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Moorehawke Trilogy #2
The Crowded Shadows
Merron glossary as audio
New Friends. Old Enemies. Who can you trust? Wynter Moorehawke travels alone and unprotected in bandit-infested forests, searching for the rebel Prince Alberon. But many enemies are lurking in the shadows. It seems that every tyrant and zealot who has ever threatened the Kingdom is sending emissaries to meet Alberon. Wynter becomes increasingly nervous of the prince's intentions. She is overjoyed when Razi and Christopher re-appear, but where old friends go, old enemies soon follow and Wynter finds herself confronted with the infamous Wolves - the Loups-Garous. It is to Christopher's adopted people, the Merron, that Wynter and Razi must now turn for sanctuary. But the Merron have sided with their mortal enemy, Marguerite Shirken. What is behind these strange alliances and is Alberon at the centre of it all?
New Friends. Old Enemies. Who can you trust? Wynter Moorehawke travels alone and unprotected in bandit-infested forests, searching for the rebel Prince Alberon. But many enemies are lurking in the shadows. It seems that every tyrant and zealot who has ever threatened the Kingdom is sending emissaries to meet Alberon. Wynter becomes increasingly nervous of the prince's intentions. She is overjoyed when Razi and Christopher re-appear, but where old friends go, old enemies soon follow and Wynter finds herself confronted with the infamous Wolves - the Loups-Garous. It is to Christopher's adopted people, the Merron, that Wynter and Razi must now turn for sanctuary. But the Merron have sided with their mortal enemy, Marguerite Shirken. What is behind these strange alliances and is Alberon at the centre of it all?
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2009
24 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Celine Kiernan
16 books396 followersCeline Kiernan is an award-winning author of fantasy novels for young adults. Her critically acclaimed work combines fantasy elements with the exploration of political, humanitarian and philosophical themes. She is best known for The Moorehawke Trilogy, a dark, complex trilogy of fantasy YA books set in an alternative renaissance Europe. First published in Celine’s native Ireland in 2008, the trilogy has since been published in 15 different territories, and translated into 10 different languages. In 2009 the first book of the Moorehawke Trilogy, The Poison Throne, won The Readers’ Association of Ireland Award for best book; it was included in the White Raven Collection and short listed for the 2009 Irish Book Awards in two categories (Best Newcomer and Best Children’s Book senior category). In 2010 it was long-listed for an Australian Silver Inky Award.
Celine’s fourth novel, Into the Grey (aka Taken Away) – a YA ghost story set in 1970′s Ireland – won the 2012 CBI Book of the Year (formerly The Bisto award) and the CBI Children’s Choice Award. It is the first book to have won both categories. It won the RAI Book of the Year 2013, and has been shortlisted for the Sakura Medal (English High) 2014. In 2013 the Irish Times named it as one of the best children's books of the past 25 years.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, 1967, Celine has spent the majority of her working life in the film business, and her career as a classical feature character animator spanned over seventeen years, before she became a full-time writer.
Celine’s fourth novel, Into the Grey (aka Taken Away) – a YA ghost story set in 1970′s Ireland – won the 2012 CBI Book of the Year (formerly The Bisto award) and the CBI Children’s Choice Award. It is the first book to have won both categories. It won the RAI Book of the Year 2013, and has been shortlisted for the Sakura Medal (English High) 2014. In 2013 the Irish Times named it as one of the best children's books of the past 25 years.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, 1967, Celine has spent the majority of her working life in the film business, and her career as a classical feature character animator spanned over seventeen years, before she became a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 4, 2010
I found the books use of modified Merron (Irish) language at times confusing. The author often explained which of the three languages were being used to combat that choice. There is a postscript to explain the phrases, but I didn't feel inclined to break off the story to look up the translations.
I found the plot rather muddy though the middle of the story and didn't reall go anywhere it hadn't been before.
The characters so powerfully set up in the first book became rather unsurprising as the author spent a great deal of time exploring pagan religions, often only part explaining their constructs through the dialogue of the characters. Christoper I found was irritating beyond belief at times and Wyn seems to spend most of her time, mouth open in shock, helpless or crying.
What I liked about the first book was the strong, compelling characters. In this book they gave way to descriptions of basically forest, supporting character outlines and circled paganism.
Perhaps that was the intent; for the reader to dislike or find them weak from their previous power. I wondered why there are so many middle eastern names and backstories, when the religious elements were based on the 'Green Man'.
Hoping the last book will revive the vivid characters and avoid whimsical exploration of religion.
I found the plot rather muddy though the middle of the story and didn't reall go anywhere it hadn't been before.
The characters so powerfully set up in the first book became rather unsurprising as the author spent a great deal of time exploring pagan religions, often only part explaining their constructs through the dialogue of the characters. Christoper I found was irritating beyond belief at times and Wyn seems to spend most of her time, mouth open in shock, helpless or crying.
What I liked about the first book was the strong, compelling characters. In this book they gave way to descriptions of basically forest, supporting character outlines and circled paganism.
Perhaps that was the intent; for the reader to dislike or find them weak from their previous power. I wondered why there are so many middle eastern names and backstories, when the religious elements were based on the 'Green Man'.
Hoping the last book will revive the vivid characters and avoid whimsical exploration of religion.
October 7, 2011
Devoured this in the span of a single day, but it was due more to my impatience to find out what's going on than anything. I'd have preferred to give this book four stars, but Celine Kiernan's infuriating tendency to have her characters withhold vital information from Wynter pushes all patience just a little bit too far. My affection for Christopher, which was at an all-time high from the previous book, has dropped at an alarming rate. Yes, his hesitation to share everything is understandable, but it doesn't make everything any less annoying. Adding all that Irish into the mix didn't help clear up the increasingly muddy waters of this book.
And all this obtuseness flying around is actually rather damaging to Wynter as a character as well. Treating the story this way has Wynter do nearly nothing in the book, once she meets up with Razi and Christopher. She merely stands around, holds them back, or tries to make them feel better -- not exactly the most stirring of heroines. She has, I think, lost herself in this book, fallen into the background of Christopher's and Razi's separate dramas.
I'm still going to read the last book, because I can't stand to leave anything open-ended. I'm also hoping with everything in me that Wynter finally steps out from her friends' shadows and saves the day -- as well as my opinion.
And all this obtuseness flying around is actually rather damaging to Wynter as a character as well. Treating the story this way has Wynter do nearly nothing in the book, once she meets up with Razi and Christopher. She merely stands around, holds them back, or tries to make them feel better -- not exactly the most stirring of heroines. She has, I think, lost herself in this book, fallen into the background of Christopher's and Razi's separate dramas.
I'm still going to read the last book, because I can't stand to leave anything open-ended. I'm also hoping with everything in me that Wynter finally steps out from her friends' shadows and saves the day -- as well as my opinion.
March 6, 2010
510 pages of rape! Murder! Torture! Decapitation! Slavery! Operations without anesthetic! Human sacrifice! But apart from all that padding, nothing actually happens! At the beginning of this book, Wynter, Christopher and Razi are searching for Alberon. At the end of this book, Wynter, Christopher and Razi are still searching for Alberon. Ploughed through all the violence for nothing. Also, the main character, Wynter, seems to be suffering from lack of personality disorder, as well as a certain amount of BLIND NAIVETE, which is annoying.
October 26, 2018
Dieses Buch war schon etwas besser als Band 1, weil es hier immerhin keine ewig langen Wiederholungen von bestimmten Handlungen gab und es tatsächlich etwas voran gegangen ist. Ich weiß dennoch immer noch nicht, was sich der Verlag beim Klappentext gedacht hat. Sprechende Katzen? - Nope. Magie - Wo?! Ganz am Ende vom Buch vielleicht. Über den politischen Konflikt wurde immerhin etwas gesprochen und ich bin gespannt, wie es sich am Ende auflösen wird.
September 18, 2009
I loved The Poison Throne so much; Celine Kiernan is such a vivid storyteller, and the world she constructs in The Poison Throne is so rich I wondered whether she'd be able to keep it up in the next installment of The Moorehawke Triloy.
So, I was totally thrilled to find The Crowded Shadows waiting for me at home yesterday, and immediately went upstairs to read it.
We begin with Wynter alone on horseback in the forest, seeking Alberon's rebel camp. Her journey is fraught with danger, and when she has an encounter with Christopher and Razi she is overjoyed. They set out to find Alberon together, but when they begin to fear attack from the Loups-Garous, the wild tribe that enslaved Christopher, they take refuge with his people, the Merron. But they are messengers for Marguerite Shirken, daughter of the evil dictator who controls the Northlands that Wynter and her father spent years fighting against. Wynter finds herself wondering who is her friend, and who her enemy.
Although looking back on it, the story doesn't seem as fast moving as the first, the lack of political intruige outside of Jonathon's court and amount of travelling through the forest setting making it seem so at times, even at these moments I had to keep reading - Kiernan's writing always made it seem as though something was just around the corner, and she kept me on tenterhooks throughout the whole book.
I was really happy to see some character development in this book; Wynter and Christopher's relationship grows, and it was really sweet to see it. Even Razi gets a love interest, and I feel like I know them all a little bit better, especially Christopher - we learn a lot more about his time with the Loups-Garous, and a secret about him that seemed to be revealed and then just ignored for the remainder of the book.
The only thing that persisted in annoying me most of the book was how people, mainly Christopher and Razi, repeatedly didn't tell Wynter what was going on, and since the reader only really knows what she knows it has left me with a lot of unanswered questions for The Rebel Prince to answer. Is Alberon a friend or foe? What exactly is Christopher? Will Razi exact revenge? And what is the 'Bloody Machine'?
The history of Kiernan's world, a sort of alternate Europe with various kingdoms and tribes, is fascinating, and in The Crowded Shadows we learn a lot more about it than we would have in Jonathon's kingdom. The language in the book is complex and flowing, weaving the story together beautifully. The author deals with many issues, such as racial discrimination and persecution of people who are 'different', such as Christopher's tribe, and I found it in parts to be powerfully thought-provoking and poignant.
The book engrossed me completely, and at the end all I could think about was reading more, it was that spell-binding. Celine Kiernan is a fine writer, and I although I can't wait to read The Rebel Prince and have all my questions answered, I'm dreading the ending of this trilogy! I'm from Ireland like the author, and I really hope these books get the recognition they deserve when released in America and other countries - they really are wonderful. If you like epic stories with action, adventure, suspense and a little romance, you have to read this book - it'll stay with you long after you've finished. Five stars! :]
So, I was totally thrilled to find The Crowded Shadows waiting for me at home yesterday, and immediately went upstairs to read it.
We begin with Wynter alone on horseback in the forest, seeking Alberon's rebel camp. Her journey is fraught with danger, and when she has an encounter with Christopher and Razi she is overjoyed. They set out to find Alberon together, but when they begin to fear attack from the Loups-Garous, the wild tribe that enslaved Christopher, they take refuge with his people, the Merron. But they are messengers for Marguerite Shirken, daughter of the evil dictator who controls the Northlands that Wynter and her father spent years fighting against. Wynter finds herself wondering who is her friend, and who her enemy.
Although looking back on it, the story doesn't seem as fast moving as the first, the lack of political intruige outside of Jonathon's court and amount of travelling through the forest setting making it seem so at times, even at these moments I had to keep reading - Kiernan's writing always made it seem as though something was just around the corner, and she kept me on tenterhooks throughout the whole book.
I was really happy to see some character development in this book; Wynter and Christopher's relationship grows, and it was really sweet to see it. Even Razi gets a love interest, and I feel like I know them all a little bit better, especially Christopher - we learn a lot more about his time with the Loups-Garous, and a secret about him that seemed to be revealed and then just ignored for the remainder of the book.
The only thing that persisted in annoying me most of the book was how people, mainly Christopher and Razi, repeatedly didn't tell Wynter what was going on, and since the reader only really knows what she knows it has left me with a lot of unanswered questions for The Rebel Prince to answer. Is Alberon a friend or foe? What exactly is Christopher? Will Razi exact revenge? And what is the 'Bloody Machine'?
The history of Kiernan's world, a sort of alternate Europe with various kingdoms and tribes, is fascinating, and in The Crowded Shadows we learn a lot more about it than we would have in Jonathon's kingdom. The language in the book is complex and flowing, weaving the story together beautifully. The author deals with many issues, such as racial discrimination and persecution of people who are 'different', such as Christopher's tribe, and I found it in parts to be powerfully thought-provoking and poignant.
The book engrossed me completely, and at the end all I could think about was reading more, it was that spell-binding. Celine Kiernan is a fine writer, and I although I can't wait to read The Rebel Prince and have all my questions answered, I'm dreading the ending of this trilogy! I'm from Ireland like the author, and I really hope these books get the recognition they deserve when released in America and other countries - they really are wonderful. If you like epic stories with action, adventure, suspense and a little romance, you have to read this book - it'll stay with you long after you've finished. Five stars! :]
January 2, 2011
The three books of the series are The Poison Throne, The Crowded Shadows and The Rebel Prince. I'm reviewing them together partly because it would be hard to write individual reviews without a ton of spoilers...but also because I was insanely addicted to the series and read all three books in a row, and in a ridiculously short amount of time. Oh - and fair warning - there will be gushing to follow.
Here, friends. Here is a series to get lost in. This world, these people...they don't let you keep them on the pages of the book for long. I got so completely caught up in the adventures of Wynter, Razi and Christopher; when I would set the books down for something it would take me a disorienting moment to remember that I wasn't actually with them and part of the story. That, my friends, is the biggest gift a book can give you.
The politics, characters and different tribes and nations of people are all so layered and complex. I'm already looking forward to rereading the series sometime in the future because I know there is enough to the story that I will be picking up all kinds of things that I missed the first time.
I could never critique these books by saying "I didn't like what this character did in this situation" or "I wish she had written this part different" because...of course there are things I wish the characters hadn't done, or things that I wish had happened differently. Reading these books means watching a world unfold. (I did warn you there'd be gushing.) But, fair warning, there is a lot of intensity, and a lot of things that are hard to read (like human sacrifice).
In a lot of ways, reading is a never-ending search for books like these...the ones that give you a complete escape. If you like that feeling (and you know the one I'm talking about), then this really is a trilogy you shouldn't miss.
Here, friends. Here is a series to get lost in. This world, these people...they don't let you keep them on the pages of the book for long. I got so completely caught up in the adventures of Wynter, Razi and Christopher; when I would set the books down for something it would take me a disorienting moment to remember that I wasn't actually with them and part of the story. That, my friends, is the biggest gift a book can give you.
The politics, characters and different tribes and nations of people are all so layered and complex. I'm already looking forward to rereading the series sometime in the future because I know there is enough to the story that I will be picking up all kinds of things that I missed the first time.
I could never critique these books by saying "I didn't like what this character did in this situation" or "I wish she had written this part different" because...of course there are things I wish the characters hadn't done, or things that I wish had happened differently. Reading these books means watching a world unfold. (I did warn you there'd be gushing.) But, fair warning, there is a lot of intensity, and a lot of things that are hard to read (like human sacrifice).
In a lot of ways, reading is a never-ending search for books like these...the ones that give you a complete escape. If you like that feeling (and you know the one I'm talking about), then this really is a trilogy you shouldn't miss.
July 29, 2011
This extremely predictable novel suffers from a lack of action and lack of resolution. The lack of resolution is typical of a middle novel in a trilogy, but the lack of action means that plot points in this novel are telegraphed hundreds of pages before, and yet do not get done.
Plus this is not really fantasy where magic plays a central role. There is a little magic but this is mostly a story about how the main characters spend time with various groups on their way to meet up with the other prince -- hence the name of the book. There is also some development of background of Christopher, one of the main characters, and we learn Wynter's name and of the horrids suffered by slaves captured by slavers.
Atmosphere and setting are important and likeable characters are good to spend time with but without some good dialogue and with this level of predictability, this novel was too intensely static for me.
The question now is it worth it to buy another book in the trilogy.
Plus this is not really fantasy where magic plays a central role. There is a little magic but this is mostly a story about how the main characters spend time with various groups on their way to meet up with the other prince -- hence the name of the book. There is also some development of background of Christopher, one of the main characters, and we learn Wynter's name and of the horrids suffered by slaves captured by slavers.
Atmosphere and setting are important and likeable characters are good to spend time with but without some good dialogue and with this level of predictability, this novel was too intensely static for me.
The question now is it worth it to buy another book in the trilogy.
March 13, 2014
Two words: terrifyingly human.
The Moorehawke trilogy has officially become my second favorite book series ever - right after Harry Potter, who will always remain my first love.
One thing I noticed again and again as I read The Crowded Shadows, is the difference between characters like Christopher Garron and other characters of any other book I've read. I kept thinking, 'Why is he this afraid? Why is he ACTING afraid? Why won't he just man-up and face his fears?', because that's what other characters who have suffered similar hardships would normally do in other books. And then I came to realize that the way that Christopher was acting is the way WE would act - not as book characters, but as actual people who have been as tortured and roughed-up as he has. I realized that it was the depiction of OTHER books I've read, and not of this one, which are faulted and inaccurate.
My most striking example of this is in the Mortal Instruments series. When Clary Fairchild, the main character, is faced with the transformation of her childhood best friend into a vampire, and more specifically when he ATTACKS her and tries to kill her because of his hunger, Clary's reaction is a little poor, at best, compared to how a person would really react if they were attacked and attempted murder on by someone they have known and loved for over ten years. In comparison, Christopher's fear, his distress, were, as I said before, terrifyingly human.
I have found myself loving the character of Christopher Garron, more so than any character of any other book I have ever read. His fear became mine on a number of occasions, my heart beating as loud and as precipitately as his as I gripped the edge of my table and creased my forehead and eyebrows in an effort to keep from crying in public.
A particular scene that I will forever retain in my mind was the sacrifice of Embla and Ashkr. Oh Jesu! I was sitting beside a friend of mine as I read that scene, and he could not stop himself from asking me what had happened when he saw my face as I read anxiously on. I was agonizing when Embla fell, and was left reeling in horror and dread and pain when I thought about the pain that the twins would have had to go through had Christopher not been there and had not cut short their suffering. To watch your brother, your twin, someone you have lived with all your life, be burned alive, to hear his screams and shrieks of pain and to be unable to help them and or even to touch them and comfort them... I was broken by the read. Few scenes have ever made such an impact on me; three in all, and The Crowded Shadows has one of them. I will not forget.
Inevitably, for every book I read, there is at least one point, during my read, where I stop and frown and think, 'Why did the author do that? She/he shouldn't have done that. This book had great potential without this.' Happens every time. For example in James Dashner's The Maze Runner, when Theresa was first introduced, I felt an immediate animosity towards her. However, I have not felt this, neither in The Poison Throne nor in The Crowded Shadows. Those two books are, in my opinion, works of perfection.
A beautiful, horrowing read. As with the first book, I was hooked from the very first words. Read in three days, and left panting and aching for more. Unfortunately, my school's library does not at the moment have the third book on its shelves, but our librarian ordered it almost as soon as I came back with The Crowded Shadows and told her of my fascination and love for the Moorehawke trilogy.
Passionate.
The Moorehawke trilogy has officially become my second favorite book series ever - right after Harry Potter, who will always remain my first love.
One thing I noticed again and again as I read The Crowded Shadows, is the difference between characters like Christopher Garron and other characters of any other book I've read. I kept thinking, 'Why is he this afraid? Why is he ACTING afraid? Why won't he just man-up and face his fears?', because that's what other characters who have suffered similar hardships would normally do in other books. And then I came to realize that the way that Christopher was acting is the way WE would act - not as book characters, but as actual people who have been as tortured and roughed-up as he has. I realized that it was the depiction of OTHER books I've read, and not of this one, which are faulted and inaccurate.
My most striking example of this is in the Mortal Instruments series. When Clary Fairchild, the main character, is faced with the transformation of her childhood best friend into a vampire, and more specifically when he ATTACKS her and tries to kill her because of his hunger, Clary's reaction is a little poor, at best, compared to how a person would really react if they were attacked and attempted murder on by someone they have known and loved for over ten years. In comparison, Christopher's fear, his distress, were, as I said before, terrifyingly human.
I have found myself loving the character of Christopher Garron, more so than any character of any other book I have ever read. His fear became mine on a number of occasions, my heart beating as loud and as precipitately as his as I gripped the edge of my table and creased my forehead and eyebrows in an effort to keep from crying in public.
A particular scene that I will forever retain in my mind was the sacrifice of Embla and Ashkr. Oh Jesu! I was sitting beside a friend of mine as I read that scene, and he could not stop himself from asking me what had happened when he saw my face as I read anxiously on. I was agonizing when Embla fell, and was left reeling in horror and dread and pain when I thought about the pain that the twins would have had to go through had Christopher not been there and had not cut short their suffering. To watch your brother, your twin, someone you have lived with all your life, be burned alive, to hear his screams and shrieks of pain and to be unable to help them and or even to touch them and comfort them... I was broken by the read. Few scenes have ever made such an impact on me; three in all, and The Crowded Shadows has one of them. I will not forget.
Inevitably, for every book I read, there is at least one point, during my read, where I stop and frown and think, 'Why did the author do that? She/he shouldn't have done that. This book had great potential without this.' Happens every time. For example in James Dashner's The Maze Runner, when Theresa was first introduced, I felt an immediate animosity towards her. However, I have not felt this, neither in The Poison Throne nor in The Crowded Shadows. Those two books are, in my opinion, works of perfection.
A beautiful, horrowing read. As with the first book, I was hooked from the very first words. Read in three days, and left panting and aching for more. Unfortunately, my school's library does not at the moment have the third book on its shelves, but our librarian ordered it almost as soon as I came back with The Crowded Shadows and told her of my fascination and love for the Moorehawke trilogy.
Passionate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2012
I spent a lot of time frustrated with The Crowded Shadows by Celine Kiernan. After a tense start it begins to bog down in the middle. At the end of the book you realize that the plot hasn't actually advanced very far. There are a few hundred pages where they're amongst people with customs and a language Razi and Wynter don't know while Christopher does but he chooses to keep them (and the readers) in the dark about all of that for almost the entire time. Then he yells at them when they understandably misstep. I spent a lot of that section wanting to punch him. The very late revelations really didn't seem worth all that frustration and misdirection.
Also, Christopher's tragic past is so awful that I started to find it funny, which I know isn't the reaction Kiernan was going for.
I may yet read the next book, The Rebel Prince, in the hope that things will start happening again and the author will reveal why Alberon and Jonathon became such mustache-twirling villains, but if I do I'll borrow the book, certainly not pay for it.
Also, Christopher's tragic past is so awful that I started to find it funny, which I know isn't the reaction Kiernan was going for.
I may yet read the next book, The Rebel Prince, in the hope that things will start happening again and the author will reveal why Alberon and Jonathon became such mustache-twirling villains, but if I do I'll borrow the book, certainly not pay for it.
November 3, 2011
Thoughts right after reading (3 Nov 2011):
Wow. I need to gather my thoughts on this. I'm so behind on my reviews! Gah! I'm almost afraid to read the next book but am anxious to know how this all ends for Wynter, Chritopher, Razi and Alberon….
I think I'm in love with Christopher. ^_^ Although, there were parts when I was a little frustrated with him and wish he'd just share with Wynter and Razi about his concerns and what is going on! But then again... Christopher... *clutches heart and sighs*
Wow. I need to gather my thoughts on this. I'm so behind on my reviews! Gah! I'm almost afraid to read the next book but am anxious to know how this all ends for Wynter, Chritopher, Razi and Alberon….
I think I'm in love with Christopher. ^_^ Although, there were parts when I was a little frustrated with him and wish he'd just share with Wynter and Razi about his concerns and what is going on! But then again... Christopher... *clutches heart and sighs*
March 13, 2016
The Crowded Shadows picks up almost immediately after where The Poison Throne left off. I strongly suggest if you haven't read Book 1 you shouldn't read this review (because its inevitable a spoiler will pop up and ruin things for you. Not even the synopsis will spoil you for certain things.) I warned you.
We come upon Wynter as she is hiding from a group of men traveling along the forest path. Wisely she hides whenever she hears others approaching--just one of many tricks her father taught her about traveling alone, but her curiousity gets the better of her just once. And that once presents enough problems.
She does meet up with Chris and Razi and from there onwards the book is the adventure the three of them are having. Razi has the same idea as Wynter--to find his brother's camp, get some answers and then hopefully convince his father to lay off the crazy juice. Razi and Wynter are certain there is a reasonable explanation; Chris is more skeptical and freely admits if Alberon did set the assassin (from Book 1, yes the one who gave Wynter the clue as to where Alberon's camp is) to kill Razi, then he's as good as dead.
Two pieces of information change the game; one is who Alberon is calling to arms as allies. The woods are filled with brigands, mercenaries and the sort that Alberon's father worked his entire life to keep out of his Kingdom for one reason or another. The second is that Razi is reported dead, Wynter is considered a treasonous whore for murdering her father and sleeping with Razi and Lorcan died. Obviously Razi isn't dead and neither is Wynter a treasonous whore. Those two facts however are important going forward as they meet potential allies of Alberon's.
This book was much heavier on the action and cultural influence. Technically only Razi and Wynter are of Jonothan's Court, and at that Razi is half-Arabian and was raised partially thus. Chris is an adopted Gerron, a race of people who they meet up with later in the book (to varying degrees of displeasure).
There is one factor of the book I found unsettling and distracting a bit. Kiernan has two important people--Lorcan and Simon de Rochelle (a supporter of Razi's) die off-screen. The reports are given to Razi, Wynter and Chris. Lorcan I more or less expected, Simon not as much. He seemed poised for bigger things in the first book--though whether they were helpful or dangerous towards Razi's interests I couldn't tell. He was opportunistic, a scavenger and sly fellow--I didn't trust him. But neither can I believe he would be caught so unawares. Its suspicious and not even subtly so.
Emotionally speaking things run high in this book. Though Wynter is still only 15 (almost 16?) she is treated like an adult given her stature as a Guild carpenter. Her and Chris make progress on their relationship, but he became increasingly fitful and distant. Not in words or emotions, but in deeds. At one point Razi all but creates the perfect opportunity for them to be alone together for a night--Chris cries off. Part of this is because of what happened to him--he is abducted for a short time by the Loup Garous (and I do mean a short time), but a secret is revealed about his heritage that is unsettling on many levels.
Razi also, though 20, is almost as innocent as Wynter in the ways of love and relationships. The poor man tries his best, but a cultural misunderstanding erupts--not just on his side, but also on the side of his paramour's. 'A simple flirtation' she says. 'He will forget me soon enough'* Ha! I felt bad for them both. And it only continues to get worse.
By the end of the book we are so close to Alberon's camp, but promises were made that may turn around and bite them all in the end. The more we learn about Alberon's supposed followers camp the more uneasy I am becoming. I honestly do not know whether I want it all to be a big misunderstanding blown way out of control or if I want Alberon to have changed so drastically. On the one hand I want to protect the characters from the pain if Alberon is such a vile scoundrel. On the other, I feel like it would be a cop out, especially after Jonothan has been shown to be not as lunatic as he may have appeared (he still was crazy, but perhaps with good reason). Then also, what could have happened to Alberon in the 5 years since the three of them (Razi, Wynter and Alberon) had been together?
Book 3, The Rebel Prince is due out in October. Which is too far away in my opinion!
We come upon Wynter as she is hiding from a group of men traveling along the forest path. Wisely she hides whenever she hears others approaching--just one of many tricks her father taught her about traveling alone, but her curiousity gets the better of her just once. And that once presents enough problems.
She does meet up with Chris and Razi and from there onwards the book is the adventure the three of them are having. Razi has the same idea as Wynter--to find his brother's camp, get some answers and then hopefully convince his father to lay off the crazy juice. Razi and Wynter are certain there is a reasonable explanation; Chris is more skeptical and freely admits if Alberon did set the assassin (from Book 1, yes the one who gave Wynter the clue as to where Alberon's camp is) to kill Razi, then he's as good as dead.
Two pieces of information change the game; one is who Alberon is calling to arms as allies. The woods are filled with brigands, mercenaries and the sort that Alberon's father worked his entire life to keep out of his Kingdom for one reason or another. The second is that Razi is reported dead, Wynter is considered a treasonous whore for murdering her father and sleeping with Razi and Lorcan died. Obviously Razi isn't dead and neither is Wynter a treasonous whore. Those two facts however are important going forward as they meet potential allies of Alberon's.
This book was much heavier on the action and cultural influence. Technically only Razi and Wynter are of Jonothan's Court, and at that Razi is half-Arabian and was raised partially thus. Chris is an adopted Gerron, a race of people who they meet up with later in the book (to varying degrees of displeasure).
There is one factor of the book I found unsettling and distracting a bit. Kiernan has two important people--Lorcan and Simon de Rochelle (a supporter of Razi's) die off-screen. The reports are given to Razi, Wynter and Chris. Lorcan I more or less expected, Simon not as much. He seemed poised for bigger things in the first book--though whether they were helpful or dangerous towards Razi's interests I couldn't tell. He was opportunistic, a scavenger and sly fellow--I didn't trust him. But neither can I believe he would be caught so unawares. Its suspicious and not even subtly so.
Emotionally speaking things run high in this book. Though Wynter is still only 15 (almost 16?) she is treated like an adult given her stature as a Guild carpenter. Her and Chris make progress on their relationship, but he became increasingly fitful and distant. Not in words or emotions, but in deeds. At one point Razi all but creates the perfect opportunity for them to be alone together for a night--Chris cries off. Part of this is because of what happened to him--he is abducted for a short time by the Loup Garous (and I do mean a short time), but a secret is revealed about his heritage that is unsettling on many levels.
Razi also, though 20, is almost as innocent as Wynter in the ways of love and relationships. The poor man tries his best, but a cultural misunderstanding erupts--not just on his side, but also on the side of his paramour's. 'A simple flirtation' she says. 'He will forget me soon enough'* Ha! I felt bad for them both. And it only continues to get worse.
By the end of the book we are so close to Alberon's camp, but promises were made that may turn around and bite them all in the end. The more we learn about Alberon's supposed followers camp the more uneasy I am becoming. I honestly do not know whether I want it all to be a big misunderstanding blown way out of control or if I want Alberon to have changed so drastically. On the one hand I want to protect the characters from the pain if Alberon is such a vile scoundrel. On the other, I feel like it would be a cop out, especially after Jonothan has been shown to be not as lunatic as he may have appeared (he still was crazy, but perhaps with good reason). Then also, what could have happened to Alberon in the 5 years since the three of them (Razi, Wynter and Alberon) had been together?
Book 3, The Rebel Prince is due out in October. Which is too far away in my opinion!
March 14, 2017
now its getting unbelievable
January 6, 2015
Thinking back on what I've just read, I'm starting to come to the conclusion that not a lot happens. There's spurts of action to be sure, but none of it really advances the plot.
Unlike a few of the reviewers here, I had no problem with the Arabic and Merron (Irish) names. I'm a linguistics student with an interest in sociology and anthropology, so I found it all pretty interesting.
Just one small nitpick on language use before I continue: on page 85 of my edition, Razi "groused and bitched". My problem with using 'bitched' is that, as far as I'm aware, it's really only used informally and in the modern era, so it doesn't fit with the vocabulary of rest of the book, not to mention it's mostly used as a perjorative. It really threw me.
My complaint from the first book applies to this book: stop witholding information. Like the first book, everything is only revealed many chapters on, or at the end of the book. By that time, I'm pissed that it took that long to reveal, and I don't give a damn anymore. Yeah, yeah, the characters have a good reason to keep information from Wynter and by extension us, but it doesn't make for good reading.
The treatment of the Merron and their ritual of sacrifice was annoying to say the least. All of the characters were acting holier-than-thou and calling it 'murder'. "Omg, underneath it all, the Merron really ARE murderers." The book makes a point of how all the characters are tolerant but I'm not seeing it. Every culture does things that others see as abhorrent. And it seems that every culture gets a free pass except the Merron. It's making me hate on Razi in particular. Chris calls him out on it by recounting a time when he made a similar choice but Razi seems intent on being a hypocritical fool. The reasons for the sacrifice are explained to the characters and yet they still insist on running around, thinking, "LALALALA, IT'S STILL MURDER LALALALA." Infuriating.
Before the characters met the Merron, I felt like the plot was going somewhere. After that, the author got too caught up in the exposition of Merron culture. This info dump, while interesting, did nothing for the plot and therefore I feel it has no place in the book.
Positive note: At least 'courtly mask' only made an appearance once or twice.
Unlike a few of the reviewers here, I had no problem with the Arabic and Merron (Irish) names. I'm a linguistics student with an interest in sociology and anthropology, so I found it all pretty interesting.
Just one small nitpick on language use before I continue: on page 85 of my edition, Razi "groused and bitched". My problem with using 'bitched' is that, as far as I'm aware, it's really only used informally and in the modern era, so it doesn't fit with the vocabulary of rest of the book, not to mention it's mostly used as a perjorative. It really threw me.
My complaint from the first book applies to this book: stop witholding information. Like the first book, everything is only revealed many chapters on, or at the end of the book. By that time, I'm pissed that it took that long to reveal, and I don't give a damn anymore. Yeah, yeah, the characters have a good reason to keep information from Wynter and by extension us, but it doesn't make for good reading.
The treatment of the Merron and their ritual of sacrifice was annoying to say the least. All of the characters were acting holier-than-thou and calling it 'murder'. "Omg, underneath it all, the Merron really ARE murderers." The book makes a point of how all the characters are tolerant but I'm not seeing it. Every culture does things that others see as abhorrent. And it seems that every culture gets a free pass except the Merron. It's making me hate on Razi in particular. Chris calls him out on it by recounting a time when he made a similar choice but Razi seems intent on being a hypocritical fool. The reasons for the sacrifice are explained to the characters and yet they still insist on running around, thinking, "LALALALA, IT'S STILL MURDER LALALALA." Infuriating.
Before the characters met the Merron, I felt like the plot was going somewhere. After that, the author got too caught up in the exposition of Merron culture. This info dump, while interesting, did nothing for the plot and therefore I feel it has no place in the book.
Positive note: At least 'courtly mask' only made an appearance once or twice.
May 29, 2011
Wynter is not good enough for Christopher. She's likable enough in this book, but pretty terrible in the next one. She's sooo full of herself, as well as being ashamed of Christopher.
I'd like for Wynter to be real so I can beat her up. Really. She needs a good knock to the head. She has NO idea how lucky she is to have a guy like Christopher.
Five stars because I adore Christopher and he was in this book a LOT. Otherwise, there was a bit too much crazy drama/depression. Human sacrifice? Fine. Humans being sacrificed coming back as ghosts for further drama? No. It was too much even for me. There's a point when death can be overdone. By the eightieth uncalled-for death (usually always a man, since Kiernan has issues with killing women), it got to be a bit much. For a book that has no war in it, it certainly has enough deaths for one.
Additionally, I don't like Razi. I know I'm the only one, but he's grumpy 99% of the time and he's often very cold an aloof and his actions counteract his supposed traits. He's supposed to be selfless, but he's actually really selfish and childish most of the time. He puts his own hardships above everyone else's and doesn't even realize it and no one else realizes it, but sure. Sometimes the characters feel almost too real, and I literally feel their emotions and become extremely stressed whenever one of them is upset, which is on every page, of course. The characters and the setting. And, for an epic fantasy, it's far from boring. Usually with these types of books, you have to slog through three-hundred pages of boring descriptions, so thank God for none of that.
Despite this, the characters are so real that I can't help being entranced by them, even if most of them piss me the hell off.
As for Wynter...girls who cry for sympathy get under my skin.
I'd like for Wynter to be real so I can beat her up. Really. She needs a good knock to the head. She has NO idea how lucky she is to have a guy like Christopher.
Five stars because I adore Christopher and he was in this book a LOT. Otherwise, there was a bit too much crazy drama/depression. Human sacrifice? Fine. Humans being sacrificed coming back as ghosts for further drama? No. It was too much even for me. There's a point when death can be overdone. By the eightieth uncalled-for death (usually always a man, since Kiernan has issues with killing women), it got to be a bit much. For a book that has no war in it, it certainly has enough deaths for one.
Additionally, I don't like Razi. I know I'm the only one, but he's grumpy 99% of the time and he's often very cold an aloof and his actions counteract his supposed traits. He's supposed to be selfless, but he's actually really selfish and childish most of the time. He puts his own hardships above everyone else's and doesn't even realize it and no one else realizes it, but sure. Sometimes the characters feel almost too real, and I literally feel their emotions and become extremely stressed whenever one of them is upset, which is on every page, of course. The characters and the setting. And, for an epic fantasy, it's far from boring. Usually with these types of books, you have to slog through three-hundred pages of boring descriptions, so thank God for none of that.
Despite this, the characters are so real that I can't help being entranced by them, even if most of them piss me the hell off.
As for Wynter...girls who cry for sympathy get under my skin.
August 21, 2010
A solid four. I loved the majority of this book.
I wish Wynter's character was fleshed out more. In 'The Poison Throne' I really enjoyed the scenes portraying Wynter's craft. I missed that in this book.
For the most part I thought the characters' reaction to things (both horrible and good) were realistic. I loved the portrayal of physical friendship in this book. A lot of book omit platonic affection because readers will automatically jump to romantic conclusions.
My favorite character shifted from Razi to Christopher. A lot of this had to do with Razi's infatuation with Embla. It seemed very superficial to me. Christopher's vulnerability increased during this book. I love Wynter and Christopher's relationship even though I'm still waiting for them to have sex!
I loved Ashkr and Sólmundr's relationship. Although I'm glad the author allowed her characters to suffer and die. I'm also glad that her main characters are not afraid to kill or lie to achieve their ends.
The Merron included in the dialogue was confusing at times. I didn't even realize there was a glossary in the back of the book until I finished!
I can't wait until the final book comes out in October. (I'm in the US)
I wish Wynter's character was fleshed out more. In 'The Poison Throne' I really enjoyed the scenes portraying Wynter's craft. I missed that in this book.
For the most part I thought the characters' reaction to things (both horrible and good) were realistic. I loved the portrayal of physical friendship in this book. A lot of book omit platonic affection because readers will automatically jump to romantic conclusions.
My favorite character shifted from Razi to Christopher. A lot of this had to do with Razi's infatuation with Embla. It seemed very superficial to me. Christopher's vulnerability increased during this book. I love Wynter and Christopher's relationship even though I'm still waiting for them to have sex!
I loved Ashkr and Sólmundr's relationship. Although I'm glad the author allowed her characters to suffer and die. I'm also glad that her main characters are not afraid to kill or lie to achieve their ends.
The Merron included in the dialogue was confusing at times. I didn't even realize there was a glossary in the back of the book until I finished!
I can't wait until the final book comes out in October. (I'm in the US)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2015
3.99999, But I can't put it with my 4 stars because of the levels of confusion I felt when reading.
There are plot lines which remain unresolved, and unexplained, characters and locations which drift on and off the pages like spectres, and whole passages, if not pages, which made almost no sense to me.
But it was gripping. Thrilling. The characters I do know and love from the first book of the trilogy, and from yesterday, leap off the page with a vibrancy which is unique to caliber writing. Each setting is vividly defined, each moment captured in stark detail. As I was reading between (and most of the time in) classes, every time I picked the book up again I would mentally kick myself for putting it down *just before the best part!*
Safe to say, tomorrow I will be reading the final installment of the series, and I will also begin the hunt for more by C. Kiernan.
There are plot lines which remain unresolved, and unexplained, characters and locations which drift on and off the pages like spectres, and whole passages, if not pages, which made almost no sense to me.
But it was gripping. Thrilling. The characters I do know and love from the first book of the trilogy, and from yesterday, leap off the page with a vibrancy which is unique to caliber writing. Each setting is vividly defined, each moment captured in stark detail. As I was reading between (and most of the time in) classes, every time I picked the book up again I would mentally kick myself for putting it down *just before the best part!*
Safe to say, tomorrow I will be reading the final installment of the series, and I will also begin the hunt for more by C. Kiernan.
April 27, 2015
Like the previous novels of this trilogy, it is just awesome! You simply sit there and start to read but don't realizing you are suddenly in the middle of the story. It is written so vivid to a point, even the most unusual parts of the story are easy to imagine.
January 23, 2015
Out of the series this is certainly my favourite book. Its plots keeps you intrigued the whole way through and you see the characters develop on a manner which is well-written.
December 11, 2010
almost as good as the first - compelling and full of suspense
January 30, 2011
Original Review of trilogy HERE
A few months ago, Thea and I wrote a joint review The Poison Throne, the first book in the Moorehawke Trilogy by Celine Kiernan and posted the review over at Tor.com. I loved it (Thea not so much – which is fine, because this series has ANA written all over it) and vowed to read the other two books ASAP. I didn’t and that was only because I knew that I needed at least a good 10 free hours in order to do so: I had the feeling that once I started reading book 2, I wouldn’t stop until finishing book 3 as well. I was right: a couple of weeks ago I had a free weekend and found myself staying up until Sunday 4am to finish it all AND OH MY GOD, IT WAS SO WORTH IT.
Suffice it to say: in a perfect world, I would love all the books that I read as much I loved the Moorehawke trilogy. Furthermore, you know by now that I love Fantasy novels, LOVE them. But it is very, very rarely that they are character-driven and that is exactly the greatest strength of this series. I can always enjoy gritty, dark fantasy on an intellectual level but very rarely on an emotional one.
The beautiful Australian covers form a picture
The Moorehawke Trilogy is set in alternate Europe in what feels like the beginning of the Modern Era (circa 15th-16th century). Basically, in terms of plot and with as little in the way of spoilers as possible:
The protagonist-narrator, Wynter Moorehawke and her dying father, return home in The Poison Throne after a 5 year absence, eager to see her two childhood friends/brothers Razi and Alberon only to find the Kingdom in the throes of political and religious turmoil. The once kind and enlightened King Jonathon has become a tyrant who opened the doors to the Inquisition, subverting the previous order. Now, the Cats who used to communicate with people have been killed and the Ghosts of the Castle have been declared non-existent. Even more distressing is the political instability as Alberon, the official heir to the throne is nowhere to be seen and his half-brother (and bastard son), Razi has been proclaimed the new heir. The story follows Wynter and her father as well as Razi and his best friend Christopher as they are caught up in the middle of transition. After events in the end of book one, in The Crowded Shadows, the three amigos – Razi, Wynter and Christopher – set out (apart at first, together eventually) to find Alberon to try and make sense of what in the world is going on and why is he rebelling against his own father and what exactly is this Weapon that everybody seems to fear so much. And then finally in book 3, The Rebel Prince, they meet with Alberon and all of the plotlines come together and we learn the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.
Even more basically: book 1, is set at Court, is full of social intrigue and is effectively the Mystery book. Book two is a on-the road-book but also the Relationship book. Book three is set mostly at Alberon’s camp and is the Politics book.
But more to the point: none of what I said so far reveals what really is the heart and soul of this series: its characters, their diversity (Razi is Arab for example and there are secondary gay characters in an awesome loving relationship as well), their struggles, the relationships. They are all well-drawn, from the three main characters, to the villains, to the secondary characters.
Wynter, Razi and Christopher are all in a way reluctant heroes. Wynter would much rather be working than being at Court; Razi is a doctor and does not want to take his brother’s place much less be in charge of a whole Kingdom; Christopher has his own agenda but will put it aside due to his undying loyalty to Razi.
Chris and Wyn, by the author
They are all terrified by what is going on but they take upon themselves to do something: for their Kingdom, for their friends, for each other, for Alberon, who is absent and who needs to be heard. Razi and Christopher have been through a lot of stuff together before the story even starts; Razi and Wynter are like brother and sister and their relationship is awesome and heart-warming and then there is the equally awesome and heart-warming romance between Wynter and Christopher that develops over the course of the three books (the scene where he asks her name and we learn that Wynter is not her real name – and why she is called Wynter in the first place is all kinds of amazing).
More than the main trio and their relationship with each other though, there are other characters that shone through: Wyn’s father, Lorcan; Razi and Alberon’s; Alberon, who was a huge surprise in the way that he was not what I expected at all and it took some time to warm up to him; and dear lord, the plethora of characters in the Merron’s camp (where a great part of book 2 is set). The Merron are a nation (to which Christopher almost reluctantly belongs to) of nomads who have their own religious beliefs (you can read more about them in the author’s website) and I thought this part of the story was absolutely fascinating: it revealed more about Christopher, it revealed more about the world-building; this is where Razi falls in love too:
Razy and Embla, by the author.
And it is all so heartbreaking and even more than that: there are huge plot twists in this part of the story and they are HORRENDOUS and it is even more awesome because even though these horrible things are perpetrated by the Merron people, still, the author makes it possible for the reader to understand WHY. This is no mean feat, because of what exactly I am talking about (clue: human sacrifice) .
Just to make things clear: when I say that the characters are what made this series for me, this does not mean that the series is plot-less – this is far from the truth. It is just that the religious, political, economical issues are all felt and lived by the characters and they are the ones to move the plot forward not the other way around in a well-balanced story. It is interesting to note that out of the three books, The Crowded Shadows is by far my favourite: it is possibly where one can argue, “nothing” really happens, to wit I would counter argue that in fact, it is the book where the MOST AWESOME things happen, but they are all of the emotional variety.
In the end, it was hard for me to side with one side or the other – which to me just shows how really COMPLEX the running of a freaking kingdom is and how there are no easy answers. And I appreciated how the author never once let me down in this regard.
And not even the appearance of a last-minute deus ex machina that nearly BROKE MY HEART, was enough to bring down this series. I fully understood the necessity of said deus ex machina, even if the HOW it happens was not to my own liking. My reaction though, is admittedly a part of my personal emotional investment in this series. It is interesting, how that same sequence of events though, holds what is the ultimate, finest moment of each character.
And I shall leave you with my MOST FAVOURITE scene, in which Wynter (have I told you how awesome she is?) tells Christopher:
You listen to me, Freeman Garron. I am telling you now, I love you.
‘I love you’, she insisted, her face very close to his.’To court I shall always be the Protector Lady Wynter Moorehawke. To Razi and Alberon I shall always be Wyn – Razi’s baby, Albi’s little sis. These things are what I am, Christopher, and I am proud of them. But I am also your Iseult. You are the only man to whom I shall ever be thus, and I shall never let that go. We shall find our place,’ she promised. ‘I’m not yet certain how we shall find it, or where it will be, but wherever it is, we shall be together, Christopher; and whatever we are doing, it will not involve me sitting in a tent waiting for my menfolk to change the world.’
It is stuff to warm up your soul, y’all.
A few months ago, Thea and I wrote a joint review The Poison Throne, the first book in the Moorehawke Trilogy by Celine Kiernan and posted the review over at Tor.com. I loved it (Thea not so much – which is fine, because this series has ANA written all over it) and vowed to read the other two books ASAP. I didn’t and that was only because I knew that I needed at least a good 10 free hours in order to do so: I had the feeling that once I started reading book 2, I wouldn’t stop until finishing book 3 as well. I was right: a couple of weeks ago I had a free weekend and found myself staying up until Sunday 4am to finish it all AND OH MY GOD, IT WAS SO WORTH IT.
Suffice it to say: in a perfect world, I would love all the books that I read as much I loved the Moorehawke trilogy. Furthermore, you know by now that I love Fantasy novels, LOVE them. But it is very, very rarely that they are character-driven and that is exactly the greatest strength of this series. I can always enjoy gritty, dark fantasy on an intellectual level but very rarely on an emotional one.
The beautiful Australian covers form a picture
The Moorehawke Trilogy is set in alternate Europe in what feels like the beginning of the Modern Era (circa 15th-16th century). Basically, in terms of plot and with as little in the way of spoilers as possible:
The protagonist-narrator, Wynter Moorehawke and her dying father, return home in The Poison Throne after a 5 year absence, eager to see her two childhood friends/brothers Razi and Alberon only to find the Kingdom in the throes of political and religious turmoil. The once kind and enlightened King Jonathon has become a tyrant who opened the doors to the Inquisition, subverting the previous order. Now, the Cats who used to communicate with people have been killed and the Ghosts of the Castle have been declared non-existent. Even more distressing is the political instability as Alberon, the official heir to the throne is nowhere to be seen and his half-brother (and bastard son), Razi has been proclaimed the new heir. The story follows Wynter and her father as well as Razi and his best friend Christopher as they are caught up in the middle of transition. After events in the end of book one, in The Crowded Shadows, the three amigos – Razi, Wynter and Christopher – set out (apart at first, together eventually) to find Alberon to try and make sense of what in the world is going on and why is he rebelling against his own father and what exactly is this Weapon that everybody seems to fear so much. And then finally in book 3, The Rebel Prince, they meet with Alberon and all of the plotlines come together and we learn the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.
Even more basically: book 1, is set at Court, is full of social intrigue and is effectively the Mystery book. Book two is a on-the road-book but also the Relationship book. Book three is set mostly at Alberon’s camp and is the Politics book.
But more to the point: none of what I said so far reveals what really is the heart and soul of this series: its characters, their diversity (Razi is Arab for example and there are secondary gay characters in an awesome loving relationship as well), their struggles, the relationships. They are all well-drawn, from the three main characters, to the villains, to the secondary characters.
Wynter, Razi and Christopher are all in a way reluctant heroes. Wynter would much rather be working than being at Court; Razi is a doctor and does not want to take his brother’s place much less be in charge of a whole Kingdom; Christopher has his own agenda but will put it aside due to his undying loyalty to Razi.
Chris and Wyn, by the author
They are all terrified by what is going on but they take upon themselves to do something: for their Kingdom, for their friends, for each other, for Alberon, who is absent and who needs to be heard. Razi and Christopher have been through a lot of stuff together before the story even starts; Razi and Wynter are like brother and sister and their relationship is awesome and heart-warming and then there is the equally awesome and heart-warming romance between Wynter and Christopher that develops over the course of the three books (the scene where he asks her name and we learn that Wynter is not her real name – and why she is called Wynter in the first place is all kinds of amazing).
More than the main trio and their relationship with each other though, there are other characters that shone through: Wyn’s father, Lorcan; Razi and Alberon’s; Alberon, who was a huge surprise in the way that he was not what I expected at all and it took some time to warm up to him; and dear lord, the plethora of characters in the Merron’s camp (where a great part of book 2 is set). The Merron are a nation (to which Christopher almost reluctantly belongs to) of nomads who have their own religious beliefs (you can read more about them in the author’s website) and I thought this part of the story was absolutely fascinating: it revealed more about Christopher, it revealed more about the world-building; this is where Razi falls in love too:
Razy and Embla, by the author.
And it is all so heartbreaking and even more than that: there are huge plot twists in this part of the story and they are HORRENDOUS and it is even more awesome because even though these horrible things are perpetrated by the Merron people, still, the author makes it possible for the reader to understand WHY. This is no mean feat, because of what exactly I am talking about (clue: human sacrifice) .
Just to make things clear: when I say that the characters are what made this series for me, this does not mean that the series is plot-less – this is far from the truth. It is just that the religious, political, economical issues are all felt and lived by the characters and they are the ones to move the plot forward not the other way around in a well-balanced story. It is interesting to note that out of the three books, The Crowded Shadows is by far my favourite: it is possibly where one can argue, “nothing” really happens, to wit I would counter argue that in fact, it is the book where the MOST AWESOME things happen, but they are all of the emotional variety.
In the end, it was hard for me to side with one side or the other – which to me just shows how really COMPLEX the running of a freaking kingdom is and how there are no easy answers. And I appreciated how the author never once let me down in this regard.
And not even the appearance of a last-minute deus ex machina that nearly BROKE MY HEART, was enough to bring down this series. I fully understood the necessity of said deus ex machina, even if the HOW it happens was not to my own liking. My reaction though, is admittedly a part of my personal emotional investment in this series. It is interesting, how that same sequence of events though, holds what is the ultimate, finest moment of each character.
And I shall leave you with my MOST FAVOURITE scene, in which Wynter (have I told you how awesome she is?) tells Christopher:
You listen to me, Freeman Garron. I am telling you now, I love you.
‘I love you’, she insisted, her face very close to his.’To court I shall always be the Protector Lady Wynter Moorehawke. To Razi and Alberon I shall always be Wyn – Razi’s baby, Albi’s little sis. These things are what I am, Christopher, and I am proud of them. But I am also your Iseult. You are the only man to whom I shall ever be thus, and I shall never let that go. We shall find our place,’ she promised. ‘I’m not yet certain how we shall find it, or where it will be, but wherever it is, we shall be together, Christopher; and whatever we are doing, it will not involve me sitting in a tent waiting for my menfolk to change the world.’
It is stuff to warm up your soul, y’all.
June 20, 2022
"The Crowded Shadows" - written by Celine Kiernan and published in 2009 by Orbit, Hachette Book Group. I moved right into this YA fantasy from the first in the series, so it was easy to pick up the thread of the story. Wynter, Razi and Christopher have gone on the road to find Alberon, the heir apparent to the kingdom, and Razi's half-brother. As the book finishes, they still haven't made much headway, being viciously attacked by slavers and then interacting with another race, the Merron, heading the same way. It was great to be with these characters again, but there was so much more violence in general and discord among the threesome - I missed their friendly camaraderie. I'll read the concluding volume for sure, and hope that happier times are ahead.
August 10, 2024
Ich mochte diesen Band leider gar nicht: Christopher erscheint völlig verändert (mochte ihn im ersten Band gegen Ende, doch jetzt finde ich ihn unverständlich) , Wynter wartet, beobachtet und träumt wieso auch immer seltsame Dinge und wieso verliebt sich Razi in Embla? Was ist mit Alberon? Nur ein kleines Teilchen wird gelüftet. Die ganze Religion der Meeroner nimmt dagegen viel Raum ein. Magie nur gegen Ende! Die vielen Sätze in Irisch/Gälisch nervten auch, weil immer nach hinten blättern musste. Ein Hoch auf Fußnoten! Die Spannung stieg immer mal wieder an, so dass ich weiter lesen wollte. Die letzten 150 Seiten waren aber zäh.
Alles in allem sehr schade - es zeigt sich deutlich, dass die Reihe berechtigt in meinem SUB wartete! hoffentlich endet das ganze gut mit Band 3 und alle Rätsel lösen sich auf!
Alles in allem sehr schade - es zeigt sich deutlich, dass die Reihe berechtigt in meinem SUB wartete! hoffentlich endet das ganze gut mit Band 3 und alle Rätsel lösen sich auf!
July 8, 2021
I find this suffers from similar challenges to other middle books in series - it is all about the journey. While the involvement of the three friends with the Merron provided a much needed change by introducing another culture hidden behind language and custom, it remained a series of unfortuante events that involved quite a lot of violence.
That said, I found everyone's refusal to share knowledge a little frustrating - made me want to slap several characters. Honestly, 'Trust me...', 'Trust me...' only goes so far.
Still, Kiernan's writing remains lyrical and compassionate as she exposes the arrogance of dominant cultures and their attitudes to other.
That said, I found everyone's refusal to share knowledge a little frustrating - made me want to slap several characters. Honestly, 'Trust me...', 'Trust me...' only goes so far.
Still, Kiernan's writing remains lyrical and compassionate as she exposes the arrogance of dominant cultures and their attitudes to other.
September 20, 2021
Disappointing. Nothing has really happened. It’s a very generous 3 stars. The dialogue in Irish does my head in - why?! This is not a global language. Stick to a few phrases, not conversations. I’m currently disliking all the characters - young and whiny and astoundingly self absorbed. And too many of the sub plots feel empty and unfinished. Argh. I’m going to read the final novel, but I’m not sure how this can be redeemed… but then, the second noble rambled along quite brazenly ignoring a sense of cohesion… so maybe the author will simply rewrite the characters yet again, and maybe even complete the plot.
October 3, 2017
This second book in the series of Moorehawke Trilogy was amazing I believe this book was even better than the first one The Poison Throne
You meet new characters in this book which you fall in love with, learn about new religion and language
There is differently more romance in this book and there is a lot of eye balling moment through out it to
Top it all off it was a great read gets confusing sometimes but they always get answer very soon after woulds
Differently getting straight into the third final book :)
You meet new characters in this book which you fall in love with, learn about new religion and language
There is differently more romance in this book and there is a lot of eye balling moment through out it to
Top it all off it was a great read gets confusing sometimes but they always get answer very soon after woulds
Differently getting straight into the third final book :)
March 23, 2017
Still the slower languid tone, which is fine, and it even started off sort of interesting but then you spend 2/3 of the book having no clue what's going on. Seriously - one character knows, but isn't telling and then finally near the end you get an idea which is....ok, I guess but then more stuff happens that you still don't quite have a clue about....confused yet? That's how I felt.
And by the way, every time our main character is thinking about sleeping with her guy of choice, some emergency happens. EVERY time. And by the way, they're all messed up. Not one person there feels stable in any sense of the word. Even Wynter sort of loses herself and becomes this shadow of a person in this book.
I'm sorry, I wanted to like it, but it was just awful.
And by the way, every time our main character is thinking about sleeping with her guy of choice, some emergency happens. EVERY time. And by the way, they're all messed up. Not one person there feels stable in any sense of the word. Even Wynter sort of loses herself and becomes this shadow of a person in this book.
I'm sorry, I wanted to like it, but it was just awful.
March 24, 2022
After the first book seemed to get a bit lost within itself, the characters stuck cheek by jowl in one set of rooms for much of it, The Crowded Shadows does up the ante and overcomes the "Middle Book" syndrome that fantasy trilogies are famed for falling foul of. But despite the politicking and the intrigue surrounding the Merron, we're still no closer to Prince Alberon or to the mystery of the terrible machine that Lorcan Moorehawke has caused to be made.
Onwards.
Onwards.
July 18, 2023
DNF. I had hoped it would get better after the complete confusion of the first book but this one is best summarized by a quote from Wynter: "There was so much untold here. It was maddening".
Also, there are two married men who are constantly (in almost every single sentence where they interact) referred to as "his friend". If you're going to include a queer couple at least refer to them correctly.
Also, there are two married men who are constantly (in almost every single sentence where they interact) referred to as "his friend". If you're going to include a queer couple at least refer to them correctly.
July 16, 2017
3.5 stars
I struggled to get into this, but then read the second half in less than a day. The new characters were interesting (and nice to see more women!), but I felt this was a bit of a diversion, rather than the main story. I guess it sets everything up for the final book. I do wish the three main characters had just talked to each other more!
I struggled to get into this, but then read the second half in less than a day. The new characters were interesting (and nice to see more women!), but I felt this was a bit of a diversion, rather than the main story. I guess it sets everything up for the final book. I do wish the three main characters had just talked to each other more!
September 19, 2021
3.5
some bits were better than the first book but some scenes just dragged on and on and on forever. i also found the ghost scene confusing while it was happening and only figured it out in the pages afterwards.
spoiler below
i also think that christophers and wynters relationship progressed very quickly, or its just how the timing of the book is set out. i don't know
some bits were better than the first book but some scenes just dragged on and on and on forever. i also found the ghost scene confusing while it was happening and only figured it out in the pages afterwards.
spoiler below
i also think that christophers and wynters relationship progressed very quickly, or its just how the timing of the book is set out. i don't know
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