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Malessar's Curse #1
The Heir to the North
The North Will Rise Again
The Warlock Malessar destroyed Caenthell centuries ago, murdering the High King Jedrell and his bride, and cursing the land itself. Since that time, the mountain kingdom has become little more than a dark legend, and the bloodline of the High Kings has been lost.
Until now.
Old soldier Baum and heroic warrior Meredith seek to defeat Malessar and his foul curse. Conscripted into their quest, young Cassia quickly realises she could make her name as a storyteller by witnessing such an epic confrontation. But neither of her companions are quite as they appear, and the truth lies deep within stories Cassia has not yet heard.
By the time she discovers that both Baum and the Warlock have hidden devastating secrets from each other for centuries, it may be too late. Cassia must decide which side she will stand upon and for whom she will fight – for Malessar, or for The Heir To The North.
The Warlock Malessar destroyed Caenthell centuries ago, murdering the High King Jedrell and his bride, and cursing the land itself. Since that time, the mountain kingdom has become little more than a dark legend, and the bloodline of the High Kings has been lost.
Until now.
Old soldier Baum and heroic warrior Meredith seek to defeat Malessar and his foul curse. Conscripted into their quest, young Cassia quickly realises she could make her name as a storyteller by witnessing such an epic confrontation. But neither of her companions are quite as they appear, and the truth lies deep within stories Cassia has not yet heard.
By the time she discovers that both Baum and the Warlock have hidden devastating secrets from each other for centuries, it may be too late. Cassia must decide which side she will stand upon and for whom she will fight – for Malessar, or for The Heir To The North.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2015
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About the author
Steven Poore
22 books102 followersSteven Poore writes epic fantasies (Malessar's Curse: Heir To The North, and the sequel, The High King's Vengeance - both from Kristell Ink Books), ripping space adventures (The Empire Dance), and other shaggy dog tales. BFS Award-winning publisher Fox Spirit Books publishes several of his short stories in their Fox Pockets range of collections. Steven is also one of the organisers of the SFSF Social.
He has been onstage with Jane Horrocks and the RSC, and co-produced the Sheffield theatre premiere of Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters. Steven is a founder member of the Sheffield SF&F Writers’ Group, where much of Malessar's Curse was drafted and workshopped. Steven lives in Sheffield with a crafty partner, a three-legged cat, and a critical mass of books and vinyl records.
Incidentally, Mr Pratchett had been expecting someone taller.
He has been onstage with Jane Horrocks and the RSC, and co-produced the Sheffield theatre premiere of Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters. Steven is a founder member of the Sheffield SF&F Writers’ Group, where much of Malessar's Curse was drafted and workshopped. Steven lives in Sheffield with a crafty partner, a three-legged cat, and a critical mass of books and vinyl records.
Incidentally, Mr Pratchett had been expecting someone taller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 3, 2015
The Heir To The North is the first novel by Steven Poore but to read it you'd think he's been doing this for years. HttN is Epic Fantasy of the highest standard.
The general gist of the story is the usual descendant of displaced royalty/evil warlock/prophecy fare that much of the fantasy genre uses but is a whole different level to a lot of what is out there today. Several hundred years ago the Warlock Malessar pulled the castle of Caenthell apart stone by stone, the only survivors being the soldier Baum and the baby son of the High King, his only Descendant.
Move forward to 'now' and we meet the travelling story teller Norrow (a truly horrible specimen of humanity) and his daughter Cassia, who also has hopes of becoming a story teller one day. In the town Keskor they meet up with a grizzled old soldier and a 'princeling' who are planning to restore the North and defeat Malessar's curse (Caenthell will stay buried and The North will not rise again until I freely offer my sword to a true descendant of the High Kings-or one takes it from my dying hands). Norrow and Cassia, as Storytellers, go with Baum and Meredith (the aforementioned Princeling) on their quest to record events and to have a new tale to tell.
Things are not all as they seem though. There is a good bit of twisting and turning as the tale goes on - and the end really pulled the rug out from under my feet. Things are nicely set up for the second (and concluding) volume in the series.
What really stood out for me was the way the world was brought to life as the characters moved through it. The history was mostly revealed through stories told, and a very rich history it is too.
I thought right from the start that this book was a bit special - sometimes you just get that tingle other books don't give you - and I wasn't wrong. It brought to mind the first time I picked up he works of Eddings and Robert Jordan and, in my opinion, is good enough to stand side by side with them.
With exemplary storytelling set in a richly developed world Steven Poore has become one to watch.
The general gist of the story is the usual descendant of displaced royalty/evil warlock/prophecy fare that much of the fantasy genre uses but is a whole different level to a lot of what is out there today. Several hundred years ago the Warlock Malessar pulled the castle of Caenthell apart stone by stone, the only survivors being the soldier Baum and the baby son of the High King, his only Descendant.
Move forward to 'now' and we meet the travelling story teller Norrow (a truly horrible specimen of humanity) and his daughter Cassia, who also has hopes of becoming a story teller one day. In the town Keskor they meet up with a grizzled old soldier and a 'princeling' who are planning to restore the North and defeat Malessar's curse (Caenthell will stay buried and The North will not rise again until I freely offer my sword to a true descendant of the High Kings-or one takes it from my dying hands). Norrow and Cassia, as Storytellers, go with Baum and Meredith (the aforementioned Princeling) on their quest to record events and to have a new tale to tell.
Things are not all as they seem though. There is a good bit of twisting and turning as the tale goes on - and the end really pulled the rug out from under my feet. Things are nicely set up for the second (and concluding) volume in the series.
What really stood out for me was the way the world was brought to life as the characters moved through it. The history was mostly revealed through stories told, and a very rich history it is too.
I thought right from the start that this book was a bit special - sometimes you just get that tingle other books don't give you - and I wasn't wrong. It brought to mind the first time I picked up he works of Eddings and Robert Jordan and, in my opinion, is good enough to stand side by side with them.
With exemplary storytelling set in a richly developed world Steven Poore has become one to watch.
December 15, 2015
It feels like it has been an absolute age since I’ve read any epic fantasy. I decided to remedy this oversight by checking out The Heir to the North by Steven Poore.
Cassia is an engaging heroine. Still young and unsure of her place in the world, she questions everything. Her inquisitiveness is infectious. It makes perfect sense that a novice storyteller would be like this. She understands the importance of the storyteller in maintaining an oral history within society. Cassia is just beginning her journey and she longs to be a better teller of tales than her disreputable father, Norrow. Though he has some skill, he can certainly hold an audience’s attention, Norrow is lazy and more often than not drinks any of their profits.
When Cassia unexpectedly finds herself in the company of a grizzled warrior called Baum and the stoic lord Meredith, she finally gets the opportunity to flex her storytelling muscles. Will she get the opportunity to become a great bard or are her new found allies not quite all that they seem?
I was under the impression that The Heir to the North was going to be relatively traditional and it is up to a point, but there is a wonderful moment where the narrative takes an unexpected turn and we’re suddenly in unexplored territory. I’ll avoid spoilers, it would ruin the surprise, suffice to say that any event can be observed from many viewpoints. That’s the thing I like most about this novel, the way that Poore takes the opportunity to explore how differing perspectives of events drive character’s actions.
Like all the best fantasy, there are plethora of exotic locations, from the mountains and valleys of Caenthell in the far North, to the bustling cities of the Empire to the south. Cassia even spends some time on the high seas. Her many travels help shape her view of the world, and in turn the stories that she is destined to weave.
If you are looking for a story with plenty of twists and turns, ancient curses, magic aplenty, a dash of politics, ghost armies and a mildly sarcastic dragon, then look no further. This is a proper traditional epic fantasy with a refreshingly modern twist. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of this author’s work. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing where the second part of this tale is going to take us.
Cassia is an engaging heroine. Still young and unsure of her place in the world, she questions everything. Her inquisitiveness is infectious. It makes perfect sense that a novice storyteller would be like this. She understands the importance of the storyteller in maintaining an oral history within society. Cassia is just beginning her journey and she longs to be a better teller of tales than her disreputable father, Norrow. Though he has some skill, he can certainly hold an audience’s attention, Norrow is lazy and more often than not drinks any of their profits.
When Cassia unexpectedly finds herself in the company of a grizzled warrior called Baum and the stoic lord Meredith, she finally gets the opportunity to flex her storytelling muscles. Will she get the opportunity to become a great bard or are her new found allies not quite all that they seem?
I was under the impression that The Heir to the North was going to be relatively traditional and it is up to a point, but there is a wonderful moment where the narrative takes an unexpected turn and we’re suddenly in unexplored territory. I’ll avoid spoilers, it would ruin the surprise, suffice to say that any event can be observed from many viewpoints. That’s the thing I like most about this novel, the way that Poore takes the opportunity to explore how differing perspectives of events drive character’s actions.
Like all the best fantasy, there are plethora of exotic locations, from the mountains and valleys of Caenthell in the far North, to the bustling cities of the Empire to the south. Cassia even spends some time on the high seas. Her many travels help shape her view of the world, and in turn the stories that she is destined to weave.
If you are looking for a story with plenty of twists and turns, ancient curses, magic aplenty, a dash of politics, ghost armies and a mildly sarcastic dragon, then look no further. This is a proper traditional epic fantasy with a refreshingly modern twist. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of this author’s work. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing where the second part of this tale is going to take us.
June 9, 2015
Proper epic fantasy, crammed with swords and sorcery and storytelling - heroine Cassia is an aspiring storyteller, employed by the mysterious old soldier Baum as witness to his exploits as he battles an ancient foe and tries to lift a centuries-old curse. But Cassia's new employer is more than he first appears, and her gift for story will only draw her deeper into danger...
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
August 31, 2017
There are so many classic elements to this story – a lost civilisation that has fallen into ruin… evidence of arcane knowledge now gone… some grumpy powerful magic-users… a lantern-jawed warrior with a shiny family tree… If you are an epic fantasy fan these tropes are as cosily familiar as a cup of hot chocolate at bedtime. And then Poore adds his own spin on this epic storyline. Think of the absolute opposite of George R.R. Martin’s approach. There is a single protagonist – and no… it isn’t the shiny warrior – it is the daughter of a drunk storyteller who is constantly on the road.
Somehow – and this is a masterclass on the intelligent use of a protagonist – through this worm’s eye view, we are shown the bones of a lost culture and the way the current world works as young Cassia is given the chance to make her own way as a storyteller. I’ll be honest – epic fantasy isn’t always my go-to genre. I’m rather allergic to a horde of unpleasant main characters scrambling for power or survival, depending on the politics. I’m not a fan of pages of explanation about the world, either. Poore nicely side-steps these pet peeves of mine and unpeels a wonderful, vibrant world, alongside an engrossing storyline that held me throughout as I really cared about young Cassia.
She is a delightful protagonist – wary and neglected after an abusive childhood, she gradually begins to see there are opportunities for her other than just trying to stay out of trouble and survive. And when threats or dangers loom, she is reasonably good at reacting. All of this is written into her story without her coming off as a Mary Sue.
So as the book progressed – much faster than I generally take reading an epic fantasy as the pages pretty much turned themselves with this one – I was gearing up, waiting for the nasty warlock to unleash his world-ending magical mayhem. And Poore changes it all. While I had already figured out some of the reveals, I didn’t see that final twist coming – that came as a real shock. I’m so very glad that I had bought the next book in this series, The High King’s Vengeance, during the last Fantasycon – which I shall be tucking into just as soon as I can. Because I really, really need to know what happens next.
10/10
Somehow – and this is a masterclass on the intelligent use of a protagonist – through this worm’s eye view, we are shown the bones of a lost culture and the way the current world works as young Cassia is given the chance to make her own way as a storyteller. I’ll be honest – epic fantasy isn’t always my go-to genre. I’m rather allergic to a horde of unpleasant main characters scrambling for power or survival, depending on the politics. I’m not a fan of pages of explanation about the world, either. Poore nicely side-steps these pet peeves of mine and unpeels a wonderful, vibrant world, alongside an engrossing storyline that held me throughout as I really cared about young Cassia.
She is a delightful protagonist – wary and neglected after an abusive childhood, she gradually begins to see there are opportunities for her other than just trying to stay out of trouble and survive. And when threats or dangers loom, she is reasonably good at reacting. All of this is written into her story without her coming off as a Mary Sue.
So as the book progressed – much faster than I generally take reading an epic fantasy as the pages pretty much turned themselves with this one – I was gearing up, waiting for the nasty warlock to unleash his world-ending magical mayhem. And Poore changes it all. While I had already figured out some of the reveals, I didn’t see that final twist coming – that came as a real shock. I’m so very glad that I had bought the next book in this series, The High King’s Vengeance, during the last Fantasycon – which I shall be tucking into just as soon as I can. Because I really, really need to know what happens next.
10/10
August 25, 2016
**Thank you to the narrator for a complimentary copy of the audiobook edition of this book in exchange for an honest review**
This was an epic fantasy novel that just made me feel all warm inside. It has all of the staple ingredients of the genre, there's a curse, an heir, some warlocks and old stories.
It also had all of my favourite things; a well built world, an underdog with untold potential, magic and a wee bit of seafaring.
Cassia is a wonderful character to be narrating the story, she's been dragged from town to town and neglected by her storyteller father all her life, treated as a nuisance and refused an apprenticeship because she's 'only a girl'. The 'only a girl' thing is a running theme throughout the book so I enjoyed the two fingers up to that sentiment when Cassia continues to exceed even her own expectations as the book goes on.
I felt that this book was a bit of a slow starter but it really started to flow about 4 hours in, I think the issue was that the beginning was mostly introductions and world building, very little actually happened in the present to get your attention.
Poore's writing style is excellent and very measured, he's built every detail of this world and its history and makes sure that you're as familiar with it as he is, which I guess is what puts the 'epic' in 'epic fantasy'.
I don't want to give away the plot but I can tell you that it's has some incredible twists that I couldn't have seen coming.
Diana Croft is an absolute genius of a narrator, she covers a huge array of British accents with spot on accuracy and manages to bring life to a pretty impressive array of characters, each one with their own accent and tone.
I've heard her work before in the audio of Ashes by Philip Hemplow and was impressed then, but this is in another league entirely with the sheer variety she needs to cover.
If you're a fan of epic fantasies, arthurian style legends and magic, I can't recommend this highly enough. You should definitely opt for the audio version as well, Croft brings this story up to a whole new level for me and I'm sure she will for you too.
This was an epic fantasy novel that just made me feel all warm inside. It has all of the staple ingredients of the genre, there's a curse, an heir, some warlocks and old stories.
It also had all of my favourite things; a well built world, an underdog with untold potential, magic and a wee bit of seafaring.
Cassia is a wonderful character to be narrating the story, she's been dragged from town to town and neglected by her storyteller father all her life, treated as a nuisance and refused an apprenticeship because she's 'only a girl'. The 'only a girl' thing is a running theme throughout the book so I enjoyed the two fingers up to that sentiment when Cassia continues to exceed even her own expectations as the book goes on.
I felt that this book was a bit of a slow starter but it really started to flow about 4 hours in, I think the issue was that the beginning was mostly introductions and world building, very little actually happened in the present to get your attention.
Poore's writing style is excellent and very measured, he's built every detail of this world and its history and makes sure that you're as familiar with it as he is, which I guess is what puts the 'epic' in 'epic fantasy'.
I don't want to give away the plot but I can tell you that it's has some incredible twists that I couldn't have seen coming.
Diana Croft is an absolute genius of a narrator, she covers a huge array of British accents with spot on accuracy and manages to bring life to a pretty impressive array of characters, each one with their own accent and tone.
I've heard her work before in the audio of Ashes by Philip Hemplow and was impressed then, but this is in another league entirely with the sheer variety she needs to cover.
If you're a fan of epic fantasies, arthurian style legends and magic, I can't recommend this highly enough. You should definitely opt for the audio version as well, Croft brings this story up to a whole new level for me and I'm sure she will for you too.
December 15, 2017
A review and interview with the author is available on my podcast The Nerd Book Review.
Quick and dirty. A high fantasy, low magic book with a female protagonist who will undertake a journey both literal(it is a high fantasy so of course it has a journey!) and figurative. The journey doesn’t drag on too long so don’t worry there. The book is extremely well written and amazingly edited. There isn’t a ton of unnecessary flowery language that can turn me off in high fantasy. You can hear more on the podcast on October 15th!
Quick and dirty. A high fantasy, low magic book with a female protagonist who will undertake a journey both literal(it is a high fantasy so of course it has a journey!) and figurative. The journey doesn’t drag on too long so don’t worry there. The book is extremely well written and amazingly edited. There isn’t a ton of unnecessary flowery language that can turn me off in high fantasy. You can hear more on the podcast on October 15th!
March 21, 2016
8/10
Reviewed for Fantasy-Faction: http://fantasy-faction.com/2016/the-h...
(10 = incredible, one of the best books I've ever read; 9 = read this book next; 8 = very good, you should read this pretty soon; 7 = one to add to your TBR. With so many books to choose from, I don't anticipate reviewing anything for FF that goes lower than a 7!)
Reviewed for Fantasy-Faction: http://fantasy-faction.com/2016/the-h...
(10 = incredible, one of the best books I've ever read; 9 = read this book next; 8 = very good, you should read this pretty soon; 7 = one to add to your TBR. With so many books to choose from, I don't anticipate reviewing anything for FF that goes lower than a 7!)
January 29, 2016
I absolutely devoured this book; it’s fresh, original, and I didn’t see any of the twists coming. I think HTTN may have even surpassed The Copper Promise and Spark & Carousel in my estimation! It’s an exciting, brilliant and entertaining read that is absolutely worth picking up.
The writing is excellent; the places and descriptions are fabulous, and the entire world has history behind it. You feel that each place has an untold story, and even the throwaway lines of brief description about a particular land give you a sense if it.
I love the way the plot turns; the baddie isn’t bad, the goodie isn’t good, the hero isn’t a hero. Having the story from Cassia’s perspective lends a nice twist to the “hero quest” trait, and is a nice POV. The plot rolls along nicely, and never feels forced; the twists are unexpected (at least to me) and I was kept interested all the way through. Cassia’s change is nicely done and we grow along with her; Meredith is an interesting character, and Baum is tangled, deep and believable. I won’t spoiler but will say that the other main character is excellently done; wry and interesting and poignant. Steven J Poore certainly managed a 180 degree shift in my feelings, apparently effortlessly!
The writing is excellent; the places and descriptions are fabulous, and the entire world has history behind it. You feel that each place has an untold story, and even the throwaway lines of brief description about a particular land give you a sense if it.
I love the way the plot turns; the baddie isn’t bad, the goodie isn’t good, the hero isn’t a hero. Having the story from Cassia’s perspective lends a nice twist to the “hero quest” trait, and is a nice POV. The plot rolls along nicely, and never feels forced; the twists are unexpected (at least to me) and I was kept interested all the way through. Cassia’s change is nicely done and we grow along with her; Meredith is an interesting character, and Baum is tangled, deep and believable. I won’t spoiler but will say that the other main character is excellently done; wry and interesting and poignant. Steven J Poore certainly managed a 180 degree shift in my feelings, apparently effortlessly!
December 22, 2015
The scion of an ancient kingdom and an immortal soldier drag a vagrant storyteller’s daughter along on their quest to defeat an evil warlock.
Young Cassia dreams of being a famous storyteller herself, but her father doesn’t let her perform. Things change for her when grizzled soldier Baum and his noble young sidekick Meredith come to town and hire her father to travel with them. They want a storyteller along to witness their quest to defeat an evil warlock, break a curse, and restore the ancient throne of Caenthell, to which Meredith is the heir.
When things get dangerous, Cassia’s father does a runner, leaving Cassia as the only available storyteller. This could be her big chance. But is Baum telling her the whole story?
I found the start of the book rather slow. There’s a lot of traveling and being miserable, very well written but not especially interesting. The quality of the writing kept me going though, and it was worth persevering as the plot develops very nicely. There’s plenty of good stuff here: the tangled history of immortal warlocks, leaving their traces in ancient stories; dark, dangerous magic; and dragons. The setting is developed very well and the characters are good.
Young Cassia dreams of being a famous storyteller herself, but her father doesn’t let her perform. Things change for her when grizzled soldier Baum and his noble young sidekick Meredith come to town and hire her father to travel with them. They want a storyteller along to witness their quest to defeat an evil warlock, break a curse, and restore the ancient throne of Caenthell, to which Meredith is the heir.
When things get dangerous, Cassia’s father does a runner, leaving Cassia as the only available storyteller. This could be her big chance. But is Baum telling her the whole story?
I found the start of the book rather slow. There’s a lot of traveling and being miserable, very well written but not especially interesting. The quality of the writing kept me going though, and it was worth persevering as the plot develops very nicely. There’s plenty of good stuff here: the tangled history of immortal warlocks, leaving their traces in ancient stories; dark, dangerous magic; and dragons. The setting is developed very well and the characters are good.
May 31, 2016
I’m not going to make this a too lengthy review as sometimes I do. All I’ll say is this is a solid and reasonably engaging fantasy story. The world is set out well and crafted sufficiently to visualise it, but I wasn’t overly pulled in. The characters are interesting and Cassia’s journey, growth and experiences are certainly the strong point of this story that helps make it different from your average fantasy story. Overall, the plot is well written and thought out. There was perhaps too much description of plot at times, but I guess that was necessary to help the reader understand why certain things were happening, or why characters were behaving certain ways. The plots greatest strength is that there are some cool twist and turns in the story that make the story pretty fresh in it's content.
The Heir to the North is certainly worth a read if you like fantasy with twists and turns. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 so have rounded up to a 4.
The Heir to the North is certainly worth a read if you like fantasy with twists and turns. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 so have rounded up to a 4.
January 9, 2017
3,5*
This story sucked me in right away. I clicked with the main character soon and eagerly followed her throughout the book. The plot was interesting, and did not feel like the 20th reread of the always same story, though some of the twists I saw coming a long way. I don't know if I simply have read too many fantasy books by now, or if the foreshadowing was a bit heavy.
There was a part about 1/3 though when the book felt a bit slow to me, and it took me days to get over, but once I passed that I devoured it in no time.
The end picked up again, so I am very curious now and will make sure to pick up the next book, to find out what happens to my two favorite characters!
I can recommend this story to anyone who wants a break from all the grimdark and series with a whole encyclopedia of characters to keep track of.
Added bonus - a dragon in the last part of the book!
This story sucked me in right away. I clicked with the main character soon and eagerly followed her throughout the book. The plot was interesting, and did not feel like the 20th reread of the always same story, though some of the twists I saw coming a long way. I don't know if I simply have read too many fantasy books by now, or if the foreshadowing was a bit heavy.
There was a part about 1/3 though when the book felt a bit slow to me, and it took me days to get over, but once I passed that I devoured it in no time.
The end picked up again, so I am very curious now and will make sure to pick up the next book, to find out what happens to my two favorite characters!
I can recommend this story to anyone who wants a break from all the grimdark and series with a whole encyclopedia of characters to keep track of.
Added bonus - a dragon in the last part of the book!
August 27, 2016
The Heir to the North is an epic tale about a girl, Cassia, a storyteller's daughter, who's biggest dream is to become a storyteller herself. A quest isn't what she wanted, but a chance meeting with Baum, a solider, and Lord Meredith, seems to change her mind. As she grows into a woman, she learns to be strong and brave and becomes fierce. The best part is that she doesn't realize how incredible she is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait to get into the second one!
The performance by Diana Croft was flawless. She had me mesmerized throughout all of it. I will definitely be rereading this book in the future.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
The performance by Diana Croft was flawless. She had me mesmerized throughout all of it. I will definitely be rereading this book in the future.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
October 31, 2015
If you like epic fantasy, this book is for you. An ancient kingdom lies buried beneath a centuries' old curse, a realm turned to myth until a sorcerer arrives, bringing with him the kingdom's last heir. And caught up in it all, a simple tale tellers daughter, dragged along in a quest for redemption that is deeper, older and far more complicated than she could ever imagine. Filled with twists and turns (and a quirky bit involving a rabbit--kept an eye out for that) HEIR TO THE NORTH will keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.
November 1, 2015
This is one of my favourite books. I'm in the fortunate position of being able to read lots of work by up and coming (as well as established) authors, and Steven's book makes its way into my top 10 easily. He writes effortlessly and the characters feel so alive that you can't help but be part of the story and travel around with them.
There are twists and turns throughout and Steven manages to avoid all the usual cliches - a hard feat with epic fantasy!
More please
There are twists and turns throughout and Steven manages to avoid all the usual cliches - a hard feat with epic fantasy!
More please
September 7, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.
The narrator did a fantastic job expressing both characters and emotions.
The story was predictable, but I still enjoyed it. At times it is somewhat slow with subplots, but that's normal for epic fantasy. I was a little annoyed by the sexism, which I felt was unnecessary, but I dealt with it.
The narrator did a fantastic job expressing both characters and emotions.
The story was predictable, but I still enjoyed it. At times it is somewhat slow with subplots, but that's normal for epic fantasy. I was a little annoyed by the sexism, which I felt was unnecessary, but I dealt with it.
February 23, 2018
Full review coming soon, but this is definitely one of my favourite Fantasy reads. :)
August 5, 2016
"A Telling of a story teller’s tale!"
Wow, I have to say up front do not judge this book by its cover! I know it sounds shallow, but I did not have high expectations when I first saw the book’s cover. I’m so glad I read it as it is right up there with some of my favorite fantasy books by authors like Brandon Sanderson. The author took me on an adventure I will not forget, and often felt like I was present within the story itself. Although it is somewhat a coming of age book, it is not another YA fantasy book like so many others recently released. I enjoyed the world creation and also would expect to see other material by this author in the fantasy world he created.
When one thinks of “high fantasy” book one often thinks of dwarfs, elves, etc. This book keeps the fantasy theme without needing to include the standard tropes of others in the genre. It is a great adventure/fantasy story told by one who known how to weaves a great story. I enjoyed the story line, character creation/depth, and speed at which the story flowed. This is not just another fantasy book filled with sword fights, but instead includes some different weapons, various lands, and even a journey on the high seas. One can expect to find many different twists, turns, and shocks while reading the book, I was so sad when it was done. I wanted more. It is not simply a book filled with fights, but a true tale including deep magic, wondrous creatures, and great lands all described in great detail by the author’s ability to paint an image of the character’s surroundings.
I want to make sure to callout the author’s ability to tell a vast and expressive tale without having to resort to using vulgar language as so many other authors seem to do for the shock value. Such words would not have been in this world and the author did not put them in. This story was so well done that it does not have to resort to the use of vulgar language. Because of this, I believe the book is one to consider for younger (teen) readers. I will note that the author in a few spots does discuss prostitution which often takes place around taverns, however this is not something the author focuses upon. This is more used to show the state of the town and environment. The seedier parts of a city are included, even some light drinking or people getting drunk, but again this is not something the author felt important to include in great detail.
If I had one negative thing to say about the book, it would simply be the overall length of the chapters themselves. I often like to read a single chapter or two in a sitting, and with very long chapters in this book I had to leave a few of them to be completed in two or three setting instead of one. This is more a personal preference and not something that would prevent me from reading this book.
I very much enjoyed each of the characters the author created along with the narration by the reader. I did not have one single character I liked over another.
What does Diana Croft bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
As this review is for the Audiobook version of the book, I think it is important to talk about the narration. I believe Diana Croft complemented the story superbly. What I liked the most was her ability to maintain multiple characters, her normal European accent, and her narrative expressiveness. I can tell she knows the book’s material well and is able to add her voice to bring out the characters quite well.
I would gladly listen to other books by Diana if she continued to read books like this one. It would be an instant listen if she were to narrate the second book in the series. I was initially concerned when I saw that her other narrated book were mainly children books or rather shot books not in a genre I often listen too. This book is over 15 hours of narration and I could have easily listened to her narration if it were double that size.
If I were to make a film of this book, the tagline would be something like "The Epic Story Teller's Tale".
Disclaimer: This awesome book was provided to the reviewer at no charge by either the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for a non-bias review.
Wow, I have to say up front do not judge this book by its cover! I know it sounds shallow, but I did not have high expectations when I first saw the book’s cover. I’m so glad I read it as it is right up there with some of my favorite fantasy books by authors like Brandon Sanderson. The author took me on an adventure I will not forget, and often felt like I was present within the story itself. Although it is somewhat a coming of age book, it is not another YA fantasy book like so many others recently released. I enjoyed the world creation and also would expect to see other material by this author in the fantasy world he created.
When one thinks of “high fantasy” book one often thinks of dwarfs, elves, etc. This book keeps the fantasy theme without needing to include the standard tropes of others in the genre. It is a great adventure/fantasy story told by one who known how to weaves a great story. I enjoyed the story line, character creation/depth, and speed at which the story flowed. This is not just another fantasy book filled with sword fights, but instead includes some different weapons, various lands, and even a journey on the high seas. One can expect to find many different twists, turns, and shocks while reading the book, I was so sad when it was done. I wanted more. It is not simply a book filled with fights, but a true tale including deep magic, wondrous creatures, and great lands all described in great detail by the author’s ability to paint an image of the character’s surroundings.
I want to make sure to callout the author’s ability to tell a vast and expressive tale without having to resort to using vulgar language as so many other authors seem to do for the shock value. Such words would not have been in this world and the author did not put them in. This story was so well done that it does not have to resort to the use of vulgar language. Because of this, I believe the book is one to consider for younger (teen) readers. I will note that the author in a few spots does discuss prostitution which often takes place around taverns, however this is not something the author focuses upon. This is more used to show the state of the town and environment. The seedier parts of a city are included, even some light drinking or people getting drunk, but again this is not something the author felt important to include in great detail.
If I had one negative thing to say about the book, it would simply be the overall length of the chapters themselves. I often like to read a single chapter or two in a sitting, and with very long chapters in this book I had to leave a few of them to be completed in two or three setting instead of one. This is more a personal preference and not something that would prevent me from reading this book.
I very much enjoyed each of the characters the author created along with the narration by the reader. I did not have one single character I liked over another.
What does Diana Croft bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
As this review is for the Audiobook version of the book, I think it is important to talk about the narration. I believe Diana Croft complemented the story superbly. What I liked the most was her ability to maintain multiple characters, her normal European accent, and her narrative expressiveness. I can tell she knows the book’s material well and is able to add her voice to bring out the characters quite well.
I would gladly listen to other books by Diana if she continued to read books like this one. It would be an instant listen if she were to narrate the second book in the series. I was initially concerned when I saw that her other narrated book were mainly children books or rather shot books not in a genre I often listen too. This book is over 15 hours of narration and I could have easily listened to her narration if it were double that size.
If I were to make a film of this book, the tagline would be something like "The Epic Story Teller's Tale".
Disclaimer: This awesome book was provided to the reviewer at no charge by either the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for a non-bias review.
August 8, 2016
There are many cliches in the fantasy genre, it is impossible to escape for some and some books become cliches all of their own! This is why approached The Heir to the North by Steven Poore with some caution, a coming of age tale about a young woman with an impossible destiny, it sounded a bit too good to be true....how wrong I was!
Welcome to my review of The Heir to the North by Steven Poore, an epic story of birthright, revenge, sorcery and fellowship. For starters, I love coming of age stories even if it is not a fantasy story, there is something about a young man or woman (dwarf, Elf, hobbit, Dark Elf, Orc) leading a normal life and discovering over time that they have a impossible or great destiny. This is arguably one of the reasons why The Legend of Zelda games are so popular and appealing, but I digress back to this review.
The story starts with a bang, we witness the destruction of a kingdom called Caenthell by a Warlock called Malessar who also curses the kingdom to stay buried. Unbeknownst to him a lone Knight called Baum steals the heir away and quite literally runs as fast as he can away from the magical destruction of the kingdom. We are whisked away to present day to the character of Cassia, the daughter of Norrow who is story teller, on a peculiar night the pair are swept up in to an adventure with a veteran soldier and determined, heroic (because he is) Princeling and discovers her destiny. I will say no more about the story as it would involve spoilers and I try very hard to keep my reviews spoiler free.
This is no average coming of age fantasy tale, this is epic work. Steven has a wonderful writing style that is descriptive and allows the reader to to really envisage the story he is telling. The landscape of this story is gradually revealed (no info dump!) and allows what is quite a complex story to develop and emerge, an epic story with hint of a historical sweep is revealed and how enjoyable story that it is.
One of the aspects of the story that Steven does really is keeping his young heroine grounded, she always aware of her place withing the world and the stakes that her fellowship fight for. Her humanity is what makes the story so wonderful to read, and make this coming of age fantasy story really worth your time, money and effort to read.
Well there we are, I must admit that I really enjoyed this fantasy novel, the coming of age story is something to really enjoy and savour, epic fantasy at it's finest and from what I can see there is more to come.
Welcome to my review of The Heir to the North by Steven Poore, an epic story of birthright, revenge, sorcery and fellowship. For starters, I love coming of age stories even if it is not a fantasy story, there is something about a young man or woman (dwarf, Elf, hobbit, Dark Elf, Orc) leading a normal life and discovering over time that they have a impossible or great destiny. This is arguably one of the reasons why The Legend of Zelda games are so popular and appealing, but I digress back to this review.
The story starts with a bang, we witness the destruction of a kingdom called Caenthell by a Warlock called Malessar who also curses the kingdom to stay buried. Unbeknownst to him a lone Knight called Baum steals the heir away and quite literally runs as fast as he can away from the magical destruction of the kingdom. We are whisked away to present day to the character of Cassia, the daughter of Norrow who is story teller, on a peculiar night the pair are swept up in to an adventure with a veteran soldier and determined, heroic (because he is) Princeling and discovers her destiny. I will say no more about the story as it would involve spoilers and I try very hard to keep my reviews spoiler free.
This is no average coming of age fantasy tale, this is epic work. Steven has a wonderful writing style that is descriptive and allows the reader to to really envisage the story he is telling. The landscape of this story is gradually revealed (no info dump!) and allows what is quite a complex story to develop and emerge, an epic story with hint of a historical sweep is revealed and how enjoyable story that it is.
One of the aspects of the story that Steven does really is keeping his young heroine grounded, she always aware of her place withing the world and the stakes that her fellowship fight for. Her humanity is what makes the story so wonderful to read, and make this coming of age fantasy story really worth your time, money and effort to read.
Well there we are, I must admit that I really enjoyed this fantasy novel, the coming of age story is something to really enjoy and savour, epic fantasy at it's finest and from what I can see there is more to come.
September 26, 2016
This one ranks with Scriber, Eolyn, and High Maga among my favorite indie books that I've discovered thanks specifically to Goodreads. A well-written High or Epic Fantasy with a female protagonist is always a welcome treat for me. That this one has an ambition to be a storyteller is a nice bonus, since I've always liked storyteller characters and have felt frustrated that they're so often male. I enjoy the details of the world-building, but even more I appreciate the complexity of the characters and the revelation that the lines between Good and Evil are not quite as firmly and simply drawn as our heroine, Cassia, first thought.
I do wish, however, that this novel didn't join the apparently infinite ranks of "Gender-as-Obstacle," in which the female lead is oppressed/undervalued/underestimated chiefly or entirely because she's female. That Cassia is very much a Smurfette, with never a single meaningful interaction with another woman, only makes this worse, as it gives me a depressing impression of the world she inhabits. Not only is Cassia forbidden to tell stories as a girl, but apparently no girl or woman can even LISTEN to stories. We catch no glimpses of a man and woman interacting in public, and get no hint that happy marriages exist in this world. Are gender roles so restrictive that women can't even go out in public, much less transact business there? If they are, hopefully there would be some move afoot to change this. Yet because Cassia, who dresses in boy's clothes and poses as a boy most of the time, is the only female character we see, we get only the sketchiest idea of what life might be like for a "typical" woman in this world -- as if this is something the author doesn't really want us to notice or think about.
My wish list for the sequel: let Cassia make just one female friend.
I do wish, however, that this novel didn't join the apparently infinite ranks of "Gender-as-Obstacle," in which the female lead is oppressed/undervalued/underestimated chiefly or entirely because she's female. That Cassia is very much a Smurfette, with never a single meaningful interaction with another woman, only makes this worse, as it gives me a depressing impression of the world she inhabits. Not only is Cassia forbidden to tell stories as a girl, but apparently no girl or woman can even LISTEN to stories. We catch no glimpses of a man and woman interacting in public, and get no hint that happy marriages exist in this world. Are gender roles so restrictive that women can't even go out in public, much less transact business there? If they are, hopefully there would be some move afoot to change this. Yet because Cassia, who dresses in boy's clothes and poses as a boy most of the time, is the only female character we see, we get only the sketchiest idea of what life might be like for a "typical" woman in this world -- as if this is something the author doesn't really want us to notice or think about.
My wish list for the sequel: let Cassia make just one female friend.
December 23, 2016
This book had a lot of ups and downs - there were many times where I thought, "Oh, it's getting better!" Then, there were many times where I thought, "Oh...now it's getting worse."
Things I really enjoyed about this book included the narration (I read the audiobook version, narrated by Diana Croft) and the suspenseful end. I was enthralled at the end of the book during a final confrontation that brought everything else in the book to a head, and I almost got sucked into listening to the second one.
I won't be continuing with the series, though. Initially, I was excited to read a seemingly feminist-type book about a girl entering adolescence, wanting to make a career for herself, at a time when that was unheard of. However, I was disappointed to find, throughout the book, that Cassia was the only true female character (aside from the occasional cameo by a maid or a servant) who had any agency in this novel. Additionally, I can grudgingly excuse Cassia's dependence on men as a product of the setting. Still, in a fantasy novel where dragons, magic, and sorcerers exist, it just doesn't seem to me that it would have been so far fetched to give her an identity that doesn't revolve so heavily around her father (Daddy issues trope, anyone?), her new gaggle of male friends and sorcerers, and her crush.
Things I really enjoyed about this book included the narration (I read the audiobook version, narrated by Diana Croft) and the suspenseful end. I was enthralled at the end of the book during a final confrontation that brought everything else in the book to a head, and I almost got sucked into listening to the second one.
I won't be continuing with the series, though. Initially, I was excited to read a seemingly feminist-type book about a girl entering adolescence, wanting to make a career for herself, at a time when that was unheard of. However, I was disappointed to find, throughout the book, that Cassia was the only true female character (aside from the occasional cameo by a maid or a servant) who had any agency in this novel. Additionally, I can grudgingly excuse Cassia's dependence on men as a product of the setting. Still, in a fantasy novel where dragons, magic, and sorcerers exist, it just doesn't seem to me that it would have been so far fetched to give her an identity that doesn't revolve so heavily around her father (Daddy issues trope, anyone?), her new gaggle of male friends and sorcerers, and her crush.
January 6, 2016
Don't be fooled by the seemingly standard epic fantasy you might think this is. Heir to the North is a surprising and beautifully crafted book that will no doubt stand apart from the crowd if enough people give it the chance it deserves.
There's much to be said about this book. A story about stories. There's a lot being done with the idea of how powerful a story can be, with how they can affect one's outlook on the world, and with how they can twist the choices people make. There's subtlety, depth, and areal sense that the author has spent long and hard crafting each and every tale into this larger tale.
If I had to nitpick, and this really is a nitpick, I'd say that the romance subplot seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really make much impact on the story beyond a few token glances. But, like I said, this is a real nitpick. I'd also have liked there to be more female characters. For a story that contains so much emphasis on the lead character being female and overcoming social prejudices, there really aren't a lot of female roles. The general absence of female voices made me feel Cassia's isolation, so maybe that was the point?
Overall, this is a grand adventure and fully deserving of your attention.
There's much to be said about this book. A story about stories. There's a lot being done with the idea of how powerful a story can be, with how they can affect one's outlook on the world, and with how they can twist the choices people make. There's subtlety, depth, and areal sense that the author has spent long and hard crafting each and every tale into this larger tale.
If I had to nitpick, and this really is a nitpick, I'd say that the romance subplot seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't really make much impact on the story beyond a few token glances. But, like I said, this is a real nitpick. I'd also have liked there to be more female characters. For a story that contains so much emphasis on the lead character being female and overcoming social prejudices, there really aren't a lot of female roles. The general absence of female voices made me feel Cassia's isolation, so maybe that was the point?
Overall, this is a grand adventure and fully deserving of your attention.
February 1, 2016
First book of 2016 read and off to a terrific start! This was a wonderful story with great characterisation set against an incredibly rich and textured back story. It was thoughtfully told with twists I never saw coming - particularly at the end. A refreshing break from traditional epic fantasy on so many different levels, 'Heir to the North' goes well beyond the fixed parameters of Good vs Evil and lays bare the very human responses to personal circumstance and legacy. The only (minor) criticism I had was that the story could have done with a little more battle-based action, but the final scene more than made up for this.
Bring on the sequel!
Bring on the sequel!
February 3, 2018
A storytellers delight
A beautifully written high fantasy novel. As an oral storyteller in the timeless tradition myself I was delighted to find the main character a storyteller _ something rich and strange in itself. But storytelling runs though the book and the authors own DNA... A highly recommended gem
A beautifully written high fantasy novel. As an oral storyteller in the timeless tradition myself I was delighted to find the main character a storyteller _ something rich and strange in itself. But storytelling runs though the book and the authors own DNA... A highly recommended gem
May 24, 2018
Went into this expecting an old school fantasy tale, and was pleasantly surprised by the way it went! Lots of fantastic twists and turns, and a structure I really didn't anticipate. Enjoyed this dearly. Would suggest taking the tone of the early chapters with a pinch of salt since they're not reflective of the overall journey (but they do set it up very nicely).
September 28, 2016
What makes a good fantasy novel? Well something original is always a good start, but if you decide to go down the more traditional route than you have to be sure that what you have is good. Really good.
Steven Poore’s Heir to the North falls into the latter of these choices and he delivers something that could be considered a traditional fantasy, although I would say it is not hardcore original. And fortunately it is good. Really good.
When I think of traditional fantasy it includes some staple ingredients, some of which might be short of stature, or have pointed ears. Thankfully Poore steers away from this, although he does manage to include a dragon, but this is one that works incredibly well.
I suppose when it comes to constructing a novel there are a few ingredients that have to be mixed into a whole, things like characters, story, world building and actual writing. Sometimes it is easy to get some of those things, sometimes one or two are weaker than the rest. Here it seems as though Poore has got the mix just right. He delivers a world that is given in just enough detail to make it real, just enough history to make it feel old, but not too much that you feel as though the author has bent over backwards to try and show you just how much time and effort has gone into creating a background for the world, and as such is intent on making it appear clever by squeezing in as much minutiae as possible.
The actual writing is excellent, not over written, engaging and well-paced.
Perhaps in many ways the most important ingredient has to be the characters, after all if you can the reader to identify and like/hate the characters then you have a hook that will make him keep reading even if there are weakness to get through (Not the case here.) The characters are vibrant, coming off the page in a manner that endears them to you, or makes you want to punch them. Thinking back through the pages I have to say that even the bit players are well drawn, evoking a reaction one way or another. Obviously though, it is the central characters that have to carry the story.
The principal is a young girl called Cassia, who travels the land with her storyteller father, a man who appears to be good at his trade, but has hamstrung himself by his behaviour and drinking. She just wants to impress her father, to be just like him, but is treated little more than a slave and an imposition, and although she does have some merit as a storyteller herself, it is in a land where women are not considered ‘right’ in certain professions and storytelling is one of them. Cassia is caught well, a young girl close to coming of age, struggling with what her father is, with admiration of his squandered talents and with all the dreams and aspirations of her own. There is also a kernel of desperation, that deep rooted reality that she is stuck in her position, a grim solidity that is only punctuated be her dreams.
It is the meeting with fellow travellers Baum and Meredith, that changes the path of her life. Again both characters are well drawn and created, although Meredith comes across as a little stiff it is part of his character that becomes important as the story goes on. Initially they are presented as a pair of soldiers, the grizzled veteran and young warrior, in some ways revolutionaries determined to restore power to the North where once is prospered. As the story begins to open out we learn that both men are a lot more than they seemed and that they have a strong connection with historic events, events that saw the North torn down by a grim curse laid by the terrible Warlock Malessar.
The story unfolds well, however there are a few plot twists – most of which I found predictable. There comes a point when you have read a lot of fantasy that you can see the familiar tropes coming from a mile off, and it erodes part of the surprise. That being said there is the huge and well constructed part of the story that I total did not pick up on, and then there is one major twist I did not cotton onto.
Maybe this is what Poore had in mind when he started writing the novel.
There are some really good ideas that are brought to the surface by the book, most notably the element of story. For a book about a storyteller is interesting to see how historic events might differ from those told time and again in the epic stories of old. In fact at one point I thought the tale was going to go in a totally different direction, but it never happened. (The path taken was better.)
There were some superb set pieces, the fight in the ruins of a fort being one and a magic battle another.
In all, as always if the book ends and leaves you wanting more, then it has done its job admirably, and this certainly does that.
I’m giving the novel four stars, but had I the option it would have been four and a half!
Steven Poore’s Heir to the North falls into the latter of these choices and he delivers something that could be considered a traditional fantasy, although I would say it is not hardcore original. And fortunately it is good. Really good.
When I think of traditional fantasy it includes some staple ingredients, some of which might be short of stature, or have pointed ears. Thankfully Poore steers away from this, although he does manage to include a dragon, but this is one that works incredibly well.
I suppose when it comes to constructing a novel there are a few ingredients that have to be mixed into a whole, things like characters, story, world building and actual writing. Sometimes it is easy to get some of those things, sometimes one or two are weaker than the rest. Here it seems as though Poore has got the mix just right. He delivers a world that is given in just enough detail to make it real, just enough history to make it feel old, but not too much that you feel as though the author has bent over backwards to try and show you just how much time and effort has gone into creating a background for the world, and as such is intent on making it appear clever by squeezing in as much minutiae as possible.
The actual writing is excellent, not over written, engaging and well-paced.
Perhaps in many ways the most important ingredient has to be the characters, after all if you can the reader to identify and like/hate the characters then you have a hook that will make him keep reading even if there are weakness to get through (Not the case here.) The characters are vibrant, coming off the page in a manner that endears them to you, or makes you want to punch them. Thinking back through the pages I have to say that even the bit players are well drawn, evoking a reaction one way or another. Obviously though, it is the central characters that have to carry the story.
The principal is a young girl called Cassia, who travels the land with her storyteller father, a man who appears to be good at his trade, but has hamstrung himself by his behaviour and drinking. She just wants to impress her father, to be just like him, but is treated little more than a slave and an imposition, and although she does have some merit as a storyteller herself, it is in a land where women are not considered ‘right’ in certain professions and storytelling is one of them. Cassia is caught well, a young girl close to coming of age, struggling with what her father is, with admiration of his squandered talents and with all the dreams and aspirations of her own. There is also a kernel of desperation, that deep rooted reality that she is stuck in her position, a grim solidity that is only punctuated be her dreams.
It is the meeting with fellow travellers Baum and Meredith, that changes the path of her life. Again both characters are well drawn and created, although Meredith comes across as a little stiff it is part of his character that becomes important as the story goes on. Initially they are presented as a pair of soldiers, the grizzled veteran and young warrior, in some ways revolutionaries determined to restore power to the North where once is prospered. As the story begins to open out we learn that both men are a lot more than they seemed and that they have a strong connection with historic events, events that saw the North torn down by a grim curse laid by the terrible Warlock Malessar.
The story unfolds well, however there are a few plot twists – most of which I found predictable. There comes a point when you have read a lot of fantasy that you can see the familiar tropes coming from a mile off, and it erodes part of the surprise. That being said there is the huge and well constructed part of the story that I total did not pick up on, and then there is one major twist I did not cotton onto.
Maybe this is what Poore had in mind when he started writing the novel.
There are some really good ideas that are brought to the surface by the book, most notably the element of story. For a book about a storyteller is interesting to see how historic events might differ from those told time and again in the epic stories of old. In fact at one point I thought the tale was going to go in a totally different direction, but it never happened. (The path taken was better.)
There were some superb set pieces, the fight in the ruins of a fort being one and a magic battle another.
In all, as always if the book ends and leaves you wanting more, then it has done its job admirably, and this certainly does that.
I’m giving the novel four stars, but had I the option it would have been four and a half!
June 2, 2016
Do you remember that moment when you first discovered fantasy novels, when you realised here was your place, where dragons soared and magic surrounded you? Heir to the north invokes this very feeling. In a time where fantasy has become somewhat cynical it is beyond refreshing to see a novel bring back that wonder again.
This is true fantasy at its best and invokes the spirit of David Gemmell with its themes, of an ancient curse, a half forgotten kingdom and characters that are more than they first appear.
Like all good fantasy we are starting out on a journey. In the case of Cassia it is for a better life, a life where she tells the story, literally. However the story she has begun, the masterpiece to make her mark as a storyteller soon becomes more and her path is no longer as straight forward as she envisioned.
Her companions too are more than they seem and what is certain becomes all the more uncertain. An ancient soldier sworn to his duty, and a young man suspiciously skilled in weapon craft. A scholar that seems all too focused on some elusive goal. On first glance maybe but as Cassia learns, nothing is what it first appears and when the mirror distorts the reflection is a truly unexpected twist.
This is true fantasy at its best and invokes the spirit of David Gemmell with its themes, of an ancient curse, a half forgotten kingdom and characters that are more than they first appear.
Like all good fantasy we are starting out on a journey. In the case of Cassia it is for a better life, a life where she tells the story, literally. However the story she has begun, the masterpiece to make her mark as a storyteller soon becomes more and her path is no longer as straight forward as she envisioned.
Her companions too are more than they seem and what is certain becomes all the more uncertain. An ancient soldier sworn to his duty, and a young man suspiciously skilled in weapon craft. A scholar that seems all too focused on some elusive goal. On first glance maybe but as Cassia learns, nothing is what it first appears and when the mirror distorts the reflection is a truly unexpected twist.
June 14, 2018
Well, this duology has gotten off to a great start. Even though I received this from the author, my opinions are not swayed by this. Despite that cover which doesn’t quite work with the narrative, this is a solid well written epic fantasy. It predominantly focuses on Cassia, who travels with her father Norrow and yearns to be a storyteller as well. Actually a better storyteller than he is. Life has not been kind to Norrow and by extension Cassia but things change when they are in Keskor and meet Baum and Meredith. Cassia is naive girl but her inquisitiveness and grit propels on adventures beyond her dreams.
Poore crafts a world that is vivid and detailed. He even takes time to deal with differences in custom, language and culture. That attention to detail was great. This is a slower paced novel and think most readers will be able to predict certain outcomes early. And it should appeal to both persons new to genre or seasoned readers looking for something different. It is a clean novel, minimal romance.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven plots. There is a magical system but easy to understand though the rules aren’t explained.
Poore crafts a world that is vivid and detailed. He even takes time to deal with differences in custom, language and culture. That attention to detail was great. This is a slower paced novel and think most readers will be able to predict certain outcomes early. And it should appeal to both persons new to genre or seasoned readers looking for something different. It is a clean novel, minimal romance.
Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven plots. There is a magical system but easy to understand though the rules aren’t explained.
February 14, 2018
Steven Poore's The Heir to the North is as delightful as it is unexpected. I picked up this book because I enjoyed the author's post in a online fantasy group, and I was not disappointed.
From the beginning, both the protagonist and pacing are unique, a slow burn that divides into unexpected twists and lets the reader share the heroine's surprise and uncertainty, fear and wonder, as she journeys to knew cities and lands. Despite limited choices, Cassia lays claim to her own autonomy and in doing so makes herself invaluable in the quest she has been forced to undertake. Though forces move around her over which she has little control or understanding, she maintains her curiosity and her dreams, and never wavers from the idea that she will achieve freedom and her dreams.
Well written and smartly plotted, this novel is perfect for an reader with an appreciation of the power of stories, and a love for unique characters. I loved it and will be looking for more of Poore's work.
From the beginning, both the protagonist and pacing are unique, a slow burn that divides into unexpected twists and lets the reader share the heroine's surprise and uncertainty, fear and wonder, as she journeys to knew cities and lands. Despite limited choices, Cassia lays claim to her own autonomy and in doing so makes herself invaluable in the quest she has been forced to undertake. Though forces move around her over which she has little control or understanding, she maintains her curiosity and her dreams, and never wavers from the idea that she will achieve freedom and her dreams.
Well written and smartly plotted, this novel is perfect for an reader with an appreciation of the power of stories, and a love for unique characters. I loved it and will be looking for more of Poore's work.
March 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and I got sucked into the world right away.
Written from the perspective of a young story teller, it was refreshing to read something that's epic fantasy but doesn't consist of two-dozen point-of-view characters. Which made it that much better when the author still managed to slip in some really nice changes in character perspectives when it came to the surrounding cast as the story evolved. The world starts off a black and white, but is definitely gray by the end.
Plus the world is rich in geography and history, which makes it easier to sink into the book.
Throw in some great plot twists (yup, some really good ones that were really hard to see coming), and it's a stellar book that's worth reading. I can't wait for the next.
Written from the perspective of a young story teller, it was refreshing to read something that's epic fantasy but doesn't consist of two-dozen point-of-view characters. Which made it that much better when the author still managed to slip in some really nice changes in character perspectives when it came to the surrounding cast as the story evolved. The world starts off a black and white, but is definitely gray by the end.
Plus the world is rich in geography and history, which makes it easier to sink into the book.
Throw in some great plot twists (yup, some really good ones that were really hard to see coming), and it's a stellar book that's worth reading. I can't wait for the next.
August 25, 2016
I listened this this book in audiobook format which was interesting in itself for the fact of a female narrator (Diana Croft, very good) telling the story of a young girl who for most of the book wants to grow up to be a storyteller.
I enjoyed the story and I'll admit I thought I knew how it was going to end up until I was proven wrong. I had hoped to learn more about the inner-workings of how things worked in the world, the magic system, currency, trade, a little more of the politics of the major civs etc.
Also I just was not a fan of the cover art, but that is a minor point.
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom
I enjoyed the story and I'll admit I thought I knew how it was going to end up until I was proven wrong. I had hoped to learn more about the inner-workings of how things worked in the world, the magic system, currency, trade, a little more of the politics of the major civs etc.
Also I just was not a fan of the cover art, but that is a minor point.
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom
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