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The Patron Wars #1
The Spark
"The Spark is a madcap tale of rebellion and getting caught up in forces beyond one's control, set in a truly strange, magical world. I couldn't put it down until it was done." John Bierce, Mage Errant
Daina has always dreamed of flight. To soar above her problems, her doubts, and the conflicts of her clan. And here, where shapeshifting is as normal as breathing, flight is indeed possible. Just not to a mix like her, a barely tolerated member of the clan, not belonging to any of the tribes within it.
With parents long gone and no friends except for a curmudgeonly old boss, she has little for her except her dream and a burning rivalry with her longtime enemy, Aisma.
So when two of the clan’s gods approach her, offering to fulfill her dream, how can she not accept? But there is a price for everything.
As civil war besets the clan, and the gods draw up battle lines, the time for dreams and petty rivalry is running out. There is a price for everything, and Daina might have to pay more than she ever imagined.
Daina has always dreamed of flight. To soar above her problems, her doubts, and the conflicts of her clan. And here, where shapeshifting is as normal as breathing, flight is indeed possible. Just not to a mix like her, a barely tolerated member of the clan, not belonging to any of the tribes within it.
With parents long gone and no friends except for a curmudgeonly old boss, she has little for her except her dream and a burning rivalry with her longtime enemy, Aisma.
So when two of the clan’s gods approach her, offering to fulfill her dream, how can she not accept? But there is a price for everything.
As civil war besets the clan, and the gods draw up battle lines, the time for dreams and petty rivalry is running out. There is a price for everything, and Daina might have to pay more than she ever imagined.
- GenresFantasy
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2020
51 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 18, 2020
Enjoyable read
I have to admit that the tribal topic isn’t exactly my cup of tea - it has peculiar charm to it, sure, but doesn’t really pull the strings of my heart.
Still, the story lent itself pretty well to that setting, leaving reader with some questions (of interest) about world we see.
Characters were pretty good, even if you could find MC pretty bland for a while, given reactive nature and questionable ... origin story? I guess. Supporting characters were great though and the story could ride on them only if needed - that’s not the case though.
I liked magic system, though I have to admit that I either stopped understanding progression for it, or just some detail slipped my mind and caused me to stop getting it in the later stages of the book. Still, it complimented the world and made sense conceptually.
Writing was good, I never really felt that I encountered any parts of poor quality, or perhaps stuff that was put there just to pad the story out.
Given this is first book from the author, I will go with 5 stars - not 100% deserved, but extra points for debuting in a really good style, this is something I can admire and respect.
Good luck with the sequel!
I have to admit that the tribal topic isn’t exactly my cup of tea - it has peculiar charm to it, sure, but doesn’t really pull the strings of my heart.
Still, the story lent itself pretty well to that setting, leaving reader with some questions (of interest) about world we see.
Characters were pretty good, even if you could find MC pretty bland for a while, given reactive nature and questionable ... origin story? I guess. Supporting characters were great though and the story could ride on them only if needed - that’s not the case though.
I liked magic system, though I have to admit that I either stopped understanding progression for it, or just some detail slipped my mind and caused me to stop getting it in the later stages of the book. Still, it complimented the world and made sense conceptually.
Writing was good, I never really felt that I encountered any parts of poor quality, or perhaps stuff that was put there just to pad the story out.
Given this is first book from the author, I will go with 5 stars - not 100% deserved, but extra points for debuting in a really good style, this is something I can admire and respect.
Good luck with the sequel!
February 9, 2021
Fantastic read!
A hadn't read fantasy for a while when i started this, and i really enjoyed coming back to that world.
The book lets the reader learn about the magic system along with the main character, and i felt the same excitement that she did when new things were revealed. It manages to toe a fine line, - it was completely natural, not overly explained, yet i never felt left in the dark.
To me, the most important part of the story is the feel of the characters and their relations. The ones in this book feel interesting as people, and i loved getting to know them, understanding their personalities and quirks better and better. The main character thinks very differently from me, and to begin with i wasn't sure how to read her. As you read the story though her eyes a decisions, i felt like i got the opportunity to see the situations through a different perspective.
Looking forward to the sequel!
A hadn't read fantasy for a while when i started this, and i really enjoyed coming back to that world.
The book lets the reader learn about the magic system along with the main character, and i felt the same excitement that she did when new things were revealed. It manages to toe a fine line, - it was completely natural, not overly explained, yet i never felt left in the dark.
To me, the most important part of the story is the feel of the characters and their relations. The ones in this book feel interesting as people, and i loved getting to know them, understanding their personalities and quirks better and better. The main character thinks very differently from me, and to begin with i wasn't sure how to read her. As you read the story though her eyes a decisions, i felt like i got the opportunity to see the situations through a different perspective.
Looking forward to the sequel!
May 5, 2021
Very enjoyable
Very engaging, finished quickly. Great setting and world building. Characters were well balanced and varied, neither too perfect nor too flawed. Looking forward to the follow-up.
Very engaging, finished quickly. Great setting and world building. Characters were well balanced and varied, neither too perfect nor too flawed. Looking forward to the follow-up.
January 17, 2021
Disclosure: Katrine is my cousin and I helped beta-read.
April 20, 2021
Well written, good characters, good story. Normally that would result in a 4 star review from me but I didn’t enjoy the setting. Still worth the read and those who enjoy Norse settings will doubtless like this one.
April 24, 2021
Well done
I like the protagonist a lot. I like the world building and the plot and pacing. There are a few proofreading errors but those are minimal.
I like the protagonist a lot. I like the world building and the plot and pacing. There are a few proofreading errors but those are minimal.
December 3, 2020
Promising start
Pros: good setting and characters, interesting magic system
Cons: rough pros and pacing, description often lacking
Overall recommend I'm looking forward to the next book
Pros: good setting and characters, interesting magic system
Cons: rough pros and pacing, description often lacking
Overall recommend I'm looking forward to the next book
March 10, 2022
Sounds cliched, but this book is a dark and mysterious tribal tale, with shape shifting humans fighting and dying for "gods". I especially loved the protagonist, she's hard and vulnerable in a way that is both sad and relatable. Will definitely be continuing the series.
July 7, 2024
Really good intro book to the series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews