Taminy

Meri #2

by Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff

One hundred years after she was called to the sea to become one with her god, Taminy is called to assume her next task--to become the very voice of her god on Earth.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

423 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Maya’s addicted to speculative fiction. For this, she blames her dad and Ray Bradbury.  She’s authored eight novels of speculative fiction, short fiction that’s appeared in Analog, Amazing Stories, Interzone, and others, and has been short-listed for the Nebula, Sidewise, and British SF awards. She and writing partner Michael Reaves are responsible for the 2013 New York Times Bestseller STAR WARS LEGENDS: THE LAST JEDI.

Her newest novel is THE ANTIQUITIES HUNTER, a Gina Miyoko Mystery

Maya is half of Maya & Jeff, a Pegasus Award-winning musical duo. They’ve collaborated on three amazing children and live in San Jose. You can read/listen to Maya’s work at www.bookviewcafe,com or www.mayabohnhoff.com and buy her books at Book View Café, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CD Baby and iTunes.

Reviews

[Amanda Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bohnhoff has done it again. I couldn't put the book down!

Book 2 picks up where book 1 left us, so I highly recommend reading these in order. I had read some other reviews that said they didn't like that it didn't stand alone, and I can't find it in me to agree. I really liked that they built on each other. Most of the great Fantasy series' build upon the previous books, it allows for more detail and a better story line (imho).

The breif synopsis is that Taminy trades places with Meredydd (I don't want to spoil too much) and is thrown into life and the drama surrounding the Cyne (read: King. See, read the appendices first!) and the Osraed. She must fight to remember who she is, and not be distracted by the obsticles thrown at her.

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I REALLY enjoyed this story. Like I said in my review of book 1 I look forward to purchasing these in print (as I have ended up winning both books through GoodReads or LibraryThing).

Ok, so a little bit of spoiling here:

There was one thing that I was curious about or that may have nagged me a bit while reading. About half way through the book one of the main characters just disappeared from the story. Gwynet seemed to be who the author was trailing for the first few chapters until Taminy was reintroduced then Gwynet slowly went to the wayside then was never mentioned again. I would have liked to see her at least peppered in a little bit. And I would have also liked to hear a bit more about the "mysterious woman" who showed up during the trials! Maybe book 3?? Cant wait!!

Otherwise I loved it! And I think it kind of reminds me of Skyrim...and would make a great video game (imho)!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this after the dramatic ending to the first novel!
Readers can pick this book up without having read the first one and enjoy a lovely tale while others who know the first novel will not be bored. Important details about the world and faith tradition are repeated but not in that condescending and parroting way some authors carry out their series. I found Taminy to be just as engaging and dynamic of a character as the first novel's protagonist. The novel focuses the most on her growth and transition from divine manifestation to human. Other characters, even beloved ones like Bevol, from the first novel were not given nearly as much attention. This was sad to me because I really hoped to follow Wynn more and see his dramatic shift from misguided wanna-be lover to respected priest.

The politics of this fantasy world were exciting. However, if you are a fan of intrigue found in fantasy authors like Jacqueline Carey, don't expect the same layers to be found here. The politics are simple but passionate and logical. A great deal of time is spent developing the fear felt by the fading and jaded men who try and convict Taminy of being Wicke (a witch). The really good stuff came when the king and his adviser are introduced. They provide the real drama of the novel. I'm curious to see how the third novel will merge the politics found in this novel and the growing spiritual dilemmas.

I think it's a great novel. It needs just a little more character development to add spice and depth to the foundations of political intrigue!

[Sorcha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meridedd walked into the sea at the end of the last book, replacing Taminy in the spirit union with the Meri.

Taminy walks out of the sea in return, and returns with Bevol and Gwen to the Osread. Meanwhile Wyth and Leal also return, having been "kissed" by the Meri, and each with doctrine changes to be made: that girls are to join the ranks of the prentices and that something is wrong in the court of the Cyne (who hasnt held court meetings in two years).

Taminy is unwilling to become a prentice, already having control of much of "the gift" - whilst she tries to gather her self confidence, one of the traditional Osraeds takes offence at her and tries to expose her as a Wicke.

The rest of the book is pretty fast paced, starting with Taminy's trial in front of the Osraeds, through being effectively being kidnapped by the Cyne, to being manipulated and tried again in the Cyne's court. The Cyne is trying to have her found innocent of being a Wicke, in order that he can become a king divine by sitting at her side. However, things dont go according to plan for him, and Taminy escapes again, with her followers, including the Queen and Prince.

This is a much faster paced book than the previous one, and I felt it flowed a little better (I struggled to read the previous one, I admit). The world is better formed in this one, the author has to spend less time explaining who, what and where.

[Eirian Houpe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Taminy continues the 'Mer Cycle' that began in The Meri, and will continue in The Crystal Rose. In many respects the second book suffers from the same issues as book 1, in that, particularly in the first half of the book, Bohnoff's text is self conscious and overly long - slow to come to the point. However this becomes less of an issue later in the book, where the story moves on at a more balanced pace.

While the spiritual message remains a strong one, and I particularly enjoyed the struggles enjoyed by a being struggling to find a peace with returned mortality from a state of divinity, the reader can sometimes struggle with unfamiliar words, used to build and maintain the otherworldly feel of the novel, (as in book 1), which can jar them from the story.

If you have the patience to sift through the issues that this and the previous book have, you might be rewarded by enjoyment of what is essentially an interesting premise for a story in which politics and magic collide with male dominated (goddess) spirituality - which is in itself an interesting dichotomy.

[Felelith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this one, it was a great continuation of the series. This is not a stand alone book, make sure to read The Meri (Meri #1) first or you will be lost. It is a lovely fantasy series.