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Learning to Fly: The Spinner's Game Continues
Medievalist Neve is delighted to find herself surrounded by swirling colours and foot-stomping music in Regin-jarl’s mead hall… even if her presence is dependent on the memories of a banished angel. Her vicarious entry to the past begins when, curious about the local offshore windfarm, she ventures down to Yalesham seafront. “We buried Skimaskall there,” an unlikely-looking youth says. “And Skimaskall is?” “A dragon.” “And you are…?” “I’m Raesan, an angel… an elf… an Asar. And you are illegal, Lady Nineve, child of Constance Oath-breaker.” Raesan offers to take her back to 1086 to identify her grandpa before he can spawn more illegal semi-divines… and there she is, hooked on the quest.
732 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 23, 2021
I’ve come to this series at a mid point judging by the title, but it made no difference to my enjoyment of this fascinating mix of deeply researched history and fantasy. I love history, and I love certain kinds of fantasy so this story of angels and Asars and fourth nocks and Neve’s conflicted desires was right up my alley. Oh, and a lovesick dragon too.
When a strange young man enters Neve’s new life in a seaside village, she finds herself torn between despair at his immaturity and the thrill of his ability to transport her back centuries, reliving his own memories of more interesting times. Neve embarks on two quests. One is to find her grandfather who left her beloved grandmother under strange circumstances. The other is to stop a dragon, comfortably asleep on a bed of English gold, from being rudely awakened by a proposed wind turbine. For if that happens, the inhabitants of the area will have all the heat they never wished for.
I have to admit I brushed over a lot of the genealogy as my brain never copes well with who’s related to whom. But no matter who was the source of whom, the characters are wide and deep in their humanity or non-humanity. I wanted to assure the naïve Guy and his outspoken squire that all would be well (I hoped), I was taken completely by the Cezas, and quite understood Neve’s attraction to Rat. Then there’s Neve’s annoying but necessary banished angel, a complex character who teeters on the edge of being the good guy or the bad guy.
At 730 pages, this is not a quick read. But it moves along at a satisfying pace, with twists and turns and dicey situations. I’ve grown too old to go searching in the back of wardrobes, but perhaps I can take up wandering through industrial estates in the hope of stumbling across…
When a strange young man enters Neve’s new life in a seaside village, she finds herself torn between despair at his immaturity and the thrill of his ability to transport her back centuries, reliving his own memories of more interesting times. Neve embarks on two quests. One is to find her grandfather who left her beloved grandmother under strange circumstances. The other is to stop a dragon, comfortably asleep on a bed of English gold, from being rudely awakened by a proposed wind turbine. For if that happens, the inhabitants of the area will have all the heat they never wished for.
I have to admit I brushed over a lot of the genealogy as my brain never copes well with who’s related to whom. But no matter who was the source of whom, the characters are wide and deep in their humanity or non-humanity. I wanted to assure the naïve Guy and his outspoken squire that all would be well (I hoped), I was taken completely by the Cezas, and quite understood Neve’s attraction to Rat. Then there’s Neve’s annoying but necessary banished angel, a complex character who teeters on the edge of being the good guy or the bad guy.
At 730 pages, this is not a quick read. But it moves along at a satisfying pace, with twists and turns and dicey situations. I’ve grown too old to go searching in the back of wardrobes, but perhaps I can take up wandering through industrial estates in the hope of stumbling across…
April 8, 2021
Learning to Fly is a captivating read. Entertaining and engaging, this perfectly-paced tale is historical fantasy on an epic scale. Well-written, and filled with colourful characters and rich, vivid descriptions, it’s impossible not to get pulled into the gripping story-telling. Highly recommended! 5 / 5
Read the full review, and others, on Sammi Loves Books: https://sammicox.wordpress.com/
Read the full review, and others, on Sammi Loves Books: https://sammicox.wordpress.com/
April 29, 2021
I read an early version of Learning to Fly and loved it. I've also read all the previous Spinner's Game books, but this isn't necessary and first time readers can easily jump in here.
I've always considered myself a history nerd, but Cripsina Kemp puts me to shame. Her love of the subject matter is clear in every word she writes and makes the reader care for it just as much. You don't need to have knowledge of William the Conqueror's era to get into this book (though it helps), but even those who know that story will be fascinated by all the behind the scenes details weaved into this book.
Main character Neve's struggle is very relatable as is her difficult relationship with Asar Raesan. He was a character both lovable and hatable at different times in the Spinner's Game, and he doesn't disappoint here. Sometimes I wanted to give him a hug, other times I wanted to throw my iPad across the room in the hopes he might feel it!
The story jumps between our time and the 11th Century, with both stories so compelling you're never bored.
All in all, this is a great continuation to the Spinner's Game, and definitely worth a read (especially if you love history!)
I've always considered myself a history nerd, but Cripsina Kemp puts me to shame. Her love of the subject matter is clear in every word she writes and makes the reader care for it just as much. You don't need to have knowledge of William the Conqueror's era to get into this book (though it helps), but even those who know that story will be fascinated by all the behind the scenes details weaved into this book.
Main character Neve's struggle is very relatable as is her difficult relationship with Asar Raesan. He was a character both lovable and hatable at different times in the Spinner's Game, and he doesn't disappoint here. Sometimes I wanted to give him a hug, other times I wanted to throw my iPad across the room in the hopes he might feel it!
The story jumps between our time and the 11th Century, with both stories so compelling you're never bored.
All in all, this is a great continuation to the Spinner's Game, and definitely worth a read (especially if you love history!)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews