part. And I want to learn more about Eryn's family.
What I particularly liked is all the anatomic details that were described when it came to healing. I work in a medical profession, so I could relate to that very well. It was not complicated enough to make reading it strenuous or boring, but just enough detail to make it appear authentic.
I liked that slight spark between her and Raman and very much look forward to the second book to learn about the reason why her father really left his home country with Eryn; the ambassador seems to know more about that than he is willing to share, so I bet there is more to come in the next part. And I want to learn more about Eryn's family.
September 19, 2015
I simply loved it! There is no constant fighting or mystical creatures, but for a change a real story that focusses on characters. There are no magical quests or major catastrophies that move the stories along, but the choices of the individuals.
Enric is indeed at times rather assertive, as others have mentioned, but considering that the story is set in a medieval society I don't see the problem with that. He never crosses any border that would make him unredeemable to me. Eryn is at times a tad naive, yet considering that she was raised in a little village before being thrown into the swamp of politics that doesn't feel unlikely, either.
The end was unspectacular, but then it is only the first of several books and likely to continue with the matters that were not yet resolved, such as the matter with the death of Eryn's father, I would guess.
I really look forward to book 2!
Enric is indeed at times rather assertive, as others have mentioned, but considering that the story is set in a medieval society I don't see the problem with that. He never crosses any border that would make him unredeemable to me. Eryn is at times a tad naive, yet considering that she was raised in a little village before being thrown into the swamp of politics that doesn't feel unlikely, either.
The end was unspectacular, but then it is only the first of several books and likely to continue with the matters that were not yet resolved, such as the matter with the death of Eryn's father, I would guess.
I really look forward to book 2!
August 14, 2015
The plot is nice and easy, no great battles or bloody massacres - at least not yet. There are supposed to be 5 books one day, so that may come yet. The most interesting thing for me, though, were the characters. They develop nicely. But I wonder how realistic it is, that Eryn was unaware of her "dancing" partner's identity at that one event. She is obviously not one to deduct logically, even though she seems to be a bright gal in other areas. I also liked the historic background for that isolated kingdom. At the beginning it seemed a bit strange to me, that all people were blond, but that is explained later; so it's not just a convenient means to kick off the story, but there is some actual thought behind that
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