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Twelve Houses #4
Reader and Raelynx
The final confrontation is here: the fourth book in the stunning fantasy series.
In a world of secret sorceries and forbidden desires, the mystic Cammon must put aside his personal feelings for Princess Amalie and help her find a suitor, until he discovers that he needs to protect her from her own powers.
In a world of secret sorceries and forbidden desires, the mystic Cammon must put aside his personal feelings for Princess Amalie and help her find a suitor, until he discovers that he needs to protect her from her own powers.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 6, 2007
42 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Shinn
58 books2,273 followersI’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative writing, so I pursued a degree in journalism at Northwestern University so I’d be able to support myself while I figured out how to write fiction.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
January 7, 2023
Highly recommended to fans of the sword & sorcery / romantic fantasy genres.
It was a lovely & exciting concluding novel for the Twelve Houses series, well for the story arch of rebellion/succession anyway, as I am happy to see that there is a 5th book. Yaaaaaaay! This is awesome for as I was getting to the end of the book I found it hard to have to say goodbye to this particular circle of friends whom I came to love.
SENNETH, TAYSE, JUSTIN, KIRRA, DONNAL, CAMMON - I love You all!
Whether you were together or apart, your strong bond of friendship and camaraderie made me feel warmly, fuzzily content: this is how the world should be.
The rest of my review will be hidden, because I find it hard to remain unspoilerish.
It was a lovely & exciting concluding novel for the Twelve Houses series, well for the story arch of rebellion/succession anyway, as I am happy to see that there is a 5th book. Yaaaaaaay! This is awesome for as I was getting to the end of the book I found it hard to have to say goodbye to this particular circle of friends whom I came to love.
SENNETH, TAYSE, JUSTIN, KIRRA, DONNAL, CAMMON - I love You all!
Whether you were together or apart, your strong bond of friendship and camaraderie made me feel warmly, fuzzily content: this is how the world should be.
The rest of my review will be hidden, because I find it hard to remain unspoilerish.
August 24, 2014
So, three for four isn't bad in a tetralogy, right? The second was so disappointing, especially given how awesome the first was, but the third and fourth have more than made up for any problems I might have had with Kirra's part in the story.
I found it curious, the whole way through, that we saw everyone's point of view except Donnal's. And of the six, he's the one we know the least about. He's a shape shifter devoted to Kirra, the son of a serf and uncomfortable in the presence of lords and ladies. And that's it. I wish we'd gotten to know him better.
Anyway, this book was everything a fourth book should be. The right people won, the right people were killed. I cried a bit at certain parts, and one bit had me actually pumping a fist, so I'm glad no one was home all day to watch me read. Quite enjoyable.
I found it curious, the whole way through, that we saw everyone's point of view except Donnal's. And of the six, he's the one we know the least about. He's a shape shifter devoted to Kirra, the son of a serf and uncomfortable in the presence of lords and ladies. And that's it. I wish we'd gotten to know him better.
Anyway, this book was everything a fourth book should be. The right people won, the right people were killed. I cried a bit at certain parts, and one bit had me actually pumping a fist, so I'm glad no one was home all day to watch me read. Quite enjoyable.
December 6, 2020
Seride en keyif aldığım kitap bu oldu ama abartı ve saçma yerler de vardı...
March 17, 2016
I think it goes to show what an extraordinary author Sharon Shinn is because I'm giving this four stars despite my many issues with the book—especially with the main character, Amalie.
I didn't really warm up to her and I found her selfish when she refused to marry anyone but Cammon. She needed to marry a noble and forge an alliance to help secure the throne. Was that fair to her? No, of course not. But she had a duty to her country—thousands of soldiers had just died for her! She wasn't even being forced to give up Cammon; he was allowed to stay by her side. But no! She would not marry unless it was for true love. Never mind the sacrifices everyone made for her so that she would not lose the throne.
But I do have praise for a minor character: Mayva Nocklyn. I wrote her off in the previous books as dim and frivolous and insignificant. And I think that's what made me love her more, that a somewhat ditzy character in her darkest hour showed strength and courage.
I didn't really warm up to her and I found her selfish when she refused to marry anyone but Cammon. She needed to marry a noble and forge an alliance to help secure the throne. Was that fair to her? No, of course not. But she had a duty to her country—thousands of soldiers had just died for her! She wasn't even being forced to give up Cammon; he was allowed to stay by her side. But no! She would not marry unless it was for true love. Never mind the sacrifices everyone made for her so that she would not lose the throne.
But I do have praise for a minor character: Mayva Nocklyn. I wrote her off in the previous books as dim and frivolous and insignificant. And I think that's what made me love her more, that a somewhat ditzy character in her darkest hour showed strength and courage.
February 7, 2017
*happy sigh*
Loved this conclusion to the four-book initial series. All brilliantly done. Highly recommend!
Loved this conclusion to the four-book initial series. All brilliantly done. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2015
Yeah, I gave it one star. I honestly hated this book and I only finished the entire thing because I wanted to finish out the series. The one star is a personal opinion of the characters and the plot - not because the writing is poor or there are major construction issues. It's because I just really don't like this book.
I absolutely loathed Cammon and Princess Amalie. And when you hate the two main characters, you know you're in for a bad ride. Originally in the first few books I liked him as a charming, slightly naive member of the group. Here, I loathe him and everything he stands for.
Cammon can read people's minds and can tell when people are telling the truth. It is ridiculous the way the book makes it seem good and right to do so (as long as it's on your side). It is absolutely NOT okay to invade people's privacy. And mental privacy is huge. And just because Cammon is "good" and he does the right thing (in his mind) ALL of the time (unless he's in love), does NOT make it okay to meddle with people after knowing their most inner thoughts. He and Amalie builds the empire with this mind reading power and it pisses me off so much. I would understand if they saw it as a weapon and such accordingly, but he reads the minds of friends as well and then tailors his responses based on what he sees. It's like the equivalent of constantly reading someone's personal diary without their knowledge.
His blithe mind reading makes me hate him so much. His naivety makes me hate him. The two things in conjunction that frames his actions as "good" are just disgusting.
I thought the entire war was so useless. I am still boggled at how much power Cordelia managed to get since she is so incompetent and delusional.
Ugh. A poor conclusion to the entire series.
1 star.
I absolutely loathed Cammon and Princess Amalie. And when you hate the two main characters, you know you're in for a bad ride. Originally in the first few books I liked him as a charming, slightly naive member of the group. Here, I loathe him and everything he stands for.
Cammon can read people's minds and can tell when people are telling the truth. It is ridiculous the way the book makes it seem good and right to do so (as long as it's on your side). It is absolutely NOT okay to invade people's privacy. And mental privacy is huge. And just because Cammon is "good" and he does the right thing (in his mind) ALL of the time (unless he's in love), does NOT make it okay to meddle with people after knowing their most inner thoughts. He and Amalie builds the empire with this mind reading power and it pisses me off so much. I would understand if they saw it as a weapon and such accordingly, but he reads the minds of friends as well and then tailors his responses based on what he sees. It's like the equivalent of constantly reading someone's personal diary without their knowledge.
His blithe mind reading makes me hate him so much. His naivety makes me hate him. The two things in conjunction that frames his actions as "good" are just disgusting.
I thought the entire war was so useless. I am still boggled at how much power Cordelia managed to get since she is so incompetent and delusional.
Ugh. A poor conclusion to the entire series.
1 star.
April 26, 2021
What is it about Sharon Shinn's books that makes them so charming while having so little action and so little drama? The vivid characters, probably. Their friendship. The little scenes that make you gasp, although their dramatic impact quickly resolves.
My conclusion regarding this series so far is as convoluted as it sounds: these books are good, I am aware that they could have been better and yet I can't seem to get away from their pull... Onward to the fifth volume.
My conclusion regarding this series so far is as convoluted as it sounds: these books are good, I am aware that they could have been better and yet I can't seem to get away from their pull... Onward to the fifth volume.
May 9, 2009
This is the fourth book in the Twelve House series, and it is one of my favorites. It is written almost as the last in the series but I know there is one more left, although that one is from a totally different point of view. Cammon and Senneth are really the main characters in this book, I was once again delighted to hear more from Senneth. The relationship with Amalie and Cammon is no great surprise (although, for me it was lacking some of the passion or intensity of Senneth-Tayse or Kirra-Romar), it is still fun to see how they slowly grow to trust, depend on and love one another. Amalie is a fun character and I was happy to learn more about her and just how powerful she really is. Shinn really ties all the previous stories together and I am continually impressed with her imagination. Justin and Ellynor are present enough, as well as Kirra and Donnal. Though Donnal still remains a mystery to me, I don’t know him as well as the other characters, which is a shame because I think I could really like him. I still haven’t gotten any closure on the Kirra-Romar-Donnal situation, and wish that Kirra would have been put in a position where she really had to chose between the two men and then move on. I’m still left feeling like Donnal is second place, or that she just settled for him, and I think he deserves better. Maybe the next book will clear it up, but I doubt it. Anyway, it was a fun read and I had a hard time putting it down. I’m sad this series is coming to a close; it has definitely been one of my favorite series in a long time.
February 17, 2008
I've decided I don't trust Sharon Shinn's moral sense. She has characters break taboos without consequences. A mystic can change another person into an animal with no negative effects on either. An innocent can kill a man for the first time without being distressed. None of her preferred characters ever die but the "bad people" are all destroyed. The end justifies the means. A major lie told to deceive the people is no problem in the name of true love. I don't think I will read any more Sharon Shinn. Too many books and too little time.
October 12, 2011
Originally posted here.
Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn is the fourth book in the Twelve Houses series. My friend Celina of The Bookkeeper was nice enough to let me borrow her copy of this book. As always, thanks! Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. They contain spoilery bits. Seriously, what is up with the summaries for these books? They all have spoilers. Reader and Raelynx is about the mystic Cammon, the last of the six companions featured in the series. In this world, mystics are people who have magical abilities. Cammon's skill lies in being able to read people - while he can't exactly read minds, he can still get a sense of what people are feeling and what their intentions are. He can spot violence miles away because that emotion stands out. He can also sense the other companions in the series - Senneth, Tayse, Kirra, Donnal and Justin - wherever they end up in the country. Cammon's talents are pretty useful when it comes to spotting danger. At the start of the novel, he's assigned to protect the princess and help her in selecting the right husband. Princess Amalie needs to marry and preferably produce an heir to the throne so the succession would become less of a problem for the kingdom. So Cammon's job is pretty important. I found it easy to like Cammon as a character because he's nice, friendly and has good intentions. He doesn't care about material wealth and is actually pretty clueless about social classes. He judges people based on how he feels about them and not on how influential they are to the realm.
Out of all the books that I've read in the Twelve Houses series, Reader and Raelynx is the one that I like the most. I feel like the rest of the books are all about the build up and the climax occurs in this book. Right from the start of the series, war has been brewing in the land and the six companions are doing everything that they can to support the king and keep the peace. There's not much that I can say without giving away details or spoilers about the plot so let me leave it at this: Big Events happen during Reader and Raelynx and a lot of secrets are revealed. I didn't find any of the revelations surprising but I still enjoyed reading about them. As expected, all the other companions are present in this novel and that's one thing that I like about this series - all of the books focus on one set of characters and the story arc ties them all together. I appreciate knowing more about the characters from the other books and I liked seeing them in this one. The last novel in the series is more a companion novel because it doesn't focus on the initial six companions and is set a couple of years after this one so no need to hurry to read it. Like I said in my reviews of the other books, I recommend this series to fans of epic fantasy. Overall, I still like the Samaria series more than the Twelve Houses novels but at this point, Sharon Shinn is pretty much an auto-buy (or auto-read) author for me.
I couldn't find a copy of the book cover with a higher resolution but I did see the artwork used for it on Tumblr:
Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn is the fourth book in the Twelve Houses series. My friend Celina of The Bookkeeper was nice enough to let me borrow her copy of this book. As always, thanks! Reading order: Mystic and Rider, The Thirteenth House, Dark Moon Defender, Reader and Raelynx, Fortune and Fate. Should the books be read in order? Yes. Also, don't read any of the synopses of the latter books if you haven't read the earlier ones. They contain spoilery bits. Seriously, what is up with the summaries for these books? They all have spoilers. Reader and Raelynx is about the mystic Cammon, the last of the six companions featured in the series. In this world, mystics are people who have magical abilities. Cammon's skill lies in being able to read people - while he can't exactly read minds, he can still get a sense of what people are feeling and what their intentions are. He can spot violence miles away because that emotion stands out. He can also sense the other companions in the series - Senneth, Tayse, Kirra, Donnal and Justin - wherever they end up in the country. Cammon's talents are pretty useful when it comes to spotting danger. At the start of the novel, he's assigned to protect the princess and help her in selecting the right husband. Princess Amalie needs to marry and preferably produce an heir to the throne so the succession would become less of a problem for the kingdom. So Cammon's job is pretty important. I found it easy to like Cammon as a character because he's nice, friendly and has good intentions. He doesn't care about material wealth and is actually pretty clueless about social classes. He judges people based on how he feels about them and not on how influential they are to the realm.
Out of all the books that I've read in the Twelve Houses series, Reader and Raelynx is the one that I like the most. I feel like the rest of the books are all about the build up and the climax occurs in this book. Right from the start of the series, war has been brewing in the land and the six companions are doing everything that they can to support the king and keep the peace. There's not much that I can say without giving away details or spoilers about the plot so let me leave it at this: Big Events happen during Reader and Raelynx and a lot of secrets are revealed. I didn't find any of the revelations surprising but I still enjoyed reading about them. As expected, all the other companions are present in this novel and that's one thing that I like about this series - all of the books focus on one set of characters and the story arc ties them all together. I appreciate knowing more about the characters from the other books and I liked seeing them in this one. The last novel in the series is more a companion novel because it doesn't focus on the initial six companions and is set a couple of years after this one so no need to hurry to read it. Like I said in my reviews of the other books, I recommend this series to fans of epic fantasy. Overall, I still like the Samaria series more than the Twelve Houses novels but at this point, Sharon Shinn is pretty much an auto-buy (or auto-read) author for me.
I couldn't find a copy of the book cover with a higher resolution but I did see the artwork used for it on Tumblr:
March 30, 2024
The battle for the soul of the Kingdom continues. The group of riders and mystics that surround the king find themselves hard pressed. Princess Amalie even more so.
October 4, 2016
This is the worst book in the series. Even thinking about what happens in this book gives me high blood pressure. The author has completely spoiled Cammon's character for me and the romance is so ridiculous it's unbearable to read. Princess Amalie acts like a spoilt 15 year old half the time who pouts and throws mini tantrums if things don't go her way. "I command you, I'm the princess" is her tag line. Over and over. This behaviour is farrrrr different to what was presented in the 3rd novel, and Cammon almost acts as her parent because he just soothes her and gives in to her while trying to act as if his actions are logical and not because he has the patience of a saint.
And Cammon! Oh my fucking god. The author uses the excuse of 'oh Cammon has no sense or consideration of blood status' as a really fucking dumb excuse for him to STRIP DOWN NAKED IN FRONT OF THE PRINCESS. No no no, just no. That was probably 40% of the way through of the novel. I wanted to put it down at that point. Then at approx 60% of the way through, he just goes and has sex with her. That was not enjoyable to read at all.
It was really frustrating to see Sharon Shinn try to hook each of the characters up in every book. It was extremely frustrating to see that the tensions that were raised throughout the entirety of the series about the fear towards mystics, being reduced from a minor little speech Amalie gives among the commoners. A horribly crafted and fantastically underwhelming speech about how everyone has a bit of magic in them. Deep rooted belief and faith towards something does not get changed by a short speech from a teenage mystic new to the throne.
Oh, what else did I hate about the book? Oh yes. CAMMON BECOMES KING? ARE YOU SHITTING ME. From what occurred in the second book, I had thought that the author wouldn't be afraid to craft tragic and bittersweet endings. But nope! She makes the kid who couldn't be a worst candidate for kingship, to become a king. And everyone just so happens to bow to this teenage girls' will and is happy to lie to everyone about Cammon's origins. Apparently feeling no guilt at all about the fact that thousands of men died to save this idiot queen who will then go on to not do her duty, and marry a nobody. For fucks sake. This is the most unrealistic crap I've ever read.
The single reason why I didn't put the book down was because it wasn't solely in Cammon's POV. If it were, I would put it down at 40% read. The bad bits completed overshadowed the good bits (such as the final boss fight, Senneth's fire demonstration in the mystic village, Senneth's abduction and rescue by that creep, Halchon, Kirra and Donnal's doing some stealthy assassination work). It took me so long to get through because reading about Amalie and Cammon was such a drag.
Worst book and romance in this entire series. Not recommended unless you want to feel endless frustration.
And Cammon! Oh my fucking god. The author uses the excuse of 'oh Cammon has no sense or consideration of blood status' as a really fucking dumb excuse for him to STRIP DOWN NAKED IN FRONT OF THE PRINCESS. No no no, just no. That was probably 40% of the way through of the novel. I wanted to put it down at that point. Then at approx 60% of the way through, he just goes and has sex with her. That was not enjoyable to read at all.
It was really frustrating to see Sharon Shinn try to hook each of the characters up in every book. It was extremely frustrating to see that the tensions that were raised throughout the entirety of the series about the fear towards mystics, being reduced from a minor little speech Amalie gives among the commoners. A horribly crafted and fantastically underwhelming speech about how everyone has a bit of magic in them. Deep rooted belief and faith towards something does not get changed by a short speech from a teenage mystic new to the throne.
Oh, what else did I hate about the book? Oh yes. CAMMON BECOMES KING? ARE YOU SHITTING ME. From what occurred in the second book, I had thought that the author wouldn't be afraid to craft tragic and bittersweet endings. But nope! She makes the kid who couldn't be a worst candidate for kingship, to become a king. And everyone just so happens to bow to this teenage girls' will and is happy to lie to everyone about Cammon's origins. Apparently feeling no guilt at all about the fact that thousands of men died to save this idiot queen who will then go on to not do her duty, and marry a nobody. For fucks sake. This is the most unrealistic crap I've ever read.
The single reason why I didn't put the book down was because it wasn't solely in Cammon's POV. If it were, I would put it down at 40% read. The bad bits completed overshadowed the good bits (such as the final boss fight, Senneth's fire demonstration in the mystic village, Senneth's abduction and rescue by that creep, Halchon, Kirra and Donnal's doing some stealthy assassination work). It took me so long to get through because reading about Amalie and Cammon was such a drag.
Worst book and romance in this entire series. Not recommended unless you want to feel endless frustration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2007
This is the fourth book in Shinn's Twelve Houses series. Each volume focuses on one of the six companions and this one follows the youngest--Cammon. The boy who reads souls. Heretofore, Cammon has been something of a delightful enigma. The scruffy little brother with a good heart, not an ounce of tact, and the ability to gauge a person's true intentions. In this volume, he comes into his own and it was a treat to be one up on the rest of the characters for once. To actually be inside his head. Cammon is still Cammon, but we do get a little more information on his background and abilities as a reader. When he is chosen to assess the true intentions of Princess Amalie's suitors, the inevitable humorous and dangerous consequences follow.
In fact, this was the most predictable of the four novels so far. Although I was surprised (and perfectly delighted) with how much of it was Senneth's story. She is my favorite character and, in the end, all the books are about Senneth, the people she gathers around her, and the ways in which she binds them together. As in Mystic and Rider, her sheer strength took my breath away. Now that I think about it, it makes sense that we get so much of Senneth in this book as it becomes clearer and clearer as the story goes on how much Cammon relies on her. How, even when he disagrees with her logic, she has come to fill a space in his life that was empty until she walked into the tavern and freed him with a swipe of her knife. As always, Sharon Shinn's strength is her dialogue and her strong characters. They leap, gleefully and disreputably, off the page, making me wish I knew them, could talk with them and watch their faces. Until I was one of them. One of the six. No, seven now. That's the reason I'll read anything she writes. That, and finally having the satisfaction of watching Tayse cleave Halchon Gisseltess in half without blinking an eye. The good news: Ms. Shinn is in negotiations to write a fifth installment in the series. All is right with the world.
In fact, this was the most predictable of the four novels so far. Although I was surprised (and perfectly delighted) with how much of it was Senneth's story. She is my favorite character and, in the end, all the books are about Senneth, the people she gathers around her, and the ways in which she binds them together. As in Mystic and Rider, her sheer strength took my breath away. Now that I think about it, it makes sense that we get so much of Senneth in this book as it becomes clearer and clearer as the story goes on how much Cammon relies on her. How, even when he disagrees with her logic, she has come to fill a space in his life that was empty until she walked into the tavern and freed him with a swipe of her knife. As always, Sharon Shinn's strength is her dialogue and her strong characters. They leap, gleefully and disreputably, off the page, making me wish I knew them, could talk with them and watch their faces. Until I was one of them. One of the six. No, seven now. That's the reason I'll read anything she writes. That, and finally having the satisfaction of watching Tayse cleave Halchon Gisseltess in half without blinking an eye. The good news: Ms. Shinn is in negotiations to write a fifth installment in the series. All is right with the world.
November 11, 2012
Don't let the 3-stars fool you, I loved this book. Cammon is a character that I have admired throughout the series. I have enjoyed his spirit and positive approach to everything. He is not the typical 'mooody, depressed, and introspective' fantasy lead. Refreshing.
There are many heroines in the series overall but the Princess Amalie was the focus. She and Cammon decided to fall in love and break every other rule they could in the process. It worked for me at every turn. I don't feel they were wreckless and immature in their desire to find love on the wrong side of the tracks. I liked the solution very much. I nearly cried.
As this series is more character driven for me than anything else, I was pleased to see the gang together for the battle royale. Senneth is by far my favorite character along with her hubby Tayse. The love and respect they have for each other feels so real and fits with their characters. I have always felt that Kira deserved someone to love that didn't walk around as a dog most of the time. Donnal is a strange one. All in all, everyone ended up a little worn but alive and where I would expect them to be in what felt like a series wrap. The war was a long time coming. I enjoyed the tension and uncertain outcome. The pacing was rapid fire but it didn't find the story suffered much. I would have liked to get into Coralinda's head more but this was not the book to do that. I got used to seeing everything from the eyes of the good guys but too often they were only guessing so I was never 100% sure.
I had three problems that cost this one 2 stars:
1) What are Mystics?
2) How do these characters continually have unprotected sex and never get pregnant?
3) What is Donnal's deal? Who is he? Why didn't he get better defined?
I believe this one will hold a special place in my heart as the characters are not easily forgotten. There is another book but for me, it's done. Sigh...
There are many heroines in the series overall but the Princess Amalie was the focus. She and Cammon decided to fall in love and break every other rule they could in the process. It worked for me at every turn. I don't feel they were wreckless and immature in their desire to find love on the wrong side of the tracks. I liked the solution very much. I nearly cried.
As this series is more character driven for me than anything else, I was pleased to see the gang together for the battle royale. Senneth is by far my favorite character along with her hubby Tayse. The love and respect they have for each other feels so real and fits with their characters. I have always felt that Kira deserved someone to love that didn't walk around as a dog most of the time. Donnal is a strange one. All in all, everyone ended up a little worn but alive and where I would expect them to be in what felt like a series wrap. The war was a long time coming. I enjoyed the tension and uncertain outcome. The pacing was rapid fire but it didn't find the story suffered much. I would have liked to get into Coralinda's head more but this was not the book to do that. I got used to seeing everything from the eyes of the good guys but too often they were only guessing so I was never 100% sure.
I had three problems that cost this one 2 stars:
1) What are Mystics?
2) How do these characters continually have unprotected sex and never get pregnant?
3) What is Donnal's deal? Who is he? Why didn't he get better defined?
I believe this one will hold a special place in my heart as the characters are not easily forgotten. There is another book but for me, it's done. Sigh...
January 2, 2021
1.5 stars
DNF after about 40%.
I should have quit after Dark Mood Defender. I could see the writing on the wall, and this book disappoints in every way possible.
Even for a brain-candy read, the plot is non-existent for the first 300 pages. Everyone is concerned with Amalie, the Princess, making a good match for her marriage. BUT she's too busy making eyes at Cammon, the supposedly guileless and naive 'reader', who doesn't understand how rank and privilege work. Cammon is no better than Amalie, voicing the unfairness of having to make a political marriage for the good of the country, and flirting with Amalie at every opportunity. Yes, such a marriage would be unfair, and I'm the last person to advocate arranged marriage. But Amalie's reaction is immature and selfish, and I felt like a compromise could have been reached on that score.
But what really bothered me was the train-wreck characterization. Senneth, who had been a nuanced and intriguing character in the first book, has devolved into the royal matchmaker. Apparently she spends hours discussing bloodlines with Kirra and worries about propriety and social niceties - WHAT? We're told, every 5 pages, how beautiful and free-spirited and different Kirra is (not like other girls!). Ellynor is apparently 'strong' and doesn't depend on her husband Justin- but the narrative never shows us that! I didn't buy any of this for a second. And don't even get me started on Amalie! I was so annoyed by her stupidity and selfish behaviour.
This book doesn't even pretend to be a fantasy: it's a full-blown forbidden romance, populated by irritating characters and awkward writing that condescends to dictate what the reader should feel about everything. Romance fans might enjoy this, but I wouldn't recommend this book. It is better than Twilight though- I'll give it that.
DNF after about 40%.
I should have quit after Dark Mood Defender. I could see the writing on the wall, and this book disappoints in every way possible.
Even for a brain-candy read, the plot is non-existent for the first 300 pages. Everyone is concerned with Amalie, the Princess, making a good match for her marriage. BUT she's too busy making eyes at Cammon, the supposedly guileless and naive 'reader', who doesn't understand how rank and privilege work. Cammon is no better than Amalie, voicing the unfairness of having to make a political marriage for the good of the country, and flirting with Amalie at every opportunity. Yes, such a marriage would be unfair, and I'm the last person to advocate arranged marriage. But Amalie's reaction is immature and selfish, and I felt like a compromise could have been reached on that score.
But what really bothered me was the train-wreck characterization. Senneth, who had been a nuanced and intriguing character in the first book, has devolved into the royal matchmaker. Apparently she spends hours discussing bloodlines with Kirra and worries about propriety and social niceties - WHAT? We're told, every 5 pages, how beautiful and free-spirited and different Kirra is (not like other girls!). Ellynor is apparently 'strong' and doesn't depend on her husband Justin- but the narrative never shows us that! I didn't buy any of this for a second. And don't even get me started on Amalie! I was so annoyed by her stupidity and selfish behaviour.
This book doesn't even pretend to be a fantasy: it's a full-blown forbidden romance, populated by irritating characters and awkward writing that condescends to dictate what the reader should feel about everything. Romance fans might enjoy this, but I wouldn't recommend this book. It is better than Twilight though- I'll give it that.
March 14, 2017
Adult adventure fantasy. I love this whole set.
Re-read: This is the conclusion to the story line of the 6 friends that start out in the first book. This is the big conclusion book and it is a fun read, a good ending. The next book is a take off character not of the 6 but in the same world. This book for me doesn't have the strong romantic feel, but it has so much of each story and everything comes to a head at the end. I forgot how nicely everything is wrapped up and finished. This is an adult book. There is a lot of deaths. There is sexual content that is always fade to black after some kisses. This one has a scene where a person gets naked and they have a anatomy lesson, that is pretty cut and dry nothing sexual, but an odd scene. There is also a rape scene that is not someone known and shows the awfulness of one of the characters. A little more of everything is in this last book. I really wish someone would redo the covers, they just don't represent the books well.
Re-read: This is the conclusion to the story line of the 6 friends that start out in the first book. This is the big conclusion book and it is a fun read, a good ending. The next book is a take off character not of the 6 but in the same world. This book for me doesn't have the strong romantic feel, but it has so much of each story and everything comes to a head at the end. I forgot how nicely everything is wrapped up and finished. This is an adult book. There is a lot of deaths. There is sexual content that is always fade to black after some kisses. This one has a scene where a person gets naked and they have a anatomy lesson, that is pretty cut and dry nothing sexual, but an odd scene. There is also a rape scene that is not someone known and shows the awfulness of one of the characters. A little more of everything is in this last book. I really wish someone would redo the covers, they just don't represent the books well.
September 11, 2025
3.5 stars
June 19, 2011
2.5 - 3 stars
I would rate it three, but there were issues.
Many, but the only truly salient one was that all the characters that I used to love I truly grew to dislike or despise here and how awful is that? Mostly b/c of their various attitudes toward Amalie and Cammon, ranging from "Of course you cannot marry - he can only be an adviser" to "Well, Amalie, you have to marry properly for the good of the kingdom, but you can just have Cammon as a lover on the side." What the what?! No! What is wrong with all of them? Seriously, none of you have any morals or sense of integrity? At all? You are not the people I thought you were. None of you. And Senneth, it was all just so depressing. And I will not even try and describe the depth of my loathing and disbelief at the scene when Cammon helps "educate" poor Amalie about the male anatomy. Eww. Just, really? Nastiness.
So, lots to dislike. The few moments when it was not Cammon and Amalie and the good of the kingdomness scenes, I liked the group spirit and the spiritual sections, esp. after the inclusion of Eleanor. Amazing how different the A and C situation is in Fortune and Fate and why were you worried?! Horrid people. Yes, very displeased.
I did however truly like this section when Senneth and Tayse are talking:
And I believe that of them. And I cannot of so many couples in modern literature, esp. YA romances, paranormal and otherwise. I just don't see them growing old together and caring about each other... Their relationships are so artificial, based on looks and excitement and nothing MORE. It is the ones you genuinely see knowing one another and being there for the other person and caring about them outside of any romantic involvement that you believe in and care about insanely and utterly.....
I would rate it three, but there were issues.
Many, but the only truly salient one was that all the characters that I used to love I truly grew to dislike or despise here and how awful is that? Mostly b/c of their various attitudes toward Amalie and Cammon, ranging from "Of course you cannot marry - he can only be an adviser" to "Well, Amalie, you have to marry properly for the good of the kingdom, but you can just have Cammon as a lover on the side." What the what?! No! What is wrong with all of them? Seriously, none of you have any morals or sense of integrity? At all? You are not the people I thought you were. None of you. And Senneth, it was all just so depressing. And I will not even try and describe the depth of my loathing and disbelief at the scene when Cammon helps "educate" poor Amalie about the male anatomy. Eww. Just, really? Nastiness.
So, lots to dislike. The few moments when it was not Cammon and Amalie and the good of the kingdomness scenes, I liked the group spirit and the spiritual sections, esp. after the inclusion of Eleanor. Amazing how different the A and C situation is in Fortune and Fate and why were you worried?! Horrid people. Yes, very displeased.
I did however truly like this section when Senneth and Tayse are talking:
"Oh, then I have to hope that is what happens," she whispered. "That you are ancient and demented and blind, and everyone despises you, and laughs at you behind your back, and cannot believe you have lived so long. But I will still love you. I will be glad to see you, every time your scowling face comes into view.
And I believe that of them. And I cannot of so many couples in modern literature, esp. YA romances, paranormal and otherwise. I just don't see them growing old together and caring about each other... Their relationships are so artificial, based on looks and excitement and nothing MORE. It is the ones you genuinely see knowing one another and being there for the other person and caring about them outside of any romantic involvement that you believe in and care about insanely and utterly.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2012
I was frustrated at the main characters and their bullheaded, morally righteous superiority complex. Interesting questions of the justification for war-- is it worth slaughtering thousands of people just to decide who will sit on the throne? When should we compromise 'true love' and personal desires for strategic advantages?-- are brushed over by making the villains entirely brutal sadistic rapists with an unthinking prejudice against mystics. Really, when Senneth rejected the offer of marrying Halchon's 14 year old son to 19 year old Amalie because he was bound to be evil like his father and Amalie would surely rather die, that broke any respect I had for her. That was a great political bargain! The son is younger than Amalie and thus easily controlled. But no, that would require compromising with evil and marrying for something other than true love, and even a queen cannot be expected to do that... There's no way Amalie's announcement of being a mystic and her marriage to Cammon-as-a-conveniently-fake-noble in the aftermath would have been so easily accepted by the populace either.
Senneth was a disappointment of this series. She was set up to be such a strong and unconventional female main character, and yet in this book she's not only politically useless but her storyline is "helpless in the grasp of an evil man who is unnaturally obsessed with her, then eventually saved by her valiant boyfriend from a fate worse than death." I never was too fond of the character of Amalie, and found her romance with Cammon to be sweet but a little bland. She was set up to be a girly-but-powerful ruler, but the 'powerful' part was never convincing for me.
Reading over this review, it seems like I hated this book, but I really didn't. I enjoyed the first half of it and was fairly apathetic through some more, and it was only in the last fourth that I became frustrated.
Senneth was a disappointment of this series. She was set up to be such a strong and unconventional female main character, and yet in this book she's not only politically useless but her storyline is "helpless in the grasp of an evil man who is unnaturally obsessed with her, then eventually saved by her valiant boyfriend from a fate worse than death." I never was too fond of the character of Amalie, and found her romance with Cammon to be sweet but a little bland. She was set up to be a girly-but-powerful ruler, but the 'powerful' part was never convincing for me.
Reading over this review, it seems like I hated this book, but I really didn't. I enjoyed the first half of it and was fairly apathetic through some more, and it was only in the last fourth that I became frustrated.
December 22, 2014
I'd like the phone book if it was read by Joe Berrett.
January 1, 2025
"Now I want to live as long as you are alive, and die when you are not. And if I do not fall in battle, but instead die when I am an old man, bent and crippled and useless, except that you still love me, then I will consider that a better death than my father's."
This whole series is wonderful and I adored this book!
This whole series is wonderful and I adored this book!
December 11, 2018
one of my favorites in this series. I love the princess, I love how everything comes together and Cammon has been a favorite of mine since we met him in the first chapter of Mystic and Rider.
July 5, 2021
Cammon's story as a mystic reader and his budding romance. The final battle and magical showdown were good, but I did not love all of the relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2008
This is the fourth book in Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses series.
This is the continuing story that began in the first book Mystic and Rider where a group of six people, conscripted by the King, were sent out to travel the countryside to see if the rumbles of unrest and rebellion in the land were true. The six, consist of Senneth (a noblewoman and strong mystic who controls fire in all its forms), Kirra (a noblewoman mystic who is a shapeshifter), Donnal (Kirra's faithful servant, son of a poacher and a shapeshifter), Tayse (a King's rider, a fierce and loyal warrior of the King, Justin (another King's rider) and Cammon (a commoner, a young man who can "read" people). During the course of their journey the six forged a close relationship and are now bonded very closely.
In the beginning of this fourth (and last?) book, Cammon is at a bit of loose ends. He is working to hone his mystic skills but misses the close camaraderie of his five friends. Senneth and Tayse are married and closely guarding the King. Justin is still in the Lirrens ( a mysterious land across the mountains) with his new bride, and Kirra and Donnal are winging around the countryside scouting for news.
By Chance, Cammon thwarts an assassination attempt on the King and is recruited to act as a reader at the palace. His skills are especially needed by Amalie, the Princess. Because of the many attempts on King Baryn's life, it has been decided that it is imperative for Amalie to marry a strong man from just the right house to act as her co-ruler and to secure the succession. To make sure that the men who come to pay suit are sincere and have the interests of the kingdom at heart, Cammon along with Queen Valri sit at listen to the as they make their overtures to Amalie so that Cammon to read their intent.
This is somewhat of a hardship for Cammon as he had gotten pretty close to the Princess last summer as they traveled around to the twelve noble houses so that people could get to know the young woman who would someday be their queen. He unquestionably understands their differences in rank precludes anything but a servant/mistress relationship and yet he can't help but think some of these men just aren't good enough for her and wonder "what if" somewhat wistfully.
As suitors parade through the house and Cammon spends more and more time with the royal family, he learns some surprising secrets both about Amalie and the Queen Valri. But soon enough, the idea of suitors fall by the wayside as war comes abruptly and stealthily to Gillengaria. Using the skills and knowledge that they've learned about and from each other, the six friends once again band together to preserve their kingdom.
I couldn't wait for this book to come out and when it did I read it in one sitting. Seriously. I loved this series from the first book to this one which is probably the last. My only quibble with this book it that is started a little slow and the pace plodded a bit in places. But it made up for it by the middle of the book. And of course, I have a girl crush on Senneth. Even though each of the 4 books centers on one person in the original group of six, Senneth still remains the focal point. She is a hero in the true sense and her relationship with Tayse is lovely. These books are fantasy/romance hybrids with the romance not being cloying and NOT the point of the story, but a strong presence nonetheless. The plot and characters are the strong points here. You get to know these six people very well and you get really invested in them and their cause.
And having been primed for it for three books now, the plot that centers around the usurpation and the accompanying war finally comes to full fruition. The first strike is quiet and deadly and takes everyone by surprise. And as Senneth, Tayse, Kirra and all the loyal houses take the field against Halchon Giselltess (the man who wants to be King) and his fanatic sister Coralinda (the woman who wants to kill all mystics) the final showdown is both satisfying and a little sad.
I truly did not want to say goodbye to these six people. I totally enjoyed this series and plan to keep them it on my shelf and re-read it often.
This is the continuing story that began in the first book Mystic and Rider where a group of six people, conscripted by the King, were sent out to travel the countryside to see if the rumbles of unrest and rebellion in the land were true. The six, consist of Senneth (a noblewoman and strong mystic who controls fire in all its forms), Kirra (a noblewoman mystic who is a shapeshifter), Donnal (Kirra's faithful servant, son of a poacher and a shapeshifter), Tayse (a King's rider, a fierce and loyal warrior of the King, Justin (another King's rider) and Cammon (a commoner, a young man who can "read" people). During the course of their journey the six forged a close relationship and are now bonded very closely.
In the beginning of this fourth (and last?) book, Cammon is at a bit of loose ends. He is working to hone his mystic skills but misses the close camaraderie of his five friends. Senneth and Tayse are married and closely guarding the King. Justin is still in the Lirrens ( a mysterious land across the mountains) with his new bride, and Kirra and Donnal are winging around the countryside scouting for news.
By Chance, Cammon thwarts an assassination attempt on the King and is recruited to act as a reader at the palace. His skills are especially needed by Amalie, the Princess. Because of the many attempts on King Baryn's life, it has been decided that it is imperative for Amalie to marry a strong man from just the right house to act as her co-ruler and to secure the succession. To make sure that the men who come to pay suit are sincere and have the interests of the kingdom at heart, Cammon along with Queen Valri sit at listen to the as they make their overtures to Amalie so that Cammon to read their intent.
This is somewhat of a hardship for Cammon as he had gotten pretty close to the Princess last summer as they traveled around to the twelve noble houses so that people could get to know the young woman who would someday be their queen. He unquestionably understands their differences in rank precludes anything but a servant/mistress relationship and yet he can't help but think some of these men just aren't good enough for her and wonder "what if" somewhat wistfully.
As suitors parade through the house and Cammon spends more and more time with the royal family, he learns some surprising secrets both about Amalie and the Queen Valri. But soon enough, the idea of suitors fall by the wayside as war comes abruptly and stealthily to Gillengaria. Using the skills and knowledge that they've learned about and from each other, the six friends once again band together to preserve their kingdom.
I couldn't wait for this book to come out and when it did I read it in one sitting. Seriously. I loved this series from the first book to this one which is probably the last. My only quibble with this book it that is started a little slow and the pace plodded a bit in places. But it made up for it by the middle of the book. And of course, I have a girl crush on Senneth. Even though each of the 4 books centers on one person in the original group of six, Senneth still remains the focal point. She is a hero in the true sense and her relationship with Tayse is lovely. These books are fantasy/romance hybrids with the romance not being cloying and NOT the point of the story, but a strong presence nonetheless. The plot and characters are the strong points here. You get to know these six people very well and you get really invested in them and their cause.
And having been primed for it for three books now, the plot that centers around the usurpation and the accompanying war finally comes to full fruition. The first strike is quiet and deadly and takes everyone by surprise. And as Senneth, Tayse, Kirra and all the loyal houses take the field against Halchon Giselltess (the man who wants to be King) and his fanatic sister Coralinda (the woman who wants to kill all mystics) the final showdown is both satisfying and a little sad.
I truly did not want to say goodbye to these six people. I totally enjoyed this series and plan to keep them it on my shelf and re-read it often.
May 24, 2021
This is another reread-while-I'm-working audiobook for 2021, and it took me forever. Like it's predecessor in the series, it's read by Joe Barrett and I just... REALLY don't like the way he reads. There's the ongoing issue of making my favorite character, Kirra, (a 26 year old woman who is full of life and carefree laughter - even at the worst of times) sound like a 50-year old busybody grandmother, and Senneth somehow come off as wishy-washy and soft. Like... how do you even manage that??
Anyway, narrator aside, this book is also already my least favorite in the series. I gave it four stars when I added it to Goodreads because I think it's somewhere between three and four, and I was giving it credit as a reasonable culmination of the end of a really good series. We find out that Amalie has mystic powers that she's been hiding, which hammers the notion that this war against the king is both about royal power over the twelve houses AND a holy war against mystics. I love, love, love that through the first three books we think the former is the first concern, but really Coralinda Gissteless is the bigger threat rather than the three marlords who've amassed forces against the crown.
I think Shinn did a great job of breathing life into Amalie in a way that makes her bold and self-confident and unafraid politically and intellectually, but also shy and awkward and full of doubt regarding love and magic.
Cammon as a protagonist was fun, since he has the benefit of knowing how virtually everyone feels about everything. The book was, like two of the other three in the series, shared with Senneth as primary narrator, and that gave us the ability to explore other corners of Gillengaria, seeing a wedding at Danalustrous and the recruitment of mystics in the village sanctuary for magic that is Carrebos - this kept things from being stifled too long in the palace.
But really, Cammon's story is less interesting to me than anyone else's, even though he's an oddity and I should find him endearing. (I'm also forever scarred by that naked-in-the-garden-scene. Like... no, just no.) But he and Amalie are a rather boring couple overall, without the charm of Justin's "wait, my thinking about this girl 24/7 is LOVE?" or Kirra's continually making REALLY bad decisions, or Senneth and Tayse just having THAT much chemistry while saying virtually nothing... it's hard to really love them, even while accepting them as a good pair.
My absolute favorite part of the novel would be the moment they see the Nocklyn armies marching to war, and realize that Mayva has rallied the troops on the side of the king. Taking a weak-willed, flighty character who adheres to her (traitorous) husband's wishes without question and making her LEAD A GODDAMNED ARMY TO WAR was a brilliant move, and I love her so damned much. Yes, Mayva, when this is all over we'll go back to your avant garde parties full of poetry recitation, but for now you need to ruin that useless husband you locked away in a prison. *heart-eyes*
It's a shame the audiobook voice is so unpleasant to me. I would probably listen to it more often, and at a faster pace, if it weren't.
Anyway, narrator aside, this book is also already my least favorite in the series. I gave it four stars when I added it to Goodreads because I think it's somewhere between three and four, and I was giving it credit as a reasonable culmination of the end of a really good series. We find out that Amalie has mystic powers that she's been hiding, which hammers the notion that this war against the king is both about royal power over the twelve houses AND a holy war against mystics. I love, love, love that through the first three books we think the former is the first concern, but really Coralinda Gissteless is the bigger threat rather than the three marlords who've amassed forces against the crown.
I think Shinn did a great job of breathing life into Amalie in a way that makes her bold and self-confident and unafraid politically and intellectually, but also shy and awkward and full of doubt regarding love and magic.
Cammon as a protagonist was fun, since he has the benefit of knowing how virtually everyone feels about everything. The book was, like two of the other three in the series, shared with Senneth as primary narrator, and that gave us the ability to explore other corners of Gillengaria, seeing a wedding at Danalustrous and the recruitment of mystics in the village sanctuary for magic that is Carrebos - this kept things from being stifled too long in the palace.
But really, Cammon's story is less interesting to me than anyone else's, even though he's an oddity and I should find him endearing. (I'm also forever scarred by that naked-in-the-garden-scene. Like... no, just no.) But he and Amalie are a rather boring couple overall, without the charm of Justin's "wait, my thinking about this girl 24/7 is LOVE?" or Kirra's continually making REALLY bad decisions, or Senneth and Tayse just having THAT much chemistry while saying virtually nothing... it's hard to really love them, even while accepting them as a good pair.
My absolute favorite part of the novel would be the moment they see the Nocklyn armies marching to war, and realize that Mayva has rallied the troops on the side of the king. Taking a weak-willed, flighty character who adheres to her (traitorous) husband's wishes without question and making her LEAD A GODDAMNED ARMY TO WAR was a brilliant move, and I love her so damned much. Yes, Mayva, when this is all over we'll go back to your avant garde parties full of poetry recitation, but for now you need to ruin that useless husband you locked away in a prison. *heart-eyes*
It's a shame the audiobook voice is so unpleasant to me. I would probably listen to it more often, and at a faster pace, if it weren't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 24, 2011THIS BOOK MADE ME SO HAPPY. *This review may be slightly less coherent than my usual fare due to my fangirlish rhapsodizing; if so, I apologize.*
(*Spoilers in this paragraph!*) As regards the main romance, I think it kept me in the most suspense out of all the books. Cammon and Amalie are an impossible match, but also impossible not to root for (unlike Kirra and Romar in book two, whose romance was possibly even more impossible, but also really dislikable—and unlike Senneth/Tayse, Kirra/Donnal, Justin/Ellynor, and even Darryn/Sosie, whose romances were all quasi-implausible, but not as insanely lopsided as this). Also, Cammon is by far my favorite character (although I'm unsure I like him as narrator as much as I liked him as a secondary character). I am über excited that they were actually able to marry, and not end up brokenhearted or even just secret lovers. (I'd also been thinking for some time that Cammon would make a great king for all the reasons everyone [except Amalie, apparently] thought he couldn't be.)
Also, Justin with a baby? Absolutely irresistible.
I love these characters dearly and will be sorry to see them go, although I'm keen to read Fortune and Fate (the last book, which focuses on former King's Rider Wen).
The plot was, save for a minor twist here and there, really rather predictable. It was a pretty decent climax for all that Shinn has been building up to over the course of the last three books. She choreographs battle sequences with sufficient energy and variety, and paces them quite well. Although it was fairly obvious where all the political intrigue was going, it was equally clear that the plot was mostly a background for Shinn to showcase her fantastic character development. And for me personally, that is often (within reason, of course) what makes or breaks a novel like this one. I think Shinn nailed it. While the (ahem, extramarital) sex which dogs the romance in this series is not to my taste, I did mostly enjoy the series. Not much about Shinn's plot crafting is outstanding, but her character development is, and I would recommend some of her books on that basis alone.
(*Spoilers in this paragraph!*) As regards the main romance, I think it kept me in the most suspense out of all the books. Cammon and Amalie are an impossible match, but also impossible not to root for (unlike Kirra and Romar in book two, whose romance was possibly even more impossible, but also really dislikable—and unlike Senneth/Tayse, Kirra/Donnal, Justin/Ellynor, and even Darryn/Sosie, whose romances were all quasi-implausible, but not as insanely lopsided as this). Also, Cammon is by far my favorite character (although I'm unsure I like him as narrator as much as I liked him as a secondary character). I am über excited that they were actually able to marry, and not end up brokenhearted or even just secret lovers. (I'd also been thinking for some time that Cammon would make a great king for all the reasons everyone [except Amalie, apparently] thought he couldn't be.)
Also, Justin with a baby? Absolutely irresistible.
I love these characters dearly and will be sorry to see them go, although I'm keen to read Fortune and Fate (the last book, which focuses on former King's Rider Wen).
The plot was, save for a minor twist here and there, really rather predictable. It was a pretty decent climax for all that Shinn has been building up to over the course of the last three books. She choreographs battle sequences with sufficient energy and variety, and paces them quite well. Although it was fairly obvious where all the political intrigue was going, it was equally clear that the plot was mostly a background for Shinn to showcase her fantastic character development. And for me personally, that is often (within reason, of course) what makes or breaks a novel like this one. I think Shinn nailed it. While the (ahem, extramarital) sex which dogs the romance in this series is not to my taste, I did mostly enjoy the series. Not much about Shinn's plot crafting is outstanding, but her character development is, and I would recommend some of her books on that basis alone.
February 22, 2017
Senneth is a bit annoying lecturing Cammon about keeping to his class. This is Senneth who left her own role as a serramarra, has been wandering for most of her life, married a rider, moaned and moaned and moaned about nobles, the strictures of court life..... I mean double standards much? Very hypocritical.
I have noticed this same thing with Kirra - she also likes to play at being against the norm for a noble but is extremely quick to take the benefits of being in the upper classes of society and look down on the "peasants." It is telling that they haven't done anything outrageous enough to be struck off any guest lists.
They should really be fighting to see someone like Cammon (i.e. no royal or noble heritage) gaining a position of power! Isn't this what they've been whining about? That all the positions of power stay within the same few people? But as soon as something happens that might upset this balance, they revert back to type!!
I have noticed this same thing with Kirra - she also likes to play at being against the norm for a noble but is extremely quick to take the benefits of being in the upper classes of society and look down on the "peasants." It is telling that they haven't done anything outrageous enough to be struck off any guest lists.
They should really be fighting to see someone like Cammon (i.e. no royal or noble heritage) gaining a position of power! Isn't this what they've been whining about? That all the positions of power stay within the same few people? But as soon as something happens that might upset this balance, they revert back to type!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2019
This was a re-read, but I read this book the first time long ago and didn’t remember many of the details, so it read as fresh as a new story.
It is a little bit of a love story and a little bit of a war story and a little bit of a growing up story. All three threads interweave into a tale of Amalie and Cammon. She is a princess. He is a common-born mystic with the magic of reading minds. The princess’s advisors charged him with protecting the princess, as he always senses hostile intentions, but they miscalculated. Amalie falls in love with Cammon, and he with her, even though they both know such love has no future. Unless the princess puts her foot down and refuses to budge.
The readers have met most characters in this story before – it is #4 in the series – so they know how charming and kind and thoughtful Cammon could be. I’d have fallen in love with him as well. It is no wonder Amalie succumbed to his charismatic personality. They have much in common: both lonely and young and inexperienced. But they grow and change in this story, mature through war and tragedy, finally finding their own places in the world, just as they find each other.
The other familiar characters don’t change in the story, but their appearance gladdens the fans’ hearts: Senneth and Tayse and Justin and Kirra.
This novel culminates in the war that has been threatening to erupt in the three previous novels of the series. Before the war starts in truth, the tension is rising, and the atmosphere of the story thrums with grim anticipation. The juxtaposition between the threat of war and Cammon and Amalie’s unfolding young love deepens the conflict between good and evil and makes this book all the more poignant.
But Shinn is not a war writer, and the war scenes, when it finally comes, seem the weakest in this quiet novel. On the other hand, she is a master of personal interactions, dialog, and the psychological insights. She shines in those, as always, making this book a little uneven.
Overall, it was a pleasure to read.
It is a little bit of a love story and a little bit of a war story and a little bit of a growing up story. All three threads interweave into a tale of Amalie and Cammon. She is a princess. He is a common-born mystic with the magic of reading minds. The princess’s advisors charged him with protecting the princess, as he always senses hostile intentions, but they miscalculated. Amalie falls in love with Cammon, and he with her, even though they both know such love has no future. Unless the princess puts her foot down and refuses to budge.
The readers have met most characters in this story before – it is #4 in the series – so they know how charming and kind and thoughtful Cammon could be. I’d have fallen in love with him as well. It is no wonder Amalie succumbed to his charismatic personality. They have much in common: both lonely and young and inexperienced. But they grow and change in this story, mature through war and tragedy, finally finding their own places in the world, just as they find each other.
The other familiar characters don’t change in the story, but their appearance gladdens the fans’ hearts: Senneth and Tayse and Justin and Kirra.
This novel culminates in the war that has been threatening to erupt in the three previous novels of the series. Before the war starts in truth, the tension is rising, and the atmosphere of the story thrums with grim anticipation. The juxtaposition between the threat of war and Cammon and Amalie’s unfolding young love deepens the conflict between good and evil and makes this book all the more poignant.
But Shinn is not a war writer, and the war scenes, when it finally comes, seem the weakest in this quiet novel. On the other hand, she is a master of personal interactions, dialog, and the psychological insights. She shines in those, as always, making this book a little uneven.
Overall, it was a pleasure to read.
April 20, 2018
This is the fourth book in Sharon Shinn’s Twelve Houses series. This time, it is the story of Cammon and Princess Amalie. Their friendship began in the second book while on a tour of the southern houses, so it should not be surprising that they represent the Reader and the Raelynx referenced in the title.
Cammon and Amalie are both young and naive, which is at times endearing, and at other times annoying. Their ‘forbidden love’ plays out against a backdrop of the impending and then realized war (which has been impending since book one). The battles scenes were unpleasant to read. They left a lingering foulness in my mind. Smacking the ingenuous Amalie and wide-eyed Cammon with war increased the intensity, but without suspense. In conclusion, everything is tied up a bit too cleanly and nicely, so I am happy to know that a fifth book, Fortune and Fate is waiting to be read, because I feel like this book was not really a proper ending to the series.
I did like
This was my least favorite of the four Twelve Houses books that I have read, but still an enjoyable read. The least favorite of a series that I love. I adore Sharon Shinn’s writing, and the way she balances fantasy, suspense, romance, mystery and adventure. Definitely love the main characters. One of the best things about the series is that the pov shifts so that you have a chance to be inside each of the main character’s heads. I will continue to read anything that she has written.
Cammon and Amalie are both young and naive, which is at times endearing, and at other times annoying. Their ‘forbidden love’ plays out against a backdrop of the impending and then realized war (which has been impending since book one). The battles scenes were unpleasant to read. They left a lingering foulness in my mind. Smacking the ingenuous Amalie and wide-eyed Cammon with war increased the intensity, but without suspense. In conclusion, everything is tied up a bit too cleanly and nicely, so I am happy to know that a fifth book, Fortune and Fate is waiting to be read, because I feel like this book was not really a proper ending to the series.
I did like
This was my least favorite of the four Twelve Houses books that I have read, but still an enjoyable read. The least favorite of a series that I love. I adore Sharon Shinn’s writing, and the way she balances fantasy, suspense, romance, mystery and adventure. Definitely love the main characters. One of the best things about the series is that the pov shifts so that you have a chance to be inside each of the main character’s heads. I will continue to read anything that she has written.
July 9, 2017
Finally- the plot has struck!
This won't be a long review as it's been some time since I've read it, but I was pleased that the plot finally had some substance to it. (This series is primarily character driven/ i.e. romances). I was hoping for some more oomph from the romance between Cammon and Amalia, but it was tender nonetheless and really the book wasn't focusing on them as much (despite the blurb). I felt it was more of a Senneth/Tayse book, for which I was made immensely happy. Tayse coming to Senneth's rescue? Swoooon. Especially when dealing with Halchon.
I LOVED the scene where Cammon platonically taught Amalia some sex education by undressing for her and explaining what does what. CUTE. I liked how he and Valri would roll their eyes while eavesdropping on Amalia and her suitors. I loved how they all combined their powers at the end to defeat that old bat.
There was a bit too much grasping of romances here - Nate and Sabina, the Queen Valri and some old lover from the Lirrens, that rich friend of Kirra's falling for the peasant girl (who was the sister of pregnant girl in the first book). But I dug it anyway cause I'm a basic biatch. Totally disappointed by the lack of clarity over Kirra and Donnal's relationship. It sounds like a one-sided love story. I mean she loves him, but it feels like it's because she feels responsible for him. I think they need a separate story all their own, not just the second book.
This won't be a long review as it's been some time since I've read it, but I was pleased that the plot finally had some substance to it. (This series is primarily character driven/ i.e. romances). I was hoping for some more oomph from the romance between Cammon and Amalia, but it was tender nonetheless and really the book wasn't focusing on them as much (despite the blurb). I felt it was more of a Senneth/Tayse book, for which I was made immensely happy. Tayse coming to Senneth's rescue? Swoooon. Especially when dealing with Halchon.
I LOVED the scene where Cammon platonically taught Amalia some sex education by undressing for her and explaining what does what. CUTE. I liked how he and Valri would roll their eyes while eavesdropping on Amalia and her suitors. I loved how they all combined their powers at the end to defeat that old bat.
There was a bit too much grasping of romances here - Nate and Sabina, the Queen Valri and some old lover from the Lirrens, that rich friend of Kirra's falling for the peasant girl (who was the sister of pregnant girl in the first book). But I dug it anyway cause I'm a basic biatch. Totally disappointed by the lack of clarity over Kirra and Donnal's relationship. It sounds like a one-sided love story. I mean she loves him, but it feels like it's because she feels responsible for him. I think they need a separate story all their own, not just the second book.
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