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Uniting the Heavens
When gods and magic clash, salvation depends on a lowly librarian.
Aren is a librarian serving the great House of Tiede. His days are spent lost in the scrolls and legends of times past, and as an outcast he couldn't dream of a better life. When a dying messenger thrusts a bloodied, secret message on him, Aren is forced down a treacherous path to discover its meaning.
Now, to prove his worth he must protect his sister against mystical forces, save the Lord Tiede's life, unmask a murderer leaving grisly sacrifices around the city, and thwart a fanatical group of mages hellbent on destroying the gods.
Does a naïve, bumbling librarian have what it takes to save everyone and everything he loves?
Amazon #1 Bestseller in Teen & Young Adult Asian Myths & Legends eBooks
Amazon #3 Bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy (Kindle Store)
Amazon #4 Bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy (Books)
Aren is a librarian serving the great House of Tiede. His days are spent lost in the scrolls and legends of times past, and as an outcast he couldn't dream of a better life. When a dying messenger thrusts a bloodied, secret message on him, Aren is forced down a treacherous path to discover its meaning.
Now, to prove his worth he must protect his sister against mystical forces, save the Lord Tiede's life, unmask a murderer leaving grisly sacrifices around the city, and thwart a fanatical group of mages hellbent on destroying the gods.
Does a naïve, bumbling librarian have what it takes to save everyone and everything he loves?
Amazon #1 Bestseller in Teen & Young Adult Asian Myths & Legends eBooks
Amazon #3 Bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy (Kindle Store)
Amazon #4 Bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy (Books)
- GenresFantasy
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
19 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 9, 2016
I could not put it down! Uniting the Heavens hits the sweet spot of a quick read with the magic of rich character development and layered plot. When does book two come out?
January 2, 2019
I met Emily English at FaerieCon East this year and I am SO glad I did! I bought a copy of Uniting the Heavens there and read it over the next few weeks. It did take a little time to get into it, but once I did get into it, it grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I love the story line and the characters. I finished up the last few pages of the book and went to look when the next book will be published. I can hardly wait to read the next one!
June 4, 2017
Stars, What did you do to me? I'm suffering from a hangover and my mind are still playing the scenes from the last chapters where the whole Cordelacht/ Tiedans are fighting from the mages and summoned monster.
I want to make this whole review about Aren only, how he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, brave, very ideal brother, and a faithful citizen of Tiede. But of course that's foul, it will be unfair for the other characters. Let me tell you first all the adjectives about Aren. From the great choice of his name makes me imagine how handsome as God he is. Again, he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, brave, very ideal brother, and a faithful citizen of Tiede. Oh my gosh! I can't handle my giggles right now because again, he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, and brave. I know I'm very redundant but he's really so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, and very brave, that I can't help to repeat it again and again, Lol😅! His green eyes.. Is the most tantalizing pair for me😍. The way he loves and protects little Selina like his own sibling makes my heart melt. They are a siblings goal!
Stars, I think I'm in love with Aren😍😍! Ok fine! Did I said not only Aren will takes all the credits? Let's go to the Gods and Goddesses. My favorite Gods are Geir and Tanghi because they're in favor of Kaila and supports her no matter what the circumstance is. Alaric? I'm a bit disliking him for being so possessive. My first impression to Taia is a traitor. I sense that she has that kind of personality. I don't know if my deduction is right because they're will be a book 2 and we will find out that in the continuation. Another favorite character is Petraun. Though, he only have few contributions in the story, I still love this cute gnome. He reminds me of the seven dwarfs😂😂. The Gerrit brothers is the coolest buddy and I'm like "I wanna be there sister!" I hated Geyle for being such a whore! (oops! Sorry for the word) You can't blame me. She's flirting with Aren. It's because Lord Vir can't spare a time with her due to his obligations doesn't mean she will commit adultery. If I would be a Tiedan, I won't address her as a Lady because she's too flirt! flirt! flirt! Urgh... She's getting into my nerves! The Priestesses are so annoying too. They hated Aren as if he was the most jerkiest guy alive. Why? What on earth Aren done with you girls for you to loathe him? He's the hero after all (not to mention all the troubles he had been through for the sake of the cordelacht). Nianni, on the other hand, is so cute imagining how she frowned in annoyance everytime Aren make fun of her. We both know that our hero sometimes had this naughty attitude and it makes him hot! 🙊🙊(Don't ever think I'm pervert).
Ok, enough! I think I'm spilling all what's in the book. So let's get narrow it down. The first time I started reading it, I find it hard to put down. I even missed my meals most of the time and staying awake at night. But those hungers and eyebags are all worth it for this kind of book. Those portals, staff, swords, marks, summoned monsters, magics, and curses are what makes me addicted in to it. I remembered how I managed to suppress my shriek that midnight (only It's because I don't want to commit a public disturbance because neighborhood are snoring) when I already reached the bottom part and I want more, Some pages please.. 😭😭 The author have no idea that I'm really in the verge of insanity. She turned my world upside down during that moment. But I am so proud of her. As a fellow Filipina, you're a living proof that there are still someone who is saving our literature.
I ended up giving the story 5/5 without hesitation to think twice. The book and the author deserves it more than ever.
I'm still teary-eye, I am so much disappointed because Aren is just a fictional character living in a fictional world. There's no really chance for us😭😭😭-- I'm so doomed! 😖😖
RATINGS: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I want to make this whole review about Aren only, how he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, brave, very ideal brother, and a faithful citizen of Tiede. But of course that's foul, it will be unfair for the other characters. Let me tell you first all the adjectives about Aren. From the great choice of his name makes me imagine how handsome as God he is. Again, he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, brave, very ideal brother, and a faithful citizen of Tiede. Oh my gosh! I can't handle my giggles right now because again, he's so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, and brave. I know I'm very redundant but he's really so amazing, so perfectly handsome, so appealing, alluring, attractive, smart, and very brave, that I can't help to repeat it again and again, Lol😅! His green eyes.. Is the most tantalizing pair for me😍. The way he loves and protects little Selina like his own sibling makes my heart melt. They are a siblings goal!
Stars, I think I'm in love with Aren😍😍! Ok fine! Did I said not only Aren will takes all the credits? Let's go to the Gods and Goddesses. My favorite Gods are Geir and Tanghi because they're in favor of Kaila and supports her no matter what the circumstance is. Alaric? I'm a bit disliking him for being so possessive. My first impression to Taia is a traitor. I sense that she has that kind of personality. I don't know if my deduction is right because they're will be a book 2 and we will find out that in the continuation. Another favorite character is Petraun. Though, he only have few contributions in the story, I still love this cute gnome. He reminds me of the seven dwarfs😂😂. The Gerrit brothers is the coolest buddy and I'm like "I wanna be there sister!" I hated Geyle for being such a whore! (oops! Sorry for the word) You can't blame me. She's flirting with Aren. It's because Lord Vir can't spare a time with her due to his obligations doesn't mean she will commit adultery. If I would be a Tiedan, I won't address her as a Lady because she's too flirt! flirt! flirt! Urgh... She's getting into my nerves! The Priestesses are so annoying too. They hated Aren as if he was the most jerkiest guy alive. Why? What on earth Aren done with you girls for you to loathe him? He's the hero after all (not to mention all the troubles he had been through for the sake of the cordelacht). Nianni, on the other hand, is so cute imagining how she frowned in annoyance everytime Aren make fun of her. We both know that our hero sometimes had this naughty attitude and it makes him hot! 🙊🙊(Don't ever think I'm pervert).
Ok, enough! I think I'm spilling all what's in the book. So let's get narrow it down. The first time I started reading it, I find it hard to put down. I even missed my meals most of the time and staying awake at night. But those hungers and eyebags are all worth it for this kind of book. Those portals, staff, swords, marks, summoned monsters, magics, and curses are what makes me addicted in to it. I remembered how I managed to suppress my shriek that midnight (only It's because I don't want to commit a public disturbance because neighborhood are snoring) when I already reached the bottom part and I want more, Some pages please.. 😭😭 The author have no idea that I'm really in the verge of insanity. She turned my world upside down during that moment. But I am so proud of her. As a fellow Filipina, you're a living proof that there are still someone who is saving our literature.
I ended up giving the story 5/5 without hesitation to think twice. The book and the author deserves it more than ever.
I'm still teary-eye, I am so much disappointed because Aren is just a fictional character living in a fictional world. There's no really chance for us😭😭😭-- I'm so doomed! 😖😖
RATINGS: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 7, 2018
I was given a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advance Reader Opportunity Program.
You know, the problem with having a favourite genre, fantasy in my case, is that every book ends up feeling a bit the same and I end up fed up of it. So it is delightful to find books that reinvent the genre as beautifully as Uniting the Heavens. The word that comes to my mind when I think of Cordelacht is "colorful", not only for the actual colours, like the cover, but for the detail. I love how things are described, its mystical feel especially appropriate for Tiede Wood. Also, there is almost zero exposition. Except for the passages in which legends are told, the narrative lets the reader learn about the world as it is presented, which is very satisfying.
However, I think a bit more of exposition would have been helpful in order to clarify. I was confused about who Selina was for a while, because it really seemed that Aren had found her there and then in the wood, as a few examples. They weren't great things, but they kept me confused. And there is a weird disconnect between the fantasy tone of the setting, with its alchemy, scrolls, swords, magic and faeries, and some details, like the existence of electricity, biolights, genetics, guns or trains. These latter are secondary, mentioned in passing, but they break the immersion, as they require an industrialization degree not seen.
The characters were awesome. We follow several points of view, but mainly Aren, Apprentice at Tiede's library, and Kaila, the water goddess. It was really fun to read Aren. He is a mess, but witty, proactive and kind. However, him being discriminated against for being Unblessed was stated and allegedly a big deal, but never shown; he seems to get by quite nicely. I also think the author did a great job of making Selina, a six year old, an interesting character while keeping her age consistent. I could identify a lot with Kaila, wanting to do things for herself and always trying again despite failing. And I absolutely loved the whole dynamics among the other gods, their secrets and tensions.
The mage threat was established good and early, and the plot kept flowing from there. I liked how there were moments for everything without slowing the pace: family, past loves, mystery, foreign nobles, research, godly quarrels... It was sometimes a bit too fast in the sense that Aren passed from near-death experiences to flirting/studying/etc with too much ease. The identity reveal of the Catar was a bit anticlimatic , but that was only the beginning of the real climax, and that one was great and totally earned. It left me with the feeling that the threat was stopped, but only temporarily, and only then I realised how big the whole conflict is, and how many things are still unanswered.
If you are not used to reading novels I would tell you to read something lighter before Uniting the Heavens, as it has a lot of information packed in, both world and plot wise, and it can be hard to keep up. Besides that, I reccomend it to anyone, it is a great book. Personally, I'm eager to read the second one.
Thanks for reading!
You know, the problem with having a favourite genre, fantasy in my case, is that every book ends up feeling a bit the same and I end up fed up of it. So it is delightful to find books that reinvent the genre as beautifully as Uniting the Heavens. The word that comes to my mind when I think of Cordelacht is "colorful", not only for the actual colours, like the cover, but for the detail. I love how things are described, its mystical feel especially appropriate for Tiede Wood. Also, there is almost zero exposition. Except for the passages in which legends are told, the narrative lets the reader learn about the world as it is presented, which is very satisfying.
However, I think a bit more of exposition would have been helpful in order to clarify. I was confused about who Selina was for a while, because it really seemed that Aren had found her there and then in the wood, as a few examples. They weren't great things, but they kept me confused. And there is a weird disconnect between the fantasy tone of the setting, with its alchemy, scrolls, swords, magic and faeries, and some details, like the existence of electricity, biolights, genetics, guns or trains. These latter are secondary, mentioned in passing, but they break the immersion, as they require an industrialization degree not seen.
The characters were awesome. We follow several points of view, but mainly Aren, Apprentice at Tiede's library, and Kaila, the water goddess. It was really fun to read Aren. He is a mess, but witty, proactive and kind. However, him being discriminated against for being Unblessed was stated and allegedly a big deal, but never shown; he seems to get by quite nicely. I also think the author did a great job of making Selina, a six year old, an interesting character while keeping her age consistent. I could identify a lot with Kaila, wanting to do things for herself and always trying again despite failing. And I absolutely loved the whole dynamics among the other gods, their secrets and tensions.
The mage threat was established good and early, and the plot kept flowing from there. I liked how there were moments for everything without slowing the pace: family, past loves, mystery, foreign nobles, research, godly quarrels... It was sometimes a bit too fast in the sense that Aren passed from near-death experiences to flirting/studying/etc with too much ease. The identity reveal of the Catar was a bit anticlimatic , but that was only the beginning of the real climax, and that one was great and totally earned. It left me with the feeling that the threat was stopped, but only temporarily, and only then I realised how big the whole conflict is, and how many things are still unanswered.
If you are not used to reading novels I would tell you to read something lighter before Uniting the Heavens, as it has a lot of information packed in, both world and plot wise, and it can be hard to keep up. Besides that, I reccomend it to anyone, it is a great book. Personally, I'm eager to read the second one.
Thanks for reading!
November 8, 2016
This impressive debut fantasy novel is an imaginative tale of a lowly apprentice stepping up to defend his city against a mysterious, murderous monster. The grand library he works in is distinctly steampunk—filled with maps, scrolls, vials, and stardust “like sand glittering in the twilight”—and the dark forest he finds himself lost in is mythological in its ominousness and nearly inescapable. English’s storytelling is as compelling as her intricate world-building, and I’m excited about the prospect of a follow-up book to expand even deeper into the evocative realms of this universe.
June 27, 2018
Great book! I could barely put it down. I received it on Monday and I was done reading it by Saturday night of that week. The story was riveting and I could not wait to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
December 30, 2016
Good book.
March 4, 2017
Although this book was a slow start for me, once I got into it, the magic and my grabbed me and wouldn't let go! It was really enjoyable and is a worthwhile read!
February 26, 2019
I was given a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advance Reader Opportunity Program.
This is another one for which I wish I could give half stars, because I'd like to give it 2.5 stars. It wasn't that I disliked it, but I didn't exactly like it either. I've been thinking about it on and off ever since I actually finished it, trying to work out what exactly I think of it and why.
First of all, there was a lot of interesting stuff hinted at in the world. I liked the idea of a higher-tech fantasy world, and I liked the idea of the political and court intrigue. However, I think the world was very vaguely described, so I spent a lot of time confused and unsure what I should be picturing - I was just getting comfortable with the mental image of this as an urban and maybe Renaissance rather than medieval-styled world, but then suddenly the narrative casually mentions Aren having a pocket watch, and the House having electric light, and Hunters carrying guns. This confused me a lot, because up until that point there had been very little suggestion of that kind of technology level.
Overall, I think the main problem with the book and the thing that stops me giving it a higher rating was that it was difficult to follow. There were a lot of subplots and mysteries, most of which stretched the length of the book, which made the middle of the book drag a lot because it felt like I was just waiting to find out what was going on without having actually been given enough clues to try to work anything out for myself; it did often feel like the book was deliberately hiding information from me that the characters had, which was sometimes quite frustrating.
After a very draggy read in the middle, the pace at the end was downright frantic, which on some level makes sense because a deadline has hit in-book, but during the rest of the book I hadn't had much of a sense of mounting tension or time running out - we were just told from time to time that people were freaking out about possibly-a-serial-killer-maybe-plague-not-sure - so the sudden pace change was quite jarring. I think that could have been evened out a lot with more of a sense of urgency in the rest of the book.
That having been said, the last couple of chapters were a blast; the excitement level went up significantly, there were no complex mysteries that I didn't have enough material to follow, and there were few enough characters involved that I could remember who everybody was, so I came away with a good final impression, but I really wish the rest of the book had been that interesting.
So 2.5/5 stars. Good ideas, mostly draggy and confusing execution, good climax.
I may do a more extended review later, because I am still thinking about this book and definitely have more to say.
This is another one for which I wish I could give half stars, because I'd like to give it 2.5 stars. It wasn't that I disliked it, but I didn't exactly like it either. I've been thinking about it on and off ever since I actually finished it, trying to work out what exactly I think of it and why.
First of all, there was a lot of interesting stuff hinted at in the world. I liked the idea of a higher-tech fantasy world, and I liked the idea of the political and court intrigue. However, I think the world was very vaguely described, so I spent a lot of time confused and unsure what I should be picturing - I was just getting comfortable with the mental image of this as an urban and maybe Renaissance rather than medieval-styled world, but then suddenly the narrative casually mentions Aren having a pocket watch, and the House having electric light, and Hunters carrying guns. This confused me a lot, because up until that point there had been very little suggestion of that kind of technology level.
Overall, I think the main problem with the book and the thing that stops me giving it a higher rating was that it was difficult to follow. There were a lot of subplots and mysteries, most of which stretched the length of the book, which made the middle of the book drag a lot because it felt like I was just waiting to find out what was going on without having actually been given enough clues to try to work anything out for myself; it did often feel like the book was deliberately hiding information from me that the characters had, which was sometimes quite frustrating.
After a very draggy read in the middle, the pace at the end was downright frantic, which on some level makes sense because a deadline has hit in-book, but during the rest of the book I hadn't had much of a sense of mounting tension or time running out - we were just told from time to time that people were freaking out about possibly-a-serial-killer-maybe-plague-not-sure - so the sudden pace change was quite jarring. I think that could have been evened out a lot with more of a sense of urgency in the rest of the book.
That having been said, the last couple of chapters were a blast; the excitement level went up significantly, there were no complex mysteries that I didn't have enough material to follow, and there were few enough characters involved that I could remember who everybody was, so I came away with a good final impression, but I really wish the rest of the book had been that interesting.
So 2.5/5 stars. Good ideas, mostly draggy and confusing execution, good climax.
I may do a more extended review later, because I am still thinking about this book and definitely have more to say.
September 27, 2018
Such a good read!
I love the magic and mystery of the story as well as the mature themes (mostly because English acts mature while she's writing the story). I could read this book again and again.
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... and I have ;)
I love the magic and mystery of the story as well as the mature themes (mostly because English acts mature while she's writing the story). I could read this book again and again.
-
-
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... and I have ;)
April 27, 2017
Stars, what a book! I was pulled in from the very first chapter and taken on a exciting ride that would make even a gree nervous. Sinister things are afoot in the beautifully imaginative world of Cordelacht. What starts as a relaxing day for Aren, the young, bumbling apprentice, quickly leads to murder, mystery, and magic (not always the good kind). This story is full of striking characters and layered with mythology, humor, and intrigue that will keep the pages turning late into the night. I can't wait for the next book!
May 5, 2022
While the gods bicker and fight, the human world is up against a terrifying enemy -- mages wielding terrifying magic who are marching across the country, attacking with their powers and sometimes ripping holes in the very fabric of the world itself in the process. It's up to a scholar named Aren, with help from the people around him, to stop the mages from infiltrating and destroying his homeland.
Uniting the Heavens was a really great high fantasy tale once I got into it. The beginning, while not boring, is definitely throwing a whole lot of stuff at you and while there is a sort of low-grade tension from the events, I wasn't really invested in the bad things happening because the amount of stuff was a little overwhelming? But once we got settled into the setting proper, things started to align really well. By the end, I was hooked.
I had my issues with the story, though I don't imagine the problems I had will be problems for everyone. A lot of them centered on our main character, Aren. Sometimes he made some decisions I didn't really understand, and sometimes his interactions with other characters were confusing -- there's one character I could never tell if he hated, or was maybe flirting with? In that awful bullying way little children can sometimes act? But those moments came and went, and weren't enough to dampen my enjoyment overall. Also -- not something that would bother me but I'll note it since I know it will bother some of my friends -- Aren is inching into that awkward, overpowered, center-of-everything sort of character that some people don't like. In a weaker book, it might bother me, but it wasn't enough to bother me here. :)
I definitely need to check out the subsequent book. This was just a whole lot of fun to read, and unabashedly fantasy.
Uniting the Heavens was a really great high fantasy tale once I got into it. The beginning, while not boring, is definitely throwing a whole lot of stuff at you and while there is a sort of low-grade tension from the events, I wasn't really invested in the bad things happening because the amount of stuff was a little overwhelming? But once we got settled into the setting proper, things started to align really well. By the end, I was hooked.
I had my issues with the story, though I don't imagine the problems I had will be problems for everyone. A lot of them centered on our main character, Aren. Sometimes he made some decisions I didn't really understand, and sometimes his interactions with other characters were confusing -- there's one character I could never tell if he hated, or was maybe flirting with? In that awful bullying way little children can sometimes act? But those moments came and went, and weren't enough to dampen my enjoyment overall. Also -- not something that would bother me but I'll note it since I know it will bother some of my friends -- Aren is inching into that awkward, overpowered, center-of-everything sort of character that some people don't like. In a weaker book, it might bother me, but it wasn't enough to bother me here. :)
I definitely need to check out the subsequent book. This was just a whole lot of fun to read, and unabashedly fantasy.
April 22, 2020
It is so easy to get immersed in this charming and complex Adult Fantasy novel by Emily English. If you are a fan of complex world-building, mystery, and all the great story-telling elements from an awesome RPG (such as Final Fantasy or Elder Scrolls) then this book will be right up your alley!
After receiving a message under life or death circumstances, Aren and his adopted sister Selina get caught up in a complicated game between gods, rulers, and mages, all the while never knowing just who they can trust. Aren is such a delightful character to follow, in both his bluntness and in his delicate approach to those he cares for. And in terms of endings, this book delivers such an epic climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I don’t typically read adult books, but Emily is such a skilled writer, masterly weaving her story together, that I’ve found myself going back to reread this story multiple times!
*Content Disclosure:
While the content isn’t too in your face, this is still an adult fantasy that contains the following:
Language: Strong cusswords are present, but sparse.
Violence: there are some pretty gory and intense scenes, especially near the climax.
Supernatural Elements: Magic, fate tied to god blessings, mythical creatures, and god-powers are all present.
Sexual/Relationship Content: Refreshingly tame for an adult fantasy. Sex is joked about or implied, but not shown.
Thematic Content: There is a pantheon of gods, possession/oracle moments, and implications of abuse.
If this sounds good to you, give it a read and enjoy!
*(Note, this disclosure is based off of my background and bias from a Christian worldview. As this is just my personal opinion, it is not intended in any way to negatively reflect on the author, publisher, or anyone else who worked on this book. This is simply to provide transparency about content and let you, the reader, decide if you are comfortable with reading the book or not.)
After receiving a message under life or death circumstances, Aren and his adopted sister Selina get caught up in a complicated game between gods, rulers, and mages, all the while never knowing just who they can trust. Aren is such a delightful character to follow, in both his bluntness and in his delicate approach to those he cares for. And in terms of endings, this book delivers such an epic climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I don’t typically read adult books, but Emily is such a skilled writer, masterly weaving her story together, that I’ve found myself going back to reread this story multiple times!
*Content Disclosure:
While the content isn’t too in your face, this is still an adult fantasy that contains the following:
Language: Strong cusswords are present, but sparse.
Violence: there are some pretty gory and intense scenes, especially near the climax.
Supernatural Elements: Magic, fate tied to god blessings, mythical creatures, and god-powers are all present.
Sexual/Relationship Content: Refreshingly tame for an adult fantasy. Sex is joked about or implied, but not shown.
Thematic Content: There is a pantheon of gods, possession/oracle moments, and implications of abuse.
If this sounds good to you, give it a read and enjoy!
*(Note, this disclosure is based off of my background and bias from a Christian worldview. As this is just my personal opinion, it is not intended in any way to negatively reflect on the author, publisher, or anyone else who worked on this book. This is simply to provide transparency about content and let you, the reader, decide if you are comfortable with reading the book or not.)
January 29, 2020
A more accurate rating would be 3.5, but I decided to round up.
I've been reading a lot of self-published books lately, in an effort to help independent artists. While many of them have good writing and good ideas, it's often clear that they should have had just one more rewrite, or have been put under the sort of editorial scrutiny that a publishing firm would place on the author. This is one of those books. Somewhere in there is a 5-star book, make no mistake. The writing is solid and flows well, without trying too hard or being too minimal. The main characters are 3-dimensional and likable. The central conflict is interesting. The beginning and the end move at an action-movie pace. The universe and its religious system, while unfortunately underdeveloped (or, at least, developed but underexplained), has a ton of potential.
But as is common in fantasy novels (why I tend to be a low-fantasy person), the author forgets that the readers are not as familiar with their universe as they are. I understand tell-don't-show, but when you're introducing a complex new setting, religious system, and a ZILLION (like seriously, too many in my opinion) characters with (often similar) made-up fantasy names, you either need to slow down and spend more time on exposition or at least do it the ol' fashioned way and have a map and index included. I understand that George RR Martin has popularized writing your fantasy novel with more subplots than you can shake a stick at, but I think focusing your story almost always works much better.
All in all, I had my issues with this book, but I would certainly be interested in reading more from this author as she hones her skill.
I've been reading a lot of self-published books lately, in an effort to help independent artists. While many of them have good writing and good ideas, it's often clear that they should have had just one more rewrite, or have been put under the sort of editorial scrutiny that a publishing firm would place on the author. This is one of those books. Somewhere in there is a 5-star book, make no mistake. The writing is solid and flows well, without trying too hard or being too minimal. The main characters are 3-dimensional and likable. The central conflict is interesting. The beginning and the end move at an action-movie pace. The universe and its religious system, while unfortunately underdeveloped (or, at least, developed but underexplained), has a ton of potential.
But as is common in fantasy novels (why I tend to be a low-fantasy person), the author forgets that the readers are not as familiar with their universe as they are. I understand tell-don't-show, but when you're introducing a complex new setting, religious system, and a ZILLION (like seriously, too many in my opinion) characters with (often similar) made-up fantasy names, you either need to slow down and spend more time on exposition or at least do it the ol' fashioned way and have a map and index included. I understand that George RR Martin has popularized writing your fantasy novel with more subplots than you can shake a stick at, but I think focusing your story almost always works much better.
All in all, I had my issues with this book, but I would certainly be interested in reading more from this author as she hones her skill.
January 12, 2017
A book full of mythology, magic, and endearing characters. Interested to know what's in store for their futures.
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