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The Saga of Willow North #1
Pretender to the Crown
Willow North is a thief, and despite her secret magical talent for sensing worked metal, she has never wanted to be anything else. But when her former fiancé appears on her doorstep with the eight-year-old King of Tremontane in tow, she is drawn into the political conflict surrounding the boy King's ascension. His uncle, a powerful Ascendant with the magic of manipulating the elements, murdered the old King and intends to kill young King Felix.
Willow intends only to take the boy to safety, but as the days pass, she finds herself increasingly attached to Felix and unwilling to leave him once he's safe. But the pretender to the Crown has a long reach, and as his men close in on the fugitives, it seems nowhere may be safe.
Willow intends only to take the boy to safety, but as the days pass, she finds herself increasingly attached to Felix and unwilling to leave him once he's safe. But the pretender to the Crown has a long reach, and as his men close in on the fugitives, it seems nowhere may be safe.
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First published September 19, 2017
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About the author
Melissa McShane
94 books860 followersMelissa grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 26, 2018
3.5 stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Pretender to the Crown (2017) follows the adventures of Willow North, a professional thief who’s always been a lone wolf type of personality. Willow has an inherent magical talent for sensing worked metals: she both sees it ― even in total darkness and through walls ― and feels it. It’s a particularly handy talent for a thief, since she can see where metal jewelry is hidden and when guards with swords are approaching. Anyone with a strong magical talent is required by law to study to become a mage or “Ascendant,” but Willow holds such bitter feelings against Ascendants, who are typically arrogant and abusive, that she hides her talent and uses it for burglary instead.
Willow’s life as a thief gets upended when her former fiancé Kerish, who she hasn’t seen for five years, unexpectedly shows up asking for her help: the king of Tremontane has been assassinated by his Ascendant brother Terence Valant, Kerish’s former employer, who is now usurping the crown, in disregard of the fact the Ascendants are legally prohibited from ruling Tremontane. Now the dead king's eight year old son Felix, the heir to the throne, is in grave danger, hunted by Terence and his armies of soldiers and Ascendants. Kerish has rescued Felix from the palace and now wants to sneak Felix out of Tremontane to his own country of Eskandel, and who better to help Kerish sneak Felix out of the country than his former girlfriend Willow, the thief?
Pretender to the Crown is the first book in the SAGA OF WILLOW NORTH trilogy, which is a prequel series to the CROWN OF TREMONTANE series by Melissa McShane that I've enjoyed very much. McShane’s books tend to hit my sweet spot of intelligently written fantasies with a fairly strong romance element. In this new series we jump back a couple of centuries to find out the history of one of the prominent members of the North family, which is ruling Tremontane in the later books. It's fascinating to see Willow North’s humble beginnings and the twisted path that will lead her to a place she never expected or wanted to go.
The characters are well-drawn and complex, though the romance subplot in Pretender to the Crown is frustrating. Willow and Kerish have a deep divide over their views of what type of life they should live, which is understandable, but it turns into one of those relationships where you want to shake some sense into both parties and tell them to just communicate with each other. Felix Valant is a charming boy who elicits your sympathy for the difficult situation he’s in.
McShane takes on a challenge in developing the Escandelic society, where the leading families form polygamous harems, with one prince married to several women. At least to some extent, that’s offset by the fact that it’s a matriarchal society, where the wives make the key political decisions on behalf of their principality. For the most part it felt quite realistic, with Kerish’s family having distinct personalities, issues and concerns relating to their lives, their principality, and the chances that Willow and Kerish are asking them to take.
Pretender to the Crown ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so interested readers should plan on reading the entire trilogy. The second book, Guardian of the Crown, has also been published, with the third still pending. This book, and the series thus far, has some slow spots but overall has kept me engaged and interested in what happens next.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the author for review. Thank you!
Pretender to the Crown (2017) follows the adventures of Willow North, a professional thief who’s always been a lone wolf type of personality. Willow has an inherent magical talent for sensing worked metals: she both sees it ― even in total darkness and through walls ― and feels it. It’s a particularly handy talent for a thief, since she can see where metal jewelry is hidden and when guards with swords are approaching. Anyone with a strong magical talent is required by law to study to become a mage or “Ascendant,” but Willow holds such bitter feelings against Ascendants, who are typically arrogant and abusive, that she hides her talent and uses it for burglary instead.
Willow’s life as a thief gets upended when her former fiancé Kerish, who she hasn’t seen for five years, unexpectedly shows up asking for her help: the king of Tremontane has been assassinated by his Ascendant brother Terence Valant, Kerish’s former employer, who is now usurping the crown, in disregard of the fact the Ascendants are legally prohibited from ruling Tremontane. Now the dead king's eight year old son Felix, the heir to the throne, is in grave danger, hunted by Terence and his armies of soldiers and Ascendants. Kerish has rescued Felix from the palace and now wants to sneak Felix out of Tremontane to his own country of Eskandel, and who better to help Kerish sneak Felix out of the country than his former girlfriend Willow, the thief?
Pretender to the Crown is the first book in the SAGA OF WILLOW NORTH trilogy, which is a prequel series to the CROWN OF TREMONTANE series by Melissa McShane that I've enjoyed very much. McShane’s books tend to hit my sweet spot of intelligently written fantasies with a fairly strong romance element. In this new series we jump back a couple of centuries to find out the history of one of the prominent members of the North family, which is ruling Tremontane in the later books. It's fascinating to see Willow North’s humble beginnings and the twisted path that will lead her to a place she never expected or wanted to go.
The characters are well-drawn and complex, though the romance subplot in Pretender to the Crown is frustrating. Willow and Kerish have a deep divide over their views of what type of life they should live, which is understandable, but it turns into one of those relationships where you want to shake some sense into both parties and tell them to just communicate with each other. Felix Valant is a charming boy who elicits your sympathy for the difficult situation he’s in.
McShane takes on a challenge in developing the Escandelic society, where the leading families form polygamous harems, with one prince married to several women. At least to some extent, that’s offset by the fact that it’s a matriarchal society, where the wives make the key political decisions on behalf of their principality. For the most part it felt quite realistic, with Kerish’s family having distinct personalities, issues and concerns relating to their lives, their principality, and the chances that Willow and Kerish are asking them to take.
Pretender to the Crown ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so interested readers should plan on reading the entire trilogy. The second book, Guardian of the Crown, has also been published, with the third still pending. This book, and the series thus far, has some slow spots but overall has kept me engaged and interested in what happens next.
I received a free copy of this ebook from the author for review. Thank you!
September 20, 2017
Yes, I'm reviewing another of Melissa's books. And yeah, feel free to disregard this as hopelessly biased—even more so as I show up in the dedication of this one. I do try to be honest in all my reviews and these are no different, but I am pretty close to the material.
Willow North is a thief with a favorite prey: Tremontane's magical Ascendants. The largely unaccountable Ascendants act with a great deal of impunity and arrogance and Willow hates that and everything they stand for. So much so that it comes between her and Kerish, the man who captured her heart. Still, when he comes to her in the dead of night with the young heir to the throne in tow she finds herself unwilling to cast them out without helping at all. And thus begins a journey that takes her far, indeed, both physically and emotionally.
I love Melissa's strong heroines and Willow is no exception. She's competent and self-assured and unwilling to compromise on the things that are important to her even when that seriously complicates her life. I particularly enjoyed seeing her fall in love with the eight year-old boy king and become his protector, first by the necessity of being the only one willing and able to step up, but eventually in his own right as the boy who needs both her love and protection. And I tell you, Felix rips my heart out, every. single. time.
I also ache for Kerish, though more subtly so. He's obviously trying to bridge the gap between them, but Willow has a hard time getting past the pain of their parting all those years ago. And, to be honest, he does as well and that's heartbreaking, too.
If there's a drawback to the book, it's that the trilogy really does encompass a single, coherent story and this one ends with a lot still to be resolved. It isn't a cliffhanger in the sense that nobody is in danger or lost or anything. But there is a number of open issues that will be addressed in the next book, so if that's going to bother you, then I highly suggest waiting a month or two for the others to be published. That said, it's an excellent story and one I very much enjoy, even after having read it several times and coming back again for another go.
About the magic: For those wondering about Tremontane's magic, this book has a ton more detail than the others. Many of the things that are so common in the other books are being invented in this one and the origins of the hatred against those with inherent magic becomes pretty clear while we're at it.
Willow North is a thief with a favorite prey: Tremontane's magical Ascendants. The largely unaccountable Ascendants act with a great deal of impunity and arrogance and Willow hates that and everything they stand for. So much so that it comes between her and Kerish, the man who captured her heart. Still, when he comes to her in the dead of night with the young heir to the throne in tow she finds herself unwilling to cast them out without helping at all. And thus begins a journey that takes her far, indeed, both physically and emotionally.
I love Melissa's strong heroines and Willow is no exception. She's competent and self-assured and unwilling to compromise on the things that are important to her even when that seriously complicates her life. I particularly enjoyed seeing her fall in love with the eight year-old boy king and become his protector, first by the necessity of being the only one willing and able to step up, but eventually in his own right as the boy who needs both her love and protection. And I tell you, Felix rips my heart out, every. single. time.
I also ache for Kerish, though more subtly so. He's obviously trying to bridge the gap between them, but Willow has a hard time getting past the pain of their parting all those years ago. And, to be honest, he does as well and that's heartbreaking, too.
If there's a drawback to the book, it's that the trilogy really does encompass a single, coherent story and this one ends with a lot still to be resolved. It isn't a cliffhanger in the sense that nobody is in danger or lost or anything. But there is a number of open issues that will be addressed in the next book, so if that's going to bother you, then I highly suggest waiting a month or two for the others to be published. That said, it's an excellent story and one I very much enjoy, even after having read it several times and coming back again for another go.
About the magic: For those wondering about Tremontane's magic, this book has a ton more detail than the others. Many of the things that are so common in the other books are being invented in this one and the origins of the hatred against those with inherent magic becomes pretty clear while we're at it.
Read
September 26, 2017This is a solid, fast-paced beginning to what is going to be a larger story arc (The Saga of Willow North). Readers familiar with McShane's Tremontane world will know the name Willow North from earlier stories, and so we know (kind of) how this ends. The question is, how did she get there?
I love origin stories that begin with the focal character not the least aware of their destiny. Willow is a thief, half-feral in her emotional isolation, and yet she possesses enough of a moral center to spark self-examination, even when it's uncomfortable. The only family she has is a grandmother with whom she has a terrible relationship, so trust is another big issue for her--the only truly reliable person in her life is herself. So when, on a job, she encounters a cute young man, she has no emotional armor against attraction.
. We jump to five years later, and Willow is more determinedly isolated than ever when Kerish, her young man, re-emerges in her life . . . with a little boy in tow.
And the story takes off from there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of action and emotional dynamics between all three characters as they run from deadly threat. The world is sketched in lightly, as the narrative voice sticks closely to what Willow sees and experiences; her encounter with a different culture built around complex family connections underscores her sometimes painful emotional evolution. I found the central relationship absorbing and believable .
Humor and fast action trade off with moments of beauty and wonder as three disparate people form an unlikely family, observed wryly by a fourth. My heart especially went out to Felix, who I thought especially well done as a character.
This volume ends at an interesting decision point, and McShane makes believable how Willow slowly, and reluctantly, comes to make it. It promises to throw the story wide open in the next installment, which I look forward to very much.
Copy provided by author.
I love origin stories that begin with the focal character not the least aware of their destiny. Willow is a thief, half-feral in her emotional isolation, and yet she possesses enough of a moral center to spark self-examination, even when it's uncomfortable. The only family she has is a grandmother with whom she has a terrible relationship, so trust is another big issue for her--the only truly reliable person in her life is herself. So when, on a job, she encounters a cute young man, she has no emotional armor against attraction.
. We jump to five years later, and Willow is more determinedly isolated than ever when Kerish, her young man, re-emerges in her life . . . with a little boy in tow.
And the story takes off from there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of action and emotional dynamics between all three characters as they run from deadly threat. The world is sketched in lightly, as the narrative voice sticks closely to what Willow sees and experiences; her encounter with a different culture built around complex family connections underscores her sometimes painful emotional evolution. I found the central relationship absorbing and believable .
Humor and fast action trade off with moments of beauty and wonder as three disparate people form an unlikely family, observed wryly by a fourth. My heart especially went out to Felix, who I thought especially well done as a character.
This volume ends at an interesting decision point, and McShane makes believable how Willow slowly, and reluctantly, comes to make it. It promises to throw the story wide open in the next installment, which I look forward to very much.
Copy provided by author.
Read
November 8, 2022Re-read 10/20/22, on a plane coming home from India, out of curiosity to see if the series holds together if a reader starts here, the earliest chronological point.
Read August 15, 2017: The first Tremontane book I wrote was Agent of the Crown (which is the third novel in the series, but that's a different story). In it, I included a throwaway line by the main character to the effect that she felt sorry for her ancestor Willow North because that was such a frivolous name. At the time, I had no idea Willow would ever be anything but a one-time joke.
Fast-forward two years, when I'd written the other two Tremontane novels and decided to mention Willow again in both, just for fun. Willow's character had started to take shape and become interesting--she didn't start out as Queen, she was a thief, and she had some kind of inherent magic. It was my husband who came up with the key to Willow's character, that she had the ability to sense worked metal, and from there the story came alive.
What I did not expect was that it would become a trilogy. I didn't realize when I started just how big a story I was trying to tell: Willow, roped into protecting the young King of Tremontane, ends up an important part of his regaining the throne. That's a lot of material to cover in just one book. So Willow's trilogy is effectively one story, but each volume is more or less self-contained in that Willow changes because of the events of each one. Willow's journey begins here, is continued in Guardian of the Crown, and is concluded in Champion of the Crown.
The first chapter of this book won the League of Utah Writers First Chapter contest in 2016. The judge's comment was "It's just like Assassin's Creed, but with a woman main character." I'm not sure how accurate that is, but I appreciate the compliment.
Read August 15, 2017: The first Tremontane book I wrote was Agent of the Crown (which is the third novel in the series, but that's a different story). In it, I included a throwaway line by the main character to the effect that she felt sorry for her ancestor Willow North because that was such a frivolous name. At the time, I had no idea Willow would ever be anything but a one-time joke.
Fast-forward two years, when I'd written the other two Tremontane novels and decided to mention Willow again in both, just for fun. Willow's character had started to take shape and become interesting--she didn't start out as Queen, she was a thief, and she had some kind of inherent magic. It was my husband who came up with the key to Willow's character, that she had the ability to sense worked metal, and from there the story came alive.
What I did not expect was that it would become a trilogy. I didn't realize when I started just how big a story I was trying to tell: Willow, roped into protecting the young King of Tremontane, ends up an important part of his regaining the throne. That's a lot of material to cover in just one book. So Willow's trilogy is effectively one story, but each volume is more or less self-contained in that Willow changes because of the events of each one. Willow's journey begins here, is continued in Guardian of the Crown, and is concluded in Champion of the Crown.
The first chapter of this book won the League of Utah Writers First Chapter contest in 2016. The judge's comment was "It's just like Assassin's Creed, but with a woman main character." I'm not sure how accurate that is, but I appreciate the compliment.
May 20, 2020
“I can’t believe you didn’t notice me. Either you’re slipping, or I’ve become unbelievably stealthy.”
“I was thinking of something else.”
“I remember someone telling me that excuses only get you killed.”
“Whoever she was, she was smart. Too bad she didn’t listen to her own advice.”
“She also said good advice was like snow in summer: rare, fleeting, and ultimately useless.”
“Definitely a smart woman. I’d like to meet her.”
“You’d like her. I do.”
“Do you?”
I was engaged enough when I read this, but I'm not sure if I like it. There's so much going on, and not enough at the same time. I appreciate the cultural diversity between the characters, it's explained well. I think it's the charm. It makes the characters more fascinating than it is.
“I was thinking of something else.”
“I remember someone telling me that excuses only get you killed.”
“Whoever she was, she was smart. Too bad she didn’t listen to her own advice.”
“She also said good advice was like snow in summer: rare, fleeting, and ultimately useless.”
“Definitely a smart woman. I’d like to meet her.”
“You’d like her. I do.”
“Do you?”
I was engaged enough when I read this, but I'm not sure if I like it. There's so much going on, and not enough at the same time. I appreciate the cultural diversity between the characters, it's explained well. I think it's the charm. It makes the characters more fascinating than it is.
September 4, 2019
I got an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review :) long story short... I am absolutely in love with this story... if I could I would start the sequel straight away... and not only because this one ends on a sort of a cliffhanger ;) it's a fantasy story, first one in a series, and like the title suggests, it's the beginning of a saga about Willow :) so yeah, you will have to read the books in order to understand all the connections :) but it's going to be a trilogy, and the rest of the books are going to be published in the upcoming months, so no long wait for us... you will understand why I'm so grateful for that fact once you read this awesome book :) so let me tell you a bit more about the world and our main heroine :)
Like I mentioned before, this is a fantasy story... and it's actually set in the same world as one of Melissa's other series The crown of Tremontane, only some time before the events of said series... but don't worry if you are not caught up with her work, this one works perfectly well as the beginning of your friendship with her stories ;) it may be even better if you haven't read that other series because... well... let's just say that Willow is a very well known person... so since I read the first book in that series I sort-of-a-little-bit know how her story will end... but just one general thing... and let me tell you... I am dying to know how she got from being a thief to... you'll see ;) because yeah, she's a thief... a very skilled one, partially thanks to her inner talent of sensing worked metal... I'm sorry, but that is just such a cool talent... trust me, I am not doing it justice, it's explained and showed much better in the actual book :) but that changes quickly when a man from her past visits her, with a young boy king in tow, as they are both running away from assassins... :) that is when we begin our journey full of adventures :) now that we have it out of the way, let me try to share all of the awesomeness of this book :)
To be honest... I'm not sure where to start :) this story was just sooooo good :) I adored Willow as the main character... she's smart, resourceful and clever... definitely not perfect, but quite a badass :) *sighs happily* I need to know more about her... :) I need to more about a lot of stuff actually :) mainly because the writing style was so phenomenal, and the story so full of surprises I am so invested in it, I need the sequel ASAP in my hands... the best proof? right at the beginning... here I am enjoying the story and how it goes and then BAM! six years time jump in the third chapter... and I was like *whaaaaaaa...?* ;) and then promptly get back to reading... :) this is a novel full of diverse and interesting worlds I can't wait to explore more... these worlds are filled with a variety of entertaining characters... that again, I can't wait to get to know more about... and a lot of them are strong and smart women :) the banter between different characters, the interactions and relationships are so complex... *sighs dreamily* I very highly recommend all of you to give this amazing gem a try, you will not regret it :)
XOXO
A
Like I mentioned before, this is a fantasy story... and it's actually set in the same world as one of Melissa's other series The crown of Tremontane, only some time before the events of said series... but don't worry if you are not caught up with her work, this one works perfectly well as the beginning of your friendship with her stories ;) it may be even better if you haven't read that other series because... well... let's just say that Willow is a very well known person... so since I read the first book in that series I sort-of-a-little-bit know how her story will end... but just one general thing... and let me tell you... I am dying to know how she got from being a thief to... you'll see ;) because yeah, she's a thief... a very skilled one, partially thanks to her inner talent of sensing worked metal... I'm sorry, but that is just such a cool talent... trust me, I am not doing it justice, it's explained and showed much better in the actual book :) but that changes quickly when a man from her past visits her, with a young boy king in tow, as they are both running away from assassins... :) that is when we begin our journey full of adventures :) now that we have it out of the way, let me try to share all of the awesomeness of this book :)
To be honest... I'm not sure where to start :) this story was just sooooo good :) I adored Willow as the main character... she's smart, resourceful and clever... definitely not perfect, but quite a badass :) *sighs happily* I need to know more about her... :) I need to more about a lot of stuff actually :) mainly because the writing style was so phenomenal, and the story so full of surprises I am so invested in it, I need the sequel ASAP in my hands... the best proof? right at the beginning... here I am enjoying the story and how it goes and then BAM! six years time jump in the third chapter... and I was like *whaaaaaaa...?* ;) and then promptly get back to reading... :) this is a novel full of diverse and interesting worlds I can't wait to explore more... these worlds are filled with a variety of entertaining characters... that again, I can't wait to get to know more about... and a lot of them are strong and smart women :) the banter between different characters, the interactions and relationships are so complex... *sighs dreamily* I very highly recommend all of you to give this amazing gem a try, you will not regret it :)
XOXO
A
September 19, 2017
I've been a big fan of the Crown of Tremontane books since I picked up the first one. After finishing the first three (in publication order) I really really wanted to know more about Willow North, who is teased often, but as she was the first Queen of Tremontane centuries before the events of Servant all we ever got were those hints.
Well...hint no more! Beginning with Pretender to the Crown we get the story of Willow North, and I love it. I'm sure if I really wanted to get critical I could find things to point out, but one of the joys with these stories is how they draw you in and invite you to stay. The pacing and characters work so well together. I like Willow and Kerish and Felix as the central hub of the action, though they connect very well outside of themselves as well. I like the hints of what is to come, and I love spending time in Eskandel where we get to see another side to the cultures and people of the Tremontane world.
This is book one in a trilogy which is a classic trilogy of three books all rolling together to tell one big story. The end isn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it is about the third way point of the story and doesn't complete all of the arc though it addresses several smaller arcs. It'll be so fun when all three of these are out and can be read back to back to get the full continuity.
Go Willow! (She's my favorite).
I received an ARC to read all review opinions are mine.
Well...hint no more! Beginning with Pretender to the Crown we get the story of Willow North, and I love it. I'm sure if I really wanted to get critical I could find things to point out, but one of the joys with these stories is how they draw you in and invite you to stay. The pacing and characters work so well together. I like Willow and Kerish and Felix as the central hub of the action, though they connect very well outside of themselves as well. I like the hints of what is to come, and I love spending time in Eskandel where we get to see another side to the cultures and people of the Tremontane world.
This is book one in a trilogy which is a classic trilogy of three books all rolling together to tell one big story. The end isn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it is about the third way point of the story and doesn't complete all of the arc though it addresses several smaller arcs. It'll be so fun when all three of these are out and can be read back to back to get the full continuity.
Go Willow! (She's my favorite).
I received an ARC to read all review opinions are mine.
September 16, 2017
This is a prequel to The Crown of Tremontane series. I haven’t had a chance to read that series yet, and am looking forward to it even more after reading this book.
I love the worlds Melissa McShane creates! And she always has great characters! I really liked Willow and Kerish. They are so different, and it’s cost them, but their chemistry is undeniable. Felix is precious. He is so sweet and has a great desire to be a good king. I loved watching Willow’s motivations for helping Felix grow and change over time. Apart from the main characters, the book is full of unique and interesting people. The Eskandel culture was intriguing and I look forward to learning more about how their society functions.
There are so many twists and turns. I was so caught up in the story. When I thought I could finally take a breath…bang…something else would happen. I am so curious to see where the story goes from here. Willow’s life has definitely taken a different path than she ever expected, and I want to see how she handles it all.
This book is part of a series, and does end with a cliffhanger. It’s a good separating point for the books, but if you like a complete story, wait until the whole series is out. :)
I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
I love the worlds Melissa McShane creates! And she always has great characters! I really liked Willow and Kerish. They are so different, and it’s cost them, but their chemistry is undeniable. Felix is precious. He is so sweet and has a great desire to be a good king. I loved watching Willow’s motivations for helping Felix grow and change over time. Apart from the main characters, the book is full of unique and interesting people. The Eskandel culture was intriguing and I look forward to learning more about how their society functions.
There are so many twists and turns. I was so caught up in the story. When I thought I could finally take a breath…bang…something else would happen. I am so curious to see where the story goes from here. Willow’s life has definitely taken a different path than she ever expected, and I want to see how she handles it all.
This book is part of a series, and does end with a cliffhanger. It’s a good separating point for the books, but if you like a complete story, wait until the whole series is out. :)
I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
October 6, 2017
Wow - the pacing in this book is spot on! It grabbed me right from the first chapter and didn't let go. Even when it dropped me on my ear two chapters later.
I like the main characters a lot. The arguments and problems feel very real, and I like that they don't just magically solve them without any effort. And neither just gives in to the other. Hopefully that continues as they work things out in the arc of the trilogy. (Yes - this is a series, which didn't sink in until I finished reading. Gaaaah!)
The expansion of the Tremontane world is fun, and the descriptions of places are particularly vivid. The Eskandel culture is really interesting, particularly the harems. I like this glance back to the origins of the later books. Willow is just fun.
I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the trilogy!
I got an ARC for this book. The review is all me.
I like the main characters a lot. The arguments and problems feel very real, and I like that they don't just magically solve them without any effort. And neither just gives in to the other. Hopefully that continues as they work things out in the arc of the trilogy. (Yes - this is a series, which didn't sink in until I finished reading. Gaaaah!)
The expansion of the Tremontane world is fun, and the descriptions of places are particularly vivid. The Eskandel culture is really interesting, particularly the harems. I like this glance back to the origins of the later books. Willow is just fun.
I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the trilogy!
I got an ARC for this book. The review is all me.
October 3, 2019
This might be my favorite book set in the Tremontane universe yet. And, since it's a prequel series set hundreds of years before Servant of the Crown, it's a good place to start if you're interested.
Willow North is content with her life as a thief. Her prey of choice are Ascendants, or mages, who abuse their power. Willow has inherent magic of her own - the ability to sense worked metal - but she abhors the Ascendants and their power-hungry ways.
However, her life is uprooted when her ex-fiancé, Kerish, arrives in her house with the eight-year-old heir to the throne in tow. Except the young Felix Valant is no longer the heir - his father was assassinated and overthrown by his uncle, and Felix is now the rightful King of Tremontane. Kerish has come to Willow in hopes that she will be able to get them out of the city safely, as Felix's life is in danger. This book follows their journey from the capital of Tremontane to Kerish's homeland in Eskandel.
I really liked all three of the main characters. Willow is a competent, courageous and caring heroine - you can see where her descendants, which we follow in the Crown of Tremontane series, get their personalities from. It was lovely watching her relationship to Felix grow throughout the novel, and he is one of the better children characters I've come across lately. I do feel like he's a bit too mature for his age, but I can understand that considering his upbringing as a future king and the recent trauma he's experienced.
And Kerish just might be my favorite male character in the Tremontane books so far. He is charming and protective of both Willow and Felix without being overbearing. I like that he and Willow have a history together - the story would not have worked as well if they had been strangers, or only friends, when they first began their journey. I did want to knock some sense into both of them and make them talk to each other at times, because it was so obvious they still love each other, but I have hope for a reconciliation between them in the sequel.
This book ends on kind of an odd spot, being neither a climatic battle or a glorious moment when Felix is announced as the heir or anything quite so exciting or dramatic. It threw me off a little bit, but since the series is already published, I just went right into the next book.
All in all, a great start to Willow's adventures. I'm looking forward to learning more about Eskandelic culture, how she will rekindle her romance with Kerish, what will happen to Felix, how Willow's family will become the ruling dynasty in Tremontane, and more in the rest of the series.
Disclaimer: I do know the author, if only through Goodreads, and while that is the reason I was aware of and decided to read this book, it has not influenced my rating. She did not contact me to ask me to read or review this book.
Willow North is content with her life as a thief. Her prey of choice are Ascendants, or mages, who abuse their power. Willow has inherent magic of her own - the ability to sense worked metal - but she abhors the Ascendants and their power-hungry ways.
However, her life is uprooted when her ex-fiancé, Kerish, arrives in her house with the eight-year-old heir to the throne in tow. Except the young Felix Valant is no longer the heir - his father was assassinated and overthrown by his uncle, and Felix is now the rightful King of Tremontane. Kerish has come to Willow in hopes that she will be able to get them out of the city safely, as Felix's life is in danger. This book follows their journey from the capital of Tremontane to Kerish's homeland in Eskandel.
I really liked all three of the main characters. Willow is a competent, courageous and caring heroine - you can see where her descendants, which we follow in the Crown of Tremontane series, get their personalities from. It was lovely watching her relationship to Felix grow throughout the novel, and he is one of the better children characters I've come across lately. I do feel like he's a bit too mature for his age, but I can understand that considering his upbringing as a future king and the recent trauma he's experienced.
And Kerish just might be my favorite male character in the Tremontane books so far. He is charming and protective of both Willow and Felix without being overbearing. I like that he and Willow have a history together - the story would not have worked as well if they had been strangers, or only friends, when they first began their journey. I did want to knock some sense into both of them and make them talk to each other at times, because it was so obvious they still love each other, but I have hope for a reconciliation between them in the sequel.
This book ends on kind of an odd spot, being neither a climatic battle or a glorious moment when Felix is announced as the heir or anything quite so exciting or dramatic. It threw me off a little bit, but since the series is already published, I just went right into the next book.
All in all, a great start to Willow's adventures. I'm looking forward to learning more about Eskandelic culture, how she will rekindle her romance with Kerish, what will happen to Felix, how Willow's family will become the ruling dynasty in Tremontane, and more in the rest of the series.
Disclaimer: I do know the author, if only through Goodreads, and while that is the reason I was aware of and decided to read this book, it has not influenced my rating. She did not contact me to ask me to read or review this book.
June 23, 2020
This is going to be a nightmare to review.
The world is great, I love the differeces between the countries (even though we could learn way more about them and other stuff), but that's probably it...
I didn't think I wanted to finish this after Part 1 (first two chapters), because of the insta-love. I generally hate that. And the way this happened I wasn't on board. But from the blurb I knew they would break up or something, so I kept reading.
Willow is a great strong main character, Felix is amazing. I love the kid. Can my son be this cute when he turns eight? :)) Kerish is more absent than not, so the romance doesn't really work that great for me, because Willow usually only thinks of their past.
But I was pretty bored, because not much has happened. They travel and travel. They meet a guy and travel with him. They reach teir destination and after a bit they travel again. The book had no climax whatsoever. I was pretty disappointed in that. It had much more potential than it delivered.
The world is great, I love the differeces between the countries (even though we could learn way more about them and other stuff), but that's probably it...
I didn't think I wanted to finish this after Part 1 (first two chapters), because of the insta-love. I generally hate that. And the way this happened I wasn't on board. But from the blurb I knew they would break up or something, so I kept reading.
Willow is a great strong main character, Felix is amazing. I love the kid. Can my son be this cute when he turns eight? :)) Kerish is more absent than not, so the romance doesn't really work that great for me, because Willow usually only thinks of their past.
But I was pretty bored, because not much has happened. They travel and travel. They meet a guy and travel with him. They reach teir destination and after a bit they travel again. The book had no climax whatsoever. I was pretty disappointed in that. It had much more potential than it delivered.
October 16, 2017
One thing I noticed over and over is the descriptions of the scenes in Pretender to the Crown. They really came alive and made a wonderful backdrop to the characters, who were well fleshed out and easy to care about. I read an advance reader copy since I've read several of Melissa's books in the past. I like this one better than most, although Burning Bright is a close race for number one.
If you're a romance reader, things might seem to be in reverse order as the relationship develops/degrades between the main characters but it plays an important part of the story, and in making the characters into something I would care about.
I look forward to the next books in the series. There are quite a few threads left hanging at the end of this book to be picked up with the next book, but it still has a satisfying conclusion based on the choices of Willow and friends.
If you're a romance reader, things might seem to be in reverse order as the relationship develops/degrades between the main characters but it plays an important part of the story, and in making the characters into something I would care about.
I look forward to the next books in the series. There are quite a few threads left hanging at the end of this book to be picked up with the next book, but it still has a satisfying conclusion based on the choices of Willow and friends.
September 19, 2017
Pretender to the Crown is the first installment to Melissa McShane’s series, The Saga of Willow North. It is the first introduction for me to this author’s work. I thought it was pretty good. I loved the characters, setting, and plot. I found it to be charming and magical. I would give it 4 ½ stars and recommend it. I look forward to reading more in this series in the future.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
June 29, 2022
Aargh! so annoying. This is not a complete book, it is just the first third of a book. The characters are interesting, there are many exciting scenes, the setting is vivid, but the reader is left at a momentous cliff edge. I may like this better when I have actually finished the story.
September 18, 2017
It had been a while since I read Servant to the Crown, but since this is set a couple of hundred years before that book, I was very pleased to learn that I didn't need to remember much about it at all, even with this being a prequel to the other series!
This book wasn't anything spectacular or new and I realize it's not exactly a good way to start a review, but despite that, it was still entertaining enough. Yes, it had some flaws like I'm not a big fan of insta-love and the world building was almost non-existent, but I liked the character interactions (Felix is just a little cinnamon roll) and plot definitely kept me hooked until the end and enough fort me to definitely want to read the next book and want to know what will happen next with these characters.
I was given a free copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book wasn't anything spectacular or new and I realize it's not exactly a good way to start a review, but despite that, it was still entertaining enough. Yes, it had some flaws like I'm not a big fan of insta-love and the world building was almost non-existent, but I liked the character interactions (Felix is just a little cinnamon roll) and plot definitely kept me hooked until the end and enough fort me to definitely want to read the next book and want to know what will happen next with these characters.
I was given a free copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I’ve read some of Melissa McShane’s other books, but I haven’t yet read any of the Tremontane series. Since this novel takes place before the others, it seemed like as good a place to start as any.
Willow North is a thief who targets Ascendants, the powerful and wealthy magic users of Tremontane. Although Willow has magical abilities herself, she has no interest in joining a group of people she regards as corrupt oppressors of the rest of the population. When she falls in love with Kerish, a dowser of magic for the king’s brother, their engagement ends in tears. However, she can’t turn Kerish away when he comes to her years later asking for her help in spiriting eight-year-old Prince Felix out of the country after Kerish’s employer murders his brother in order to assume the throne. Willow thinks she’s just going to help Felix and Kerish get away and then resume her own life. But the longer she travels with them, the more her feelings grow for them both, and the harder it is for her to contemplate leaving.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main characters are all likeable, and the story drew me in and kept me reading to find out what would happen next. It has a good mix of action and quieter moments that develop the relationships between the characters. Even though this is primarily a fantasy, there’s a strong romance element to the story as well, since Willow and Kerish are obviously both still in love with each other.
Willow’s and Kerish’s relationship issues revolve in part around them not being honest about their feelings, which did get increasingly frustrating to me as a reader as the book went on. The more I read, the more I just wanted to knock their heads together and tell them to talk, already.
However, my biggest problem with the book was the way it ended. Willow is on her way to an important meeting to plead for support to help put Felix back on the throne, she’s musing about the absurdity of a thief acting on behalf of a king, and . . . that’s it. The end. Read the next book for more. It was very anti-climactic after all of the trials and travails of their journey. I actually felt let down by ending, because it just didn’t seem like a natural stopping point for the story.
That aside, it’s a good read if you enjoy fantasy novels with a hefty helping of angsty romance, and McShane’s fans will probably like it a lot.
I received this book for free from the author; all opinions expressed in my review are my own.
I’ve read some of Melissa McShane’s other books, but I haven’t yet read any of the Tremontane series. Since this novel takes place before the others, it seemed like as good a place to start as any.
Willow North is a thief who targets Ascendants, the powerful and wealthy magic users of Tremontane. Although Willow has magical abilities herself, she has no interest in joining a group of people she regards as corrupt oppressors of the rest of the population. When she falls in love with Kerish, a dowser of magic for the king’s brother, their engagement ends in tears. However, she can’t turn Kerish away when he comes to her years later asking for her help in spiriting eight-year-old Prince Felix out of the country after Kerish’s employer murders his brother in order to assume the throne. Willow thinks she’s just going to help Felix and Kerish get away and then resume her own life. But the longer she travels with them, the more her feelings grow for them both, and the harder it is for her to contemplate leaving.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main characters are all likeable, and the story drew me in and kept me reading to find out what would happen next. It has a good mix of action and quieter moments that develop the relationships between the characters. Even though this is primarily a fantasy, there’s a strong romance element to the story as well, since Willow and Kerish are obviously both still in love with each other.
Willow’s and Kerish’s relationship issues revolve in part around them not being honest about their feelings, which did get increasingly frustrating to me as a reader as the book went on. The more I read, the more I just wanted to knock their heads together and tell them to talk, already.
However, my biggest problem with the book was the way it ended. Willow is on her way to an important meeting to plead for support to help put Felix back on the throne, she’s musing about the absurdity of a thief acting on behalf of a king, and . . . that’s it. The end. Read the next book for more. It was very anti-climactic after all of the trials and travails of their journey. I actually felt let down by ending, because it just didn’t seem like a natural stopping point for the story.
That aside, it’s a good read if you enjoy fantasy novels with a hefty helping of angsty romance, and McShane’s fans will probably like it a lot.
I received this book for free from the author; all opinions expressed in my review are my own.
July 29, 2020
really enjoyed this. i'm in a bit of a reading slump so i was looking for a fun fantasy book to ease me into things.
the novel opened with two chapters covering the meeting between willow and kerish and how they fell in love. then there's a time skip and the events in the summary happen. framing the story like that really surprised me and gave me the impression that the romance would be a lot more important than it was. coz honestly the strength of this book lies in willow's characterization and her relationship with felix, the eight-year-old king who is on the run.
willow is a very likeable protagonist. she's real and flawed, often getting angry when she's vulnerable, at a disadvantage or uncomfortable, but she is really moral and kind, never abandoning someone powerless or in need. her relationship with felix was! so pure! felix is adorable. i felt that he was written really realistically - although admittedly i don't know kids that age very well - but he swung between moments of terrified trauma from the frequent attempts on his life, and the natural playfulness and innocence of children. he quickly became attached to willow and their bond is really the best thing in the book. it shows willow at her best. she's protective, firm and kind with him and makes sure he's safe and taken care of. in return, felix obviously adores her, looks toward her in any situation, and i think she probably helps him feel safe.
plot-wise, after felix is introduced, there are two main arcs: willow and kerish go on a journey to kerish's home, encountering a lot of danger along the way, and picking up a fellow traveller; willow and co reach kerish's home, adjust to the new setting, and figure out what to do politically for felix. i enjoyed both the arcs. willow really shines in the journey arc because of her adaptability, quick reflexes and ability to think quickly on her feet. in the second arc, it was more about politics - willow had to adapt to a whole new culture and figure out the undercurrents of the place. eskandel was a very interesting society to read about.
i had some issues with the romance. willow and kerish had this huge miscommunication throughout the entire book! it was driving me up the wall! to the point where i was losing emotional investment in the ship because i felt like there wasn't any progress, romance-wise, because the two of them never really talked properly. i wished they would just be honest with each other. my therapist would have a field day with the two of them lol.
overall, i really liked this and might pick up book 2.
the novel opened with two chapters covering the meeting between willow and kerish and how they fell in love. then there's a time skip and the events in the summary happen. framing the story like that really surprised me and gave me the impression that the romance would be a lot more important than it was. coz honestly the strength of this book lies in willow's characterization and her relationship with felix, the eight-year-old king who is on the run.
willow is a very likeable protagonist. she's real and flawed, often getting angry when she's vulnerable, at a disadvantage or uncomfortable, but she is really moral and kind, never abandoning someone powerless or in need. her relationship with felix was! so pure! felix is adorable. i felt that he was written really realistically - although admittedly i don't know kids that age very well - but he swung between moments of terrified trauma from the frequent attempts on his life, and the natural playfulness and innocence of children. he quickly became attached to willow and their bond is really the best thing in the book. it shows willow at her best. she's protective, firm and kind with him and makes sure he's safe and taken care of. in return, felix obviously adores her, looks toward her in any situation, and i think she probably helps him feel safe.
plot-wise, after felix is introduced, there are two main arcs: willow and kerish go on a journey to kerish's home, encountering a lot of danger along the way, and picking up a fellow traveller; willow and co reach kerish's home, adjust to the new setting, and figure out what to do politically for felix. i enjoyed both the arcs. willow really shines in the journey arc because of her adaptability, quick reflexes and ability to think quickly on her feet. in the second arc, it was more about politics - willow had to adapt to a whole new culture and figure out the undercurrents of the place. eskandel was a very interesting society to read about.
i had some issues with the romance. willow and kerish had this huge miscommunication throughout the entire book! it was driving me up the wall! to the point where i was losing emotional investment in the ship because i felt like there wasn't any progress, romance-wise, because the two of them never really talked properly. i wished they would just be honest with each other. my therapist would have a field day with the two of them lol.
overall, i really liked this and might pick up book 2.
September 20, 2017
Another fantastic novel from Melissa McShane. I have 3 reasons you should read this book, though as you read it, I'm sure you'll find many more. The characters in this book are interesting and dynamic. The book follows 3 primary characters with Willow North guiding the narrative. Though it's not first person, the narrative is driven by her and carries a lot of her personality. This created continuity and gives the reader a sense of connection to the story and characters. I felt like if Willow trusted someone, I trusted them. If she hated someone, I hated them too. Which is partially why I love Felix so much! He is innocent, pure, and inquisitive. There is really nothing to dislike about this sweet boy king. I love the relationship he shares with Willow, speaking as a mother, their relationship feels genuine. Kerish is the third primary character and he is a fantastic male lead. I enjoyed his role focused more on his intellect and cultural knowledge, or advantage as they spent much of their time in his native country. I appreciated him more as the story progressed. Initially, he was frustrating and confusing to me, but that is to the author's credit as I believe my feelings for him were not dissimilar to Willow's. He is also a nicely balanced romantic interest for Willow.
The second stand out about this book is the travel. The movement in the story enhances rather than driving the narrative. I felt like a companion in the travel in the very best way. I could sight-see and pause a moment in awe of the surroundings, without getting lost or rushed by the story. The attention to cultural detail gave depth to the change in scene. We weren't just crossing a boarder on a map, we actually entered another land, with barriers of language and cultural taboo adding challenge as well as interest to the story. It felt like another McShane novel, "Rider to the Crown," which was one of my favorites in the collection for the same reason.
The third element that made this book worth the read is the use of magic. I love the dichotomy of magic as a corrupt government, and the honorable thief, given the task to protect an innocent child and becoming so much more.
I am looking forward to the next installment, as the story ends unresolved, to see the continued growth of Willow North and how she restores the kingdom to its rightful heir.
The second stand out about this book is the travel. The movement in the story enhances rather than driving the narrative. I felt like a companion in the travel in the very best way. I could sight-see and pause a moment in awe of the surroundings, without getting lost or rushed by the story. The attention to cultural detail gave depth to the change in scene. We weren't just crossing a boarder on a map, we actually entered another land, with barriers of language and cultural taboo adding challenge as well as interest to the story. It felt like another McShane novel, "Rider to the Crown," which was one of my favorites in the collection for the same reason.
The third element that made this book worth the read is the use of magic. I love the dichotomy of magic as a corrupt government, and the honorable thief, given the task to protect an innocent child and becoming so much more.
I am looking forward to the next installment, as the story ends unresolved, to see the continued growth of Willow North and how she restores the kingdom to its rightful heir.
September 15, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book.
I have really enjoyed the previous books written in this world and was happy to see another story arc set in the Tremontane setting. Because this book is a prequel, set approximately 200 years before the events in "Servant of the Crown", the initial book in the "Crown of Tremontane" series, there is no need to have read the later books to follow this one. If you have read the "Crown of Tremontane" books, this series will hopefully answer some small teasers left unexplained in the later series (Why is there a fire always burning on the tower, for instance...). Also, given what you know from the brief mentions of Willow North in the later series, you know this story isn't going to go the way stories with this setup often do.
The book itself did not disappoint. The characters are well written, with individual motivations and agendas, and the plot has a nice balance between action and character interaction. It introduces readers to details of yet another culture in the Tremontane world that has been seen but not yet explored until now. I really enjoyed this volume and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
I have really enjoyed the previous books written in this world and was happy to see another story arc set in the Tremontane setting. Because this book is a prequel, set approximately 200 years before the events in "Servant of the Crown", the initial book in the "Crown of Tremontane" series, there is no need to have read the later books to follow this one. If you have read the "Crown of Tremontane" books, this series will hopefully answer some small teasers left unexplained in the later series (Why is there a fire always burning on the tower, for instance...). Also, given what you know from the brief mentions of Willow North in the later series, you know this story isn't going to go the way stories with this setup often do.
The book itself did not disappoint. The characters are well written, with individual motivations and agendas, and the plot has a nice balance between action and character interaction. It introduces readers to details of yet another culture in the Tremontane world that has been seen but not yet explored until now. I really enjoyed this volume and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
August 4, 2022
I'm kinda torn about this book. I did like it, but the structure of the series makes it hard for me to have enjoyed it as much as I could have. I just don't really care for series where each book is literally just a piece of the whole. It didn't really have its own arc, so there was no real ending. The book just stopped. Great for selling books. Not so great for telling stories.
Also...I'm really hoping that Willow's judginess and, let's just say, unconscious biases, are intentional and something the author intends for her to work through as the story progresses. I'm giving the author a bit of leeway here, since I do think it could make for some good character growth. But man, I've been bitten badly before, so the slack on this rope isn't going to go very far. Fantasy ain't got a great history of treating middle eastern inspired cultures in a respectful manner. Not saying this is doomed to be a racist dumpster fire...but I'd feel more comfortable if it stopped playing with that lighter.
I'll probably be checking out the next book in the series. So it has at least garnered enough of my attention.
3.5 stars
Also...I'm really hoping that Willow's judginess and, let's just say, unconscious biases, are intentional and something the author intends for her to work through as the story progresses. I'm giving the author a bit of leeway here, since I do think it could make for some good character growth. But man, I've been bitten badly before, so the slack on this rope isn't going to go very far. Fantasy ain't got a great history of treating middle eastern inspired cultures in a respectful manner. Not saying this is doomed to be a racist dumpster fire...but I'd feel more comfortable if it stopped playing with that lighter.
I'll probably be checking out the next book in the series. So it has at least garnered enough of my attention.
3.5 stars
September 11, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
April 14, 2022
This really is not a standalone story; nothing is really resolved by the end, so it feels a little strange to be already writing my thoughts. But here I go!
I love the dynamic of Willow and Felix, and as always I am really enjoying Melissa McShane’s world-building and sense of place.
I’m wishing I’d read the other Tremontane books more recently, because I’m pretty sure that some of the names, places, and ideas being mentioned would be familiar to me and it would be fun to have that link of familiarity. But it’s not really a problem that I don’t remember - it just would have been more fun if I did.
I’m confident we are headed for a HEA ending, which is a definite selling point for me, though it looks like it will take 2 more books before we get there… so 4 stars for a story I’m thoroughly enjoying, minus one for the book because this book really does not stand on its own and that bugs me.
(2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society)
I love the dynamic of Willow and Felix, and as always I am really enjoying Melissa McShane’s world-building and sense of place.
I’m wishing I’d read the other Tremontane books more recently, because I’m pretty sure that some of the names, places, and ideas being mentioned would be familiar to me and it would be fun to have that link of familiarity. But it’s not really a problem that I don’t remember - it just would have been more fun if I did.
I’m confident we are headed for a HEA ending, which is a definite selling point for me, though it looks like it will take 2 more books before we get there… so 4 stars for a story I’m thoroughly enjoying, minus one for the book because this book really does not stand on its own and that bugs me.
(2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society)
September 13, 2017
This is a wonderfully clever book.
The magic system is unique and the heroine's power different than any I have read previously.
The characters are full of life and complex personalities, and I loved them all. (They even made me like a small child, and anyone who knows me knows how annoying I usually find them in stories.)
My only quibble is minor. As the heroine spends a significant portion of the story in a land not her own, during her interactions with people of another culture, the verisimilitude of their broken version of speaking her language made them sometimes hard to understand. Thankfully she translated them after the fact usually, but it still slowed me down a bit.
I cannot wait for the next book!
The magic system is unique and the heroine's power different than any I have read previously.
The characters are full of life and complex personalities, and I loved them all. (They even made me like a small child, and anyone who knows me knows how annoying I usually find them in stories.)
My only quibble is minor. As the heroine spends a significant portion of the story in a land not her own, during her interactions with people of another culture, the verisimilitude of their broken version of speaking her language made them sometimes hard to understand. Thankfully she translated them after the fact usually, but it still slowed me down a bit.
I cannot wait for the next book!
September 30, 2017
This is a fantastic fantasy novel, full of adventure and with wonderful characters that start strong, improve as time goes on, and clearly have far to go. The lead, Willow North, starts out as a thief with some magical ability bit is well on a path towards greatness by the book's end. The supporting characters, from ex-fiancé Kerish to Felix, the hunted the eight-year-old rightful King of Tremontane, to those who help them, who hunt them and who they simply meet in their travels, are all well crafted. Add in a great example of world-building with an innovative magic system, a plot full of adventure, thrills and intrigue, action and politics clearly to come. The result is one heck of a fun book, and one heck of a great series starter.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 25, 2021
Adventure fantasy story with hints of a romance.
Great characters and a fast pace for most of the story made this one a real page turner until the last few chapters. Towards the end, things bog down in complicated politics and relationships and then the author slaps us with a to be continued.
Setting was well done and with all the traveling the characters did it made a difference.
The “Yoda-esque” dialogue from some of the characters drove me nuts and made the politics and relationship issues more confusing than necessary.
So curious to see what happens next.
Violence. No sex. Some swearing.
Great characters and a fast pace for most of the story made this one a real page turner until the last few chapters. Towards the end, things bog down in complicated politics and relationships and then the author slaps us with a to be continued.
Setting was well done and with all the traveling the characters did it made a difference.
The “Yoda-esque” dialogue from some of the characters drove me nuts and made the politics and relationship issues more confusing than necessary.
So curious to see what happens next.
Violence. No sex. Some swearing.
March 22, 2022
Melissa McShane is becoming one of my favourite authors. Her books are full of strong , determined women. I have enjoyed Pretender to the Crown several times, each time I read, I find another level of enjoyment. There are many more erudite people than I on Goodreads who have described the plot, so I will not do that. Suffice to say, should you want a rollicking good read, with few swear words, little gory violence (although there is some violence), little sex (although there is a bit imagined), a doll called Rebecca and a (male) mule called Rosamund - give this a go! You will be amazed! 4.7 out of 5.
September 15, 2017
Just loved this book! I was given a copy, and once I started reading it I was unable to stop until I'd finished! Well-written and complex characters, combined with an action-packed storyline, made me desperate to find out what happened next. I truly enjoyed this return to the world of "Servant Of The Crown", and will be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. All my opinions are my own, and I was under no obligation to leave a review.
March 4, 2019
An excellent start to the prequel trilogy set in the Tremontane world. Willow North is an intriguing heroine, starting out as straight thief and developing into much more. The nation of Escandel is also well drawn. The politics is heavy and deadly.The relationship between Keresh and Willow is confused as they try to heal how they have hurt each other. Add in the 8-year-old king of Tremontane And you have the makings of an enjoyable story.
April 4, 2020
Though I have truly grown to love Melissa McShane, this wasn't my favourite of the Tremontane books - it felt very slow moving, and the cliff hanger ending felt too little of a payoff after 350+ pages. That being said it was gratifying to read about how Willow North started her journey to power, and Felix was a delight. No doubt I'll continue this prequel series at some point, though I won't be in any hurry.
May 23, 2021
I loved this book! The beginning scene hooked me immediately and I still smile when I think about it. Willow is a believable character and the world-building wasn't tedious. I connected with many of the characters and loved the descriptions. There was some language and innuendo, and fairly descriptive violence. It's well done if that's your thing, but I skimmed many of the fights because of how easy it is to picture what the author describes. Will totally read again!
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