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Worldwalker Duology #1
Truthseeker
ACROSS TWO EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS, TRUTH IS THE DEADLIEST MAGIC
Though gifted with an uncanny intuition that allows her to discern when someone is lying, Lara Jansen is sure there’s nothing particularly special about her. All that changes when a handsome but mysterious man enters her quiet Boston tailor shop and reveals himself to be a prince of Faerie. What’s more, Dafydd ap Caerwynn claims that Lara is a truthseeker, a person with the rare talent of being able to tell truth from falsehood. Dafydd begs Lara to help clear his name by solving his brother’s murder, of which Dafydd himself is the only suspect.
Acting against her practical nature, Lara agrees to step through a window into another world. Now caught between bitterly opposed Seelie forces and Dafydd’s secrets, which are as perilous as he is irresistible, Lara finds that her abilities are increasing in unexpected and uncontrollable ways. With the fate of two worlds at stake and a malevolent entity wielding the darkest of magic, Lara and Dafydd will risk everything on a love that may be their salvation—or the most treacherous illusion of all.
Though gifted with an uncanny intuition that allows her to discern when someone is lying, Lara Jansen is sure there’s nothing particularly special about her. All that changes when a handsome but mysterious man enters her quiet Boston tailor shop and reveals himself to be a prince of Faerie. What’s more, Dafydd ap Caerwynn claims that Lara is a truthseeker, a person with the rare talent of being able to tell truth from falsehood. Dafydd begs Lara to help clear his name by solving his brother’s murder, of which Dafydd himself is the only suspect.
Acting against her practical nature, Lara agrees to step through a window into another world. Now caught between bitterly opposed Seelie forces and Dafydd’s secrets, which are as perilous as he is irresistible, Lara finds that her abilities are increasing in unexpected and uncontrollable ways. With the fate of two worlds at stake and a malevolent entity wielding the darkest of magic, Lara and Dafydd will risk everything on a love that may be their salvation—or the most treacherous illusion of all.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
128 people are currently reading
2036 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Murphy
97 books1,795 followersCE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
October 24, 2011
Made-for-TV movie? C.E. Murphy's Truthseeker reads like one, only with no action and cleaner. Yeah. Hot stuff, huh? Does that hit the spot? Then you'll like Truthseeker.
Our very clean-- er, I can't say drama because I didn't see drama either. NU stamps this product safe for feeble medicated hearts and impressionable young minds. I hate to spoil, but tailor-heroine Lara Jansen remains well-adjusted and safe throughout the book, experiencing only a few near gasp-inducing moments when giant bats attack her. (It's more exciting when I say it.) Whew. Fortunately for our choked arteries, Lara spends most of the novel talking. Yes, Lara has a real problem with euphemisms, metaphors, and that whole nasty breed called idioms. Her superpower is that she takes things literally. I'm not kidding. She turns green whenever someone tells her to break a leg. Sounds like a bad sitcom. Unfortunately, Lara is hailed as an almighty truthseeker and saviorblahblah.
Thus, the Faerie that idolize this lawyer-in-disguise end up looking like schmucks. No cool woo-woo magic. We don't even see them much. Instead, we follow this heroine who, by her own words, has no sense of humor, doesn't socialize, and dwells in her office sewing. No, please, contain your excitement.
Hero Dafydd's another bag of laughs. (Argh, another villainous euphemism!) He's dull the first half and sickly and "wasted" the other half. Can you say dreamboat?
Lara's feelings in this match made in boredom are one of the highlights, along with her friend Kelly who does have a sense of humor. The book was readable. The nothing-new was presented in nice prose, if as prone to self-correction and language dissection as Lara. (She got it from somewhere.)
Since I was in Lara's head while she critiqued the hero's wardrobe, I can't tell you what else happened in this book, but I do know what "bespoke tailoring" is now. So, in sum... WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! Two stars.
Our very clean-- er, I can't say drama because I didn't see drama either. NU stamps this product safe for feeble medicated hearts and impressionable young minds. I hate to spoil, but tailor-heroine Lara Jansen remains well-adjusted and safe throughout the book, experiencing only a few near gasp-inducing moments when giant bats attack her. (It's more exciting when I say it.) Whew. Fortunately for our choked arteries, Lara spends most of the novel talking. Yes, Lara has a real problem with euphemisms, metaphors, and that whole nasty breed called idioms. Her superpower is that she takes things literally. I'm not kidding. She turns green whenever someone tells her to break a leg. Sounds like a bad sitcom. Unfortunately, Lara is hailed as an almighty truthseeker and saviorblahblah.
Thus, the Faerie that idolize this lawyer-in-disguise end up looking like schmucks. No cool woo-woo magic. We don't even see them much. Instead, we follow this heroine who, by her own words, has no sense of humor, doesn't socialize, and dwells in her office sewing. No, please, contain your excitement.
Hero Dafydd's another bag of laughs. (Argh, another villainous euphemism!) He's dull the first half and sickly and "wasted" the other half. Can you say dreamboat?
Lara's feelings in this match made in boredom are one of the highlights, along with her friend Kelly who does have a sense of humor. The book was readable. The nothing-new was presented in nice prose, if as prone to self-correction and language dissection as Lara. (She got it from somewhere.)
Since I was in Lara's head while she critiqued the hero's wardrobe, I can't tell you what else happened in this book, but I do know what "bespoke tailoring" is now. So, in sum... WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! Two stars.
October 13, 2017
True rating 3.5 stars.
While this book is written for adults this very much feels like a YA novel. (The character is just mid 20s)
I really loved the beginning of this book. The relationship between our main character, Lara, and her best friend Kelly is hilarious.
I liked the over all feel and direction of the book. Lara has the ability to sense the truth and is needed to help find out who killed David’s (fae prince/love interest) brother. I really loved the back story of the Seelie/Unseelie people. (Different from the traditional Mab/Tatiana story lines)
I do have a complaint that there is the “insta-love”. In the beginning Lara is described as sensible (non-risk taker) and after she meets David all of this goes out the window. When she arrives at the Seelie court she turns into the biggest brat. I can’t imagine the Seelie king tolerating that sort of insolence. (Seriously someone should have turned her into a newt for a bit)
My other major complaint is at one point our characters return back to the mortal realm and the story turns back into normal life. We are stuck waiting weeks to deal with court cases and judges etc etc and while it is realistic it put such a halt to the main plot.
The book is short and reads well. I will finish the duology.
(Also personal complaint that others may like or not like: this book introduces the power of prayer and scripture as a form of magic that is stronger than Fae. So example singing Amazing Grace will dispel fae monsters. I hated this - trying to combine religion and magic - but I know some who would love it, so just be forewarned)
While this book is written for adults this very much feels like a YA novel. (The character is just mid 20s)
I really loved the beginning of this book. The relationship between our main character, Lara, and her best friend Kelly is hilarious.
I liked the over all feel and direction of the book. Lara has the ability to sense the truth and is needed to help find out who killed David’s (fae prince/love interest) brother. I really loved the back story of the Seelie/Unseelie people. (Different from the traditional Mab/Tatiana story lines)
I do have a complaint that there is the “insta-love”. In the beginning Lara is described as sensible (non-risk taker) and after she meets David all of this goes out the window. When she arrives at the Seelie court she turns into the biggest brat. I can’t imagine the Seelie king tolerating that sort of insolence. (Seriously someone should have turned her into a newt for a bit)
My other major complaint is at one point our characters return back to the mortal realm and the story turns back into normal life. We are stuck waiting weeks to deal with court cases and judges etc etc and while it is realistic it put such a halt to the main plot.
The book is short and reads well. I will finish the duology.
(Also personal complaint that others may like or not like: this book introduces the power of prayer and scripture as a form of magic that is stronger than Fae. So example singing Amazing Grace will dispel fae monsters. I hated this - trying to combine religion and magic - but I know some who would love it, so just be forewarned)
May 17, 2015
DNF
This book is f*ing terrible! I just read a torturously bad book. I'm not doing it again. The dialogue in this book is the most stilted, ridiculous, unbelievable, idiotic bullshit I have ever read. The storyline is stupid. The "romance" is boring and fake. The main character, Lara, has the personality of a shovel. A dull, unfunny shovel.
Other than that, I liked it.
This book is f*ing terrible! I just read a torturously bad book. I'm not doing it again. The dialogue in this book is the most stilted, ridiculous, unbelievable, idiotic bullshit I have ever read. The storyline is stupid. The "romance" is boring and fake. The main character, Lara, has the personality of a shovel. A dull, unfunny shovel.
Other than that, I liked it.
did-not-finish
December 17, 2015DNF @ 24%
Life is too short to waste time on something I don't like (and there are so many good books to read).
To sum up my grievances with this one:
— It reads like it was written by a 90 years old lady: all the characters' personalities, mannerisms, language patterns and general behaviors are so very OLD. And boring.
— People in their twenties, at parties and other fun situations, interact with each other using courtesy titles and courtesy forms (do you call it that in english?).
I don't necessarily need smartphones and cusswords, but these guys belong to a victorian tearoom.
— I don't like the heroine.
— I drew the line when said heroine beat fairy-whatevers with just a few words of a prayer… because the white light of god conquers all, or something along those lines. I can't stand sanctimonious shit, I'm outta here.
Life is too short to waste time on something I don't like (and there are so many good books to read).
To sum up my grievances with this one:
— It reads like it was written by a 90 years old lady: all the characters' personalities, mannerisms, language patterns and general behaviors are so very OLD. And boring.
— People in their twenties, at parties and other fun situations, interact with each other using courtesy titles and courtesy forms (do you call it that in english?).
I don't necessarily need smartphones and cusswords, but these guys belong to a victorian tearoom.
— I don't like the heroine.
— I drew the line when said heroine beat fairy-whatevers with just a few words of a prayer… because the white light of god conquers all, or something along those lines. I can't stand sanctimonious shit, I'm outta here.
January 13, 2018
I have yet to read a C E Murphy book outside the Walker Papers that merits more than a 'meh.' (But I keep trying because I loved the Walker Papers that much.) Truthseeker is pretty disappointing because it has occasional glimmers of what I love about the author's writing but is bogged down in inconsistent and/or unlikable characters and a plot that seems about as fresh as the hiking shirt crumpled up in my backpack from two weeks ago. When it rained.
It's probably possible to still write interesting books about being whisked away to fairyland, but it'll take a main character more compelling than Lara Jansen, mild-mannered custom tailor whose super power is...wincing at figurative language. She's a truthseeker, if you will - someone who can hear whether a statement is true or false, even the harmless exaggerations we all engage in. Her quiet existence gets upended when she meets a bona fide faerie prince who has been looking for a truthseeker to clear his name.
This is all about as enthralling and unpredictable as it sounds. But I think Truthseeker really loses me in the way Lara goes from being a quiet, reserved person to an outspoken, assertive one -
contradicting the frickin' king of elfland in front of all his people - literally within less than a day. As a fellow introvert, I find this extremely unlikely. And I don't like the way Lara's drastic change in character is portrayed as a positive thing that accompanies the maturation of her powers. Why can't we, the quiet introverts of the world, ever read about heroes who save the day, not in spite of our undramatic personalities and carefully examined choices, but because of them?
That's probably a rant for another day. I did like the friendship between Lara and her best friend Kelly, which felt like it was based on something real, but it in no way made up for the entirely suspense and chemistry-free romance - or the fact that Truthseeker feels like serious work to get through.
It's probably possible to still write interesting books about being whisked away to fairyland, but it'll take a main character more compelling than Lara Jansen, mild-mannered custom tailor whose super power is...wincing at figurative language. She's a truthseeker, if you will - someone who can hear whether a statement is true or false, even the harmless exaggerations we all engage in. Her quiet existence gets upended when she meets a bona fide faerie prince who has been looking for a truthseeker to clear his name.
This is all about as enthralling and unpredictable as it sounds. But I think Truthseeker really loses me in the way Lara goes from being a quiet, reserved person to an outspoken, assertive one -
contradicting the frickin' king of elfland in front of all his people - literally within less than a day. As a fellow introvert, I find this extremely unlikely. And I don't like the way Lara's drastic change in character is portrayed as a positive thing that accompanies the maturation of her powers. Why can't we, the quiet introverts of the world, ever read about heroes who save the day, not in spite of our undramatic personalities and carefully examined choices, but because of them?
That's probably a rant for another day. I did like the friendship between Lara and her best friend Kelly, which felt like it was based on something real, but it in no way made up for the entirely suspense and chemistry-free romance - or the fact that Truthseeker feels like serious work to get through.
November 4, 2010
I rather liked the first half more than the second half. The second half was more of a mess, not nearly as clean and enjoyable as the first half, though not all that bad overall. Lara is a charming main character with understandable quirks, and I loved that about her--how literal she took things, how truth sounded to her and how dishonesty grated on her so. The relationship between her and Daffyd left me a bit cold. It was interesting in the start, but the relationship seemed more forced later on, especially with all that was happening around them. As Lara herself said a couple of times throughout the book, they only really knew each other for a few hours over the span of several days, nothing that really left me feeling like they were able to build up a believable relationship.
Lara did have a great relationship with her best friend, Kelly, which was fun to read. All other characters were rather lacking in the personality department, seemed a bit one dimensional, which is fine (seeing as most were minor characters and I have a tolerance for that), except I was expecting more out of Daffyd. He was pleasant, but a bit flat.
And then there's the ending. Giant cliffhanger ending, heh, like they took an entire book and sliced it down the middle.
I'd probably give the first half of the book 4 stars, and the second half of the book 3 stars. So an average of 3.5 stars overall.
Lara did have a great relationship with her best friend, Kelly, which was fun to read. All other characters were rather lacking in the personality department, seemed a bit one dimensional, which is fine (seeing as most were minor characters and I have a tolerance for that), except I was expecting more out of Daffyd. He was pleasant, but a bit flat.
And then there's the ending. Giant cliffhanger ending, heh, like they took an entire book and sliced it down the middle.
I'd probably give the first half of the book 4 stars, and the second half of the book 3 stars. So an average of 3.5 stars overall.
July 23, 2011
I loved this book.
Lara starts out as someone who tries to fade into the background. She limits her interactions with other people because the half-truths and polite lies we all use make her very uncomfortable. She does have a good friend, Kelly, who seems to understand (at least to some degree) how Lara feels. Kelly often tries to get Lara to open up to others, especially men. She wants Lara to be happy.
Enter David Kirwen and Dickon Collins. David is a local weatherman and Dickon is his cameraman. They meet one day, but Lara feels uneasy when David introduces himself. Something isn't true. It doesn't take long for Lara to coax David's true name from him. David is a Seelie Prince, looking for a Truthseeker to help him clear his name in his brother's murder.
This book seems to have at least a little bit of everything! Fae, court politics, a battle between the Seelie and Unseelie, portals between worlds, magic, even a little bit of courtship and the loyalty of good friends. But the whole is so much more than the parts. The way the story is put together is wonderful.
My favorite part of the book is the way Lara "hears" the truth. She hears it as music. Half-truths and lies are discordant and ugly sounding. Truth is like an orchestra perfectly in tune. Here is my favorite passage in the book:
"'You live in a world made of truth's song, cradled by music, all the time. And it sounds so appealing,' Kirwen murmurred. 'It sounds so appealing when it's phrased that way.'
'But what people forget is that music has a power all it's own, doesn't it? A life beyond any granted to it by notes written on a page. Music, unleashed, can uplift and create and destroy, stripping away pretenses and leaving raw, exposed vulnerability behind. It's a gift, but not one to be envied."
Lara starts out as someone who tries to fade into the background. She limits her interactions with other people because the half-truths and polite lies we all use make her very uncomfortable. She does have a good friend, Kelly, who seems to understand (at least to some degree) how Lara feels. Kelly often tries to get Lara to open up to others, especially men. She wants Lara to be happy.
Enter David Kirwen and Dickon Collins. David is a local weatherman and Dickon is his cameraman. They meet one day, but Lara feels uneasy when David introduces himself. Something isn't true. It doesn't take long for Lara to coax David's true name from him. David is a Seelie Prince, looking for a Truthseeker to help him clear his name in his brother's murder.
This book seems to have at least a little bit of everything! Fae, court politics, a battle between the Seelie and Unseelie, portals between worlds, magic, even a little bit of courtship and the loyalty of good friends. But the whole is so much more than the parts. The way the story is put together is wonderful.
My favorite part of the book is the way Lara "hears" the truth. She hears it as music. Half-truths and lies are discordant and ugly sounding. Truth is like an orchestra perfectly in tune. Here is my favorite passage in the book:
"'You live in a world made of truth's song, cradled by music, all the time. And it sounds so appealing,' Kirwen murmurred. 'It sounds so appealing when it's phrased that way.'
'But what people forget is that music has a power all it's own, doesn't it? A life beyond any granted to it by notes written on a page. Music, unleashed, can uplift and create and destroy, stripping away pretenses and leaving raw, exposed vulnerability behind. It's a gift, but not one to be envied."
July 21, 2011
The 'romance' between the lead characters was just not believable. There was no sense of connection. She went on one date with him before he convinced her to go to fairyland with him at which point she spent about an hour in his company and they weren't alone. Daffyd was quite also boring with very little personality. I thought Lara had more of a connection with Ioan, who also seemed the more interesting character - which is a shame given he is only in the book for the equivalent of 2 half chapters. I t wasn't a bad book - just dissapppointing. Also it had 2 of my three pet hates - a cliffhanger ending and and unbelievable "instant" love not backed up by any relationship development.
August 20, 2019
Really 1.5 stars and that's because it was fairly grammatically correct. I wanted to read the book because the concept of a human travelling to "Fairyland" appealed to me.
I began reading the book and it just wasn't drawing me in but I persisted. I even reread the blurb to remind myself why on earth I'd wanted to read it. Maybe if I was 12 it might have grabbed me.
I kept at it but I can't say I was rewarded for my persistence or that it suddenly became an exciting page turner. The characters were really two dimensional, with only the character of Kelley being of any interest and behaving in a manner in keeping with her character. Lara was a dull heroine and I got sick of her balling up her fists when she felt any emotion. My fists were balling up just reading the book. Her character changing suddenly with little real cause from quiet to bold and a bit disrespectful but no more interesting.
It's definitely not a romance, it has less steam than Pride & Prejudice and at least the Bennett girls could show a well turned ankle and Lydia got a bit of action. In fact it seemed as though any sexual interest Dafydd may have shown was pretence to convince Lara to do what he wanted.
There was a twist and it was unexpected but the ending was too convenient. It simply allowed for the next book to take over with no ends tied up or real explanation. It just stopped.
Will I read the next book? I don't know. I really don't care what happens to Lara or Dafydd but I might want to know what happens for Kelley. That said I can't depend on C.E. Murphy achieving that.
It was not badly written but it was also not well written. Like Lara it was simply meh.
I began reading the book and it just wasn't drawing me in but I persisted. I even reread the blurb to remind myself why on earth I'd wanted to read it. Maybe if I was 12 it might have grabbed me.
I kept at it but I can't say I was rewarded for my persistence or that it suddenly became an exciting page turner. The characters were really two dimensional, with only the character of Kelley being of any interest and behaving in a manner in keeping with her character. Lara was a dull heroine and I got sick of her balling up her fists when she felt any emotion. My fists were balling up just reading the book. Her character changing suddenly with little real cause from quiet to bold and a bit disrespectful but no more interesting.
It's definitely not a romance, it has less steam than Pride & Prejudice and at least the Bennett girls could show a well turned ankle and Lydia got a bit of action. In fact it seemed as though any sexual interest Dafydd may have shown was pretence to convince Lara to do what he wanted.
There was a twist and it was unexpected but the ending was too convenient. It simply allowed for the next book to take over with no ends tied up or real explanation. It just stopped.
Will I read the next book? I don't know. I really don't care what happens to Lara or Dafydd but I might want to know what happens for Kelley. That said I can't depend on C.E. Murphy achieving that.
It was not badly written but it was also not well written. Like Lara it was simply meh.
July 9, 2024
Of all the books I've read, this one is definitely one of them.
This is primarily a romance novel through and through. The fantasy part of it is mostly only used as a backdrop. Even when the fantasy part is in the focus, it's so dull and uninteresting.
I learned nothing about the other world where magic and elves/fae live in. Nothing is properly described so I had nothing to use to immerse myself into that world. I learned nothing about the culture, the people, the hierarchy of things. Absolutely nothing. A complete flop of a fantasy world.
It honestly feels like the author had an idea for key moments that she wanted to happen in this story and then had the main character teleport between those points without properly explaining or adding meat to anything in between.
And don't get me started on the "power" that the protagonist has. Her ability is so poorly explained that even now after finishing the book I have no idea what exactly she can or can't do. Seems like her powers have no limits since she uses it to solve every problem that the situation in the book needs. Her powers span from having the ability to make a cup of coffee to breaking an entire world. Everything between those two extremes she can do if required.
It is safe to say I will not continue with the sequel.
This is primarily a romance novel through and through. The fantasy part of it is mostly only used as a backdrop. Even when the fantasy part is in the focus, it's so dull and uninteresting.
I learned nothing about the other world where magic and elves/fae live in. Nothing is properly described so I had nothing to use to immerse myself into that world. I learned nothing about the culture, the people, the hierarchy of things. Absolutely nothing. A complete flop of a fantasy world.
It honestly feels like the author had an idea for key moments that she wanted to happen in this story and then had the main character teleport between those points without properly explaining or adding meat to anything in between.
And don't get me started on the "power" that the protagonist has. Her ability is so poorly explained that even now after finishing the book I have no idea what exactly she can or can't do. Seems like her powers have no limits since she uses it to solve every problem that the situation in the book needs. Her powers span from having the ability to make a cup of coffee to breaking an entire world. Everything between those two extremes she can do if required.
It is safe to say I will not continue with the sequel.
March 12, 2019
Maybe 2.5 stars? This was a very frustrating read. Every time the author develops a path for the story, we're immediately thrown onto another path without having any sort of closure for the previous abandoned path. It felt like multiple stories somehow. I almost DNF'd it repeatedly because I just didn't really want to ride the rollercoaster. And then I thought it was over and I was feeling like "Eh, not that bad really." But no, it's not over. Now we're riding another rollercoaster? No, thank you. I'll put the second book on my shelf, but I seriously doubt I'll have any interest in reading it before I purge my shelves.
October 29, 2014
I rather liked the premise surrounding this book, but the execution was dismal.
Usually I'm a big fan of descriptions, but the ones here didn't seem to really clear anything up for me. I honestly couldn't tell you what any of the characters look like beyond basic "blond" or "brown eyed" and the lingering feeling that everyone is super white. I also can't recall where the human part of this story takes place except in "generic American city" and Annwn seems to be mostly forested, but in what kind of trees who knows, not I.
I found Lara really boring as a main character and her character growth completely unbelievable. She starts as a mousey little tailor, but within a day she suddenly grows an entire armoured suit of confidence and her ability to discern the truth has started morphing in to a mystical swiss army knife. It's completely preposterous and the suddenness robs it of any real meaning. We're supposed to believe this is because she "had" to stand up for herself, but as someone who has gone through such a transformation myself I can tell you it took me far longer and a lot more effort than getting through a difficult day to discover some spine and not cower at a simple mean look.
I also don't get the "love" part of this story. Lara and Dafydd spend a handful of hours together over a week, never much getting past polite conversation, but then suddenly Lara's all "yep, I can spend the rest of my life with this guy!" and getting jealous over petty things. It's rather creepy to be honest. As for Dafydd, he doesn't act like someone who loves Lara and we never really get to see much inside his head because he's invariably out of action in some way through the entire book. It all just seems rather forced to me and I don't know why Lara and Dafydd should be in love at all or why it would stop the rest of the story continuing in exactly the same way it played out anyway.
Overall I found this book a confusing mess. It wasn't awfully bad in the way some things I've read are, but it was boring and rambling and the attempts to impose some clarity on matters were as clear as mud.
Usually I'm a big fan of descriptions, but the ones here didn't seem to really clear anything up for me. I honestly couldn't tell you what any of the characters look like beyond basic "blond" or "brown eyed" and the lingering feeling that everyone is super white. I also can't recall where the human part of this story takes place except in "generic American city" and Annwn seems to be mostly forested, but in what kind of trees who knows, not I.
I found Lara really boring as a main character and her character growth completely unbelievable. She starts as a mousey little tailor, but within a day she suddenly grows an entire armoured suit of confidence and her ability to discern the truth has started morphing in to a mystical swiss army knife. It's completely preposterous and the suddenness robs it of any real meaning. We're supposed to believe this is because she "had" to stand up for herself, but as someone who has gone through such a transformation myself I can tell you it took me far longer and a lot more effort than getting through a difficult day to discover some spine and not cower at a simple mean look.
I also don't get the "love" part of this story. Lara and Dafydd spend a handful of hours together over a week, never much getting past polite conversation, but then suddenly Lara's all "yep, I can spend the rest of my life with this guy!" and getting jealous over petty things. It's rather creepy to be honest. As for Dafydd, he doesn't act like someone who loves Lara and we never really get to see much inside his head because he's invariably out of action in some way through the entire book. It all just seems rather forced to me and I don't know why Lara and Dafydd should be in love at all or why it would stop the rest of the story continuing in exactly the same way it played out anyway.
Overall I found this book a confusing mess. It wasn't awfully bad in the way some things I've read are, but it was boring and rambling and the attempts to impose some clarity on matters were as clear as mud.
July 30, 2011
It took me a while to get through this book. Like all of my reviews, I won't bother with a summary, since you can read what the book is about by the blurb.
Ultimately, it's a compelling enough story that I do want to read the second book and find out how it all ends. I think the story itself is good. The problem is in the writing itself.
NOT that it's horrible, writing-wise. But there's apparently a romance here and I just don't feel it. Largely because I don't care about the heroine or the hero, for that matter. I don't hate them, but I don't really feel for them or even like them all that much. This wouldn't be a deal-breaker if the story was just a straight-up urban fantasy, but the result of the characterizations is that the romance is unconvincing. When it happens, it's shoved in my face, very suddenly and too fast, like it's making up for the nice, gradual trickle of romance that builds a relationship I can believe in.
The second major issue I had with the writing is that there are long passages that are frankly too precious. They should have been cut. Too much exposition about Lara's power and the "music" she hears and the universe. OKAY, we GOT it the FIRST time around. I don't need three more pages of that stuff in the middle of the last battle.
There were also passages where the dialogue and narration almost seemed to toy with the fourth wall. It's kind of a turn-off for characters to point out to me that a conversation is pointless or rambling or random. It just reads like filler, or like the writer got lost on a meandering path and someone (her editor) failed to stop her.
All in all, though, I liked the story at its core. I picked it up because it had fae and Boston. Unfortunately, there really wasn't much of Boston itself. Mention of a famous diner and a couple streets on the map doesn't make a recognizable setting - it could have been anywhere. Also, even though technically "Seelie Court" can apply to all things fairy, elven, pixie, gnomish, etc., it irked me that the author used "elf" and "fairy" interchangeably.
Ultimately, it's a compelling enough story that I do want to read the second book and find out how it all ends. I think the story itself is good. The problem is in the writing itself.
NOT that it's horrible, writing-wise. But there's apparently a romance here and I just don't feel it. Largely because I don't care about the heroine or the hero, for that matter. I don't hate them, but I don't really feel for them or even like them all that much. This wouldn't be a deal-breaker if the story was just a straight-up urban fantasy, but the result of the characterizations is that the romance is unconvincing. When it happens, it's shoved in my face, very suddenly and too fast, like it's making up for the nice, gradual trickle of romance that builds a relationship I can believe in.
The second major issue I had with the writing is that there are long passages that are frankly too precious. They should have been cut. Too much exposition about Lara's power and the "music" she hears and the universe. OKAY, we GOT it the FIRST time around. I don't need three more pages of that stuff in the middle of the last battle.
There were also passages where the dialogue and narration almost seemed to toy with the fourth wall. It's kind of a turn-off for characters to point out to me that a conversation is pointless or rambling or random. It just reads like filler, or like the writer got lost on a meandering path and someone (her editor) failed to stop her.
All in all, though, I liked the story at its core. I picked it up because it had fae and Boston. Unfortunately, there really wasn't much of Boston itself. Mention of a famous diner and a couple streets on the map doesn't make a recognizable setting - it could have been anywhere. Also, even though technically "Seelie Court" can apply to all things fairy, elven, pixie, gnomish, etc., it irked me that the author used "elf" and "fairy" interchangeably.
October 3, 2010
This book is worlds apart from Murphy's Walker Files. Having said that, I haven't put my nook in hibernate mode since I started. I keep picking this book up whenever I have a free moment. I'm not sure if I like Daffyd yet, but Lara (and her friend Kelly) make this book.
Okay, here is my brilliant (haha) opinion. Some of the characters in this book are...hesitant; they are still finding their footing and aren't quite as "fleshed-out" as I would like. Lara shows great potential to become a kick-ass heroine in future installments of this series. I'm still on the wire with Dafydd, he's one of those un-fleshed characters that I mentioned. Some of he "bad guys" aren't very bad and a few of the good guys could be comfortable wearing the black hat in this story.
On a side note: This book ends in the middle of the story...I absolutely hate when an author does this, it's extremely frustrating! With a new author this might be a suicidal move, but those of us who have followed (and LOVED) the Walker Papers should be willing to give Murphy the benefit of the doubt. According to the tentative publication schedule posted on her website, Murphy isn't planning on making us wait too long for the next installment.
All in all Truthseeker introduces some unique characters into the world of Urban Fantasy. I plan to keep an eye on this series, it looks promising.
Okay, here is my brilliant (haha) opinion. Some of the characters in this book are...hesitant; they are still finding their footing and aren't quite as "fleshed-out" as I would like. Lara shows great potential to become a kick-ass heroine in future installments of this series. I'm still on the wire with Dafydd, he's one of those un-fleshed characters that I mentioned. Some of he "bad guys" aren't very bad and a few of the good guys could be comfortable wearing the black hat in this story.
On a side note: This book ends in the middle of the story...I absolutely hate when an author does this, it's extremely frustrating! With a new author this might be a suicidal move, but those of us who have followed (and LOVED) the Walker Papers should be willing to give Murphy the benefit of the doubt. According to the tentative publication schedule posted on her website, Murphy isn't planning on making us wait too long for the next installment.
All in all Truthseeker introduces some unique characters into the world of Urban Fantasy. I plan to keep an eye on this series, it looks promising.
January 31, 2011
It's another first-of-the-series from C. E. Murphy, and given that I was expecting a spunky heroine to be dragged bass-akward through a pile of world-view-changing revelations, it did not disappoint.
Truthseeker moves a little too fast for the plot to gain much in the way of depth, and the action was explained away rather than explained. However, that speed is complimented by dialog that I found to be witty as well as wry. The four main characters are presented well, from the angles of description, dialog, and reaction by the other characters. Lara's ever growing talent and emotional maturation in the story work well together, and Kelly's practical competence, combined with the sarcastic/ironic commentary, provide excellent relief for Lara's tiresome hangups. The ending was a gimmie, but I'm ok with that. I was reading the book for entertainment and the occasional giggle, not for psychological exploration of self. The sequel isn't out yet, but is listed on the last page, so I'm expecting more from Lara and Kelly, Dafydd (David), and hopefully Dickson.
Truthseeker moves a little too fast for the plot to gain much in the way of depth, and the action was explained away rather than explained. However, that speed is complimented by dialog that I found to be witty as well as wry. The four main characters are presented well, from the angles of description, dialog, and reaction by the other characters. Lara's ever growing talent and emotional maturation in the story work well together, and Kelly's practical competence, combined with the sarcastic/ironic commentary, provide excellent relief for Lara's tiresome hangups. The ending was a gimmie, but I'm ok with that. I was reading the book for entertainment and the occasional giggle, not for psychological exploration of self. The sequel isn't out yet, but is listed on the last page, so I'm expecting more from Lara and Kelly, Dafydd (David), and hopefully Dickson.
January 20, 2012
I picked this one up on a whim from a bookstore because I needed something to entertain me, and I had enjoyed Murphy's Inheritor's Cycle books. This one was a disappointment, though. It's not that it was terrible, I just don't see why anyone would need this book AND the sequel to tell the relatively slight story. The characters and plot are not as well-developed or as inherently interesting as in the Inheritor's Cycle, and the book ends on that irritating brand of cliffhanger that is less "I have now wrapped up the story you thought you were reading BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE," (which I don't mind) and more "this is the part that should really just be the climax in the middle of a single longer book, but which we have decided to use as the ending of this slim volume so that we can make more money selling you 2 $15 paperbacks." While I would have continued with the story if it had been one volume, as it is, I don't even know that I care enough to go through the effort of seeing if my library has the second half of the duology. I certainly don't care enough to pay for it.
March 9, 2016
After this book, my need for fantasy novels was abated. It had an intriguing idea: a heroine whose superpower is telling the truth. I especially like how she describes a well-made piece of clothing as truth made manifest.
Good idea, poor execution. I felt like I was being told about character development as opposed to it being developed naturally through the story. When done right, I can swallow a heroine coming out of her shell through adversity and throwing everything away for the love a man whom she barely knows. It did not happen for me here, though.
The writing was way too awkward, and towards the end (which I had to skim to get to) completely falls apart. After this, I'm tired of cheap paperback fantasy. I'm ready to return to the land of the literary.
Good idea, poor execution. I felt like I was being told about character development as opposed to it being developed naturally through the story. When done right, I can swallow a heroine coming out of her shell through adversity and throwing everything away for the love a man whom she barely knows. It did not happen for me here, though.
The writing was way too awkward, and towards the end (which I had to skim to get to) completely falls apart. After this, I'm tired of cheap paperback fantasy. I'm ready to return to the land of the literary.
September 13, 2010
Okay, good book, but for goodness gracious, it's like half the story. Where is the end? Oh I guess we have to wait for Wayfinder. For future reference, I am not a fan of this cutting-a-book-in-half-so-we-can-sell-two-titles-and-get-more-money-out-of-it trend lately. Happened to me with another book earlier this year too. I don't mind series. I don't mind trilogies. I don't mind never ending sagas (okay, well, that may be an exaggeration), but c'mon people, don't start one story arc, get to what seems like the end of the middle/beginning of the end and just ... stop. Really annoying. This is my first C.E. Murphy book too. Hmmm.
July 23, 2018
I actually finished reading this book some time ago, but have just now gotten around to the review.
It's marked as a duology - so it shouldn't be a shock that this book doesn't have a complete ending. It reaches a good finishing point, but you have to read them both to get the whole thing.
I didn't get to the second one. I can't put a finger on exactly what didn't catch me on this one. I will say it did something that I haven't seen in other books.
- spoilers if you haven't read it yet -
There's a part where the main character travels by magic to fairy land. She's supposed to be able to get right back to the time when she left. She doesn't. I've read a number of alternate world stories and it's unheard of to actually then deal with somebody not getting back to their place during the time when they should have been there. Sure, there are the ones where people are placed out of time by a hundred years or more - but this one was more like 6 months and then the main character shows up again. And has to deal with court cases and missing persons cases that are being handled by the police *about them*. It was very refreshing to see that. It was one of the things I really enjoyed about this book.
I think there's a lot of good stuff here for fans of urban fantasy.
It's marked as a duology - so it shouldn't be a shock that this book doesn't have a complete ending. It reaches a good finishing point, but you have to read them both to get the whole thing.
I didn't get to the second one. I can't put a finger on exactly what didn't catch me on this one. I will say it did something that I haven't seen in other books.
- spoilers if you haven't read it yet -
There's a part where the main character travels by magic to fairy land. She's supposed to be able to get right back to the time when she left. She doesn't. I've read a number of alternate world stories and it's unheard of to actually then deal with somebody not getting back to their place during the time when they should have been there. Sure, there are the ones where people are placed out of time by a hundred years or more - but this one was more like 6 months and then the main character shows up again. And has to deal with court cases and missing persons cases that are being handled by the police *about them*. It was very refreshing to see that. It was one of the things I really enjoyed about this book.
I think there's a lot of good stuff here for fans of urban fantasy.
November 30, 2021
2 1/2 stars. Mixing Fantasy (meeting the Fae and traveling to their world) with real world problems (hey I came back several years later, lost my job, my friends, my apartment) is not enjoyable to me. Then the Fae prince sat around in jail waiting for her to come back, really? Then we have to get him out of jail. Half the book is interesting, dealing with magic and Fae, then other half is very annoying when with "real world" problems like going to the police and going before a judge to get the prince out of jail. I don't want to read about that stuff, it's about as exciting as balancing my checkbook. And a prince who is thousands of years old (thousands!) is going to fall for a human whose going to live maybe 100 years?! I'm assuming in book 2 or 3 something magical will happen to prolong her lifespan. Or maybe he'll become mortal, drop all his responsibilities as the heir to his kingdom and come live in her small apartment and help her clean house. And get a job. Ugh. Not reading second book to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2018
Page 138. I'm just not going to finish this. I *want* to like it; I really adore the character of a tailor whose sense of truth is soothed by getting the things "just right." If this character was associated with almost anything but a portal fantasy with two opposing clans of characters populated from the Mabinogion and littered with apparently-unexamined Generic High Fantasy Tropes, with a little isntalove thrown in on top, I would adore the book, too. But I don't. It's just not for me.
I know I've read a couple of Murphy's other books, but apparently that was in pre-Goodreads days, so I can't remember exactly why I feel like I had issues with those, too. It may just be a mismatch between writer and reader. Pity, because I really like this character idea.
I know I've read a couple of Murphy's other books, but apparently that was in pre-Goodreads days, so I can't remember exactly why I feel like I had issues with those, too. It may just be a mismatch between writer and reader. Pity, because I really like this character idea.
May 24, 2020
This book didn't work for me. The protagonist has a special ability that is too gimmicky. She can tell when someone is telling the truth. Or maybe she can make someone hear the truth. Or maybe she can make something true. Whatever the plot requires. And the characters are too simple and the supporting two-dimensional. They are there to provide help (usually) when it is needed. They have the information the protagonist is looking for. There is even a seer to walk on, give some ambiguous advice and prophecy, and walk off. The book has everything it requires to tell a good story, but story never quite cohered for me.
February 14, 2020
This was fun. Fairies and someone able to tell when someone is or is not telling the truth. Love the premise and though the main character annoyed me for awhile, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. I mean, truth is a lot to deal with and especially when there are so many ways of looking at it. For example - if someone believed they were telling you the truth she knew they believed it but not necessarily if it was true...kind of like facebook and twitter.... I will be watching for book 2 in this duology.
May 23, 2017
I stopped reading somewhere in chapter 10.
I like her. I like the dynamic between her and her friend. I like that her personality is different from the norm. It started out good for me. Maybe I'll pick it again, and finish the book. Just not any time soon.
I like her. I like the dynamic between her and her friend. I like that her personality is different from the norm. It started out good for me. Maybe I'll pick it again, and finish the book. Just not any time soon.
June 24, 2019
Taking almost 10 days this book was one of those set it aside in favor of another reads for me.
I am happy to have read the first in this Duology because now my curiosity compels me to read book 2, which I also own and have available to read, in the coming future.
For a bit longer though am staying with digital books as I can lay down to read them rather than sitting in one position for too long.
I am happy to have read the first in this Duology because now my curiosity compels me to read book 2, which I also own and have available to read, in the coming future.
For a bit longer though am staying with digital books as I can lay down to read them rather than sitting in one position for too long.
September 6, 2020
Omg this was so good! I can't believe I never read it before. I loved "The Walker Papers" so much and this is just as good. Rushing off to buy the 2nd book now.
*note* there were small formatting errors in my nook version. I think a page break or chapter break or two were missing. Once I understood what was happening, I glossed over it. It didn't take away from the story for me. And the story is great *
*note* there were small formatting errors in my nook version. I think a page break or chapter break or two were missing. Once I understood what was happening, I glossed over it. It didn't take away from the story for me. And the story is great *
June 18, 2023
Interesting premise. Lara can tell when people lie. Even common idioms ring as untruth to her. Then when she meets Dafydd, he recognizes her for what she is, a Truthseeker. He knows this because he is a Seeley prince sent to find a truthseeker. He finds Lara after 100 years of searching. They embark on a quest that takes them through time and space to find a murderer. I'm not sure I ever really felt connected to the characters but the premise was interesting enough I did get drawn in.
January 24, 2024
The most difficult part of reading this book was the formatting of the digital version. There were many times where there should have been a break to indicate a scene change that just wasn't there and confused everything. The characters felt more like they were there for the plot than actually driving it. However, the road trip adventure portion in the latter half was the most fun and made me want the next one.
October 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Laura is definitely not as boring as some of the reviews put made her out to be, I definitely enjoy her relationship with her best friend Kelly. I find the premise of the book interesting because especially as the world is now the possibility of somebody who can Enlighten people about the truth is weirdly interesting. I'm definitely reading the second book
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