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Argonia #3
Bronwyn's Bane
Sleeping Beauty had it easy. Her curse only made her take a nap when she turned 16. As if it wasnâ t bad enough already that because of her frost giant heritage from her father the kingâ s side of the family she was 6 feet tall when she was only 12 years old, poor Princess Bronwyn (the Bold) of Argonia was cursed at birth to tell nothing but lies. With her father away at war and her mother heavily pregnant, Bronwyn is even more in the way than usual, so she gets packed off to Wormroost, her auntâ s place in the glaciers, and en route she meets her musician/magician cousin Carole , a not-so-brave gypsy lad, and a princess-turned-swan. The lot of them encounter monsters, sorcerers, sea serpents, mercenary mages and sirens--many of whom are related to them. Without quite intending to, they embark on a quest to end the war, heal a battle-ravaged land, end a ban on magic and lift Bronwynâ s Bane.
L. Sprague de Camp said, â I found BRONWYNâ S BANE delightful reading. I wish I had her fertility of imagination in thinking up amusing twists, turns and business of plot.â
L. Sprague de Camp said, â I found BRONWYNâ S BANE delightful reading. I wish I had her fertility of imagination in thinking up amusing twists, turns and business of plot.â
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
7 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
125 books210 followersElizabeth Ann Scarborough was born March 23, 1947, and lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington. Elizabeth won a Nebula Award in 1989 for her novel The Healer's War, and has written more than a dozen other novels. She has collaborated with Anne McCaffrey, best-known for creating the Dragonriders of Pern, to produce the Petaybee Series and the Acorna Series.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 1, 2013
This is a comic fantasy from the 1980s. Somehow I feel that a lot about the book, good and bad, could be summed up in those few words.
The Good:
The characters are very engaging (or at least have the potential to be so). I found Bronwyn a delight. Honestly, how many fantasy novels feature a bluff, good-natured giantess as their heroine? One who must labor under the burden of a most provoking but interesting curse, never to speak the absolute truth? Her wily song-witch cousin Carole made a pleasing contrast, as did Jack, the "guile hero" who looks out for his own interest and doesn't mind a bit serving as the brains to Bronwyn's brawn. An ogress with a heart of gold and an extremely haughty enchanted swan-princess complete the motley crew of Good Guys. (There are a LOT of female characters in this one.) Then there are those characters who, well, might be good, but we're not quite sure...
The Not-So-Good:
This novel presents us with such an eclectic bunch of characters that it's a shame they couldn't be drawn with a little more depth -- but then, I expect this is part and parcel of being a comic fantasy from the 1980s. Only Bronwyn herself seems to react to the drama and dangers she faces with any real emotion, and certain flashes of her interiority make me think of what, say, Terry Pratchett could have done with her story. Under all her adventurous energy there's a desperately lonely girl who doesn't want to let the one character who's been consistently nice to her out of her sight, and who, when one of the villains tells her that "no one can be expected to care for you," is forced by the curse to respond that she's fine with that. She's easy to root for, but I can't help wishing that some of her companions had been painted with similar sympathy. Could it have been done without sacrificing the overall light-hearted tone? I wonder...
Also not-so-good:
We travel to three lands, one where the normal and the magical mix, another where magic is outlawed, and another where everything is magic. This latter land is depicted as pseudo-Arabian Nights, and the characters are heavily stereotyped.
The Good:
The characters are very engaging (or at least have the potential to be so). I found Bronwyn a delight. Honestly, how many fantasy novels feature a bluff, good-natured giantess as their heroine? One who must labor under the burden of a most provoking but interesting curse, never to speak the absolute truth? Her wily song-witch cousin Carole made a pleasing contrast, as did Jack, the "guile hero" who looks out for his own interest and doesn't mind a bit serving as the brains to Bronwyn's brawn. An ogress with a heart of gold and an extremely haughty enchanted swan-princess complete the motley crew of Good Guys. (There are a LOT of female characters in this one.) Then there are those characters who, well, might be good, but we're not quite sure...
The Not-So-Good:
This novel presents us with such an eclectic bunch of characters that it's a shame they couldn't be drawn with a little more depth -- but then, I expect this is part and parcel of being a comic fantasy from the 1980s. Only Bronwyn herself seems to react to the drama and dangers she faces with any real emotion, and certain flashes of her interiority make me think of what, say, Terry Pratchett could have done with her story. Under all her adventurous energy there's a desperately lonely girl who doesn't want to let the one character who's been consistently nice to her out of her sight, and who, when one of the villains tells her that "no one can be expected to care for you," is forced by the curse to respond that she's fine with that. She's easy to root for, but I can't help wishing that some of her companions had been painted with similar sympathy. Could it have been done without sacrificing the overall light-hearted tone? I wonder...
Also not-so-good:
We travel to three lands, one where the normal and the magical mix, another where magic is outlawed, and another where everything is magic. This latter land is depicted as pseudo-Arabian Nights, and the characters are heavily stereotyped.
November 6, 2019
A cute story written for adults but with child protagonists, this book deals with a curse on Princess Bronwyn, the main character, and one secondary character (the swan Anastasia), a quest on Jack, another secondary character, and a self imposed curse on Bronywn's cousin Carole, the third secondary character.
What did I like? The story was cute and funny, with good buildup of most of the characters. Bronwyn in particular was well done, as a princess who wants to be perfect for her father. In addition, the fact that others don't react well to her she attributes to her rank. Well done.
Jack is a thief and a scoundrel in addition to being a bit of a coward, but he has a good heart.
Anastasia is cursed, and therefore reacts with less than glorious ecstasy on being introduced to seemingly normal people. I loved the way she was introduced in the story!
Carole started off well with a child's reaction to what she saw as an insult.
I really liked the ghost that haunted Kilgilles, although it would have been even better to build a little on that backstory, possibly even adding whether others could see the ghost manifest (although it appears not), and how his people react to the haunt (he is a lord so they would have seen it in action).
I also really liked the tongue in cheek humor when Bronwyn addressed some uppity sirens, using her curse to her advantage, even if that was an unplanned consequence (at least by Bronwyn).
What didn't I like? The story was cute, as mentioned, with some great lines. However, there were major editing errors with repeated lines, misplaced punctuation and caps. In addition, there was a place where the text did a surprising name change of the old banded slave woman/creature from Teeny to Jenny. I also didn't like that there was no early explanation for the reason the princess Bronwyn was so very tall, or even if it was only her that was large. This was corrected almost in passing later, but it was overdue as an explanation. Finally, the main dissatisfaction I had with the story had to do with the writing which was more for adults, but all the major characters were children except the swan. Overall a good read.
What did I like? The story was cute and funny, with good buildup of most of the characters. Bronwyn in particular was well done, as a princess who wants to be perfect for her father. In addition, the fact that others don't react well to her she attributes to her rank. Well done.
Jack is a thief and a scoundrel in addition to being a bit of a coward, but he has a good heart.
Anastasia is cursed, and therefore reacts with less than glorious ecstasy on being introduced to seemingly normal people. I loved the way she was introduced in the story!
Carole started off well with a child's reaction to what she saw as an insult.
I really liked the ghost that haunted Kilgilles, although it would have been even better to build a little on that backstory, possibly even adding whether others could see the ghost manifest (although it appears not), and how his people react to the haunt (he is a lord so they would have seen it in action).
I also really liked the tongue in cheek humor when Bronwyn addressed some uppity sirens, using her curse to her advantage, even if that was an unplanned consequence (at least by Bronwyn).
What didn't I like? The story was cute, as mentioned, with some great lines. However, there were major editing errors with repeated lines, misplaced punctuation and caps. In addition, there was a place where the text did a surprising name change of the old banded slave woman/creature from Teeny to Jenny. I also didn't like that there was no early explanation for the reason the princess Bronwyn was so very tall, or even if it was only her that was large. This was corrected almost in passing later, but it was overdue as an explanation. Finally, the main dissatisfaction I had with the story had to do with the writing which was more for adults, but all the major characters were children except the swan. Overall a good read.
March 23, 2019
I picked this book up entirely based on the cover art. And I wasn’t disappointed.
I had no idea that it was supposed to be a comic fantasy novel, even after reading it I wouldn't really consider it "comic" enough to include it in that genre. Maybe because my first encounter with the subgenre was Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and that became the template of the genre for me. Or maybe it’s because some comedy doesn’t make the jump from one decade to another. There were definitely some bits that had me grinning, a few that had me groaning, but I think that at best it's a fantasy story with a few comical elements. Though it is a fairly decent fantasy story in the sprawling, country-crossing way that a lot of the 80s fantasy I’ve read is.
What holds this book back though, in my opinion, is the writing. Its words are like workers that are well coordinated and get the job done, but there aren’t many memorable turns of phrase or passages where the writing itself really transcended the story. Also, I’m not sure if maybe it’s a matter of reading a book that’s trying to be comic from the 80s in 2019, but it took me about 20 pages to get to the point where I didn’t need to read things over a few times to understand the meaning.
Overall, Bronwyn’s Bane was a fun romp through a fairly sprawling fantasy world. In a time in which the genre was suffused with high flying ideals and Tolkien-esque tales, it might have had some parodical power. But now, with its central cast of a young giantess heroine who cannot tell the truth, a well-meaning brown witch in training, and a somewhat bumbling Roma prince, and their attempts to break a curse and save a kingdom, it would be right at home on a YA fantasy shelf.
I had no idea that it was supposed to be a comic fantasy novel, even after reading it I wouldn't really consider it "comic" enough to include it in that genre. Maybe because my first encounter with the subgenre was Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and that became the template of the genre for me. Or maybe it’s because some comedy doesn’t make the jump from one decade to another. There were definitely some bits that had me grinning, a few that had me groaning, but I think that at best it's a fantasy story with a few comical elements. Though it is a fairly decent fantasy story in the sprawling, country-crossing way that a lot of the 80s fantasy I’ve read is.
What holds this book back though, in my opinion, is the writing. Its words are like workers that are well coordinated and get the job done, but there aren’t many memorable turns of phrase or passages where the writing itself really transcended the story. Also, I’m not sure if maybe it’s a matter of reading a book that’s trying to be comic from the 80s in 2019, but it took me about 20 pages to get to the point where I didn’t need to read things over a few times to understand the meaning.
Overall, Bronwyn’s Bane was a fun romp through a fairly sprawling fantasy world. In a time in which the genre was suffused with high flying ideals and Tolkien-esque tales, it might have had some parodical power. But now, with its central cast of a young giantess heroine who cannot tell the truth, a well-meaning brown witch in training, and a somewhat bumbling Roma prince, and their attempts to break a curse and save a kingdom, it would be right at home on a YA fantasy shelf.
May 11, 2021
Ultimately very enjoyable, but that's about it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good humorous romp through the fantasy genre without much, if any, emotional turmoil. It can be a little difficult to follow until you get used to the style and the convoluted names (but nothing atypical for the genre).
The main character was deceptively charming. Her vulnerability isn't something I expected in the giant, warrior-princess character and it added a depth that really ties the whole story together. There's a wild cast of characters and really interesting magical creatures. Plus tons of good female characters, which isn't always the case in older books so that was really nice.
It's also worth noting that this book does a good job of separating its child characters from adults. Although the children go on age-inappropriate wild adventures, there is an attempt by most of the adults to keep them as far away from the main conflict as possible.
My biggest complaint is that the author invoked super heavy handed "magical middle eastern bazaar" tropes in the third kingdom mentioned. It really took away from the otherwise pretty unique world building the author did for the other kingdoms.
It's not the book that's going to change your life, but it's pretty solid.
The main character was deceptively charming. Her vulnerability isn't something I expected in the giant, warrior-princess character and it added a depth that really ties the whole story together. There's a wild cast of characters and really interesting magical creatures. Plus tons of good female characters, which isn't always the case in older books so that was really nice.
It's also worth noting that this book does a good job of separating its child characters from adults. Although the children go on age-inappropriate wild adventures, there is an attempt by most of the adults to keep them as far away from the main conflict as possible.
My biggest complaint is that the author invoked super heavy handed "magical middle eastern bazaar" tropes in the third kingdom mentioned. It really took away from the otherwise pretty unique world building the author did for the other kingdoms.
It's not the book that's going to change your life, but it's pretty solid.
May 22, 2020
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2020/0...
The third book focuses primarily on the children of characters from the first two books, trying to end a curse and help their country during wartime, journeying around etc. Scarborough goes all in in racist cultural stereotypes here with her Travelers and with the addition of some Arabian Nights type figures. So that was like a constant thorn in my side while reading this otherwise innocuous story. B.
The third book focuses primarily on the children of characters from the first two books, trying to end a curse and help their country during wartime, journeying around etc. Scarborough goes all in in racist cultural stereotypes here with her Travelers and with the addition of some Arabian Nights type figures. So that was like a constant thorn in my side while reading this otherwise innocuous story. B.
February 8, 2022
enthralling
February 25, 2017
Dead funny.
June 30, 2015
One of Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's early and very funny fantasies: inventive and hilarious. Bronwyn, who wears full armor, carries a useful anti-magic shield, and constantly practices her fighting skills, has been cursed and can't tell the truth. She sets off on a quest to uncurse herself and another enchanted princess who is currently a swan, along with her cousin and a gypsy boy who can speak to animals. Along the way they encounter outlandishly entertaining beings and situations.
Scarborough makes great use of twists on fantasy/fairy tale expectations and the persnickety nature of magic and enchantments. One of four books in her Songs of the Seashell Archives, all of which are well written and amusing.
Highly recommended!
Scarborough makes great use of twists on fantasy/fairy tale expectations and the persnickety nature of magic and enchantments. One of four books in her Songs of the Seashell Archives, all of which are well written and amusing.
Highly recommended!
August 29, 2008
This was a bit difficult to follow - the heroine has a curse of always lying, so she often says the opposite of what she means, sometimes just something ridiculous. Lots of fantasy creatures, the main plot difficult to follow behind other sub-plots. Very complex, and characters each with as many quirks as redeeming characteristics. Hats off to Scarborough for finally being able to tie things together at the end! I only persevered because of my sense of loyalty to Scarborough as an author; however, this is clearly not her best work!
September 29, 2011
Given the silliness of the plot and the colorful contents of the plot, this ought to be super-entertaining. But the prose is so poorly written that I have to read everything twice just to figure out what's going on. Also, I can't for the life of me muster any feelings at all about any of teh characters.
It may be the perfect bedtime book though: it's mildly entertaining, puts me to sleep quickly, and I don't care what happens in the meantime.
It may be the perfect bedtime book though: it's mildly entertaining, puts me to sleep quickly, and I don't care what happens in the meantime.
July 21, 2012
Bronwyn is not a typical princess. She is big. She is a little clumsy at times, and can only ever tell lies. This does not present too much of a problem for her cousin, whom she is sent off to "visit"...her cousin Carole picks up easily enough on the curse and is able to just reverse everything Bronwyn says. Their adventure takes them over seas and across mountains. I found this book both funny and charming, a wonderful fantasy to add to any collection.
April 28, 2013
I thought this was quite good, but felt a bit let down. There didn't seem to be a lot of 'point' to the story - the characters just fell into one event after the next with no real conscious will. I hate to sound like me English teacher, but the characters didn't really develop at all, which left me disappointed. Saying that, I did enjoy the read and thought it was quite funny in places, but isn't one of those books that is going to stay with me.
April 7, 2010
Light fun fantasy with sly humor. Bronwyn, is not like other princesses. She is big, brawny and has been cursed at birth with a spell that makes her tell nothing but lies.
When war breaks out she is sent by the Queen to live with her cousin Carole, but soon the cousins go on an adventure themselves.
When war breaks out she is sent by the Queen to live with her cousin Carole, but soon the cousins go on an adventure themselves.
July 29, 2008
This is essentially a comedy of manners in fantasy.
She was cursed (by an evil fairy of course) at her christening to always tell a lie so this leads to every manner of farcical setting. Delightful!
She was cursed (by an evil fairy of course) at her christening to always tell a lie so this leads to every manner of farcical setting. Delightful!
August 2, 2015
3nd in the series.
December 13, 2009
I tought this would be a cute farce, but please don't waste your time. COuldn't bring mysel to finish it. It goes way past farce to boring and juvenile.
January 4, 2010
Girl power fantasy!
June 17, 2010
I've been reading Elizabeth Ann Scarborough for 27 years now? Scary!!
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July 18, 2010Began reading on July 15, 2010. A fun, nonsense fairy tale. 3 stars.
May 17, 2011
A great adventure.
September 7, 2011
It's been a very long time since I read this but I remember that I liked it. A fantasy with good story telling. Might contain a little adult content?
September 8, 2012
Just found her back list on Smashwords ---- YEAH!!!!
I love this book but it has been a long time since I read it.
I love this book but it has been a long time since I read it.
February 10, 2013
It was just OK. Blah story. But the cover art is amazing!!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews